# NRST vs Holding Pattern Computer

The clearest difference is price: NRST at Free against Holding Pattern Computer's $11.99. NRST also leads on update cadence (every 4 months vs every 11 months). Holding Pattern Computer's advantage is review sentiment (91% vs 47%) and in-app purchases (none vs 6). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

NRST is free to download; Holding Pattern Computer costs $11.99 up front. NRST sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per year. Holding Pattern Computer asks for nothing beyond the download.

Holding Pattern Computer holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Holding Pattern Computer has 176 ratings behind it against 8, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 47% of NRST's written reviews are positive against 91% of Holding Pattern Computer's.

NRST ships an update every 4 months, Holding Pattern Computer every 11 months. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | NRST | Holding Pattern Computer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $11.99 |
| Rating | [4.5 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nrst/id828514590/reviews) | **[4.9 (176 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/holding-pattern-computer/id1093542620/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 8 | **176** |
| Positive reviews | 46.9% of reviews | **90.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 months** | Every 11 months |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free** |
| Size | 50 MB | 19 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **12.4** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Toonsy Net](https://appshunter.io/developer/319239704) | [Aviation Mobile Apps, LLC.](https://appshunter.io/developer/286046308) |

## What reviewers say

### NRST

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nrst/id828514590)

This app helps pilots navigate by providing essential airport information, including distance, elevation, and required descent rates. It offers real-time data updates and customizable descent settings for various aircraft types. Worldwide airport coverage is available, with daily database updates.

**Highlights:** Real-time airport data, Customizable descent rate, Worldwide airport coverage, Filter airports by runway, Glide distance calculation, Watch app integration

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Early Adopter Device Subscription | $0.99 | per year |
| Early Adopter Device and Watch Bronze | $1.99 | per year |
| Device Only | $11.99 | per year |
| Device Only | $14.99 | per year |
| Device and Watch | $17.99 | per year |
| Device and Watch | $24.99 | per year |


### Holding Pattern Computer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/holding-pattern-computer/id1093542620)

Master complex flight maneuvers with intuitive, turn-by-turn guidance for various entry types and holds. This app analyzes wind patterns and flight dynamics to provide real-time, adaptive directions, minimizing pilot workload and maximizing path accuracy for safe navigation.

**Highlights:** Turn-by-turn guidance for Direct, Teardrop, and Parallel entries, Real-time wind correction and flight dynamics analysis, High-Precision Entry (HPE) system, Advanced Holding Pattern Solution (HPS), EFC algorithms, Hybrid Parallel/Teardrop entry method

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is NRST free?

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

### Is Holding Pattern Computer free?

Holding Pattern Computer costs $11.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, NRST or Holding Pattern Computer?

Holding Pattern Computer is rated higher. NRST averages 4.5 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while Holding Pattern Computer averages 4.9 from 176 ratings.

### Do NRST or Holding Pattern Computer have ads?

Neither NRST nor Holding Pattern Computer shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, NRST or Holding Pattern Computer?

NRST ships an update every 4 months, and Holding Pattern Computer every 11 months. Most recently, NRST was updated on October 6, 2026 and Holding Pattern Computer on October 11, 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.*