# SteamTrains vs Train Sounds Effects

The clearest difference is rating: Train Sounds Effects at 4.1 against SteamTrains's 3.5. Train Sounds Effects also leads on review sentiment (73% vs 37%). SteamTrains's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ratings volume (76 vs 10). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Train Sounds Effects sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. SteamTrains asks for nothing beyond the download.

Train Sounds Effects holds the better App Store score, 4.1 against 3.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SteamTrains has 76 ratings behind it against 10, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 37% of SteamTrains's written reviews are positive against 73% of Train Sounds Effects's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 14, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SteamTrains | Train Sounds Effects |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.5 (76 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/steamtrains/id486523969/reviews) | **[4.1 (10 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-sounds-effects/id1332282961/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **76** | 10 |
| Positive reviews | 36.7% of reviews | **73.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 287 MB | 51 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 12.3 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Kathrin Brock](https://appshunter.io/developer/453722600) | [Janko Enke](https://appshunter.io/developer/1315299612) |

## What reviewers say

### SteamTrains

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/steamtrains/id486523969)

Watch 3D trains race on scenic landscapes and interact with them. Features simple driving games for younger children and collection challenges for older ones, offering a realistic train play experience.

**Highlights:** 3D train simulation, Multiple camera angles, Simple train driving game, Wagon collection game, Interactive railroad junctions

**In-app purchases:** none


### Train Sounds Effects

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-sounds-effects/id1332282961)

Enhance your model railway experience with a variety of realistic train sound effects. Control playback with switches for continuous loops or buttons for single plays, and adjust individual volumes. Import your own sounds to further personalize your setup.

**Highlights:** Expand model railway with sound effects, Use iPad or external speakers, Control playback with switches (loop) or buttons (once), Individually adjust volume for each element, Import custom sound effects

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Extra Package | $0.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SteamTrains free?

SteamTrains is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Train Sounds Effects free?

Train Sounds Effects is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, SteamTrains or Train Sounds Effects?

Train Sounds Effects is rated higher. SteamTrains averages 3.5 out of 5 from 76 ratings, while Train Sounds Effects averages 4.1 from 10 ratings.

### Do SteamTrains or Train Sounds Effects have ads?

Neither SteamTrains nor Train Sounds Effects shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SteamTrains or Train Sounds Effects?

SteamTrains ships an update every 3 months, and Train Sounds Effects every 3 months. Most recently, SteamTrains was updated on September 14, 2026 and Train Sounds Effects on September 19, 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.*