# IFR Flight Simulator vs ATC Archive

The clearest difference is device support: IFR Flight Simulator at 3 against ATC Archive's 1. IFR Flight Simulator also leads on iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.0). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. IFR Flight Simulator sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month and ATC Archive sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | IFR Flight Simulator | ATC Archive |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.3 (107 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ifr-flight-simulator/id6444241915/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **107** | — |
| Positive reviews | 64.7% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 days | Every 5 days |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 117 MB | 1.9 GB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Tobias Maihoff](https://appshunter.io/developer/1653306504) | [Senol Tastan](https://appshunter.io/developer/6796084378) |

## 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 (5)**

| 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 |


### ATC Archive

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/atc-archive/id6815393832)

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full Archive | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is IFR Flight Simulator free?

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

### Is ATC Archive free?

ATC Archive is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do IFR Flight Simulator or ATC Archive have ads?

Neither IFR Flight Simulator nor ATC Archive shows ads.

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

IFR Flight Simulator ships an update every 5 days, and ATC Archive every 5 days. Most recently, IFR Flight Simulator was updated on November 3, 2026 and ATC Archive on October 31, 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.*