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Aviation · head to head

DUAT vs SkyVector

D

DUAT

Aviation

Flight briefing and weather information system

From
$9.95/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
SkyVector logo

SkyVector

Aviation

Free online flight planning and navigation tool

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only SkyVector has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: DUAT no native mobile applications; web-only access; SkyVector contract fuel pricing data restricted behind authentication login
  • They diverge on capability: DUAT covers Flight briefings, SkyVector covers Aeronautical charts.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which DUAT and SkyVector actually diverge.

Attributes where DUAT and SkyVector differ
AttributeDUATSkyVector
Starting price$9.95/monthFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionfreemium
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWebWeb, Ios, Android
Founded19922006

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Aviation).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in DUAT

  • Flight briefings
  • Weather data
  • NOTAM information
  • Briefing tools
  • FAA systems
  • Weather services
  • ATC databases
  • FAA approved

Only in SkyVector

  • Aeronautical charts
  • Weather integration
  • Navigation
  • Airport search
  • Weather API
  • Aviation databases
  • Secure connection
  • Flight sharing

Both cover

  • Flight planning
  • Chart systems
  • Data encryption
  • Web support
  • Ios support
  • Android support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

DUAT

  • Flight briefingnot SkyVector
  • Weather briefingnot SkyVector
  • Flight planningnot SkyVector
  • Regulatory compliancenot SkyVector

SkyVector

  • Flight planning and aeronautical chart access for pilotsnot DUAT
  • Real-time monitoring of drone operating areas via DROTAM alertsnot DUAT
  • Retail and contract aviation fuel pricing lookupnot DUAT
  • Advanced trading tools for power users and day tradersnot DUAT

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

DUAT

  • No native mobile applications; web-only access
  • Modern pilots prefer integrated EFB solutions with moving map displays

SkyVector

  • Contract fuel pricing data restricted behind authentication login
  • Minimal disclosure of feature scope or capabilities on homepage
  • No published subscription costs or premium tier pricing details

Pricing, plan by plan

DUAT

$9.95/month
  • Standard$9.95/month
    • Flight briefings
    • Weather data
    • NOTAM information
  • Professional$24.95/month
    • All Standard features
    • Advanced weather
    • Unlimited briefings

SkyVector

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Aeronautical charts
    • Flight planning
    • Weather briefing

Which should you pick?

Choose DUAT if

  • You need flight briefings.
  • You also want weather data.
DUAT review

Choose SkyVector if

  • You need aeronautical charts.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android.
  • You also want weather integration.
SkyVector review

Questions people ask

Is DUAT or SkyVector better?
Neither clearly leads. DUAT starts at $9.95/month and SkyVector at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, DUAT or SkyVector?
SkyVector has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $9.95/month for DUAT and Free for SkyVector.
Does DUAT or SkyVector run on more platforms?
DUAT runs on Web. SkyVector runs on Web, Ios, Android.
Can I use SkyVector for free?
Yes. SkyVector has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. DUAT starts at $9.95/month.
What is DUAT best used for?
DUAT is most often used for flight briefing, weather briefing, flight planning, regulatory compliance. Of those, flight briefing and weather briefing are not what SkyVector is typically brought in for.
What can DUAT do that SkyVector cannot?
DUAT covers Flight briefings, Weather data, NOTAM information, Briefing tools. SkyVector covers Aeronautical charts, Weather integration, Navigation, Airport search. Both handle Flight planning, Chart systems, Data encryption, Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

DUAT: What services does DUAT provide?

DUAT provides weather briefings, NOTAM information, and flight plan filing through an online system accessible to registered pilots. Pilots can check weather, review alerts, and file flight plans within a 15-minute transaction window.

Source
SkyVector: Is SkyVector free to use?

SkyVector offers both free and paid tiers. Basic aeronautical charts and retail fuel prices are available free, while contract fuel pricing requires login or signup.

Source
DUAT: Who can use DUAT?

DUAT services are available to registered U.S. pilots and student pilots who hold a current medical certificate, as well as flight instructors, ground instructors, and other members of the aviation community.

Source
SkyVector: What information does SkyVector provide about aviation fuel?

SkyVector provides access to retail fuel pricing for jet fuel and aviation gasoline, plus contract fuel prices for registered users.

Source
DUAT: How has DUAT changed over time?

DUAT has evolved as a service. The FAA discontinued DUATS (the competing service) on May 16, 2018, and most pilots have transitioned to modern electronic flight bag applications. DUAT.com, operated by Data Transformation Corp., continues to provide flight briefing services.

Source
DUAT: Is DUAT free to use?

Historically, DUAT was free to qualified U.S. pilots and student pilots holding a current medical certificate. Current pricing for DUAT.com services should be verified directly with the provider.

Source
DUAT: What are the recommended alternatives to DUAT?

The FAA recommends 1800wxbrief.com for free weather and aeronautical information, flight plan filing, and automated services. Modern pilots increasingly use electronic flight bag applications like ForeFlight and Garmin Pilot which integrate weather, charts, and flight planning.

Source
DUAT: Does DUAT offer mobile app access?

DUAT is primarily web-based without native mobile applications. Modern electronic flight bag alternatives like ForeFlight and Garmin Pilot offer full-featured mobile apps for on-the-go flight planning.

Source
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