# Z21 mobile vs Heatfan Controller

The clearest difference is iOS requirement: Z21 mobile at 6.1.6 against Heatfan Controller's 15.1. On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

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

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Z21 mobile | Heatfan Controller |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.4 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/z21-mobile/id533805539/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **5** | — |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 27 MB | 66 MB |
| Requires iOS | **6.1.6** | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Modelleisenbahn GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/533805542) | [HeatFan](https://appshunter.io/developer/1833164225) |

## What reviewers say

### Z21 mobile

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/z21-mobile/id533805539)

Control your model train layout and locomotives from your iOS device. Manage your locomotive library, program digital components, and operate trains with touch controls. A demo mode is available.

**Highlights:** Connect to Z21 Digital Center, Manage locomotive libraries, Control locomotives (DCC/Motorola), Program digital components, Intuitive graphic interface, Locomotive function control

**In-app purchases:** none


### Heatfan Controller

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/heatfan-controller/id6751023796)

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Z21 mobile free?

Z21 mobile is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Heatfan Controller free?

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

### Do Z21 mobile or Heatfan Controller have ads?

Neither Z21 mobile nor Heatfan Controller shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Z21 mobile or Heatfan Controller?

Z21 mobile ships an update every 2 months, and Heatfan Controller every 2 months. Most recently, Z21 mobile was updated on October 23, 2026 and Heatfan Controller on October 24, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*