# HeliPlates vs DroneSense

The clearest difference is update cadence: DroneSense at monthly against HeliPlates's every 21 months. DroneSense also leads on ratings volume (32 vs 3). HeliPlates's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.6). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

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

HeliPlates holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: DroneSense has 32 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two.

HeliPlates ships an update every 21 months, DroneSense monthly. The most recent releases landed on June 4, 2026 and June 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | HeliPlates | DroneSense |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/heliplates/id1262922778/reviews)** | [4.6 (32 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dronesense/id1455647091/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 3 | **32** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 21 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 0 MB | 375 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [California Department of Transportation](https://appshunter.io/developer/1193696576) | [DroneSense INC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1245774563) |

## What reviewers say

### HeliPlates

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/heliplates/id1262922778)

This app provides detailed information on hospital heliports across California, including navigation coordinates, dimensions, and facility details. Users can view heliports on an interactive map or by hospital name, with aerial photos and approach paths included. Data can be saved for offline access.

**Highlights:** Interactive map of California hospital heliports, Detailed heliport information, Navigational coordinates, Aerial photos with approach paths, Offline data saving, Search by region, county, or hospital name

**In-app purchases:** none


### DroneSense

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dronesense/id1455647091)

This platform enables public safety agencies to manage drone operations, from pilot control and asset management to real-time situational awareness for incident commanders. It offers automated flight logging and a centralized system for organizing personnel, hardware, and flight history.

**Highlights:** Professional drone piloting, Live video streaming, Automated flight logging, Asset and risk management, Real-time situational awareness, Collaborative operations hub

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is HeliPlates free?

HeliPlates is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is DroneSense free?

DroneSense is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, HeliPlates or DroneSense?

HeliPlates is rated higher. HeliPlates averages 5.0 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while DroneSense averages 4.6 from 32 ratings.

### Do HeliPlates or DroneSense have ads?

Neither HeliPlates nor DroneSense shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, HeliPlates or DroneSense?

HeliPlates ships an update every 21 months, and DroneSense monthly. Most recently, HeliPlates was updated on June 4, 2026 and DroneSense on June 11, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*