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Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

Planes Live vs FlightStats

Planes Live 4.6★ · Free + IAP 55
Winner FlightStats
FlightStats 4.8★ · Free to download · ⚠ stale 75

FlightStats is the better choice for reliable flight tracking without intrusive ads.

Full reviews: Planes Live · FlightStats

While both apps offer flight tracking, FlightStats provides a more reliable experience with fewer ads and better overall user satisfaction. In contrast, Planes Live has faced significant criticism for its intrusive ads and recent functionality issues.

Head to head

features edge: FlightStatsR1R61R62R71
Planes Live Planes Live offers real-time tracking and some unique features but has been criticized for inaccuracies and missing data.
FlightStats FlightStats is praised for its accurate flight information and user-friendly interface.
ease of use edge: FlightStatsR4R6R86R108
Planes Live Planes Live has become difficult to use due to excessive ads and functionality issues.
FlightStats FlightStats is noted for its simplicity and ease of navigation.
reliability edge: FlightStatsR3R64R81R118
Planes Live Planes Live has received complaints about inaccurate tracking and missing flights.
FlightStats FlightStats is generally seen as reliable, although some users report occasional inaccuracies.
price/value edge: FlightStatsR6R22R86R114
Planes Live Planes Live's free version is heavily ad-supported, making it frustrating for users.
FlightStats FlightStats is free to download and use, providing good value without ads.
support edge: FlightStatsR12R67R106
Planes Live Planes Live has been criticized for poor customer support and unresponsive service.
FlightStats FlightStats has not received significant complaints about support but does have some user frustrations.
Pick Planes Live if

you prefer a more feature-rich app and don't mind navigating ads.

Pick FlightStats if

you want a reliable, ad-free experience for tracking flights.

Evidence note: The evidence leans heavily towards FlightStats, particularly in reliability and user satisfaction, while Planes Live has a significant number of negative reviews regarding its recent changes and ad experience.

Frequently asked

Which app is better for tracking flights?
FlightStats is generally considered better for tracking flights due to its accuracy and user-friendly design, while Planes Live has faced criticism for intrusive ads and functionality issues.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R1] Planes Live 1/5 · US Missing flight data everywhere what’s up?: I sent something in with no response. Checking today for flights from Fort Lauderdale to Boston again and it shows there aren’t any next week or after. I’m about ready to cancel what’s going on with your data? When it’s working, it’s a five star app. If it doesn’t have the flights it’s not even a one star app Thanks.
  2. [R61] FlightStats 1/5 · US Incorrect gate information in ATL: Flight attendant here. I cannot rely on flight stats, many times have the incorrect gate posted.
  3. [R62] FlightStats 5/5 · US Accurate: It’s great to have this app, I used it a lot to get info about gate , terminals etc . I really like it and I have this apps for a few years ! It’s a keeper !
  4. [R71] FlightStats 5/5 · US Best flight tracking app we’ve found: We have downloaded & deleted so many flight tracker apps because they just do not perform as needed. Flightstats very good with all pertinent info right in front of you. Also, best LIVE flight tracking map we’ve seen. Bonus is it’s free. For now…. Many thanks to developers!
  5. [R4] Planes Live 1/5 · US Now useless: The free app is now worse than useless, a complete waste of time. Nothing but constant ads and even when not ads, frequently freezes.
  6. [R6] Planes Live 3/5 · US Ads are out of control: I get it - you build an app hoping to make money, and you deserve to. But the ads have taken over the free version of the app, making it almost unusable at times.
  7. [R86] FlightStats 5/5 · US Best flight tracker ever!!: So many of these flight sites want to charge you … and then they’re so complicated u need a graduate degree to figure out how to use them!!! So glad that FLIGHTSTATS keeps it SIMPLE and FREE to use .. and most important USER FRIENDLY!!!
  8. [R108] FlightStats 5/5 · US Easy to use: Great app. Accurate information. Simple and easy to use
  9. [R3] Planes Live 3/5 · US Does not track planes properly: This app work for a while ok but recently is not showing the planes flying right over my head. I don’t live in a big city with lots of traffic so it should not be the high plane traffic. Disappointed ! The App I properly updated so it’s the phone.
  10. [R64] FlightStats 1/5 · US Plane did not leave when flight stats said: Usually flight stats is right on
  11. [R81] FlightStats 3/5 · US Drags: This app has been dragging for me. It doesn’t have up to date information about flights! I can go back and look at a flight that landed an hour ago and it still shows departed and right on top of the arriving airport. Sad , I used to love this app!
  12. [R118] FlightStats 5/5 · US Accurate and reliable: Always use this app to check flight times and very accurate and reliable.
  13. [R22] Planes Live 2/5 · US Used to be great. Now It’s terrible: Used to be a useful app and a must on each flight or even sitting on my deck at home. Now it’s hot garbage, filled with pop up ads and constant prompts for a subscription.
  14. [R114] FlightStats 5/5 · US Love FlightStats: Great free app that gives you all pertinent flight info…departure and arrival gates, departure arrival times and inflight information!!!
  15. [R12] Planes Live 3/5 · US App is great, support is terrible.: Love the app! However, support is terrible. Sent a support request through the app and the email got bounced back to me saying that the email address was no longer in use and to send a support request through the app (???). I sent an email to the address in the App Store, got a reply that basically said to look in the FAQ on the website and if the question was
  16. [R67] FlightStats 2/5 · US Like the app: But it crashes every time I create an account so I am stuck on using as an unregistered user.
  17. [R106] FlightStats 4/5 · US Flightstats: Flightstats is my go to app whenever I have friends or family traveling. It gives me accurate information on when they will depart and when they will arrive at their destination, I’ve been using it for 10 years.

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store