Comparison

AeroExplorer vs MODE 1090

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

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • 3D Flyover mode
  • Random location discovery
  • Dark and light mode options
  • Multiple map styles (standard, satellite, hybrid)
  • User location display
Features
Read full description

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

About

MODE 1090

Features
Read full description

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

AeroExplorer4 screens
MODE 10904 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

AeroExplorer ships an update every 10 days, MODE 1090 weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
AeroExplorer versus MODE 1090: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAeroExplorerMODE 1090
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 10 daysWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Apple TViPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS18.615.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size8 MB201 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMobivalleyAlexander Stolte

In-app purchases

3 purchases

AeroExplorer

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly Subscription3 Days trial$2.991 Month
  • Yearly Subscription$29.991 Year
One-time1
  • Lifetime Pro Access$9.99
2 purchases

MODE 1090

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly$4.991 Month
  • Annually$34.991 Year

Questions

Is AeroExplorer free?
AeroExplorer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is MODE 1090 free?
MODE 1090 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do AeroExplorer or MODE 1090 have ads?
Neither AeroExplorer nor MODE 1090 shows ads.
Which is updated more often, AeroExplorer or MODE 1090?
AeroExplorer ships an update every 10 days, and MODE 1090 weekly. Most recently, AeroExplorer was updated on October 21, 2026 and MODE 1090 on October 25, 2026.

Other comparisons