Infinite Flight vs Microsoft Flight Simulator: compare realism, devices, ATC, multiplayer, cost and add-ons to choose the right sim.
Infinite Flight is a mobile-first simulator built for convenient touchscreen flying, while Microsoft Flight Simulator is a larger PC-and-console platform with richer scenery, cockpit systems, peripherals and add-ons. Choose Infinite Flight for flying on a phone or tablet; choose Microsoft Flight Simulator for deeper visual, hardware and expansion options.
The main differences at a glance
The central trade-off is portability versus depth: Infinite Flight puts a credible global simulator on mobile devices, while Microsoft Flight Simulator builds a more detailed home-simulation environment around substantially more powerful hardware.
| Feature | Infinite Flight | Microsoft Flight Simulator |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Compatible iOS and Android phones and tablets | MSFS 2020: PC and Xbox Series X|S. MSFS 2024: PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and PS5 Pro |
| Primary controls | Touchscreen and device motion controls, with controller support | Gamepad, keyboard and mouse, yokes, sticks, throttles, pedals and other peripherals |
| World presentation | Global scenery optimised for mobile hardware | Streamed aerial imagery, detailed airports, terrain and photogrammetry in supported areas |
| Aircraft depth | Accessible aircraft with varying levels of cockpit and systems detail | Detail varies widely, from accessible default aircraft to highly sophisticated first- and third-party types |
| ATC | Staffed live ATC on multiplayer servers when controllers are available | Computer-controlled built-in ATC; external human-controlled networks are also available, principally on PC |
| Multiplayer | Structured online servers with rules and live controller coverage | Shared-world multiplayer with configurable traffic visibility and grouping |
| Add-ons | No comparable user-installed aircraft and scenery ecosystem | Large aircraft, airport, scenery, utility and livery ecosystem |
| Payment model | The complete experience is subscription-led | Purchased edition or platform subscription access, plus optional paid add-ons |
“Microsoft Flight Simulator” can mean either the 2020 or 2024 release. Our comparison of MSFS 2020 and 2024 features explains the differences if that choice is part of your decision.
Which simulator is more realistic?
Microsoft Flight Simulator offers greater overall realism in world detail, weather presentation, cockpit interaction and the potential depth of aircraft systems. Its stronger hardware base also permits denser airports, more detailed terrain and complex add-on aircraft.
That does not make Infinite Flight an arcade game. It supports proper flight planning, navigation, fuel and weight management, instrument approaches, changing weather and air-traffic procedures. Its cockpit interaction and environmental detail are simplified to work sensibly on a touchscreen and mobile processor.
Aircraft quality is not uniform in either simulator. A common mistake is assuming every Microsoft Flight Simulator airliner is automatically “study level”; systems depth depends on the individual aircraft, not just the simulator logo or edition.
What hardware and controls do you need?
Infinite Flight needs a compatible mobile device, whereas Microsoft Flight Simulator needs a console or a capable PC. Infinite Flight is the easier choice for flying while travelling, sitting away from a desk or learning with touch controls.
Microsoft Flight Simulator places much heavier demands on storage, graphics hardware, memory, bandwidth and processor performance. Before buying the PC edition, compare your machine with the practical hardware requirements for Microsoft Flight Simulator rather than relying only on minimum specifications.
MSFS also makes more sense for a permanent setup with a yoke, HOTAS, throttle quadrant, rudder pedals or multiple displays. PC has the broadest support for external tools and specialist peripherals; our Xbox-versus-PC hardware and add-on comparison covers the restrictions that matter before choosing a platform.
Which has better multiplayer and ATC?
Infinite Flight has the more integrated human-ATC experience, while Microsoft Flight Simulator has broader casual multiplayer. Infinite Flight's trained community controllers can provide clearances and traffic handling within the simulator, but coverage depends on volunteers and is not guaranteed at every airport or time.
Microsoft Flight Simulator's standard ATC is automated. It is convenient for solo flying but can issue poor runway, taxi or altitude instructions, so it should not be treated as an infallible substitute for charts and pilot judgement. Human-controlled networks can add more formal ATC on PC, although they require separate software, accounts and procedural preparation.
The two simulators do not share servers. Accounts, purchases, aircraft, flight progress and multiplayer traffic cannot be transferred between them.
Which costs less?
Infinite Flight has the lower hardware entry cost if you already own a suitable phone or tablet, but its complete feature set involves recurring subscription payments. Features such as the full aircraft selection, worldwide flying, multiplayer and live ATC are associated with the paid experience; exact entitlements can change, so check them before subscribing.
A purchased copy of Microsoft Flight Simulator does not require a recurring simulator-content subscription, but the true cost can be much higher once a suitable PC or console, controls and optional aircraft or scenery are included. Console multiplayer may also be governed by the platform's online-service requirements.
MSFS has far more room for expansion. Our overview of useful Microsoft Flight Simulator aircraft, scenery and utility add-ons shows what that ecosystem provides, but buying extras is optional.
Which one should you choose?
Choose according to where and how you expect to fly, not by comparing screenshots alone.
- Choose Infinite Flight if you want a simulator designed around phones and tablets, quick setup, touchscreen controls and integrated staffed ATC.
- Choose Microsoft Flight Simulator if visual world detail, interactive cockpits, specialist controls, VR on supported hardware or a large add-on library matters most.
- Choose Infinite Flight for portability and MSFS for a home setup if owning both is practical; they fill different roles rather than replacing each other directly.
The mistake we see most often is comparing only the initial software price. Include the mobile subscription period on one side and the required hardware, peripherals and likely add-ons on the other. That produces a far more useful comparison than aircraft counts or promotional screenshots.