# Model Aviation vs RCM&E

The clearest difference is rating: RCM&E at 4.6 against Model Aviation's 1.8. RCM&E also leads on review sentiment (56% vs 14%). Model Aviation's advantage is chart position (#175 vs unranked) and update cadence (every 4 months vs every 8 months). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Model Aviation sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $59.99 per year and RCM&E sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $12.99 per 3 months. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

RCM&E holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 1.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 25 and 14 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 14% of Model Aviation's written reviews are positive against 56% of RCM&E's.

Model Aviation ships an update every 4 months, RCM&E every 8 months. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Model Aviation | RCM&E |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.8 (25 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/model-aviation/id542759927/reviews) | **[4.6 (14 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rcm-and-e/id583373859/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **25** | 14 |
| Positive reviews | 14.3% of reviews | **56.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 months** | Every 8 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#175** | — |
| Size | 17 MB | 25 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.2** | 11.2 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [The Academy of Model Aeronautics](https://appshunter.io/developer/542760010) | [Mortons Media Group Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/510309961) |

## What reviewers say

### Model Aviation

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/model-aviation/id542759927)

**Currently charting:** #175 Top Free · Magazines & Newspapers (US App Store)

Access the latest aeromodeling news, features, and tutorials from a leading model aviation organization. This app offers exclusive tablet content like photos and videos, enhancing the digital magazine experience with rich media.

**Highlights:** Latest aeromodeling news, In-depth features and tutorials, Tablet-exclusive photos and videos, Bonus digital content, Reformatted for tablet experience

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Annual Offer | $59.99 | per year |
| Model Aviation February 2016 | $3.99 | one-time |
| Model Aviation September 2012 | $5.99 | one-time |
| Model Aviation Oct 2012 | $5.99 | one-time |
| Model Aviation November 2012 | $5.99 | one-time |
| Model Aviation December 2012 | $5.99 | one-time |
| January 2013 | $5.99 | one-time |
| February 2013 | $5.99 | one-time |
| March 2013 | $5.99 | one-time |
| April 2013 | $5.99 | one-time |
| Model Aviation | $5.99 | one-time |


### RCM&E

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rcm-and-e/id583373859)

This app delivers the latest in radio control flying, featuring in-depth reviews, build articles, and expert columns. Access current and past issues of the leading UK model flying magazine, with free plans included in print editions.

**Highlights:** In-depth reviews of R/C models and electronics, Informative features and opinionated columns, Free plans with accompanying build articles, Access to current and back issues, User accounts for purchase protection, Multiple subscription options

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| RCM&E Auto-Renewable Subscription | $12.99 | per 3 months |
| RCM&E Auto-Renewable Subscription | $26.99 | per 6 months |
| RCM&E Auto-Renewable Subscription | $36.99 | per year |
| April 2013 (id:738909) | $4.99 | one-time |
| March 2013 (id:736741) | $4.99 | one-time |
| Autumn Special ... (id:739560) | $4.99 | one-time |
| Model Flying Wo... (id:749308) | $4.99 | one-time |
| February 2025 (pp:1112159) | $4.99 | one-time |
| Oct-16 (id:792353) | $5.99 | one-time |
| Nov-16 (id:792357) | $5.99 | one-time |
| Dec-16 (id:792359) | $5.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Model Aviation free?

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

### Is RCM&E free?

RCM&E is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Model Aviation or RCM&E?

RCM&E is rated higher. Model Aviation averages 1.8 out of 5 from 25 ratings, while RCM&E averages 4.6 from 14 ratings.

### Do Model Aviation or RCM&E have ads?

Neither Model Aviation nor RCM&E shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Model Aviation or RCM&E?

Model Aviation ships an update every 4 months, and RCM&E every 8 months. Most recently, Model Aviation was updated on October 12, 2026 and RCM&E on October 15, 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.*