# fDeck vs Altimeter for Aviators

fDeck and Altimeter for Aviators both sit at 4.8 stars, but that hides the real split: 90% of fDeck's written reviews are positive against 76% of Altimeter for Aviators's. fDeck also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 5 weeks). Altimeter for Aviators's advantage is device support (4 vs 2) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 16.0). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. fDeck sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and Altimeter for Aviators sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for fDeck against 4.7 for Altimeter for Aviators. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 328 and 575 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 90% of fDeck's written reviews are positive against 76% of Altimeter for Aviators's.

fDeck ships an update every 3 weeks, Altimeter for Aviators every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | fDeck | Altimeter for Aviators |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (328 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fdeck-flight-instruments/id1265762347/reviews)** | [4.7 (575 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/altimeter-for-aviators/id1463100680/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 328 | **575** |
| Positive reviews | **90.0% of reviews** | 75.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 5 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 137 MB | 2 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Darren Yeates](https://appshunter.io/developer/1265762346) | [STEARsoft](https://appshunter.io/developer/373730382) |

## 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 | $1.99 | per month |
| fDeck annual lounge access | $14.99 | per year |
| fDeck lifetime lounge access | $29.99 | 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


### Altimeter for Aviators

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/altimeter-for-aviators/id1463100680)

This app functions as a pressure altimeter, similar to those found in aircraft, utilizing your device's barometer. It's designed for pilots and aviation enthusiasts to understand altitude, height above a location, and flight levels. It works as a standalone Apple Watch app or on iPhones/iPads with a barometer.

**Highlights:** Pressure altimeter functionality, Standalone Apple Watch app, Calculates altitude above sea level, Calculates height above a specific location (QFE), Calculates Flight Level (FL) using standard pressure, Supports pressure units (inHg, hPa, mb)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| VSI | $1.99 | one-time |
| Altitude Units | $1.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple and intuitive user interface
- ✈️ Accurate altimeter representation for pilots
- ⌚ Works well on Apple Watch
- 🎯 Easy pressure setting adjustment like real cockpit
- 📱 No GPS required for operation

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 App crashes or stops working after iOS updates
- 📵 Inconsistent performance across Watch models
- 🔴 Watch display shows red/no reading on some devices
- 📧 Poor developer communication and contact options
- 💰 Upsell prompts not clearly disclosed

**Reported bugs**

- App hangs on 'reading pressure' with Apple Watch 8
- Watch complication shows dashed line instead of altitude
- Incompatibility with iOS 17.4
- Watch app graphics fuzzy/wrong resolution
- Crown and long press unresponsive on Watch 8

**Requested features**

- CarPlay integration and widget support
- Night mode with dark theme
- Keep screen on while flying option
- Drum pointer altimeter display option
- Digital altitude readout option


## Frequently asked questions

### Is fDeck free?

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

### Is Altimeter for Aviators free?

Altimeter for Aviators is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, fDeck or Altimeter for Aviators?

fDeck is rated higher. fDeck averages 4.8 out of 5 from 328 ratings, while Altimeter for Aviators averages 4.7 from 575 ratings.

### Do fDeck or Altimeter for Aviators have ads?

Neither fDeck nor Altimeter for Aviators shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, fDeck or Altimeter for Aviators?

fDeck ships an update every 3 weeks, and Altimeter for Aviators every 5 weeks. Most recently, fDeck was updated on September 23, 2026 and Altimeter for Aviators on September 24, 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.*