Cloud Topper vs MachDB
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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
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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.
MachDB
Easily download and transfer aviation database updates to an SD card or USB key using your iPhone or iPad. Supports major avionics systems like Garmin, Avidyne, and Pro Line for quick field updates.
- Download and transfer aviation database updates
- Supports SD card and USB key transfer
- Compatible with Garmin, Avidyne, and Pro Line avionics
- Fast updates over Wi-Fi or Cellular
- No proprietary hardware required
- Works with existing Jeppesen or Garmin accounts
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MachDB allows you to download and transfer aviation database updates to an SD card or USB key in seconds using your iPhone or iPad for fast updates in the field. Supports Garmin, Avidyne, and Pro Line avionics. All you need is your iPhone or iPad and a standard USB-C SD card reader (for SD updates) or USB-A to C cable (for USB updates). No proprietary hardware required! Download updates fast over Wi-Fi or Cellular connections. MachDB is compatible with all modern Garmin, Avidyne, and Pro Line avionics, using your existing Jeppesen or Garmin database account. No additional subscription or cost required. Supported avionics include: -Garmin G1000, G1000 Nxi, Perspective and Perspective + -Garmin G2000, G3000, G3X and Perspective Touch -Garmin Axis, G500, G600, G700, GTN 600 and 700 Xi -All other Garmin avionics using SD card or USB key for updates -Avidyne IFD, Vantage, and Entegra -Collins Pro Line 21 and Pro Line Fusion Supported Database Providers: -Jeppesen -Garmin
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: MachDB at Free against Cloud Topper's $1.99. MachDB also leads on rating (4.3 vs 2.7) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 12 months). Cloud Topper's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.0). On review sentiment, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases 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
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.
MachDB holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 2.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 7 and 6 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 65% of Cloud Topper's written reviews are positive against 67% of MachDB's.
Cloud Topper ships an update every 12 months, MachDB every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 9, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Cloud Topper | MachDB |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 2.7 (7 ratings) | 4.3 (6 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 65.4% of reviews | 66.7% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 7 — better | 6 |
| Update frequency | Every 12 months | Every 2 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 13 MB | 18 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Crop Applications, LLC. | MachDB LLC |
Customer experience
Cloud Topper
MachDB
In-app purchases
Cloud Topper
No in-app purchases
MachDB
No in-app purchases








