# Subway Train Simulator vs Retro Tower

The clearest difference is ads: Retro Tower at none against Subway Train Simulator's shown. Retro Tower also leads on update cadence (daily vs every 5 weeks). Subway Train Simulator's advantage is iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.0). On price, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Subway Train Simulator sells 3 one-off in-app purchases and Retro Tower sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Subway Train Simulator ships an update every 5 weeks, Retro Tower daily. The most recent releases landed on November 7, 2026 and November 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Subway Train Simulator | Retro Tower |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.3 (245 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/subway-train-simulator/id6444273977/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **245** | — |
| Positive reviews | 84.4% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Daily** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 363 MB | 32 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 12+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Anatoly Kochergin](https://appshunter.io/developer/1562656079) | [Thomas Rhode](https://appshunter.io/developer/1798251236) |

## What reviewers say

### Subway Train Simulator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/subway-train-simulator/id6444273977)

Experience realistic subway train driving. Operate trains, transport passengers to their destinations, and explore different cities. Choose from various game modes, including missions and free play, to hone your driving skills.

**Highlights:** Realistic subway train operation, Passenger transport, Multiple cities (NY, London, Tokyo, Moscow), Free mode and missions, Train horn and door controls, Realistic physics

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 10 Diamonds | $0.99 | one-time |
| 120 Diamonds | $7.99 | one-time |
| 1400 Diamonds | $79.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Realistic train models
- 👍 Enjoyable gameplay
- 🚇 Variety of subway systems
- 💡 Passenger mode feature

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs and glitches
- 💰 Expensive in-app purchases
- 🔇 Unrealistic sound effects
- 🕹️ Limited controls and customization

**Reported bugs**

- Restore purchases feature not working
- Trains not stopping at certain stations
- Camera issues when leaving stations
- Inconsistent train announcements and call signs

**Requested features**

- Add more subway systems (e.g. San Francisco, Toronto, etc.)
- Implement train signals and speed limits
- Allow players to enter train depots and yards
- Improve realism with station announcements and passenger animations
- Introduce train scheduling and timetables


### Retro Tower

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retro-tower-building-tycoon/id6816649022)

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Retro Tower Full Game | $3.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Subway Train Simulator free?

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

### Is Retro Tower free?

Retro Tower is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do Subway Train Simulator or Retro Tower have ads?

Subway Train Simulator shows ads; Retro Tower does not.

### Which is updated more often, Subway Train Simulator or Retro Tower?

Subway Train Simulator ships an update every 5 weeks, and Retro Tower daily. Most recently, Subway Train Simulator was updated on November 7, 2026 and Retro Tower on November 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.*