# Build A Train Lite vs Mini Train for Kids

The clearest difference is rating: Mini Train for Kids at 5.0 against Build A Train Lite's 4.3. Build A Train Lite's advantage is ratings volume (526 vs 5) and review sentiment (88% vs 67%). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Build A Train Lite sells 10 one-off in-app purchases and Mini Train for Kids sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Mini Train for Kids holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Build A Train Lite has 526 ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 88% of Build A Train Lite's written reviews are positive against 67% of Mini Train for Kids's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Build A Train Lite ships an update every 2 months, Mini Train for Kids every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and November 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Build A Train Lite | Mini Train for Kids |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (526 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/build-a-train-lite/id423884330/reviews) | **[5.0 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mini-train-for-kids/id535378448/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **526** | 5 |
| Positive reviews | **87.9% of reviews** | 66.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 54 MB | 40 MB |
| Requires iOS | **4.3** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Playtend Apps LLP](https://appshunter.io/developer/320166203) | [Alexandre Minard](https://appshunter.io/developer/285597460) |

## What reviewers say

### Build A Train Lite

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/build-a-train-lite/id423884330)

Design and drive your own virtual trains in a city or on a full map. Customize engines and cars, control speed and switches, and pick up cargo. Features include night mode and the ability to import custom designs.

**Highlights:** Select and customize engine and car styles, Drag-to-reorder car functionality, Drive train in city environment, Control switches and speed on a full map, Pick up cargo and collect points, Night mode driving, Import custom train designs

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Level 3: Dark Night | $0.99 | one-time |
| Level 4: Warehouse District | $0.99 | one-time |
| Level 5: Frosty Rails | $0.99 | one-time |
| Level 6: Mountain Pass | $0.99 | one-time |
| Level 7: Airport | $0.99 | one-time |
| Level 8: Cargo Island | $0.99 | one-time |
| Level 9: Metropolis | $0.99 | one-time |
| Level 10: The Harbor | $0.99 | one-time |
| Level 11: Red Canyon | $0.99 | one-time |
| Level 13: Stadium | $0.99 | one-time |


### Mini Train for Kids

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mini-train-for-kids/id535378448)

Embark on a train adventure to collect golden stars across various levels. Switch tracks, build your own paths, and adjust speed settings for a fun learning experience. Discover new environments and unlock additional levels through in-app purchases.

**Highlights:** Collect golden stars, Switch tracks, Build custom tracks, Adjust train speed, Learn track switching logic, Unlockable levels and environments

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock all train levels | $0.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Build A Train Lite free?

Build A Train Lite is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Mini Train for Kids free?

Mini Train for Kids is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Build A Train Lite or Mini Train for Kids?

Mini Train for Kids is rated higher. Build A Train Lite averages 4.3 out of 5 from 526 ratings, while Mini Train for Kids averages 5.0 from 5 ratings.

### Do Build A Train Lite or Mini Train for Kids have ads?

Neither Build A Train Lite nor Mini Train for Kids shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Build A Train Lite or Mini Train for Kids?

Build A Train Lite ships an update every 2 months, and Mini Train for Kids every 5 months. Most recently, Build A Train Lite was updated on October 29, 2026 and Mini Train for Kids on November 1, 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.*