# IFR Flight Trainer Simulator vs Garmin GPS Trainer

The clearest difference is review sentiment: IFR Flight Trainer Simulator at 82% against Garmin GPS Trainer's 33%. IFR Flight Trainer Simulator also leads on rating (3.9 vs 2.1). Garmin GPS Trainer's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 18.6). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

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

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator holds the better App Store score, 3.9 against 2.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 76 and 28 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 82% of IFR Flight Trainer Simulator's written reviews are positive against 33% of Garmin GPS Trainer's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | IFR Flight Trainer Simulator | Garmin GPS Trainer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.9 (76 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ifr-flight-trainer-simulator/id901798935/reviews)** | [2.1 (28 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/garmin-gps-trainer/id1454577309/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **76** | 28 |
| Positive reviews | **81.5% of reviews** | 33.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 155 MB | 1.3 GB |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | **13.0** |
| 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 GPS Trainer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/garmin-gps-trainer/id1454577309)

This app simulates the user interface of a GPS navigator, allowing users to explore its features and operational aspects. It's ideal for improving avionics familiarity and preparing for flights by practicing flight plans.

**Highlights:** Simulated multi-touch and drag interface, Garmin SafeTaxi with airport information, High resolution terrain and aviation databases, Obstacle databases with power line alerting, Simulated ADS-B Traffic and FIS-B Weather, Chair fly flight plans

**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 GPS Trainer free?

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

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

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator is rated higher. IFR Flight Trainer Simulator averages 3.9 out of 5 from 76 ratings, while Garmin GPS Trainer averages 2.1 from 28 ratings.

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

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

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

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator ships an update every 3 months, and Garmin GPS Trainer every 3 months. Most recently, IFR Flight Trainer Simulator was updated on October 26, 2026 and Garmin GPS Trainer on October 23, 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.*