DronePass vs PreFlight
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side β with what reviewers say about each.
DronePass
Read full descriptionHide full description
β DronePass is a map sketching tool designed to let drone pilots directly design and manage their own filming and practice zones. β’ Shape Drawing β Long-press the map screen to set the center point, then simply enter the distance (m) to instantly create a circular zone. β’ Integrated Notes with Multiple Functions β The shape details window supports navigation links for addresses, phone number links, and hyperlinks for email and web addresses. β’ Sketch Function β Draw lines directly on the map to record desired information. β’ Expiration Date Notifications β Receive alerts for expiring filming permits. Expired shapes appear grayed out on the map for immediate identification. β’ Multi-Drone Management β Register multiple drones and assign them to specific approved zones. β’ Real-Time Cloud Synchronization β Supports real-time data synchronization across devices when logged in with Apple ID, enabling consistent data use on iPhone and iPad. β’ Real-time Weather Data β Check temperature, wind speed, wind direction, gusts, precipitation, visibility, and dew point risk index in real-time based on your current location. Evaluate safety based on drone weight. β’ KP Index Forecast β Monitor the Geomagnetic Disturbance Index (KP) in real time and receive 48-hour forecasts to track space weather that may affect GPS accuracy. β’ Sunrise/Sunset Time Alerts β Check sunrise and sunset times based on your current location, with alerts 30 minutes and 10 minutes prior. β Data & Security β’ DronePass stores all shape data locally on your device by default. After Apple Sign In, enabling cloud backup allows secure, encrypted data synchronization across multiple devices via Firebase. Location permissions are used only temporarily when displaying maps. β Supported Devices β’ iOS 17.6 or later - Optimized for iPhone 12 and later models Design your own safe flight map with DronePass today!
PreFlight
Read full descriptionHide full description
PreFlight is the field-ready checklist companion for drone pilots. Whether you're a Part 107 commercial operator or a hobbyist, PreFlight keeps every flight safe and documented. CHECKLISTS THAT ADAPT Run structured Pre-Flight, Takeoff, In-Flight, Landing, and Post-Flight checklists. The app automatically adds context-based items when conditions change β windy, cold, night, over water, or urban environments. YOUR DRONES, YOUR TEMPLATES Create profiles for each aircraft with serial numbers, FAA registration, and photos. Build custom checklist templates or start with the built-in set. FLIGHT SESSION LOGGING Every session is timestamped and logged: drone used, mission type, conditions, location, completion stats, and any notes or skip reasons. Generate professional PDF flight reports to share with clients. OFFLINE-FIRST Checklists, flight logging, GPS, and sun times all work without an internet connection. Your data stays on your device β no account required. Only live weather needs a signal, and you can type it in when there isn't one. PRO UPGRADE (one-time purchase): β’ Unlimited drone profiles β’ Custom checklist templates β’ PDF & CSV flight report exports β’ Photo attachments on checklist items β’ Custom mission types & conditions β’ Expiration & document tracking β’ Maintenance reminders β’ Template import/export Free tier includes 1 drone profile, built-in templates, and up to 10 visible flight logs. PreFlight has no accounts, no analytics, and no tracking. Your flight records stay on your device. Location is optional and used only to log where you flew and fetch local weather.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: DronePass at none against PreFlight's 1. DronePass also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 3 months) and iOS requirement (17.6 vs 26.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price Β· Rating Β· Positive reviews Β· Number of ratings Β· Update frequency Β· Ads Β· In-app purchases Β· Monetization Β· Best chart rank Β· Devices Β· Requires iOS
Both are free to download. PreFlight sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. DronePass asks for nothing beyond the download.
DronePass ships an update every 3 weeks, PreFlight every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 12, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | DronePass | PreFlight |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks β better | Every 3 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No β better | Yes |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 β better | 26.0 |
| Further details β not scored | ||
| Size | 35 MB | 6 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Science Fiction Inc. | Scott Manley |
In-app purchases
DronePass
No in-app purchases
PreFlight
- PreFlight Pro$1.99
Questions
Is DronePass free?
Is PreFlight free?
Do DronePass or PreFlight have ads?
Which is updated more often, DronePass or PreFlight?
Other comparisons















