Approach Charts vs WhatTheFreq
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Approach Charts
Access FAA Instrument Approach charts for the US, including airport diagrams, minimums, and runway information. Get live weather and NOTAMs, and search by various criteria. The database and charts update monthly.
- FAA Instrument Approach charts
- Airport diagrams and runway information
- Live weather and NOTAMs
- Search by airport name, city, identifier, or state
- Quick access to favorite airports
- Monthly automatic updates
Read full descriptionHide full description
FAA Instrument Approach charts (Terminal Procedures) for the US - Includes Airport diagrams, Minimums, STARS and DPs - Includes detailed airport and runway information for all US airports - Includes weather and NOTAMs when available - Search by airport name, city, identifier or state - Quick access to your most used airports - Always current: database and charts update automatically every month - Full screen view option Approach charts requires a subscription that will give you access to all FAA instrument approach charts for the United States, updated every 28 days, live weather and NOTAMs. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://www.bbflight.com/in-cockpit-apps-for-pilots/approach-charts/approach-charts-privacy-policy
WhatTheFreq
Read full descriptionHide full description
WhatTheFreq is a fast flight scratchpad for pilots who want airport frequencies, weather, runway wind context, and quick notes in one place. Enter a route and load the airports you care about in seconds. WhatTheFreq organizes key airport frequencies into clean, easy-to-scan cards so you can quickly reference ATIS, clearance, ground, tower, CTAF, UNICOM, approach, departure, and ASOS/AWOS data without bouncing between tabs or apps. The app also pulls METAR data and turns it into practical at-a-glance guidance. See flight category, wind, visibility, ceiling, and best-runway context with estimated headwind and crosswind components for available runway headings. WhatTheFreq is built for real cockpit workflow: • Load multiple airports in a route • View FAA airport frequency data in a simple card layout • Check live METAR conditions • See VFR, MVFR, IFR, and LIFR status at a glance • Compare runway wind components • Add your own temporary frequencies • Keep scratch notes for remarks, taxi routes, and clearances WhatTheFreq is designed as a lightweight pilot companion for quick reference and situational awareness. Not for primary navigation. Always verify frequencies, weather, and operational information with official sources and current procedures.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: WhatTheFreq at none against Approach Charts's 2. WhatTheFreq also leads on update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 3 months). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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
Both are free to download. Approach Charts sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. WhatTheFreq asks for nothing beyond the download.
Approach Charts ships an update every 3 months, WhatTheFreq every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Approach Charts | WhatTheFreq |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 2.0 (5 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 5 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | Every 6 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Subscription | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | 15.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 37 MB | 3 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Candidus LLC | Bitt-Labs Limited Liability Company |
In-app purchases
Approach Charts
- Monthly subscription2 Months trial$0.991 Month
- Annual subscription2 Months trial$9.991 Year
WhatTheFreq
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Approach Charts free?
Is WhatTheFreq free?
Do Approach Charts or WhatTheFreq have ads?
Which is updated more often, Approach Charts or WhatTheFreq?
Other comparisons















