FlightLink vs CX
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
FlightLink
This app enhances Lightspeed headsets by enabling recording and playback of all in-flight communications. It allows pilots to archive conversations for training and review, and offers personalized audio and operational settings for specific headset models.
- Record intercom and radio communications
- Instant playback of recent communications
- Archive flight communications
- Store recordings on iPhone/iPad
- Take handwritten notes with Apple Pencil
- Customize audio settings (Zulu PFX only)
- View headset battery life
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FlightLink is the free, proprietary app that adds enhanced functionality to all Lightspeed headsets. FlightLink works seamlessly with Lightspeed headsets manufactured since 2012 (Zulu 2 and 3, Sierra, Tango, and PFX) to record and playback incoming and outgoing communications. Older Zulu 2 and Sierra headsets may qualify for a factory•installed retrofit at a nominal fee. For more information on a retrofit contact Lightspeed Customer Care by phone 800.332.2421 or email at service@lightspeedaviation.com. When combined with the Zulu PFX ANR headset, FlightLink's enhanced capabilities include recording via Bluetooth and the ability to set a variety of personal audio and operational preferences. FlightLink Recording Features FlightLink is perfect for any pilot flying with an iPad or iPhone who wants to capture and retrieve in•flight communication. It is also a valuable tool for flight training at all levels because of its ability to capture the intercom communication of instructional flights. • Record all activity over the intercom, including inbound and outbound transmissions, and in•cabin conversation. • Instantly play back ATC calls or other communications from any point within the last two minutes of recording. • Create a permanent archive of all flight communications for post•flight briefing and training. • Store your recording library on your iPhone or iPad, and access them with the iOS Files app or iTunes on a Mac or PC. • Take handwritten notes on iPads and use Apple Pencil or Pencil 2 on supported iPads. FlightLink Personal Preference Features (With Zulu PFX headsets only) In addition to its recording features, FlightLink•s enhanced capabilities allow Zulu PFX headset users to adjust a variety of audio and operational settings, creating a personalized flying experience. For example: • Customize audio settings for different aircraft or users • Fine tune audio response for maximum voice clarity and music fidelity • Use the Voice Clarity• option to boost frequencies common in human speech without impacting the quality of music from auxiliary devices • View remaining battery life with the battery level indicator • Enable / disable audible low battery alert • Choose Auto Shutoff• delay intervals • Save custom settings in up to three personal profiles The ability to set and save other audio and operational preferences through FlightLink is only available on the Zulu PFX headset.
CX
This aviation tool simplifies flight planning for pilots. It offers accurate calculations for time, speed, distance, fuel, and more, along with unit conversions and a built-in calculator. Designed for ease of use, it guides users through flight planning and execution with a natural menu flow.
- Flight planning calculations
- Time, speed, distance functions
- Fuel and altitude calculations
- Unit conversions (12 categories)
- Weight and balance calculations
- Holding pattern details
- Built-in calculator, clock, timer
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Based on the ASA CX-3® Flight Computer for pilots, this CX-3 app makes flight planning simple by taking confusion out of the equation. Fast, versatile and easy to use, the CX-3® delivers accurate results quickly and efficiently. Whether used for flight planning, ground school, or FAA Knowledge Exam preparation, the menu organization reflects the order in which a flight is normally planned and executed, resulting in a natural flow from one function to the next with a minimum of keystrokes. Multiple aviation functions can be performed on the CX-3® flight computer including those related to time, speed, distance, heading, wind, fuel, altitude, cloud base, standard atmosphere, glide, climb & descent, weight & balance, as well as a holding pattern function to help determine entry method and holding details. The CX-3® has 12 unit-conversions: Distance, Speed, Duration, Temperature, Pressure, Volume, Rate, Weight, Rate of Climb/Descent, Angle of Climb/Descent, Torque, and Angle. These 12 conversion categories contain 38 different conversion factors for over 100 functions. A calculator, clock, timer, and stopwatch are also built in along with multiple settings for lighting, backlighting, themes, time zones and more.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: FlightLink at Free against CX's $19.99. FlightLink also leads on ratings volume (40 vs 11) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.2). CX's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and review sentiment (36% vs 23%). On rating, update cadence, in-app purchases 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
FlightLink is free to download; CX costs $19.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 3.8 for FlightLink against 3.7 for CX. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 40 and 11 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 23% of FlightLink's written reviews are positive against 36% of CX's.
FlightLink ships an update every 9 months, CX every 8 months. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | FlightLink | CX |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free — better | $19.99 |
| Rating | 3.8 (40 ratings) — better | 3.7 (11 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 22.9% of reviews | 35.7% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 40 — better | 11 |
| Update frequency | Every 9 months | Every 8 months — better |
| Ads | Yes | No — better |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases — better | Paid |
| Best chart rank | — | #68 — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 — better | 17.2 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 27 MB | 3 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Lightspeed Aviation | ASA |
Customer experience
FlightLink
CX
In-app purchases
FlightLink
No in-app purchases
CX
No in-app purchases







