# Design A Train vs Train Simulator PRO 2018

The clearest difference is rating: Design A Train at 4.4 against Train Simulator PRO 2018's 3.4. Design A Train also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 5) and ads (none vs shown). Train Simulator PRO 2018's advantage is ratings volume (506 vs 25). On update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.

Design A Train costs $1.99 and Train Simulator PRO 2018 $5.99 up front. Train Simulator PRO 2018 sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. Design A Train asks for nothing beyond the download.

Design A Train holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Train Simulator PRO 2018 has 506 ratings behind it against 25, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 71% of Design A Train's written reviews are positive against 42% of Train Simulator PRO 2018's.

Design A Train ships an update every 2 months, Train Simulator PRO 2018 every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Design A Train | Train Simulator PRO 2018 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$1.99** | $5.99 |
| Rating | **[4.4 (25 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/design-a-train/id461796192/reviews)** | [3.4 (506 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-simulator-pro-2018/id1254419905/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 25 | **506** |
| Positive reviews | **71.4% of reviews** | 41.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 6 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 35 MB | 828 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Playtend Apps LLP](https://appshunter.io/developer/320166203) | [MAGEEKS SC](https://appshunter.io/developer/611120073) |

## What reviewers say

### Design A Train

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/design-a-train/id461796192)

Design and color your own trains with a variety of tools and stickers. Once complete, you can save, share, print, or integrate your creations into other train-themed games.

**Highlights:** Customize train cars and engines, Easy one-touch coloring, Add and reposition stickers, Assemble and rearrange full trains, Export to other train games, Save, share, and print creations

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Train Simulator PRO 2018

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-simulator-pro-2018/id1254419905)

Experience the thrill of being a train engineer by driving realistic locomotives across a vast US landscape. Manage freight or passenger trains, navigate complex routes, and build a successful railway company. Enjoy stunning graphics and interactive cab controls for an immersive simulation.

**Highlights:** Drive passenger or freight trains, Explore 1000 sq miles of terrain, 15 cities to visit, 6 unique locomotives, Interactive engineer's cabin, Realistic damage system, Dynamic weather and day/night cycle

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

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Handful of Gems | $0.99 | one-time |
| Pile of Gems | $2.99 | one-time |
| Sack of Gems | $4.99 | one-time |
| Bucket of Gems | $9.99 | one-time |
| Chest of Gems | $19.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Best train game ever
- 🚀 Awesome game
- 🚀 Excellent
- 🚀 High quality
- 🚀 Great graphics and gameplay

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes
- 🐛 Glitches
- 🐛 Money issues
- 🐛 Lack of features
- 💰 Expensive in-app purchases

**Reported bugs**

- Long trains not recognized at grade crossings
- Engine damage and repair costs too high
- Inconsistent speed limit enforcement
- Missions not starting/completing properly
- Inability to unload cargo without crashing

**Requested features**

- Expand map to include West Coast
- Add more train models and types (e.g. steam engines)
- Implement multiplayer functionality
- Add more camera views and free roam mode
- Allow customization of trains (colors, logos, etc.)


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Design A Train free?

Design A Train costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Train Simulator PRO 2018 free?

Train Simulator PRO 2018 costs $5.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Design A Train or Train Simulator PRO 2018?

Design A Train is rated higher. Design A Train averages 4.4 out of 5 from 25 ratings, while Train Simulator PRO 2018 averages 3.4 from 506 ratings.

### Do Design A Train or Train Simulator PRO 2018 have ads?

Train Simulator PRO 2018 shows ads; Design A Train does not.

### Which is updated more often, Design A Train or Train Simulator PRO 2018?

Design A Train ships an update every 2 months, and Train Simulator PRO 2018 every 6 weeks. Most recently, Design A Train was updated on October 6, 2026 and Train Simulator PRO 2018 on October 15, 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.*