Comparison

Active Checklist vs SimpleLists

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

Head to head
About

Active Checklist

This automated checklist app for pilots dynamically displays the correct checklist based on the current phase of flight. It tracks landings, includes timers, a notepad, and offers pre-loaded checklists for popular aircraft, with the ability to create custom ones. It also supports flight simulation interfaces.

Highlights
  • Automated phase-of-flight checklist display
  • Customizable checklist creation
  • Landing and flight time tracking
  • Integrated notepad for ATIS/clearances
  • Pre-loaded checklists for Cessna 172 and Piper PA-28
  • X-Plane flight simulator interface
  • Flight path tracking and download
Read full description

Active Checklist is the only AUTOMATED and customizable checklist app for pilots! Active Checklist automatically knows which phase of flight you're in and will correctly display the current checklist whether you're taking off, cruising or landing. Active Checklist gives you ease of mind knowing you'll always have the right checklist handy, allowing you keep your focus on flying. Additionally, Active Checklist will show the number of full-stop landings, touch-and-go/go-arounds. It also includes a timer, a flight timer and a handy notepad for ATIS or clearances. Active Checklist provides pre-loaded checklists for two airplanes: the Cessna 172 and the Piper PA-28. You can also easily create and use your own customized checklists. Active Checklist also interfaces with X-Plane if you want to use it when flight simulating. Active Checklist also includes the same bread crumbs feature as SkyCharts so you can see and download your flight. For more information, visit http://www.skycharts.net/?page_id=1951

About

SimpleLists

Create and manage reusable checklists with an intuitive interface. This app offers cloud syncing for access across devices, helping you stay organized effortlessly for various personal and professional tasks.

Highlights
  • Reusable checklists
  • User-friendly interface
  • Cloud syncing
  • Customizable lists
  • Task management
Features
Read full description

Introducing Simple Lists, an app designed for creating reusable checklists that help you stay organized effortlessly. With its intuitive interface, Simple Lists transforms the way you manage checklists, making everyday planning a breeze. Key features include: - Reusable Checklists: Create, save, and edit lists that you can reuse for different tasks, allowing you to streamline your planning process. - User-Friendly Interface: Navigate through your checklists easily with a clean and minimalistic design that enhances your productivity. - Cloud Syncing: Access your lists from any device with real-time syncing, ensuring you have your tasks available whenever you need them. Simple Lists is perfect for anyone who loves to use checklists, whether you are a busy professional, a student juggling multiple responsibilities, or a parent managing family tasks. Our app caters to your organizational needs, providing the tools to help you stay on top of your priorities. The user interface of Simple Lists is designed with simplicity in mind. With just a few taps, you can create a checklist, add items, or mark them as done. The overall user experience is seamless, allowing you to focus on your tasks without distraction. Enjoy a smooth and engaging interaction that makes checklist management an enjoyable part of your routine. Download Simple Lists today and take the first step toward effortless organization! Embrace the power of checklists that work for you, not the other way around. Stay organized and simplify your life with Simple Lists—because your tasks deserve a smart solution! EULA: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Active Checklist4 screens
SimpleLists4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: SimpleLists at 100% against Active Checklist's 33%. SimpleLists also leads on rating (5.0 vs 2.7) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 11 months). Active Checklist's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (3 vs 1). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model 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. Active Checklist sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and SimpleLists sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $2.00 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

SimpleLists holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 2.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 1 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 33% of Active Checklist's written reviews are positive against 100% of SimpleLists's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Active Checklist ships an update every 11 months, SimpleLists every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 19, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Active Checklist versus SimpleLists: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterActive ChecklistSimpleLists
PriceFreeFree
Rating2.7 (3 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews33.3% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings3 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 11 monthsEvery 2 months — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFreemium
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS11.0 — better18.6
Further details — not scored
Size61 MB41 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSkyCharts LLCJoe Edwards

Customer experience

Active Checklist

All ratings3 ratings
Positive33.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative66.7%
Written reviews6 reviews
Positive33.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative66.7%

SimpleLists

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Active Checklist

One-time1
  • Allow unzipping of user checklists$9.99
7 purchases

SimpleLists

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly$2.001 Month
  • Yearly$14.001 Year
One-time5
  • Mini tip$1.00
  • Plus tip$3.00
  • Pro tip$5.00
Show 2 more
  • Max tip$10.00
  • Ultra tip$15.00

Questions

Is Active Checklist free?
Active Checklist is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is SimpleLists free?
SimpleLists is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Active Checklist or SimpleLists?
SimpleLists is rated higher. Active Checklist averages 2.7 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while SimpleLists averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.
Do Active Checklist or SimpleLists have ads?
SimpleLists shows ads; Active Checklist does not.
Which is updated more often, Active Checklist or SimpleLists?
Active Checklist ships an update every 11 months, and SimpleLists every 2 months. Most recently, Active Checklist was updated on September 19, 2026 and SimpleLists on September 18, 2026.

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