# HM | DC vs Inverter

The clearest difference is update cadence: Inverter at every 10 days against HM | DC's every 9 months. Inverter also leads on review sentiment (93% vs 70%). HM | DC's advantage is iOS requirement (10.0 vs 15.6). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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, Inverter every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on October 9, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | HM | DC | Inverter |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | 70.0% of reviews | **92.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 9 months | **Every 10 days** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 68 MB | 24 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Hornby Hobbies Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/870599697) | [Richard Russell](https://appshunter.io/developer/1651141744) |

## 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


### Inverter

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/inverter/id6443976497)

Monitor and manage your GivEnergy inverter(s) with this straightforward application. It allows for independent control of up to three connected inverters. Resetting IP addresses is easily managed through the iOS Files app.

**Highlights:** Monitor inverter status, Control inverter settings, Connect up to three inverters, Independent inverter management, IP address reset via Files app

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is HM | DC free?

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

### Is Inverter free?

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

### Do HM | DC or Inverter have ads?

Neither HM | DC nor Inverter shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, HM | DC or Inverter?

HM | DC ships an update every 9 months, and Inverter every 10 days. Most recently, HM | DC was updated on October 9, 2026 and Inverter on October 13, 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.*