# Garmin GTN Xi Trainer vs Boldmethod

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Boldmethod at 97% against Garmin GTN Xi Trainer's 17%. Boldmethod also leads on rating (4.9 vs 2.8) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 3 months). Garmin GTN Xi Trainer's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 9) and ads (none vs shown). On price there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Boldmethod sells 9 one-off in-app purchases. Garmin GTN Xi Trainer asks for nothing beyond the download.

Boldmethod holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 2.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Boldmethod has 823 ratings behind it against 34, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 17% of Garmin GTN Xi Trainer's written reviews are positive against 97% of Boldmethod's.

Garmin GTN Xi Trainer ships an update every 3 months, Boldmethod every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on June 17, 2026 and September 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Garmin GTN Xi Trainer | Boldmethod |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.8 (34 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/garmin-gtn-xi-trainer/id1491538794/reviews) | **[4.9 (823 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/boldmethod/id1507847293/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 34 | **823** |
| Positive reviews | 16.7% of reviews | **97.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 2.4 GB | 26 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple TV** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Digital Cyclone](https://appshunter.io/developer/309920282) | [BoldMethod, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/986988759) |

## What reviewers say

### Garmin GTN Xi Trainer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/garmin-gtn-xi-trainer/id1491538794)

This application simulates the user interface of avionics systems, allowing users to explore features and operational aspects. It's ideal for improving familiarity and proficiency with avionics, and for pre-flight planning by loading flight plans to practice the navigation portion of a flight.

**Highlights:** Simulates system user interface, Explores features and options, Improves avionics familiarity, Pre-flight planning tool, Access to system menus and maps, Garmin FliteCharts, Worldwide terrain and aviation databases

**In-app purchases:** none


### Boldmethod

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/boldmethod/id1507847293)

Enhance your aviation knowledge with extensive video training and online courses. Practice with quizzes and master essential piloting skills like takeoffs, landings, airspace navigation, and weather interpretation. Prepare for checkrides and improve your flying proficiency.

**Highlights:** Extensive video training library, Online aviation courses, Pilot knowledge quizzes, Master takeoffs and landings, National Airspace System training, Aviation weather interpretation, VFR charts and publications

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Aviation Weather Products | $19.99 | one-time |
| National Airspace System | $19.99 | one-time |
| VFR Charts | $19.99 | one-time |
| National Airspace System | $24.99 | one-time |
| Aviation Weather Products | $24.99 | one-time |
| VFR Charts and Publications | $24.99 | one-time |
| Mastering Takeoffs & Landings | $139.99 | one-time |
| Mountain Weather | $299.99 | one-time |
| Instrument Procedures | $499.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great training with visual aids
- 👍 Thorough and logically presented
- 👍 Easy to understand and engaging instruction
- 👍 Comprehensive and full of practical advice
- 👍 Exceptional quality and polished presentation

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔍 Lack of explanation for wrong answers in quizzes
- 🐛 Occasional crashing or freezing issues

**Reported bugs**

- Crashing or freezing issues
- Compatibility problems with older devices

**Requested features**

- Provide explanations for incorrect answers in quizzes
- Improve navigation and progress tracking through courses


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Garmin GTN Xi Trainer free?

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

### Is Boldmethod free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Garmin GTN Xi Trainer or Boldmethod?

Boldmethod is rated higher. Garmin GTN Xi Trainer averages 2.8 out of 5 from 34 ratings, while Boldmethod averages 4.9 from 823 ratings.

### Do Garmin GTN Xi Trainer or Boldmethod have ads?

Boldmethod shows ads; Garmin GTN Xi Trainer does not.

### Which is updated more often, Garmin GTN Xi Trainer or Boldmethod?

Garmin GTN Xi Trainer ships an update every 3 months, and Boldmethod every 3 weeks. Most recently, Garmin GTN Xi Trainer was updated on June 17, 2026 and Boldmethod on September 17, 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.*