# fDeck vs SondeScope

The clearest difference is price: fDeck at Free against SondeScope's $0.99. SondeScope's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and update cadence (daily vs every 3 weeks). On ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

fDeck is free to download; SondeScope costs $0.99 up front. fDeck sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. SondeScope asks for nothing beyond the download.

fDeck ships an update every 3 weeks, SondeScope daily. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 14, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | fDeck | SondeScope |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $0.99 |
| Rating | **[4.8 (328 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fdeck-flight-instruments/id1265762347/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **328** | — |
| Positive reviews | 90.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Daily** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 137 MB | 1 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Darren Yeates](https://appshunter.io/developer/1265762346) | [Jouni Erola](https://appshunter.io/developer/295758397) |

## 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


### SondeScope

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sondescope/id6472602722)

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is fDeck free?

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

### Is SondeScope free?

SondeScope costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Do fDeck or SondeScope have ads?

Neither fDeck nor SondeScope shows ads.

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

fDeck ships an update every 3 weeks, and SondeScope daily. Most recently, fDeck was updated on September 23, 2026 and SondeScope on September 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.*