Comparison

RailControl Pro vs SmartControl wlan App

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

RailControl Pro

Easily control your Märklin model train layout from your iPhone or iPad. Manage locomotives, accessories, and events with intuitive controls, keyboard shortcuts, and even game controllers. Offers a free trial before requiring a subscription.

Highlights
  • Connect Märklin CS2/CS3
  • Control locomotives (speed, direction, functions)
  • Control accessories (turnouts, signals)
  • Start events
  • Multi-window and Stage Manager support on iPad
  • Dark Mode
  • Keyboard shortcuts
  • Game controller support
Features
Read full description

Easy Control for Märklin CS2 and CS3 RailControl Pro is an easy-to-use app for controlling your model train layout with your iPhone or iPad. Connect With RailControl Pro it’s easier than ever to connect Märklin Central Station 2 or Central Station 3 to your iPhone or iPad. Control Locomotives Control speed, driving direction and the functions of your locomotives with just a touch, click, keystroke, or even a game controller. Control Articles Turnouts, signals, turntables and other accessories, can be controlled in the Track Diagram or Articles overview. Control Events Events can now be started straight from RailControl Pro as well. Real Multi Window Juggle with windows on iPad. Be it to host your favorite locs next to each other, or just to keep the track diagram within reach. Feeling brave? RailControl Pro also supports Stage Manager. Dark Mode RailControl Pro aims to blend in. Controlling your trains in a dark room, or outside in the sun? We have your back! Keyboard Shortcuts Pros use keyboard shortcuts. That's why RailControl Pro has them. Controlling locs with a keyboard turns out to be great. Game Controllers Connect up to four game controllers to your iPhone or iPad and hand it over to other people for even more fun! Free Trial Try RailControl Pro one week for free with the trial. After the trial period, RailControl Pro requires a yearly subscription to work. RailControl Pro requires Märklin Central Station 2 or Central Station 3. Märklin and Central Station are trademarks of Gebr. Märklin & Cie GmbH, registered in the U.S. and other countries. RailControl Pro is not affiliated in any way with Gebr. Märklin & Cie GmbH. Privacy Policy: https://www.railcontrol.pro/privacy/ Terms of Use: https://www.railcontrol.pro/terms-of-use/

About

SmartControl wlan App

This application provides convenient settings for PIKO SmartControl wlan devices. It allows for the input and management of local data, accessories, and routes. The app also facilitates firmware updates and upgrades for the devices.

Highlights
  • Device settings management
  • Local data management
  • Accessory management
  • Route management
  • Firmware updates
  • Version upgrades
Features
Read full description

Die PIKO SmartControl wlan App dient den komfortablen Einstellmöglichkeiten der PIKO SmartControl wlan Geräte. Weiter können über die App alle Lokdatensätze, Zubehörartikel und Fahrstraßen eingegeben und verwaltet werden. Durch die App sind die Firmware Updates der PIKO SmartControl wlan Geräte sowie auch die Erweiterung der StartSet-Version auf die Vollversion bequem aufzuspielen.

Screenshots

RailControl Pro4 screens
SmartControl wlan App4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: RailControl Pro at 72% against SmartControl wlan App's 33%. RailControl Pro also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 6 months). SmartControl wlan App's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and iOS requirement (12.2 vs 16.6). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. RailControl Pro sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $14.99 per year. SmartControl wlan App asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

RailControl Pro ships an update monthly, SmartControl wlan App every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on October 4, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
RailControl Pro versus SmartControl wlan App: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRailControl ProSmartControl wlan App
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.3 (6 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews72.2% of reviews — better33.3% of reviews
Number of ratings6 — better—
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 6 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, MaciPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS16.612.2 — better
Further details — not scored
Size15 MB95 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBoterhamPIKO Spielwaren GmbH

Customer experience

RailControl Pro

All ratings6 ratings
Positive66.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative33.3%
Written reviews18 reviews
Positive72.2%
Neutral5.6%
Negative22.2%

SmartControl wlan App

Written reviews3 reviews
Positive33.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative66.7%

In-app purchases

3 purchases

RailControl Pro

Subscriptions3
  • Hobby7 Days trial$14.991 Year
  • Pro7 Days trial$24.991 Year
  • Family Pro7 Days trial$39.991 Year
None

SmartControl wlan App

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is RailControl Pro free?
RailControl Pro is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is SmartControl wlan App free?
SmartControl wlan App is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do RailControl Pro or SmartControl wlan App have ads?
Neither RailControl Pro nor SmartControl wlan App shows ads.
Which is updated more often, RailControl Pro or SmartControl wlan App?
RailControl Pro ships an update monthly, and SmartControl wlan App every 6 months. Most recently, RailControl Pro was updated on October 4, 2026 and SmartControl wlan App on October 2, 2026.

Other comparisons