# Port Control vs Approach Control

The clearest difference is rating: Port Control at 4.3 against Approach Control's 2.9. Port Control also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 9) and ratings volume (260 vs 9). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Approach Control sells 9 one-off in-app purchases. Port Control asks for nothing beyond the download.

Port Control holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 2.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Port Control has 260 ratings behind it against 9, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 53% of Port Control's written reviews are positive against 36% of Approach Control's.

Port Control ships an update fortnightly, Approach Control every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Port Control | Approach Control |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.3 (260 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/port-control/id1450137571/reviews)** | [2.9 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/approach-control-remastered/id6756545492/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **260** | 9 |
| Positive reviews | **53.3% of reviews** | 36.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 177 MB | 174 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [OMICRON BILISIM HIZMETLERI TICARET LIMITED SIRKETI](https://appshunter.io/developer/1438425563) | [Big Fat Simulations Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/578114758) |

## What reviewers say

### Port Control

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/port-control/id1450137571)

Guide ships to safe port approaches by drawing their paths. Avoid collisions with other vessels and manage your ships' fuel levels. Ensure successful arrivals by refueling when necessary.

**Highlights:** Guide ships to ports, Draw safe paths, Avoid ship collisions, Manage ship fuel, Refuel ships

**In-app purchases:** none


### Approach Control

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/approach-control-remastered/id6756545492)

Experience a realistic air traffic control simulation with genuine ATC procedures and pilot voice recordings. Make critical decisions under pressure, manage traffic across 10 unique sectors, and test your skills with challenging scenarios. Includes training modules and career tracking.

**Highlights:** Realistic radar simulation, Genuine ATC procedures, Actual pilot voice recordings, 10 unique approach sectors, 10 ATC challenges, In-built training modules, Career statistics and trophy case

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

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Advanced | $1.99 | one-time |
| Ninja | $1.99 | one-time |
| Approach Control: Remastered | $1.99 | one-time |
| Cornered | $1.99 | one-time |
| Insanity | $1.99 | one-time |
| Windy | $1.99 | one-time |
| Pandemonium | $1.99 | one-time |
| Gridlock | $1.99 | one-time |
| Full Unlock | $14.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Port Control free?

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

### Is Approach Control free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Port Control or Approach Control?

Port Control is rated higher. Port Control averages 4.3 out of 5 from 260 ratings, while Approach Control averages 2.9 from 9 ratings.

### Do Port Control or Approach Control have ads?

Neither Port Control nor Approach Control shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Port Control or Approach Control?

Port Control ships an update fortnightly, and Approach Control every 3 weeks. Most recently, Port Control was updated on October 24, 2026 and Approach Control on October 24, 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.*