Comparison

WiThrottle Lite vs TrainNavigator

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
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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

TrainNavigator

Features
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Simple DCCex controller for model railroad -multiple throttles to control locos -turnouts controller defined in DCCex setup -layout editor with turnout control -auto-discovery of your DCCex server The app needs only access to local network to connect to DCCex permission. Terms of use: https://trainnavigator.fisharea.eu/terms.html

Screenshots

WiThrottle Lite4 screens
TrainNavigator3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: WiThrottle Lite at none against TrainNavigator's 1. TrainNavigator's advantage is update cadence (every 4 days vs every 3 months). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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. TrainNavigator sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $7.99 per year. WiThrottle Lite asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

WiThrottle Lite ships an update every 3 months, TrainNavigator every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on August 17, 2026 and May 17, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
WiThrottle Lite versus TrainNavigator: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterWiThrottle LiteTrainNavigator
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.4 (34 ratings) — better
Positive reviews77.8% of reviews
Number of ratings34 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 4 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS11.0 — better12.0
Further details — not scored
Size6 MB28 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBeth HoffmanMichal Kajaba

In-app purchases

None

WiThrottle Lite

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

TrainNavigator

Subscriptions1
  • TrainNavigator Premium$7.991 Year

Questions

Is WiThrottle Lite free?
WiThrottle Lite is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is TrainNavigator free?
TrainNavigator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do WiThrottle Lite or TrainNavigator have ads?
Neither WiThrottle Lite nor TrainNavigator shows ads.
Which is updated more often, WiThrottle Lite or TrainNavigator?
WiThrottle Lite ships an update every 3 months, and TrainNavigator every 4 days. Most recently, WiThrottle Lite was updated on August 17, 2026 and TrainNavigator on May 17, 2026.

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