Train Throttle vs SPEEDSTK
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 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
SPEEDSTK
This app transforms your iPhone into a live data display for your Speed Stick device, offering real-time locomotive information without an internet connection. It's designed for model railroad enthusiasts who need precise speed readings for their trains.
- Live Bluetooth data streaming
- Offline operation
- Distraction-free display
- Automatic device detection
- Works with existing layouts
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SPEEDSTK turns your iPhone into a live readout for your Speed Stick device. Pair over Bluetooth and instantly see real-time data from your locomotive — right in the palm of your hand. SPEED STICK V5.1B or later (Bluetooth version Hardware) is required. Built for model railroaders who want real numbers instead of guesswork, SPEEDSTK reads broadcasts directly from your Speed Stick and displays them as you run your trains. FEATURES • Live readings streamed over Bluetooth as your train runs • No internet connection required — everything works locally • Simple, distraction-free display you can read at a glance • Automatically detects nearby Speed Stick devices • Works alongside your existing layout and controls Whether you're calibrating a new locomotive, dialing in realistic scale speeds, or just want to see what your trains are really doing, SPEEDSTK gives you the data instantly. Requires a Speed Stick device. Made by Model Train Technology LLC.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: SPEEDSTK at none against Train Throttle's 3. Train Throttle's advantage is device support (3 vs 1). 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. Train Throttle sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per year. SPEEDSTK 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 SPEEDSTK. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 1 respectively.
Train Throttle ships an update every 2 months, SPEEDSTK every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 28, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Train Throttle | SPEEDSTK |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (2 ratings) | 5.0 (1 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 2 — better | 1 |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 6 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 16.1 — better | 17.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 6 MB | 3 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Drew Hoffman | Model Train Technology LLC |
Customer experience
Train Throttle
SPEEDSTK
In-app purchases
Train Throttle
- Subscribe$1.991 Year
- Tip a Coffee$3.99
- Purchase$12.99
SPEEDSTK
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Train Throttle free?
Is SPEEDSTK free?
Which has better reviews, Train Throttle or SPEEDSTK?
Do Train Throttle or SPEEDSTK have ads?
Which is updated more often, Train Throttle or SPEEDSTK?
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