SmartProgrammer vs RailPilot
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
SmartProgrammer
Easily adjust digital parameters for your decoders with an intuitive app. Offers standard and expert modes for basic or detailed settings, including sound options. Quickly update connected decoders and transfer sound data.
- Intuitive decoder parameter adjustment
- Standard and expert mode settings
- Quick decoder updates
- Sound data transfer via SUSI
- Function key remapping
- Integrated signal box
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- Einstellen von Digitalparametern Ihrer Decoder über intuitive App - Kinderleichte Bedienung ohne Programmierkenntnisse - Standardmodus: Alle grundlegenden Decodereinstellungen können einfach geändert werden - Expertenmodus: Detailliertere Einstellungen aller Decodereigenschaften und Soundmöglichkeiten - Schnelles Update der angeschlossenen PIKO SmartDecoder - Automatische Firmwareupdates über die App - Grafische Darstellung der an der Lok getätigten Einstellungen in der App und in Verbindung mit dem PIKO SmartTester - Schnelle Übertragung der Sounddaten über die SUSI-Schnittstelle - Funktionstastenbelegung kann sehr einfach geändert werden - Integriertes Stellwerk zum schalten von z.B. Weichendecodern Zusätzlich kann der PIKO SmartProgrammer auch als autonome Minizentrale eingesetzt werden um einzelne Fahrzeuge zu steuern oder kleine Programmierabläufe zu erstellen, z.B. für einen automatischen Pendelzugbetrieb in Vitrinen oder auch auf dem Schreibtisch.
RailPilot
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RailPilot – The smart control for your model railroad RailPilot lets you control your model trains easily with your iPhone – fast, intuitive, and reliable. The app is specifically designed for use with the Z21 command station and offers a modern alternative to classic model railroad control. Your locos, centrally stored RailPilot stores all locomotive data on a server in your local network – hosted by you. This means your data always stays with you, and there’s no need to sync between devices: everyone on your network accesses the same collection. At a glance: • Train control via the Z21 command station • Central locomotive management through a local server • No need to transfer data between devices • Easy, user-friendly interface • Fast access to your entire locomotive fleet Requirements: • Z21 command station from Roco/Fleischmann • Self-hosted RailPilot server on your local network Get RailPilot now and upgrade your model railroad control system!
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: SmartProgrammer at every 6 weeks against RailPilot's every 4 months. SmartProgrammer also leads on iOS requirement (12.2 vs 18.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
SmartProgrammer ships an update every 6 weeks, RailPilot every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on August 2, 2026 and September 16, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | SmartProgrammer | RailPilot |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | — |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks — better | Every 4 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 12.2 — better | 18.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 126 MB | 2 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | PIKO Spielwaren GmbH | Eric Staedler |
In-app purchases
SmartProgrammer
No in-app purchases
RailPilot
No in-app purchases








