RealADSB vs IFR Flight Simulator
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
RealADSB
Track local air traffic from your device using ADS-B data feeds. View aircraft on a map or list, filter by various parameters, and access additional flight information. Supports custom feeds and public data sources.
- ADS-B traffic feed consumption
- Map and list view of aircraft
- Aircraft filtering by tail number, callsign, type
- METAR and altitude adjustments
- Push notifications for squawks 7600/7700
- Integration with online flight resources
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RealADSB app is intended for stationary observers of local air traffic. It can consume traffic feed generated by adsb_hub or adsb_hub3 server applications. With some limitations traffic feed in SBS-1 BaseStation format (port 30003) is also supported. For example Stratux ADS-B device or ADSBx feeder can produce such feed. Another option to get traffic feed is to use Airplanes.live integration. That could be a good way to start using app because such option doesn't require additional hardware. You can setup traffic feed yourself or use one of the public feeds covering Germany, UK and New York. adsb_hub server application is using Java runtime and can run on PC, Mac or Raspberry Pi. It can work on top of FlightAware, FR24 feeders or generate feed using cheap USB adapter and external antenna. For more information please check our web site http://www.realadsb.com Inside mobile app commercial, private and military aircrafts are shown on map or in scrollable list sorted by distance from reference point. It can be your current location or airport defined by ICAO code such as LFPG. When ICAO code entered special button provides access to METAR and aircrafts below transition altitude will have altitude adjusted using barometric pressure of the airport. There is a way to search/filter aircrafts by tail number, callsign, type, altitude in both list and on map. Additionally 2 layers with airports and weather are available on map. For each airframe following basic parameters shown: * Speed, Altitude, Heading, Rate of climb/descend, Squawk and for most of them there is additional information: * Tail number, Callsign, ICAO type, Origin/Destination, Photo If information about tail number or type of aircraft is missing you can easily add it right inside the app. This change will be automatically shared across all devices that using same iCloud account. Other features: * Quick access to online resources including FlightAware, Google Flights, LiveATC etc. * Push notifications for special squawks 7600/7700 * Imperial or metric units * 3 types of map: standard, satellite and hybrid * Sharing of map with aircrafts using standard iOS Sharing Panel * Barometric pressure and altitude measured by mobile device conveniently shown at the bottom of main menu
IFR Flight Simulator
This aviation simulator helps pilots master IFR procedures and prepare for instrument ratings. Practice holdings, intercepts, and approaches with realistic flight simulation and navigation tools on your phone. Ideal for student and experienced pilots seeking convenient, effective training.
- Realistic aviation training
- Worldwide flight navigation database
- Comprehensive training modes
- Real-time flight simulator
- Integrated autopilot
- Optimal holding entry path overlay
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Practice holdings, radial intercepts, and DME arcs on your phone before your next simulator session. Calculate the procedure, fly it with live instruments, and review your track in the debrief. IFR Flight Simulator combines focused IFR procedure training with real-time flight simulation, worldwide navigation data, and a choice of glass cockpit or classic gauges. What you can practice: • Holding Trainer: Randomized holding situations. Determine the entry, calculate the wind correction angles, then fly the pattern. • Intercept Trainer: Inbound and outbound radial intercepts as well as QDM/QDR intercepts. • DME Arc Trainer: Fly DME arcs and calculate the angle of lead to turn onto the inbound course at the right moment. • Approaches: Set up a final intercept, a position in the pattern (downwind, base, or final), or a full approach at any airport, including ILS. • IFR mental math: Practice entries, wind correction angles, and lead points until the calculations become automatic. Worldwide navigation database: • Navigation data from a recent AIRAC cycle, with worldwide coverage: 13,000+ airports and 10,000+ VORs, NDBs, and other navaids. • Train with real airports and navaids instead of generic exercise locations. Real-time flight simulator: • Modern glass cockpit (PFD and ND) or classic gauges. • Autopilot with rotary controls for heading, altitude, and speed, or fly manually by tilting your device. • Fast-forward mode to repeat procedures efficiently. • Live Map: your position and flight path in real time. • Live Needle Overlay: watch where the HSI and CDI needles actually point as they move with the aircraft symbol across the map. • Optimal Holding Entry Path Overlay: compare your flown track with the wind-corrected entry and holding pattern. • Flight Log with Debrief: every flight is recorded. Replay the track and the needle movement, or resume the flight later. Built for instrument rating training, proficiency practice, and simulator assessments. "I am currently training for my Instrument Rating, and my FI recommended this app to me. I didn't think such a high quality, useful training tool was possible as an app. Incredible for VOR bearings, practicing holds and command headings." App Store review by Sa4mmy Questions or feedback? Reach us at support@ifrsimulator.com. Disclaimer: This application is for training and educational purposes only. It must not be used for real-world flight planning or in-flight decision-making. While the developer strives to provide information and calculations that are as accurate and up-to-date as reasonably possible, they may still be incomplete or inaccurate, and other accepted methods exist for deriving procedures and correction angles. Always verify data against official aeronautical publications and follow the guidance of a certified flight instructor. The developer accepts no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions, or outcomes arising from use of this software. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: IFR Flight Simulator at Free against RealADSB's $9.99. IFR Flight Simulator also leads on rating (4.3 vs 3.0) and review sentiment (65% vs 35%). RealADSB's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 9) and device support (5 vs 3). On ads 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
IFR Flight Simulator is free to download; RealADSB costs $9.99 up front. IFR Flight Simulator sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. RealADSB asks for nothing beyond the download.
IFR Flight Simulator holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: IFR Flight Simulator has 106 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 35% of RealADSB's written reviews are positive against 65% of IFR Flight Simulator's.
RealADSB ships an update monthly, IFR Flight Simulator every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | RealADSB | IFR Flight Simulator |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $9.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 3.0 (4 ratings) | 4.3 (106 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 35.3% of reviews | 64.7% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 4 | 106 — better |
| Update frequency | Monthly | Every 5 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Paid | Free with in-app purchases — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, Apple Watch — better | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | 15.6 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 52 MB | 117 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Nikolay Klimchuk | Tobias Maihoff |
Customer experience
RealADSB
IFR Flight Simulator
In-app purchases
RealADSB
No in-app purchases
IFR Flight Simulator
- Full Access2 variants$9.991 Month
- Full Access7 Days trial$19.993 Months
- Full Access$19.993 Months
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- Full Access7 Days trial$59.991 Year
- Full Access7 Days trial$79.991 Year
- SALE % Pro | One-Time Purchase$49.99
- SALE % Pro | One-Time Purchase$84.99
- Pro Access | One-Time Purchase$169.99
Questions
Is RealADSB free?
Is IFR Flight Simulator free?
Which has better reviews, RealADSB or IFR Flight Simulator?
Do RealADSB or IFR Flight Simulator have ads?
Which is updated more often, RealADSB or IFR Flight Simulator?
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