# Approach Control vs ATC

Approach Control and ATC both sit at 2.9 stars, but that hides the real split: 36% of Approach Control's written reviews are positive against 0% of ATC's. Approach Control also leads on ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On price, rating, ratings volume and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Approach Control sells 9 one-off in-app purchases and ATC sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 2.9 for Approach Control against 2.8 for ATC. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 9 and 10 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 36% of Approach Control's written reviews are positive against 0% of ATC's.

Approach Control ships an update every 3 weeks, ATC every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Approach Control | ATC |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[2.9 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/approach-control-remastered/id6756545492/reviews)** | [2.8 (10 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/atc-cleared-for-takeoff/id6790543355/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 9 | **10** |
| Positive reviews | **36.4% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 174 MB | 82 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Big Fat Simulations Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/578114758) | [James Payoyo](https://appshunter.io/developer/6790543357) |

## What reviewers say

### Approach Control

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/approach-control-remastered/id6756545492)

Experience a realistic air traffic control simulation with genuine ATC procedures and pilot voice recordings. Make critical decisions under pressure, manage traffic across 10 unique sectors, and test your skills with challenging scenarios. Includes training modules and career tracking.

**Highlights:** Realistic radar simulation, Genuine ATC procedures, Actual pilot voice recordings, 10 unique approach sectors, 10 ATC challenges, In-built training modules, Career statistics and trophy case

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Advanced | $1.99 | one-time |
| Ninja | $1.99 | one-time |
| Approach Control: Remastered | $1.99 | one-time |
| Cornered | $1.99 | one-time |
| Insanity | $1.99 | one-time |
| Windy | $1.99 | one-time |
| Pandemonium | $1.99 | one-time |
| Gridlock | $1.99 | one-time |
| Full Unlock | $14.99 | one-time |


### ATC

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/atc-cleared-for-takeoff/id6790543355)

Experience the thrill of air traffic control by issuing real clearances using your voice. Manage aircraft on the ground, in the air, and through busy airspace at authentic airports. This game is designed for aviation enthusiasts and flight simmers.

**Highlights:** Voice-native air traffic control, Authentic ATC phraseology, Ground, Tower, Approach, and Center roles, Real-world airport simulations, Offline voice recognition, Career progression and premium airports

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads | $2.99 | one-time |
| Role Pack: Center + Clearance | $4.99 | one-time |
| Premium — Full Roster | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Approach Control free?

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

### Is ATC free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Approach Control or ATC?

Approach Control is rated higher. Approach Control averages 2.9 out of 5 from 9 ratings, while ATC averages 2.8 from 10 ratings.

### Do Approach Control or ATC have ads?

ATC shows ads; Approach Control does not.

### Which is updated more often, Approach Control or ATC?

Approach Control ships an update every 3 weeks, and ATC every 9 days. Most recently, Approach Control was updated on November 3, 2026 and ATC on October 31, 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.*