Comparison

Build A Train vs SuperTrains 1

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

Head to head
About

Build A Train

Design and operate your own virtual train set. Choose engines and cars, then drive your creation through various environments, controlling switches and speed. Unlock new levels and enjoy a mess-free train experience.

Highlights
  • Select and customize train engines and cars
  • Drag-and-reorder car functionality
  • Drive trains in city environments
  • Control track switches and train speed
  • Pick up cargo and collect points
  • Unlockable bonus levels and maps
  • Night mode driving
Features
Read full description

Build A Train is the perfect virtual train set for your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch. It's also a universal app – buy once, play on any of your devices. Even better, all future content updates are included FREE in the full version of Build A Train. PLEASE NOTE: Designed for kids aged 1-6. What parents are saying: "I got this for my train-loving 3 year old and he loves it! He loves to build the trains and fly the helicopter and my husband and I love trying to beat each other's scores! Great app!" "My 5 year old LOVES trains and he really enjoys playing this game. Thanks for the updates. The horn and bell were a big hit." "Great job with the update. My 6 year old had a great time trying to get enough points to unlock the tracks. My 2 year old loves the horn and the bell. Nice job." What reviewers are saying: "Build a Train is an entertaining app for younger children. It would be great for car rides or anytime you want to entertain your children with an imaginative game" - TUAW.com Build A Train "...proves that, when it comes to train-themed mobile games, the iOS platform rules the rails." - Macworld "Build A Train offers all the fun and excitement of a good old fashioned train set with a few added extras and the best feature of all from a mothers perspective… no mess!" - theimum.com "I was amazed at how quickly my 5 year old not only grasped the concept but became completely engrossed in the game. He didn't want to put it down for anything. He has always loved trains and this is the perfect type of app for him. It's challenging but he can still master it. As far as train games go (and well pretty much any kids games to be honest) this one is a big winner in our book! Completely worth the money." - NowWhatBaby.blogspot.com ********* Build A Train includes the following features: »»» Select an engine for your train. Choose from a variety of styles, colors and design. »»» Select the cars for your train. Configure your train as desired -- easy drag-to-reorder functionality gives you full control of your train. Simply double-tap the cars in your train to delete them. Test drive your train in a city environment. »»» Launch game mode and drive your train. Control the switches on the track to determine where your train goes. Control the speed of your train. Pick-up cargo and collect points. Celebrate by tooting a horn or ringing a bell. »»» Night mode feature lets you drive your train at night. »»» Unlockable content. Start with 20 maps to play on and then collect points to unlock new bonus levels for your train including ocean, palace, pyramids, bright lights and volcano. Want to know more? *** SEE A VIDEO REVIEW from Apps for Children with Special Needs: http://vimeo.com/21054012 *** TRY THE LITE VERSION FOR FREE: Just search for Build A Train Lite in the App Store. ***Top 10 Educational Game*** ***Named What's Hot by Apple*** ***TUAW.com App of the Day*** Featured in Free App Magic selection by MagicSolver. Interested in more features? New engines, more game mechanics or trains? More worlds? QUESTIONS? Let us know by emailing: support@playtend.com ***THANKS for all the feedback.**** Remember -- your CONSTRUCTIVE feedback helps keep quality updates coming!

About

SuperTrains 1

Experience an adrenaline-pumping train adventure with a vast collection of unlockable trains and challenging levels. Choose from three unique game modes and enjoy stunning graphics with ad-free gameplay. Optional in-app purchases enhance the experience.

Highlights
  • Unlockable dream trains
  • 20 epic levels
  • 3 electrifying game modes
  • Stunning graphics
  • Ad-free gameplay
  • In-app purchases
Read full description

Welcome to the revolution of train gaming - SuperTrains! From the masterminds behind the beloved original SuperTrains and SuperTrains 2, comes an all-new, jaw-dropping experience that will leave you begging for more! Get ready to embark on an adrenaline-pumping, action-packed train adventure that's bigger, better, and more thrilling than ever before! Features: • Unlock and Choose Your Dream Trains - With a vast collection of awe-inspiring trains to unlock and choose from, including the mighty COMANCHE, the colossal FREIGHTER, the unstoppable DESTROYER, the cutting-edge TERMINUS, and many more, you can create your ultimate train fleet and dominate the tracks like a true train tycoon! • 20 Epic Levels - Brace yourself for 20 heart-pounding levels filled with challenging obstacles, cunning opponents, and explosive surprises that will test your strategic skills and keep you on the edge of your seat! • 3 Electrifying Modes - Choose from three electrifying game modes: STEAM, SUPER, or BATTLE, each offering its own unique gameplay mechanics, special power-ups, and intense showdowns that will push your train-driving prowess to the limit! • Stunning Graphics - Get ready to be blown away by the breathtaking graphics of SuperTrains! Optimized for both high and low-resolution devices, every detail, from the meticulously designed trains to the mesmerizing landscapes, has been crafted with stunning visual effects to create a truly immersive and jaw-dropping gaming experience! • Ad-Free Action - Say goodbye to annoying ads and enjoy uninterrupted gameplay that will keep you fully immersed in the thrilling world of SuperTrains! • In-App Purchases - SuperTrains is free to play, with optional in-app purchases available to supercharge your gameplay and unlock exclusive trains, upgrades, and power-ups that will give you the edge in your quest for train domination! Constantly Evolving Content - The SuperTrains team is always hard at work, creating new and original content to keep the excitement rolling! Expect regular updates with new trains, wagons, tracks, features, and games to keep your train adventure fresh and thrilling! Join the SuperTrains community and be part of the train gaming revolution! Share your feedback, likes, dislikes, and issues with us at richard@okidoki-apps.com, including your device make and model. Your feedback fuels our passion for creating the best train gaming experience possible! Follow Us: • Web: https://www.okidoki-apps.com SuperTrains is a registered trademark of okidoki-apps. All rights reserved. Get ready to embark on the train adventure of a lifetime with SuperTrains! Get on board now and experience the rush of high-speed trains, epic battles, and addictive gameplay that will keep you coming back for more! All aboard!

Screenshots

Build A Train4 screens
SuperTrains 14 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: SuperTrains 1 at Free against Build A Train's $2.99. Build A Train's advantage is review sentiment (82% vs 39%) and rating (4.7 vs 3.3). On ratings volume, 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

SuperTrains 1 is free to download; Build A Train costs $2.99 up front. SuperTrains 1 sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Build A Train asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Build A Train holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 69 and 52 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 82% of Build A Train's written reviews are positive against 39% of SuperTrains 1's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Build A Train ships an update every 3 months, SuperTrains 1 every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Build A Train versus SuperTrains 1: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBuild A TrainSuperTrains 1
Price$2.99Free — better
Rating4.7 (69 ratings) — better3.3 (52 ratings)
Positive reviews82.2% of reviews — better38.6% of reviews
Number of ratings69 — better52
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 2 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaidFree with in-app purchases — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS8.0 — better12.0
Further details — not scored
Size52 MB309 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperPlaytend Apps LLPKathrin Brock

Customer experience

Build A Train

All ratings69 ratings
Positive91.3%
Neutral2.9%
Negative5.8%
Written reviews135 reviews
Positive82.2%
Neutral3.0%
Negative14.8%

SuperTrains 1

All ratings52 ratings
Positive51.9%
Neutral9.6%
Negative38.5%
Written reviews70 reviews
Positive38.6%
Neutral7.1%
Negative54.3%

User reviews

Build A Train

From 69 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👨‍👧‍👦 Excellent for young children and toddlers
  • 🎮 Intuitive and easy-to-use controls
  • 🚂 Engaging train-building mechanics
  • 🎨 Good graphics and visual design
  • 🧠 Educational value for problem-solving and planning

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Crashes on older iOS versions
  • 🔊 Sound issues after updates
  • 😑 Limited content depth for older children
  • 🔁 Becomes repetitive and boring quickly
  • 💰 Not worth the paid price point

SuperTrains 1

From 52 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Good graphics
  • 👍 Fun to play
  • 👍 Awesome game
  • 👍 Great app
  • 👍 Unique RR App Fun

Room to improve

  • 😞 Disappointing changes
  • 😞 Not like old version
  • 😞 Simpler designs were better
  • 😞 Horrible graphics
  • 😞 Waste of money

Bugs and requests

Build A Train

Reported bugs

7 issues
  • App crashes on iOS 9 iPad Mini
  • App crashes on iOS 8
  • Sound not working after updates
  • App not working after night mode update
  • Progress/points deleted after updates
Show 2 more
  • Trains don't pivot correctly at track points
  • No sound with new software update

Requested features

19 requests
  • More trains and locomotives (steam trains, CSX, Union Pacific, BNSF, SD-45, C44-9W)
  • Ability to build custom tracks
  • Longer trains with more than 3 cars
  • Train reversal capability
  • Cargo drop-off mechanics
Show 14 more
  • More maps and track layouts
  • Daytime and nighttime modes
  • Railroad crossings with lights and bell sounds
  • On/off button instead of switch
  • Ground-level or on-board camera views
  • Passenger trains with station stops
  • Train yard/switch yard map
  • Ability to save train designs and scores
  • Environmental elements (trees, streams, caves, bridges)
  • Video creator feature
  • More interactive sound effects and bells/whistles
  • Ability to change train colors/paint like Ramone
  • Dual engines for very long trains
  • More complex track designs with tunnels and plus-shaped intersections

SuperTrains 1

Reported bugs

258 issues
  • Train uncouples when going backwards
  • Money disappeared, no train bought
  • Sentries not appearing
  • Train not picking up freight cars
  • Glitching flatbeds
Show 253 more
  • Cannot buy different trains
  • Train gets stuck
  • Cannot change view of track
  • Red train gets stuck
  • Tracks don't change properly
  • Crash
  • App unresponsive
  • Doesn't react when touched
  • Giant banner ad at bottom
  • Train derails on a bend
  • Fall into the void
  • Game goes off to menu
  • Cannot complete a circuit
  • Track glitches out
  • Train derails
  • Changing track connectors does nothing
  • Train flies off track randomly
  • Controls are unresponsive
  • Red trains don't move
  • Camera angles make game difficult
  • Hard to get to know where you are going
  • Game keeps jumping back to menu
  • Train goes under the earth
  • Slide for speed malfunctions
  • Speed slide does not always go where dragged
  • Menu button too easy to hit
  • Kicked out of game
  • No going back to where left off
  • Control buttons too large
  • Views of tracks need work
  • Kicked to next level too soon
  • Let players play for sake of playing
  • Too many bugs
  • No notifier for level progress
  • Too many glitches
  • Goes out of map
  • Randomly lose carriages
  • Teleporting
  • Going straight forward knocks off track
  • Crashes
  • Doesn't work
  • App refuses to work
  • Laggy
  • Train gets stuck
  • Won't move forwards or backwards
  • Can't change view of track
  • Tracks don't change properly
  • Crash again
  • Unresponsive
  • Doesn't react when touched
  • Banner ad at bottom
  • Train derails
  • Fall into the void
  • Sentries aren't appearing
  • Train not picking up freight cars
  • Glitching flatbeds
  • Cannot buy different trains
  • Money disappeared
  • No new train available
  • Train uncouples from cargo
  • Clips into the abyss
  • 2player mode not showing
  • Old sounds had charm
  • Star orb collection sound missing
  • Battle mode for kids
  • Simpler designs were better
  • Graphics are disgusting
  • Game looks disgusting
  • Graphics changed
  • Game is horrible because of graphics
  • Graphics are absolutely disgusting
  • Ruins the normal SuperTrains experience
  • Better the old way
  • Miss the old game
  • Old version was way better
  • Paid version has problems
  • Train gets stuck
  • Won't move forwards or backwards
  • Can't change view of track
  • Red train gets stuck
  • Tracks don't change properly
  • Crash again
  • Wouldn't recommend
  • Waste of money
  • Laggy
  • Pointless
  • May have to buy next levels
  • Annoying
  • Falls off the coast of the track
  • Practice makes perfect
  • Downloaded app multiple times, refuses to work
  • Free version won't work
  • Paid version might not work
  • Reviews indicate waste
  • Very buggy
  • Gets old
  • Only 4 levels
  • Colorful
  • Fun to play
  • App is unresponsive
  • Doesn't react when touched
  • Giant banner ad at bottom
  • Tricking kids into clicking ad
  • Train controls under ad
  • Too hard for kids
  • Wouldn't interest adults
  • Buggiest app
  • Entertaining sometimes
  • Update promises better links
  • Now full of intrusive adverts
  • Totally ruined it
  • Good graphics
  • Not so good cos a bit poor trains
  • No fun
  • Stupid no good app
  • App = 💩 down the 🚽
  • Good game
  • Fun
  • Super awesome
  • So awesome
  • Come up with Super Trains 2
  • Last update gave 20 levels, this one takes back to 4
  • Don't give more then take away
  • Very dumb game
  • Lots of bugs
  • Drive over intersections, go under the earth
  • Don't waste your time
  • Good game
  • Steaming pile of horse crud
  • App is fun but needs work
  • Move menu button
  • Too easy to hit accidentally
  • Get kicked out
  • No going back to where left off
  • Make control buttons smaller
  • Views of tracks need work
  • Get enough stars, get kicked to next level
  • Let them just play for sake of playing
  • Slide for speed malfunctions
  • Does not always go where dragged
  • Would not purchase full version unless fixed
  • Needs a few tweaks
  • So many great things you can do
  • If you don't have it, GET IT NOW!
  • Could not get through one level
  • Track would glitch out
  • Train would derail
  • DON'T GET THIS APP
  • -5 stars
  • Not bad but could be better
  • Good train simulator
  • Camera angles made game difficult
  • Hard to get to know where going
  • Especially in reverse
  • Camera focuses on locomotive
  • Could be fun for some
  • Disappointed in game overall
  • Rubbish man
  • Keeps going back to start
  • Don't get this game
  • Loads too slow
  • Please fix
  • Really good
  • What's up with the sound?
  • Train sounds like UFO
  • Deleted the game for now
  • So fun
  • This game rocks
  • Super trains is awesomely made
  • Congratulate on hard work
  • Very boring
  • Don't understand it at all
  • Don't waste your time
  • Difficult to play
  • Impossible to track position of other trains
  • Large map
  • Available camera views
  • Nice graphics, but don't do much good
  • Considering playability
  • Not the kind of challenge I was looking for
  • Very glitchy
  • Can go out of the map
  • Randomly lose carriages
  • Teleport
  • Signalman
  • Fantastic graphics
  • Promises to be good
  • Keeps jumping back to menu
  • Cannot complete a circuit
  • Very frustrating
  • Not prepared to pay for a game that won't work
  • Free level won't work
  • Pretty hard
  • Very fun
  • Annoyed!!
  • Game looked amazing
  • Every time press 1 2 3 or 4, game goes off to menu
  • If this was sorted out, would get 5 stars
  • Amazing
  • Best 3D train game EVER!!!!
  • Hooked for hours
  • Unique RR App Fun!
  • GR8 1.7 Update :)
  • New update continues v. good developer trait
  • Smooth on my 3G iDevice w/ iOS 5+
  • Can Recommend
  • Good to see people like game enough to write reviews with Feedback
  • This app really Rocks
  • Totally TOPS in the trains action puzzle game genre
  • Accessible RR game
  • Different
  • EZ to pick up
  • Excellent 3D fun
  • Great graphics and sounds
  • Please fix bugs
  • Idea of a fun game
  • Made almost unplayable
  • On track glitches
  • Train flies off track at random moments
  • Changing track connectors seems to almost do nothing
  • Many cases
  • Please, just update already or pull this from app store..!
  • Warning- this game is broken as it is!
  • Do not buy or download until developers fix issues!
  • Horrible but better then steam trains
  • Really really really good
  • I'm kidding
  • Playing this is like being hit by that horrid looking train
  • Bugs
  • Please fix the bugs in a update
  • Buggy
  • Very entertaining game
  • Too many bugs
  • No notifier for how much is left on a level
  • The pictures promised 8 levels in the free edition
  • Too many glitches
  • Game has potential
  • Just need the bugs fixed
  • Glitch a mania
  • Good game, but I'm going straight forward and it knocks me off the track
  • Ok, not very good
  • Crashes!!
  • Doesn't work
  • Waste of time
  • Bad!!!
  • Don't even bother
  • Waste of time
  • Deleted after 30 seconds
  • UGH!!!
  • This app stinks
  • Controls are unresponsive
  • Red trains you are supposed to avoid DON'T MOVE
  • Rather than being free, they ought to pay you for getting this app

Requested features

14 requests
  • Revert to original 2014 build
  • Make a Super Trains Classic app
  • Add more trains (Supertrains 2, STEAMTRAINS)
  • Unlock trains
  • Add Blue, Red, Yellow, Green, Black, Light Blue trains
Show 9 more
  • Add back old sounds
  • Bring back old sounds
  • Bring back the old version
  • Update to the old version
  • Make the old version of the game
  • Come up with Super Trains 2
  • Add more levels
  • Add more trains
  • Add more features

In-app purchases

None

Build A Train

No in-app purchases

10 purchases

SuperTrains 1

One-time10
  • 200 gems$1.99
  • Unlock all levels$2.99
  • Electro$4.99
Show 7 more
  • Thumper$4.99
  • Trident$4.99
  • 600 gems$5.99
  • 2000 gems$14.99
  • 3500 gems$24.99
  • 9000 gems$54.99
  • 15000 gems$79.99

Questions

Is Build A Train free?
Build A Train costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is SuperTrains 1 free?
SuperTrains 1 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Build A Train or SuperTrains 1?
Build A Train is rated higher. Build A Train averages 4.7 out of 5 from 69 ratings, while SuperTrains 1 averages 3.3 from 52 ratings.
Do Build A Train or SuperTrains 1 have ads?
Neither Build A Train nor SuperTrains 1 shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Build A Train or SuperTrains 1?
Build A Train ships an update every 3 months, and SuperTrains 1 every 2 months. Most recently, Build A Train was updated on September 21, 2026 and SuperTrains 1 on September 18, 2026.

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