Comparison

WiThrottle Lite vs Train Throttle

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

Train Throttle

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
Read full description

Train Throttle is a fully featured client for the JMRI WiThrottle server, which allows you to control your DCC equipped model trains using your mac (and a compatible WiThrottle server). You can control multiple engines or consists, set turnouts, toggle routes, and more. The free trial is unlimited! However, certain features are disabled, including: * Turnout control * Route control * Roster lists * Functions 13-68 * Some Customization features The use of this app is covered by Apple's EULA: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ This app respects your privacy: https://drewhoffman.net/trainthrottle/privacy.html

Screenshots

WiThrottle Lite4 screens
Train Throttle4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Train Throttle at 5.0 against WiThrottle Lite's 4.4. Train Throttle also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 78%). WiThrottle Lite's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and ratings volume (34 vs 2). On price, update cadence, ads 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. Train Throttle sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per year. WiThrottle Lite asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Train Throttle holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: WiThrottle Lite has 34 ratings behind it against 2, 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 100% of Train Throttle's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

WiThrottle Lite ships an update every 3 months, Train Throttle every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on August 17, 2026 and September 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
WiThrottle Lite versus Train Throttle: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterWiThrottle LiteTrain Throttle
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.4 (34 ratings)5.0 (2 ratings) — better
Positive reviews77.8% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings34 — better2
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 2 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, Mac
Requires iOS11.0 — better16.1
Further details — not scored
Size6 MB6 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBeth HoffmanDrew Hoffman

Customer experience

WiThrottle Lite

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

Train Throttle

All ratings2 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

WiThrottle Lite

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

Train Throttle

Subscriptions1
  • Subscribe$1.991 Year
One-time2
  • Tip a Coffee$3.99
  • Purchase$12.99

Questions

Is WiThrottle Lite free?
WiThrottle Lite is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Train Throttle free?
Train Throttle is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, WiThrottle Lite or Train Throttle?
Train Throttle is rated higher. WiThrottle Lite averages 4.4 out of 5 from 34 ratings, while Train Throttle averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.
Do WiThrottle Lite or Train Throttle have ads?
Neither WiThrottle Lite nor Train Throttle shows ads.
Which is updated more often, WiThrottle Lite or Train Throttle?
WiThrottle Lite ships an update every 3 months, and Train Throttle every 2 months. Most recently, WiThrottle Lite was updated on August 17, 2026 and Train Throttle on September 10, 2026.

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