# Train Simulator vs Train Sim Builder

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Train Sim Builder at none against Train Simulator's 5. Train Sim Builder also leads on update cadence (daily vs every 5 months) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). Train Simulator's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume there is nothing between them.

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

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Train Simulator against 5.0 for Train Sim Builder. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 8 and 3 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

Train Simulator ships an update every 5 months, Train Sim Builder daily. The most recent releases landed on October 4, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Train Simulator | Train Sim Builder |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-simulator-cargo-journey/id1535451022/reviews) | [5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-sim-builder/id6763680417/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **8** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Daily** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 163 MB | 346 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) | [1788918 Alberta Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/597315953) |

## 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 |


### Train Sim Builder

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-sim-builder/id6763680417)

Design and operate your own train world with realistic 3D graphics. Build custom layouts, place hundreds of items, and drive over 80 different trains with detailed cabin views. Enjoy regular content updates and exciting train derailments.

**Highlights:** Realistic 3D graphics, Customizable track layouts, Hundreds of decorative items, Drive 80+ trains and locomotives, Interior cabin views, Train derailment physics, Regular content updates

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Train Simulator free?

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

### Is Train Sim Builder free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Train Simulator or Train Sim Builder?

Train Simulator and Train Sim Builder are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 8 and 3 ratings respectively.

### Do Train Simulator or Train Sim Builder have ads?

Train Sim Builder shows ads; Train Simulator does not.

### Which is updated more often, Train Simulator or Train Sim Builder?

Train Simulator ships an update every 5 months, and Train Sim Builder daily. Most recently, Train Simulator was updated on October 4, 2026 and Train Sim Builder on October 8, 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.*