# Train Maker vs Train Simulator

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Train Maker at none against Train Simulator's 14. Train Maker also leads on review sentiment (76% vs 66%). Train Simulator's advantage is ratings volume (5.2K vs 849). On price, rating, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Train Simulator sells 14 one-off in-app purchases. Train Maker asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for Train Maker against 4.7 for Train Simulator. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Train Simulator has 5.2K ratings behind it against 849, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 76% of Train Maker's written reviews are positive against 66% of Train Simulator's.

Train Maker ships an update every 3 months, Train Simulator every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Train Maker | Train Simulator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (849 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-maker/id1484942426/reviews) | [4.7 (5.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-simulator-railroad-game/id1587704770/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 849 | **5.2K** |
| Positive reviews | **75.9% of reviews** | 66.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 127 MB | 820 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [monois Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/498398223) | [Azur Interactive Games Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1296347323) |

## What reviewers say

### Train Maker

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-maker/id1484942426)

Design and assemble your own unique trains by combining various carriages. Watch your creations travel through diverse landscapes, tunnels, and crossings, experiencing the journey with vibration feedback. Collect new trains and explore different camera angles for an immersive railway adventure.

**Highlights:** Freely combine train carriages, Eight diverse stages to travel through, Switchable camera views, Adjustable train speed and stopping, Earn track miles and use train roulette for new trains, Train collection and organization

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Fun and enjoyable game
- 🚀 Great gameplay experience
- 💡 Lots of trains to play with

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs and glitches
- 💡 Requests for more features and trains
- 🔧 Need for improvements and updates

**Reported bugs**

- Trains switching order at the end of the line
- Limited to 16 carriages per train
- Restricted to 180-degree turns instead of 360 degrees

**Requested features**

- Add more trains (Hikari RailStar, Avlo, Amtrak Acela, etc.)
- Ability to create custom tracks and layouts
- Add more camera views and driving modes
- Implement sound effects and animations (horn, lights, doors, etc.)
- Allow multiple trains on a single line


### Train Simulator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-simulator-railroad-game/id1587704770)

Become a train driver in this 2D simulator, delivering cargo and revitalizing regional economies. Upgrade your locomotives, manage infrastructure, and explore diverse landscapes. Experience realistic train gameplay with dynamic weather.

**Highlights:** Cargo delivery and economic management, Train upgrades and modifications, Diverse game world exploration, Realistic train simulation gameplay, Dynamic weather conditions, Challenging tasks and contracts

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (14)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Engine Boost | $0.99 | one-time |
| Crew 4 | $1.99 | one-time |
| Starter pack sale | $2.99 | one-time |
| Starter Pack | $3.99 | one-time |
| ChME3 Sale | $3.99 | one-time |
| WDM2 Sale | $5.99 | one-time |
| ChME3 Locomotive | $5.99 | one-time |
| More gold boxes | $7.99 | one-time |
| WDM2 Locomotive | $7.99 | one-time |
| EMD SD70 Sale | $7.99 | one-time |
| More silver boxes | $7.99 | one-time |
| FD20 Sale | $7.99 | one-time |
| EMD SD70 Locomotive | $9.99 | one-time |
| FD20 Locomotive | $10.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- ⭐️ Enjoyable and fun game
- 🚂 Realistic train simulation
- 👍 Good graphics and gameplay
- 💯 Great for train enthusiasts

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🙄 Annoying ads
- 🚧 Difficult hills and terrain
- 🔧 Frequent need for repairs
- 🤔 Limited train selection

**Reported bugs**

- Game crashes on startup for some users
- Inability to save progress or sync across devices
- Glitches with train performance and handling

**Requested features**

- Add more train types (steam, electric, etc.)
- Implement passenger service
- Improve hill climbing and traction
- Reduce reliance on ads or provide ad-free option


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Train Maker free?

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

### Is Train Simulator free?

Train Simulator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Train Maker or Train Simulator?

Train Maker and Train Simulator are both rated 4.7 out of 5 on the App Store, from 849 and 5.2K ratings respectively.

### Do Train Maker or Train Simulator have ads?

Both Train Maker and Train Simulator show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Train Maker or Train Simulator?

Train Maker ships an update every 3 months, and Train Simulator every 2 months. Most recently, Train Maker was updated on September 26, 2026 and Train Simulator on September 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.*