# Exactly vs Z21

The clearest difference is rating: Z21 at 3.8 against Exactly's 2.2. Z21 also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 5 months) and review sentiment (38% vs 27%). Exactly's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1). On price, ratings volume, ads and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Z21 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Exactly asks for nothing beyond the download.

Z21 holds the better App Store score, 3.8 against 2.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 14 and 13 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 27% of Exactly's written reviews are positive against 38% of Z21's.

Exactly ships an update every 5 months, Z21 every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Exactly | Z21 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.2 (14 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/exactly/id315268140/reviews) | **[3.8 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/z21/id1114706450/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **14** | 13 |
| Positive reviews | 26.5% of reviews | **37.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 3 MB | 232 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Exact Editions Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/315268143) | [Modelleisenbahn GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/533805542) |

## What reviewers say

### Exactly

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/exactly/id315268140)

Access magazines and newspapers on your iPad and iPhone in their original full-color format. Enjoy interactive features like live web links and zoom capabilities. Explore free content from numerous publications or use your subscription for the latest issues.

**Highlights:** Full-color digital editions, Live web links, Zoom and swipe navigation, Thumbnail page view, Bookmark pages, Offline reading sync

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Z21

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/z21/id1114706450)

Control your model train layout and locomotives wirelessly from your iOS device. Manage your locomotive library, program digital components, and operate switches and signals with an intuitive touch interface. Enjoy a realistic train control experience with customizable driver cabs.

**Highlights:** Wireless control of locomotives and layout, Manage locomotive library with images, Program digital components, Intuitive graphic interface for switches and signals, Downloadable driver cabs for realistic control, Demo mode available

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Z21 Full Version | $17.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- 🚀 Fast and reliable locomotive control
- 💡 Innovative layout design with schematic control station
- 🎨 Clean, modern orange and black design
- 📱 Works seamlessly across multiple iOS devices

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent app crashes and freezes
- 🔌 Connection drops to Z21 control station
- ⚠️ White screen startup issues in recent updates
- 🎮 Throttle display bugs showing incorrect speeds
- 📉 Slow performance on older devices

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on startup (white screen issue)
- Connection drops to Z21 central station
- Throttle display shows incorrect or blank speeds
- Function buttons not responding properly in multitraction mode
- Route synchronization failures across multiple control station pages

**Requested features**

- Offline locomotive database access
- Dark mode or customizable color schemes
- Background image support for layout design
- Turntable/rotary module support
- Automatic event-based control (occupancy detection, crossing automation)


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Exactly free?

Exactly is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Z21 free?

Z21 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Exactly or Z21?

Z21 is rated higher. Exactly averages 2.2 out of 5 from 14 ratings, while Z21 averages 3.8 from 13 ratings.

### Do Exactly or Z21 have ads?

Neither Exactly nor Z21 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Exactly or Z21?

Exactly ships an update every 5 months, and Z21 every 3 weeks. Most recently, Exactly was updated on September 24, 2026 and Z21 on September 19, 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.*