# Raildar vs Train Beacon

The clearest difference is ads: Train Beacon at none against Raildar's shown. Train Beacon also leads on review sentiment (50% vs 17%). Raildar's advantage is update cadence (every 2 days vs monthly). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Raildar sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and Train Beacon sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Raildar ships an update every 2 days, Train Beacon monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Raildar | Train Beacon |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[3.5 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-beacon/id1464887688/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **2** |
| Positive reviews | 16.9% of reviews | **50.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 days** | Monthly |
| Monetization | Freemium | Freemium |
| Size | 47 MB | 76 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Arc Internet Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1325238442) | [Christopher Riches](https://appshunter.io/developer/1464887687) |

## What reviewers say

### Raildar

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/raildar/id1339325092)

This app provides real-time tracking of trains across the entire UK rail network. It allows users to see the live location of their train, search for specific services, and explore rail activity nationwide. An optional subscription offers an enhanced experience with extended tracking and no ads.

**Highlights:** Live train positions across the UK, Search and follow specific train services, View historical train routes, Explore nationwide rail activity, Extended live tracking (subscription), Ad-free experience (subscription)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Raildar Monthly Subscription | $1.99 | per month |
| Raildar 6 Month Subscription | $7.99 | per 6 months |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great idea for tracking trains
- 👍 Useful for train enthusiasts
- 👍 Good for occasional hobby use
- 👍 App has been updated and works well
- 👍 Shows trains in real time

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Map is buggy and unusable
- 🐛 App crashes frequently
- 🐛 Zooming issues
- 🐛 No internet connection reported
- 🐛 Map jumps to random locations

**Reported bugs**

- Map covered in black rectangles
- Zoom takes you to random locations
- Stopped working, no service
- Map is entirely broken, says no internet
- Map jumps when zooming

**Requested features**

- Track heritage type trains like steam trains
- See where heritage trains are operating
- Fix issue with 4G connection
- Make freight trains and other trains easily accessible
- Improve Avanti West Coast tracking


### Train Beacon

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-beacon/id1464887688)

Visualize train locations and real-time schedules in augmented reality or on a map. Get instant updates on train times, platform information, and service status for Great Britain and London Underground. Pro features include widgets, incident reports, and advanced train tracking.

**Highlights:** Augmented reality train visualization, Map-based train tracking, Real-time train times, Platform information, Service incident reports, Home screen widgets

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Train Beacon Pro (Monthly) | $4.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Raildar free?

Raildar is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Train Beacon free?

Train Beacon is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do Raildar or Train Beacon have ads?

Raildar shows ads; Train Beacon does not.

### Which is updated more often, Raildar or Train Beacon?

Raildar ships an update every 2 days, and Train Beacon monthly. Most recently, Raildar was updated on September 21, 2026 and Train Beacon on September 8, 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.*