# fDeck vs Pooleys iPlates

The clearest difference is monetization model: fDeck at free with in-app purchases against Pooleys iPlates's subscription. fDeck also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 3 months). Pooleys iPlates's advantage is review sentiment (100% vs 90%) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. fDeck sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month and Pooleys iPlates sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $19.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

fDeck ships an update every 3 weeks, Pooleys iPlates every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | fDeck | Pooleys iPlates |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (329 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fdeck-flight-instruments/id1265762347/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **329** | — |
| Positive reviews | 90.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 141 MB | 36 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Darren Yeates](https://appshunter.io/developer/1265762346) | [Pooleys Flight Equipment Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/451478254) |

## 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


### Pooleys iPlates

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pooleys-iplates/id1669286812)

Access and manage essential aviation charts and reference documents for the UK and Republic of Ireland. Easily download, store, share, and print up-to-date information with a user-friendly interface and favorite selection options.

**Highlights:** UK and Republic of Ireland aviation plates, Download, store, share, and print charts, User-friendly interface, Favorites folder for quick access, Regular electronic updates, Offline search functionality

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pooleys Ireland Flight Guide | $19.99 | per year |
| Pooleys UK Flight Guide | $29.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is fDeck free?

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

### Is Pooleys iPlates free?

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

### Do fDeck or Pooleys iPlates have ads?

Neither fDeck nor Pooleys iPlates shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, fDeck or Pooleys iPlates?

fDeck ships an update every 3 weeks, and Pooleys iPlates every 3 months. Most recently, fDeck was updated on October 16, 2026 and Pooleys iPlates on October 14, 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.*