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 ultimate flight simulator with realistic aircraft, global scenery, and detailed airports. Engage in real-time multiplayer, manage air traffic as an ATC, and master pilot tutorials. Unlock the full experience with various subscription options.

Highlights
  • 65+ realistic airplane models with 3D cockpits
  • 2400+ detailed HD airports
  • Global satellite scenery and Ultra-HD imagery
  • Real-time flights and weather
  • Global multiplayer with hundreds of pilots
  • ATC mode for managing air traffic
Features
Read full description

EXPERIENCE THE ULTIMATE FLIGHT SIMULATOR ON YOUR MOBILE DEVICE! Take your passion for aviation to new heights with RFS - Real Flight Simulator! Fly realistic aircraft, explore the world from the cockpit, and discover more immersive scenery with 3D Buildings and Ultra-HD Satellite Imagery in selected locations. From your first takeoff to long-haul flights, experience what it means to be a real pilot. FLY NOW, ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD! Take off, land, and complete full flights across a global flight simulation environment. Explore aircraft with 3D live cockpits, navigate detailed airports, create flight plans, and sharpen your skills with pilot tutorials. Discover familiar city skylines and landscapes brought to life with new levels of detail. UNLOCK THE FULL REAL FLIGHT SIMULATOR EXPERIENCE Choose the subscription that fits you: monthly, six-month, or yearly. Join a worldwide community of virtual aviators and access premium flight simulation features. BUCKLE UP AND BECOME A REAL PILOT! Experience the features of a PRO pilot in our realistic airplane simulator: • 65+ AIRPLANE MODELS: Pilot a growing fleet of aircraft with realistic 3D live cockpits, authentic lighting, instruments, and flight systems. • 2400+ HD AIRPORTS: Take off and land at detailed airports with 3D terminals, vehicles, and realistic ground procedures. • 3D BUILDINGS: Discover selected cities reconstructed around real-world building positions, with recognizable urban layouts, shapes, and colors. Fly above streets and neighborhoods that feel closer to the real world. Explore an expanding world of detailed 3D cities, with new areas coming in future updates. • GLOBAL SATELLITE SCENERY: Explore high-definition satellite terrain and elevation maps worldwide, bringing global landscapes to life. • ULTRA-HD SATELLITE IMAGERY: See terrain, roads, and landscapes with remarkable clarity in supported regions, adding a new level of detail from cruising altitude to final approach. Discover new Ultra-HD areas as coverage continues to expand. • REAL-TIME FLIGHTS & WEATHER: Join 40,000+ real-time flights daily with live air traffic and experience real-time weather conditions as you fly. • DETAILED CHECKLISTS: Follow authentic pilot procedures, from preflight preparation to landing. • ADVANCED GROUND SYSTEMS: Interact with refueling trucks, passenger vehicles, and follow-me cars. • ADVANCED FLIGHT PLANNING: Customize weather, system failures, and navigation routes. Share flight plans with other pilots. • AUTOPILOT & ASSISTED LANDING: Use precise autopilot controls and the Automatic Landing System for long-haul flights. ENGAGE IN GLOBAL MULTIPLAYER MODES • Fly with hundreds of other pilots around the world in real-time multiplayer. • Chat with pilots, join weekly events, and take part in Virtual Airlines (VA) to earn Flight Points. ATC MODE: BECOME AN AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER • ATC GAME MODE: Manage air traffic, issue instructions, and guide aircraft safely. • Experience interactive, multi-voice ATC procedures and communications from both sides of the radio. CREATE AND SHARE YOUR AVIATION PASSION • CUSTOMIZE YOUR PLANE: Design unique liveries and share them with the RFS community. • DESIGN YOUR AIRPORT: Build your favorite HD airport and see other pilots use your creation. • PLANE SPOTTING: Capture aircraft against city lights, dramatic clouds, and spectacular sunrises and sunsets. • Discover new flight routes and connect with aviation enthusiasts worldwide. REAL-TIME SIMULATION REQUIREMENTS An internet connection is required for full simulation 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 10) and review sentiment (89% vs 74%). RFS's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 3 months) and ratings volume (24K vs 936). 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 7 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 936, 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. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 8, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard8 real differences · 3 level
F versus RFS: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFRFS
PriceFree — better$0.99
Rating4.6 (936 ratings)4.6 (24K ratings) — better
Positive reviews89.3% of reviews — better73.8% of reviews
Number of ratings93624K — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaidFree with in-app purchases — better
Best chart rank—#2 — 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 reviews867 reviews
Positive89.3%
Neutral2.8%
Negative8.0%

RFS

All ratings24,191 ratings
Positive90.8%
Neutral3.2%
Negative6.0%
Written reviews2,759 reviews
Positive73.8%
Neutral9.7%
Negative16.5%

User reviews

F

From 936 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

7 purchases

RFS

Subscriptions7
  • RFS Pro (1 month)$3.991 Month
  • RFS Pro (1 month)3 variants$4.991 Month
  • RFS Pro (1 month)$5.991 Month
Show 4 more
  • RFS Pro (1 month)$7.991 Month
  • RFS Pro (6 month)$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?
RFS is rated higher. F averages 4.6 out of 5 from 936 ratings, while RFS averages 4.6 from 24K ratings.
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 November 6, 2026 and RFS on November 8, 2026.

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