Comparison

WiThrottle vs Trainventory

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

WiThrottle

Control your model railroad trains wirelessly using your mobile device. This app connects to JMRI software or specific hardware modules for comprehensive throttle, address, and function management.

Highlights
  • Wireless throttle control
  • JMRI integration
  • Function controls F0-F68
  • Control routes & turnouts
  • Import roster & function labels
  • Acquire & dispatch addresses
Features
Read full description

Use your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad as a throttle for model railroad control! **PLEASE NOTE** This App is not a stand-alone product! Other hardware and software are required. Link to the popular JMRI software through a local Wi-Fi network to access throttle, address, and function controls wirelessly. -or- Connect directly to an MRC Prodigy WiFi module. -or- Connect directly to a Digitrax LnWi module. -or- Connect directly to a WifiTrax WFD-30/31. Digital Command Control (DCC) is now the most common control method for earnest model railroaders, allowing multiple trains to be controlled simultaneously anywhere on the track. JMRI is an interface program that works with most brands of DCC and is very popular because it simplifies DCC programming, signaling, control, and many other aspects of running a permanent layout. It is also free and multi-platform. Instead of direct control through the DCC system, WiThrottle links with JMRI or a dedicated module. This provides a universal interface to many possible combinations of technology and model railroads. As DCC evolves, JMRI is updated as needed to match current technology. JMRI Requirements: - JMRI 2.12 or higher, JMRI 5.2 or newer recommended - DCC system interfaced to a computer and a model railroad - Local Wi-Fi network MRC Prodigy WiFi Requirements: - MRC Prodigy WiFi module - MRC Prodigy DCC system Digitrax LnWi Requirements: - Digitrax LnWi module - Digitrax DCC system WifiTrax WFD-30/31 Requirements: - WifiTrax WFD module - NCE DCC system If you operate at either a club or private home that uses JMRI for operations and has Wi-Fi, access to the local network (host may need to share their password) is all you need. Multiple iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad mobile devices may use their own WiThrottle app simultaneously during an operating session. If you would like to sample WiThrottle, we offer a Lite version at no charge. This allows you to confirm compatibility before buying the full App. Please visit our website for additional information. Our goal is to enhance your model railroading experience by providing convenient, wireless control of your existing system. WiThrottle is the final piece of the puzzle. Features: - Select road or yard throttle control arrangements - Dual throttle screen - F0 - F68 function controls - Build and break Advanced Consists - Link multiple addresses for control by one throttle (Universal Consists) - Control JMRI routes & turnouts - Imports roster list and function labels from your JMRI files - Access the JMRI WebServer for control panels and more - Adjust sensitivity of the throttle slider - Set for right or left hand use - Acquire and dispatch addresses wirelessly - Train idles if interrupted (e.g. phone call) - Control track power - Fastclock display - Automatic networking - Flashlight for devices equipped with camera flash WiThrottle will integrate seamlessly if: - you can already control a train using the built-in throttles of JMRI 2.12 or later - your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad can access your local wireless network (not cellular or Bluetooth)

About

Trainventory

Organize, track the value of, and create wishlists for your model train collection. Get reminders for new releases and manage your hobby efficiently.

Highlights
  • Organize train collection
  • Track costs and value
  • Create wishlists
  • Wishlist reminders
  • User-friendly design
Read full description

Trainventory: Organize, Track, and Dream Big with Your Model Train Collection Whether you're a lifelong model train enthusiast or just starting your collection, Trainventory is the essential app to keep everything on track. Effortlessly organize your trains, track their value, and build your dream wishlist – all in one place. Key Features: - Organize Your Collection: Easily catalog your locomotives, carriages, and accessories with detailed entries for model type, brand, and condition. - Track Costs and Value: Keep an eye on how much you’ve invested and monitor the value of your collection over time. - Create Your Wishlist: Never forget that must-have model again – build a wishlist of trains you’re dreaming of adding to your collection. - Get Reminded: Never miss out on a presale or release date with wish list reminders Why Trainventory? • User-friendly design built specifically for model train enthusiasts. • Keep your collection organized anytime, anywhere. • Perfect for collectors of all experience levels. All aboard for the most efficient way to manage your model train hobby. Download Trainventory today and let your collection shine! Start tracking, start organizing, and keep your model train passion on the right track with Trainventory.

Screenshots

WiThrottle4 screens
Trainventory4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Trainventory at Free against WiThrottle's $9.99. Trainventory also leads on rating (4.6 vs 4.3) and review sentiment (100% vs 83%). WiThrottle's advantage is iOS requirement (11.0 vs 18.6). On ratings volume, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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

Trainventory is free to download; WiThrottle costs $9.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Trainventory holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 40 and 20 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 83% of WiThrottle's written reviews are positive against 100% of Trainventory's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

WiThrottle ships an update every 2 months, Trainventory every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 11, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
WiThrottle versus Trainventory: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterWiThrottleTrainventory
Price$9.99Free — better
Rating4.3 (40 ratings)4.6 (20 ratings) — better
Positive reviews83.1% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings40 — better20
Update frequencyEvery 2 months — betterEvery 4 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS11.0 — better18.6
Further details — not scored
Size6 MB29 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBeth HoffmanNicholas Eby

Customer experience

WiThrottle

All ratings40 ratings
Positive80.0%
Neutral7.5%
Negative12.5%
Written reviews65 reviews
Positive83.1%
Neutral9.2%
Negative7.7%

Trainventory

All ratings20 ratings
Positive95.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative5.0%
Written reviews6 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Bugs and requests

WiThrottle

Reported bugs

13 issues
  • Power ON/OFF broken
  • Horn gets stuck on with DCC-EX
  • Minor glitchy unresponsive throttle slider
  • App would not connect to JMRI 5.2
  • Connection to JMRI server drops when app goes to background
Show 8 more
  • Bug with controlling turnouts
  • Blank screen and app crashing on iPhone with WifiTraxx WFD-30
  • Connection bug fixes needed
  • iPhone XR will not connect to server (Digitrax LNWI)
  • Network set to autodetect causes issues
  • Problems getting switch names and function labels from Decoder Pro
  • When switching locks, loco stops instead of continuing
  • App crashes when selecting throttle tab after selecting locomotive address

Requested features

25 requests
  • Support for DCC-EX
  • Night mode and dark mode
  • Turnout/Points control in main UI
  • Routes support with MRC Wi-Fi module
  • Customizable features like Android app
Show 20 more
  • Support for ESU decoders with 30+ functions
  • Keep trains running when app closes/phone sleeps
  • Support for landscape orientation
  • Show layout with JMRI and switch orientation
  • Ability to throw switches
  • On-cab signaling, block announcement
  • Ability to make and break consists
  • Turnout controls
  • Juggling two locos on one screen
  • SS control throttle option
  • Screen rotation support
  • Control accessory addresses
  • Disable auto-stop feature
  • Multiple train control
  • Consisting
  • Ops mode programming
  • Switch control
  • Torch icon on top of screen
  • Ability to change CV values in operations mode
  • Volume buttons adjust speed

Trainventory

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

WiThrottle

No in-app purchases

None

Trainventory

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is WiThrottle free?
WiThrottle costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Trainventory free?
Trainventory is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, WiThrottle or Trainventory?
Trainventory is rated higher. WiThrottle averages 4.3 out of 5 from 40 ratings, while Trainventory averages 4.6 from 20 ratings.
Do WiThrottle or Trainventory have ads?
Neither WiThrottle nor Trainventory shows ads.
Which is updated more often, WiThrottle or Trainventory?
WiThrottle ships an update every 2 months, and Trainventory every 4 months. Most recently, WiThrottle was updated on September 23, 2026 and Trainventory on September 11, 2026.

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