# Garmin GTN Trainer vs Boldmethod

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Boldmethod at 97% against Garmin GTN Trainer's 30%. Boldmethod also leads on rating (4.9 vs 3.5) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 7 months). Garmin GTN Trainer's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 9) and ads (none vs shown). On price there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Boldmethod sells 9 one-off in-app purchases. Garmin GTN Trainer asks for nothing beyond the download.

Boldmethod holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 3.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Boldmethod has 983 ratings behind it against 10, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 30% of Garmin GTN Trainer's written reviews are positive against 97% of Boldmethod's.

Garmin GTN Trainer ships an update every 7 months, Boldmethod every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Garmin GTN Trainer | Boldmethod |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.5 (10 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/garmin-gtn-trainer/id479670018/reviews) | **[4.9 (983 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/boldmethod/id1507847293/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 10 | **983** |
| Positive reviews | 29.8% of reviews | **97.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 7 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 2.4 GB | 26 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple TV** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Garmin DCI](https://appshunter.io/developer/309920282) | [BoldMethod, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/986988759) |

## 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


### Boldmethod

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/boldmethod/id1507847293)

Enhance your aviation knowledge with extensive video training and online courses. Practice with quizzes and master essential piloting skills like takeoffs, landings, airspace navigation, and weather interpretation. Prepare for checkrides and improve your flying proficiency.

**Highlights:** Extensive video training library, Online aviation courses, Pilot knowledge quizzes, Master takeoffs and landings, National Airspace System training, Aviation weather interpretation, VFR charts and publications

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Aviation Weather Products | $19.99 | one-time |
| National Airspace System | $19.99 | one-time |
| VFR Charts | $19.99 | one-time |
| National Airspace System | $24.99 | one-time |
| Aviation Weather Products | $24.99 | one-time |
| VFR Charts and Publications | $24.99 | one-time |
| Mastering Takeoffs & Landings | $139.99 | one-time |
| Mountain Weather | $299.99 | one-time |
| Instrument Procedures | $499.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great training with visual aids
- 👍 Thorough and logically presented
- 👍 Easy to understand and engaging instruction
- 👍 Comprehensive and full of practical advice
- 👍 Exceptional quality and polished presentation

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔍 Lack of explanation for wrong answers in quizzes
- 🐛 Occasional crashing or freezing issues

**Reported bugs**

- Crashing or freezing issues
- Compatibility problems with older devices

**Requested features**

- Provide explanations for incorrect answers in quizzes
- Improve navigation and progress tracking through courses


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Garmin GTN Trainer free?

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

### Is Boldmethod free?

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

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

Boldmethod is rated higher. Garmin GTN Trainer averages 3.5 out of 5 from 10 ratings, while Boldmethod averages 4.9 from 983 ratings.

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

Boldmethod shows ads; Garmin GTN Trainer does not.

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

Garmin GTN Trainer ships an update every 7 months, and Boldmethod every 3 weeks. Most recently, Garmin GTN Trainer was updated on October 23, 2026 and Boldmethod on October 29, 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.*