We reviewed and compared the top 8 Electronic Flight Bag apps across features, pricing, platform support, and real-world usability. From the industry-leading ForeFlight to completely free alternatives — here are our picks for every pilot and budget.
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An Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) is a software application or device that replaces traditional paper charts, approach plates, and flight planning tools in the cockpit. Modern EFB apps run on tablets — primarily iPads — and provide moving map navigation, weather overlay, geo-referenced charts, weight and balance calculations, and flight planning.
FAA Approval
The FAA has approved EFBs as legal replacements for paper charts under Advisory Circular AC 91-78. This means you can fly with only an EFB and no paper charts on board. Most flight schools, airlines, and corporate operators have adopted EFBs as standard equipment, saving weight, cost, and dramatically improving situational awareness.
Key Features of a Modern EFB
Moving Map
GPS position on chart
Offline Charts
VFR/IFR without internet
Weather
METAR, TAF, radar overlay
Flight Planning
Route, fuel, performance
W&B
Weight & balance calc
ADS-B In
Traffic & weather receiver
Detailed Reviews — All 8 EFB Apps
EDITOR'S PICK — #1 EFB App 2026
9.6
★★★★★
#1
ForeFlight
$120/yriOSiPadOS
ForeFlight is the undisputed king of EFB apps and the most widely used flight planning tool in US aviation. Used by student pilots, airline captains, military aviators, and everyone in between, ForeFlight delivers a comprehensive suite of features including moving map with geo-referenced charts, detailed weather briefings, weight and balance calculations, performance planning, and logbook integration. Its integration with virtually every major ADS-B receiver and avionics platform makes it the safest bet for any US-based pilot.
Key Features
●Geo-referenced charts with moving map and ownship
●Comprehensive weather briefing with radar, METARs, TAFs, SIGMETs
●Full route planning with performance profiles and fuel stops
●Weight & balance with aircraft-specific profiles
●Synthetic vision on Pro Plus tier
●ADS-B In support for Sentry, Stratus, GDL 52, Scout
Pros
✓Most feature-rich EFB available anywhere
✓Best-in-class weather briefing with graphical overlay
✓Works with every major ADS-B receiver on the market
✓Massive community, excellent documentation and support
Cons
✗iOS/iPad only — no Android or Windows support
✗Pro Plus tier at $299/yr is expensive for students
✗Requires iPad ($329+) in addition to subscription
Our Verdict
ForeFlight is our top pick for any pilot based in the United States. The combination of features, reliability, and ecosystem support is unmatched. If you fly in the US and own an iPad, ForeFlight is the standard for good reason.
Garmin Pilot is the natural companion for pilots who fly behind Garmin avionics. Its killer feature is Connext wireless cockpit connectivity — flight plans created on your tablet sync directly to compatible Garmin navigators like the GTN 650Xi/750Xi, GPS 175, and GNX 375. The app offers comprehensive flight planning, weather, charts, and a clean interface. The fact that it supports Android gives it a significant edge for pilots who prefer that platform.
Key Features
●Connext wireless sync with Garmin panel avionics
●Full US VFR/IFR charts with offline download
●Weather overlay with radar, METARs, TAFs, winds aloft
●Flight plan transfer to GTN 650Xi/750Xi, GPS 175
●Synthetic vision on Premium tier
●Available on both iOS and Android
Pros
✓Seamless Connext sync with Garmin panel avionics
✓Available on both iOS and Android
✓Clean, intuitive interface that is easy to learn
✓Lower entry price than ForeFlight
Cons
✗Feature set not as deep as ForeFlight
✗Third-party ADS-B receiver support is limited
✗Some advanced features require Garmin hardware
Our Verdict
The clear choice if you fly behind Garmin avionics. The ability to wirelessly transfer flight plans between your tablet and panel navigator is a game-changer. Also the best premium option for Android users.
SkyDemon is the undisputed champion of European aviation EFB apps. While ForeFlight dominates the US, SkyDemon owns Europe — and for good reason. Built from the ground up for the complex European airspace environment with its patchwork of national regulations, restricted zones, and crossing requirements. Synthetic vision is included at no extra cost, and the moving map is clean, fast, and beautifully designed. If you fly in Europe, SkyDemon is not just the best choice — it is the only serious choice.
Key Features
●Best European airspace database and visualization
●Cross-border flight planning for multi-country flights
●Synthetic vision included at no extra cost
●Real-time airspace warnings and NOTAM integration
●Full European VFR/IFR charts with offline download
●Available on iOS, Android, and Windows
Pros
✓Best European airspace and cross-border planning
✓Synthetic vision included in base subscription
✓Available on iOS, Android, and Windows
✓Clean interface with excellent map design
Cons
✗US coverage is limited compared to ForeFlight
✗Smaller user community outside of Europe
✗No direct ADS-B In integration (US-style)
Our Verdict
The definitive EFB for European pilots. If you fly under EASA rules or regularly cross borders in Europe, SkyDemon is the clear winner with unmatched airspace and cross-border planning.
FltPlan Go, now part of Garmin, is the most capable free EFB app available. Originally a web-based flight planning service, the mobile app has matured into a legitimate EFB with moving map, offline charts, weather overlay, and full IFR flight plan filing — all at zero cost. It is particularly strong for flight planning and filing. For student pilots and budget-conscious aviators, FltPlan Go proves you do not need to spend a dime to have a functional EFB.
Key Features
●Completely free — no subscription or in-app purchases
●Full IFR flight plan filing built in
●Offline US charts available for download
●Weather overlay with METARs, TAFs, radar
●Available on iOS, Android, and Windows
●Backed by Garmin (acquired FltPlan)
Pros
✓Completely free — no subscription, no in-app purchases
✓Full IFR flight plan filing built in
✓Available on iOS, Android, and Windows
✓Solid flight planning and weather briefing tools
Cons
✗No synthetic vision capability
✗Interface feels dated compared to ForeFlight
✗Limited ADS-B receiver compatibility
Our Verdict
The best free EFB app available, period. If you are a student pilot on a tight budget or want a capable backup EFB, FltPlan Go delivers impressive functionality at no cost.
Avare is the only fully open-source aviation EFB app, developed by a community of pilots and engineers who believe aviation safety tools should be free. Available exclusively on Android, Avare provides moving map navigation with free FAA chart downloads, basic weather information, and GPS tracking. Supported by the Apps4Av non-profit, it fills an important niche: a genuinely free, no-strings-attached moving map for Android pilots.
Key Features
●100% free and open-source — no hidden costs
●FAA charts download directly at no charge
●Active open-source community development
●Lightweight and runs on older Android devices
●No account registration or personal data required
●ADS-B support via add-on plugins
Pros
✓100% free and open source — no hidden costs
✓FAA charts download at no charge
✓Active community development
✓Runs on older Android devices
Cons
✗Android only — no iOS version
✗No synthetic vision or advanced features
✗Interface is basic and dated
Our Verdict
The best option for Android pilots who want a completely free moving map. It will not replace ForeFlight, but as a free backup EFB or a student pilot's first moving map, Avare gets the job done.
WingX Pro7 has earned a loyal following among pilots who value its included synthetic vision and no-nonsense approach to EFB functionality. At $100 per year, WingX Pro7 includes features that ForeFlight charges $299 for — most notably synthetic vision, which provides a 3D terrain view in the cockpit. The app also highlights strong TFR alerting, which has saved many pilots from inadvertent airspace incursions. While the UI is not as refined as ForeFlight, the value proposition is strong.
Key Features
●Synthetic vision included in base $100/yr price
●Strong TFR alerting and visualization
●Full US charts with offline download
●Weather overlay with METARs, TAFs, radar, winds
●Profile-based weight and balance calculator
●ADS-B support for Dual XGPS, Stratus, Sentry
Pros
✓Synthetic vision included at $100/yr (vs $299 ForeFlight)
✓Strong TFR alerting and visualization
✓Good ADS-B receiver compatibility
✓Solid chart and weather overlay
Cons
✗iOS/iPad only — no Android support
✗Interface not as polished as ForeFlight
✗Smaller community and fewer resources
Our Verdict
A compelling ForeFlight alternative for pilots who want synthetic vision at $100/year instead of $299. If synth vision matters and budget is a concern, WingX Pro7 deserves a serious look.
iFly GPS carved out a loyal following as the affordable alternative to ForeFlight. At $75 per year, it undercuts ForeFlight by nearly 40% while delivering a solid feature set including moving map, offline charts, weather overlay, synthetic vision, weight and balance, and flight planning. Multi-platform support means it runs on iOS, Android, and even Windows, making it the most accessible paid EFB for pilots who do not use Apple devices.
Key Features
●Most affordable paid EFB at $75/year
●Synthetic vision included (not a premium add-on)
●Multi-platform: iOS, Android, and Windows
●Offline charts with US VFR/IFR coverage
●Weather overlay with METARs, TAFs, radar
●Good ADS-B receiver compatibility
Pros
✓Most affordable paid EFB at $75/yr
✓Multi-platform: iOS, Android, Windows
✓Synthetic vision included
✓Good ADS-B receiver compatibility
Cons
✗Interface less polished than ForeFlight
✗Smaller development team, slower updates
✗Flight planning not as robust as competitors
Our Verdict
The best budget paid EFB. If ForeFlight pricing is too steep or you need an Android/Windows EFB with synthetic vision, iFly GPS delivers excellent value at nearly half the price.
FlyQ EFB by Seattle Avionics offers a surprisingly capable EFB experience at the lowest price point of any paid app. At just $50 per year, it includes geo-referenced approach plates, taxi diagrams, offline charts, weather overlay, and flight plan filing through Leidos. The app also integrates fuel pricing so you can find the cheapest fuel stops along your route. While it lacks the depth of ForeFlight or Garmin Pilot, FlyQ EFB punches well above its weight for budget-conscious pilots who want more than a free EFB can offer.
Key Features
●Lowest-priced paid EFB at $50/year
●Geo-referenced approach plates and taxi diagrams
●Offline charts with US VFR/IFR coverage
●Weather overlay with METARs, TAFs, radar
●Fuel price integration for cost-effective stops
●Flight plan filing through Leidos
Pros
✓Cheapest paid EFB at $50/yr
✓Geo-referenced approach plates included
✓Fuel price integration for cost-effective stops
✓Flight plan filing through Leidos
Cons
✗iOS only — no Android version
✗No synthetic vision
✗Smaller community than ForeFlight or Garmin
Our Verdict
The best EFB for pilots who want paid-app features at the absolute lowest price. At $50/yr, FlyQ EFB delivers geo-referenced plates, weather, and flight planning that free apps cannot match.
AVAILABLE EFBs: Garmin Pilot, FltPlan Go, SkyDemon, iFly GPS, Avare
Our Recommendation
If you are buying a new tablet specifically for flying, get an iPad Mini (cellular model) — it gives you access to every EFB app, including ForeFlight, and the cellular GPS chip provides better position accuracy even without a data plan. If you already own a good Android tablet, Garmin Pilot ($100/yr) is the best premium choice, and FltPlan Go is free. Do not let the tablet platform decision hold you back from using an EFB — any EFB is better than no EFB.
Gear
EFB Gear That Pairs With These Apps
An EFB app is only as good as the tablet and accessories it runs on. Here's the cockpit kit pilots pair with ForeFlight and Garmin Pilot.
ForeFlight is the best overall EFB app for US pilots, scoring 9.6/10 in our review. It offers the most comprehensive feature set, best weather briefing, widest ADS-B receiver compatibility, and the largest pilot community. For European pilots, SkyDemon (9.3/10) is the top choice. For Android users, Garmin Pilot (9.2/10) is the best premium option.
Is there a free EFB app for pilots?
Yes. FltPlan Go is the best free EFB, offering moving map, offline charts, weather overlay, and IFR flight plan filing at zero cost. Avare is the best free option for Android-only users. Both are legitimate EFBs suitable as primary or backup tools, though neither matches the depth of paid options like ForeFlight or Garmin Pilot.
Do I need an iPad for an EFB app?
No, but iPads are the most supported platform. ForeFlight is iPad-only, but Garmin Pilot, FltPlan Go, SkyDemon, iFly GPS, and Avare all support Android. If buying new hardware for flying, the iPad Mini (cellular model for better GPS) is the cockpit standard. If you already have an Android tablet, you have excellent EFB options available.
Can an EFB app replace paper charts?
Yes. The FAA has approved EFBs as replacements for paper charts under AC 91-78, meaning you can legally fly with only an EFB and no paper charts. However, always download offline charts before every flight — cellular coverage is unreliable at altitude. Many pilots carry a backup device or a second EFB app for redundancy.
What is the cheapest paid EFB app?
FlyQ EFB at $50/yr is the cheapest paid EFB with geo-referenced plates, weather overlay, and flight plan filing. iFly GPS at $75/yr is the best value when factoring in synthetic vision and multi-platform support. Both significantly undercut ForeFlight ($120/yr) while delivering solid core EFB functionality for VFR and IFR pilots.
An EFB gets you through the flight — Rotate gets you through the exam. With 1,900+ practice questions, flashcards, and study tools for Part 107, PPL, Instrument, Commercial, and EASA, Rotate is the perfect complement to your favorite EFB app.