# Train Sim vs Skyward Towers

The clearest difference is update cadence: Train Sim at monthly against Skyward Towers's every 24 months. Train Sim also leads on ratings volume (6.2K vs 7). Skyward Towers's advantage is rating (4.9 vs 4.5). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Train Sim sells 4 one-off in-app purchases and Skyward Towers sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Skyward Towers holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Train Sim has 6.2K ratings behind it against 7, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Train Sim ships an update monthly, Skyward Towers every 24 months. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and June 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Train Sim | Skyward Towers |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (6.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-sim/id638826683/reviews) | **[4.9 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/skyward-towers/id1580321353/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **6.2K** | 7 |
| Positive reviews | 82.7% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 24 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 813 MB | 73 MB |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 | **11.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [1788918 Alberta Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/597315953) | [Lee Clayberg](https://appshunter.io/developer/1580321355) |

## What reviewers say

### Train Sim

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-sim/id638826683)

Experience realistic train simulation with over 70 historical and modern trains in stunning 3D. Drive, pick up passengers, carry freight, and explore diverse environments. Build custom terrains and enjoy features like 3D cab interiors and train derailments.

**Highlights:** Realistic 3D graphics, 60+ 3D train types, 40+ train car types, 15 realistic 3D environments, Build custom environments, 3D cab interiors, Train derailments

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Safety Outfit Freight Driver | $0.99 | one-time |
| Commuter Train Driver | $0.99 | one-time |
| Steam Train Driver | $0.99 | one-time |
| Disable Ads | $3.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚂 Vast selection of trains
- 👍 Realistic train models and details
- 🎢 Fun gameplay and customization
- 🎨 Detailed environments and scenery
- 🆓 Free access to all trains and maps

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and bugs
- 🔊 Unrealistic horn and bell sounds
- 🚥 Limited track switching and shunting options
- 🌆 Lack of detailed environments and stations
- 🕹️ Challenging custom track creation

**Reported bugs**

- Trains not responding to track switching
- Inconsistent train speeds and derailment issues
- Glitches in the custom track creation tool
- Crashes and app closures during gameplay
- Incorrect train models and liveries

**Requested features**

- Add more high-speed and modern trains
- Implement a wider variety of routes and locations
- Allow for more customization of trains and environments
- Improve physics and realism of train operations
- Introduce a passenger mode and station activities


### Skyward Towers

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/skyward-towers/id1580321353)

A fast-paced endless stacking game where players must precisely drop building segments to construct the tallest tower possible. Navigate increasing crane speeds and utilize in-game tools to stabilize your builds and earn points for upgrades.

**Highlights:** Endless stacking gameplay, Normal and Hardcore game modes, Earn and spend in-game points, Purchaseable and earnable tools, Crane speed increases over time

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 300 Points | $1.99 | one-time |
| 1000 Points | $4.99 | one-time |
| 2500 Points | $9.99 | one-time |
| 6000 Points | $19.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Train Sim free?

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

### Is Skyward Towers free?

Skyward Towers is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Train Sim or Skyward Towers?

Skyward Towers is rated higher. Train Sim averages 4.5 out of 5 from 6.2K ratings, while Skyward Towers averages 4.9 from 7 ratings.

### Do Train Sim or Skyward Towers have ads?

Both Train Sim and Skyward Towers show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Train Sim or Skyward Towers?

Train Sim ships an update monthly, and Skyward Towers every 24 months. Most recently, Train Sim was updated on September 25, 2026 and Skyward Towers on June 6, 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.*