Comparison

Basic Vectoring vs Approach Control

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

Head to head
About

Basic Vectoring

Features
Read full description

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.

About

Approach Control

Experience a realistic air traffic control simulation with genuine ATC procedures and pilot voice recordings. Make critical decisions under pressure, manage traffic across 10 unique sectors, and test your skills with challenging scenarios. Includes training modules and career tracking.

Highlights
  • Realistic radar simulation
  • Genuine ATC procedures
  • Actual pilot voice recordings
  • 10 unique approach sectors
  • 10 ATC challenges
  • In-built training modules
  • Career statistics and trophy case
Features
Read full description

Work real approach radar. Make real decisions. Feel the pressure. Approach Control: Remastered is a highly realistic air traffic control simulation designed by real-world air traffic controllers. It delivers an authentic radar-control experience using genuine ATC procedures and actual pilot voice recordings. It's a game, but it feels very real. The radar behaves exactly like real approach control radar, including a true 3-second sweep used by professional controllers, plus actual ICAO separation and wake turbulence standards. Every element is designed to replicate how controllers scan, think, and manage traffic in real time, all within a clean, intuitive interface built for mobile. Control traffic in 10 unique approach sectors, each with its own localizer configuration and arrival entry points. Put your skills to the test with 10 ATC challenges that demand precision, planning, and calm decision-making under pressure. Train Like a Controller. New to air traffic control? Built-in Ground School and guided on-the-job training teach you the fundamentals step-by-step, preparing you for increasingly complex traffic scenarios. Track Your Career. Career statistics and a trophy case track your progress, performance, and long-term achievements as an approach controller. If you love flight simulation, try an air traffic control simulation. Approach Control: Remastered delivers one of the most authentic ATC experiences available on mobile.

Screenshots

Basic Vectoring4 screens
Approach Control4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Basic Vectoring at none against Approach Control's 9. Basic Vectoring also leads on iOS requirement (11.0 vs 13.0). Approach Control's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Approach Control sells 9 one-off in-app purchases. Basic Vectoring asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Basic Vectoring ships an update every 5 months, Approach Control every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and October 4, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Basic Vectoring versus Approach Control: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBasic VectoringApproach Control
PriceFreeFree
Rating—2.9 (9 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—36.4% of reviews
Number of ratings—9 — better
Update frequencyEvery 5 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS11.0 — better13.0
Further details — not scored
Size119 MB174 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperRigilBig Fat Simulations Inc.

In-app purchases

None

Basic Vectoring

No in-app purchases

9 purchases

Approach Control

One-time9
  • Advanced$1.99
  • Ninja$1.99
  • Approach Control: Remastered$1.99
Show 6 more
  • Cornered$1.99
  • Insanity$1.99
  • Windy$1.99
  • Pandemonium$1.99
  • Gridlock$1.99
  • Full Unlock$14.99

Questions

Is Basic Vectoring free?
Basic Vectoring is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Approach Control free?
Approach Control is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Basic Vectoring or Approach Control have ads?
Neither Basic Vectoring nor Approach Control shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Basic Vectoring or Approach Control?
Basic Vectoring ships an update every 5 months, and Approach Control every 3 weeks. Most recently, Basic Vectoring was updated on September 21, 2026 and Approach Control on October 4, 2026.

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