XCSoar vs Altimeter Alarm
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
XCSoar
An open-source flight navigation tool for gliders and sailplanes. It offers a moving map, task planning, airspace data, and thermal detection to aid pilots in route optimization and real-time flight information.
- Moving map display
- Task planning
- Airspace information
- Thermal detection
- Route optimization
- Real-time flight data
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Disclaimer: Do not rely on this app for navigation or flight-critical decisions. XCSoar is an open-source flight navigation software designed for gliders and other sailplanes. It provides features like a moving map, task planning, airspace information, and thermal detection. The software helps pilots with route optimization and offers real-time data on altitude, speed, and location. It can be used on various devices, including tablets and smartphones, making it versatile for both recreational and competitive flying.
Altimeter Alarm
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Tool for getting air pressure altitude and warning if getting to high, approaching altitude limit.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: XCSoar at Free against Altimeter Alarm's $2.99. XCSoar also leads on device support (4 vs 2) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.6). Altimeter Alarm's advantage is update cadence (daily vs monthly). On 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
XCSoar is free to download; Altimeter Alarm costs $2.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
XCSoar ships an update monthly, Altimeter Alarm daily. The most recent releases landed on November 4, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | XCSoar | Altimeter Alarm |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free — better | $2.99 |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 1 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Monthly | Daily — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 — better | 18.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 35 MB | 12 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | praechtig gbr | Maceng |
In-app purchases
XCSoar
No in-app purchases
Altimeter Alarm
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is XCSoar free?
Is Altimeter Alarm free?
Do XCSoar or Altimeter Alarm have ads?
Which is updated more often, XCSoar or Altimeter Alarm?
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