# Train Maker vs Idle Train Tycoon

The clearest difference is rating: Train Maker at 4.7 against Idle Train Tycoon's 4.0. Train Maker also leads on ratings volume (865 vs 28) and review sentiment (76% vs 60%). Idle Train Tycoon's advantage is monetization model (ad-supported vs free with in-app purchases) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

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

Train Maker holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Train Maker has 865 ratings behind it against 28, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 76% of Train Maker's written reviews are positive against 60% of Idle Train Tycoon's.

Train Maker ships an update every 3 months, Idle Train Tycoon every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Train Maker | Idle Train Tycoon |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (865 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-maker/id1484942426/reviews)** | [4.0 (28 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/idle-train-tycoon/id6444662891/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **865** | 28 |
| Positive reviews | **76.1% of reviews** | 60.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 months** | Every 6 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 127 MB | 148 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [monois Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/498398223) | [1788918 Alberta Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/597315953) |

## 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


### Idle Train Tycoon

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/idle-train-tycoon/id6444662891)

Build and manage a railway empire by earning money, expanding your network, and upgrading your trains. Unlock new stations and rolling stock to increase your idle earnings and become a powerful train tycoon.

**Highlights:** Manage and upgrade trains, Build and improve train stations, Expand railway network, Increase idle earnings, Unlock new rolling stock, Tap boost for trains

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Train Maker free?

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

### Is Idle Train Tycoon free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Train Maker or Idle Train Tycoon?

Train Maker is rated higher. Train Maker averages 4.7 out of 5 from 865 ratings, while Idle Train Tycoon averages 4.0 from 28 ratings.

### Do Train Maker or Idle Train Tycoon have ads?

Both Train Maker and Idle Train Tycoon show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Train Maker or Idle Train Tycoon?

Train Maker ships an update every 3 months, and Idle Train Tycoon every 6 months. Most recently, Train Maker was updated on October 15, 2026 and Idle Train Tycoon on September 21, 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.*