Comparison

MPD Simulator vs KICKDRILL

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

Head to head
About

MPD Simulator

Features
Read full description

This app is designed for both iPhone and iPad. This application provides practical simulations of the Dynamic Well Control on the Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) operations in the oil field services. With Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD), when kicks occur, they are typically smaller, contained more quickly, and, in some cases, they may be circulated out through MPD equipment without drilling or circulation interruption. This simulator is the new project based on the Drilling Simulators on our portfolio, but specifically for dynamic well control on onshore and offshore operations (deepwater). MPD System on this simulator: 1. RCD – Rotating Control Device 2. Annular Preventer (or Drill String Isolation Tool – DSIT) 3. Automatic Choke for CBHP (Constant Bottom Hole Pressure), CDP (Constant Drill Pipe), CBP (Constant BackPressure or Choke Pressure) 4. RPD – Rig Pump Diverter 5. BPP – Back Pressure Pump Additional features: 1. Driller Interface based on Pressure Gauge, Weight Indicator, Rotary Torque gauge and Geolograph. 2. Choke Interface based on Digital Panel. 3. Graph in full screen (with background color in black or white) for analysis. 4. Special screen layout optimised for all iPhone and iPad models. 5. (iPad version) Three codes (admin, instructor, student) to view the gas into the borehole, the pressure at bottom, at shoe and at bop and to enable / disable the Lag Time (by adjusting the choke to change the kill pressure and drill pipe pressure, etc). (Attention: The Initial codes: "0000") NOTE: This simulator works with Auto/Manual Control on MPD Choke ONLY. For well control based on conventional rig choke panel, please buy the "Drilling Simulator 3" also available on our portfolio on the App Store. Thanks. Other features also available: A graphical very useful tool for training of roughnecks, derrickmen, drillers, toolpusher, drilling engineers and students in the well control procedures. - Ability to drilling, kick detection, shut-in, stabilisation of pressures; - Interactive System: no pre-set methods; - Ability to apply control methods: Driller's method, wait and weight, dynamic volumetric and static volumetric (lubricate and bleed); - Hydraulics and Hydrostatics; - Behavior of the kick; - Applied with subsea stack or surface stack; - Set well with until 4 sections: riser, casing, liner, open hole ; - Set Drillstring with drillpipe1, drillpipe2, heavy weight, drillcollar1, drillcollar2 Kick Model in this simulator: The model assumes that the kick starts as a single bubble at the bottom of the hole and migrates upward as a single bubble from the bottom to the surface. In underbalanced condition (BHP

About

KICKDRILL

This app provides drilling and well personnel with a flexible and effective way to practice and maintain essential well control knowledge. It offers exam-style questions aligned with industry standards, training and exam modes, and instant explanations to reinforce learning.

Highlights
  • Exam-style questions
  • API and NORSOK aligned
  • Training mode
  • Exam mode
  • Instant explanations
  • Progress tracking
Features
Read full description

KickDrill – Train Well Control Anytime, Anywhere KickDrill helps drilling and well personnel practice and maintain essential well control knowledge. Whether you're preparing for recertification or refreshing your skills on the job, KickDrill gives you fast, focused training based on real operational scenarios. - Exam‑style questions aligned with current API and NORSOK requirements - Training mode and exam mode - Instant explanations to reinforce learning - Track your progress over time - Designed for drilling, well, and subsea professionals KickDrill makes well control training simple, flexible, and effective — so you can stay confident and prepared. View our terms & conditions: https://kickdrill.com/terms-and-conditions/

Screenshots

MPD Simulator4 screens
KICKDRILL4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: KICKDRILL at Free against MPD Simulator's $49.99. KICKDRILL also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 4 months). MPD Simulator's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4). On ads, device support and iOS requirement 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

KICKDRILL is free to download; MPD Simulator costs $49.99 up front. KICKDRILL sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. MPD Simulator asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

MPD Simulator ships an update every 4 months, KICKDRILL every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 15, 2026 and September 12, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 6 level
MPD Simulator versus KICKDRILL: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMPD SimulatorKICKDRILL
Price$49.99Free — better
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Number of ratings1 — better
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsEvery 2 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFreemium
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS12.0 — better13.0
Further details — not scored
Size29 MB75 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperCarlos MouraRichard Steffensen

In-app purchases

None

MPD Simulator

No in-app purchases

4 purchases

KICKDRILL

Subscriptions3
  • KICKDRILL Weekly Subscription$4.997 Days
  • KICKDRILL Yearly Subscription3 Days trial$9.991 Year
  • KICKDRILL Yearly Subscription3 Days trial$24.991 Year
One-time1
  • KICKDRILL Subscription$9.99

Questions

Is MPD Simulator free?
MPD Simulator costs $49.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is KICKDRILL free?
KICKDRILL is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do MPD Simulator or KICKDRILL have ads?
Neither MPD Simulator nor KICKDRILL shows ads.
Which is updated more often, MPD Simulator or KICKDRILL?
MPD Simulator ships an update every 4 months, and KICKDRILL every 2 months. Most recently, MPD Simulator was updated on September 15, 2026 and KICKDRILL on September 12, 2026.

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