Find the best Boeing 737 add-on for MSFS 2024, comparing PMDG 737-800, iFly MAX 8, the default jet and PC, Xbox and PS5 compatibility.
For Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, the PMDG 737-800 is the best Boeing 737 add-on for most serious airline simmers, where available on their platform. It offers the strongest combination of 737NG systems depth, procedural fidelity, flight modelling and route versatility. Choose the iFly 737 MAX 8 instead if you specifically want the newer MAX generation.
Best MSFS 2024 Boeing 737 add-ons compared
The decisive question is not which cockpit looks newer, but whether you want the 737 Next Generation or the 737 MAX.
| Aircraft | Best for | Main strength | Main caveat |
|---|---|---|---|
| PMDG 737-800 | Best overall | Detailed 737NG systems, procedures and broad airline-route coverage | It models the NG, not the MAX; other PMDG variants may be separate products |
| iFly 737 MAX 8 | Best dedicated MAX | MAX-specific displays, performance and operating procedures | Platform and MSFS 2024 availability must be checked before purchase |
| Included 737 MAX 8 | Best without another purchase | Already included with MSFS 2024 and suitable for learning the aircraft | Not a specialist premium 737 add-on; system depth and configuration options differ |
If you fly several simulator platforms, our cross-simulator comparison of Boeing 737 add-ons separates the leading choices by aircraft generation and simulator.
Which PMDG 737 variant should you buy?
The PMDG 737-800 is the safest first purchase because it represents the most widely used NG variant and suits a large range of real airline routes.
- 737-800: Choose this for the broadest passenger-airline use and the most versatile all-round package.
- 737-700: Choose this for shorter-body operations or operators using that particular model.
- 737-600: Choose this only if you specifically want the smallest and less commonly operated NG variant.
- 737-900: Choose this for the longest-bodied member of the 737NG family and routes built around that model.
Check the exact configurations included with each product rather than assuming every passenger, cargo or business-jet version comes in one package. Buying the entire family adds little value if the airline you intend to recreate only operates the -800.
Is the iFly 737 MAX 8 better than the PMDG 737?
No—the iFly is the better choice only when flying the 737 MAX 8 is the requirement. PMDG remains our overall recommendation for a detailed 737NG simulation.
A mistake we see constantly is treating the 737-800 and 737 MAX 8 as the same aircraft. The 737-800 belongs to the NG generation; the MAX 8 has different engines, performance, flight-deck displays and operating details. Choose the generation used by the airline and routes you want to reproduce, not simply the product with the newer-looking cockpit.
Is the included MSFS 2024 737 MAX 8 good enough?
Yes, the included 737 MAX 8 is sufficient for casual flying, familiarisation and deciding whether you enjoy Boeing procedures before buying another aircraft.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 includes the MAX 8 in its aircraft roster, as covered in our guide to the aircraft supplied with MSFS 2024. Move to iFly when you specifically want a more specialised MAX simulation, or to PMDG when you want the NG family and its established airline workflows.
Will these 737 add-ons work on PC, Xbox and PS5?
A Boeing 737 add-on will work only when its listing explicitly supports both MSFS 2024 and the platform on which you play.
- PC: Products may be distributed through the in-simulator Marketplace or a PC installer. Follow the installation method supplied for the MSFS 2024 build.
- Xbox Series X|S: Console users need an Xbox-compatible Marketplace release; PC installers and Community-folder packages cannot be installed directly.
- PS5 and PS5 Pro: The aircraft needs a PlayStation-compatible MSFS 2024 Marketplace release. Availability on PC or Xbox does not prove PlayStation support.
Compatibility with MSFS 2020 also does not automatically prove compatibility with MSFS 2024. The simulators are separate platforms with meaningful technical differences, explained in our comparison of MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024. Check the simulator label, platform badges and required update status before paying.
Do not buy an older FSX or Prepar3D 737 package on the strength of similar screenshots. Those aircraft are not native MSFS 2024 products; our explanation of why legacy FSX add-ons do not transfer directly to modern MSFS covers the underlying compatibility problem.