# Helicopter Simulator 2016 vs Helicopter Simulator 3D

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Helicopter Simulator 3D at none against Helicopter Simulator 2016's 11. Helicopter Simulator 3D also leads on iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). Helicopter Simulator 2016's advantage is update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 3 months). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Helicopter Simulator 2016 sells 11 one-off in-app purchases. Helicopter Simulator 3D asks for nothing beyond the download.

Helicopter Simulator 2016 ships an update every 5 weeks, Helicopter Simulator 3D every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 19, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Helicopter Simulator 2016 | Helicopter Simulator 3D |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | 26.6% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 weeks** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 210 MB | 247 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Thetis Consulting](https://appshunter.io/developer/339173067) | [Vahagn Sargsyan](https://appshunter.io/developer/913182073) |

## What reviewers say

### Helicopter Simulator 2016

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/helicopter-simulator-2016/id1057686153)

Experience realistic helicopter flight with over 3000 missions across various categories like military, rescue, and transport. Pilot a diverse fleet of aircraft through challenging scenarios with dynamic weather and day/night cycles.

**Highlights:** 3000+ missions, 28 helicopters, 6 mission categories, Dynamic weather, Day/night flights, Real-life scenarios

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Fuel | $1.99 | one-time |
| Helicopter Aero 635 Medical | $2.99 | one-time |
| Helicopter Belli 206 Jet Ranger | $2.99 | one-time |
| Helicopter Belli HU-1 Huey | $2.99 | one-time |
| Helicopter Euro AA-65 Dolphin | $3.99 | one-time |
| Coast Guard Pack Missions | $4.99 | one-time |
| Helicopter Alien UFO | $4.99 | one-time |
| Blimp | $4.99 | one-time |
| Premium Club Subscription | $4.99 | one-time |
| Helicopter HA-64 Apach | $5.99 | one-time |
| Helicopter HC-47 Chynow | $5.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Good joystick controls
- 🏞️ Beautiful environment
- 🗺️ Cute maps
- 👀 Great cockpit view
- 👍 Friendly game

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💸 Premium club is a scam
- 📉 Terrible graphics
- 🗑️ Garbage game
- 😒 Stupid game for four-year-olds
- 💥 Explodes when trying to land

**Reported bugs**

- Premium club subscription not unlocking
- Transaction issue with premium club
- Game crashes on takeoff
- Cannot land properly
- Level 8 impossible

**Requested features**

- More levels
- More gameplay
- More options


### Helicopter Simulator 3D

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/helicopter-simulator-3d/id1581385281)

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Helicopter Simulator 2016 free?

Helicopter Simulator 2016 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Helicopter Simulator 3D free?

Helicopter Simulator 3D is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Helicopter Simulator 2016 or Helicopter Simulator 3D have ads?

Both Helicopter Simulator 2016 and Helicopter Simulator 3D show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Helicopter Simulator 2016 or Helicopter Simulator 3D?

Helicopter Simulator 2016 ships an update every 5 weeks, and Helicopter Simulator 3D every 3 months. Most recently, Helicopter Simulator 2016 was updated on October 19, 2026 and Helicopter Simulator 3D on October 6, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*