Compare the best third-party add-on websites for MSFS 2024, with trusted freeware, payware, compatibility checks and console limits.
The best third-party add-on website for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 depends on the add-on: use Fly Away Simulation for curated freeware, a specialist marketplace for payware, and the developer’s store for support and updates. PC users have the widest choice; Xbox Series X|S and PS5 users must use the in-sim Marketplace for installable content.
Which MSFS 2024 add-on website should I use?
Choose the source according to how you want to install, update and obtain support for the add-on. A large catalogue is less useful than clear compatibility labels, maintained files and an identifiable publisher.
| Source | Best choice when | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Our MSFS freeware and mods catalogue | You want free aircraft, scenery, liveries or utilities for PC. | General MSFS catalogues can include packages made for MSFS 2020, so check each listing for 2024 compatibility. |
| Specialist payware marketplace | You want products from several developers under one account, sometimes with a shared installer or update tool. | Updates and support may pass through the retailer rather than reaching you directly. Our comparison of reputable payware buying routes explains the trade-offs. |
| Developer’s own store | You are buying a complex aircraft or utility and want the most direct route to documentation, support and updates. | You may accumulate separate accounts, installers and update applications. Refund and licence terms also vary. |
| In-sim Marketplace | You use Xbox Series X|S or PS5, or prefer installation managed inside the simulator. | Updates can reach it later than direct releases, while package access and modification may be restricted. |
For freeware, we favour established libraries that retain descriptions, installation instructions and author credits. Download counts alone do not prove that a file is safe or compatible.
What makes a third-party add-on site trustworthy?
A trustworthy MSFS add-on site identifies the author, supported simulator, required dependencies and installation method before you download anything.
- Explicit simulator support: look for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 rather than a vague “MSFS” label.
- Version history: the listing should show what changed and whether the package was revised for MSFS 2024.
- Complete requirements: liveries may require a particular base aircraft, while scenery and utilities can depend on separate libraries.
- Clear file ownership: avoid unauthorised copies of commercial products, shortened download chains and packages whose author cannot be identified.
- Useful support information: there should be installation instructions and a way to report a damaged or misleading file.
For a more detailed screening process, use our checklist for choosing safe MSFS freeware before installing an unfamiliar package.
Are MSFS 2020 add-ons compatible with MSFS 2024?
Many MSFS 2020 packages work in MSFS 2024, but compatibility is not automatic. An add-on appearing in a general MSFS category does not confirm that its aircraft systems, scenery layout or external software will function correctly in the newer simulator.
Simple liveries and uncomplicated scenery often need fewer changes. Aircraft with custom avionics, WASM modules or external applications are more likely to require a dedicated 2024 update. Airports can also clash with revised default scenery, producing duplicate buildings, terrain steps or misplaced taxiway objects.
Before downloading, check for an explicit 2024 statement, a relevant change log and any required base content. If the author only mentions MSFS 2020, treat the package as unverified rather than assuming it will work.
Can Xbox and PS5 install add-ons from websites?
Xbox Series X|S and PS5 cannot install ordinary website downloads because they do not expose the PC-style Community folder. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 console users normally obtain installable third-party content through the in-sim Marketplace.
Files supplied as ZIP archives, Community packages or Windows installers are therefore PC-only. This remains true on PS5 and PS5 Pro even though Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is available on those consoles.
How do I avoid broken add-on installations?
Most failed website installations come from an incompatible package, an extra nested folder or two copies of the same add-on loading together.
- Confirm compatibility: verify that the listing supports MSFS 2024 and that you own every required aircraft, scenery library or edition-specific dependency.
- Remove the old release: do not leave an earlier copy in the Community folder when installing an update. Mixing installer-managed and manually copied versions is another common source of duplicates.
- Extract the archive: do not place the ZIP file itself in the Community folder. The installed package folder should normally expose
manifest.jsonandlayout.jsonnear its top level rather than hiding them inside another wrapper folder. - Check the simulator target: if the product uses an installer, make sure it is targeting the MSFS 2024 package location rather than an older MSFS 2020 installation.
- Test one package at a time: if the simulator stops loading or scenery becomes corrupted, test with an empty Community folder and restore packages gradually until the conflict returns.
What should I install first?
A new MSFS 2024 installation is easiest to troubleshoot when you add one aircraft, one scenery package or one utility at a time. Our shortlist of useful aircraft, scenery and utility add-ons can help narrow the choice without filling the Community folder with packages you will never use.