Comparison

Train Throttle vs Trainventory

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

Head to head
About

Train Throttle

Control your DCC model trains wirelessly from your Mac, iPhone, or iPad. Manage multiple engines, set turnouts, and toggle routes. A free trial offers core functionality, with a subscription unlocking advanced features.

Highlights
  • Wireless DCC train control
  • Control multiple engines/consists
  • Set turnouts and toggle routes
  • Free trial with core features
  • Full feature subscription
Features
Read full description

Train Throttle is a fully featured client for the JMRI WiThrottle server, which allows you to control your DCC equipped model trains using your iPhone or iPad and a compatible WiThrottle server. You can control multiple engines or consists, set turnouts, toggle routes, and more. The free trial is unlimited! However, certain features are disabled, including: * Turnout control * Route control * Roster lists * Functions 13-68 * Some Customization features The use of this app is covered by Apple's EULA: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ This app respects your privacy: https://drewhoffman.net/trainthrottle/privacy.html

About

Trainventory

Organize, track the value of, and create wishlists for your model train collection. Get reminders for new releases and manage your hobby efficiently.

Highlights
  • Organize train collection
  • Track costs and value
  • Create wishlists
  • Wishlist reminders
  • User-friendly design
Read full description

Trainventory: Organize, Track, and Dream Big with Your Model Train Collection Whether you're a lifelong model train enthusiast or just starting your collection, Trainventory is the essential app to keep everything on track. Effortlessly organize your trains, track their value, and build your dream wishlist – all in one place. Key Features: - Organize Your Collection: Easily catalog your locomotives, carriages, and accessories with detailed entries for model type, brand, and condition. - Track Costs and Value: Keep an eye on how much you’ve invested and monitor the value of your collection over time. - Create Your Wishlist: Never forget that must-have model again – build a wishlist of trains you’re dreaming of adding to your collection. - Get Reminded: Never miss out on a presale or release date with wish list reminders Why Trainventory? • User-friendly design built specifically for model train enthusiasts. • Keep your collection organized anytime, anywhere. • Perfect for collectors of all experience levels. All aboard for the most efficient way to manage your model train hobby. Download Trainventory today and let your collection shine! Start tracking, start organizing, and keep your model train passion on the right track with Trainventory.

Screenshots

Train Throttle4 screens
Trainventory4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Trainventory at none against Train Throttle's 3. Trainventory also leads on ratings volume (22 vs 2). Train Throttle's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.6) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 3 months). On price, review sentiment, 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. Train Throttle sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per year. Trainventory asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Train Throttle holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Trainventory has 22 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Train Throttle ships an update every 2 months, Trainventory every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 28, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Train Throttle versus Trainventory: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTrain ThrottleTrainventory
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (2 ratings) — better4.6 (22 ratings)
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings222 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 months — betterEvery 3 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS16.1 — better18.6
Further details — not scored
Size6 MB30 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDrew HoffmanNicholas Eby

Customer experience

Train Throttle

All ratings2 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Trainventory

All ratings22 ratings
Positive95.5%
Neutral0.0%
Negative4.5%
Written reviews6 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Train Throttle

Subscriptions1
  • Subscribe$1.991 Year
One-time2
  • Tip a Coffee$3.99
  • Purchase$12.99
None

Trainventory

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Train Throttle free?
Train Throttle is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Trainventory free?
Trainventory is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Train Throttle or Trainventory?
Train Throttle is rated higher. Train Throttle averages 5.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while Trainventory averages 4.6 from 22 ratings.
Do Train Throttle or Trainventory have ads?
Neither Train Throttle nor Trainventory shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Train Throttle or Trainventory?
Train Throttle ships an update every 2 months, and Trainventory every 3 months. Most recently, Train Throttle was updated on September 28, 2026 and Trainventory on September 30, 2026.

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