# Messwagen vs LocoLink

The clearest difference is rating: LocoLink at 4.0 against Messwagen's 1.0. LocoLink also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs every 6 months). Messwagen's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 11) and review sentiment (60% vs 33%). On price, ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. LocoLink sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Messwagen asks for nothing beyond the download.

LocoLink holds the better App Store score, 4.0 against 1.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 1 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 60% of Messwagen's written reviews are positive against 33% of LocoLink's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Messwagen ships an update every 6 months, LocoLink every 5 days. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Messwagen | LocoLink |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/messwagen/id1398748415/reviews) | **[4.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/locolink/id6760320854/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 1 |
| Positive reviews | **60.0% of reviews** | 33.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 104 MB | 84 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [PIKO Spielwaren GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/1398748414) | [Tom Westerman](https://appshunter.io/developer/1883853153) |

## 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


### 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 (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| LocoLink Pro iOS | $3.99 | per month |
| LocoLink Pro Mac | $8.99 | per month |
| LocoLink Pro All Devices | $9.99 | per month |
| LocoLink+ iOS | $17.99 | per year |
| LocoLink Pro iOS | $34.99 | per year |
| LocoLink Pro Mac | $69.99 | per year |
| LocoLink Pro All Devices | $79.99 | per year |
| Upgrade to Pro | $44.99 | one-time |
| LocoLink Pro iOS Forever | $89.99 | one-time |
| LocoLink Pro Mac Forever | $299.99 | one-time |
| LocoLink Pro All Forever | $399.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Messwagen free?

Messwagen 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, Messwagen or LocoLink?

LocoLink is rated higher. Messwagen averages 1.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while LocoLink averages 4.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Messwagen or LocoLink have ads?

Neither Messwagen nor LocoLink shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Messwagen or LocoLink?

Messwagen ships an update every 6 months, and LocoLink every 5 days. Most recently, Messwagen was updated on October 24, 2026 and LocoLink on October 24, 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.*