Comparison

MSFS MAP NG vs ATC SkyDecode

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

MSFS MAP NG

Enhance your flight simulation experience with a high-performance moving map and EFB. Stream instruments, access professional charts, and monitor live weather and traffic. Offers remote cockpit control for a more immersive simulation.

Highlights
  • Instrument streaming (Beta)
  • Professional charting
  • Live weather and radar
  • Traffic monitoring
  • Remote cockpit control
  • Flight plan imports
Features
Read full description

MSFS MAP NG: Your High-Performance EFB & Moving Map Take your flight simulation to the next level with MSFS MAP NG—the ultimate high-performance Moving Map designed for both MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024. Delivering a professional-grade suite of tools at an unbeatable price, MSFS MAP NG is the perfect, powerful alternative to Navigraph and Volanta. ================================================== WHY CHOOSE MSFS MAP NG? ================================================== * Ultra-Smooth Performance: Real-time aircraft position tracking with high-refresh-rate animations and zero stutter. * NEW! Seamless Instrument Streaming (Beta): Stream your cockpit instruments directly without using panel pop-outs—meaning virtually zero FPS impact! (Requires DirectX 12 enabled in graphics settings). * Professional Charting: Access over 65,000 AIP charts, FAA Sectional VFR charts, and Open Flight Maps. * Complete Situational Awareness: Integrated terrain visualization, weather overlays, and elevation profiles keep you fully informed. * Network & Online Ready: Complete VATSIM integration and live METAR/TAF weather reporting for realistic operations. * Effortless Flight Planning: Direct flight plan imports from SimBrief or use the built-in flight planner. ================================================== KEY FEATURES ================================================== * Instrument Streaming (Beta): Smooth, low-latency display streaming without external pop-out windows or performance hits. * Comprehensive Navigation: NDB, VOR, Airway, and Waypoint data overlays. * Detailed Aeronautical Data: Complete airport directory and navigational search. * Live Weather & Radar: Real-time rain radar, live METARs, TAFs, and dynamic terrain rendering. * Traffic Monitoring: Track live AI aircraft and multiplayer traffic in real time. * Remote Cockpit Control: Manipulate your autopilot and COM/NAV radios directly from any tablet, phone, or web browser. ================================================== HOW TO GET STARTED ================================================== 1. Download Desktop Server: Syncing with your simulator requires a lightweight desktop helper application. Download it at: https://www.msfsmap.com 2. Enable DX12: To use the Beta Instrument Streaming feature, ensure DirectX 12 (DX12) is enabled in your simulator's graphics settings. Note: Core features are free to use. Unlock advanced functionality and premium charting with a one time purchase . ================================================== TERMS & FEEDBACK ================================================== We are committed to continuous, long-term updates! We highly value community feedback as we evolve the platform. EULA: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

ATC SkyDecode

Learn air traffic control communications with synchronized text and audio dialogues. Track global flights in real-time on a live map, viewing aircraft details. Designed for aviation enthusiasts and learners with a focused, dark interface.

Highlights
  • Synchronized ATC dialogues with text
  • Real-time global flight map
  • Aircraft details on tap
  • Clean, dark interface
  • Aviation phraseology learning
Features
Read full description

SkyDecode brings two things together for student pilots, aviation English learners, and aviation enthusiasts: a way to get familiar with ATC communications, and a real-time view of what's flying around the world. What you get ATC dialogues with synchronized text - Each ATC dialogue is paired with a synchronized text view, so you can follow along visually while you listen. - A natural way to pick up phraseology, callsign formats, and the flow of typical exchanges — without having to decode every word by ear. Real-time global flight tracking - A live flight map powered by adsb.fi, with sub-5-second refresh. - Tap any aircraft on the map to see its callsign, altitude, ground speed, heading, and squawk code. - Watch global air traffic move in real time, anywhere in the world. Built for focused use - A clean, dark, radar-inspired interface that's easy on the eyes during extended sessions. SkyDecode is an independent app and is not affiliated with any air traffic control authority or live ATC monitoring service. Terms of Service: https://www.tapwater.life/terms-of-use Privacy Policy: https://www.tapwater.life/privacy-policy

Screenshots

MSFS MAP NG4 screens
ATC SkyDecode4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: ATC SkyDecode at 4.5 against MSFS MAP NG's 3.8. ATC SkyDecode also leads on review sentiment (23% vs 0%) and ratings volume (263 vs 12). On price, update cadence, 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

Both are free to download. MSFS MAP NG sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.49 per month and ATC SkyDecode sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

ATC SkyDecode holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ATC SkyDecode has 263 ratings behind it against 12, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 0% of MSFS MAP NG's written reviews are positive against 23% of ATC SkyDecode's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

MSFS MAP NG ships an update every 5 days, ATC SkyDecode every 4 days. Both last shipped on November 5, 2026.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
MSFS MAP NG versus ATC SkyDecode: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMSFS MAP NGATC SkyDecode
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.8 (12 ratings)4.5 (263 ratings) — better
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews22.7% of reviews — better
Number of ratings12263 — better
Update frequencyEvery 5 daysEvery 4 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS17.615.6 — better
Further details — not scored
Size92 MB45 MB
Age rating4+17+
Developer圣跃 巩Tap Water

Customer experience

MSFS MAP NG

All ratings12 ratings
Positive66.7%
Neutral8.3%
Negative25.0%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

ATC SkyDecode

All ratings250 ratings
Positive85.6%
Neutral4.8%
Negative9.6%
Written reviews22 reviews
Positive22.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative77.3%

In-app purchases

3 purchases

MSFS MAP NG

Subscriptions2
  • Pro Version (Monthly)3 Days trial$2.491 Month
  • Pro Version (Annually)$17.991 Year
One-time1
  • Premium$16.99
7 purchases

ATC SkyDecode

Subscriptions6
  • SkyDecode Premium weekly$5.997 Days
  • SkyDecode Premium weekly 3dt3 Days trial$5.997 Days
  • SkyDecode Premium weekly first week7 Days trial$5.997 Days
Show 3 more
  • SkyDecode Premium monthly$19.991 Month
  • SkyDecode Premium yearly$49.991 Year
  • SkyDecode Premium yearly 3dt3 Days trial$49.991 Year
One-time1
  • skydecode lifetime $79.99$79.99

Questions

Is MSFS MAP NG free?
MSFS MAP NG is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is ATC SkyDecode free?
ATC SkyDecode is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, MSFS MAP NG or ATC SkyDecode?
ATC SkyDecode is rated higher. MSFS MAP NG averages 3.8 out of 5 from 12 ratings, while ATC SkyDecode averages 4.5 from 263 ratings.
Do MSFS MAP NG or ATC SkyDecode have ads?
Neither MSFS MAP NG nor ATC SkyDecode shows ads.
Which is updated more often, MSFS MAP NG or ATC SkyDecode?
MSFS MAP NG ships an update every 5 days, and ATC SkyDecode every 4 days. Most recently, MSFS MAP NG was updated on November 5, 2026 and ATC SkyDecode on November 5, 2026.

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