# Garmin GTN Trainer vs Cadet Vector

The clearest difference is rating: Cadet Vector at 5.0 against Garmin GTN Trainer's 3.5. Cadet Vector also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 7 months). Garmin GTN Trainer's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ratings volume (10 vs 1). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Cadet Vector sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Garmin GTN Trainer asks for nothing beyond the download.

Cadet Vector holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Garmin GTN Trainer has 10 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Garmin GTN Trainer ships an update every 7 months, Cadet Vector weekly. Both last shipped on November 1, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Garmin GTN Trainer | Cadet Vector |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.5 (10 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/garmin-gtn-trainer/id479670018/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cadet-vector/id6825016779/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **10** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 29.8% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 7 months | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Paid | — |
| Size | 2.4 GB | 43 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13** | 16.4 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Garmin DCI](https://appshunter.io/developer/309920282) | [Chit Ho Chung](https://appshunter.io/developer/6822811809) |

## 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


### Cadet Vector

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cadet-vector/id6825016779)

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full Access | $7.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Garmin GTN Trainer free?

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

### Is Cadet Vector free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Garmin GTN Trainer or Cadet Vector?

Cadet Vector is rated higher. Garmin GTN Trainer averages 3.5 out of 5 from 10 ratings, while Cadet Vector averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Garmin GTN Trainer or Cadet Vector have ads?

Neither Garmin GTN Trainer nor Cadet Vector shows ads.

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

Garmin GTN Trainer ships an update every 7 months, and Cadet Vector weekly. Most recently, Garmin GTN Trainer was updated on November 1, 2026 and Cadet Vector on November 1, 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.*