# Pilot Log vs Smart Logbook

The clearest difference is rating: Smart Logbook at 4.8 against Pilot Log's 4.0. Smart Logbook also leads on ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (153 vs 1). Pilot Log's advantage is update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 3 months). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Pilot Log sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and Smart Logbook sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Smart Logbook holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Smart Logbook has 153 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 71% of Pilot Log's written reviews are positive against 93% of Smart Logbook's.

Pilot Log ships an update every 6 weeks, Smart Logbook every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on August 17, 2026 and September 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Pilot Log | Smart Logbook |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pilot-log/id930902720/reviews) | **[4.8 (153 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-logbook/id1265793520/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **153** |
| Positive reviews | 71.4% of reviews | **93.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 weeks** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 8 MB | 73 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.2 | **16.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Mobile Dev Group LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/284625157) | [Kviation, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1265793519) |

## What reviewers say

### Pilot Log

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pilot-log/id930902720)

This app provides a digital logbook for pilots to easily record and manage flight time. It offers cloud backup, digital signatures for dual instruction, and quick tracking of flight currency. Users can also export data to PDF or CSV formats for safekeeping and analysis.

**Highlights:** Cloud backup for flight logs, Digital signatures for dual instruction, Track Day/Night VFR and IFR currency, Save logbook to Dropbox, Export logbook to PDF, Export logbook to CSV

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| PilotLog One Month Subscription | $1.99 | one-time |
| PilotLog One Year Subscription | $11.99 | one-time |


### Smart Logbook

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-logbook/id1265793520)

Effortlessly log flight hours, track currency, and manage pilot certifications. Visualize your flight history on an interactive map and receive timely renewal reminders for medicals and training. Supports various international regulations and export formats.

**Highlights:** Fast and easy flight logging, Customizable totals calculation, Currency and limit tracking, Medical and training renewal reminders, Interactive flight map, Electronic signature capture, Multiple export formats

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Sync (monthly) | $1.99 | per month |
| Sync (yearly) | $14.99 | per year |
| Unlimited Flights (discounted) | $19.99 | one-time |
| Unlimited Flights (on sale) | $23.95 | one-time |
| Unlimited Flights | $34.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use interface
- 💰 Affordable one-time payment
- 🚀 Seamless syncing across devices
- 🛠️ Highly customizable
- 🌟 Excellent customer support

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Rare updates
- 🐛 Small but frustrating bugs
- 🐛 Sorting issues (requires UTC date setting)
- ❓ Bug reporting requires third-party registration
- ❓ Registration form missing (only sign-in available)

**Reported bugs**

- Multiple sectors during one day sorted by name, not by time of departure
- Some airports missing (e.g., VDTI)
- Flights added as simulator flights
- Search function is terrible, impossible to find crew member
- Cross-platform purchase restoration issues (Android to iOS)

**Requested features**

- Ability to input waypoints instead of just airports
- Automatically add normal flight times for a route
- Separate flights by year on the main page for better overview
- Display flight direction on the map
- Allow custom names in the create an airport option


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Pilot Log free?

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

### Is Smart Logbook free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Pilot Log or Smart Logbook?

Smart Logbook is rated higher. Pilot Log averages 4.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Smart Logbook averages 4.8 from 153 ratings.

### Do Pilot Log or Smart Logbook have ads?

Pilot Log shows ads; Smart Logbook does not.

### Which is updated more often, Pilot Log or Smart Logbook?

Pilot Log ships an update every 6 weeks, and Smart Logbook every 3 months. Most recently, Pilot Log was updated on August 17, 2026 and Smart Logbook on September 17, 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.*