Comparison

NextTrain NYC Subway vs StepFree NYC

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

Head to head
About

NextTrain NYC Subway

Quickly find your next train on the NYC MTA Subway system. Simply open the application to see real-time transit information, making it easy to navigate the subway.

Highlights
  • Real-time train information
  • Hyper-local transit data
  • Simple, intuitive interface
  • NYC MTA Subway focused
Features
Read full description

"When's my next train?" For the NYC / MTA Subway, finding your next train was quite a complicated task. That is, until now! With NextTrain NYC, it's quite simple to find your next train on the NYC MTA Subway, wherever you are! Just open the app – and look at it :)

About

StepFree NYC

Features
Read full description

StepFree NYC is the essential navigation companion for anyone who needs step-free access to the New York City subway system. Whether you use a wheelchair, have limited mobility, travel with a stroller, or simply prefer to avoid stairs, StepFree NYC helps you find accessible routes through the city's transit network. Real-Time Accessibility Status See which subway stations are currently accessible at a glance. StepFree NYC monitors elevator and escalator outages across the MTA network and updates station accessibility status in real time. Know before you go whether your station's elevator is working. Accessible Route Finder Enter any origin and destination — subway stations, addresses, restaurants, or stores — and get step-by-step accessible routes. The app finds paths that use only accessible stations for boarding, exiting, and transfers. Bus alternatives are automatically searched alongside subway routes so you always see the best options. Bus Route Integration StepFree NYC searches MTA bus routes in parallel with subway options. When a direct bus can get you there, you'll see it alongside subway routes — complete with walking directions to and from bus stops and estimated travel times. Smart Route Details Each route shows walking distances in both imperial and metric units, estimated travel times, and an accessibility confidence score. Routes are color-coded by subway line, with clear transfer instructions. Interactive Map Browse all 470+ subway stations on an interactive map. Filter by accessibility status, borough, or subway line to quickly find what you need. Tap any station for detailed accessibility information, live service alerts, and upcoming train arrivals. Favorites & Notifications Save your frequently used stations and get notified when elevator outages affect them. Never be caught off guard by an unexpected outage at your home station. Service Alerts Stay informed with real-time MTA service alerts filtered by subway line. See which lines are affected and plan accordingly. Features: - Real-time elevator and escalator status for all NYC subway stations - Accessible route finding with subway and bus options - MTA bus routes searched automatically alongside subway - Interactive map with accessibility, borough, and line filters - Favorite stations with outage notifications - Service alerts filtered by subway line - Walking directions with curb ramp and accessible signal information - Imperial and metric distance display - Full VoiceOver accessibility support - Dark mode support StepFree NYC is built for the community that depends on accessible transit every day. We believe navigating New York City should be possible for everyone.

Screenshots

NextTrain NYC Subway3 screens
StepFree NYC4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: NextTrain NYC Subway at none against StepFree NYC's 4. NextTrain NYC Subway also leads on device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). On price and ads 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. StepFree NYC sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. NextTrain NYC Subway asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard3 real differences · 6 level
NextTrain NYC Subway versus StepFree NYC: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterNextTrain NYC SubwayStepFree NYC
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (4 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings4 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 months—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone
Requires iOS15.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size5 MB4 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperNUMONIUM, LLCKunyoung Jung

In-app purchases

None

NextTrain NYC Subway

No in-app purchases

4 purchases

StepFree NYC

One-time4
  • Small Tip$2.99
  • Medium Tip$5.99
  • Large Tip$9.99
Show 1 more
  • Super Tip$19.99

Questions

Is NextTrain NYC Subway free?
NextTrain NYC Subway is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is StepFree NYC free?
StepFree NYC is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do NextTrain NYC Subway or StepFree NYC have ads?
Neither NextTrain NYC Subway nor StepFree NYC shows ads.

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