# Train Throttle vs SPEEDSTK

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Train Throttle | SPEEDSTK |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-throttle/id1662181863/reviews) | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/speedstk/id6774602450/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **2** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 6 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 6 MB | 3 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.1** | 17.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Drew Hoffman](https://appshunter.io/developer/1662181865) | [Model Train Technology LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/6774602636) |

## 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 |


### SPEEDSTK

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/speedstk/id6774602450)

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