# Smart Device Controller vs Lionel Cab3

The clearest difference is rating: Lionel Cab3 at 3.7 against Smart Device Controller's 3.3. Lionel Cab3 also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 3 months) and ratings volume (41 vs 6). On price, review sentiment, ads 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.

Lionel Cab3 holds the better App Store score, 3.7 against 3.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Lionel Cab3 has 41 ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 20% of Smart Device Controller's written reviews are positive against 27% of Lionel Cab3's.

Smart Device Controller ships an update every 3 months, Lionel Cab3 every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on June 2, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Smart Device Controller | Lionel Cab3 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.3 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-device-controller/id1372692970/reviews) | **[3.7 (41 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lionel-cab3/id1606814421/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 6 | **41** |
| Positive reviews | 20.0% of reviews | **27.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 26 MB | 134 MB |
| Requires iOS | 10.3 | **9.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [SEKISUI KINZOKU CO., LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1343709801) | [Lionel, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/616773170) |

## What reviewers say

### Smart Device Controller

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-device-controller/id1372692970)

Transform your smartphone into a wireless remote for model trains. It offers compatibility with Soundbox, allowing for operation or use as a wireless power pack without the Soundbox. Control your model train setups with ease.

**Highlights:** Wireless model train operation, Soundbox compatibility, Use as wireless power pack, Smartphone remote control

**In-app purchases:** none


### Lionel Cab3

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lionel-cab3/id1606814421)

Control your Lionel model trains directly via Bluetooth or by connecting to the Base3 command system. Experience enhanced control and unlock the full capabilities of your locomotives.

**Highlights:** Bluetooth locomotive control, One-to-one pairing, Base3 system interface, Unlock full train potential, Direct locomotive control

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Smart Device Controller free?

Smart Device Controller is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Lionel Cab3 free?

Lionel Cab3 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Smart Device Controller or Lionel Cab3?

Lionel Cab3 is rated higher. Smart Device Controller averages 3.3 out of 5 from 6 ratings, while Lionel Cab3 averages 3.7 from 41 ratings.

### Do Smart Device Controller or Lionel Cab3 have ads?

Neither Smart Device Controller nor Lionel Cab3 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Smart Device Controller or Lionel Cab3?

Smart Device Controller ships an update every 3 months, and Lionel Cab3 every 3 weeks. Most recently, Smart Device Controller was updated on June 2, 2026 and Lionel Cab3 on September 21, 2026.

---

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