Traxxas Link vs Smart Device Controller
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Traxxas Link
This app wirelessly connects to compatible radio systems to provide real-time telemetry data, allowing for precise control and tuning of radio-controlled models. It offers on-the-fly adjustments, profile saving, and data logging for enhanced performance and sharing.
- Wireless TQi radio system connection
- Real-time telemetry data collection
- On-the-fly tuning and adjustments
- Save and share custom profiles
- Telemetry dashboard with gauges
- GPS speed module integration
Read full descriptionHide full description
Traxxas Link connects wirelessly to the next generation TQi radio systems via Bluetooth®. Traxxas Link delivers exciting features to exploit the full capabilities of the TQi radio system, TQi Telemetry Expander, Traxxas Stability Management, GPS Speed Module, and DTS-1 Drag Timing System. Traxxas Link collects and records real-time telemetry data as you drive, and includes sharing via Facebook and Twitter. Traxxas Link features screen support for current iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad and is optimized for use with the Traxxas Link Wireless Module. Only Traxxas gives you the power to unlock the full potential of the TQi Radio System with Traxxas Link, the custom application that integrates your iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad with the TQi transmitter. This powerful app gives you complete control of operation and tuning of your Traxxas radio-controlled model with an intuitive, high-definition graphical user interface. Traxxas builds the world’s fastest Ready-To-Race radio-controlled models, capable of speeds that exceed 100mph. That level of performance demands precision control. Traxxas Link gives you tools for exacting adjustment and superior control while always keeping you informed of your model’s status and speed. Traxxas Link makes it easy to learn, understand, and access the powerful tuning options built into every Traxxas TQi radio system. Control your Drive Effect settings such as steering and throttle sensitivity, steering percentage, braking strength, and throttle trim by simply touching and dragging the sliders on the screen or enabling the Multi-Function knob on the transmitter. You can also adjust Traxxas Stability Management in Drive Effects to suit your skill and driving style. With Traxxas Link, everything takes place live, on-the-fly, giving you instant feedback on the changes you are making. Once you’ve created the perfect control settings for your model, save them as a profile that you can restore later, use on another model, or share with friends. If the track conditions change, simply re-tune your Drive Effects and save them as new profile. Once you equip your model with Traxxas Link telemetry sensors (some models may have factory installed sensors), the Traxxas Link dashboard comes to life with stunning graphics to report speed, battery voltage, RPM, and temperature. The app automatically detects sensors for easy set up and configuration. Up to nine gauges can be displayed. Set threshold warnings and log maximums, minimums, or averages. Use the recording function to document your dashboard view with sound, so that you can keep your eyes on your driving. The recordings can be named, saved, and shared with others. Traxxas Link offers enhanced access to telemetry data with the innovative TQi Telemetry Expander. Once the Expander is installed and activated, Traxxas Link will automatically detect any connected smart sensors, including the optional GPS speed module for highly-accurate mph or km/h reporting. These smart sensors provide extended telemetry data to the Traxxas Link app, which is displayed on your existing dashboard layout. With the TQi Telemetry Expander, you have unprecedented, real-time, access to vital information as you drive. Combined with the DTS-1 Drag Timing System, Traxxas Link provides a new level of racing excitement. Traxxas Link and DTS-1 allow you to capture all the nuances of Pro drag racing competition. Traxxas Link will fill in your timeslip with reaction time and elapsed time (ET) down to the millisecond and trap speed in actual miles per hour. Keep a run history on each of your models. Share time slips and set up race events with your friends. Dial in your ETs and any two cars can compete fairly, regardless of their top speeds! Race like the pros as you use staging strategy to pressure your opponent. Set up elimination rounds in Traxxas Link and share your results wirelessly. Only Traxxas makes drag racing so easy, accurate, fast, and fun
Smart Device Controller
Transform your smartphone into a wireless remote for model trains. It offers compatibility with Soundbox, allowing for operation or use as a wireless power pack without the Soundbox. Control your model train setups with ease.
- Wireless model train operation
- Soundbox compatibility
- Use as wireless power pack
- Smartphone remote control
Read full descriptionHide full description
Operate model trains by wireless control! Compatible with Soundbox! Your smartphone turns into a remote controller for a model train. You can use it as a remote controller for Soundbox. You do not have to use Soundbox and use this product as a wireless power pack. Let's download "Smart Device Controller application" to your smartphone or tablet on hand.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Traxxas Link at 3.7 against Smart Device Controller's 3.3. Traxxas Link also leads on ratings volume (294 vs 6) and review sentiment (40% vs 27%). Smart Device Controller's advantage is iOS requirement (10.3 vs 13.0). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Traxxas Link holds the better App Store score, 3.7 against 3.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Traxxas Link has 294 ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 40% of Traxxas Link's written reviews are positive against 27% of Smart Device Controller's.
Traxxas Link ships an update every 2 months, Smart Device Controller every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 20, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Traxxas Link | Smart Device Controller |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.7 (294 ratings) — better | 3.3 (6 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 39.6% of reviews — better | 27.3% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 294 — better | 6 |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months — better | Every 3 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | 10.3 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 136 MB | 26 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Traxxas | SEKISUI KINZOKU CO., LTD |
Customer experience
Traxxas Link
Smart Device Controller
Bugs and requests
Traxxas Link
Reported bugs
7 issues- Firmware update issues
- Connectivity problems
- Compatibility issues with newer devices
- Unreliable speed and temperature readings
- Zoomed-in drive effects screen
Show 2 moreShow fewer
- Inability to delete old models
- Inverted throttle and steering controls
Requested features
5 requests- Add more vehicle models
- Improve UI and dashboard customization
- Add metric units (km/h, Celsius)
- Expand customization options (e.g., channel settings, lighting controls)
- Improve firmware update reliability
Smart Device Controller
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Traxxas Link
No in-app purchases
Smart Device Controller
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Traxxas Link free?
Is Smart Device Controller free?
Which has better reviews, Traxxas Link or Smart Device Controller?
Do Traxxas Link or Smart Device Controller have ads?
Which is updated more often, Traxxas Link or Smart Device Controller?
Other comparisons















