Head-to-head

FlightStats vs FlightAware Flight Tracker

FlightStats 4.8★ · Free to download · ⚠ stale 65

Winner FlightAware Flight Tracker

FlightAware Flight Tracker 4.9★ · Free + IAP 80

FlightAware Flight Tracker is the better choice for most users due to its superior features and reliability.

Full reviews: FlightStats · FlightAware Flight Tracker

FlightAware Flight Tracker offers a more comprehensive and user-friendly experience compared to FlightStats, particularly in terms of features and reliability. While both apps have their merits, FlightAware's extensive information and better user interface make it the preferred option for tracking flights.

Head to head

features edge: FlightAware Flight Tracker^R11^R80^R116

FlightStats FlightStats provides basic flight tracking information but lacks advanced features like detailed flight history and user customization.

FlightAware Flight Tracker FlightAware offers extensive features including detailed flight tracking, real-time updates, and the ability to track multiple flights simultaneously.

ease of use edge: FlightAware Flight Tracker^R45^R67^R114

FlightStats Users find FlightStats straightforward but have reported issues with account creation and navigation.

FlightAware Flight Tracker FlightAware is praised for its user-friendly interface, although some users have noted it can be cumbersome due to security requirements.

reliability edge: FlightAware Flight Tracker^R42^R107^R116

FlightStats FlightStats has faced criticism for inaccurate flight information and app crashes, leading to frustration among users.

FlightAware Flight Tracker FlightAware is generally seen as reliable, with users reporting accurate flight tracking, although some have experienced issues with notifications.

price/value edge: FlightStats^R46^R76

FlightStats FlightStats is free and has no in-app purchases, but some users feel it lacks value due to its limitations.

FlightAware Flight Tracker FlightAware is free with in-app purchases for ad removal, but some users have expressed discontent with the price increase for subscriptions.

support edge: FlightAware Flight Tracker^R3^R73

FlightStats FlightStats has limited support options, leading to user frustration when issues arise.

FlightAware Flight Tracker FlightAware provides better support resources, although some users have reported difficulties with the sign-up process.

Pick FlightStats if

you prefer a completely free app with basic flight tracking features and don't mind limited functionality.

Pick FlightAware Flight Tracker if

you value comprehensive flight tracking capabilities and a more user-friendly experience, even if it involves some costs.

Evidence note: The evidence is somewhat one-sided as FlightAware has a larger user base and more detailed reviews, while FlightStats has received recent negative feedback that may not reflect its overall performance.

Frequently asked

Which app is better for tracking flights?

FlightAware Flight Tracker is generally considered better for tracking flights due to its extensive features and reliability, while FlightStats is a simpler, free option with basic functionality.

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.

[R11] 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!
[R80] FlightAware Flight Tracker 5/5 · US Great app: Great for tracking flights - very accurate!
[R116] FlightAware Flight Tracker 5/5 · US A valuable tool: If you want to know anything about a flight, this is the place to look. Airports, flight numbers, airline operators, and technical data to include waypoints along the flight route are interesting but also beneficial to everyone involved in the flight chain. I could go on! Great tool.
[R45] FlightStats 5/5 · US Easy to use: Great app. Accurate information. Simple and easy to use
[R67] FlightAware Flight Tracker 1/5 · US Not user friendly: Its the worst app ever, not at all user friendly.
[R114] FlightAware Flight Tracker 5/5 · US Freakin awesome: I love the FlightAware app. Simple and easy to use for up to date flight info.
[R42] FlightStats 1/5 · US Statuses of flights way off: Sitting in a plane at the gate still & your app says we took off almost an hour ago! Almost funny to be that inaccurate!
[R107] FlightAware Flight Tracker 2/5 · US Not so hot: FlightAware has shown jets in the air in situations when I know the passengers are still on the ground because I’m talking to them by phone
[R46] FlightStats 1/5 · US Disappointed: Not all the same functionality as when it was free not worth $3 per month!
[R76] FlightAware Flight Tracker 1/5 · US Disappointing Price Increase for Loyal Customers: I am very disappointed to see the price of the yearly ad-removal subscription increasing from $5.99 to $8.99. Every other app I have ever used values its current customer base by grandfathering them into their original rate. With those companies, you only pay the new, higher price if you cancel your subscription and choose to rejoin at a later date
[R3] FlightStats 3/5 · US What happened?: Used to be a very reliable app…can’t even create a free account anymore. Had high hopes but now it’s just useless.
[R73] FlightAware Flight Tracker 2/5 · US Sign up system: This buggy sign up system won’t work. I meet both requirements but it is not letting me sign up. When I click sign up it takes me to a white screen with flight aware’s logo at the top. Now all I wanted to do was upload one, just ONE photo and I get a janky system.

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