Comparison

TrainNavigator vs RailPilot

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

Head to head
About

TrainNavigator

Features
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Simple DCCex controller for model railroad -multiple throttles to control locos -turnouts controller defined in DCCex setup -layout editor with turnout control -auto-discovery of your DCCex server The app needs only access to local network to connect to DCCex permission. Terms of use: https://trainnavigator.fisharea.eu/terms.html

About

RailPilot

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RailPilot – The smart control for your model railroad RailPilot lets you control your model trains easily with your iPhone – fast, intuitive, and reliable. The app is specifically designed for use with the Z21 command station and offers a modern alternative to classic model railroad control. Your locos, centrally stored RailPilot stores all locomotive data on a server in your local network – hosted by you. This means your data always stays with you, and there’s no need to sync between devices: everyone on your network accesses the same collection. At a glance: β€’ Train control via the Z21 command station β€’ Central locomotive management through a local server β€’ No need to transfer data between devices β€’ Easy, user-friendly interface β€’ Fast access to your entire locomotive fleet Requirements: β€’ Z21 command station from Roco/Fleischmann β€’ Self-hosted RailPilot server on your local network Get RailPilot now and upgrade your model railroad control system!

Screenshots

TrainNavigator3 screens
RailPilot3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: RailPilot at none against TrainNavigator's 1. TrainNavigator's advantage is update cadence (every 4 days vs every 4 months) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 18.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price Β· Rating Β· Positive reviews Β· Number of ratings Β· Update frequency Β· Ads Β· In-app purchases Β· Monetization Β· Best chart rank Β· Devices Β· Requires iOS

CostPrice Β· In-app purchases Β· Ads Β· Monetization

Both are free to download. TrainNavigator sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $7.99 per year. RailPilot asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

TrainNavigator ships an update every 4 days, RailPilot every 4 months. Both last shipped on September 16, 2026.

Scorecard3 real differences Β· 3 level
TrainNavigator versus RailPilot: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTrainNavigatorRailPilot
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 4 days β€” betterEvery 4 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo β€” better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod β€” betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS12.0 β€” better18.0
Further details β€” not scored
Size28 MB2 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMichal KajabaEric Staedler

In-app purchases

1 purchases

TrainNavigator

Subscriptions1
  • TrainNavigator Premium$7.991 Year
None

RailPilot

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is TrainNavigator free?
TrainNavigator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is RailPilot free?
RailPilot is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do TrainNavigator or RailPilot have ads?
Neither TrainNavigator nor RailPilot shows ads.
Which is updated more often, TrainNavigator or RailPilot?
TrainNavigator ships an update every 4 days, and RailPilot every 4 months. Most recently, TrainNavigator was updated on September 16, 2026 and RailPilot on September 16, 2026.

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