# NavTutor vs IFR Flight Trainer Simulator

The clearest difference is rating: IFR Flight Trainer Simulator at 3.9 against NavTutor's 2.6. IFR Flight Trainer Simulator also leads on review sentiment (82% vs 50%) and update cadence (every 3 months vs every 54 months). NavTutor's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 18.6). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. NavTutor sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and IFR Flight Trainer Simulator sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator holds the better App Store score, 3.9 against 2.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: IFR Flight Trainer Simulator has 76 ratings behind it against 8, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 50% of NavTutor's written reviews are positive against 82% of IFR Flight Trainer Simulator's.

NavTutor ships an update every 54 months, IFR Flight Trainer Simulator every 3 months. Both last shipped on November 1, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | NavTutor | IFR Flight Trainer Simulator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.6 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/navtutor/id688944731/reviews) | **[3.9 (76 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ifr-flight-trainer-simulator/id901798935/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 8 | **76** |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | **81.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 54 months | **Every 3 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 1 MB | 155 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 18.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | +4 |
| Developer | [DID Software Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/593181185) | [Flygo-Aviation Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/550770776) |

## What reviewers say

### NavTutor

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/navtutor/id688944731)

Visualize aircraft holding patterns relative to navigation aids. Learn to determine your position and the correct entry pattern for standard and non-standard holds using ADF, VOR, and heading information.

**Highlights:** Visual aircraft holding pattern representation, Position determination using ADF, VOR, and heading, Standard and non-standard hold entry pattern learning, Interactive navigation aid simulation

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Upgrade | $0.99 | one-time |


### IFR Flight Trainer Simulator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ifr-flight-trainer-simulator/id901798935)

Practice instrument flight rules (IFR) navigation with this simulator. Learn and improve IFR procedures, including VOR, NDB, and holding patterns. Offers cockpit and map modes with adjustable wind and built-in tasks for comprehensive pilot training.

**Highlights:** Cockpit and map modes, VOR, NDB, DME, HSI, EHSI, RMI instruments, Approach procedure practice, Adjustable wind settings, Holding pattern simulation, Custom scenario creation, Built-in training tasks

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| IFR Simulator Half Price | $11.99 | one-time |
| IFR Simulator Unlock | $24.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 User-friendly interface and intuitive controls
- 🎓 Excellent learning tool for IFR training and instrument procedures
- 🎮 Comprehensive customization options (wind, runway, conditions)
- 📊 Dual view modes (cockpit and map/plan view)
- 🎯 Realistic flight modeling and aerodynamics

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Aggressive monetization with limited free trial
- ⏱️ Unreasonably short trial period (3-5 minutes)
- 🔒 Paywall blocks most features in free version
- 🎯 Unrealistic immediate heading changes (no standard rate turns)
- 🐛 Occasional app crashes and stability issues

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes after short usage periods
- Heading indicator gets stuck causing continuous turning
- HSI radials appear to be offset or incorrect
- DME distance calculations may be inaccurate (slant range issue)
- Task completion triggers before reaching waypoints

**Requested features**

- Standard rate turn simulation for realistic intercepts and holdings
- LOC (Localizer) mode for HSI reverse sensing practice
- Fixed-card ADF instrument option
- Adjustable turn rate settings to match different aircraft
- Error feedback display showing incorrect flight paths


## Frequently asked questions

### Is NavTutor free?

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

### Is IFR Flight Trainer Simulator free?

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, NavTutor or IFR Flight Trainer Simulator?

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator is rated higher. NavTutor averages 2.6 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while IFR Flight Trainer Simulator averages 3.9 from 76 ratings.

### Do NavTutor or IFR Flight Trainer Simulator have ads?

Neither NavTutor nor IFR Flight Trainer Simulator shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, NavTutor or IFR Flight Trainer Simulator?

NavTutor ships an update every 54 months, and IFR Flight Trainer Simulator every 3 months. Most recently, NavTutor was updated on November 1, 2026 and IFR Flight Trainer Simulator on November 1, 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.*