AeroExplorer vs MODE 1090
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
AeroExplorer
Explore the world with interactive 3D maps. Fly over cities, discover random locations, and customize your map view with light/dark modes and different styles. Enjoy an immersive experience on your iPhone or iPad.
- 3D Flyover mode
- Random location discovery
- Dark and light mode options
- Multiple map styles (standard, satellite, hybrid)
- User location display
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Discover the world right from your iPhone or iPad with AeroExplorer, your window to beautiful, interactive maps. Fly over breathtaking landscapes, explore random locations, or find yourself on the map — all with a tap. Switch between light and dark modes, customize your map style, and enjoy a smooth, immersive way to explore the world wherever you go. Features: - Flyover mode: Experience stunning 3D views of major cities and landmarks - Random location: Instantly jump to a new, random spot on Earth - Dark & light mode: Choose the look that fits your style or environment - Map styles: Switch between standard, satellite, and hybrid maps - User location: See where you are and explore your surroundings AeroExplorer Terms and Privacy Policy - Privacy Policy: https://bit.ly/mapflyover-policy-privacy - Terms of Service (EULA): https://bit.ly/mapflyover-terms-of-use
MODE 1090
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Know what's flying overhead. Track aircraft live, point your iPhone at the sky and turn real sightings into your own aircraft collection. Start with live radar, scanning and collecting for free. No account needed to get started. YOUR SKY, LIVE • See nearby aircraft on a clear radar with altitude, speed and aircraft photos when available. • Explore the interactive flight map, browse the list of nearby aircraft and watch aircraft arriving at or departing from an airport. • Switch between aircraft silhouettes, ATC data blocks and a minimal radar view. SCAN IT. COLLECT IT. • Point your iPhone at an aircraft to find out what you're looking at. No photo upload needed. • Collect real sightings across aircraft types, airlines and registrations. Add notes and revisit your scan history. • See your collected aircraft on the map, complete daily missions, earn XP, level up and unlock achievements. • Share the hobby with friends and compare your progress. GET CLOSER WITH MODE 1090 PRO • Rotate, zoom and explore available 3D aircraft models and liveries. • Search live aircraft worldwide by callsign, registration or ICAO code, then follow a flight on the map. • Discover flight routes when available, save more aircraft favorites and revisit flight history. • Keep airport spotting in view with Live Activities on supported iPhones, where available. • Enjoy radar without the inactivity pause, spoken aviation callouts in English, custom radar colors and app icons. • Export your sighting notes for use beyond the app. ON YOUR PHONE, TABLET AND WRIST Enjoy spotting on iPhone and iPad, with a live radar on Apple Watch. With an optional account, you can sync your collection for free between iPhone and iPad. You can also export your collection data. No ads. Camera images stay on your device. Flight coverage, routes and model availability vary. MODE 1090 is for plane spotting and observation, not navigation or flight operations. MODE 1090 Pro is an optional subscription. It renews automatically unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Manage or cancel it in your App Store account settings. Privacy: https://mode1090.com/privacy/ Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Support: https://mode1090.com/support
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is device support: MODE 1090 at 5 against AeroExplorer's 3. MODE 1090 also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.6). 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
Both are free to download. AeroExplorer sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and MODE 1090 sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
AeroExplorer ships an update every 10 days, MODE 1090 weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | AeroExplorer | MODE 1090 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 1 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 10 days | Weekly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple TV | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV, Apple Watch — better |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | 15.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 8 MB | 201 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Mobivalley | Alexander Stolte |
In-app purchases
AeroExplorer
- Monthly Subscription3 Days trial$2.991 Month
- Yearly Subscription$29.991 Year
- Lifetime Pro Access$9.99
MODE 1090
- Monthly$4.991 Month
- Annually$34.991 Year









