# Ground School vs ATSim

The clearest difference is rating: Ground School at 4.9 against ATSim's 4.1. Ground School also leads on review sentiment (88% vs 63%) and ratings volume (1.7K vs 15). ATSim's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 12) and iOS requirement (12.1 vs 16.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Ground School sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $49.99 per month. ATSim asks for nothing beyond the download.

Ground School holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Ground School has 1.7K ratings behind it against 15, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 88% of Ground School's written reviews are positive against 63% of ATSim's.

## The numbers

| Metric | Ground School | ATSim |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (1.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ground-school/id1444387206/reviews)** | [4.1 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/atsim/id1542551883/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.7K** | 15 |
| Positive reviews | **88.2% of reviews** | 62.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | — |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 216 MB | 163 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **12.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [On The Flight Line Productions LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/328833131) | [PlaneEnglish](https://appshunter.io/developer/1461037184) |

## 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


### ATSim

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/atsim/id1542551883)

Practice air traffic control radio communication and phraseology with an AI-powered simulator. Learn through repetition and immediate feedback with realistic scenarios covering over 170 airports and various flight types.

**Highlights:** AI-powered pilot interaction, Voice recognition and speech analysis feedback, Practice radio communication, Master aviation phraseology, Over 170 airports simulated, VFR and IFR flight control lessons

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Ground School free?

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

### Is ATSim free?

ATSim is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

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

Ground School is rated higher. Ground School averages 4.9 out of 5 from 1.7K ratings, while ATSim averages 4.1 from 15 ratings.

### Do Ground School or ATSim have ads?

Neither Ground School nor ATSim shows ads.

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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.*