# IFR Flight Trainer Simulator vs ASTB Prep

The clearest difference is rating: ASTB Prep at 4.9 against IFR Flight Trainer Simulator's 3.9. ASTB Prep also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 3 months) and review sentiment (94% vs 82%). On price, ads, 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 ASTB Prep sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ASTB Prep holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ASTB Prep has 434 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 94% of ASTB Prep's.

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator ships an update every 3 months, ASTB Prep every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 7, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | IFR Flight Trainer Simulator | ASTB Prep |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.9 (76 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ifr-flight-trainer-simulator/id901798935/reviews) | **[4.9 (434 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/astb-prep/id1549216388/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 76 | **434** |
| Positive reviews | 81.5% of reviews | **93.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 155 MB | 811 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | **17.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** |
| Age rating | +4 | 9+ |
| Developer | [Flygo-Aviation Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/550770776) | [Alex Hastings](https://appshunter.io/developer/1549216390) |

## 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


### ASTB Prep

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/astb-prep/id1549216388)

Prepare for naval aviation exams with comprehensive study materials, practice tests, and simulators. Covers all subtests for Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aviation selection. Features adaptive testing and offline access.

**Highlights:** 73 comprehensive lessons, 140+ flashcard decks, 600+ sample test questions, Unlimited adaptive practice tests, UAV tracking simulator, Terrain identification simulator, Stick and throttle simulators

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Joystick Functionality | Free | one-time |
| Full Access | $39.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great tool for ASTB prep
- 👍 Comprehensive study materials
- 🚀 Helpful simulators for PBM
- 🚀 Improved test scores
- 👍 Detailed lessons and practice tests

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Some math/physics questions have incorrect answers
- 🐛 UAV simulator not fully accurate to real test
- 🐛 Stick and throttle simulator needs improvement

**Reported bugs**

- Mechanical comprehension test has 30 questions, not 20
- Terrain identification section has occasional screen color issues

**Requested features**

- Option to disable timer for terrain identification
- Ability to configure duration of correct answer display
- Add audio for UAV portion to simulate real test experience
- Include emergency scenario training for UAV


## Frequently asked questions

### Is IFR Flight Trainer Simulator free?

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

### Is ASTB Prep free?

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

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

ASTB Prep is rated higher. IFR Flight Trainer Simulator averages 3.9 out of 5 from 76 ratings, while ASTB Prep averages 4.9 from 434 ratings.

### Do IFR Flight Trainer Simulator or ASTB Prep have ads?

Neither IFR Flight Trainer Simulator nor ASTB Prep shows ads.

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

IFR Flight Trainer Simulator ships an update every 3 months, and ASTB Prep every 3 weeks. Most recently, IFR Flight Trainer Simulator was updated on September 7, 2026 and ASTB Prep on September 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.*