Are you trying to find flight simulators among various brands on the market but aren’t sure where to begin? To assist you in finding the right one, we’ve put together a list of the 7 best to help you pick the perfect one!
We investigated and evaluated a number of the top-selling flight simulators on the market in order to create our list of the best. Making a decision among the many options available is never simple. There are an infinite number of models available, each with a distinct price. And as you’ll find out, the best options aren’t usually the ones you imagine! This comparison is rich and relevant because of the numerous factors that were employed. You will find products featured in this ranking not only based on their pricing but also on their features and other customers reviews. To write this review, we completed 14 hours of research and did 56 flight simulators tests. You won’t need to pick products at random any more. If you’re unsure of what to look for, browse our list and consult the buying guide!
An overview of our top picks
Table of contents
The best flight simulators you can buy today
- Universal, all-in-one design including throttle quadrant, trim wheel & yoke
- True to life 180° yoke handle rotation with non-contact hall effect sensor
- Modular throttle quadrant with customizable lever handles and buttons
- Integrated rudder and brake controls at your fingertips
- Full color flight management display to learn and configure the system
- Authentic Status Indicator Panel for PC
- Equipped with 12 analog axes, two POV switch & two 4-way HAT switches
- Dedicated pitch trim wheel for fine adjustment of aircraft control surfaces
- Designed for Xbox and Windows titles like Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 & Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
- Secure clamping system to fit a variety of home setups
- Italian (Subtitle)
- A fresh and modern user interface that’s even easier and more intuitive to use, virtually eliminating the need to use a mouse or keyboard with the InterLink DX controller
- More than a dozen of the newest and most popular ultra micro, sport, scale, EDF and trainer aircraft from E-flite, HobbyZone and Hangar 9 plus multiple helicopters from Blade
- Fly at the newest PhotoField – the main flying site from Triple Tree Aerodrome, home of the world-famous “Joe Nall” and other events
- More than 100 additional aircraft plus dozens of 3D fields and PhotoFields previously only available separately via Expansion Packs
- Access to new models and fields released quarterly (starting in early 2023) for purchase à la carte, in money-saving content packs, or with yearly season passes
![Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Standard Edition (Pre-Purchase/Launch Day) – Play on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51XsW6afa1L.jpg "The 8 Best flight simulators of %currentyear% 44")
- CONTENT IS PLAYABLE AT 6AM PST ON NOV-19-2024.**
- MICROSOFT FLIGHT SIMULATOR 2024: Explore the world with our largest fleet of aircraft and take simulation to new heights while pursuing your aviation career within Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
- STANDARD EDITION: Includes over 65 aircraft and 150 handcrafted airports
- FLY WITH PURPOSE: Pursue your aviation career throughout the world with dynamically generated missions ranging from Medevac and Search & Rescue to Aerial Firefighting and Passenger Transport
- CHALLENGE LEAGUE: Compete against other pilots in the iconic Reno and Red Bull Air Races
- ADVANCED SIMULATION: Enhanced physics and aircraft systems and a groundbreaking flight planner create an unparalleled simulation experience
- EXPLORE EARTH: Explore the most detailed digital twin of the world to date with real-time air and ship traffic and a vast array of animals
![Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Premium Deluxe Edition (Pre-Purchase/Launch Day) – Play on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51iHHCMr5+L.jpg "The 8 Best flight simulators of %currentyear% 50")
- CONTENT IS PLAYABLE AT 6AM PST ON NOV-19-2024.**
- MICROSOFT FLIGHT SIMULATOR 2024: Explore the world with our largest fleet of aircraft and take simulation to new heights while pursuing your aviation career within Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
- PREMIUM DELUXE EDITION: Includes everything from the Standard Edition plus 25 additional aircraft and 10 additional handcrafted international airports
- FLY WITH PURPOSE: Pursue your aviation career throughout the world with dynamically generated missions ranging from Medevac and Search & Rescue to Aerial Firefighting and Passenger Transport
- CHALLENGE LEAGUE: Compete against other pilots in the iconic Reno and Red Bull Air Races
- ADVANCED SIMULATION: Enhanced physics and aircraft systems and a groundbreaking flight planner create an unparalleled simulation experience
- EXPLORE EARTH: Explore the most detailed digital twin of the world to date with real-time air and ship traffic and a vast array of animals
- Realistic Yoke Controls provide the perfect introduction for the aspiring pilot or enhancing muscle memory of experienced pilots for the perfect translation of real-world skills.In the Box : Flight Yoke with 5.9 ft (1.8m) USB Connector Cable, Flight Throttle Quadrant with 4.92 ft (1.5m), PS/2 Connector Cable, 2 Desk Clamps
- Stainless Steel Yoke Shaft - Robust, smooth and accurate control of your virtual aircraft in flight simulators
- Stainless Steel Yoke Shaft - Robust, smooth and accurate control of your virtual aircraft in flight simulators
- POV Hat, 14 button controls, and 3-position mode switch offer at least 54 programmable controls, giving you most of your aircraft’s functions under your fingertips
- 2 position desk clamp provides mounting flexibility for a wide range of desks with a robust, secure clamping force to ensure your controls stay where you need them.
- In the Box : Flight Yoke with 5.9 ft (1.8m) USB Connector Cable, Flight Throttle Quadrant with 4.92 ft (1.5m), PS/2 Connector Cable, 2 Desk Clamps
- OFFICIAL MICROSOFT FLIGHT SIMULATOR LICENSE: Official Microsoft Flight Simulator license for Xbox Series X|S and PC.
- COMPLETE FLIGHT EQUIPMENT: 10-bit precision with 5 axes (including Z axis) , 14 buttons, 1 rapid trigger and 1 multidirectional hat switch.
- DETACHABLE THROTTLE: playable on your lap in sitting position or on the desk if you separate the joystick from your throttle.
- DUAL RUDDER SYSTEM: The aircraft can be maneuvered laterally using the Z axis of the joystick or via the tilting lever on the detachable throttle.
- ADAPTED TO ALL TYPES OF FLIGHTS: ergonomic locations of buttons with adjustable resistance of the joystick to use all types of aircrafts.
- ECOSYSTEM: Compatible with the Thrustmaster TFRP (sold separately): the first rudder ever to feature the S.M.A.R.T. slide rails system, for smooth steering.
![Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 – Premium Deluxe SteelBook® Edition – Play on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41bKc7+9rFL.jpg "The 8 Best flight simulators of %currentyear% 55")
- CONTENT IS PLAYABLE AT 6AM PST ON 19-NO-2024.**
- MICROSOFT FLIGHT SIMULATOR 2024: Explore the world with our largest fleet of aircraft and take simulation to new heights while pursuing your aviation career within Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.
- PREMIUM DELUXE STEELBOOK EDITION: Includes the Jumbo SteelBook case, custom pilot's lanyard with Standard Edition digital game code, and a message from the developer.
- FLY WITH PURPOSE: Pursue your aviation career throughout the world with dynamically generated missions ranging from Medevac and Search & Rescue to Aerial Firefighting and Passenger Transport.
- CHALLENGE LEAGUE: Compete against other pilots in the iconic Reno and Red Bull Air Races.
- ADVANCED SIMULATION: Enhanced physics and aircraft systems and a groundbreaking flight planner create an unparalleled simulation experience.
- EXPLORE EARTH: Explore the most detailed digital twin of the world to date with real-time air and ship traffic and a vast array of animals.
- English (Subtitle)
- Military-grade Space and Flight Sim Precision. Customizable options including all the control surface options required to achieve the exact level of performance that aspiring combat pilots demand.System Requirements : Windows 11,10,8.1,7, 2x USB 2.0 Port
- New Mini Analog Stick Control Surfaces: Control pitch, roll, yaw, backwards, forwards, up, down, left and right as well as gimballed weapons that are controlled separately from the space craft
- RGB Backlighting: Many PC peripherals now feature RGB backlighting and the X-56 is no exception. Use the software to set the color of the lighting to match the rest of your gaming rig
- Ideal for VR: The X-56 places controls perfectly under your fingers where subtle distinctions in button feel and shape help you navigate the control set with ease
- Fully Featured HOTAS: Accurate 16-bit aileron and elevator axis with hall-effect sensors. Adjustable Stick Force via Advanced 4-Spring System. Twin Throttles with Friction Adjuster and Throttle Lock
- Cable Length: 2 m
- System Requirements : Windows 11,10,8.1,7, 2x USB 2.0 Port
![Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Aviator Edition (Pre-Purchase/Launch Day) – Play on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51PHk+gST7L.jpg "The 8 Best flight simulators of %currentyear% 59")
- CONTENT IS PLAYABLE AT 6AM PST ON NOV-19-2024.**
- MICROSOFT FLIGHT SIMULATOR 2024: Explore the world with our largest fleet of aircraft and take simulation to new heights while pursuing your aviation career within Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
- AVIATOR EDITION: Includes everything from the Premium Deluxe Edition plus the entire fleet of 30 Microsoft-published marketplace aircraft developed for Microsoft Flight Simulator between 2021 and 2024
- FLY WITH PURPOSE: Pursue your aviation career throughout the world with dynamically generated missions ranging from Medevac and Search & Rescue to Aerial Firefighting and Passenger Transport
- CHALLENGE LEAGUE: Compete against other pilots in the iconic Reno and Red Bull Air Races
- ADVANCED SIMULATION: Enhanced physics and aircraft systems and a groundbreaking flight planner create an unparalleled simulation experience
- EXPLORE EARTH: Explore the most detailed digital twin of the world to date with real-time air and ship traffic and a vast array of animals
- Realistic plane flight physics
- Day and night cycle
- Plane crashes and smoke effects
- Exciting flight missions and gameplay
- Dynamic lighting and sound effects
- Breath-taking world environments with high-res satellite imagery
- Highly detailed realistic airplane cockpit environment.
- Huge selection of aircraft and airliners
- Massive open-world driving simulator
- Fully interactive cockpit environment and controls
- English (Publication Language)
- The Thrustmaster TFRP adds an innovative new product to Thrustmaster’s wide range of joysticks and other related flight-themed controllers
- Long range of travel on rudder axis for precise maneuvers.
- Self-centering rudder axis: The perfect balance between smoothness and resistance for re-centering, for the most accurate maneuvers
- 4 slide rails crafted of industrial-grade aluminum for perfectly smooth sliding motion.
- First rudder ever to feature the S.M.A.R.T (Sliding Motion Advanced Rail Track) slide rails system!
- English (Publication Language)
- Official Xbox console buttons (Guide / View / Menu): access social features, switch between the game and the console, navigate through the console's menus, etc.
- High-precision HOTAS (Hands On Throttle And Stick) controls: enjoy the ultimate gaming experience in all types of flight simulation (space adventure, modern air combat, vintage warplanes, civil flight)
- The first rudder pedals to feature the Thrustmaster S.M.A.R.T slide rails system for smooth steering
- Ergonomically designed: lets you place your entire foot on each pedal, thanks to the handy removable heel-rests
- Large detachable throttle, 5 axes, 14 buttons, 1 rapid-fire trigger, 1 multidirectional hat switch (navigation / panoramic views)
- Smooth and accurate self-centering rudder pedals add another layer of realistic control to your flight simulation setup
- Whether you prefer the lighter response of a small aircraft or the more robust feel of a heavy jet, a simple twist of the Adjustable Tension Dial will have you flying your way.
- Differential Toe Brakes deliver the full control you need when bringing your aircraft up to its stand on the runway
- Platform Compatibility: Windows 7, 8, 8.1 and 10, Internet connection for optional software download
- Technical Specifications: 9-bit Rudder axis, 7-bit Toe Brake axis, USB 2.0-compliant Dimensions (cm): 31x41x17 Weight: 2.3 kg
- FlightGear Flight Simulator is a highly sophisticated, detailed and ultra-realistic flight simulator which includes 20,000 real airports worldwide! You have the freedom to fly anywhere, anytime, night or day, and experience the ultimate flight simulation! You will receive the USB (not a disc) exactly as pictured. Our slimline USB is 100% compatible with ALL standard size USB ports. IMPORTANT - THIS IS A PROFESSIONAL SIMULATOR, NOT AN ARCADE GAME.
- With over 600 aircraft included, this flight simulator gives you more aircraft than you could possibly learn to fly in a lifetime! Fly from lightweight aircraft to huge commercial jumbo jets, military planes, helicopters and even airships! Hundreds of aircraft are included with new aircraft added regularly which you can download for free! 1000+ aircraft liveries are also available as free downloads along with all future updates of the simulator!
- Compatible with Microsoft Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7 & Vista PC 32 & 64-bit (XP is NOT compatible). Recommended system specs - CPU: Quad-core / RAM: 6GB / GPU: 2048MB VRAM / HDD: 5GB minimum. Regardless of operating system compatibility, if the rest of your computer does not meet the required spec, then it may not be compatible; please check your computer specs before purchase. This will fit all standard Windows PC USB ports, but please insert the correct way up as indicated in the instructions.
- PixelClassics exclusive extras include bonus aircraft, easy-to-use PixelClassics installation menu, installation guide, first flight guide, 200+ page user manual, email support and more! To ensure you receive exactly as advertised including all our exclusive extras, please choose PixelClassics. All our USBs are checked and scanned 100% virus-free, and backed up by our friendly dedicated email support.
- PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT ‘MS’ flight simulator, this is FLIGHTGEAR flight simulator and this USB is compatible with Windows PC only. You will receive USB (not a disc) exactly as advertised and described. It includes all the excellent features as listed, including 600 aircraft which is at least 570 more than you get with any other flight simulator by default! This is a professional simulator and will require reading of the manual included on USB to learn how to fly.
- A fresh and modern user interface that’s even easier and more intuitive to use, virtually eliminating the need to use a mouse or keyboard with the InterLink DX controller
- More than a dozen of the newest and most popular ultra micro, sport, scale, EDF and trainer aircraft from E-flite, HobbyZone and Hangar 9 plus multiple helicopters from Blade
- Fly at the newest PhotoField – the main flying site from Triple Tree Aerodrome, home of the world-famous “Joe Nall” and other events
- More than 100 additional aircraft plus dozens of 3D fields and PhotoFields previously only available separately via Expansion Packs
- Access to new models and fields released quarterly (starting in early 2023) for purchase à la carte, in money-saving content packs, or with yearly season passes
- ✈️ COMPLETE YOUR FLIGHT SIM PANEL - Explore the skies with flight simulator cockpit! It has a light bar and fits flight sim instruments like radios and speed indicators for an immersive experience.
- ✈️ WIDE COMPATIBILITY - The home flight simulator cockpit to fit Honeycomb Alpha, Logitech, and Saitek flight yokes. It is also compatible with select Logitech and Saitek switch and throttle panels.
- ✈️ EASY INSTALLATION - Set up your cockpit quickly and easily. The panel itself is pre-cut in all positions where instruments need to be. Press these by hand and configure your gear right away.
- ✈️ IMPRESSIVE BUILD & DESIGN - This cockpit simulator set features sturdy aluminum alloy that neither bends nor flexes. Rubber-tipped clamps make it safe to mount on 0.5” to 2.2” thick desks.- With LED Light Bar - 30”x20”x 4”
- ✈️ SATISFACTION GUARANTEED - Get your stainless steel cockpit panel kit from a brand you can trust! Contact us if you weren't happy with the equipment you received and we’ll make it right.
![Microsoft Flight Simulator: Standard Game of the Year Edition – Xbox & Windows [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51aUpEfw-7L.jpg "The 8 Best flight simulators of %currentyear% 73")
- From light planes to wide-body jets, fly highly detailed and accurate aircraft in the next generation of Microsoft Flight Simulator.
- Microsoft Flight Simulator includes 20 highly detailed planes with unique flight models and 30 hand-crafted airports.
- Exciting missions
- Smooth gameplay
- Easy-to-control
- Beautiful graphics
- Variety of planes
- English (Publication Language)
- FlightGear Flight Simulator is a highly sophisticated, detailed and ultra-realistic flight simulator which includes 20,000 real airports worldwide! You have the freedom to fly anywhere, anytime, night or day, and experience the ultimate flight simulation! IMPORTANT - THIS IS A PROFESSIONAL SIMULATOR, NOT AN ARCADE GAME. You will be required to read the PDF manuals included to learn how to use the simulator and fly.
- With over 600 aircraft included, this flight simulator gives you more aircraft than you could possibly learn to fly in a lifetime! Fly from lightweight aircraft to huge commercial jumbo jets, military planes, helicopters and even airships! Hundreds of aircraft are included with new aircraft added regularly which you can download for free! 1000+ aircraft liveries are also available as free downloads along with all future updates of the simulator!
- Multi-platform edition disc compatible with Microsoft Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7 & Vista PC 32 & 64-bit (XP is NOT compatible) and macOS from 10.12 Sierra onwards (10.11 OS X and below is NOT compatible). IMPORTANT: RECOMMEND SYSTEM SPEC - CPU: Quad-core / RAM: 6GB / GPU: 2048MB VRAM / HDD: 5GB minimum. Regardless of operating system compatibility, if the rest of your computer does not meet required spec then it may not be compatible, so please check your computer specs before purchase.
- PixelClassics disc content includes 530+ aircraft (600+ total with downloads), access to 1000+ liveries, FULL worldwide scenery, easy-to-use PixelClassics installation menu (PC only), installation guide, first flight guide, 200+ page user manual, email support and more! To ensure you receive exactly as advertised including all extras, please choose PixelClassics. All our discs are checked and scanned 100% virus-free, and backed up by our dedicated email support.
- PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT ‘MS’ flight simulator, this is FLIGHTGEAR flight simulator exactly as advertised and described. It includes all the excellent features as listed, including 600 aircraft which is at least 570 more than you get with any other flight simulator by default! This is a professional simulator and will require reading of the manual included on disc to learn how to fly.
- ALL-IN-ONE COCKPIT SYSTEM FEATURING A CONFIGURABLE THROTTLE SETUP for single-engine general aviation to four-engine commercial aircraft. Configuration options for piston and jet engines
- FEATURES MULTIPLE COCKPIT COMPONENTS including autopilot, annunciator panel, gear, and flap lever with trim wheel. Thrust reverser for two- and four-engine aircraft.
- THE MOST VERSATILE FLIGHT SIMULATION EXPERIENCE POSSIBLE. Customize your throttle, switches, and indicator lights to simulate multiple aircraft. 7 programmable keys.
- GEAR LEVER WITH RED/GREEN LED landing gear indicator lights. Annunciator Panel with 7 two-way programmable switches and 14 warning lights
- COMPATIBLE WITH MICROSOFT FLIGHT SIMULATOR 2020, Flight Simulator X, XPlane 11, Prepar3D, Flight Sim World.
- English (Subtitle)
How to choose a good flight simulators
Does the idea of finding a fantastic flight simulators make you anxious? When it comes to purchasing this product, specifically when deciding which model to select, has your head been spinning between options? You are not alone if that is the case. We are aware of the pressure involved in the purchasing process!
Your presence here indicates that you are interested in flight simulators. Before choosing which product would be the best for your needs after being inundated with information, locate a reliable source with genuine selections. You can get that information from a variety of sources, including buying guides and rating websites, word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family, online discussion forums where users can share their own experiences, product reviews that can be found all over the internet, and YouTube channels. You can only get the right product through exhaustive analysis. But you realize that’s not always simple. In order to ease your concerns, we have taken the time to develop a list of the top flight simulators products available right now. You might be wondering how we came up with the list. How was this buying guide developed?
First, we used our algorithms to gather as much reliable data as we could about these products. To verify all the data gathered, we used both artificial intelligence and a lot of algorithms.
Then, our experts used criteria that are recognized in the business to evaluate them according to their quality to price ratio, allowing us to choose the top flight simulators on the market right now!
The selection of the goods is not arbitrary. Before creating a list, we take into account a number of factors. Below are some of the criteria discussed:
Brand Value: What happens if you choose a dubious brand just because it appears to be a good deal? So the likelihood of receiving a product with a short shelf life increases. That is due to the fact that well-known brands have a reputation to uphold, while others do not. Top flight simulators brands strive to provide some distinctive traits that set them apart from the competition. So, hopefully one or more of the items on our list will be perfect for you.
Features: Useful features are all you need, not tons of them. We consider the important aspects and select the top flight simulators based on those.
Specifications: Numbers always help you measure the quality of a product in a quantitative way. We try to find products with higher specifications, but with the right balance.
Quality: A product’s quality may always be quantified with the aid of numbers. We look for goods with better standards that strike the proper balance. The best quality product that gets highly appreciated and recommended by experienced users.
Customer ratings: Would it be accurate to suggest that the flight simulators were used by hundreds of customers before you? Superior ratings indicate that many customers had better service.
Customer Reviews: Like ratings, provide you with accurate and reliable information about the product from genuine customers. Customer ratings are very important to all of us because they contain accurate and reliable information about the customer service we received from several hundred customers.
Seller Rank: This is very intriguing! Not only do you need a good flight simulators, you also need a product with rising sales that is trendy. It accomplishes two goals. First, the expanding user base proves the quality of the product. Second, given that number, producers must be able to offer greater quality and after-sales support.
Value: You get what you pay for, they say, so consider the value. Cheap isn’t always good and expensive isn’t always bad. However, that does not imply that spending a lot of money on a product that is flashy but underwhelming is a good idea. Before adding them to the list, we make an effort to evaluate how much value you can get for your money from your flight simulators.
Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting flight simulators for months and years to come.
Product availability: Products come and go, and new ones replace the old ones. Most likely, a few new features and required changes were made. What use is it to use a supposedly good product if the maker no longer supports it? We make an effort to highlight products that are current and offered by one or more trustworthy sellers, if not more.
Negative Reviews: Yes, we do take that into account as well! The goods with the majority of bad reviews are filtered out and disregarded when we choose the best-rated one on the market.
These are the standards by which we selected our flight simulators. Do we end our process there? Hell no. The most crucial fact about us that you should be aware of is that we regularly update our website with current and pertinent information. We have one more layer of filtration since we place the greatest importance on reader satisfaction. Please let us know if any product included here is incorrect, irrelevant, subpar, or simply out of date. We always value your opinions, and we’ll work hard to make any necessary corrections to our list in response to them.
Why should you believe us?
There are now thousands of possibilities for these products on Amazon, but choosing the best one can be difficult and time-consuming. And what flight simulators should you purchase in 2022?
This guide is the result of more than 10 years of experience in researching, testing and writing about many topics. Each member of our team is an authority in their area. We read every article we could find online and every consumer review on every retail website for seven hours. Additionally, we discovered a ton of websites that offered helpful resources, including buying tips and thorough information on flight simulators.
