Train Throttle vs TrainNavigator
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- Wireless DCC train control
- Control multiple engines/consists
- Set turnouts and toggle routes
- Free trial with core features
- Full feature subscription
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Train Throttle is a fully featured client for the JMRI WiThrottle server, which allows you to control your DCC equipped model trains using your mac (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
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 Train Throttle's every 2 months. TrainNavigator also leads on iOS requirement (12.0 vs 16.1). 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. Train Throttle sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 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.
Train Throttle ships an update every 2 months, TrainNavigator every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on September 10, 2026 and May 17, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Train Throttle | TrainNavigator |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (2 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 2 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | 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 | 16.1 | 12.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 6 MB | 28 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Drew Hoffman | Michal Kajaba |
In-app purchases
Train Throttle
- Subscribe$1.991 Year
- Tip a Coffee$3.99
- Purchase$12.99
TrainNavigator
- TrainNavigator Premium$7.991 Year
