# Prepware CFI vs Garmin GTN Trainer

The clearest difference is price: Garmin GTN Trainer at Free against Prepware CFI's $9.99. Garmin GTN Trainer also leads on rating (3.5 vs 2.4) and iOS requirement (13 vs 15.0). Prepware CFI's advantage is device support (3 vs 1) and ratings volume (38 vs 10). On review sentiment, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Garmin GTN Trainer is free to download; Prepware CFI costs $9.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Garmin GTN Trainer holds the better App Store score, 3.5 against 2.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 38 and 10 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 31% of Prepware CFI's written reviews are positive against 30% of Garmin GTN Trainer's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Prepware CFI ships an update every 4 months, Garmin GTN Trainer every 7 months. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and October 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Prepware CFI | Garmin GTN Trainer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $9.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [2.4 (38 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/prepware-cfi/id338889937/reviews) | **[3.5 (10 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/garmin-gtn-trainer/id479670018/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **38** | 10 |
| Positive reviews | **31.3% of reviews** | 29.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 months** | Every 7 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Paid |
| Size | 31 MB | 2.4 GB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **13** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ASA](https://appshunter.io/developer/334278379) | [Garmin DCI](https://appshunter.io/developer/309920282) |

## What reviewers say

### Prepware CFI

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/prepware-cfi/id338889937)

Prepare for the FAA Knowledge Exam with this comprehensive study and test tool. It offers flashcard-style review of questions, answers, and explanations, allowing you to study by subject or take realistic practice tests.

**Highlights:** Flashcard-style review, Questions, answers, and explanations, Study by subject, Practice tests, Comprehensive preparation tool

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Garmin GTN Trainer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/garmin-gtn-trainer/id479670018)

Learn the basic operation of Garmin avionics with a simulated on-the-ground training environment. Practice using the pilot interface with realistic multi-touch controls, flight plan editing, and access to detailed airport information, approach charts, and weather data.

**Highlights:** Simulated multi-touch and drag interface, Garmin SafeTaxi airport information, Garmin FliteCharts approach charts, Worldwide terrain and aviation databases, Obstacle databases with powerline alerting, Simulated weather and traffic data

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great training tool
- 👍 Authentic functionality
- 👍 Useful for learning
- 👍 Good for practice
- 👍 Handy portable version

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 App crashes frequently
- 🐛 Blank/black screen
- 🐛 Unit does not turn on
- 🐛 App is broken/unusable
- 🐛 Outdated database

**Reported bugs**

- VNAV function does not work
- Airplane starts on the other side of the country
- GTN 750XI app crashes when start button is pushed
- GTN 650 closes out and stops when going to find frequency, recent
- App starts with a blank black screen on display

**Requested features**

- Integrate GFC 500 AP
- Integrate GFC 600/700 AP
- Add autopilot controller head
- Add annunciation display showing AP, HDG, ALT status
- Add fields for actual IAS and ALT of simulated airplane


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Prepware CFI free?

Prepware CFI costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Garmin GTN Trainer free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Prepware CFI or Garmin GTN Trainer?

Garmin GTN Trainer is rated higher. Prepware CFI averages 2.4 out of 5 from 38 ratings, while Garmin GTN Trainer averages 3.5 from 10 ratings.

### Do Prepware CFI or Garmin GTN Trainer have ads?

Neither Prepware CFI nor Garmin GTN Trainer shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Prepware CFI or Garmin GTN Trainer?

Prepware CFI ships an update every 4 months, and Garmin GTN Trainer every 7 months. Most recently, Prepware CFI was updated on October 30, 2026 and Garmin GTN Trainer on October 23, 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.*