# IFR Flight Trainer Simulator vs Flight Test X20

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Flight Test X20 at none against IFR Flight Trainer Simulator's 2. Flight Test X20 also leads on update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 3 months) and iOS requirement (14.0 vs 18.6). IFR Flight Trainer Simulator's advantage is review sentiment (82% vs 60%). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. IFR Flight Trainer Simulator sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Flight Test X20 asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 3.9 for IFR Flight Trainer Simulator against 3.9 for Flight Test X20. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 76 and 93 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 82% of IFR Flight Trainer Simulator's written reviews are positive against 60% of Flight Test X20's.

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator ships an update every 3 months, Flight Test X20 every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | IFR Flight Trainer Simulator | Flight Test X20 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.9 (76 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ifr-flight-trainer-simulator/id901798935/reviews) | [3.9 (93 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/flight-test-x20/id1501097608/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 76 | **93** |
| Positive reviews | **81.5% of reviews** | 60.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 5 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 155 MB | 25 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | **14.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPad |
| Age rating | +4 | 4+ |
| Developer | [Flygo-Aviation Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/550770776) | [Sheppard Air, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/595077420) |

## 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


### Flight Test X20

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/flight-test-x20/id1501097608)

Prepare for FAA knowledge tests with this comprehensive study platform. It offers top-off preparation for various pilot and aviation professional written exams, including instrument rating and ATP.

**Highlights:** FAA knowledge test preparation, Pilot study course, Dispatcher study course, Instrument rating preparation, Instructor written test prep, ATP written test prep

**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 Flight Test X20 free?

Flight Test X20 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, IFR Flight Trainer Simulator or Flight Test X20?

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator and Flight Test X20 are both rated 3.9 out of 5 on the App Store, from 76 and 93 ratings respectively.

### Do IFR Flight Trainer Simulator or Flight Test X20 have ads?

Neither IFR Flight Trainer Simulator nor Flight Test X20 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, IFR Flight Trainer Simulator or Flight Test X20?

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator ships an update every 3 months, and Flight Test X20 every 5 weeks. Most recently, IFR Flight Trainer Simulator was updated on October 13, 2026 and Flight Test X20 on October 16, 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.*