What are the best aircraft in MSFS 2020?
The best all-round aircraft in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 is the Cessna 172 Skyhawk G1000: it is forgiving, capable and useful for both VFR and IFR training. Choose the TBM 930 for speed, Airbus A320neo for airline flying, XCub for bush work and Extra 330LT for aerobatics.
Best MSFS 2020 aircraft by type
The best aircraft depends on what you want to practise, because a good trainer, airliner and bush aeroplane solve very different problems.
| Best use | Aircraft | Why we recommend it | Main caveat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Cessna 172 Skyhawk G1000 | Stable handling, useful avionics and enough performance for VFR, IFR and autopilot practice | The glass cockpit can distract beginners from basic attitude and trim control |
| First flights | Cessna 152 | Low speed, simple systems and predictable handling make mistakes easier to recognise | No autopilot; crosswinds and poor trim still demand proper technique |
| Fast general aviation | TBM 930 | Combines turboprop speed with a manageable single-engine cockpit and strong IFR capability | Energy builds quickly on descent, so speed planning matters |
| Twin-engine flying | Diamond DA62 | Good visibility, modern avionics and calmer handling than many conventional twins | Engine-out practice requires careful rudder and power control |
| Business jet | Cessna Citation CJ4 | A sensible introduction to jet speeds, flight management and high-altitude operations | Approach planning happens much earlier than it does in a piston aircraft |
| Airliner | Airbus A320neo | Accessible handling and automation for learning airline routes and instrument procedures | The original included model has less systems depth than advanced add-ons |
| Bush flying | CubCrafters XCub | Strong short-field performance and excellent visibility for remote strips | Its tailwheel configuration needs active rudder control on the ground |
| Aerobatics | Extra 330LT | Rapid roll response and ample power for aerobatic manoeuvres | Too sensitive for learning ordinary circuit work |
Availability varies by edition and installed content. Our breakdown of the aircraft included with each MSFS 2020 edition helps confirm what should appear in your hangar.
Which MSFS 2020 aircraft is best for beginners?
The Cessna 152 is best for a first lesson, but the Cessna 172 G1000 is the better long-term trainer.
Start in the 152 if you need to learn sight picture, trim, coordinated turns and circuit spacing without managing a glass cockpit. Move to the 172 when you want GPS navigation, an autopilot and IFR procedures while retaining forgiving handling.
A mistake we see constantly is choosing the fastest aircraft first. The TBM 930 and CJ4 are approachable once configured, but their speed leaves little time to diagnose a poor descent, incorrect autopilot mode or unstable approach.
Which airliner is best in MSFS 2020?
The Airbus A320 family is the best starting point for airline flying in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020.
The included A320neo is suitable for learning basic routes, take-offs, managed flight and approaches. On PC, the free FlyByWire A32NX aircraft package is the stronger choice for deeper Airbus systems, an electronic flight bag and SimBrief integration. Community-folder aircraft such as the A32NX cannot be installed on Xbox.
Choose the A310 when you want an older-generation widebody with more manual workload, provided its content package is installed. The Boeing 747-8 suits long-haul operations, but its size, inertia and cockpit workload make it a poor first airliner.
Are add-on aircraft better than the default aircraft?
Add-on aircraft are not automatically better; the worthwhile ones improve systems, flight modelling, cockpit interaction or documentation rather than merely changing the exterior model.
- Use default aircraft for training, broad compatibility and uncomplicated multiplayer flying.
- Choose freeware when a trusted project substantially improves a particular aircraft or adds a type missing from the base simulator. Our curated selection of free MSFS aircraft and mods covers airliners, general aviation, military and historic options.
- Choose payware when you want detailed failures, realistic flight-management systems, thorough documentation or a specific aircraft type. Compare the actual systems simulated rather than judging screenshots; our comparison of notable premium MSFS 2020 add-ons provides a useful starting point.
PC pilots can install aircraft through the Community folder as well as the in-simulator Marketplace. Xbox pilots are limited to content distributed through the simulator, and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 was never released for PlayStation.
How should you choose the right aircraft?
Choose according to your intended flight, systems knowledge, controller setup and available simulator edition.
- For relaxed VFR: use the Cessna 152, Cessna 172 or XCub.
- For serious IFR practice: use the Cessna 172 G1000, TBM 930, DA62 or CJ4.
- For short flights with high performance: use the TBM 930 rather than a large airliner.
- For airline procedures: use the A320neo or A32NX before moving to a widebody.
- For pure hand-flying: use the Cessna 152, XCub or Extra 330LT and reduce assistance settings that interfere with control inputs.
If choosing only three aircraft, we recommend the Cessna 172 G1000 for learning, the TBM 930 for fast IFR touring and the A320neo—or A32NX on PC—for airline operations. Together they cover most of what MSFS 2020 does especially well without forcing a beginner into an unnecessarily demanding cockpit.