Compare the best flight simulator apps for iPad, including Infinite Flight, X-Plane, Aerofly FS Global and RFS, with clear picks by use.
The best flight simulator apps for iPad are Infinite Flight for serious global operations and multiplayer ATC, X-Plane Flight Simulator for convincing handling and cockpit practice, Aerofly FS Global for graphics and smooth performance, and RFS for accessible airline flying. Infinite Flight is our best all-round choice for most committed iPad simmers.
Best iPad flight simulator apps compared
No single iPad flight simulator leads in every area. The right choice depends on whether you value multiplayer operations, flight dynamics, visual quality or an approachable airline experience.
| App | Best for | Main strengths | Main compromise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infinite Flight | Serious airline operations | Global flying, flight planning, polished touch controls and organised multiplayer with community ATC | Much of the fleet and online experience requires a paid membership; aircraft systems are less detailed than desktop study-level add-ons |
| X-Plane Flight Simulator | Flight dynamics and general aviation | Convincing handling, interactive cockpits and useful aircraft practice | The mobile edition is separate from desktop X-Plane, and desktop aircraft or scenery add-ons cannot be installed |
| Aerofly FS Global | Graphics and solo flying | Smooth performance, detailed 3D cockpits and attractive scenery on capable iPads | Scenery can consume substantial storage or depend on streaming; choose something else if community ATC is the priority |
| RFS – Real Flight Simulator | Accessible airline flying | Global routes, flight planning, multiplayer features and a broad aircraft selection | Advanced content is tied to its paid model, while system depth varies between aircraft |
Infinite Flight is the strongest all-round recommendation when multiplayer procedures, airline routes and ATC matter most. Our detailed assessment of Infinite Flight's aircraft, realism and membership model explains where it succeeds and where desktop simulators remain ahead.
Choose X-Plane when aircraft handling matters more than network operations. Before installing it, read how X-Plane Mobile differs from desktop X-Plane, particularly around aircraft, controls and add-on compatibility.
Which iPad flight simulator should you choose?
- Choose Infinite Flight for structured airline operations, multiplayer and human-controlled ATC.
- Choose X-Plane for general aviation, handling practice and a flight model that rewards careful control.
- Choose Aerofly FS Global for detailed cockpits, visual flying and smooth solo performance.
- Choose RFS for an approachable airline simulator with global routes and less initial complexity.
We have deliberately prioritised simulation-focused apps rather than arcade flying games. Even the best native iPad app still trades some cockpit depth, peripheral support and add-on flexibility for portability and touch controls. The same limitation applies to scenery: our comparison of realistic simulator scenery shows why a desktop platform can deliver more detail.
What should you check before paying for an iPad flight simulator?
Check the complete content model rather than judging an app by its initial download. A free or inexpensive installation may include only limited aircraft, regions or online functions.
- Compare the unlocked content. Check which aircraft, worldwide regions, multiplayer servers and ATC features are included without a recurring membership.
- Decide whether you need offline flying. Multiplayer, live traffic, streamed scenery and community ATC need an internet connection. Downloaded scenery may work offline, but it occupies considerably more storage.
- Inspect aircraft depth. A large fleet does not mean every switch, flight-management function or failure is simulated. Choose detailed examples of the aircraft you actually intend to fly rather than the longest aircraft list.
- Allow space for scenery. The basic app size can be misleading because additional regions, aircraft and cached imagery accumulate later. Low free storage commonly causes interrupted downloads and missing scenery.
- Verify controller support. Compatibility is app-specific. Do not buy a desktop USB yoke or rudder pedals on the assumption that an adaptor will make them work with iPadOS.
Can Microsoft Flight Simulator run on an iPad?
Microsoft Flight Simulator is not a native iPad simulator app. It may be displayed through a compatible game-streaming or remote-play arrangement, but latency, image quality and control support depend on the network and host hardware.
An iPad can also act as a map, instrument panel or flight-planning display alongside the main simulator. We cover those separately in our guide to useful iPad companion apps for Microsoft Flight Simulator.
Will these flight simulators work on an older iPad?
They may run on an older supported iPad, but scenery detail, traffic density, shadows and frame rate will usually need reducing. Check the app's listed iPadOS and device requirements before subscribing because support differs between apps and changes as their rendering engines develop.
Heat is another warning sign. If performance starts smoothly and then deteriorates, thermal throttling may be responsible; lower graphics, traffic and cloud settings rather than forcing maximum detail. Keep enough free storage for downloaded or cached scenery, especially before a long flight.
Can you connect a joystick or yoke to an iPad?
Some iPad flight simulators support selected game controllers, but conventional PC flight hardware is not universally recognised. A physical USB or Bluetooth connection only establishes the link—the simulator itself must understand the controller and expose suitable axis assignments.
Touch and tilt controls remain the safest starting point. Calibrate the neutral position with the iPad held at your normal flying angle, then reduce control sensitivity if the aircraft feels twitchy. Confirm an app's stated hardware support before purchasing a yoke, throttle quadrant or pedals specifically for iPad use.