Glider Polar vs XCSoar
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Glider Polar
This app predicts glider performance by allowing users to adjust gross weight and headwind. Experienced pilots can explore the impact of water ballast on glide ratio and speed, while beginners can visualize how wind and weight affect performance.
- Predicts glider glide performance
- Adjustable gross weight
- Adjustable headwind component
- Shows effect of water ballast
- Illustrates wind and weight impact
Read full descriptionHide full description
Glider Polar predicts the glide performance of any glider. The user can vary the glider's gross weight and headwind component and immediately see the effect on glider performance. Experienced pilots can use the app to see how water ballast affects the glide ratio and cruise speed. For those new to gliding, the app clearly illustrates the effect of wind and weight on performance.
XCSoar
An open-source flight navigation tool for gliders and sailplanes. It offers a moving map, task planning, airspace data, and thermal detection to aid pilots in route optimization and real-time flight information.
- Moving map display
- Task planning
- Airspace information
- Thermal detection
- Route optimization
- Real-time flight data
Read full descriptionHide full description
Disclaimer: Do not rely on this app for navigation or flight-critical decisions. XCSoar is an open-source flight navigation software designed for gliders and other sailplanes. It provides features like a moving map, task planning, airspace information, and thermal detection. The software helps pilots with route optimization and offers real-time data on altitude, speed, and location. It can be used on various devices, including tablets and smartphones, making it versatile for both recreational and competitive flying.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: XCSoar at Free against Glider Polar's $2.99. XCSoar also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 21 months). On rating, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases 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
XCSoar is free to download; Glider Polar costs $2.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Glider Polar against 5.0 for XCSoar. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 1 respectively.
Glider Polar ships an update every 21 months, XCSoar monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 27, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Glider Polar | XCSoar |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) | 5.0 (1 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | — | 50.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 1 |
| Update frequency | Every 21 months | Monthly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better |
| Requires iOS | 15.2 | 15.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 2 MB | 35 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Robert Walker | praechtig gbr |
In-app purchases
Glider Polar
No in-app purchases
XCSoar
No in-app purchases
