Comparison

MachDB vs NavUP

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

Head to head
About

MachDB

Easily download and transfer aviation database updates to an SD card or USB key using your iPhone or iPad. Supports major avionics systems like Garmin, Avidyne, and Pro Line for quick field updates.

Highlights
  • Download and transfer aviation database updates
  • Supports SD card and USB key transfer
  • Compatible with Garmin, Avidyne, and Pro Line avionics
  • Fast updates over Wi-Fi or Cellular
  • No proprietary hardware required
  • Works with existing Jeppesen or Garmin accounts
Read full description

MachDB allows you to download and transfer aviation database updates to an SD card or USB key in seconds using your iPhone or iPad for fast updates in the field. Supports Garmin, Avidyne, and Pro Line avionics. All you need is your iPhone or iPad and a standard USB-C SD card reader (for SD updates) or USB-A to C cable (for USB updates). No proprietary hardware required! Download updates fast over Wi-Fi or Cellular connections. MachDB is compatible with all modern Garmin, Avidyne, and Pro Line avionics, using your existing Jeppesen or Garmin database account. No additional subscription or cost required. Supported avionics include: -Garmin G1000, G1000 Nxi, Perspective and Perspective + -Garmin G2000, G3000, G3X and Perspective Touch -Garmin Axis, G500, G600, G700, GTN 600 and 700 Xi -All other Garmin avionics using SD card or USB key for updates -Avidyne IFD, Vantage, and Entegra -Collins Pro Line 21 and Pro Line Fusion Supported Database Providers: -Jeppesen -Garmin

About

NavUP

Features
Read full description

NavUP keeps your aircraft's aeronautical databases current, with a workflow built for how pilots actually fly: download at home on wi-fi, then write to your panel's cards in the field - even with no internet. TWO SIMPLE PHASES 1. DOWNLOAD - connected to your subscription, NavUP downloads the available cycle (navigation, electronic charts, terrain, obstacles, SafeTaxi and more) and stores it on your iPhone. 2. WRITE TO CARDS - with a USB-C reader and your panel's SD cards, NavUP writes each database to the right card. Works 100% offline, in the hangar or on the ramp. BUILT FOR THE FIELD - Works with no internet when it's time to write - no more being stranded away from wi-fi. - Recognizes each card's role (MFD, PFD, spare) and writes the correct content. - Skips anything already on the card at the correct version. - Integrity check on every downloaded file. - Clean, direct interface in cockpit language. MAINTENANCE - Finds the reports recorded by the onboard computer (CMC/ENG) on the card and lets you send them to the manufacturer straight from your iPhone - by email, AirDrop or Files. - You choose which files to export. Nothing is deleted from the card. - No computer, no cable, no waiting until you're back at the hangar. ORGANIZED - Electronic charts appear as a single package covering all regions. - See the available cycle and what's left to download or write at a glance. REQUIREMENTS - An active subscription to your aircraft's database services. - An iPhone-compatible SD card reader (USB-C) and your panel's cards. NavUP is an independent tool for a pilot/operator's personal use in updating their own aircraft. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by Garmin or Jeppesen; trademarks belong to their respective owners.

Screenshots

MachDB3 screens
NavUP4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: MachDB at every 2 weeks against NavUP's every 3 months. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

MachDB ships an update every 2 weeks, NavUP every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
MachDB versus NavUP: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMachDBNavUP
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.3 (6 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews66.7% of reviews—
Number of ratings6 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks — betterEvery 3 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS17.017.0
Further details — not scored
Size18 MB2 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMachDB LLCEleven Aviação

In-app purchases

None

MachDB

No in-app purchases

None

NavUP

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is MachDB free?
MachDB is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is NavUP free?
NavUP is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do MachDB or NavUP have ads?
Neither MachDB nor NavUP shows ads.
Which is updated more often, MachDB or NavUP?
MachDB ships an update every 2 weeks, and NavUP every 3 months. Most recently, MachDB was updated on November 5, 2026 and NavUP on October 31, 2026.

Other comparisons