# Train Simulator vs Design & Run Train

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Train Simulator at 100% against Design & Run Train's 0%. Train Simulator also leads on rating (5.0 vs 1.8) and ads (none vs shown). Design & Run Train's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 5) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). On price, ratings volume and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Train Simulator sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. Design & Run Train asks for nothing beyond the download.

Train Simulator holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 1.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 9 and 23 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of Train Simulator's written reviews are positive against 0% of Design & Run Train's.

Train Simulator ships an update every 5 months, Design & Run Train every 47 months. Both last shipped on November 3, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Train Simulator | Design & Run Train |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-simulator-cargo-journey/id1535451022/reviews)** | [1.8 (23 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/design-and-run-train/id1550583867/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 9 | **23** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 months** | Every 47 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 163 MB | 72 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Asif Naeem](https://appshunter.io/developer/1467501226) | [Farrukh Ahmad](https://appshunter.io/developer/1446716321) |

## What reviewers say

### Train Simulator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-simulator-cargo-journey/id1535451022)

Experience realistic train driving with simple one-touch controls. Transport various cargo through diverse landscapes, manage speed and timing, and unlock new challenges. Enjoy endless replayability with fresh contracts and route variations.

**Highlights:** One-touch train controls, Modern and classic train selection, Diverse cargo transport missions, Beautiful landscape environments, Signal and traffic management, Unlockable challenges and upgrades

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove ads | $0.99 | one-time |
| Coins Bundle | $0.99 | one-time |
| Shield Bundle | $0.99 | one-time |
| Boost Bundle | $0.99 | one-time |
| 100000 Coins | $4.99 | one-time |


### Design & Run Train

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/design-and-run-train/id1550583867)

Design and build custom trains from various parts and templates. Then, drive your creations on tracks, controlling speed, horns, and switches while experiencing realistic station announcements.

**Highlights:** Design and build custom trains, Control train speed and horns, Use railroad switches, Experience realistic station announcements, Add and remove train wagons, Craft train parts from brick pieces

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Train Simulator free?

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

### Is Design & Run Train free?

Design & Run Train is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Train Simulator or Design & Run Train?

Train Simulator is rated higher. Train Simulator averages 5.0 out of 5 from 9 ratings, while Design & Run Train averages 1.8 from 23 ratings.

### Do Train Simulator or Design & Run Train have ads?

Design & Run Train shows ads; Train Simulator does not.

### Which is updated more often, Train Simulator or Design & Run Train?

Train Simulator ships an update every 5 months, and Design & Run Train every 47 months. Most recently, Train Simulator was updated on November 3, 2026 and Design & Run Train on November 3, 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.*