Comparison

Train Sim Pro vs Build A Train 2

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Train Sim Pro

Experience realistic train simulation with over 70 train types and 15 environments. Build custom scenes, enjoy cab views, and realistic sounds. Perfect for train enthusiasts of all ages.

Highlights
  • Realistic 3D graphics
  • 70+ 3D train types
  • 15 realistic 3D environments
  • Custom environment building
  • Cab views for all trains
  • Realistic train sounds
  • Train derailments
Features
Read full description

The #1 Train Simulator with over 34M downloads! FEATURES - Awesomely realistic 3D graphics - 80+ realistic 3D Train Types - 50 Train Car Types - 15 realistic 3D environments - 1 Kids Scene with Toy Trains - 1 Underground Subway Scene - Build Custom Environments for Trains - Cab views for all trains - Realistic Train Sounds - Train derailments - Kid friendly - Easy controls - Regular content updates - No Ads Perfect fun for both adults and kids who love trains, pick up passengers from stations, or carry some freight. Control your favorite historical or modern trains perfectly recreated in 3D. Sit inside the trains, passenger cars, or simply view the train from the ground as it comes towards you.

About

Build A Train 2

Design custom trains and build your own maps to drive them on. This sequel allows kids to create unique engines and cars, then explore their creations. Future content updates are included free.

Highlights
  • Customize train engines and cars
  • 64 color options for trains
  • Map builder with terrain and track layout
  • Configure trains with up to 8 cars
  • Drive trains on custom maps
  • Unlockable content through gameplay
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

Build A Train 2 is the sequel to the top train app Build A Train! MILLIONS of little train-lovers have enjoyed the original Build A Train, and many have asked us to be able to create their own maps. Well now you can! Build A Train 2 lets kids design their own custom train engines and cars, build their own maps, and then drive their trains on their maps. It is the the perfect one-stop train adventure for your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch. It's also a universal app – buy once, play on any of your devices. Even better, all future content updates are included FREE in the full version of Build A Train 2. 

 PLEASE NOTE: Designed for kids aged 1-6.
 
Build A Train 2 includes the following features:
 • Customize your train engines and cars Choose from dozens of train templates to mix and match train bodies, windows, wheels, and more! • 64 fun colors available Color the perfect train. Literally thousands of possible trains will be at your child’s fingertips! • Map builder Design truly custom maps by selecting a terrain, a track layout, choosing the stations and even adding extras for flourish! • Configure your train Add up to 8 train engines and cars to your train configuration. Swipe through your train galleries, tap your favorites and drag them into place. Simply double tap to delete or drag a new one on top to replace. • Drive your train on a map Control the switches on the track to determine where your train goes. Control the speed of your train. Pick-up cargo and collect points. NEW! Drag your control panel to the left, right or bottom of the screen! 
• Unlockable content Start with a few map elements and unlock items through gameplay, by driving on the maps and picking up cargo. Watch your child’s face light up as he or she earns new items! Available in English, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish! If you enjoy Build A Train 2, please let us know by giving us a rating or review on the App Store! We also appreciate direct feedback and bug reports, which we will address within 1-2 business days. Email us at support@playtend.com Enjoy!

Screenshots

Train Sim Pro4 screens
Build A Train 24 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Train Sim Pro at 4.5 against Build A Train 2's 3.8. Train Sim Pro also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 46 months) and ratings volume (161 vs 24). Build A Train 2's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and chart position (#200 vs unranked). On review sentiment, ads and device support 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Train Sim Pro costs $1.99 and Build A Train 2 $2.99 up front. Train Sim Pro sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Build A Train 2 asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Train Sim Pro holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Train Sim Pro has 161 ratings behind it against 24, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 63% of Train Sim Pro's written reviews are positive against 67% of Build A Train 2's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Train Sim Pro ships an update every 2 months, Build A Train 2 every 46 months. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard8 real differences · 3 level
Train Sim Pro versus Build A Train 2: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTrain Sim ProBuild A Train 2
Price$1.99 — better$2.99
Rating4.5 (161 ratings) — better3.8 (24 ratings)
Positive reviews62.6% of reviews66.7% of reviews — better
Number of ratings161 — better24
Update frequencyEvery 2 months — betterEvery 46 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases — betterPaid
Best chart rank—#200 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS12.08.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size809 MB100 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developer1788918 Alberta LtdPlaytend Apps LLP

Customer experience

Train Sim Pro

All ratings161 ratings
Positive87.0%
Neutral6.2%
Negative6.8%
Written reviews219 reviews
Positive62.6%
Neutral8.7%
Negative28.8%

Build A Train 2

All ratings24 ratings
Positive75.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative25.0%
Written reviews6 reviews
Positive66.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative33.3%

Bugs and requests

Train Sim Pro

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Frequent crashes when loading maps or starting sessions
  • Trains behaving unrealistically (e.g. cars going off track, wheels not turning)
  • Graphical issues like 2D train models and missing details
  • Inconsistent or missing sound effects

Requested features

6 requests
  • Add more modern and diverse train models
  • Improve train physics and animations
  • Expand track layouts and environments
  • Introduce missions, goals, and multiplayer
  • Allow more customization options
Show 1 more
  • Add sound effects and controls for horns, bells, etc.

Build A Train 2

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Train Sim Pro

One-time3
  • Freight Train Driver$0.99
  • Commuter Train Driver$0.99
  • Steam Train Driver$0.99
None

Build A Train 2

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Train Sim Pro free?
Train Sim Pro costs $1.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is Build A Train 2 free?
Build A Train 2 costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Train Sim Pro or Build A Train 2?
Train Sim Pro is rated higher. Train Sim Pro averages 4.5 out of 5 from 161 ratings, while Build A Train 2 averages 3.8 from 24 ratings.
Do Train Sim Pro or Build A Train 2 have ads?
Neither Train Sim Pro nor Build A Train 2 shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Train Sim Pro or Build A Train 2?
Train Sim Pro ships an update every 2 months, and Build A Train 2 every 46 months. Most recently, Train Sim Pro was updated on September 29, 2026 and Build A Train 2 on September 23, 2026.

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