Best Flight Simulators of 2025
A comparison based on realism and physics, graphics and world detail, and modding and community support.
Flight simulators have come a long way in realism and technology since the 2000s. Two of the biggest names, X-Plane 12 and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, are leading the industry. Both offer immersive flight experiences, but differ in a few areas. Here’s a comparison based on realism and physics, graphics and world detail, and modding and community support.
#1. X-Plane 12
Realism and Flight Physics
X-Plane 12 is built around a powerful flight model known as “blade element theory,” which simulates the forces on every part of the aircraft in real time. This makes it especially appealing to pilots and aviation students looking for realistic flight dynamics. Weather modeling in X-Plane 12 is also highly detailed, including volumetric clouds and seasonal effects.
Graphics and World Detail
X-Plane 12, while improved from its predecessor, still can’t match MSFS visually. It has decent lighting and weather effects but lacks the global visual fidelity and dynamic terrain that make MSFS a favorite among casual players and virtual travelers.
Modding and Community Support
X-Plane 12 has long been known for its open architecture, allowing users to create and modify aircraft, scenery, and plugins. This makes it a favorite in educational and experimental circles. Laminar Research, the entity behind X-Plane, also encourages user-generated content, leading to a wide variety of high-quality third-party addons.
#2. Microsoft Flight Simulator
Realism and Flight Physics
X-Plane 12 is built around a powerful flight model known as “blade element theory,” which simulates the forces on every part of the aircraft in real time. This makes it especially appealing to pilots and aviation students looking for realistic flight dynamics. Weather modeling in X-Plane 12 is also highly detailed, including volumetric clouds and seasonal effects.
Graphics and World Detail
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 uses satellite data, photogrammetry, and cloud computing to render a near-realistic Earth. Cities, landscapes, and even individual buildings look almost lifelike. The upcoming 2024 version promises even more environmental interactivity, like dynamic seasons and better water simulation.
Modding and Community Support
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is catching up, with a large third-party marketplace and many community tools. However, some modders find it more restrictive due to its reliance on cloud infrastructure and Microsoft's development pipeline.
Conclusion
If you're a serious flight enthusiast or student looking for the most realistic flying experience, X-Plane 12 is likely your go-to. But if you're drawn to stunning visuals and the joy of exploring the world from above, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, the best sim depends on what you value more: realism or immersion.
Both are fantastic in their own right—and for dedicated simmers, having both might just be the perfect flight plan.
