Comparison

Smart Device Controller vs LocoLink

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Smart Device Controller

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
Read full description

Operate model trains by wireless control! Compatible with Soundbox! Your smartphone turns into a remote controller for a model train. You can use it as a remote controller for Soundbox. You do not have to use Soundbox and use this product as a wireless power pack. Let's download "Smart Device Controller application" to your smartphone or tablet on hand.

About

LocoLink

Control your model railway layout wirelessly from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Manage locomotives, switch turnouts and signals, and even automate train movements. Features include a track plan editor, block system, and CV programming.

Highlights
  • Wireless DCC command station control
  • Locomotive speed and function control
  • Turnout and signal switching
  • Interactive track plan editor
  • Block system and automation
  • CV programming and speed table editing
  • Game controller support
Features
Read full description

LocoLink is the ultimate model railway control app for iPhone, iPad and Mac. Connect wirelessly to your digital command station and take full control of your layout. DRIVE & CONTROL - Control locomotives with an intuitive speed lever (vertical or horizontal) - Switch between Forward, Reverse and Emergency Stop instantly - Toggle decoder functions F0-F28 (lights, sound, smoke, couplers and more) - Use speed presets (25%, 50%, 75%, 100%) for quick speed changes - Swipe between locomotives on iPhone, or use the sidebar on iPad/Mac TURNOUTS & SIGNALS - Switch turnouts and signals with one tap - Create routes that switch multiple turnouts and signals at once - Support for DCC and Motorola (MM2) address modes TRACK PLAN (SWITCHBOARD) - Draw your layout with tracks, turnouts, signals and stations - Operate everything visually from your track plan - Multiple tabs for different layout sections BLOCK SYSTEM & AUTOMATION - Automatic train detection with S88 feedback modules - Block routes with automatic stopping and departing - Shuttle service between two points - Timetables with model clock (1x to 60x speed) - Drive schedules with customizable steps CV PROGRAMMING - Step-by-step programming wizard - Expert mode for direct CV read/write - Speed table editing (CV67-94) GAME CONTROLLER - Use PlayStation via Bluetooth - Configurable button mapping Requires a compatible digital command station and WiFi connection. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://locolink.io/privacy.html

Screenshots

Smart Device Controller4 screens
LocoLink4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: LocoLink at 4.0 against Smart Device Controller's 3.3. LocoLink also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs every 3 months) and device support (5 vs 3). Smart Device Controller's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 10) and ratings volume (6 vs 1). On price, review sentiment and ads there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. LocoLink sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. Smart Device Controller asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

LocoLink holds the better App Store score, 4.0 against 3.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Smart Device Controller has 6 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 27% of Smart Device Controller's written reviews are positive against 33% of LocoLink's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Smart Device Controller ships an update every 3 months, LocoLink every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
Smart Device Controller versus LocoLink: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSmart Device ControllerLocoLink
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.3 (6 ratings)4.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews27.3% of reviews33.3% of reviews — better
Number of ratings6 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 5 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS10.3 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size26 MB73 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSEKISUI KINZOKU CO., LTDTom Westerman

Customer experience

Smart Device Controller

All ratings6 ratings
Positive50.0%
Neutral16.7%
Negative33.3%
Written reviews11 reviews
Positive27.3%
Neutral36.4%
Negative36.4%

LocoLink

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews3 reviews
Positive33.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative66.7%

In-app purchases

None

Smart Device Controller

No in-app purchases

10 purchases

LocoLink

Subscriptions7
  • LocoLink Pro iOS1 Month trial$5.991 Month
  • LocoLink Pro Mac1 Month trial$8.991 Month
  • LocoLink Pro All Devices1 Month trial$9.991 Month
Show 4 more
  • LocoLink+ iOS1 Month trial$29.991 Year
  • LocoLink Pro iOS1 Month trial$59.991 Year
  • LocoLink Pro Mac1 Month trial$69.991 Year
  • LocoLink Pro All Devices1 Month trial$79.991 Year
One-time3
  • LocoLink Pro iOS Forever$249.99
  • LocoLink Pro Mac Forever$299.99
  • LocoLink Pro All Forever$399.99

Questions

Is Smart Device Controller free?
Smart Device Controller is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is LocoLink free?
LocoLink is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Smart Device Controller or LocoLink?
LocoLink is rated higher. Smart Device Controller averages 3.3 out of 5 from 6 ratings, while LocoLink averages 4.0 from 1 ratings.
Do Smart Device Controller or LocoLink have ads?
Neither Smart Device Controller nor LocoLink shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Smart Device Controller or LocoLink?
Smart Device Controller ships an update every 3 months, and LocoLink every 5 days. Most recently, Smart Device Controller was updated on September 29, 2026 and LocoLink on October 14, 2026.

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