# Helicopter Simulator 2018 vs Helicopter Simulator 2026

The clearest difference is rating: Helicopter Simulator 2026 at 2.9 against Helicopter Simulator 2018's 1.8. Helicopter Simulator 2026 also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 34 months) and review sentiment (40% vs 16%). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Helicopter Simulator 2018 sells 13 one-off in-app purchases and Helicopter Simulator 2026 sells 19 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Helicopter Simulator 2026 holds the better App Store score, 2.9 against 1.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Helicopter Simulator 2026 has 32 ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 16% of Helicopter Simulator 2018's written reviews are positive against 40% of Helicopter Simulator 2026's.

Helicopter Simulator 2018 ships an update every 34 months, Helicopter Simulator 2026 weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and August 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Helicopter Simulator 2018 | Helicopter Simulator 2026 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.8 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/helicopter-simulator-2018/id1264817328/reviews) | **[2.9 (32 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/helicopter-simulator-2026/id1579511621/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 5 | **32** |
| Positive reviews | 16.2% of reviews | **39.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 34 months | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 318 MB | 568 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Thetis Consulting](https://appshunter.io/developer/339173067) | [Thetis Consulting](https://appshunter.io/developer/339173067) |

## What reviewers say

### Helicopter Simulator 2018

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/helicopter-simulator-2018/id1264817328)

Experience realistic helicopter flight with detailed 3D models and over 360 missions. Create your own flight plans, choose weather conditions, and fly through diverse cities. Master takeoff, landing, and complex maneuvers in this immersive simulator.

**Highlights:** Realistic helicopter controls, Detailed 3D helicopter and airport models, Over 360 created missions, Flight planner for custom missions, Dynamic weather and day/night cycles, Multiple camera views

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (13)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Restore Fuel | $1.99 | one-time |
| Premium Club | $2.99 | one-time |
| Trump Sikorsky S-76 | $2.99 | one-time |
| U.F.O. | $2.99 | one-time |
| Boeing AH-64 Apache | $4.99 | one-time |
| Bell 206 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Bell 222 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Sikorsky MH-53 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Bell UH-1 Iroquois | $4.99 | one-time |
| Bell 407 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Boeing CH-47 Chinook | $9.99 | one-time |
| WingFoot Blimp | $9.99 | one-time |
| Unlocks all helicopters! | $39.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 💡 Helicopter glitch to get free helicopters
- 👍 Good game, needs more free helicopters

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Difficult to control helicopters
- 🔒 Most helicopters are locked behind paywalls
- 🔋 Frequent crashes and glitches
- 👎 Poor graphics and unrealistic flight dynamics
- 👎 Lack of tutorial or instructions on how to play

**Reported bugs**

- Helicopters flying erratically or crashing on takeoff
- Inability to see altitude and speed information
- Frequent app crashes and freezes
- Glitches with purchased helicopters not working properly

**Requested features**

- More free helicopters to unlock
- Improved flight controls and responsiveness
- Better graphics and realistic environments
- In-depth tutorial for new players
- Ability to customize camera views


### Helicopter Simulator 2026

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/helicopter-simulator-2026/id1579511621)

Experience realistic helicopter flight in virtual reality. Learn to pilot various helicopters, master instruments, and complete challenging rescue missions in diverse mountain environments. Enjoy detailed cockpits, advanced physics, and immersive landscapes.

**Highlights:** Realistic VR flight simulation, Detailed helicopter cockpits, Interactive flight instruments, Challenging rescue missions, Advanced physics engine, Diverse mountain landscapes, Weather condition simulation

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (19)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Club Weekly | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium Club Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Premium Club Yearly | $39.99 | per year |
| U.F.O. | $2.99 | one-time |
| Trump Sikorsky S-76 | $2.99 | one-time |
| Boeing AH-64 Apache | $4.99 | one-time |
| Bell 407 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Mil Mi-28 Havoc | $4.99 | one-time |
| Sikorsky MH-53 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Bell UH-1 Iroquois | $4.99 | one-time |
| Bell AH-1Z Viper | $4.99 | one-time |
| McDonnell Douglas 500 | $4.99 | one-time |
| CAIC WZ-10 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Bell 222 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Bell 206 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Boeing CH-47 Chinook | $9.99 | one-time |
| Eurocopter HH-65 Dolphin | $9.99 | one-time |
| WingFoot Blimp | $9.99 | one-time |
| Unlocks all helicopters! | $39.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Helicopter Simulator 2018 free?

Helicopter Simulator 2018 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Helicopter Simulator 2026 free?

Helicopter Simulator 2026 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Helicopter Simulator 2018 or Helicopter Simulator 2026?

Helicopter Simulator 2026 is rated higher. Helicopter Simulator 2018 averages 1.8 out of 5 from 5 ratings, while Helicopter Simulator 2026 averages 2.9 from 32 ratings.

### Do Helicopter Simulator 2018 or Helicopter Simulator 2026 have ads?

Both Helicopter Simulator 2018 and Helicopter Simulator 2026 show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Helicopter Simulator 2018 or Helicopter Simulator 2026?

Helicopter Simulator 2018 ships an update every 34 months, and Helicopter Simulator 2026 weekly. Most recently, Helicopter Simulator 2018 was updated on September 23, 2026 and Helicopter Simulator 2026 on August 13, 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.*