ADS-B Exchange: Unfiltered live flight tracking from a community receiver network. FlightAware: Flight status, airport delays and a live map of air traffic.
| ADS-B Exchange | FlightAware | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Live Trackers | Live Trackers |
| Coverage | Worldwide | Worldwide |
| Updates | Live / real time | Live / real time |
| Data source | Volunteer ADS-B and MLAT receivers | Air traffic control data, airline data and the FlightAware ADS-B network |
| Made by | ADS-B Exchange (JETNET) | FlightAware (Collins Aerospace) |
| Price | Free with ads; paid ad-free option | Free; premium plans for frequent flyers, pilots and businesses |
| Account | No account needed | Free to view, account for extras |
| On phones | Works well on phones | Phone app available |
| Map view | Flat map | Flat map |
| Visits from ColorfulMaps | 1 | 1 |
| Open map | Open map |
What you can do with ADS-B Exchange
- Live positions with altitude-coloured trails
- Shows military and private aircraft that other trackers often filter
- Search by registration, callsign or ICAO hex code
- Replay historical traffic
What you can do with FlightAware
- Live map of flights
- Flight status with gate and delay details
- Airport delay overview
- Free flight alerts with an account
Summary based on public information. Check each map's website for current features and prices.