# Variometer+ vs Sidekik

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Sidekik at 100% against Variometer+'s 89%. Variometer+'s advantage is device support (4 vs 2) and iOS requirement (15.4 vs 17.0). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Variometer+ sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month and Sidekik sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Variometer+ ships an update every 3 weeks, Sidekik every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Variometer+ | Sidekik |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (27 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/variometer-plus/id1636307202/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **27** | — |
| Positive reviews | 89.5% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 9 MB | 111 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.4** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [iSolid apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1215383083) | [Bernhard Fercher](https://appshunter.io/developer/978037147) |

## What reviewers say

### Variometer+

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/variometer-plus/id1636307202)

This app provides a highly responsive variometer for paragliding, hang gliding, and aviation. It offers customizable beeps, haptic feedback, and ground speed/altitude displays, with an independent Apple Watch app for full functionality on your wrist.

**Highlights:** Highly responsive variometer algorithm, Audible beeps and haptic feedback, Ground speed and altitude display, Sink alarm, Customizable settings and sounds, Independent Apple Watch app

**Features:** Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Vario PRO Monthly | $6.99 | per month |
| Vario PRO Yearly | $14.99 | per year |
| Vario PRO Lifetime | $49.99 | one-time |


### Sidekik

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sidekik-paraglidinghike-and-fly/id6738481976)

This app helps paragliding and Hike & Fly pilots track flights, set goals, and engage with a community. It offers features like thermal maps, airspace overlays, and challenges to improve skills and share adventures.

**Highlights:** Flight and Hike & Fly tracking, Thermal maps and airspace overlays, Goal setting and progress tracking, Club challenges and competitions, Community sharing and inspiration, Import flights (.igc, .gpx)

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Sidekik Plus | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Sidekik Plus | $7.99 | per month |
| Sidekik Plus | $44.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Variometer+ free?

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

### Is Sidekik free?

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

### Do Variometer+ or Sidekik have ads?

Neither Variometer+ nor Sidekik shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Variometer+ or Sidekik?

Variometer+ ships an update every 3 weeks, and Sidekik every 2 weeks. Most recently, Variometer+ was updated on October 25, 2026 and Sidekik on October 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.*