# Ground School vs Boldmethod

The clearest difference is ads: Ground School at none against Boldmethod's shown. Ground School also leads on update cadence (every 8 days vs every 3 weeks). Boldmethod's advantage is review sentiment (97% vs 88%) and device support (5 vs 3). On price, rating, ratings volume and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Ground School sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $49.99 per month and Boldmethod sells 9 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 — 4.9 for Ground School against 4.9 for Boldmethod. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1.7K and 823 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 88% of Ground School's written reviews are positive against 97% of Boldmethod's.

Ground School ships an update every 8 days, Boldmethod every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Ground School | Boldmethod |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.9 (1.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ground-school/id1444387206/reviews) | **[4.9 (823 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/boldmethod/id1507847293/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **1.7K** | 823 |
| Positive reviews | 88.1% of reviews | **97.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 8 days** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 212 MB | 26 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.6** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple TV** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [On The Flight Line Productions LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/328833131) | [BoldMethod, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/986988759) |

## What reviewers say

### Ground School

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ground-school/id1444387206)

Prepare for your FAA written test and become a safer pilot with this comprehensive training app. It combines expert instruction, engaging videos, and interactive practice tests to ensure you gain the knowledge needed to fly your best.

**Highlights:** Expert FAA flight instructor knowledge, Engaging educational videos, Pilot perspective flight footage, Over 1,000 practice test questions, CG animations for concept illustration, Pilot Proficiency dashboard, FAA Knowledge Test endorsement

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| All-Access – Monthly Plan | $49.99 | per month |
| All-Access – Monthly Plan | $49.99 | per month |
| All-Access – Monthly Plan | $49.99 | per month |
| All-Access – 3-Month Plan | $149.99 | per 3 months |
| All-Access – 3-Month Plan | $149.99 | per 3 months |
| All-Access – 3-Month Plan (Sale) | $149.99 | per 3 months |
| All-Access – Annual Plan | $299.99 | per year |
| All-Access – Annual Plan | $299.99 | per year |
| All Access – Annual Plan (Sale) | $299.99 | per year |
| All-Access – Annual Plan | $299.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Access | $299.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Excellent ground school app
- 👍 Comprehensive and well-presented content
- 🎓 Helpful for passing written exams
- 👍 Great for both new and experienced pilots
- 🎓 Useful for CFIs to stay sharp

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Syncing issues between devices
- 🔍 Lack of desktop version
- 🔍 Limited flashcard and spaced-repetition features
- 🔍 Need for more interactive chart/sectional practice
- 🐛 Some questions have outdated or incorrect answers

**Reported bugs**

- Syncing issues between iPhone and iPad
- Some questions have incorrect or outdated answers

**Requested features**

- Desktop version of the app
- More robust flashcard and spaced-repetition system
- Deeper interactive practice with sectional charts
- Expansion to commercial and ATP levels


### Boldmethod

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/boldmethod/id1507847293)

Enhance your aviation knowledge with extensive video training and online courses. Practice with quizzes and master essential piloting skills like takeoffs, landings, airspace navigation, and weather interpretation. Prepare for checkrides and improve your flying proficiency.

**Highlights:** Extensive video training library, Online aviation courses, Pilot knowledge quizzes, Master takeoffs and landings, National Airspace System training, Aviation weather interpretation, VFR charts and publications

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Aviation Weather Products | $19.99 | one-time |
| National Airspace System | $19.99 | one-time |
| VFR Charts | $19.99 | one-time |
| National Airspace System | $24.99 | one-time |
| Aviation Weather Products | $24.99 | one-time |
| VFR Charts and Publications | $24.99 | one-time |
| Mastering Takeoffs & Landings | $139.99 | one-time |
| Mountain Weather | $299.99 | one-time |
| Instrument Procedures | $499.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great training with visual aids
- 👍 Thorough and logically presented
- 👍 Easy to understand and engaging instruction
- 👍 Comprehensive and full of practical advice
- 👍 Exceptional quality and polished presentation

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔍 Lack of explanation for wrong answers in quizzes
- 🐛 Occasional crashing or freezing issues

**Reported bugs**

- Crashing or freezing issues
- Compatibility problems with older devices

**Requested features**

- Provide explanations for incorrect answers in quizzes
- Improve navigation and progress tracking through courses


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Ground School free?

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

### Is Boldmethod free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Ground School or Boldmethod?

Boldmethod is rated higher. Ground School averages 4.9 out of 5 from 1.7K ratings, while Boldmethod averages 4.9 from 823 ratings.

### Do Ground School or Boldmethod have ads?

Boldmethod shows ads; Ground School does not.

### Which is updated more often, Ground School or Boldmethod?

Ground School ships an update every 8 days, and Boldmethod every 3 weeks. Most recently, Ground School was updated on September 23, 2026 and Boldmethod on September 17, 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.*