Comparison

F vs RFS

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

Head to head
About

F

Experience the challenge of landing a Space Shuttle with this realistic flight simulator. Master complex flight dynamics, stunning graphics, and detailed scoring to improve your landings. Offers various scenarios and control options for an immersive experience.

Highlights
  • Realistic flight dynamics
  • Detailed landing analysis and scoring
  • Autopilot demo and tutorials
  • Online high score comparison
  • Unlockable achievements and medals
  • Experiment with weather and emergency scenarios
  • Manual and autopilot control options
Features
Read full description

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to land the Space Shuttle? Now you can find out. F-Sim Space Shuttle is a critically acclaimed flight simulator for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. It simulates the Space Shuttle approach and landing in incredible detail and accuracy. We’ve tried to combine realistic flight dynamics with stunning graphics and fun game play: Each landing attempt takes just a few minutes. Our landing analysis and scoring system tells you exactly how to improve your next landing. It will make you come back and try again. No ads, no in-app-purchases. Each flight starts at either 10,000 feet, already aligned with the runway, or at up to 50,000 feet, before banking into the heading alignment cone. During descent, the Orbiter is an unpowered glider, so you will only have one chance to get it right. Astronauts used to call it a flying brick: because of its 200,000 lbs. gross weight and low lift over drag ratio, the approach is six times steeper and two times faster than a typical airliner approach. Landing the Orbiter takes practice, but the built-in autopilot demo and tutorials will get you started. After your first safe touchdown, chase that perfect landing, compare your high scores online with your friends, earn medals, and unlock achievements. Experiment with different weather conditions, night approaches, and even emergency scenarios or system failures. At the end of each flight, watch a replay from different camera angles. You control the Orbiter’s pitch and roll axes by tilting your device. Alternatively, you may switch to on-screen analog sticks. Rudder, speed brake, gear, and chute are usually handled by the autopilot, but you can have full manual control if you like. For beginners, we’ve added rectangles that visualize the desired approach path. Simply try to stay within the corridor of rectangles, and they’ll guide you right to the touchdown point. Advanced pilots can turn them off and rely on the instruments in the head-up display (HUD) instead. The simulated guidance, navigation and control (GNC) systems are authentic replications of their counterparts in the real Orbiter, and the HUD features all the instruments real Space Shuttle commanders used to employ to skillfully land this unique aircraft. Now it’s your turn to give it a try. Here’s what others have said about it: “Because this app is so visually exciting, so technically deep, so sophisticated, so beautifully done in its realism, effects, and documentation, it earned a perfect 5/5 rating, Outstanding.” John Martellaro, Senior Editor for Reviews, The Mac Observer “I was excited to see that I can enjoy flying the space shuttle realistically also on my iPhone and complement my addiction to our Space Shuttle Mission Simulator on PC when I am on the road.” Alex L., www.space-shuttle-mission.com “Absolutely awesome app that is a must for shuttle huggers and aspiring astronauts.” Chris Bergin, Managing Editor, NASASpaceflight.com F-Sim Space Shuttle takes full advantage of modern iOS devices, but also runs smoothly on older hardware. We’ve tested it on all iOS devices, and iOS versions 3 to 7.

About

RFS

Experience the thrill of piloting an aircraft with a realistic flight simulator. Learn takeoffs, landings, and full flights with detailed 3D cockpits and extensive airport options. Engage in multiplayer mode or try your hand at air traffic control.

Highlights
  • 60+ airplane models with 3D cockpits
  • 1900+ HD airports with 3D buildings
  • Real-time flights and weather
  • Multiplayer mode with global community
  • Air Traffic Control (ATC) game mode
  • Customizable liveries and airport designs
Features
Read full description

EXPERIENCE THE ULTIMATE FLIGHT SIMULATOR ON YOUR MOBILE DEVICE! Immerse yourself in the captivating world of aviation with RFS - Real Flight Simulator. Our cutting-edge flight simulation technology allows you to experience the thrill of being a pro pilot from your device. Whether you want realistic airplane games or a professional flight simulator, RFS delivers an unparalleled journey. FLY NOW, ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD! Learn to take off, land, and complete full flights in a global flight simulation environment. Explore aircraft with 3D live cockpits, visit 30 HD airports, and navigate 500 SD airports. Personalize instruments, use automatic flight plans, and experience the finest detail in this global flight simulator. Master your skills with our pilot tutorials and become a master of flight simulation! Manual/Tutorial: Real Flight Simulator Wiki UNLOCK THE FULL REAL FLIGHT SIMULATOR EXPERIENCE Choose the subscription that fits: monthly, six-month, or yearly. Join virtual aviators and access premium features in the most advanced airplane simulator and flight simulator available on the App Store. BUCKLE UP AND BECOME A REAL PILOT! As a pro pilot in our flight simulator, you will enjoy a vast array of features for the ultimate flight simulation: • 60+ AIRPLANE MODELS: Take command of airplane models with realistic 3D cockpits and authentic lighting. Experience pilot systems and instruments in every flight. • 1900+ HD AIRPORTS: Land your airplane at 3D airports featuring realistic buildings, vehicles, and authentic ground procedures. This is the most detailed airport simulation in a mobile flight simulator. • REAL-TIME FLIGHTS & WEATHER: Join 40,000+ real-time flights daily with live air traffic at global hubs. Experience real-time weather that challenges your pilot skills in this realistic flight simulator. • DETAILED CHECKLISTS: Follow authentic pilot procedures for takeoff and landing to fully immerse yourself in the flight simulation. • ADVANCED GROUND SYSTEMS: Interact with refueling trucks, passenger vehicles, and follow-me cars upon landing your airplane. • ADVANCED FLIGHT PLANNING: Customize real-time weather, system failures, and navigation routes. Share flight plans with other pilots for a connected flight simulation community. • AUTOPILOT & ASSISTED LANDING: Utilize precise autopilot and our Automatic Landing System for long-haul airplane missions. • REALISTIC SATELLITE SCENERY: Explore the world with high-definition satellite terrain and height maps in stunning 3D. This is global flight simulation at its finest. ENGAGE IN GLOBAL MULTIPLAYER MODES • Join hundreds of other pilots and fly together in any part of the world. • Chat with fellow multiplayer pilots, participate in weekly events, and join Virtual Airlines (VA) to earn Flight Points. RFS is the premier multiplayer flight simulator. ATC MODE: BECOME AN AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER • ATC GAME MODE: Organize aircraft traffic, give instructions, and guide planes to fly safely. • Enjoy interactive multi-voice ATC procedures and communications. Experience the dual role of pilot and controller in one simulation. CREATE AND SHARE YOUR AVIATION PASSION • CUSTOMIZE YOUR PLANE: Design your own airplane liveries and share them globally. • DESIGN YOUR AIRPORT: Model your favorite HD airport, and watch other pilots take off from your creation in the flight simulator. • PLANE SPOTTING: Capture your favorite planes. Experience city lights at night and the ethereal play of light and clouds during sunrise and sunset. • Join the Real Flight Simulator community, discover new flight routes, and interact with aviation enthusiasts. REAL-TIME SIMULATION REQUIREMENTS Internet Connection is required for the full scope of aviation experiences and multiplayer features. GET READY TO SOAR THE SKIES! Buckle up and become a Real Pilot in RFS - Real Flight Simulator! TERMS OF USE: https://www.rortos.com/terms-of-use/ Support: rfs@rortos.com

Screenshots

F4 screens
RFS4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: F at Free against RFS's $0.99. F also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 13) and review sentiment (89% vs 74%). RFS's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 3 months) and ratings volume (24K vs 927). On rating, ads and device support 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

F is free to download; RFS costs $0.99 up front. RFS sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. F asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for F against 4.6 for RFS. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: RFS has 24K ratings behind it against 927, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 89% of F's written reviews are positive against 74% of RFS's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

F ships an update every 3 months, RFS every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on October 18, 2026.

Scorecard8 real differences · 3 level
F versus RFS: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFRFS
PriceFree — better$0.99
Rating4.6 (927 ratings)4.6 (24K ratings)
Positive reviews89.3% of reviews — better73.9% of reviews
Number of ratings92724K — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaid — betterSubscription
Best chart rank—#4 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS5.1.1 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size74 MB547 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSkyTale Software GmbHRORTOS SRL

Customer experience

F

All ratings927 ratings
Positive90.0%
Neutral2.9%
Negative7.1%
Written reviews866 reviews
Positive89.3%
Neutral2.8%
Negative8.0%

RFS

All ratings24,065 ratings
Positive90.8%
Neutral3.2%
Negative6.0%
Written reviews2,750 reviews
Positive73.9%
Neutral9.6%
Negative16.5%

User reviews

F

From 927 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Excellent graphics and realistic flight model
  • 🎮 Challenging and addictive gameplay
  • 👍 Highly detailed and immersive simulation
  • 💾 Saves and replays of landing attempts
  • 🎨 Customizable settings (weather, failures, etc.)

Room to improve

  • 🕰️ Lack of updates and new features in recent years
  • 🔍 Limited gameplay options (only landing sequence)
  • 🤖 Automatic systems make it too easy at times
  • 🖥️ Compatibility issues with newer devices

RFS

From 24K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Realistic simulation
  • 🚀 Variety of aircraft and liveries
  • 🚀 Affordable subscription
  • 👍 Smooth controls
  • 👍 Impressive graphics and 3D airports

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Frequent crashes and disconnections
  • 🐛 Autopilot and flight model issues
  • 🐛 Lack of interactive cockpit features
  • 🔋 Drains device battery quickly
  • 💰 Limited free aircraft selection

Bugs and requests

F

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Game Center integration not working properly
  • Occasional crashes or freezes on certain devices

Requested features

4 requests
  • Add launch sequence and orbital operations
  • Introduce different shuttle models to pilot
  • Implement multiplayer and leaderboard functionality
  • Expand to other aircraft types and flight scenarios

RFS

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Subscription issues when switching devices
  • Runway and taxiway rendering problems
  • Autopilot disconnects during long flights
  • Inconsistent landing gear and reverse thrust behavior

Requested features

6 requests
  • Add more free aircraft options
  • Improve ATC functionality and realism
  • Implement more advanced camera views (cabin, under-wing, etc.)
  • Add support for external controllers (throttle, etc.)
  • Improve weather effects and turbulence simulation
Show 1 more
  • Expand airport selection, especially in Canada

In-app purchases

None

F

No in-app purchases

8 purchases

RFS

Subscriptions8
  • RFS Pro (1 month)$3.991 Month
  • RFS Pro (1 month)3 variants$4.991 Month
  • RFS Pro (1 month)1 Month trial$5.991 Month
Show 5 more
  • RFS Pro (1 month)$5.991 Month
  • RFS Pro (6 months)$19.996 Months
  • RFS Pro (6 month)2 variants$19.996 Months
  • RFS Pro (1 year)2 variants$29.991 Year
  • RFS Pro (1 year)$39.991 Year

Questions

Is F free?
F is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is RFS free?
RFS costs $0.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, F or RFS?
F and RFS are both rated 4.6 out of 5 on the App Store, from 927 and 24K ratings respectively.
Do F or RFS have ads?
Neither F nor RFS shows ads.
Which is updated more often, F or RFS?
F ships an update every 3 months, and RFS every 3 weeks. Most recently, F was updated on October 18, 2026 and RFS on October 18, 2026.

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