Comparison

Train Throttle vs SPEEDSTK

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

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.

Highlights
  • Live Bluetooth data streaming
  • Offline operation
  • Distraction-free display
  • Automatic device detection
  • Works with existing layouts
Features
Read full description

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

Train Throttle4 screens
SPEEDSTK4 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

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.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Train Throttle versus SPEEDSTK: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTrain ThrottleSPEEDSTK
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (2 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings)
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings2 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 6 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Mac — betteriPhone
Requires iOS16.1 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size6 MB3 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDrew HoffmanModel Train Technology LLC

Customer experience

Train Throttle

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

SPEEDSTK

All ratings1 ratings
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

SPEEDSTK

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Train Throttle free?
Train Throttle is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is SPEEDSTK free?
SPEEDSTK is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Train Throttle or SPEEDSTK?
Train Throttle and SPEEDSTK are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 2 and 1 ratings respectively.
Do Train Throttle or SPEEDSTK have ads?
Neither Train Throttle nor SPEEDSTK shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Train Throttle or SPEEDSTK?
Train Throttle ships an update every 2 months, and SPEEDSTK every 6 weeks. Most recently, Train Throttle was updated on September 28, 2026 and SPEEDSTK on October 6, 2026.

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