Best flight simulator to buy

ADVANCE FLYING ACADEMY

The best flight simulator to buy depends on your specific needs, whether you're a beginner, a hobbyist, or a serious flight training enthusiast. Here's a breakdown of the best flight simulators to buy across different use cases:

1. Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020)

Best for: Casual flight enthusiasts, beginners, and those who want an immersive experience.
Why it's great:
- Incredible Graphics: It’s widely known for its stunning realism in terms of scenery, weather, and aircraft models. The detailed graphics and realistic environments are one of its strongest points.
- Real-Time Weather and Traffic: It uses real-world weather and live air traffic to create an authentic flying experience.
- Interactive Training: Offers a variety of flight training modules, from basic takeoffs to more advanced flying procedures.
- Aircraft Variety: Includes a range of aircraft from small planes (like the Cessna 172) to larger airliners (like the Airbus A320).
- System Requirements: High-end, especially for ultra-graphics settings, but it works on lower settings if your PC or console is not as powerful.
Platform: PC, Xbox Series X|S.
Price: $59.99 for the Standard Edition (prices vary with different editions).
Why you should buy: If you're looking for a visually stunning flight experience with plenty of beginner-friendly content and a variety of aircraft, Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) is the best option.

2. X-Plane 12

Best for: Serious flight training, aspiring pilots, and users who want detailed flight physics and realism.
Why it's great:
- Realistic Flight Dynamics: X-Plane 12 is known for its accurate flight dynamics and realistic aircraft systems. It uses a flight model based on real-world physics, which makes it perfect for anyone pursuing serious pilot training.
- Professional-Grade Training: X-Plane is often used by flight schools and has FAA and EASA approvals for logging simulator hours, which means it’s a good choice for aspiring pilots.
- Aircraft Variety: It has a broad selection of aircraft, ranging from light aircraft (like the Cessna 172) to commercial airliners (like the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320).
- Scenery and Add-ons: While not as visually stunning as Microsoft Flight Simulator, X-Plane’s add-ons (like scenery, aircraft, and plugins) make it highly customizable.
Platform: PC, macOS, Linux.
Price: Around $59.99 for the base version.
Why you should buy: X-Plane 12 is an excellent choice if you're serious about flight training, want a more professional-level experience, or want the flexibility to customize your flight environment.

3. Prepar3D (P3D)

Best for: Professional-level flight training, commercial flight schools, and serious hobbyists.
Why it's great:
- Used by Professionals: Developed by Lockheed Martin, Prepar3D is used by both flight schools and military institutions. It's a professional-grade simulator designed for real-world training.
- Realistic Systems and Flight Physics: Offers highly accurate flight dynamics and aircraft systems, making it great for both serious hobbyists and those seeking to log training hours.
- Customization: Like X-Plane, P3D offers many third-party add-ons, including aircraft, airports, and more. It’s highly customizable to suit your training needs.
- Versatility: Suitable for both beginner pilots and experienced professionals, including military and commercial aviation scenarios.
Platform: PC.
Price: Starts around $59.95 (varies with versions like Professional and Academic).
Why you should buy: Prepar3D is a great choice for anyone looking to use the simulator for professional flight training, or those who want the most detailed and realistic flying experience.

4. Aerofly FS 4

Best for: Beginners, casual flight enthusiasts, and those who want an easy-to-learn simulator with a focus on fun.
Why it's great:
- User-Friendly: Aerofly FS 4 is known for its simple, user-friendly interface and quick learning curve. It’s great for people new to flight simulation who want to get started without being overwhelmed by complex controls.
- Good Graphics: It offers stunning visuals, with well-detailed airports and realistic aircraft models, though not as detailed as Microsoft Flight Simulator.
- Wide Range of Aircraft: Includes a variety of aircraft, from small general aviation planes to larger airliners, including the Boeing 777 and Airbus A320.
- Platform: PC, macOS, iOS, Android, and VR (supports Oculus).
Price: Around $59.99.
Why you should buy: Aerofly FS 4 is a great entry-level flight simulator with impressive visuals and an easy-to-learn interface, making it perfect for beginners and casual users.

5. DCS World (Digital Combat Simulator)

Best for: People interested in military flight simulation, combat training, and tactical flying.
Why it's great:
- Realistic Combat Flight: DCS World is a military-focused flight simulator, ideal for anyone interested in flying combat aircraft like the F-16, A-10, or F/A-18.
- Incredible Detail: The level of detail in the aircraft and systems is staggering. The flight dynamics, cockpit models, and weapon systems are all highly accurate.
- Expansive Terrain: The simulator has vast and detailed terrains, including realistic military bases, airfields, and combat zones.
- Training Missions: DCS World includes training missions for each aircraft, allowing you to learn everything from basic maneuvers to advanced combat tactics.
Platform: PC.
Price: Free base version; aircraft modules and additional content available for purchase.
Why you should buy: DCS World is perfect if you're interested in military aviation and want a flight simulator with a strong focus on combat and tactical flying.

6. FlightGear

Best for: Budget-conscious users who want a free, open-source flight simulator.
Why it's great:
- Free and Open-Source: FlightGear is completely free, making it an excellent choice if you’re just getting started and want to try flight simulation without spending money.
- Customizable: Being open-source, it’s highly customizable, and you can add new aircraft, scenery, and features. There’s a large community of users creating add-ons and mods.
- Good for Learning: While not as advanced as other simulators like X-Plane or Microsoft Flight Simulator, FlightGear offers realistic flight dynamics for general aviation and basic commercial flight practice.
Platform: PC, macOS, Linux.
Price: Free.
Why you should buy: FlightGear is ideal for users on a budget or those who want to explore flight simulation without any financial commitment.

Best Simulator for Different Needs:

For stunning visuals and immersion: Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) is unmatched in terms of graphics and realism.
For serious flight training: X-Plane 12 or Prepar3D are great options for aspiring pilots looking for professional-grade simulators.
For beginners or casual users: Aerofly FS 4 is the easiest and most fun to use without sacrificing too much realism.
For military aviation enthusiasts: DCS World is the best for realistic combat flight simulation.
For budget-conscious users: FlightGear is an excellent free alternative to start with.

Ultimately, the best flight simulator to buy depends on your priorities—whether it’s realism, graphics, ease of use, or military/combat-focused flying.

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