# Garmin GPS Trainer vs Binnacle School

The clearest difference is rating: Binnacle School at 5.0 against Garmin GPS Trainer's 2.1. Binnacle School also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 3 months). Garmin GPS Trainer's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and ratings volume (28 vs 1). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Binnacle School sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Garmin GPS Trainer asks for nothing beyond the download.

Binnacle School holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 2.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Garmin GPS Trainer has 28 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Garmin GPS Trainer ships an update every 3 months, Binnacle School weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Garmin GPS Trainer | Binnacle School |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.1 (28 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/garmin-gps-trainer/id1454577309/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/binnacle-school/id6778185737/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **28** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 33.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Freemium |
| Size | 1.3 GB | 3 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Garmin DCI](https://appshunter.io/developer/309920282) | [John Thomas](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896733361) |

## 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


### Binnacle School

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/binnacle-school/id6778185737)

Prepare for your U.S. Coast Guard captain's license exams with a structured, module-based study approach. Practice questions with detailed explanations and interactive drills to master navigation, seamanship, and more. Track student progress for classes or unlock all content with a premium subscription.

**Highlights:** Module-based exam preparation, Explanation on every question, Interactive drills for practical skills, Class management and student tracking, Progressive unlocking of study modules, Daily practice with built-in tutor

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Binnacle School Premium | $4.99 | per month |
| Binnacle School Premium | $29.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Access | $79.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Garmin GPS Trainer free?

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

### Is Binnacle School free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Garmin GPS Trainer or Binnacle School?

Binnacle School is rated higher. Garmin GPS Trainer averages 2.1 out of 5 from 28 ratings, while Binnacle School averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Garmin GPS Trainer or Binnacle School have ads?

Neither Garmin GPS Trainer nor Binnacle School shows ads.

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

Garmin GPS Trainer ships an update every 3 months, and Binnacle School weekly. Most recently, Garmin GPS Trainer was updated on October 23, 2026 and Binnacle School on October 15, 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.*