# CloudAhoy vs VatMap

The clearest difference is rating: VatMap at 4.0 against CloudAhoy's 3.5. VatMap also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 2) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 5 weeks). CloudAhoy's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. CloudAhoy sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. VatMap asks for nothing beyond the download.

VatMap holds the better App Store score, 4.0 against 3.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 34 and 22 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 81% of CloudAhoy's written reviews are positive against 79% of VatMap's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

CloudAhoy ships an update every 5 weeks, VatMap fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and October 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | CloudAhoy | VatMap |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.5 (34 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cloudahoy/id433341396/reviews) | **[4.0 (22 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vatmap/id641159906/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **34** | 22 |
| Positive reviews | **80.8% of reviews** | 78.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 17 MB | 28 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **9.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [CloudAhoy, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/433341399) | [wkberg](https://appshunter.io/developer/446191922) |

## What reviewers say

### CloudAhoy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cloudahoy/id433341396)

This app provides pilots with detailed post-flight analysis and performance evaluations. It automatically segments flights, scores maneuvers, and offers various visual tools to identify areas for improvement. Get a comprehensive understanding of your flying proficiency shortly after landing.

**Highlights:** Automated flight segmentation, Objective maneuver scoring, 2D/3D flight visualization, Chart and map overlays, HUD cockpit view, Flight data import, Instrument approach comparison

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| CloudAhoy Standard | $64.99 | one-time |
| CloudAhoy Pro | $149.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great for flight debriefing
- 👍 Useful for training
- 👍 Objective evaluation of flights
- 👍 Can import data from glass cockpit/EFB
- 👍 Fun to share with passengers

**What reviewers complain about**

- 😞 Terrible grading by CFI assistant
- 😞 Scoring doesn't align with ACS/reality
- 😞 App glitching and failing to load
- 😞 iPad mini no longer plays back 3D
- 😞 Unresponsive and incomprehensible

**Reported bugs**

- App glitching and failing to load
- iPad mini no longer plays back 3D
- Sharing feature not working as expected
- Display with layovers is jumbled
- App crashed

**Requested features**

- Fix grading for CFI assistant
- Ensure scoring aligns with ACS standards
- Fix app glitches and loading failures
- Restore 3D playback on iPad mini
- Clarify subscription costs


### VatMap

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vatmap/id641159906)

View the VATSIM network in real-time on your mobile device. Plan, track, and monitor flights and controllers directly from your smartphone or tablet. Utilize built-in maps and in-app charts for an enhanced flight simulation experience.

**Highlights:** Real-time pilot and controller display, In-app charts for Electronic Flight Bag, Flight planning and tracking, Friend list management, One-minute data updates, Departure and arrival information

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Excellent VATSIM tracking
- 📊 Detailed map with ATC coverage
- 🗺️ Integrated airport charts
- 👥 Ability to track friends
- 🔍 Comprehensive flight information

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes or stability issues
- 🔄 Inconsistent data refresh
- 📊 Limited chart coverage for some regions
- 💰 Ads can be intrusive

**Reported bugs**

- Metar request feature not working
- Crashes when trying to open weather tab
- Sector boundaries not showing for some ATC centers

**Requested features**

- Improved visualization of ATC sectors and coverage areas
- Option to disable dark mode when device is in light mode
- Integration of audio communication between ATC and pilots
- Ability to sort pilot and ATC lists by various criteria


## Frequently asked questions

### Is CloudAhoy free?

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

### Is VatMap free?

VatMap is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, CloudAhoy or VatMap?

VatMap is rated higher. CloudAhoy averages 3.5 out of 5 from 34 ratings, while VatMap averages 4.0 from 22 ratings.

### Do CloudAhoy or VatMap have ads?

VatMap shows ads; CloudAhoy does not.

### Which is updated more often, CloudAhoy or VatMap?

CloudAhoy ships an update every 5 weeks, and VatMap fortnightly. Most recently, CloudAhoy was updated on October 5, 2026 and VatMap on October 3, 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.*