# HSL vs VR Matkalla

The clearest difference is rating: VR Matkalla at 4.8 against HSL's 3.9. VR Matkalla also leads on review sentiment (52% vs 14%) and ads (none vs shown). HSL's advantage is iOS requirement (13.4 vs 15.1). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

VR Matkalla holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 483 and 569 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 14% of HSL's written reviews are positive against 52% of VR Matkalla's.

HSL ships an update monthly, VR Matkalla every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | HSL | VR Matkalla |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.9 (483 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hsl/id1340229182/reviews) | **[4.8 (569 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vr-matkalla/id1410647394/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 483 | **569** |
| Positive reviews | 14.5% of reviews | **52.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 94 MB | 112 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.4** | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Helsingin seudun liikenne](https://appshunter.io/developer/1078409528) | [VR](https://appshunter.io/developer/480147979) |

## What reviewers say

### HSL

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hsl/id1340229182)

Plan your public transport journeys in the Helsinki region, buy tickets, and get real-time updates. Access buses, trains, metro, trams, and ferries all in one place.

**Highlights:** Public transport ticket purchase, Journey planner, Real-time timetables, Vehicle tracking, Service disruption alerts, Multiple payment options

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Excellent app for travel in Helsinki
- 👍 Convenient and worked very well
- 🚀 Great experience, nice UI

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy and annoying
- 🐛 Doesn't work with international numbers
- 🐛 Kept coming with error triangle or claiming no internet connection
- 🐛 App doesn't function, unable to purchase tickets

**Reported bugs**

- Version 4.2.0 does not work on iPhone6 (iOS 12.5.5)
- Routes go blank, nothing to go back
- Login problems, like a scam
- Unable to create account, login, or purchase tickets

**Requested features**

- Allow buying multiple tickets in a single purchase
- Add maps showing all routes
- Provide email verification option instead of just SMS


### VR Matkalla

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vr-matkalla/id1410647394)

This app is your comprehensive travel companion for train journeys. Purchase tickets, manage your bookings, and receive real-time updates about your trip. Enjoy features like seat reservations, meal ordering, and personalized benefits.

**Highlights:** Purchase single, multi, and season train tickets, Reserve seats and upgrade to premium classes, Modify ticket departure times and seats, Real-time journey updates and notifications, Order meals and coffee for your journey, Access exclusive traveler benefits

**Features:** Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy ticket purchasing and changing
- 🚀 Prompt response and action via chat
- 👍 App is easier than call centers
- 👍 Cheaper than ticket machines
- 👍 Best app to travel in Finland

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💸 High fare compared to other countries
- 🐛 Can't login, link expired
- 🐛 Session token not recognized
- 🐛 Awful to type card number every time
- 🐛 App doesn't remember card

**Reported bugs**

- Login issues (expired link, session token)
- Card not saved after entry
- Registration link unresponsive
- UI confusion for route selection
- Station status not clear

**Requested features**

- Add Apple Pay support
- App should remember card details
- Option to input confirmation number for website tickets
- Easier to find seat change section
- Improve searchability of the app name


## Frequently asked questions

### Is HSL free?

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

### Is VR Matkalla free?

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

### Which has better reviews, HSL or VR Matkalla?

VR Matkalla is rated higher. HSL averages 3.9 out of 5 from 483 ratings, while VR Matkalla averages 4.8 from 569 ratings.

### Do HSL or VR Matkalla have ads?

HSL shows ads; VR Matkalla does not.

### Which is updated more often, HSL or VR Matkalla?

HSL ships an update monthly, and VR Matkalla every 3 weeks. Most recently, HSL was updated on October 24, 2026 and VR Matkalla on October 29, 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.*