# ErgoBlue vs Virtual PAPI

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Virtual PAPI at none against ErgoBlue's 4. Virtual PAPI also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs every 4 months). ErgoBlue's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 18.6). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ErgoBlue sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month. Virtual PAPI asks for nothing beyond the download.

ErgoBlue ships an update every 4 months, Virtual PAPI every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on September 9, 2026 and June 5, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ErgoBlue | Virtual PAPI |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ergoblue/id1481779003/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **1** | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 1.7 GB | 4 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 18.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Aeronautical Data Systems Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/552304929) | [Marlon Dutra](https://appshunter.io/developer/1853486062) |

## What reviewers say

### ErgoBlue

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ergoblue/id1481779003)

This aviation app provides pilots with real-time ship location data and an automated distress messaging system for emergencies over water. It enhances situational awareness, reduces pilot workload, and aids in faster rescue operations.

**Highlights:** Real-time AIS ship position data, Automated voice distress message, Distress text data message via DSC, Reduces pilot task saturation, Increases pilot situational awareness, Assists with ditching procedures, Instrument approach to ditching

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Special Flight Safety Offer | $7.99 | per month |
| Ergo Blue Weekly Subscription | $49.99 | per 7 days |
| ErgoBlue Monthly Subscription | $87.99 | per month |
| ErgoBlue Yearly Subscription | $999.99 | per year |


### Virtual PAPI

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/virtual-papi/id6755373746)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ErgoBlue free?

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

### Is Virtual PAPI free?

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

### Do ErgoBlue or Virtual PAPI have ads?

Neither ErgoBlue nor Virtual PAPI shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ErgoBlue or Virtual PAPI?

ErgoBlue ships an update every 4 months, and Virtual PAPI every 3 days. Most recently, ErgoBlue was updated on September 9, 2026 and Virtual PAPI on June 5, 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.*