# Train Throttle vs Poor Man's Throttle

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Poor Man's Throttle at none against Train Throttle's 3. Poor Man's Throttle also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs every 2 months). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Train Throttle sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per year. Poor Man's Throttle asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Train Throttle against 5.0 for Poor Man's Throttle. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 4 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

Train Throttle ships an update every 2 months, Poor Man's Throttle every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on September 28, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Train Throttle | Poor Man's Throttle |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-throttle/id1662181863/reviews) | [5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/poor-mans-throttle/id6760155416/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 2 | **4** |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 6 MB | 110 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.1 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Drew Hoffman](https://appshunter.io/developer/1662181865) | [James Theimer](https://appshunter.io/developer/1003785136) |

## What reviewers say

### Train Throttle

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-throttle/id1662181863)

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:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Subscribe | $1.99 | per year |
| Tip a Coffee | $3.99 | one-time |
| Purchase | $12.99 | one-time |


### Poor Man's Throttle

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/poor-mans-throttle/id6760155416)

Transform your smartphone into a wireless throttle for model trains. This app enables smooth, responsive control of locomotives using inexpensive electronics and your phone, ideal for DIY enthusiasts and hobbyists looking for an affordable wireless solution.

**Highlights:** Wireless smartphone throttle, PWM motor control for smooth operation, Control speed, direction, and stop, DIY hardware integration, Affordable components, Ideal for DC and dead-rail layouts

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Train Throttle free?

Train Throttle is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Poor Man's Throttle free?

Poor Man's Throttle is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Train Throttle or Poor Man's Throttle?

Train Throttle and Poor Man's Throttle are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 2 and 4 ratings respectively.

### Do Train Throttle or Poor Man's Throttle have ads?

Neither Train Throttle nor Poor Man's Throttle shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Train Throttle or Poor Man's Throttle?

Train Throttle ships an update every 2 months, and Poor Man's Throttle every 3 days. Most recently, Train Throttle was updated on September 28, 2026 and Poor Man's Throttle on October 10, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*