# Messwagen vs IR Train

The clearest difference is update cadence: IR Train at every 9 days against Messwagen's every 6 months. Messwagen's advantage is iOS requirement (11.0 vs 13.2). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

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

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 1.0 for Messwagen against 1.0 for IR Train. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 1 respectively.

Messwagen ships an update every 6 months, IR Train every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Messwagen | IR Train |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/messwagen/id1398748415/reviews) | [1.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ir-train/id1547859811/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 60.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 104 MB | 5 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 13.2 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [PIKO Spielwaren GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/1398748414) | [Manuel Schreiner](https://appshunter.io/developer/1078770456) |

## What reviewers say

### Messwagen

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/messwagen/id1398748415)

Measure model railway systems with centimeter accuracy and detect gradients. This app transmits measurement data live via Wi-Fi to a mobile device or PC for graphical evaluation and speed determination, enabling precise measurements even in hidden areas.

**Highlights:** Centimeter-accurate system measurement, Gradient detection (per thousand), Live data transmission via Wi-Fi, Graphical evaluations on PC, Average speed determination, Measurement in non-visible areas

**In-app purchases:** none


### IR Train

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ir-train/id1547859811)

Control Märklin IR H0 starter sets from 2012 onwards with this app. It connects to a hardware gateway to manage train functions like lights, sound, and speed. Compatible with a wide range of Märklin train models.

**Highlights:** Control Märklin IR H0 trains, Hardware gateway integration, Manage lights and sound, Adjust speed and direction, Supports multiple train addresses, Web browser access via hotspot

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Messwagen free?

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

### Is IR Train free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Messwagen or IR Train?

Messwagen and IR Train are both rated 1.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 1 and 1 ratings respectively.

### Do Messwagen or IR Train have ads?

Neither Messwagen nor IR Train shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Messwagen or IR Train?

Messwagen ships an update every 6 months, and IR Train every 9 days. Most recently, Messwagen was updated on October 3, 2026 and IR Train 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.*