# fDeck vs Planningcharts

The clearest difference is monetization model: fDeck at free with in-app purchases against Planningcharts's subscription. fDeck also leads on review sentiment (90% vs 61%) and rating (4.8 vs 4.4). Planningcharts's advantage is chart position (#200 vs unranked). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. fDeck sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month and Planningcharts sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $18.49 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

fDeck holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: fDeck has 330 ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 90% of fDeck's written reviews are positive against 61% of Planningcharts's.

fDeck ships an update every 3 weeks, Planningcharts every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on November 6, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | fDeck | Planningcharts |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (330 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fdeck-flight-instruments/id1265762347/reviews)** | [4.4 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/planningcharts/id1420042900/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **330** | 5 |
| Positive reviews | **90.0% of reviews** | 61.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Best chart rank | — | **#200** |
| Size | 141 MB | 80 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Darren Yeates](https://appshunter.io/developer/1265762346) | [Apollodor Aviation GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/1770259641) |

## What reviewers say

### fDeck

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fdeck-flight-instruments/id1265762347)

This app provides a comprehensive flight deck with realistic instruments for aviation enthusiasts and pilots. It includes navigation tools, real-time weather, and traffic data, functioning as both a training aid and a supplementary instrument set.

**Highlights:** Realistic flight instruments (HSI, VOR, ADF, etc.), Interactive aviation moving map, Live weather and ADS-B traffic data, Radio navigation training simulation, Worldwide aviation database, X-Plane flight simulator integration

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| fDeck monthly lounge access | $3.99 | per month |
| fDeck annual lounge access | $24.99 | per year |
| fDeck lifetime lounge access | $49.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Extremely easy to use and navigate
- 💡 Comprehensive aviation instruments (compass, altimeter, VSI, attitude indicator, ADF, VOR, HSI)
- 🎯 Useful for training, learning, and practice
- ✈️ Reliable backup instrument for real flights
- 🗺️ Integrated map and flight planning features

**What reviewers complain about**

- 📺 Intrusive ads in free version (full-screen, hard to close)
- 🔄 Compass and map pointer display inverted on some devices
- 🗺️ Map loading issues and missing sectional charts
- 🔌 X-Plane simulator connection glitchy and unreliable
- 📱 No iPad split-screen support

**Reported bugs**

- Compass inverted display
- Map pointer inverted
- VOR OBS reverse sensing (TO/FROM indication incorrect)
- Maps fail to load/display
- X-Plane simulator connection unreliable

**Requested features**

- Compass horizontal configuration support (180 degrees)
- CarPlay functionality for in-vehicle navigation
- EFIS version for advanced glass cockpit simulation
- Local NOTAM integration
- CAA airspace overlay for UK users


### Planningcharts

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/planningcharts/id1420042900)

**Currently charting:** #200 Top Grossing · Navigation (US App Store)

This navigation tool provides pilots with essential real-time airport data, procedures, and safety information on interactive charts. It offers continuous updates for offline use, enhancing situational awareness and safety during flights. Access to all charts worldwide requires a subscription.

**Highlights:** Interactive 3D Globe chart selection, Real-time NOTAMs and WX/TAF data, Offline inflight chart updates, EASA Threat and Error management, Airport categorization and approach data, Common ATC frequencies and procedures

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support, iPhone Duo support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Membership | $18.49 | per month |
| Half Yearly Membership | $94.99 | per 6 months |
| Yearly Membership | $144.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is fDeck free?

fDeck is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Planningcharts free?

Planningcharts is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, fDeck or Planningcharts?

fDeck is rated higher. fDeck averages 4.8 out of 5 from 330 ratings, while Planningcharts averages 4.4 from 5 ratings.

### Do fDeck or Planningcharts have ads?

Neither fDeck nor Planningcharts shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, fDeck or Planningcharts?

fDeck ships an update every 3 weeks, and Planningcharts every 2 weeks. Most recently, fDeck was updated on November 6, 2026 and Planningcharts on November 6, 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.*