MSFS vs X-Plane vs Prepar3D: compare visuals, physics, platforms, add-ons and training use, then choose the right flight simulator.
For most new users, choose Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 for worldwide scenery and broad accessibility; choose X-Plane 12 for desktop-focused flight modelling, aircraft experimentation and Windows, macOS or Linux support; choose Prepar3D only when a training requirement, established add-on collection or dedicated cockpit setup specifically depends on it.
MSFS, X-Plane and Prepar3D compared
The right choice depends more on what and where you intend to fly than on which simulator has the longest feature list.
| Simulator | Strongest reason to choose it | Supported platforms | Main compromise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 | Detailed worldwide scenery, weather presentation and accessible VFR flying | Windows PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and PS5 Pro | Cloud-streamed content and less add-on freedom on consoles |
| X-Plane 12 | Desktop flight modelling, aircraft development and flexible hardware integration | Windows, macOS and Linux | Default ground scenery is less photorealistic than MSFS |
| Prepar3D | Structured training scenarios, established professional integrations and legacy cockpit setups | Windows PC | Licence restrictions and strict version-specific add-on compatibility |
Do not choose solely from screenshots. For a study-level airliner, the quality and availability of the aircraft package may matter more than the host simulator. Systems, failures, avionics and flight-model accuracy vary between individual aircraft in all three platforms.
Which simulator is best for most people?
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is the best general recommendation for a new simmer. Its streamed world makes VFR navigation, sightseeing and operations from unfamiliar airports immediately convincing, while its PC and console releases cover more platforms than the alternatives.
PC users receive the greatest freedom for external utilities, community modifications and specialist controls. Console versions are easier to set up, but add-ons must come through the supported console ecosystem and some cockpit hardware or external applications will not work. Our detailed comparison of MSFS 2024 and X-Plane 12 examines their scenery, weather, physics and connectivity in greater depth.
Should I choose MSFS 2020 instead of MSFS 2024?
A new buyer should normally begin with MSFS 2024, but MSFS 2020 can remain sensible when a required aircraft, utility or cockpit interface has not been confirmed for the newer simulator. Never assume that an MSFS 2020 product works in MSFS 2024 merely because both use the Microsoft Flight Simulator name.
MSFS 2020 is available on PC and Xbox, not PlayStation. MSFS 2024 is the release available on PlayStation 5 and PS5 Pro as well as PC and Xbox Series X|S.
When is X-Plane the better choice?
X-Plane 12 is the better choice when flight behaviour, aircraft experimentation or desktop platform flexibility takes priority over photorealistic default scenery. Its aerodynamic calculation model is especially useful for hand-flying, unusual configurations and aircraft development, although a poorly authored aircraft can still behave inaccurately.
Choose X-Plane when you need macOS or Linux support, extensive control assignments, data outputs or plugin-driven cockpit integration. It is also less dependent on continuous scenery streaming than MSFS, though high-detail custom scenery can consume substantial storage.
X-Plane is not automatically the winner for every airliner pilot. Detailed systems depend on the particular aircraft add-on, and older X-Plane 11 aircraft or plugins are not guaranteed to work properly in X-Plane 12. For a narrower look at the underlying simulation, see our explanation of how X-Plane and Microsoft Flight Simulator handle flight physics.
Who should still choose Prepar3D?
Prepar3D is the correct choice when a course, organisation, cockpit installation or essential add-on explicitly requires Prepar3D. It remains useful for repeatable scenarios, instructor-led exercises, simulation development and installations built around established Prepar3D interfaces.
It is usually not our first recommendation for someone starting a general home flight simulator with no existing investment. Its licensing is based on intended training, academic or professional use, and a Prepar3D licence does not by itself make a computer setup an approved flight training device.
Add-on compatibility also needs unusually careful checking. “Prepar3D compatible” is not specific enough: confirm the exact major Prepar3D version, installer support and any required compiled gauges, modules or scenery components. Users with an existing collection should first assess when Prepar3D remains worth keeping rather than assuming every product can be moved to another version.
Checks to make before buying
Five checks prevent most expensive simulator-selection mistakes.
- Confirm the platform. Prepar3D requires Windows, X-Plane supports the main desktop operating systems, and only MSFS provides modern console releases.
- Check the exact aircraft. Verify the simulator edition and version supported by the aircraft or helicopter you intend to fly.
- Audit existing add-ons. Aircraft, scenery, weather tools and compiled plugins rarely transfer freely between these simulators, and major-version upgrades can also break compatibility.
- Verify controls and displays. Check drivers, external instrument software, multi-monitor requirements and interface support before committing to a home cockpit platform.
- Match the hardware and connection. MSFS benefits from a reliable internet connection for streamed scenery; all three can demand strong CPU, GPU, memory and storage resources once complex aircraft and detailed airports are installed.
A practical final choice
- Choose MSFS 2024 for the strongest all-round visual experience, worldwide VFR flying, activities and console access.
- Choose X-Plane 12 for desktop flight dynamics, aircraft experimentation, macOS or Linux, and flexible technical integration.
- Choose Prepar3D for a defined training requirement, an established compatible add-on library or a cockpit installation already designed around it.
If one particular aircraft is the reason for buying a simulator, reverse the usual process: select the best-supported version of that aircraft first, then buy the simulator it requires. This avoids the common mistake of choosing a platform and discovering that the desired aircraft is unavailable, outdated or incompatible.