# DB Navigator vs Ruhrbahn

The clearest difference is monetization model: Ruhrbahn at free against DB Navigator's free with in-app purchases. DB Navigator's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 2 months). On price, review sentiment, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

DB Navigator ships an update fortnightly, Ruhrbahn every 2 months. Both last shipped on October 17, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | DB Navigator | Ruhrbahn |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (16K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/db-navigator/id343555245/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **16K** | — |
| Positive reviews | **30.6% of reviews** | 30.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 283 MB | 136 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 | **15.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Deutsche Bahn](https://appshunter.io/developer/343555249) | [highQ Computerlösungen GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/700694969) |

## What reviewers say

### DB Navigator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/db-navigator/id343555245)

Plan and manage your journeys across Germany with this comprehensive travel app. Book tickets, find the best prices, and receive real-time travel updates for all public transport, including trains, subways, trams, and buses. It offers convenient features like seat reservations and coach information to ensure a smooth travel experience.

**Highlights:** Ticket booking, Deutschland-Ticket integration, Best price search, Travel notifications, Journey information, Komfort Check-in, Demand indicator

**Features:** Apple Wallet, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Ruhrbahn

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ruhrbahn/id1639551871)

Earn rewards for eco-friendly travel in Essen and Mülheim. The app automatically tracks walking, cycling, and public transport use, calculating CO₂ and NOx savings. Redeem your earned points for vouchers with Ruhrbahn and local partners.

**Highlights:** Earn points for sustainable travel, Automatic tracking of walking, cycling, public transport, Calculates CO₂ and NOx emission savings, Redeem points for vouchers, Local partner discounts

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is DB Navigator free?

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

### Is Ruhrbahn free?

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

### Do DB Navigator or Ruhrbahn have ads?

Neither DB Navigator nor Ruhrbahn shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, DB Navigator or Ruhrbahn?

DB Navigator ships an update fortnightly, and Ruhrbahn every 2 months. Most recently, DB Navigator was updated on October 17, 2026 and Ruhrbahn on October 17, 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.*