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 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.

Highlights
  • 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
Read full description

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

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 (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

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, 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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

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.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Cloud Topper versus MachDB: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCloud TopperMachDB
Price$1.99Free — better
Rating2.7 (7 ratings)4.3 (6 ratings) — better
Positive reviews65.4% of reviews66.7% of reviews — better
Number of ratings7 — better6
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 MB18 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 ratings6 ratings
Positive83.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative16.7%
Written reviews3 reviews
Positive66.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative33.3%

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 4.3 from 6 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 November 6, 2026 and MachDB on November 9, 2026.

Other comparisons