PMDG 737 vs iFly 737 for MSFS: compare NG and MAX systems, variants, performance, platforms and learning curve before choosing.
For Microsoft Flight Simulator, choose the PMDG 737 if you want a mature 737 Next Generation simulation, several variants and the broadest pool of learning material. Choose the iFly 737 MAX 8 if your priority is the newer MAX cockpit, systems and handling. Neither is simply better; they represent different 737 generations.
What is the difference between the PMDG and iFly 737?
The central difference is that PMDG models the 737 Next Generation family, while the iFly product for Microsoft Flight Simulator models the 737 MAX 8. This is not a comparison between two renditions of exactly the same aeroplane.
PMDG sells its -600, -700, -800 and -900 variants in separate packages. Do not assume that buying one PMDG package unlocks the entire family. The iFly concentrates on the MAX 8, with its large-format flight displays, LEAP engines and MAX-specific operating differences.
| Criterion | PMDG 737 | iFly 737 MAX 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Aircraft generation | 737 Next Generation | 737 MAX |
| Model choice | Several body lengths sold as separate packages | Focused on the MAX 8 |
| Cockpit | Conventional NG displays and controls | Larger MAX displays and newer systems |
| Best suited to | NG operations, variant choice and established training material | Simmers specifically interested in modern MAX operations |
| Learning curve | Demanding, but extensively documented by the wider community | Also demanding; NG knowledge helps but does not replace MAX procedures |
For context beyond these two products, our comparison of leading 737 add-ons across simulators explains where other packages fit.
Which 737 has better systems and flight dynamics?
Neither aircraft has a defensible across-the-board victory on systems or flight dynamics. Both target procedural simulation, but each should be judged against the real 737 generation it represents rather than against the other add-on's feature list.
The PMDG's main strength is maturity. Its NG workflow covers the electrical, pneumatic, pressurisation, engine, CDU and Automatic Flight Director System logic expected from a detailed 737 simulation. The product family also gives you a meaningful choice of airframe lengths and operating roles.
The iFly's attraction is its MAX-specific experience. The displays, engines and associated procedures are not merely a visual reskin of an NG. Applying an NG checklist mechanically to the MAX can produce incorrect switch selections, display expectations or performance assumptions.
“Study level” has no formal definition, so it is a poor purchasing test by itself. Look instead at the complete flight you want to reproduce: cold-and-dark preparation, route and performance entry, take-off references, LNAV and VNAV behaviour, approach setup, landing and shutdown. Our practical outline of the simulated 737 workflow shows the workload common to both.
Which one performs better in MSFS?
Performance depends more on the simulator build, airport, traffic, display settings and your CPU than on a simple PMDG-versus-iFly rule. Reports from unmatched flights are not useful benchmarks.
Compare them only under the same weather, airport, traffic and camera conditions. Glass-cockpit refresh, complex scenery and AI traffic can all affect frame time, while stutters may come from scenery or simulator data streaming rather than the aircraft. Buy for the model you want, not an isolated frame-rate claim from a different system.
Which 737 is better for beginners?
The PMDG 737 is usually the easier starting point because NG procedures are familiar to more simmers and there is a larger pool of tutorials and troubleshooting material. The popular -800 also matches the aircraft many users expect when they think of a modern 737.
That does not make it simple. In either aircraft, loading a route is only part of the job: weights, reserves, departure and arrival procedures, take-off data, MCP selections and autopilot mode awareness still require attention. A default-aircraft checklist will not cover that workload.
Choose the iFly as your first advanced airliner if the MAX is the aircraft you genuinely want to learn. Motivation matters more than a small difference in difficulty. If you are leaning towards PMDG, our assessment of its variants, realism and learning curve covers that purchase in more detail.
Will both work in MSFS 2024 and on consoles?
Compatibility depends on the exact simulator edition, product build and distribution channel. Do not assume that a Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 licence, installer or aircraft build automatically works in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.
MSFS 2020 is available on PC and Xbox, while MSFS 2024 is available on PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and PS5 Pro. Consoles cannot use external PC installers, so an add-on must be offered for that console through its supported in-simulator distribution system. Availability can differ between individual PMDG packages and the iFly product.
Before paying, verify the named simulator, operating system and console support on the precise product listing. We also maintain specific compatibility guidance for PMDG aircraft in MSFS 2024.
What mistakes should you avoid before buying?
- Buying the wrong 737 generation: the PMDG NG and iFly MAX 8 have different cockpits, engines and procedures. Pick the real aircraft you want to simulate.
- Expecting every PMDG variant: check which fuselage variants are included in the particular package rather than assuming the whole NG family comes with one purchase.
- Ignoring platform restrictions: a PC installer cannot be copied to Xbox or PlayStation. Confirm both simulator version and platform support.
- Treating route import as complete preparation: imported routes still require validation, performance data and correct MCP setup. Blindly engaging LNAV or VNAV is a common cause of unexpected turns, climbs and speed behaviour.
- Blaming the aircraft for controller conflicts: remove duplicate throttle, spoiler and rudder assignments, check assistance settings and use the aircraft's calibration options where provided.
Our PMDG 737 vs iFly 737 verdict
Choose PMDG for the established 737NG experience, multiple variant choices and the largest body of learning material. It is the safer general recommendation, particularly if you want the widely operated 737-800.
Choose iFly when the MAX 8 itself is the reason for buying. Its newer cockpit and MAX-specific systems make it the more relevant choice for modern MAX operations, not a universal replacement for PMDG's NG family.
If you have no strong preference between NG and MAX, PMDG is the more rounded first purchase. If you already know you want large MAX displays, LEAP-powered performance and MAX procedures, choose iFly.