# SimControlX vs Garmin GPS Trainer

The clearest difference is price: Garmin GPS Trainer at Free against SimControlX's $19.99. Garmin GPS Trainer also leads on ratings volume (19 vs 4). SimControlX's advantage is rating (3.5 vs 2.4) and review sentiment (50% vs 33%). On ads, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Garmin GPS Trainer is free to download; SimControlX costs $19.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

SimControlX holds the better App Store score, 3.5 against 2.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4 and 19 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 50% of SimControlX's written reviews are positive against 33% of Garmin GPS Trainer's.

SimControlX ships an update every 6 weeks, Garmin GPS Trainer every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on June 1, 2026 and September 14, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SimControlX | Garmin GPS Trainer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $19.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[3.5 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simcontrolx/id1380341055/reviews)** | [2.4 (19 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/garmin-gps-trainer/id1454577309/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 4 | **19** |
| Positive reviews | **50.0% of reviews** | 33.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 weeks** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free** |
| Size | 4 MB | 1.3 GB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPad | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ELITE Simulation Solutions AG](https://appshunter.io/developer/1699597702) | [Garmin DCI](https://appshunter.io/developer/309920282) |

## What reviewers say

### SimControlX

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simcontrolx/id1380341055)

Control your flight simulator from your iPad with this instructor station app. Remotely manage aircraft position, weather, and system failures for realistic training and enhanced gameplay. Connects via Wi-Fi to supported simulators.

**Highlights:** iPad instructor station for flight simulators, Remote aircraft repositioning, Customizable weather settings, Simulated system and engine failures, Worldwide moving map with flight path tracing, Quick Wi-Fi connection to simulator, Fuel and battery recharge options

**In-app purchases:** none


### Garmin GPS Trainer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/garmin-gps-trainer/id1454577309)

This app simulates the user interface of a GPS navigator, allowing users to explore its features and operational aspects. It's ideal for improving avionics familiarity and preparing for flights by practicing flight plans.

**Highlights:** Simulated multi-touch and drag interface, Garmin SafeTaxi with airport information, High resolution terrain and aviation databases, Obstacle databases with power line alerting, Simulated ADS-B Traffic and FIS-B Weather, Chair fly flight plans

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SimControlX free?

SimControlX costs $19.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Garmin GPS Trainer free?

Garmin GPS Trainer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, SimControlX or Garmin GPS Trainer?

SimControlX is rated higher. SimControlX averages 3.5 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while Garmin GPS Trainer averages 2.4 from 19 ratings.

### Do SimControlX or Garmin GPS Trainer have ads?

Neither SimControlX nor Garmin GPS Trainer shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SimControlX or Garmin GPS Trainer?

SimControlX ships an update every 6 weeks, and Garmin GPS Trainer every 3 months. Most recently, SimControlX was updated on June 1, 2026 and Garmin GPS Trainer 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.*