Microsoft Flight Simulator and X-Plane are the two mainstream home simulators, and for training-style practice you cannot really go wrong with either. Both reproduce procedures, instrument scan, and navigation well enough to be genuinely useful between lessons. They differ in feel, scenery, and add-on ecosystems. Here is how they compare, and the one thing they have in common that matters most.
Part of our Flight Simulators guide. Bundle and controls available from PilotMall.com, with current pricing on every product page.
What they have in common
Both are consumer simulators, not FAA-approved training devices. Neither one, on your home PC, lets you log time toward a certificate or rating. Use either to build habits, not hours. With that settled, the choice comes down to which one you enjoy flying, because the one you actually use is the one that helps.
Microsoft Flight Simulator
The strength here is immersion. Photoreal scenery, live weather, and a polished interface make it inviting and easy to start, and it runs on both PC and current Xbox consoles. For a student, the standout uses are navigation practice over real terrain you recognize and getting comfortable in modern glass cockpits. It is the friendlier on-ramp for most newcomers.
X-Plane
X-Plane has a long-standing reputation for its flight model, which many pilots feel captures handling and edge-of-the-envelope behavior convincingly. It is highly customizable, with a deep library of community aircraft and tools, and it appeals to students who want to dig into how the airplane behaves. The interface is less glossy, but the flying rewards attention.
Side by side for student practice
| Factor | Microsoft Flight Simulator | X-Plane |
|---|---|---|
| Best known for | Scenery, weather, and ease of use | Flight model and customization |
| Platforms | PC and current Xbox consoles | PC (and other desktop platforms) |
| Getting started | Very approachable | A bit more hands-on |
| Add-ons | Large, growing marketplace | Deep, long-established community |
| FAA-approved device? | No | No |
Which should a student pick?
If you want the easiest start and the most visual payoff, Microsoft Flight Simulator is the natural pick, and it is the title in the common yoke bundle. If you care most about how the airplane handles and like to tinker, X-Plane is excellent. Either one supports the practice that matters for your training: procedures, instrument scan, and navigation. Pair it with a proper yoke and pedals and you have a real practice tool.
Controls and bundle
What you'll need
Home flight-sim controls that make practice productive, all from PilotMall.com.
Frequently asked questions
Is Microsoft Flight Simulator or X-Plane better for training practice?
Both work well. Microsoft Flight Simulator is easier to start and has stunning scenery, while X-Plane is known for its flight model and customization. Pick the one you will fly most often.
Does either one count toward my certificate?
No. Both are consumer simulators, not FAA-approved training devices, so time in either on a home PC does not count toward any certificate or rating.
Can I run them on a console instead of a PC?
Microsoft Flight Simulator runs on current Xbox consoles as well as PC. X-Plane is primarily a desktop title, so a PC is the practical choice for it.
Which one should I buy first as a student?
If you want the simplest start, Microsoft Flight Simulator, especially in a yoke bundle. If you want the most realistic handling and enjoy customizing, choose X-Plane.