Comparison

The Return Journey vs Forens

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

Head to head
About

The Return Journey

Features
Read full description

Unleash your travel aspirations with Return Journey. Seamlessly create unique journeys from scratch, tailoring every detail to your desires - Craft personalised itineraries based on your unique personality trait that fit your interests and budget, with our easy-to-use interface and comprehensive features. - Discover hidden gems off the beaten path that you never would have found on your own, thanks to our team of travel experts who are constantly scouting out new and exciting places to visit. - Book accommodations, activities, and transportation all in one place, without having to worry about hidden fees or surprise charges. We work with a network of trusted partners to offer you the best possible rates on everything you need for your trip. - Get real-time suggestions for places to visit, cafes to eat at, and adventures to take up based on the route you take. Our suggestions are dynamic and will change based on your location and interests, so you can always find something new and exciting to do. - Share your itinerary with friends and family so they can follow along on your journey. Or, let them plan their own trip using your itinerary as a starting point. Return Journey is the perfect travel app for anyone who wants to plan and book their dream trip without the hassle. It's easy to use, affordable, and packed with features that will make your next vacation unforgettable. Here are some additional crucial points that were missed in the previous version: - Return Journey is available on all devices, so you can plan your trip on the go. - It's free to download and use, with no hidden fees or surprise charges. - We offer 24/7 customer support, so you can always get help when you need it. Download Return Journey today and start planning your next adventure!

About

Forens

Features
Read full description

Stay informed with real-time NS train updates for your daily commute. See delays, platform changes, and crowding at a glance — on iPhone and Apple Watch. Forens keeps your daily commute on track with real-time train updates from NS (Dutch Railways). Designed for everyday travelers in the Netherlands, Forens helps you stay informed, travel prepared, and make every commute a little smoother. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Get real-time updates on delays, cancellations, platform changes, and crowding — all in a single clear overview. MADE FOR YOUR ROUTINE Create routes for your regular commutes and see if your next journey is on schedule well before it starts. SEE WHAT’S HAPPENING View disruptions and planned maintenance at your nearby and favorite stations. Whether you are heading to work or school, or on your way home, Forens helps you spot disruptions early so you can adjust your journey in advance. ALWAYS WITHIN REACH Check updates on your Apple Watch or glance at widgets for quick travel insights. FREE TO TRY Start your 14-day free trial and experience everything Forens offers, from unlimited routes to seamless syncing across devices. After the trial, continue your commute with a monthly or yearly subscription that keeps you informed, prepared, and always one step ahead. NOTE Forens is built for commuters in the Netherlands and provides information for NS (Dutch Railways) trains only. --- Privacy Policy https://forens.app/en/privacy Terms of Service https://forens.app/en/terms Apple EULA https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

The Return Journey4 screens
Forens4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: The Return Journey at none against Forens's 2. The Return Journey also leads on iOS requirement (14.0 vs 18.0). On price, update cadence, 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

Both are free to download. Forens sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. The Return Journey asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

The Return Journey ships an update every 5 days, Forens every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on November 8, 2026 and October 26, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 4 level
The Return Journey versus Forens: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterThe Return JourneyForens
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 5 days — betterEvery 10 days
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, Apple Watch
Requires iOS14.0 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size77 MB14 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperReturn Journey Private LimitedLeo Makkinje

In-app purchases

None

The Return Journey

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

Forens

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly subscription$0.991 Month
  • Yearly subscription$4.991 Year

Questions

Is The Return Journey free?
The Return Journey is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Forens free?
Forens is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do The Return Journey or Forens have ads?
Neither The Return Journey nor Forens shows ads.
Which is updated more often, The Return Journey or Forens?
The Return Journey ships an update every 5 days, and Forens every 10 days. Most recently, The Return Journey was updated on November 8, 2026 and Forens on October 26, 2026.

Other comparisons