Comparison

Pluto Controller vs DJI Simulator

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

Head to head
About

Pluto Controller

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
Read full description

Pluto is a Smartphone Controlled DIY nano-drone by Drona Aviation, India’s first nano-drone company, based out of IIT Bombay. Pluto Controller is the application used to fly Pluto. It connects to the Drone’s WiFi Hotspot, giving the user access to the Drone’s Flight Control System. Pluto Controller boasts of a number of convenient features that make flying Pluto a comfortable and enjoyable experience. PILOT-FRIENDLY CONTROLS Pluto Controller app makes for comfortable and enjoyable flight experience with Pluto. It features a number of flight options that can be selected by the pilot as per preference and is absolutely user-friendly. AUTOMATED FLIGHT AND FANCY MOVES With newly integrated automated commands, you can now avoid the hassle of manually making Pluto take off and you can now show off with your Pluto with the Flip Controls in the revamped Pluto Controller app! HD STREAMING AND CAMERA FUNCTIONS Use Pluto camera with hd streaming, video, photo and flip lens functions. PILOT PROFILE AND STATS Create your own Pluto Pilot Profile and show off your in-flight stats with your friends! Compete with them to see who can get the longest flight time! DIAGNOSIS (INCLUDE CALIBRATION, MOTOR TEST) Diagnosing your drone is as simple as a screen tap away. All diagnosis options including sensor calibration, motor testing are available in the Pluto Controller App settings and the pilot can ensure optimal performance from the Drone using these settings.

About

DJI Simulator

Master drone flying skills in a realistic virtual environment. Practice various flight maneuvers and challenges across diverse simulated locations without the risk of real-world accidents. Progress through structured training courses to build confidence for aerial photography.

Highlights
  • Realistic virtual flight environment
  • Safe training ground without risk
  • Multiple scenario simulations
  • Progressive training courses
  • Authentic control experience with DJI controllers
Features
Read full description

DJI Flight Simulator is a safe and efficient drone flight training app that allows you to master flying skills in a realistic virtual environment, helping you start your aerial photography journey with confidence. (Currently supports series including DJI Mini 5 Pro, DJI Air 3s, DJI Lito, DJI Lito X1 and is compatible with remote controller RC-N2/3, Virtual joystick is not yet supported.) What does it offer? Safe Training Ground: Fly freely in virtual scenarios—practice without the risk of flyaways or collisions. Multiple Scenario Simulations: Diverse environments including cities, mountains, islands, and famous landmarks to tackle various flight challenges. Progressive Training Courses: Step-by-step skill development from basic controls to advanced camera movements. Authentic Control Experience: Compatible with DJI remote controllers for true-to-life handling and response.

Screenshots

Pluto Controller4 screens
DJI Simulator4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Pluto Controller at 75% against DJI Simulator's 24%. Pluto Controller also leads on rating (4.0 vs 2.4). DJI Simulator's advantage is ratings volume (43 vs 8). 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Pluto Controller holds the better App Store score, 4.0 against 2.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: DJI Simulator has 43 ratings behind it against 8, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 75% of Pluto Controller's written reviews are positive against 24% of DJI Simulator's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Pluto Controller versus DJI Simulator: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPluto ControllerDJI Simulator
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.0 (8 ratings) — better2.4 (43 ratings)
Positive reviews75.0% of reviews — better24.2% of reviews
Number of ratings843 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS1413.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size89 MB326 MB
Age rating4++4
DeveloperDrona AviationDJI

Customer experience

Pluto Controller

All ratings8 ratings
Positive75.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative25.0%
Written reviews8 reviews
Positive75.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative25.0%

DJI Simulator

All ratings43 ratings
Positive34.9%
Neutral0.0%
Negative65.1%
Written reviews128 reviews
Positive24.2%
Neutral9.4%
Negative66.4%

In-app purchases

None

Pluto Controller

No in-app purchases

None

DJI Simulator

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Pluto Controller free?
Pluto Controller is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is DJI Simulator free?
DJI Simulator is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Pluto Controller or DJI Simulator?
Pluto Controller is rated higher. Pluto Controller averages 4.0 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while DJI Simulator averages 2.4 from 43 ratings.
Do Pluto Controller or DJI Simulator have ads?
Neither Pluto Controller nor DJI Simulator shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Pluto Controller or DJI Simulator?
Pluto Controller ships an update every 2 months, and DJI Simulator every 2 months. Most recently, Pluto Controller was updated on October 1, 2026 and DJI Simulator on October 11, 2026.

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