# Virtual PAPI vs MachDB

The clearest difference is update cadence: Virtual PAPI at every 3 days against MachDB's every 2 weeks. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Virtual PAPI ships an update every 3 days, MachDB every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on June 5, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Virtual PAPI | MachDB |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/machdb/id6757681004/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **3** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 days** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Size | 4 MB | 16 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | **17.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Marlon Dutra](https://appshunter.io/developer/1853486062) | [MachDB LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1868240819) |

## What reviewers say

### Virtual PAPI

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/virtual-papi/id6755373746)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### MachDB

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/machdb/id6757681004)

Easily download and transfer Garmin avionics database updates to an SD card using your iPhone or iPad. This app supports a wide range of Garmin avionics and requires only a standard USB-C SD card reader. Updates are fast and convenient for field use.

**Highlights:** Download Garmin database updates, Transfer updates to SD card, iPhone and iPad compatible, Supports various Garmin avionics, Uses standard USB-C SD card reader, Fast Wi-Fi/Cellular downloads

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Virtual PAPI free?

Virtual PAPI is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is MachDB free?

MachDB is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Virtual PAPI or MachDB have ads?

Neither Virtual PAPI nor MachDB shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Virtual PAPI or MachDB?

Virtual PAPI ships an update every 3 days, and MachDB every 2 weeks. Most recently, Virtual PAPI was updated on June 5, 2026 and MachDB on September 24, 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.*