Compare the best MSFS 2024 add-on aircraft: free and payware Airbus, Boeing, GA and specialist picks, plus platform and compatibility checks.
The best free Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 add-on aircraft are the FlyByWire A32NX for Airbus flying and Van’s RV-7 for general aviation. The best payware choices are the Fenix A320 family, a supported PMDG 737 or 777, and A2A Comanche 250. The most realistic choice depends on aircraft category and platform.
Best freeware MSFS 2024 aircraft add-ons
The FlyByWire A32NX is our first freeware recommendation for airline operations, while the RV-7 is the better choice for hand-flying, circuits and touring.
| Aircraft | MSFS 2024 compatibility | Platform | Realism level | Flying role | Key limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlyByWire A32NX | Use the release explicitly supplied for MSFS 2024; do not copy an obsolete MSFS 2020 installation | PC | High for freeware, with custom Airbus systems and flight-control logic | Short and medium-haul airline flying | Not available as a sideloaded console add-on; installation and updates take place outside the console Marketplace |
| FlyByWire A380X | Install the MSFS 2024-compatible release and retain any libraries required by that build | PC | High, although individual systems remain subject to development | Free long-haul and super-heavy operations | Resource-heavy and less complete than a finished premium aircraft in some areas |
| Van’s RV-7 | Choose a package explicitly marked for MSFS 2024 | PC Community package | Medium to high, with an emphasis on handling and avionics choice | VFR touring, circuits and light aerobatics | Does not attempt the persistent maintenance simulation offered by A2A |
| Headwind A330-900neo | Use the developer’s supported MSFS 2024 release rather than an older package | PC | Moderate to high for freeware | Accessible modern long-haul flying | Adapted systems do not reproduce every A330 function to premium type-specific depth |
Freeware does not necessarily mean light on hardware. The A380X can place a substantial load on the processor and graphics system, while advanced avionics may reduce frame rate at large airports.
Readers comparing other no-cost widebodies and narrow-bodies can use our free MSFS 2024 airliner comparison, including installation requirements.
Best payware MSFS 2024 aircraft add-ons
The Fenix A320 family is the strongest payware Airbus for PC systems depth, while A2A leads piston ownership simulation and PMDG remains the main Boeing choice when the exact variant supports MSFS 2024.
| Aircraft | MSFS 2024 compatibility | Platform | Realism level | Flying role | Key limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fenix A320 family | Use the dedicated MSFS 2024-supported package delivered through the Fenix application | PC only | Very high systems and airline-procedure depth | Short and medium-haul Airbus operations | Requires companion software and more computing resources than a simple Marketplace aircraft |
| PMDG 737 family | The exact aircraft and variant must be listed as compatible with MSFS 2024 | PC; Xbox only where that variant has an Xbox Marketplace release | High procedural and systems depth | Short and medium-haul Boeing operations | Compatibility, console availability and entitlements can differ between variants |
| PMDG 777 family | Install only the build designated for MSFS 2024 | PC; console support depends on the exact Marketplace listing | High long-haul procedural depth | Long-haul Boeing operations | Long sectors, complex automation and performance demands make it a poor first airliner |
| A2A Accu-Sim Comanche 250 | Use the Accu-Sim build explicitly approved for MSFS 2024 | PC | Very high piston-engine, wear and ownership simulation | GA touring, engine management and aircraft ownership | External components and deep maintenance modelling are unnecessary for casual circuits |
| iniBuilds A350 Airliner | Use the dedicated MSFS 2024 package rather than assuming an older installation is interchangeable | PC; use on Xbox or PlayStation only if the exact aircraft is listed for that device in the Marketplace | High modern widebody systems depth | Long-haul Airbus operations | Heavy avionics, detailed displays and complex airports can make it demanding on hardware |
“Study-level” is not a regulated standard. Across our community, a recurring buying mistake is to treat that label as proof that every circuit breaker, failure mode and data-link function works. Check the functions that matter to you: custom flight dynamics, FMS depth, engine limits, failures, persistent wear and abnormal procedures.
Our deeper payware aircraft comparison covers the differences between the major premium families without relying on that label alone.
Airliner, GA, military, helicopter and turboprop add-ons
Each aircraft category needs a different recommendation because airliner systems depth, rotor behaviour and piston-engine ownership cannot be ranked on one scale.
- Airliners: choose the A32NX for a free Airbus, Fenix for the deepest A320-family experience on PC, a supported PMDG variant for Boeing procedures, or iniBuilds A350 for modern Airbus long haul.
- General aviation: choose the RV-7 for free hand-flying. Choose the A2A Comanche when engine care, component condition and persistent ownership matter more than convenience.
- Military aircraft: the IndiaFoxtEcho F-35 is a strong modern multi-role starting point where its installer or Marketplace listing confirms MSFS 2024 support. Remember that MSFS is not a combat simulator; systems, weapons representation and mission features vary sharply between products.
- Helicopters: the HPG H145 is the systems-rich civil recommendation on PC when using its supported MSFS 2024 build. For other helicopters, prioritise rotor dynamics, governor behaviour, force-trim implementation and control support rather than the size of the mission pack.
- Turboprops: the Black Square TBM 850 suits PC pilots seeking detailed engine and avionics management, provided its MSFS 2024 build and required base aircraft are confirmed. Simpler Marketplace turboprops are usually easier for controller-based console flying.
For historic aircraft and other specialist types, our MSFS aircraft library organised by add-on category provides a practical route to the relevant downloads. Apply the same compatibility checks before installing any package.
What is the most realistic aircraft in MSFS 2024?
The Fenix A320 family is the strongest answer for airliner systems realism, while the A2A Comanche 250 is the better answer for piston flight behaviour, engine management and persistent aircraft ownership.
- Airbus systems realism: Fenix A320 family, using its PC-only MSFS 2024 build.
- Boeing procedural realism: the PMDG 737 for shorter sectors or 777 for long haul, but only the exact variant and build marked for MSFS 2024.
- Piston and ownership realism: A2A Comanche 250 on PC, particularly for engine handling, wear and aircraft condition.
- Modern long-haul experience: iniBuilds A350 for Airbus or a supported PMDG 777 for Boeing.
Systems realism and flight-model realism are not identical. An aircraft can have an excellent FMS but unconvincing ground handling, or convincing aerodynamics with only basic electrical systems. Control sensitivity, dead zones, assistance settings and unsuitable controller curves can also make a good flight model feel wrong.
What is the best Airbus for MSFS 2024?
The Fenix A320 family is the best premium Airbus for MSFS 2024 on PC, while the FlyByWire A32NX is the best free Airbus choice.
- Best premium narrow-body: Fenix A320 family for detailed normal and abnormal procedures.
- Best free narrow-body: FlyByWire A32NX for custom Airbus systems without a purchase price.
- Best free very large Airbus: FlyByWire A380X for long-haul operations, accepting its development status and heavier performance demands.
- Best modern long-haul Airbus: iniBuilds A350 Airliner, using the package explicitly built for MSFS 2024.
Fenix and FlyByWire products are PC recommendations because their distribution or companion-software requirements cannot be sideloaded onto Xbox or PlayStation. Console users must choose from the aircraft shown for their exact device in the in-simulator Marketplace.
What is the best A350 for MSFS 2024?
The iniBuilds A350 Airliner is the best full A350 add-on for MSFS 2024 when installed through its supported MSFS 2024 build.
It is the choice for type-specific A350 systems, cockpit workflow and long-haul operation rather than persistent ownership or maintenance simulation. On PC, use the dedicated 2024 package and update channel. On Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 or PS5 Pro, buy it only when the exact Marketplace listing names that platform; PC availability does not guarantee console availability.
A repaint, model merge or generic widebody conversion may reproduce the A350’s appearance without reproducing its flight-control laws, displays, FMS or electrical logic. It should not be treated as an equivalent realism recommendation.
Best aircraft communication platforms for MSFS 2024
VATSIM or IVAO is the best choice for realistic human ATC on PC, while built-in ATC and platform voice chat are easier for casual flying.
These services are separate from aircraft add-ons. They do not add an aeroplane, and installing an aircraft does not provide access to an online controller network or dispatch service.
| Platform or tool | Best suited to | PC and console position | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in MSFS ATC and multiplayer | Casual flights and low-setup communication | Available within the simulator on PC, Xbox and PlayStation | Less procedural consistency and flexibility than a staffed ATC network |
| VATSIM or IVAO | Realistic airline and IFR operations with human controllers | Requires an external pilot client on PC; no equivalent native console client | Coverage varies and pilots are expected to understand the relevant procedures and phraseology |
| External AI ATC services such as BeyondATC or SayIntentions | Flexible spoken ATC without waiting for a human controller | PC-focused external applications | Aircraft, traffic-injection and subscription support vary by service |
| SimBrief and separate voice or crew tools | Airline dispatch, operational flight plans and shared-cockpit coordination | Planning can take place separately, but direct aircraft import and simulator integration depend on the add-on and platform | SimBrief is a dispatch tool rather than ATC; separate voice software may still be required |
For casual multiplayer, built-in ATC plus party chat or a general voice application is sufficient. For realistic airline operations on PC, use a dispatch plan, a compatible aircraft and VATSIM or IVAO. Xbox and PlayStation cannot install the external clients used to connect the simulator directly to those networks.
How to choose compatible MSFS 2024 aircraft add-ons
Check the simulator build, platform, dependencies and update method before buying or installing any aircraft.
- Confirm the simulator and build. “For MSFS” is too vague. The package must name Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 rather than only MSFS 2020. The baseline discussed here is Sim Update 5, released in April 2026; after a later simulator update, check that the developer has not reported a temporary incompatibility.
- Match the platform. PC can use Marketplace products, external installers and the
Communityfolder. Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and PS5 Pro can install only products offered for that device through the in-simulator Marketplace. The Xbox and PlayStation catalogues are not necessarily identical. MSFS 2020 was never released on PlayStation, so a 2020-only listing cannot be assumed to support PS5. - Check dependencies and simulator edition. Some aircraft require a default model, avionics package, shared library or aircraft supplied only with a particular simulator edition. A livery also requires the exact base aircraft and often the correct variant.
- Identify external applications. Companion programs, licence managers, external flight models and stand-alone update tools make an aircraft PC-only unless a separate console edition is published. WASM or custom code support must be confirmed from the exact Marketplace listing rather than assumed.
- Understand the update channel. Marketplace, developer installer and manually downloaded Community packages can receive updates on different schedules. Do not install two editions of the same aircraft at once.
- Allow for performance demands. Detailed glass cockpits, animated cabins, high-resolution textures and external systems simulations can increase main-thread, memory and graphics load. Judge performance at a dense airport in poor weather, not only at a quiet rural airfield.
- Buy for the intended role. A complex airliner is poor value if you want quick sightseeing flights. A simple visual model is equally unsuitable if you need realistic failures, engine limits and full FMS procedures.
Why is my add-on aircraft not showing in MSFS 2024?
A missing aircraft is usually caused by the wrong simulator build, a nested or duplicate Community package, a missing dependency, or an unsupported platform.
On PC, extract the archive and check that the actual package folder is not buried inside several unnecessary folders. Remove older copies, then test with only the aircraft and its required libraries in Community. A dark cockpit, pink chequerboard textures, missing sounds or engines that refuse to start can indicate an incomplete dependency rather than a bad installation of the whole simulator.
Our step-by-step aircraft visibility and loading guide covers package structure, duplicate removal, dependencies and console restrictions. Reinstalling Microsoft Flight Simulator should be the last resort, not the first.