# Garmin GPS Trainer vs IFR Flight Simulator

The clearest difference is rating: IFR Flight Simulator at 4.3 against Garmin GPS Trainer's 2.1. IFR Flight Simulator also leads on review sentiment (65% vs 33%) and update cadence (every 5 days vs every 3 months). Garmin GPS Trainer's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 6) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.6). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. IFR Flight Simulator sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Garmin GPS Trainer asks for nothing beyond the download.

IFR Flight Simulator holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 2.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 28 and 107 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 33% of Garmin GPS Trainer's written reviews are positive against 65% of IFR Flight Simulator's.

Garmin GPS Trainer ships an update every 3 months, IFR Flight Simulator every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Garmin GPS Trainer | IFR Flight Simulator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.1 (28 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/garmin-gps-trainer/id1454577309/reviews) | **[4.3 (107 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ifr-flight-simulator/id6444241915/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 28 | **107** |
| Positive reviews | 33.3% of reviews | **64.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 1.3 GB | 117 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Garmin DCI](https://appshunter.io/developer/309920282) | [Tobias Maihoff](https://appshunter.io/developer/1653306504) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### IFR Flight Simulator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ifr-flight-simulator/id6444241915)

This aviation simulator helps pilots master IFR procedures and prepare for instrument ratings. Practice holdings, intercepts, and approaches with realistic flight simulation and navigation tools on your phone. Ideal for student and experienced pilots seeking convenient, effective training.

**Highlights:** Realistic aviation training, Worldwide flight navigation database, Comprehensive training modes, Real-time flight simulator, Integrated autopilot, Optimal holding entry path overlay

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full Access | $9.99 | per month |
| Full Access | $19.99 | per 3 months |
| Full Access | $19.99 | per 3 months |
| Full Access | $59.99 | per year |
| Full Access | $79.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Garmin GPS Trainer free?

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

### Is IFR Flight Simulator free?

IFR Flight Simulator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Garmin GPS Trainer or IFR Flight Simulator?

IFR Flight Simulator is rated higher. Garmin GPS Trainer averages 2.1 out of 5 from 28 ratings, while IFR Flight Simulator averages 4.3 from 107 ratings.

### Do Garmin GPS Trainer or IFR Flight Simulator have ads?

Neither Garmin GPS Trainer nor IFR Flight Simulator shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Garmin GPS Trainer or IFR Flight Simulator?

Garmin GPS Trainer ships an update every 3 months, and IFR Flight Simulator every 5 days. Most recently, Garmin GPS Trainer was updated on November 2, 2026 and IFR Flight Simulator on November 3, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*