Comparison

Cloud Topper vs MachDB

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Cloud Topper

This utility app helps pilots determine cloud height using their device's camera and sensors. It offers a modern alternative to traditional methods and corrects for Earth's curvature.

Highlights
  • Camera, gyroscope, and accelerometer integration
  • Calculate height above or below clouds
  • Earth's curvature correction
  • Modern alternative to traditional sight levels
  • Easy to use interface
Features
Read full description

Pilots, it's time to get rid of your sight level, water bottle or whatever "old school" method you have been using to determine cloud height. Introducing Cloud Topper, a revolutionary new sight level designed specifically for the iPad and iPhone. With Cloud Topper you can use your device camera, gyroscope and accelerometer as a traditional sight level. Plus you can enter the distance to a cloud and Cloud Topper will calculate your height above or below that cloud. The displayed cloud height is even corrected for the curvature of the earth. Cloud topper is a fun, easy to use app that should be included in every pilots EFB. Cloud Topper is not an FAA approved source to determine cloud height. Cloud Topper is not intended to replace weather radar or pilot skills and judgement. Always consult the Aircraft Manufacturer’s Aircraft Flight Manuals, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) websites and publications, and individual company policies.

About

MachDB

Easily download and transfer Garmin avionics database updates to an SD card using your iPhone or iPad. This app supports a wide range of Garmin avionics and requires only a standard USB-C SD card reader. Updates are fast and convenient for field use.

Highlights
  • Download Garmin database updates
  • Transfer updates to SD card
  • iPhone and iPad compatible
  • Supports various Garmin avionics
  • Uses standard USB-C SD card reader
  • Fast Wi-Fi/Cellular downloads
Read full description

MachDB allows you to download and transfer Garmin avionics database updates to an SD card in seconds using your iPhone or iPad for fast updates in the field. All you need is your iPhone or iPad and a standard USB-C SD card reader. No proprietary hardware required! Download fast over Wi-Fi or Cellular connections. MachDB is compatible with all modern Garmin avionics that use SD cards or USB keys for database updates, using your existing Jeppesen or Garmin database account. Supported avionics include: -Garmin G1000, G1000 Nxi, Perspective and Perspective + -Garmin G3000 and Perspective Touch -Garmin GTN 600 and 700 Xi -Garmin G500, G600 and G700 -Garmin G3X and G2000 -Garmin GI 275 Supported Database Providers: -Jeppesen -Garmin

Screenshots

Cloud Topper3 screens
MachDB3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: MachDB at Free against Cloud Topper's $1.99. MachDB also leads on rating (5.0 vs 2.7) and review sentiment (100% vs 65%). Cloud Topper's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.0). On ratings volume, ads, 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

MachDB is free to download; Cloud Topper costs $1.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

MachDB holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 2.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 7 and 3 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 65% of Cloud Topper's written reviews are positive against 100% of MachDB's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Cloud Topper ships an update every 12 months, MachDB every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Cloud Topper versus MachDB: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCloud TopperMachDB
Price$1.99Free — better
Rating2.7 (7 ratings)5.0 (3 ratings) — better
Positive reviews65.4% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings7 — better3
Update frequencyEvery 12 monthsEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS12.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size13 MB16 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperCrop Applications, LLC.MachDB LLC

Customer experience

Cloud Topper

All ratings7 ratings
Positive42.9%
Neutral0.0%
Negative57.1%
Written reviews26 reviews
Positive65.4%
Neutral11.5%
Negative23.1%

MachDB

All ratings3 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

Cloud Topper

No in-app purchases

None

MachDB

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Cloud Topper free?
Cloud Topper costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is MachDB free?
MachDB is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Cloud Topper or MachDB?
MachDB is rated higher. Cloud Topper averages 2.7 out of 5 from 7 ratings, while MachDB averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.
Do Cloud Topper or MachDB have ads?
Neither Cloud Topper nor MachDB shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Cloud Topper or MachDB?
Cloud Topper ships an update every 12 months, and MachDB every 2 weeks. Most recently, Cloud Topper was updated on September 29, 2026 and MachDB on September 24, 2026.

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