Compare the best payware flight simulator add-on sites, including SimShack, the MSFS Marketplace and direct stores, with platform and update advice.
The best payware source for flight simulators generally depends on your simulator and platform: use SimShack for downloadable PC add-ons across several established simulators, the Microsoft Flight Simulator Marketplace for managed PC and console purchases, and a developer’s own store when it offers faster updates or direct support. Verify exact version compatibility before paying.
Which payware add-on store should you use?
Choose the store that matches both the simulator build and the device on which you fly.
| Store type | Best for | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| SimShack’s downloadable payware catalogue | PC aircraft, scenery and utilities for supported versions of MSFS, FSX, Prepar3D, X-Plane and other established simulators | Compatibility varies by individual product; an older add-on is not automatically suitable for a newer simulator |
| Microsoft Flight Simulator Marketplace | Convenient installation within MSFS, particularly on Xbox and PlayStation | Updates may arrive later than direct-store builds, and access to package files is more restricted |
| Developer’s official store | PC users who prioritise direct support, documentation and potentially faster updates | Each developer may require a separate account, installer or product manager |
SimShack is Fly Away Simulation’s official store, not an unrelated recommendation; our company page explains the relationship between SimShack and Fly Away Simulation. Whichever retailer you use, judge the individual product rather than assuming every item in a large catalogue has the same quality or support.
Is the MSFS Marketplace or a direct download better?
For Microsoft Flight Simulator on PC, direct purchases are usually preferable when you want accessible package files, direct developer support or the earliest available updates; the Marketplace is better when simple account-based installation matters more.
Marketplace updates pass through Microsoft’s publication process, so they can trail a developer’s direct release. Direct products may use an installer, a vendor manager or a package placed in the MSFS Community folder. Our comparison of the MSFS Marketplace and direct PC stores covers those installation, update and ownership differences.
Purchases do not normally transfer between stores. Do not assume that buying an add-on directly will also unlock its Marketplace edition, or that an MSFS 2020 licence includes an MSFS 2024 build unless the publisher explicitly says so.
Can I install a PC-store add-on on Xbox or PS5?
No. Xbox and PlayStation editions do not expose the PC-style add-on folders required by external installers, so console users need products distributed through the simulator’s supported in-game storefront.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 is available on PC and Xbox, but not PlayStation. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is available on PC, Xbox Series X|S, PS5 and PS5 Pro. Product availability can differ between those platforms, and a PC purchase does not normally create a console entitlement.
How do you check a payware add-on before buying?
A worthwhile add-on must explicitly support your exact simulator version, platform and required base content.
- Match the simulator release. MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024 are separate releases. The same caution applies to X-Plane 11 versus 12, different Prepar3D generations, and FSX editions.
- Check the operating platform. Confirm PC, Xbox or PlayStation support rather than relying on a generic MSFS label.
- Read the dependencies. A livery may require a separately purchased aircraft, while scenery can depend on another library, regional package or particular simulator edition.
- Inspect the update method. Find out whether updates use a downloadable installer, an account library, a product manager or the simulator’s Marketplace.
- Compare depth, not screenshots. For aircraft, check which systems are modelled and whether navigation data, failures or hardware controls are supported. For scenery, check coverage boundaries, required world updates and known conflicts.
- Review support and refund terms. Downloadable software commonly has tighter refund conditions once accessed, so establish the policy before starting the download.
Is payware always better than freeware?
No. Price does not guarantee accurate systems, efficient performance or continued support, and some freeware aircraft and scenery outperform commercial alternatives.
Payware makes most sense when it provides measurable value: deeper system simulation, specialist modelling, extensive documentation, ongoing updates or responsive support. Before buying, compare it with the established options in our guide to finding reputable free flight simulator add-ons.
What mistakes cause most payware add-on problems?
Most wasted purchases come from overlooking compatibility or assuming that ownership in one store covers every platform.
- Buying an FSX or older Prepar3D product because its aircraft or airport name matches the one wanted for MSFS.
- Installing two versions of the same airport and creating duplicate buildings, terrain glitches or conflicting runways.
- Purchasing a livery without owning the exact aircraft model it was designed for.
- Expecting a PC installer or ZIP package to work on Xbox or PlayStation.
- Assuming an old review describes the product’s present compatibility or support status.
- Copying an entire downloaded archive into an add-on folder without first locating the actual package directory or reading its installation instructions.
The safest choice is therefore not one universal payware site. Use a specialist retailer such as SimShack for conventional PC downloads, the MSFS Marketplace for managed and console installations, or the developer’s own store when direct support and update speed are the deciding factors.