# C172N Performance Pad vs IFR Flight Simulator

The clearest difference is price: IFR Flight Simulator at Free against C172N Performance Pad's $13.99. IFR Flight Simulator also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs every 14 months) and ratings volume (106 vs 3). C172N Performance Pad's advantage is review sentiment (100% vs 65%) and in-app purchases (none vs 9). On ads there is nothing between them.

IFR Flight Simulator is free to download; C172N Performance Pad costs $13.99 up front. IFR Flight Simulator sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. C172N Performance Pad asks for nothing beyond the download.

C172N Performance Pad holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: IFR Flight Simulator has 106 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of C172N Performance Pad's written reviews are positive against 65% of IFR Flight Simulator's.

C172N Performance Pad ships an update every 14 months, IFR Flight Simulator every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and October 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | C172N Performance Pad | IFR Flight Simulator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $13.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/c172n-performance-pad/id587354978/reviews)** | [4.3 (106 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ifr-flight-simulator/id6444241915/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 3 | **106** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 64.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 14 months | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 26 MB | 117 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | **15.6** |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Gyronimo, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/536898885) | [Tobias Maihoff](https://appshunter.io/developer/1653306504) |

## What reviewers say

### C172N Performance Pad

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/c172n-performance-pad/id587354978)

This app calculates crucial flight performance data for the Cessna 172N aircraft. It assists pilots with mass and balance, takeoff and landing distances, climb performance, and optimal cruise settings using data from the Pilot's Operating Handbook.

**Highlights:** Mass & Balance calculations, Takeoff and Landing distance computation, Climb performance analysis, Optimal cruise altitude determination, Wind component calculation, Weight & Balance load manifest export

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### IFR Flight Simulator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ifr-flight-simulator/id6444241915)

This aviation simulator helps pilots master IFR procedures and prepare for instrument ratings. Practice holdings, intercepts, and approaches with realistic flight simulation and navigation tools on your phone. Ideal for student and experienced pilots seeking convenient, effective training.

**Highlights:** Realistic aviation training, Worldwide flight navigation database, Comprehensive training modes, Real-time flight simulator, Integrated autopilot, Optimal holding entry path overlay

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full Access | $9.99 | per month |
| Full Access | $19.99 | per 3 months |
| Full Access | $19.99 | per 3 months |
| Full Access | $59.99 | per year |
| Full Access | $79.99 | per year |
| SALE % Pro \| One-Time Purchase | $49.99 | one-time |
| SALE % Pro \| One-Time Purchase | $84.99 | one-time |
| Pro Access \| One-Time Purchase | $169.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is C172N Performance Pad free?

C172N Performance Pad costs $13.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is IFR Flight Simulator free?

IFR Flight Simulator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, C172N Performance Pad or IFR Flight Simulator?

C172N Performance Pad is rated higher. C172N Performance Pad averages 4.7 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while IFR Flight Simulator averages 4.3 from 106 ratings.

### Do C172N Performance Pad or IFR Flight Simulator have ads?

Neither C172N Performance Pad nor IFR Flight Simulator shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, C172N Performance Pad or IFR Flight Simulator?

C172N Performance Pad ships an update every 14 months, and IFR Flight Simulator every 5 days. Most recently, C172N Performance Pad was updated on October 11, 2026 and IFR Flight Simulator on October 21, 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.*