# FocusFlight vs simREF

The clearest difference is monetization model: simREF at free with in-app purchases against FocusFlight's subscription. simREF also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 89%). FocusFlight's advantage is ratings volume (9.8K vs 3) and update cadence (every 5 days vs every 10 days). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. FocusFlight sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month and simREF sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

simREF holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: FocusFlight has 9.8K ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 89% of FocusFlight's written reviews are positive against 100% of simREF's.

FocusFlight ships an update every 5 days, simREF every 10 days. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | FocusFlight | simREF |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (9.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focusflight-deepfocus-timer/id6648771147/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simref/id6753267206/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **9.8K** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 88.8% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 days** | Every 10 days |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 292 MB | 148 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Cement Planet LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1763773386) | [Chris-Luca Fischer](https://appshunter.io/developer/1843257076) |

## What reviewers say

### FocusFlight

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focusflight-deepfocus-timer/id6648771147)

This app combines aviation themes with productivity tools to help users focus. It blocks distracting apps and allows users to track their focus sessions with personalized routes and achievements.

**Highlights:** Personalized focus sessions, Distraction-free "Airplane Mode", App blocking via Screen Time integration, Route tagging and focus data tracking, Virtual flight map and city unlocks, Customizable focus reminders

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| Annually | $18.99 | per year |
| Lifetime | $18.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime | $19.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime | $33.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great user experience
- 🚀 Fantastic design and functionality
- 💡 Innovative concept for focus
- 👍 Helps users focus effectively

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔒 Lack of customization options
- 🐛 Issues with changing departure location

**Reported bugs**

- Developer unresponsive to user feedback and inquiries

**Requested features**

- Add more realistic flight simulation elements (e.g., flight paths, altitude, speed)
- Rotate trends page to horizontal layout for better global view
- Allow customization of aircraft types and interface


### simREF

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simref/id6753267206)

This app provides quick-reference checklists and operational data for flight simulation on iPad. It features interactive normal and abnormal checklists, essential flight data, and a CG/Trim calculator for takeoff planning in a distraction-free, dark UI optimized for cockpit environments.

**Highlights:** Interactive Normal & Abnormal Checklists, Operational Data at a glance, CG/Trim calculator, Offline functionality, Dark UI for cockpit environments, iPad landscape optimized

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| IndiGo Virtual Integration | $2.99 | one-time |
| simREF Full Access | $8.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is FocusFlight free?

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

### Is simREF free?

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

### Which has better reviews, FocusFlight or simREF?

simREF is rated higher. FocusFlight averages 4.8 out of 5 from 9.8K ratings, while simREF averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do FocusFlight or simREF have ads?

Neither FocusFlight nor simREF shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, FocusFlight or simREF?

FocusFlight ships an update every 5 days, and simREF every 10 days. Most recently, FocusFlight was updated on October 24, 2026 and simREF on October 24, 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.*