Basic Vectoring vs ATC Radar
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Basic Vectoring
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Basic Vectoring starts by teaching basic aircraft vectoring concepts and gradually builds in stages to teach more complex skill sets. Players learn the effects of different variables on aircraft and, once they master their compass rose directions, can start learning proper phrasing and ways to give vectoring commands using either the keypad or verbally, with speech-to-text technology. They also experience how wind and speed impact an aircraft’s flight path. Every stage presents new challenges to players, all while showing where they rank within their cohort. Players can get up to 3 stars per level based on achievements, so when they replay the game they can challenge their previous results.
ATC Radar
Experience realistic air traffic control by guiding aircraft through airspace, assigning routes, altitudes, and speeds. Manage departures and arrivals, and utilize real-world weather overlays for an immersive simulation.
- Realistic air traffic control simulation
- Manage aircraft departures and arrivals
- Assign altitudes, speeds, and routes
- Real-world weather overlay
- Visual approach assignments
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Be the air traffic controller. Now free to play. ATC Radar puts you in the radar room as an approach controller. Tap traffic, issue commands, and keep the metal moving — safely separated and on the ground. Start working Kansas City Approach right now, free. How it plays • Sequence arrivals onto visual and instrument approaches • Issue headings, altitudes, speeds, and direct-to clearances in real time • Release departures and hand them off to Center • Accept handoffs as traffic enters your airspace • Keep 3 miles and 1,000 feet — a loss of separation is a "deal" • Earn your controller rating across clean shifts, from Trainee to Area Manager Free • Full gameplay at Kansas City Approach • Unlimited 5-minute shifts • Optional: watch a short ad to extend a shift ATC Radar Pro • New York TRACON (N90) — JFK, LGA, EWR, TEB and more • Choose your shift length — 3 to 30 minutes • Instant shift extends, no ads • Every new airspace we add The most realistic ATC approach sim on iPhone and iPad. Take the scope.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Basic Vectoring at none against ATC Radar's 1. Basic Vectoring also leads on iOS requirement (11.0 vs 14.3). ATC Radar's advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 5 months). On price, ads and device support 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
Both are free to download. ATC Radar sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $2.99 per month. Basic Vectoring asks for nothing beyond the download.
Basic Vectoring ships an update every 5 months, ATC Radar monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Basic Vectoring | ATC Radar |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | — | 0.0% of reviews |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | Monthly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | — | Subscription |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 11.0 — better | 14.3 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 119 MB | 50 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Rigil | Bryan Heitman |
In-app purchases
Basic Vectoring
No in-app purchases
ATC Radar
- ATC Radar$2.991 Month
Questions
Is Basic Vectoring free?
Is ATC Radar free?
Do Basic Vectoring or ATC Radar have ads?
Which is updated more often, Basic Vectoring or ATC Radar?
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