RailControl Pro vs TrainNavigator
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/
TrainNavigator
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Simple DCCex controller for model railroad -multiple throttles to control locos -turnouts controller defined in DCCex setup -layout editor with turnout control -auto-discovery of your DCCex server The app needs only access to local network to connect to DCCex permission. Terms of use: https://trainnavigator.fisharea.eu/terms.html
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: TrainNavigator at every 4 days against RailControl Pro's monthly. TrainNavigator also leads on iOS requirement (12.0 vs 16.6). On price, ads, in-app purchases 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 and TrainNavigator sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $7.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
RailControl Pro ships an update monthly, TrainNavigator every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on September 17, 2026 and May 17, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | RailControl Pro | TrainNavigator |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.3 (6 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 72.2% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 6 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Monthly | Every 4 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | 12.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 15 MB | 28 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Boterham | Michal Kajaba |
In-app purchases
RailControl Pro
- Hobby7 Days trial$14.991 Year
- Pro7 Days trial$24.991 Year
- Family Pro7 Days trial$39.991 Year
TrainNavigator
- TrainNavigator Premium$7.991 Year
Questions
Is RailControl Pro free?
Is TrainNavigator free?
Do RailControl Pro or TrainNavigator have ads?
Which is updated more often, RailControl Pro or TrainNavigator?
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