# HM | DC vs Simon Plug&Drive

The clearest difference is update cadence: Simon Plug&Drive at every 2 months against HM | DC's every 9 months. HM | DC's advantage is iOS requirement (10.0 vs 15.6). 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.

HM | DC ships an update every 9 months, Simon Plug&Drive every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on June 3, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | HM | DC | Simon Plug&Drive |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | 70.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 9 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 68 MB | 63 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Hornby Hobbies Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/870599697) | [Simon](https://appshunter.io/developer/531284305) |

## What reviewers say

### HM | DC

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hm-dc/id1561194436)

Control your model train DC layout wirelessly using Bluetooth. Manage multiple circuits, locomotive speed, braking, sounds, and accessories like signals and lights. Plan your track layouts with an integrated builder.

**Highlights:** Bluetooth low energy control, Independent control of 2 circuits, Locomotive speed and braking control, Loco sound and inertia features, Accessory control (signals, lights), Integrated track layout planner

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Simon Plug&Drive

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simon-plug-and-drive/id1633641300)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is HM | DC free?

HM | DC is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Simon Plug&Drive free?

Simon Plug&Drive is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do HM | DC or Simon Plug&Drive have ads?

Neither HM | DC nor Simon Plug&Drive shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, HM | DC or Simon Plug&Drive?

HM | DC ships an update every 9 months, and Simon Plug&Drive every 2 months. Most recently, HM | DC was updated on June 3, 2026 and Simon Plug&Drive on September 18, 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.*