Comparison

WiThrottle Lite vs ECoS Cab

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

Head to head
About

WiThrottle Lite

Control your model railroad trains wirelessly from your mobile device. This app acts as a throttle, connecting to JMRI software or specific hardware modules for seamless operation. Enjoy basic DCC throttle functions, speed and direction control, and function access.

Highlights
  • Wireless DCC throttle
  • Speed and direction control
  • F0 - F68 function control
  • Acquire addresses wirelessly
  • Adjust throttle slider sensitivity
  • Automatic networking
  • Flashlight feature
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. WiThrottle Lite is the free version of WiThrottle. 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 module. 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 Lite 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, or iPad mobile devices may use their own WiThrottle or WiThrottle Lite simultaneously during an operating session. WiThrottle Lite allows you to confirm compatibility at no cost 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: - No time limits or expiration on use - Fully functional basic DCC throttle - Speed and direction control - F0 - F68 functions - Acquire addresses wirelessly - Adjust sensitivity of the throttle slider - Train idles if interrupted (e.g. phone call) - Automatic networking - Flashlight for devices equipped with camera flash WiThrottle Lite 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

ECoS Cab

Transform your mobile devices into wireless handheld controllers for your model railroad. Seamlessly manage trains, signals, and accessories across your layout without the hassle of wired connections. Requires a compatible command station connected to your network.

Highlights
  • Handheld model railroad controller
  • Wireless network connection
  • Control trains, signals, and accessories
  • No need for wired devices
  • Compatible with ESU ECoS, CabControl, PIKO SmartBox
Read full description

ECoS Cab is the number-one application that turns your devices into handheld controllers for your model railroad. With ECoS Cab, you can follow your trains around your layout without worrying about plugging and unplugging a wired device as you move. Using a wireless network connection and an ESU ECoS, ESU CabControl, PIKO SmartBox, or Central Station Reloaded command station connected to the network, ECoS Cab can run trains and control signals, turnouts, and other accessories configured in the command station.

Screenshots

WiThrottle Lite4 screens
ECoS Cab4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: WiThrottle Lite at none against ECoS Cab's 9. WiThrottle Lite also leads on ads (none vs shown) and rating (4.4 vs 4.0). ECoS Cab's advantage is update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 3 months). On price and device support 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. ECoS Cab sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. WiThrottle Lite asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

WiThrottle Lite holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: WiThrottle Lite has 34 ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 78% of WiThrottle Lite's written reviews are positive against 60% of ECoS Cab's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

WiThrottle Lite ships an update every 3 months, ECoS Cab every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on August 17, 2026 and September 15, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard8 real differences · 2 level
WiThrottle Lite versus ECoS Cab: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterWiThrottle LiteECoS Cab
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.4 (34 ratings) — better4.0 (5 ratings)
Positive reviews77.8% of reviews — better60.0% of reviews
Number of ratings34 — better5
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 6 weeks — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better
Requires iOS11.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size6 MB120 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBeth HoffmanKostiantyn Kolesnik

Customer experience

WiThrottle Lite

All ratings34 ratings
Positive88.2%
Neutral5.9%
Negative5.9%
Written reviews27 reviews
Positive77.8%
Neutral11.1%
Negative11.1%

ECoS Cab

All ratings5 ratings
Positive80.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative20.0%
Written reviews5 reviews
Positive60.0%
Neutral20.0%
Negative20.0%

In-app purchases

None

WiThrottle Lite

No in-app purchases

5 purchases

ECoS Cab

Subscriptions4
  • Cloud Sync, monthly$2.991 Month
  • Client, monthly2 variants$12.991 Month
  • Web Server, monthly2 variants$17.991 Month
Show 1 more
  • Client, annually2 variants$99.991 Year
One-time1
  • Client, life-time2 variants$149.99

Questions

Is WiThrottle Lite free?
WiThrottle Lite is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is ECoS Cab free?
ECoS Cab is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, WiThrottle Lite or ECoS Cab?
WiThrottle Lite is rated higher. WiThrottle Lite averages 4.4 out of 5 from 34 ratings, while ECoS Cab averages 4.0 from 5 ratings.
Do WiThrottle Lite or ECoS Cab have ads?
ECoS Cab shows ads; WiThrottle Lite does not.
Which is updated more often, WiThrottle Lite or ECoS Cab?
WiThrottle Lite ships an update every 3 months, and ECoS Cab every 6 weeks. Most recently, WiThrottle Lite was updated on August 17, 2026 and ECoS Cab on September 15, 2026.

Other comparisons