# SidePilot

> The Ardupilot Companion App

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/id1138193193](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id1138193193)

## Overview

- **ID:** `id1138193193`
- **Platform:** Apple
- **Type:** Apple app
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** Tom Brereton
- **Category:** Utilities
- **Rating:** 4.00 / 5 (101 ratings)
- **Version:** 2.1.7.3
- **Last updated:** 2026-08-12
- **First published:** 2016-09-29
- **Size:** 117 MB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-10
- **Store listing:** [Apple App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sidepilot/id1138193193)
- **Website:** [https://sidepilot.net](https://sidepilot.net/)
- **Privacy policy:** [https://sidepilot.net/privacy](https://sidepilot.net/privacy)

## Description

SidePilot is a portable ArduPilot ground station that turns your device into a field-ready control center. It supports ArduCopter, ArduPlane and ArduRover via ELRS, WiFi or Bluetooth, with ADSB integration to display nearby aircraft.

Create, edit and load waypoints and geofences, run pre-flight checks with live weather, and monitor telemetry. The app streams onboard video to YouTube, records logs, and offers Follow Me, Orbit, Tap-to-Fly, grid surveys, and other flight tools for cinematic and safe flights.

## Rankings

- #142,427 — Overall

## Review summary

SidePilot is a lifeline for many 3DR Solo owners, credited with reviving drones after the official app faded and keeping them flying through firmware updates, calibration, and access to live video. Users praise its intuitive interface, useful features like maps and waypoints, and the developer’s ongoing updates that extend the Solo’s life. However, performance is inconsistent. Recurrent issues include unstable connections and pairing, frequent bugs and freezes, GoPro control failures, and reports of crashes or prop damage tied to the app. Some buyers feel the price is not justified by reliability problems.

### Pros

- Keeps 3DR Solo flying after the official app was discontinued, reviving many drones.
- Guides firmware upgrades and gyro/calibration with clear, guided steps.
- Intuitive user interface with maps, waypoints, and preflight features; good documentation.
- Active development and regular updates that extend the Solo’s life and keep features working.
- Provides essential live video/feed capability and overall flight control support when other apps fail.

### Cons

- Unstable connections and pairing issues; sometimes shows 'waiting for Solo' or cannot locate the drone.
- Numerous bugs and stability problems (app freezes, crashes, especially after updates).
- GoPro control/recording often failing; cannot start recording or control camera from the app.
- Reports of drone damage/crashes (prop damage) attributed to app behavior during use.
- Perceived poor value for money due to reliability issues; several buyers feel they wasted money.
- Some features (maps/video) can lag or not load properly.

## Similar extensions and apps

- [RunCam Fly](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id6744043570)
- [CS Pilot](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id1441485653) — 2.60 / 5
- [Copterus #1 Autopilot for DJI](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id1511955560) — 4.00 / 5
- [Mini PRO - for Parrot's minidrones](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id1195431314) — 3.50 / 5
- [Bebop PRO](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id1087497558) — 3.70 / 5
- [MicroPilot HorizonMP Drone GCS](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id1632493788)
- [BEPILOT A2](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id1570612839) — 3.20 / 5
- [PulseDrone](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id6758890935)
- [FreeFlight Mini](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id1137022728) — 3.70 / 5
- [HS GPS V3](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id1504632580)
- [SafetyDrone](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id1450982145) — 2.50 / 5
- [RoboPilot](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id6575376418)

---

Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id1138193193)