# simREF vs Fern

The clearest difference is rating: simREF at 5.0 against Fern's 4.0. simREF also leads on ratings volume (3 vs 1). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. simREF sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and Fern sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

simREF holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 1 respectively.

simREF ships an update every 10 days, Fern every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on November 5, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | simREF | Fern |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simref/id6753267206/reviews)** | [4.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fern-adhd-journal-and-diary/id6753620811/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **3** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 10 days** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 148 MB | 34 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Chris-Luca Fischer](https://appshunter.io/developer/1843257076) | [KATRINA ANNE WATSON](https://appshunter.io/developer/1844052254) |

## What reviewers say

### simREF

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simref/id6753267206)

This app provides quick-reference checklists and operational data for flight simulation on iPad. It features interactive normal and abnormal checklists, essential flight data, and a CG/Trim calculator for takeoff planning in a distraction-free, dark UI optimized for cockpit environments.

**Highlights:** Interactive Normal & Abnormal Checklists, Operational Data at a glance, CG/Trim calculator, Offline functionality, Dark UI for cockpit environments, iPad landscape optimized

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| IndiGo Virtual Integration | $2.99 | one-time |
| simREF Full Access | $8.99 | one-time |


### Fern

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fern-adhd-journal-and-diary/id6753620811)

This app offers a private journaling experience designed for individuals with ADHD and overthinking tendencies. It allows users to capture thoughts through typing or voice notes, plan their day, and track moods and wins without pressure or guilt.

**Highlights:** Voice notes for quick check-ins, Morning planner for daily priorities, Distraction-free daily journaling, Brain dump feature, AI-powered wins tracker, AI-generated weekly summaries, Personalized daily questions

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Fern Pro - Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Fern Pro - Monthly | $4.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is simREF free?

simREF is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Fern free?

Fern is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, simREF or Fern?

simREF is rated higher. simREF averages 5.0 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while Fern averages 4.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do simREF or Fern have ads?

Neither simREF nor Fern shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, simREF or Fern?

simREF ships an update every 10 days, and Fern every 2 weeks. Most recently, simREF was updated on November 5, 2026 and Fern on November 5, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*