Comparison

ASTB Prep vs IFR Flight Simulator

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

ASTB Prep

Prepare for naval aviation exams with comprehensive study materials, practice tests, and simulators. Covers all subtests for Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aviation selection. Features adaptive testing and offline access.

Highlights
  • 73 comprehensive lessons
  • 140+ flashcard decks
  • 600+ sample test questions
  • Unlimited adaptive practice tests
  • UAV tracking simulator
  • Terrain identification simulator
  • Stick and throttle simulators
Read full description

ASTB PREP is a comprehensive study tool for the ASTB-E and OAR military aviation exams, created by a former Naval Officer. Full Access is available as a one-time in-app purchase. Whether you are preparing for Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard aviation selection, ASTB PREP gives you the tools to study efficiently and build confidence before test day. FREE FEATURES • Create a free account • Access introductory lessons covering exam overview, structure, and study strategies • Track your study progress • Sync your progress and access with your ASTB PREP account FULL ACCESS • 81 comprehensive lessons with review sections across all 7 ASTB subtests • 140+ flashcard decks for rapid knowledge reinforcement • 1,200+ sample test questions with detailed explanations • Unlimited adaptive practice tests that target your weak areas • Dichotic Listening Test (DLT) simulator • UAV tracking simulator • Terrain Identification simulator • Rear Cockpit simulator • Hardware-enhanced PBM training for a more realistic practice experience • On iPhone and iPad, train with intuitive on-screen controls or compatible Bluetooth game controllers, including supported Xbox and PlayStation controllers • Performance coaching tools • All content is available offline after download, making ASTB PREP ideal for deployment, travel, and other low-connectivity environments STUDY WITH YOUR ACCOUNT Full Access is tied to your ASTB PREP account. Sign in with the same account to keep your access and study progress synced and available wherever your account is supported. EXISTING CUSTOMERS If you previously purchased ASTB PREP, your access is preserved. Simply sign in or create an account to link your Full Access. ALL 7 ASTB SUBTESTS COVERED • Math Skills Test (MST) • Reading Comprehension Test (RCT) • Mechanical Comprehension Test (MCT) • Aviation and Nautical Information Test (ANIT) • Naval Aviation Trait Facet Inventory (NATFI) • Performance Based Measures (PBM): DLT, UAV, TI, RC • Biographical Inventory with Response Validation (BI-RV) Also covers all 3 OAR subtests: MST, RCT, and MCT. Account required. Free to create. Privacy policy: https://www.iubenda.com/privacy-policy/24362764

About

IFR Flight Simulator

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
Read full description

Practice holdings, radial intercepts, and DME arcs on your phone before your next simulator session. Calculate the procedure, fly it with live instruments, and review your track in the debrief. IFR Flight Simulator combines focused IFR procedure training with real-time flight simulation, worldwide navigation data, and a choice of glass cockpit or classic gauges. What you can practice: • Holding Trainer: Randomized holding situations. Determine the entry, calculate the wind correction angles, then fly the pattern. • Intercept Trainer: Inbound and outbound radial intercepts as well as QDM/QDR intercepts. • DME Arc Trainer: Fly DME arcs and calculate the angle of lead to turn onto the inbound course at the right moment. • Approaches: Set up a final intercept, a position in the pattern (downwind, base, or final), or a full approach at any airport, including ILS. • IFR mental math: Practice entries, wind correction angles, and lead points until the calculations become automatic. Worldwide navigation database: • Navigation data from a recent AIRAC cycle, with worldwide coverage: 13,000+ airports and 10,000+ VORs, NDBs, and other navaids. • Train with real airports and navaids instead of generic exercise locations. Real-time flight simulator: • Modern glass cockpit (PFD and ND) or classic gauges. • Autopilot with rotary controls for heading, altitude, and speed, or fly manually by tilting your device. • Fast-forward mode to repeat procedures efficiently. • Live Map: your position and flight path in real time. • Live Needle Overlay: watch where the HSI and CDI needles actually point as they move with the aircraft symbol across the map. • Optimal Holding Entry Path Overlay: compare your flown track with the wind-corrected entry and holding pattern. • Flight Log with Debrief: every flight is recorded. Replay the track and the needle movement, or resume the flight later. Built for instrument rating training, proficiency practice, and simulator assessments. "I am currently training for my Instrument Rating, and my FI recommended this app to me. I didn't think such a high quality, useful training tool was possible as an app. Incredible for VOR bearings, practicing holds and command headings." App Store review by Sa4mmy Questions or feedback? Reach us at support@ifrsimulator.com. Disclaimer: This application is for training and educational purposes only. It must not be used for real-world flight planning or in-flight decision-making. While the developer strives to provide information and calculations that are as accurate and up-to-date as reasonably possible, they may still be incomplete or inaccurate, and other accepted methods exist for deriving procedures and correction angles. Always verify data against official aeronautical publications and follow the guidance of a certified flight instructor. The developer accepts no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions, or outcomes arising from use of this software. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

ASTB Prep4 screens
IFR Flight Simulator4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: ASTB Prep at 4.9 against IFR Flight Simulator's 4.3. ASTB Prep also leads on review sentiment (94% vs 64%) and ratings volume (434 vs 103). IFR Flight Simulator's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 3 weeks) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. ASTB Prep sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and IFR Flight Simulator sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

ASTB Prep holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 434 and 103 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 94% of ASTB Prep's written reviews are positive against 64% of IFR Flight Simulator's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

ASTB Prep ships an update every 3 weeks, IFR Flight Simulator weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
ASTB Prep versus IFR Flight Simulator: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterASTB PrepIFR Flight Simulator
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.9 (434 ratings) — better4.3 (103 ratings)
Positive reviews93.6% of reviews — better63.6% of reviews
Number of ratings434 — better103
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, MaciPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS17.015.6 — better
Further details — not scored
Size811 MB116 MB
Age rating9+4+
DeveloperAlex HastingsTobias Maihoff

Customer experience

ASTB Prep

All ratings434 ratings
Positive97.5%
Neutral1.2%
Negative1.4%
Written reviews110 reviews
Positive93.6%
Neutral5.5%
Negative0.9%

IFR Flight Simulator

All ratings103 ratings
Positive80.6%
Neutral4.9%
Negative14.6%
Written reviews33 reviews
Positive63.6%
Neutral18.2%
Negative18.2%

Bugs and requests

ASTB Prep

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Mechanical comprehension test has 30 questions, not 20
  • Terrain identification section has occasional screen color issues

Requested features

4 requests
  • Option to disable timer for terrain identification
  • Ability to configure duration of correct answer display
  • Add audio for UAV portion to simulate real test experience
  • Include emergency scenario training for UAV

IFR Flight Simulator

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

2 purchases

ASTB Prep

One-time2
  • Joystick FunctionalityFree
  • Full Access$39.99
7 purchases

IFR Flight Simulator

Subscriptions4
  • Full Access2 variants$9.991 Month
  • Full Access7 Days trial$19.993 Months
  • Full Access$19.993 Months
Show 1 more
  • Full Access7 Days trial2 variants$59.991 Year
One-time3
  • SALE % Pro | One-Time Purchase$49.99
  • SALE % Pro | One-Time Purchase$84.99
  • Pro Access | One-Time Purchase$169.99

Questions

Is ASTB Prep free?
ASTB Prep is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is IFR Flight Simulator free?
IFR Flight Simulator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, ASTB Prep or IFR Flight Simulator?
ASTB Prep is rated higher. ASTB Prep averages 4.9 out of 5 from 434 ratings, while IFR Flight Simulator averages 4.3 from 103 ratings.
Do ASTB Prep or IFR Flight Simulator have ads?
Neither ASTB Prep nor IFR Flight Simulator shows ads.
Which is updated more often, ASTB Prep or IFR Flight Simulator?
ASTB Prep ships an update every 3 weeks, and IFR Flight Simulator weekly. Most recently, ASTB Prep was updated on September 23, 2026 and IFR Flight Simulator on September 21, 2026.

Other comparisons