Comparison

Wi vs Smart Device Controller

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

Head to head
About

Wi

Control your model railroad with an iOS device. This app offers comprehensive and innovative control for M.T.H. Digital Command System (DCS) and can also manage TMCC® and Legacy® engines. It's designed for ease of use, allowing you to run multiple trains and control accessories.

Highlights
  • Comprehensive model railroad control
  • Run MTH ProtoSound 2.0/3.0 locomotives
  • Control Atlas O® ProtoSound 3.0
  • Cross-platform control (TMCC®, Legacy®)
  • Run multiple trains simultaneously
  • Control switches and accessories
  • Immersive sound and control features
Features
Read full description

Control you entire model railroad from any iOS phone or tablet in this simple to use yet feature rich app! The M.T.H. Digital Command System (DCS) is the most comprehensive and innovative model train control system available. While, at the same time, the easiest to set up and use! You’ll be running your trains in just a few minutes after installing the Wi-Fi DCS app and connecting to any one of several M.T.H. DCS track interface units. The DCS system is capable of running conventional AC or DC powered model trains utilizing track power controls as well as the ultimate experience of full featured MTH ProtoSound 2.0 or 3.0 and Atlas O® ProtoSound 3.0 locomotives. In addition, DCS is the only cross-platform model railroad control system. When cabled to a Lionel® command base DCS also runs TMCC® and Legacy® engines all within the same app, on the same track, at the same time!! No other system has this capability. The DCS app is compatible with our entry level system, the DCS Explorer for those just starting their journey into model railroading. For more advanced users, the DCS Wi-Fi Interface Unit (WIU) in combination with the Track Interface Unit (TIU) or, the all new Wi-Fi Track Interface Unit (WTIU) opens up the vast array of features available within the world of DCS. Run multiple trains simultaneously on the same track, control switches and accessories, and immerse yourself in the depth of sound and control features that is Wi-Fi DCS. Simply the best way to run YOUR railroad!!

About

Smart Device Controller

Transform your smartphone into a wireless remote for model trains. It offers compatibility with Soundbox, allowing for operation or use as a wireless power pack without the Soundbox. Control your model train setups with ease.

Highlights
  • Wireless model train operation
  • Soundbox compatibility
  • Use as wireless power pack
  • Smartphone remote control
Read full description

Operate model trains by wireless control! Compatible with Soundbox! Your smartphone turns into a remote controller for a model train. You can use it as a remote controller for Soundbox. You do not have to use Soundbox and use this product as a wireless power pack. Let's download "Smart Device Controller application" to your smartphone or tablet on hand.

Screenshots

Wi4 screens
Smart Device Controller4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Smart Device Controller at none against Wi's 3. Smart Device Controller also leads on iOS requirement (10.3 vs 17.0). Wi's advantage is rating (3.7 vs 3.3) and review sentiment (36% vs 27%). 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. Wi sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Smart Device Controller asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Wi holds the better App Store score, 3.7 against 3.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 24 and 6 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 36% of Wi's written reviews are positive against 27% of Smart Device Controller's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 7, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Wi versus Smart Device Controller: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterWiSmart Device Controller
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.7 (24 ratings) — better3.3 (6 ratings)
Positive reviews36.1% of reviews — better27.3% of reviews
Number of ratings24 — better6
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 3 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS17.010.3 — better
Further details — not scored
Size26 MB26 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMike's Train House, Inc.SEKISUI KINZOKU CO., LTD

Customer experience

Wi

All ratings16 ratings
Positive62.5%
Neutral12.5%
Negative25.0%
Written reviews36 reviews
Positive36.1%
Neutral13.9%
Negative50.0%

Smart Device Controller

All ratings6 ratings
Positive50.0%
Neutral16.7%
Negative33.3%
Written reviews11 reviews
Positive27.3%
Neutral36.4%
Negative36.4%

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Wi

One-time3
  • Standard$4.99
  • Premium Upgrade$19.99
  • Premium$24.99
None

Smart Device Controller

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Wi free?
Wi is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Smart Device Controller free?
Smart Device Controller is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Wi or Smart Device Controller?
Wi is rated higher. Wi averages 3.7 out of 5 from 24 ratings, while Smart Device Controller averages 3.3 from 6 ratings.
Do Wi or Smart Device Controller have ads?
Neither Wi nor Smart Device Controller shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Wi or Smart Device Controller?
Wi ships an update every 3 months, and Smart Device Controller every 3 months. Most recently, Wi was updated on September 7, 2026 and Smart Device Controller on September 29, 2026.

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