iFly EFB 14 update: a feature-packed alternative at a compelling price

While ForeFlight and Garmin Pilot have set the standard for many years in EFB apps, a recent update to the iFly EFB app is a good reminder that there are capable and more affordable alternatives worth a closer look.

With the release of version 14, Adventure Pilot is doubling down on what has long been iFly’s calling card—a deep feature set at a competitive price.

A lot of capability for $95/year

At first glance, iFly EFB stands out for its pricing. The VFR subscription comes in at $94.99/year, well below both ForeFlight and Garmin’s entry-level plans. Even after adding IFR charts for an additional $55/year, it remains one of the more budget-friendly full-featured EFB options.

That lower price doesn’t mean stripped-down functionality. In fact, iFly includes many features in its base subscription that require higher-tier plans—or add-ons—in competing apps. These include:

• Synthetic vision
• Terrain and obstacle alerts
• Vertical profile planning
• Geo-referenced airport diagrams
• ADS-B weather and traffic support
• Audible alert callouts

One particularly notable feature is RealPlan, which automatically builds optimized VFR routes based on winds, terrain, airspace, and even fuel cost considerations. That’s a level of automation typically associated with more advanced (and expensive) subscriptions elsewhere.

Cross-platform flexibility

Unlike competitors that may be limited to iOS devices, iFly EFB runs on iOS, Android, and Windows—with feature parity across all platforms. That’s a meaningful advantage for pilots who prefer Android devices or want flexibility between cockpit hardware.

What’s new in Version 14

The latest update focuses on improving what pilots actually see and interact with in flight:

• High-resolution satellite imagery layer for better terrain and visual context
• New raster maps and enhanced charts for improved readability
• Upgraded graphics engine for faster performance and smoother rendering
• Expanded audio alert callouts to reduce heads-down time

There are also a number of behind-the-scenes improvements, including better flight plan filing reliability, smoother NEXRAD animation, and refined traffic alerting behavior.

Feature comparison

Looking at the broader EFB landscape, iFly compares surprisingly well against competitors. While ForeFlight and Garmin Pilot still lead in ecosystem integration and polish, iFly holds its own when it comes to included features at the base level.

For example, many safety features (terrain alerts, synthetic vision, vertical planning) are included in iFly, but require upgraded tiers in competing apps. iFly offers custom instrument layouts and data blocks, a level of configurability that stands out. And its RealPlan automated routing has no direct equivalent in entry-level subscriptions elsewhere

That said, there are still trade-offs. ForeFlight’s interface refinement and Garmin’s avionics integration remain strong differentiators, especially for IFR-heavy pilots flying connected panels.

It’s worth a 30-day free look

Adventure Pilot offers a 30-day free trial to test drive its iFly EFB app and there’s a lot to explore. But that depth is also the point. iFly appears to prioritize capability and configurability over minimalism, which may appeal to pilots who want more control over their cockpit display. The interface is functional and readable, and the emphasis on high-contrast visuals and large data blocks suggests it was designed with real cockpit conditions in mind.

iFly EFB may not have the same brand recognition as the “big two,” but Version 14 shows a clear commitment to improving performance and usability while maintaining one of the best value propositions in the EFB market. For VFR pilots—or budget-conscious IFR pilots—it’s a serious option worth evaluating, especially with the 30-day free trial making it easy to test in your own flying.

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Eric Radtke

It was his first airplane trip at age seven that made Eric decide to become a pilot. "While boarding the airplane, a flight attendant noticed my interest in the flight deck and urged me to go talk to the pilot. I give a lot of credit to that pilot for my career choice." Eric earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and went on to an airline career. He learned to fly at Sporty’s as part of the University of Cincinnati’s Professional Pilot Program, an initiative he later directed. Eric now manages Sporty’s media network. In addition, Eric serves as a Captain in a Cincinnati-based corporate flight department.

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