Comparison

Garmin TXi Trainer vs IFR Flight Simulator

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

Head to head
About

Garmin TXi Trainer

Virtually explore Garmin's G500/G600 TXi flight displays and engine information systems on your iPad. Familiarize yourself with simulated touch interfaces, various aircraft configurations, and aviation databases before flying.

Highlights
  • Simulated touch and bezel interface
  • TXi EIS (Engine Instrumentation System)
  • Multiple display configurations
  • Aviation databases (North America, Worldwide)
  • Airport information and approach charts
  • Terrain and obstacle databases
  • Simulated system information (ADS-B, Weather Radar)
Features
Read full description

The Garmin G500 TXi, G600 TXi and TXi EIS Trainer provides an on-the-ground environment to experience these products virtually anywhere you can take an iPad. Easily familiarize yourself with these flight displays and engine information systems prior to flying behind them. The Trainer includes: - Simulated touch and bezel interface – interact with the primary flight and multi-function displays, become familiarized with the new HSI Map one-touch zoom gesture, full- and split-screen PFD/MFD modes, on-screen autopilot controls, and much more - TXi EIS (Engine Instrumentation System) – demonstrates common engine gauge layouts for single-engine piston, multi-engine piston, and single-engine turboprop aircraft - Selection between 10", 7" Portrait, and 7" Landscape configurations for multiple aircraft types - explore the broad range of options available in the TXi series - Garmin North America and Jeppesen Worldwide/Americas aviation databases are available – go to Settings > More to select the database used. - Garmin SafeTaxi and FliteCharts – view detailed airport information and published approach charts on the moving map - High resolution worldwide terrain and obstacle databases, including powerline alerting - Simulated system information for: - ADS-B and TCAS Traffic with TargetTrend™ Relative Motion - FIS-B and SiriusXM Weather - Garmin GWX 75 Weather Radar - Stormscope Lightning Detection * This app contains simulated data and does not receive data from or interact with real Garmin avionics. Content may differ slightly from actual hardware for demonstration purposes or be out-of-date with respect to the latest airborne software and database cycles. This app should not be used for navigation purposes. * Some functionality that requires a navigator or other products, e.g., flight plans from GTN, may be unavailable in this standalone Trainer. * Visit Garmin's web site for additional GTN/TXi Trainer options, TXi flight familiarization and tutorial videos, and to explore our fully-featured training programs.

About

IFR Flight Simulator

This aviation simulator helps pilots master IFR procedures and prepare for instrument ratings. Practice holdings, intercepts, and approaches with realistic flight simulation and navigation tools on your phone. Ideal for student and experienced pilots seeking convenient, effective training.

Highlights
  • Realistic aviation training
  • Worldwide flight navigation database
  • Comprehensive training modes
  • Real-time flight simulator
  • Integrated autopilot
  • Optimal holding entry path overlay
Features
Read full description

Practice holdings, radial intercepts, and DME arcs on your phone before your next simulator session. Calculate the procedure, fly it with live instruments, and review your track in the debrief. IFR Flight Simulator combines focused IFR procedure training with real-time flight simulation, worldwide navigation data, and a choice of glass cockpit or classic gauges. What you can practice: • Holding Trainer: Randomized holding situations. Determine the entry, calculate the wind correction angles, then fly the pattern. • Intercept Trainer: Inbound and outbound radial intercepts as well as QDM/QDR intercepts. • DME Arc Trainer: Fly DME arcs and calculate the angle of lead to turn onto the inbound course at the right moment. • Approaches: Set up a final intercept, a position in the pattern (downwind, base, or final), or a full approach at any airport, including ILS. • IFR mental math: Practice entries, wind correction angles, and lead points until the calculations become automatic. Worldwide navigation database: • Navigation data from a recent AIRAC cycle, with worldwide coverage: 13,000+ airports and 10,000+ VORs, NDBs, and other navaids. • Train with real airports and navaids instead of generic exercise locations. Real-time flight simulator: • Modern glass cockpit (PFD and ND) or classic gauges. • Autopilot with rotary controls for heading, altitude, and speed, or fly manually by tilting your device. • Fast-forward mode to repeat procedures efficiently. • Live Map: your position and flight path in real time. • Live Needle Overlay: watch where the HSI and CDI needles actually point as they move with the aircraft symbol across the map. • Optimal Holding Entry Path Overlay: compare your flown track with the wind-corrected entry and holding pattern. • Flight Log with Debrief: every flight is recorded. Replay the track and the needle movement, or resume the flight later. Built for instrument rating training, proficiency practice, and simulator assessments. "I am currently training for my Instrument Rating, and my FI recommended this app to me. I didn't think such a high quality, useful training tool was possible as an app. Incredible for VOR bearings, practicing holds and command headings." App Store review by Sa4mmy Questions or feedback? Reach us at support@ifrsimulator.com. Disclaimer: This application is for training and educational purposes only. It must not be used for real-world flight planning or in-flight decision-making. While the developer strives to provide information and calculations that are as accurate and up-to-date as reasonably possible, they may still be incomplete or inaccurate, and other accepted methods exist for deriving procedures and correction angles. Always verify data against official aeronautical publications and follow the guidance of a certified flight instructor. The developer accepts no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions, or outcomes arising from use of this software. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

IFR Flight Simulator4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: IFR Flight Simulator at 65% against Garmin TXi Trainer's 16%. IFR Flight Simulator also leads on rating (4.3 vs 1.9) and update cadence (every 5 days vs every 8 months). Garmin TXi Trainer's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 6). On price and ads 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. IFR Flight Simulator sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Garmin TXi Trainer asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

IFR Flight Simulator holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 1.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: IFR Flight Simulator has 107 ratings behind it against 7, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 16% of Garmin TXi Trainer's written reviews are positive against 65% of IFR Flight Simulator's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Garmin TXi Trainer ships an update every 8 months, IFR Flight Simulator every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard8 real differences · 2 level
Garmin TXi Trainer versus IFR Flight Simulator: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGarmin TXi TrainerIFR Flight Simulator
PriceFreeFree
Rating1.9 (7 ratings)4.3 (107 ratings) — better
Positive reviews16.2% of reviews64.7% of reviews — better
Number of ratings7107 — better
Update frequencyEvery 8 monthsEvery 5 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS1815.6 — better
Further details — not scored
Size2.6 GB117 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGarmin DCITobias Maihoff

Customer experience

Garmin TXi Trainer

All ratings7 ratings
Positive14.3%
Neutral14.3%
Negative71.4%
Written reviews37 reviews
Positive16.2%
Neutral16.2%
Negative67.6%

IFR Flight Simulator

All ratings103 ratings
Positive80.6%
Neutral4.9%
Negative14.6%
Written reviews34 reviews
Positive64.7%
Neutral17.6%
Negative17.6%

In-app purchases

None

Garmin TXi Trainer

No in-app purchases

5 purchases

IFR Flight Simulator

Subscriptions5
  • Full Access2 variants$9.991 Month
  • Full Access7 Days trial$19.993 Months
  • Full Access$19.993 Months
Show 2 more
  • Full Access7 Days trial$59.991 Year
  • Full Access7 Days trial$79.991 Year

Questions

Is Garmin TXi Trainer free?
Garmin TXi Trainer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is IFR Flight Simulator free?
IFR Flight Simulator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Garmin TXi Trainer or IFR Flight Simulator?
IFR Flight Simulator is rated higher. Garmin TXi Trainer averages 1.9 out of 5 from 7 ratings, while IFR Flight Simulator averages 4.3 from 107 ratings.
Do Garmin TXi Trainer or IFR Flight Simulator have ads?
Neither Garmin TXi Trainer nor IFR Flight Simulator shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Garmin TXi Trainer or IFR Flight Simulator?
Garmin TXi Trainer ships an update every 8 months, and IFR Flight Simulator every 5 days. Most recently, Garmin TXi Trainer was updated on November 6, 2026 and IFR Flight Simulator on November 3, 2026.

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