# Metro Control vs Train Manager

The clearest difference is ads: Train Manager at none against Metro Control's shown. Metro Control's advantage is review sentiment (80% vs 52%) and update cadence (every 6 days vs fortnightly). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Metro Control sells 3 one-off in-app purchases and Train Manager sells 12 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Metro Control ships an update every 6 days, Train Manager fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 4, 2026 and October 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Metro Control | Train Manager |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.8 (927 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-manager-2026/id6448614242/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **927** |
| Positive reviews | **80.0% of reviews** | 52.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 days** | Fortnightly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 57 MB | 86 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Jonathan Meikle](https://appshunter.io/developer/1477087762) | [Xombat ApS](https://appshunter.io/developer/453573467) |

## What reviewers say

### Metro Control

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/metro-control/id1493350041)

Direct trains through a metro network, rerouting them around closed lines and other trains. The challenge increases as lines become busier, testing your ability to prevent crashes. Compete with other players on GameCentre.

**Highlights:** Direct trains on closed lines, Reroute trains to avoid obstacles, Increasingly challenging gameplay, Compete on GameCentre

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pack of 5 Credits | $0.99 | one-time |
| Unlock Full Version | $0.99 | one-time |
| Remove Ads | $2.99 | one-time |


### Train Manager

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-manager-2026/id6448614242)

Build and manage your own railroad empire from scratch. Compete globally, schedule international routes, and track your trains live. Choose between easy or realistic gameplay modes to become a railway mogul.

**Highlights:** Manage your own railroad empire, Create and schedule international routes, Track trains live, Realistic gameplay modes, Manage staff and invest in companies, Customize and upgrade trains

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

**In-app purchases (12)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Special Deal | $0.99 | one-time |
| Mini Package | $2.99 | one-time |
| Rookie Deal | $4.99 | one-time |
| Rookie Deal | $5.99 | one-time |
| Standard Package | $5.99 | one-time |
| Rookie Deal | $6.99 | one-time |
| Kickstarter Package | $9.99 | one-time |
| Journeyman Deal | $9.99 | one-time |
| Expert Deal | $22.99 | one-time |
| Premium Package | $22.99 | one-time |
| Jumbo Package | $49.99 | one-time |
| Mega Package | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Good game
- 🚀 Realistic train operations
- 👍 Easy to learn
- 👍 Clear and easy to understand user interface

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes and freezes
- 🐛 Glitchy and buggy
- 💰 Requires paying to progress
- 🕰️ Slow pace of the game
- 🚂 Limited train selection, especially for certain regions

**Reported bugs**

- Endless blue screen on launch
- Game freezes or crashes
- Issues with loading and logging in
- Inability to depart trains or make purchases

**Requested features**

- Add more train models and liveries
- Implement sandbox mode
- Add train timetables and running maps
- Allow trains to run automatically between destinations
- Improve the ticketing system


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Metro Control free?

Metro Control is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Train Manager free?

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

### Do Metro Control or Train Manager have ads?

Metro Control shows ads; Train Manager does not.

### Which is updated more often, Metro Control or Train Manager?

Metro Control ships an update every 6 days, and Train Manager fortnightly. Most recently, Metro Control was updated on October 4, 2026 and Train Manager on October 18, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*