# IFR Flight Trainer Simulator vs Boldmethod

The clearest difference is rating: Boldmethod at 4.9 against IFR Flight Trainer Simulator's 3.9. Boldmethod also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 3 months) and review sentiment (97% vs 82%). IFR Flight Trainer Simulator's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. IFR Flight Trainer Simulator sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and Boldmethod sells 9 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Boldmethod holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Boldmethod has 823 ratings behind it against 76, 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 97% of Boldmethod's.

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator ships an update every 3 months, Boldmethod every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on October 13, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | IFR Flight Trainer Simulator | Boldmethod |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.9 (76 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ifr-flight-trainer-simulator/id901798935/reviews) | **[4.9 (823 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/boldmethod/id1507847293/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 76 | **823** |
| Positive reviews | 81.5% of reviews | **97.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 155 MB | 26 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | **15.6** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple TV** |
| Age rating | +4 | 4+ |
| Developer | [Flygo-Aviation Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/550770776) | [BoldMethod, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/986988759) |

## 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


### Boldmethod

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/boldmethod/id1507847293)

Enhance your aviation knowledge with extensive video training and online courses. Practice with quizzes and master essential piloting skills like takeoffs, landings, airspace navigation, and weather interpretation. Prepare for checkrides and improve your flying proficiency.

**Highlights:** Extensive video training library, Online aviation courses, Pilot knowledge quizzes, Master takeoffs and landings, National Airspace System training, Aviation weather interpretation, VFR charts and publications

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Aviation Weather Products | $19.99 | one-time |
| National Airspace System | $19.99 | one-time |
| VFR Charts | $19.99 | one-time |
| National Airspace System | $24.99 | one-time |
| Aviation Weather Products | $24.99 | one-time |
| VFR Charts and Publications | $24.99 | one-time |
| Mastering Takeoffs & Landings | $139.99 | one-time |
| Mountain Weather | $299.99 | one-time |
| Instrument Procedures | $499.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great training with visual aids
- 👍 Thorough and logically presented
- 👍 Easy to understand and engaging instruction
- 👍 Comprehensive and full of practical advice
- 👍 Exceptional quality and polished presentation

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔍 Lack of explanation for wrong answers in quizzes
- 🐛 Occasional crashing or freezing issues

**Reported bugs**

- Crashing or freezing issues
- Compatibility problems with older devices

**Requested features**

- Provide explanations for incorrect answers in quizzes
- Improve navigation and progress tracking through courses


## Frequently asked questions

### Is IFR Flight Trainer Simulator free?

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

### Is Boldmethod free?

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

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

Boldmethod is rated higher. IFR Flight Trainer Simulator averages 3.9 out of 5 from 76 ratings, while Boldmethod averages 4.9 from 823 ratings.

### Do IFR Flight Trainer Simulator or Boldmethod have ads?

Boldmethod shows ads; IFR Flight Trainer Simulator does not.

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

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