# Build A Train vs SuperTrains 1

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.

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.

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.

Build A Train ships an update every 3 months, SuperTrains 1 every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Build A Train | SuperTrains 1 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $2.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.7 (69 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/build-a-train/id398937831/reviews)** | [3.3 (52 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/supertrains-1/id498958534/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **69** | 52 |
| Positive reviews | **82.2% of reviews** | 38.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 52 MB | 309 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 12.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Playtend Apps LLP](https://appshunter.io/developer/320166203) | [Kathrin Brock](https://appshunter.io/developer/453722600) |

## What reviewers say

### Build A Train

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/build-a-train/id398937831)

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:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👨‍👧‍👦 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

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 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

**Reported bugs**

- 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

**Requested features**

- 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


### SuperTrains 1

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/supertrains-1/id498958534)

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

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 200 gems | $1.99 | one-time |
| Unlock all levels | $2.99 | one-time |
| Electro | $4.99 | one-time |
| Thumper | $4.99 | one-time |
| Trident | $4.99 | one-time |
| 600 gems | $5.99 | one-time |
| 2000 gems | $14.99 | one-time |
| 3500 gems | $24.99 | one-time |
| 9000 gems | $54.99 | one-time |
| 15000 gems | $79.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

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

**What reviewers complain about**

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

**Reported bugs**

- Train uncouples when going backwards
- Money disappeared, no train bought
- Sentries not appearing
- Train not picking up freight cars
- Glitching flatbeds

**Requested features**

- 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


## Frequently asked 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 26, 2026 and SuperTrains 1 on September 18, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*