# Garmin GTN Trainer vs SimControlX

The clearest difference is price: Garmin GTN Trainer at Free against SimControlX's $19.99. SimControlX's advantage is update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 7 months) and review sentiment (50% vs 30%). On ratings volume, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Garmin GTN Trainer is free to download; SimControlX costs $19.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

SimControlX holds the better App Store score, 3.5 against 3.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 6 and 4 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 30% of Garmin GTN Trainer's written reviews are positive against 50% of SimControlX's.

Garmin GTN Trainer ships an update every 7 months, SimControlX every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Garmin GTN Trainer | SimControlX |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $19.99 |
| Rating | [3.3 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/garmin-gtn-trainer/id479670018/reviews) | **[3.5 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simcontrolx/id1380341055/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **6** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | 29.8% of reviews | **50.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 7 months | **Every 6 weeks** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 2.4 GB | 4 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPad | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Garmin DCI](https://appshunter.io/developer/309920282) | [ELITE Simulation Solutions AG](https://appshunter.io/developer/1699597702) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### SimControlX

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simcontrolx/id1380341055)

Control your flight simulator from your iPad with this instructor station app. Remotely manage aircraft position, weather, and system failures for realistic training and enhanced gameplay. Connects via Wi-Fi to supported simulators.

**Highlights:** iPad instructor station for flight simulators, Remote aircraft repositioning, Customizable weather settings, Simulated system and engine failures, Worldwide moving map with flight path tracing, Quick Wi-Fi connection to simulator, Fuel and battery recharge options

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Garmin GTN Trainer free?

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

### Is SimControlX free?

SimControlX costs $19.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Garmin GTN Trainer or SimControlX?

SimControlX is rated higher. Garmin GTN Trainer averages 3.3 out of 5 from 6 ratings, while SimControlX averages 3.5 from 4 ratings.

### Do Garmin GTN Trainer or SimControlX have ads?

Neither Garmin GTN Trainer nor SimControlX shows ads.

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

Garmin GTN Trainer ships an update every 7 months, and SimControlX every 6 weeks. Most recently, Garmin GTN Trainer was updated on October 12, 2026 and SimControlX on October 7, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*