# Smart Device Controller vs LocoLink

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.

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.

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Smart Device Controller | LocoLink |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.3 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-device-controller/id1372692970/reviews) | **[4.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/locolink/id6760320854/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **6** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 27.3% of reviews | **33.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 26 MB | 73 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.3** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [SEKISUI KINZOKU CO., LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1343709801) | [Tom Westerman](https://appshunter.io/developer/1883853153) |

## 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


### LocoLink

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/locolink/id6760320854)

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:** Game Controller support, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| LocoLink Pro iOS | $5.99 | per month |
| LocoLink Pro Mac | $8.99 | per month |
| LocoLink Pro All Devices | $9.99 | per month |
| LocoLink+ iOS | $29.99 | per year |
| LocoLink Pro iOS | $59.99 | per year |
| LocoLink Pro Mac | $69.99 | per year |
| LocoLink Pro All Devices | $79.99 | per year |
| LocoLink Pro iOS Forever | $249.99 | one-time |
| LocoLink Pro Mac Forever | $299.99 | one-time |
| LocoLink Pro All Forever | $399.99 | one-time |


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