# Dock Watch vs Train Throttle

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Dock Watch at none against Train Throttle's 3. Dock Watch also leads on iOS requirement (14.1 vs 16.1). Train Throttle's advantage is update cadence (every 2 months vs every 27 months). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Train Throttle sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per year. Dock Watch asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Dock Watch against 5.0 for Train Throttle. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 2 respectively.

Dock Watch ships an update every 27 months, Train Throttle every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Dock Watch | Train Throttle |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dock-watch/id1539542528/reviews) | [5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-throttle/id1662181863/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **3** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 27 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 3 MB | 6 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.1** | 16.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Chad Herzog](https://appshunter.io/developer/1539542530) | [Drew Hoffman](https://appshunter.io/developer/1662181865) |

## What reviewers say

### Dock Watch

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dock-watch/id1539542528)

This app notifies drivers when a loading dock light turns green, allowing them to rest. It pairs with a portable device clipped to the light and tracks dock times for future planning.

**Highlights:** Instant green light notifications, Tracks time to red and back to green, Calculates total dock time, Records dock times across the US, Facilitates trip planning and bidding

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Train Throttle

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-throttle/id1662181863)

Control your DCC model trains wirelessly from your Mac, iPhone, or iPad. Manage multiple engines, set turnouts, and toggle routes. A free trial offers core functionality, with a subscription unlocking advanced features.

**Highlights:** Wireless DCC train control, Control multiple engines/consists, Set turnouts and toggle routes, Free trial with core features, Full feature subscription

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Subscribe | $1.99 | per year |
| Tip a Coffee | $3.99 | one-time |
| Purchase | $12.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Dock Watch free?

Dock Watch is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Train Throttle free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Dock Watch or Train Throttle?

Dock Watch and Train Throttle are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 3 and 2 ratings respectively.

### Do Dock Watch or Train Throttle have ads?

Neither Dock Watch nor Train Throttle shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Dock Watch or Train Throttle?

Dock Watch ships an update every 27 months, and Train Throttle every 2 months. Most recently, Dock Watch was updated on October 24, 2026 and Train Throttle on September 28, 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.*