Understand what a 2026 MSFS 2020 vs 2024 survey can show, how platform and update timing skew results, and whether the winner should guide your choice.
The question does not identify a specific 2026 MSFS 2020 vs 2024 survey, so no reliable percentage can be quoted. Such a poll measures its respondents, not all simmers: 2024 votes may reflect newer features and platform reach, while 2020 votes often reflect maturity, established add-ons and less dependence on streamed content.
What can an MSFS 2020 vs 2024 survey actually prove?
A properly documented survey can show which simulator a defined group preferred when the poll was conducted. It cannot by itself establish worldwide market share, active-user numbers, technical superiority or which version is right for every simmer.
Before accepting a result, look for:
- The exact question: “Which do you own?”, “Which do you use most?” and “Which is better?” measure different things.
- Response options: A credible poll should allow “both”, “neither” or “undecided” where appropriate.
- Field dates: Microsoft Flight Simulator changes through simulator updates, so the month matters.
- Sample details: The total response count, recruitment source, represented platforms and controls against repeat voting should be disclosed.
- Raw totals: Percentages without the number of completed responses can make a small poll appear more authoritative than it is.
If those details are missing, read the result as an informal community snapshot. Our breakdown of the practical differences between MSFS 2020 and 2024 is a better basis for checking whether the reasons implied by a poll apply to your setup.
How should a lead for either simulator be interpreted?
| Survey pattern | Likely interpretation | What it does not prove |
|---|---|---|
| MSFS 2024 leads | Respondents may value its career system, newer simulation features, updated world technology or additional platform support. | That every MSFS 2020 user has migrated, or that all older add-ons work equally well. |
| MSFS 2020 leads | Respondents may prefer a familiar installation with established aircraft, scenery, utilities and workflows. | That MSFS 2024 has fewer users overall or has not improved since launch. |
| “Both” is substantial | Many users may be retaining MSFS 2020 for proven add-ons while adopting MSFS 2024 gradually. | That the two products share identical compatibility or content management. |
Why can two 2026 surveys produce different results?
Timing and audience can change the answer substantially. A poll conducted before Sim Update 5 in April 2026 measures a different MSFS 2024 build from one conducted afterwards.
Platform selection matters too. MSFS 2024 reached PlayStation 5 and PS5 Pro on 8 December 2025, whereas MSFS 2020 was never released on PlayStation. A poll recruiting PlayStation users therefore cannot provide a neutral ownership comparison between the two simulators.
Internet quality is another dividing line. Both simulators use online data, but MSFS 2024 relies more heavily on streamed content; our explanation of what MSFS 2024 can store locally and what remains streamed covers the practical limitation. A broadband-focused group may judge that model very differently from users with data caps or an inconsistent connection.
Audience composition also creates predictable bias. A group centred on legacy aircraft and scenery may lean towards MSFS 2020, while career-mode or PlayStation communities will naturally favour MSFS 2024. Neither sample represents the whole flight-simulation community.
Should the survey winner decide which version you use?
No. Choose according to your hardware, connection, add-ons and flying priorities rather than treating a poll result as a benchmark.
- Stay with MSFS 2020 when your existing aircraft and scenery work reliably, you prefer its familiar content model, and MSFS 2024 offers no feature you need.
- Choose MSFS 2024 when its career system, newer simulation features, world improvements or broader console availability matter more than preserving an established 2020 setup.
- Keep both temporarily when migrating. Validate each essential aircraft, utility and scenery package before removing MSFS 2020.
For a decision based on use case rather than votes, see our 2026 assessment of which simulator suits different users. The sound reading of any survey remains the same: it records sentiment within a stated sample and period; it does not declare a universal winner.