# ASTB Prep vs IFR Flight Simulator

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.

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.

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | ASTB Prep | IFR Flight Simulator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (434 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/astb-prep/id1549216388/reviews)** | [4.3 (103 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ifr-flight-simulator/id6444241915/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **434** | 103 |
| Positive reviews | **93.6% of reviews** | 63.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 811 MB | 116 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **15.6** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 9+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Alex Hastings](https://appshunter.io/developer/1549216390) | [Tobias Maihoff](https://appshunter.io/developer/1653306504) |

## What reviewers say

### ASTB Prep

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/astb-prep/id1549216388)

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Joystick Functionality | Free | one-time |
| Full Access | $39.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great tool for ASTB prep
- 👍 Comprehensive study materials
- 🚀 Helpful simulators for PBM
- 🚀 Improved test scores
- 👍 Detailed lessons and practice tests

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Some math/physics questions have incorrect answers
- 🐛 UAV simulator not fully accurate to real test
- 🐛 Stick and throttle simulator needs improvement

**Reported bugs**

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

**Requested features**

- 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

[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 (7)**

| 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 |
| SALE % Pro \| One-Time Purchase | $49.99 | one-time |
| SALE % Pro \| One-Time Purchase | $84.99 | one-time |
| Pro Access \| One-Time Purchase | $169.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked 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.

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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.*