# SteamTrains vs Bob the train

The clearest difference is rating: SteamTrains at 3.5 against Bob the train's 2.5. SteamTrains also leads on ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (84 vs 2). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

SteamTrains holds the better App Store score, 3.5 against 2.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SteamTrains has 84 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SteamTrains | Bob the train |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.5 (84 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/steamtrains/id486523969/reviews)** | [2.5 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bob-the-train/id1658501134/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **84** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 36.7% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Ad-supported |
| Size | 287 MB | 45 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Kathrin Brock](https://appshunter.io/developer/453722600) | [CASTIFY LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1661461092) |

## 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

**What reviewers like**

- 😂 Hilarious when trains fall
- 👍 Great for young kids
- 🤩 Simple and sexy
- 👍 Easy to control
- 👍 Good for all ages

**What reviewers complain about**

- 😠 Horrible, not LMS 3F Jinty
- 😠 Bring back blue tank engine
- 🤔 Train with a face is weird
- 🗑️ Trash
- 📉 Game lags a lot

**Reported bugs**

- Game lags a lot
- Graphics glitch like mad
- Train catches on imperfections
- Carriages travel independently
- No collision detection

**Requested features**

- Bring back LMS 3F Jinty
- Bring back little blue tank engine
- Put back a whistle
- More trains, especially tender train
- Put a face on engines


### Bob the train

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bob-the-train/id1658501134)

This app features a friendly talking train that entertains and educates young children. It teaches basic concepts like alphabets, colors, shapes, and numbers through songs and rhymes. The train also introduces animal sounds and healthy eating habits.

**Highlights:** Interactive talking train character, Educational content (alphabets, colors, shapes, numbers), Children's songs and nursery rhymes, Introduction to animal sounds, Promotes healthy eating habits, Designed for toddlers

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SteamTrains free?

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

### Is Bob the train free?

Bob the train is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, SteamTrains or Bob the train?

SteamTrains is rated higher. SteamTrains averages 3.5 out of 5 from 84 ratings, while Bob the train averages 2.5 from 2 ratings.

### Do SteamTrains or Bob the train have ads?

Bob the train shows ads; SteamTrains does not.

### Which is updated more often, SteamTrains or Bob the train?

SteamTrains ships an update every 3 months, and Bob the train every 3 months. Most recently, SteamTrains was updated on October 20, 2026 and Bob the train on October 24, 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.*