What Is the Best Flight Simulator?

These programs and equipment educate pilots and provide true piloting experience without ever leaving the ground. Let us explore top flight simulator software and accessories for the best at-home simulation. You can also check out the FLYING Edition Rig to get started in the right direction.

Best for: All-round flight sim software

The Microsoft Flight Simulator franchise has been the gold standard among such software for its breathtaking detail and depth. On November 21, 2024, the software giant released its latest iteration, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 (MSFS2024). The newly released edition of Microsoft Flight Simulator has hobbyists and professional pilots rethinking their setups and making them question if they should upgrade to the 2024 version. MSFS2024 has been redesigned from the ground up to be expandable and more user friendly than any previous versions.

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Price: Standard Edition, $69.99; Deluxe Edition, $99.99; Premium Deluxe Edition, $129.99; Aviator Edition, $199.99

Best for: Realistic flight sim software

X-Plane 12 certainly keeps Microsoft honest, and this iteration of the flight simulator program is quite fantastic as well. It has beginner to expert features and can be used by beginners showing interest in flight, or professionals wanting to assess their flying skills. Players of this flight sim software can fly to 13,000 airports around the globe in one of the thousands of available aircraft.

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Price: $111.34

Best for: Versatile flight sim software

Aerofly FS 2 is a simulator software that offers many of the same features as Microsoft Flight Simulator, just on a much smaller scale. It supports virtual reality and can be used on mobile devices as well as PCs, making it a versatile flight sim software option that appeals to a wide range of users. Aerofly’s graphical prowess is noteworthy, delivering high-resolution landscapes and detailed cockpits that blend seamlessly with smooth performance, even on less powerful systems.

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Price: $54.72

Best for: Mobile flight sim software

Infinite Flight is a simulator software that is mobile device friendly (available for both iOS and Android), and it is compatible with PCs. Infinite Flight has a wide range of aircraft, a surprisingly considerable number of maps and terrains for a mobile app, customizable conditions, and multiple skill levels. Additionally, Infinite Flight boasts a strong community where enthusiasts can share their experiences, seek advice, and partake in virtual events or challenges, providing an engaging platform for aviation fans worldwide.

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Price: Free to download; Monthly Pro Subscription, $9.99; Semi-Annual Pro Subscription, $49.99 (six months); Annual Pro Subscription, $79.99 (12 months)

Best for: Virtual reality flight sim software

FlyInside Flight Simulator is built with virtual reality (VR) in mind, supporting Oculus Touch, Vive wand, and Leap Motion VR headsets. Although the software works on a PC, having a VR setup is almost a requirement for users of FlyInside. The platform is designed to provide users with a high degree of freedom, which is highly appealing for those who wish to customize and enhance their simulation experience. FlyInside’s open platform policy ensures any add-ons created do not require the company’s approval, allowing developers to innovate and users to purchase or create bespoke content tailored to their needs.

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Price: $34.99

Flight simulators have come a long way since their inception and serve an array of purposes for different user groups.

For aviation enthusiasts and hobbyists, these simulators offer a captivating way to engage with their passion for flying, turning their digital cockpit into an immersive world where they can hone their skills or simply enjoy the thrill of piloting.

In contrast, for student pilots and professionals, flight simulators are invaluable tools for gaining a deeper understanding of aircraft systems, weather conditions, and emergency procedures without the associated risks of real flight.

Advanced simulations can present pilots with a variety of scenarios, enabling them to practice responses to uncommon events that they may rarely encounter in actual flight, thus enhancing their problem-solving abilities and confidence.

Flight simulators intricately recreate the experience of flying any aircraft using sophisticated technology. At its core is software and hardware (i.e., computer), while accessories like monitors, chairs, flight controls, avionics, and other advanced fittings serve to make the flying experience extra realistic.

Advanced simulators, particularly those approved for official training by agencies like the FAA, often incorporate motion systems that simulate the physical sensations of flight, such as turbulence and pitch across multiple axes, thereby offering an even more lifelike piloting experience.

There is a whole list of accessories to consider when setting up a flight simulator at home. The beauty of accessories is that users can build a setup as basic or as advanced as they desire, allowing them to operate anything from a Cessna 172 to a Boeing 747. Let’s explore the possibilities.

Choosing the right flight simulator software for your flight simulation setup is crucial as it forms part of the backbone of the entire experience. Popular choices such as Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and X-Plane 12 offer innovative graphics and real-world data integration to create an immersive environment, while apps like Infinite Flight deliver similar experiences tailored for mobile devices. As you evaluate your options, consider the compatibility with hardware accessories and the system requirements to ensure smooth operation and a seamless flying adventure.

Flight simulator computers are another essential part of the flight simulator backbone, as they manage the extensive calculations and detailed graphics rendering required to recreate a realistic flight experience. When selecting a computer for a flight simulator, it is crucial to consider the CPU, GPU, and RAM to ensure they meet or exceed the simulator’s system requirements. High-performance processors can also enhance the ability to run complex flight physics and environmental variables smoothly, while a powerful graphics card is necessary to render planes, airports, and realistic weather scenarios.

A vital component of any effective flight simulator setup is the monitor or display system you choose. High-quality displays can significantly enhance the realism and immersion of your virtual flying experience. Large monitors or multi-screen setups allow for a wider field of view, creating a more authentic cockpit feel and enabling you to fully utilize all the details provided by sophisticated simulator software. Finally, when selecting a monitor, consider the resolution and refresh rate, as these factors play crucial roles in ensuring smooth graphics and reducing visual latency.

Having the right chair is vital for both comfort and realism when setting up a flight simulator. A specialized gaming or flight simulator chair can significantly enhance the experience by offering ergonomic support during long flights and realistic feedback through integrated mechanisms. High-quality simulator chairs may include mounts for controllers and other accessories, ensuring everything needed is within arm's reach.

High-quality flight simulator flight controls mimic the cockpit environment, allowing users to interact realistically with aircraft systems. These controls typically include a yoke or joystick, rudder pedals, and throttle quadrant, which can be customized to mirror those found in different aircraft types. Modern flight control systems even incorporate advanced features such as force feedback, providing tactile responses to simulate the physical sensations a pilot would experience during flight.

Flight simulator avionics encompass a range of electronic systems used on aircraft, including navigation, communication, and flight instruments, which are critical for any simulation setup aiming to replicate true-to-life scenarios. By using replicable cockpits and avionics suites, enthusiasts and pilots can hone their skills in a controlled environment, practicing everything from takeoff to landing, while following precise flight paths just as in an actual aircraft.

Advanced accessories like virtual reality (VR) devices, haptic feedback gaming pads, head tracking systems, sound systems, etc. can provide users with an unparalleled sense of presence and realism. Such devices serve as interactive elements, which can take flight simulator setups to unmatched heights.

The advancements in flight simulation technology have made it possible to experience incredibly realistic flying without leaving your home. Whether you are a beginner looking to get a taste of flying or a seasoned pilot wanting to hone your skills, there is something for everyone in the world of flight simulators.

What flight simulator is the best?

Determining the best flight simulator can often depend on the specific needs and preferences of the user. While Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is frequently cited as the top choice for an all-around flight simulator, Aerofly FS 2 offers similar features, just on a smaller scale. Furthermore, while Infinite Flight offers a robust simulation experience on mobile devices, FlyInside Flight Simulator is praised for its immersive virtual reality performance.

Which flight simulator is most realistic?

When it comes to selecting the most realistic flight simulator, enthusiasts and professionals alike often gravitate towards X-Plane 12. This software is renowned for its exceptional dedication to realism, not only in terms of its highly accurate flight dynamics and aircraft behavior but also through its comprehensive environmental and atmospheric simulations.

What is the best flight simulator to learn flying?

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 stands out as an ideal choice for the best flight simulator to learn flying due to its comprehensive aviation career mode, which guides users through various aviation career paths, from basic training to more complex missions. Its meticulously detailed flight models and systems further provide learners with an authentic flying experience.

What is the most realistic flight simulator for free?

Finding the most realistic flight simulator for free can be quite a challenge, as most high-quality simulators typically come with a price tag. However, flight simulators like FlightGear and DCS World still offer an extensive range of features at no initial cost.

How much does a professional flight simulator cost?

Professional flight simulators used by flight schools, training centers, and airlines can cost more than $1 million. Simpler professional flight training devices can be more affordable, starting at $50,000. Advanced home setups can be even cheaper, starting at $5,000.

Is DCS World free?

DCS World, or Digital Combat Simulator World, offers a mix of free-to-play elements and paid content. Initially, newcomers can download DCS World for free. However, the platform provides a variety of paid modules that expand the experience significantly.

Do real pilots use flight simulators?

Real pilots frequently use flight simulators for a wide range of purposes, from training to skill enhancement. In the aviation industry, simulators play a critical role in pilot training programs, allowing pilots to practice instrument procedures, cope with emergency scenarios, and gain experience in handling aircraft systems without the risks associated with actual flight.

Is there a real ATC in MSFS?

There is no real air traffic control (ATC) in Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS); however, MSFS offers a sophisticated ATC system that aims to simulate real-world aviation communications.