# Aivolution vs Thomas & Friends™

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Thomas & Friends™ at 72% against Aivolution's 25%. Thomas & Friends™ also leads on rating (4.2 vs 3.8) and ratings volume (9.8K vs 4). Aivolution's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 8) and iOS requirement (8.0 vs 13.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Thomas & Friends™ sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Aivolution asks for nothing beyond the download.

Thomas & Friends™ holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Thomas & Friends™ has 9.8K ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 25% of Aivolution's written reviews are positive against 72% of Thomas & Friends™'s.

Aivolution ships an update every 5 months, Thomas & Friends™ monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and October 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Aivolution | Thomas & Friends™ |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.8 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aivolution/id1324465144/reviews) | **[4.2 (9.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thomas-and-friends-lets-roll/id6469109492/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 4 | **9.8K** |
| Positive reviews | 25.0% of reviews | **72.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Freemium |
| Size | 130 MB | 462 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Lykkegaard Europe Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1276464042) | [StoryToys Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/326301831) |

## What reviewers say

### Aivolution

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aivolution/id1324465144)

Design unique AI creatures with vast customization options and train them in diverse environments. Compete globally on leaderboards by optimizing creature rewards and punishments. This app serves as an AI training simulator, demonstrating machine learning principles.

**Highlights:** Design unique AI creatures, Over 270 quadrillion possibilities, Train AI in seven environments, Adjust rewards and punishments, Compete on global leaderboards, AI training simulator

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Thomas & Friends™

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thomas-and-friends-lets-roll/id6469109492)

Children can drive their favorite engines and build custom train tracks on the Island of Sodor. This app offers hands-on fun, encourages imagination, and helps develop important skills for preschoolers and neurodivergent children.

**Highlights:** Drive favorite engines, Build custom train tracks, Explore Island of Sodor, Kid-friendly controls, Develops spatial awareness, Inclusive play experience

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| UNLOCK EVERYTHING | $4.99 | per month |
| UNLOCK EVERYTHING-7 day trial | $6.99 | per month |
| UNLOCK EVERYTHING | $6.99 | per month |
| UNLOCK EVERYTHING - BEST VALUE | $6.99 | per month |
| 7day trial & UNLOCK EVERYTHING | $29.99 | per year |
| UNLOCK EVERYTHING - BEST VALUE | $29.99 | per year |
| UNLOCK EVERYTHING - BEST VALUE | $39.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Fun and engaging game
- 🎨 Faithful to the All Engines Go theme
- 👨‍🎨 Unique playable character (Bruno)
- 🎉 Potential for great future updates

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Excessive in-app purchases and subscription model
- 🐛 Bugs and glitches (loading issues, missing sounds, corrupted textures)
- 🚫 Limited content (only one playable character and map at launch)

**Reported bugs**

- Respawning issues at McColl's Farm
- Inability to complete the loop in Crystal Cave
- Character catchphrases turning back on after restart

**Requested features**

- Add more playable engines (James, Emily, Edward, etc.)
- Introduce new locations (Knapford, Vicarstown, etc.)
- Implement interactive journey scenarios (railroad crossings, traffic jams, etc.)
- Fix issues with cargo physics and character whistles/horns
- Improve performance and stability


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Aivolution free?

Aivolution is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Thomas & Friends™ free?

Thomas & Friends™ is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Aivolution or Thomas & Friends™?

Thomas & Friends™ is rated higher. Aivolution averages 3.8 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while Thomas & Friends™ averages 4.2 from 9.8K ratings.

### Do Aivolution or Thomas & Friends™ have ads?

Neither Aivolution nor Thomas & Friends™ shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Aivolution or Thomas & Friends™?

Aivolution ships an update every 5 months, and Thomas & Friends™ monthly. Most recently, Aivolution was updated on September 21, 2026 and Thomas & Friends™ on October 17, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*