LocoSnap vs LocoLink
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
LocoSnap
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You notice trains other people walk straight past. LocoSnap tells you exactly what you're looking at — the class, the operator, how old it is, and how rare it is to spot one. Point your camera. Get the answer in seconds. → AI identifies any locomotive from a single photo → Full specs: length, weight, engine type, top speed → Rarity rating: common find or genuinely rare spot? → Historical facts: built where, when, and by whom → Blueprint illustration: a technical render of every train you identify → Scan history: your personal logbook of every spot → Works on any train, anywhere in the world Whether you're a lifelong spotter or someone who's always wondered about that locomotive at the end of the platform — LocoSnap gives you the answer. Download free. Start spotting. Free to use with optional premium features for unlimited daily scans, blueprint access, and streak tracking. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
LocoLink
Control your model railway layout wirelessly from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Manage locomotives, switch turnouts and signals, and even automate train movements. Features include a track plan editor, block system, and CV programming.
- Wireless DCC command station control
- Locomotive speed and function control
- Turnout and signal switching
- Interactive track plan editor
- Block system and automation
- CV programming and speed table editing
- Game controller support
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LocoLink is the ultimate model railway control app for iPhone, iPad and Mac. Connect wirelessly to your digital command station and take full control of your layout. DRIVE & CONTROL - Control locomotives with an intuitive speed lever (vertical or horizontal) - Switch between Forward, Reverse and Emergency Stop instantly - Toggle decoder functions F0-F28 (lights, sound, smoke, couplers and more) - Use speed presets (25%, 50%, 75%, 100%) for quick speed changes - Swipe between locomotives on iPhone, or use the sidebar on iPad/Mac TURNOUTS & SIGNALS - Switch turnouts and signals with one tap - Create routes that switch multiple turnouts and signals at once - Support for DCC and Motorola (MM2) address modes TRACK PLAN (SWITCHBOARD) - Draw your layout with tracks, turnouts, signals and stations - Operate everything visually from your track plan - Multiple tabs for different layout sections BLOCK SYSTEM & AUTOMATION - Automatic train detection with S88 feedback modules - Block routes with automatic stopping and departing - Shuttle service between two points - Timetables with model clock (1x to 60x speed) - Drive schedules with customizable steps CV PROGRAMMING - Step-by-step programming wizard - Expert mode for direct CV read/write - Speed table editing (CV67-94) GAME CONTROLLER - Use PlayStation via Bluetooth - Configurable button mapping Requires a compatible digital command station and WiFi connection. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://locolink.io/privacy.html
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is device support: LocoLink at 5 against LocoSnap's 2. On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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
Both are free to download. LocoSnap sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and LocoLink sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
LocoSnap ships an update every 3 days, LocoLink every 5 days. Both last shipped on October 31, 2026.
| Parameter | LocoSnap | LocoLink |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 4.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | — | 33.3% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | — | 1 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 3 days — better | Every 5 days |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple Watch — better |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 | 15.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 46 MB | 84 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Stephen Lear | Tom Westerman |
In-app purchases
LocoSnap
- Pro Monthly1 Month trial$2.991 Month
- Pro Annual3 Months trial$24.991 Year
- 1 Blueprint Credit$0.99
- 5 Blueprint Credits$3.99
- 10 Blueprint Credits$5.99
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- LocoSnap Pro — Lifetime$79.99
LocoLink
- LocoLink Pro iOS1 Month trial$3.991 Month
- LocoLink Pro Mac1 Month trial$8.991 Month
- LocoLink Pro All Devices1 Month trial$9.991 Month
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- LocoLink+ iOS1 Month trial$17.991 Year
- LocoLink Pro iOS1 Month trial$34.991 Year
- LocoLink Pro Mac1 Month trial$69.991 Year
- Upgrade to Pro$44.99
- LocoLink Pro iOS Forever$89.99
- LocoLink Pro Mac Forever$299.99
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- LocoLink Pro All Forever$399.99
Questions
Is LocoSnap free?
Is LocoLink free?
Do LocoSnap or LocoLink have ads?
Which is updated more often, LocoSnap or LocoLink?
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