# Pluto Controller vs SimuDrone

Pluto Controller and SimuDrone both sit at 4.0 stars, but that hides the real split: 75% of Pluto Controller's written reviews are positive against 36% of SimuDrone's. Pluto Controller also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 13). SimuDrone's advantage is ratings volume (247 vs 8). On price, rating, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SimuDrone sells 13 one-off in-app purchases. Pluto Controller asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.0 for Pluto Controller against 4.0 for SimuDrone. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SimuDrone has 247 ratings behind it against 8, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 75% of Pluto Controller's written reviews are positive against 36% of SimuDrone's.

Pluto Controller ships an update every 2 months, SimuDrone every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 13, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Pluto Controller | SimuDrone |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pluto-controller/id1173323776/reviews) | [4.0 (247 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simudrone-drone-simulator/id1601657075/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 8 | **247** |
| Positive reviews | **75.0% of reviews** | 35.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 81 MB | 301 MB |
| Requires iOS | 14 | 14.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Drona Aviation Private Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1173323775) | [Mustafa Akkuzu](https://appshunter.io/developer/847488989) |

## What reviewers say

### Pluto Controller

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pluto-controller/id1173323776)

Control a DIY nano-drone with your smartphone. Features include pilot-friendly controls, automated flight, HD camera streaming, and diagnostic tools. Create a pilot profile to track and share your flight stats.

**Highlights:** Pilot-friendly flight controls, Automated take-off and flip maneuvers, HD streaming and camera functions, Pilot profile with in-flight stats, Drone diagnosis and calibration

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### SimuDrone

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simudrone-drone-simulator/id1601657075)

Practice drone maneuvers and flight modes in a realistic simulation environment. Use your own DJI remote controller to build muscle memory and flying skills without the risk of damage or costly repairs.

**Highlights:** Crash-free learning environment, Practice with DJI remote controller, Realistic physics simulation, Build muscle memory and flying skill, Learn complex maneuvers and flight modes

**Features:** Game Controller support, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (13)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Buy 30 Coins | $0.99 | one-time |
| Unlock Factory 2 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Unlock Settlement | $0.99 | one-time |
| Unlock Parking | $0.99 | one-time |
| Unlock Industry | $0.99 | one-time |
| Unlock Island | $0.99 | one-time |
| Get 70 Coins | $1.99 | one-time |
| 50 monedas | $1.99 | one-time |
| Unlock 3 Maps | $1.99 | one-time |
| 150 Coins | $2.49 | one-time |
| 500 Coins | $2.99 | one-time |
| Unlimited Coins | $3.49 | one-time |
| Combo Pack | $3.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎮 Works with actual DJI controller for realistic practice
- ✈️ Effective tool for learning drone flying skills
- 🎯 Good for beginners to practice control techniques
- 🏃 Responsive controller input and flight mechanics
- 🎬 Supports multiple flight modes (Cine, Normal, Sport)

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💸 Aggressive monetization with coin system
- 🐛 Frequent controller connection failures
- 📱 Limited controller compatibility (many DJI models unsupported)
- 🎨 Basic graphics quality
- 🔌 Confusing connection instructions and setup

**Reported bugs**

- Controller won't connect to app (multiple controller models affected)
- App crashes and lockups, especially in city map
- Flight orientation changes randomly mid-flight
- Purchased maps/coins disappear after updates
- Drone selection option disappears after initial setup

**Requested features**

- More maps and environments (forest, outdoor scenes)
- Controller sensitivity adjustment settings
- Better graphics quality
- One-time purchase option instead of coin system
- Ad-supported free play option


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Pluto Controller free?

Pluto Controller is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is SimuDrone free?

SimuDrone is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Pluto Controller or SimuDrone?

Pluto Controller and SimuDrone are both rated 4.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 8 and 247 ratings respectively.

### Do Pluto Controller or SimuDrone have ads?

Neither Pluto Controller nor SimuDrone shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Pluto Controller or SimuDrone?

Pluto Controller ships an update every 2 months, and SimuDrone every 3 months. Most recently, Pluto Controller was updated on September 13, 2026 and SimuDrone on September 24, 2026.

---

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