Basic Vectoring vs Approach Control
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.
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.
- 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
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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
Verdict
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
Both are free to download. Approach Control sells 9 one-off in-app purchases. Basic Vectoring asks for nothing beyond the download.
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.
| Parameter | Basic Vectoring | Approach Control |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 2.9 (9 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | — | 36.4% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | — | 9 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | Every 3 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 11.0 — better | 13.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 119 MB | 174 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Rigil | Big Fat Simulations Inc. |
In-app purchases
Basic Vectoring
No in-app purchases
Approach Control
- Advanced$1.99
- Ninja$1.99
- Approach Control: Remastered$1.99
Show 6 moreShow fewer
- Cornered$1.99
- Insanity$1.99
- Windy$1.99
- Pandemonium$1.99
- Gridlock$1.99
- Full Unlock$14.99
Questions
Is Basic Vectoring free?
Is Approach Control free?
Do Basic Vectoring or Approach Control have ads?
Which is updated more often, Basic Vectoring or Approach Control?
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