RailControl Pro vs SmartControl wlan App
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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
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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/
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.
- Device settings management
- Local data management
- Accessory management
- Route management
- Firmware updates
- Version upgrades
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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
Verdict
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
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.
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.
| Parameter | RailControl Pro | SmartControl wlan App |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.3 (6 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 72.2% of reviews — better | 33.3% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 6 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Monthly — better | Every 6 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | 12.2 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 15 MB | 95 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Boterham | PIKO Spielwaren GmbH |
Customer experience
RailControl Pro
SmartControl wlan App
In-app purchases
RailControl Pro
- Hobby7 Days trial$14.991 Year
- Pro7 Days trial$24.991 Year
- Family Pro7 Days trial$39.991 Year
SmartControl wlan App
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is RailControl Pro free?
Is SmartControl wlan App free?
Do RailControl Pro or SmartControl wlan App have ads?
Which is updated more often, RailControl Pro or SmartControl wlan App?
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