# Build A Train vs googolChooChoo3D

The clearest difference is price: googolChooChoo3D at Free against Build A Train's $2.99. Build A Train's advantage is rating (4.7 vs 3.6) and in-app purchases (none vs 1). On ratings volume, update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.

googolChooChoo3D is free to download; Build A Train costs $2.99 up front. googolChooChoo3D sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Build A Train asks for nothing beyond the download.

Build A Train holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 69 and 69 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 82% of Build A Train's written reviews are positive against 47% of googolChooChoo3D's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and September 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Build A Train | googolChooChoo3D |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $2.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.7 (69 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/build-a-train/id398937831/reviews)** | [3.6 (69 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/googolchoochoo3d/id642845435/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 69 | 69 |
| Positive reviews | **82.2% of reviews** | 47.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | **#130** | — |
| Size | 52 MB | 35 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) | [Kouichi Hayashi](https://appshunter.io/developer/1809037541) |

## What reviewers say

### Build A Train

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

**Currently charting:** #130 Top Paid · Family (US App Store)

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


### googolChooChoo3D

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/googolchoochoo3d/id642845435)

Create and explore 3D model railroad layouts with ease. Design your own tracks and scenery by dragging and dropping elements. Experience your creations from various viewpoints, including the driver's seat of a moving train.

**Highlights:** 3D model railroad simulation, Drag-and-drop layout creation, Customizable track and item placement, Multiple camera views, Driver's seat perspective, Scenery design

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads | $1.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Build A Train free?

Build A Train costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is googolChooChoo3D free?

googolChooChoo3D is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Build A Train or googolChooChoo3D?

Build A Train is rated higher. Build A Train averages 4.7 out of 5 from 69 ratings, while googolChooChoo3D averages 3.6 from 69 ratings.

### Do Build A Train or googolChooChoo3D have ads?

googolChooChoo3D shows ads; Build A Train does not.

### Which is updated more often, Build A Train or googolChooChoo3D?

Build A Train ships an update every 3 months, and googolChooChoo3D every 3 months. Most recently, Build A Train was updated on September 26, 2026 and googolChooChoo3D on September 8, 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.*