Comparison

FTQ Lab vs TravelMaster

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

Head to head
About

FTQ Lab

This app facilitates public transport travel by automatically calculating fares based on your journey, regardless of stops or transfers. It requires an activation code for specific configurations and travel areas. Users can easily start and stop their trips, view tickets, and receive reminders to check out.

Highlights
  • Automatic fare calculation
  • Supports multiple transport types
  • No need to enter destination
  • Start/Stop trip functionality
  • View digital tickets
  • Check-out reminders
Features
Read full description

The purpose of the FTQ Lab app is to cover special use cases that are not addressed by our flagship product: FAIRTIQ app. IMPORTANT The configuration and available feature set can differ when using the FTQ Lab app. You must be in possession of an activation code in order to complete the registration process. If you don't have an activation code and haven't been instructed to download the FTQ Lab app then you should download the FAIRTIQ app instead. Furthermore, the activation code configures the app with a tailor-made setup. The configuration depends on the activation code used. It’s possible, for example, to use a FTQ Lab setup where purchasing valid travel tickets is not possible, and you, therefore, would need to purchase a separate ticket to be authorised to travel. Please check the specific terms & conditions and in-app information that are provided for each setup OVERVIEW With FTQ Lab, it doesn't matter how many stops you make along the way, or if you change between trains, buses and trams. With FTQ Lab there are no hassles, no complications, just smooth and easy travel! HOW IT WORKS The first step of the registration process requires an activation code. This activation code defines the geographical area where you can travel in and the corresponding configuration. Once you have registered, you are ready to travel with the FTQ Lab app! Shortly before boarding a vehicle, such as a train, bus, tram or boat, simply swipe the "Start" button in the FTQ Lab app. Your final destination does not need to be entered. Once you have arrived at your destination, swipe the "Stop" button in FTQ Lab. The optimised cost for your trip, if applicable, is then displayed in the app. Should you ever forget to check-out, we will remind you. If there is a ticket inspection, just open the app and click on “View Ticket”. Please check the specific terms & conditions and in-app information that are provided for each FTQ Lab setup. WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW MORE? Our support team is at your disposal to answer any questions, offer advice and provide further information. Contact us at feedback@fairtiq.com.

About

TravelMaster

This app simplifies public transport by allowing users to buy tickets and manage smartcards for various regional providers. It syncs purchased tickets and displays existing ones with expiry dates, offering integrated travel solutions.

Highlights
  • Buy tickets for multiple providers
  • Sync smartcards
  • View ticket expiry dates
  • Integrated travel solutions
  • Regional transport provider support
Features
Read full description

The App can be used to buy tickets and sync your TravelMaster, Zoom and Stagecoach smartcards all in one place. CityBus, CityWide, SYBus, SYConnect, SYConnect+, GetAbout, GetAbout+ and Wayfarer tickets are all available to buy via the App. Syncing your smartcard will add any tickets bought on the App or our website. It will also show what tickets along with their expiry dates already loaded to your card. At TravelMaster, we aim to provide South Yorkshire and Derbyshire with great value and simplified ways to use public transport. We work with all of the region’s transport providers to bring you some of the UK's lowest-priced, and most advanced, integrated travel tickets. This App is the next step in transforming travel in the region.

Screenshots

FTQ Lab3 screens
TravelMaster4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: FTQ Lab at 5.0 against TravelMaster's 3.5. FTQ Lab also leads on review sentiment (34% vs 0%) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 6 weeks). TravelMaster's advantage is monetization model (free vs ad-supported). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

FTQ Lab holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 2 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 34% of FTQ Lab's written reviews are positive against 0% of TravelMaster's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

FTQ Lab ships an update fortnightly, TravelMaster every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
FTQ Lab versus TravelMaster: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFTQ LabTravelMaster
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (3 ratings) — better3.5 (2 ratings)
Positive reviews33.8% of reviews — better0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings3 — better2
Update frequencyFortnightly — betterEvery 6 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationAd-supportedFree — better
DevicesiPhoneiPhone
Requires iOS16.016.0
Further details — not scored
Size104 MB75 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperFairtiq AGTravelMaster

Customer experience

FTQ Lab

All ratings3 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews74 reviews
Positive33.8%
Neutral13.5%
Negative52.7%

TravelMaster

All ratings2 ratings
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%
Written reviews10 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral30.0%
Negative70.0%

In-app purchases

None

FTQ Lab

No in-app purchases

None

TravelMaster

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is FTQ Lab free?
FTQ Lab is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is TravelMaster free?
TravelMaster is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, FTQ Lab or TravelMaster?
FTQ Lab is rated higher. FTQ Lab averages 5.0 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while TravelMaster averages 3.5 from 2 ratings.
Do FTQ Lab or TravelMaster have ads?
Neither FTQ Lab nor TravelMaster shows ads.
Which is updated more often, FTQ Lab or TravelMaster?
FTQ Lab ships an update fortnightly, and TravelMaster every 6 weeks. Most recently, FTQ Lab was updated on October 15, 2026 and TravelMaster on October 11, 2026.

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