Lionel Cab3 vs AVR Controller
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Lionel Cab3
Control your Lionel model trains directly via Bluetooth or by connecting to the Base3 command system. Experience enhanced control and unlock the full capabilities of your locomotives.
- Bluetooth locomotive control
- One-to-one pairing
- Base3 system interface
- Unlock full train potential
- Direct locomotive control
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This APP allows you to control your Lionel engines in two different ways. 1. Connect to Lionel Bluetooth-equipped locomotives in a one-to-one pairing, controlling them without the need of a command base. 2. Interface with Lionel's Base3 to unlock all the potential your Lionel model trains have to offer.
AVR Controller
Easily manage your compatible Denon or Marantz AVR's power, volume, and sound modes. This third-party app offers quick access to essential controls, preventing accidental changes to your preferred settings.
- Power control
- Volume adjustment
- Quick select sound modes
- Accidental touch prevention
- Syncs with AVR status
- Network capability support
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Download AVR Controller and experience AVR control that looks as good as your AVR sounds. AVR Controller isn't a typical remote app. It takes inspiration from the front of your receiver, with thoughtfully spaced controls and a physical-style volume knob that gives it a high-end, cinematic feel — like it belongs alongside your home theater equipment. Whether you're settling in for movie night or enjoying your favorite music, AVR Controller feels more like a dedicated control panel than a basic utility. Compatible with network-capable Denon and Marantz AVRs from 2014 and later. AVR Controller is a third-party application and is not endorsed by or associated with Denon or Marantz. FEATURES • Fast startup, discovery, and responsive control • Power, volume and mute control • Quick Select control for fast access to your favorite input and sound mode combinations • Displays the current sound mode • Multi-zone control for supported AVRs • Multi-receiver support • Automatically stays in sync when AVR settings are changed outside the app • Automatically finds your AVR — even if its IP address changes • Movie Mode dims the screen to reduce distractions and save battery; tap or pick up your iPhone to bring it back instantly • Demo Mode lets you explore AVR Controller without connecting to a receiver ABOUT QUICK SELECT Quick Select is a built-in feature of Denon and Marantz AVRs. It lets you save and quickly recall combinations of settings such as input, volume and sound mode. AVR Controller gives you fast access to the Quick Selects already configured on your receiver. TIPS • For reliable network control, set your AVR's Network Control setting to “Always On.” This may increase standby power consumption. • Your AVR must be connected to your local network using Ethernet or Wi-Fi. • A static IP address is not required, but is best for fastest startup. AVR Controller can automatically find your receiver again if its IP address changes.
Screenshots
Verdict
Lionel Cab3 and AVR Controller both sit at 3.7 stars, but that hides the real split: 100% of AVR Controller's written reviews are positive against 27% of Lionel Cab3's. Lionel Cab3's advantage is iOS requirement (9.0 vs 18.6). On price, rating, ratings volume and update cadence 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
AVR Controller holds the better App Store score, 3.9 against 3.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 41 and 20 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 27% of Lionel Cab3's written reviews are positive against 100% of AVR Controller's.
Lionel Cab3 ships an update every 3 weeks, AVR Controller monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Lionel Cab3 | AVR Controller |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.7 (41 ratings) | 3.9 (20 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 27.3% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 41 — better | 20 |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks — better | Monthly |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 9.0 — better | 18.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 134 MB | 4 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Lionel, LLC | Peter Schwenk |
Customer experience
Lionel Cab3
AVR Controller
In-app purchases
Lionel Cab3
No in-app purchases
AVR Controller
No in-app purchases









