OpenSky Network vs FlightRadar24

Struggling to choose between OpenSky Network and FlightRadar24? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

OpenSky Network is a Network & Admin solution with tags like aviation, tracking, open-source, software-defined-radio.

It boasts features such as Crowdsourced network of ADS-B receivers that track aircraft, Open data API and live flight tracking map available, Research platform for collecting and analyzing ADS-B data, Global coverage due to large number of receivers, Ability to build custom applications on top of the data and pros including Free access to flight data through API or map, Open source model allows customization and collaboration, Large crowdsourced network provides extensive coverage, Enables new research and applications with ADS-B data.

On the other hand, FlightRadar24 is a Travel & Location product tagged with aviation, airplanes, flights, travel, airports.

Its standout features include Real-time flight tracking, Detailed flight information (altitude, speed, aircraft type, origin/destination airports, etc.), Filter and search flights, View flight routes on map, Notifications for tracked flights, Flight schedules and status, 3D cockpit and exterior aircraft models, Augmented reality mode to view aircraft above you, Photos and data on airports, Flight playback and sharing options, and it shines with pros like Very accurate and comprehensive flight data, Easy to use interface, Available on multiple platforms (web, mobile apps), Free version available with good basic features, Augmented reality mode is unique and cool.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

OpenSky Network

OpenSky Network

The OpenSky Network is an open-source community of hobbyists, academics, and companies building a large global network of low-cost sensors to monitor aircraft in real-time. The sensors use software-defined radio technology to track aircraft location, altitude, velocity and identity.

Categories:
aviation tracking open-source software-defined-radio

OpenSky Network Features

  1. Crowdsourced network of ADS-B receivers that track aircraft
  2. Open data API and live flight tracking map available
  3. Research platform for collecting and analyzing ADS-B data
  4. Global coverage due to large number of receivers
  5. Ability to build custom applications on top of the data

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Free access to flight data through API or map

Open source model allows customization and collaboration

Large crowdsourced network provides extensive coverage

Enables new research and applications with ADS-B data

Cons

Data quality dependent on receiver network density

Limited control over receiver network as a crowdsourced system

Mostly hobbyist/academic use, not enterprise-grade performance

Requires technical expertise to fully utilize API and data


FlightRadar24

FlightRadar24

FlightRadar24 is a flight tracking website and app that provides real-time information about thousands of aircraft around the world. It allows users to track flights and identify detailed information like altitude, speed, aircraft type, departure and arrival airports, etc.

Categories:
aviation airplanes flights travel airports

FlightRadar24 Features

  1. Real-time flight tracking
  2. Detailed flight information (altitude, speed, aircraft type, origin/destination airports, etc.)
  3. Filter and search flights
  4. View flight routes on map
  5. Notifications for tracked flights
  6. Flight schedules and status
  7. 3D cockpit and exterior aircraft models
  8. Augmented reality mode to view aircraft above you
  9. Photos and data on airports
  10. Flight playback and sharing options

Pricing

  • Freemium
  • Subscription-Based

Pros

Very accurate and comprehensive flight data

Easy to use interface

Available on multiple platforms (web, mobile apps)

Free version available with good basic features

Augmented reality mode is unique and cool

Cons

Premium version is expensive

Some advanced features locked behind paywall

Mobile app drains battery life quickly

Too much data/ads in free version

Coverage limited in some regions