# IFR Flight Trainer Simulator vs Garmin TXi Trainer

The clearest difference is review sentiment: IFR Flight Trainer Simulator at 82% against Garmin TXi Trainer's 16%. IFR Flight Trainer Simulator also leads on rating (3.9 vs 1.9) and update cadence (every 3 months vs every 8 months). Garmin TXi Trainer's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. IFR Flight Trainer Simulator sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Garmin TXi Trainer asks for nothing beyond the download.

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator holds the better App Store score, 3.9 against 1.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: IFR Flight Trainer Simulator has 76 ratings behind it against 7, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 82% of IFR Flight Trainer Simulator's written reviews are positive against 16% of Garmin TXi Trainer's.

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator ships an update every 3 months, Garmin TXi Trainer every 8 months. Both last shipped on November 1, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | IFR Flight Trainer Simulator | Garmin TXi Trainer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.9 (76 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ifr-flight-trainer-simulator/id901798935/reviews)** | [1.9 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/garmin-txi-trainer/id1204320570/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **76** | 7 |
| Positive reviews | **81.5% of reviews** | 16.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 months** | Every 8 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 155 MB | 2.6 GB |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | **18** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPad |
| Age rating | +4 | 4+ |
| Developer | [Flygo-Aviation Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/550770776) | [Garmin DCI](https://appshunter.io/developer/309920282) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### Garmin TXi Trainer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/garmin-txi-trainer/id1204320570)

Virtually explore Garmin's G500/G600 TXi flight displays and engine information systems on your iPad. Familiarize yourself with simulated touch interfaces, various aircraft configurations, and aviation databases before flying.

**Highlights:** Simulated touch and bezel interface, TXi EIS (Engine Instrumentation System), Multiple display configurations, Aviation databases (North America, Worldwide), Airport information and approach charts, Terrain and obstacle databases, Simulated system information (ADS-B, Weather Radar)

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is IFR Flight Trainer Simulator free?

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

### Is Garmin TXi Trainer free?

Garmin TXi Trainer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

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

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator is rated higher. IFR Flight Trainer Simulator averages 3.9 out of 5 from 76 ratings, while Garmin TXi Trainer averages 1.9 from 7 ratings.

### Do IFR Flight Trainer Simulator or Garmin TXi Trainer have ads?

Neither IFR Flight Trainer Simulator nor Garmin TXi Trainer shows ads.

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

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator ships an update every 3 months, and Garmin TXi Trainer every 8 months. Most recently, IFR Flight Trainer Simulator was updated on November 1, 2026 and Garmin TXi Trainer 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.*