# IFR Flight Simulator vs Alpha

The clearest difference is price: IFR Flight Simulator at Free against Alpha's $1.99. IFR Flight Simulator also leads on iOS requirement (15.6 vs 26.0). Alpha's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 9). On update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

IFR Flight Simulator is free to download; Alpha costs $1.99 up front. IFR Flight Simulator sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Alpha asks for nothing beyond the download.

IFR Flight Simulator ships an update every 5 days, Alpha every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | IFR Flight Simulator | Alpha |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $1.99 |
| Rating | **[4.3 (103 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ifr-flight-simulator/id6444241915/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **103** | — |
| Positive reviews | 64.7% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 days | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 117 MB | 4 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 26.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Tobias Maihoff](https://appshunter.io/developer/1653306504) | [Michael Hoereth](https://appshunter.io/developer/368238101) |

## What reviewers say

### 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 |


### Alpha

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/alpha-air-traffic-control/id6762569578)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is IFR Flight Simulator free?

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

### Is Alpha free?

Alpha costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Do IFR Flight Simulator or Alpha have ads?

Neither IFR Flight Simulator nor Alpha shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, IFR Flight Simulator or Alpha?

IFR Flight Simulator ships an update every 5 days, and Alpha every 3 days. Most recently, IFR Flight Simulator was updated on October 17, 2026 and Alpha on October 12, 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.*