MSFS vs Prepar3D compared for visuals, flight modelling, add-ons, hardware, training and platform support, with a clear recommendation.
For most home flight-simulation users, Microsoft Flight Simulator is the better choice: it has a richer streamed world, stronger visual realism and broader consumer-platform support. Choose Prepar3D when an established training setup, cockpit integration or a valuable library of version-compatible Prepar3D add-ons matters more than scenery, convenience and mainstream support.
MSFS vs Prepar3D at a glance
MSFS is primarily a consumer flight simulator, while Prepar3D is a Windows-based simulation platform aimed at education, training and professional applications. That distinction affects licensing, platform support and development priorities, but it does not make every Prepar3D aircraft more realistic.
Microsoft Flight Simulator also means two separate products. MSFS 2020 is available for PC and Xbox, while MSFS 2024 supports PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and PS5 Pro. Our breakdown of the differences between MSFS 2020 and 2024 will help if you have not chosen between them.
| Criterion | Microsoft Flight Simulator | Prepar3D |
|---|---|---|
| Best suited to | Home flying, VFR exploration, airliner simulation and consumer add-ons | Established training workflows, specialist integrations and legacy cockpit installations |
| World and scenery | Streamed aerial imagery, detailed terrain and extensive global coverage | Primarily locally installed scenery, with appearance heavily dependent on add-ons |
| Internet dependence | Its best scenery and world data require a suitable connection | More practical for a controlled, locally installed and repeatable environment |
| Aircraft realism | Varies greatly by aircraft; sophisticated third-party types are available | Also varies by aircraft; the platform name alone does not guarantee deeper systems |
| Add-on compatibility | Uses its own modern package format; 2020 and 2024 compatibility must still be checked | Large legacy catalogue, but support is often tied to a specific Prepar3D generation |
| Platforms | PC and supported consoles, depending on the MSFS edition | Windows PC |
| Licensing focus | Consumer entertainment product | Education, training and professional simulation under the applicable licence |
Which simulator is better for your type of flying?
Choose Microsoft Flight Simulator if you are starting from scratch. It is the stronger general-purpose option for sightseeing, VFR navigation, realistic airport environments and home airliner flying. Console support also removes the need to build and maintain a dedicated Windows simulation PC.
- You want convincing global scenery without assembling a large collection of regional scenery packages.
- You fly for recreation and want a broad consumer add-on ecosystem.
- You value lighting, weather presentation and visual immersion.
- You are prepared to use an internet connection for the highest-quality streamed world data.
Choose Prepar3D when your setup already depends on it. Its strongest case is not a new user's default installation; it is a known training or cockpit environment built around a particular Prepar3D version, aircraft, scenery set, hardware interface and instructor workflow.
- You own costly add-ons confirmed to work with the exact Prepar3D release you plan to run.
- Your home cockpit uses gauges, interface software or hardware drivers built around Prepar3D.
- An organisation's scenarios, procedures or integrations require Prepar3D.
- You need a self-contained installation whose scenery and configuration remain under local control.
Our explanation of where Prepar3D still makes practical sense covers those specialist use cases in more depth. Do not choose it merely because the word “professional” sounds more realistic.
Is Prepar3D more realistic than MSFS?
Prepar3D is not universally more realistic than MSFS; realism depends chiefly on the aircraft, its systems modelling, the control setup and the intended task. A detailed aircraft in either simulator can be more convincing than a lightly modelled aircraft in the other.
MSFS normally wins on visual-world representation, terrain and out-of-the-box environmental detail. Prepar3D can still be effective for structured IFR practice, cockpit procedures and repeatable scenarios, especially where an existing installation has already been configured for that purpose.
Neither simulator becomes an approved flight-training device simply because it models an aircraft accurately. Approval applies to a complete device and its defined hardware, software, configuration and regulatory status. Home practice is useful, but it must not be presented as certified training unless the complete installation genuinely holds that approval.
Can Prepar3D add-ons be used in MSFS?
Prepar3D aircraft, scenery and utilities cannot normally be copied directly into MSFS. The platforms use different aircraft systems, package structures, scenery tools and rendering technology, so a proper port generally requires the original developer's source files and redevelopment work.
Compatibility is fragmented inside Prepar3D as well. An add-on built for one major generation may fail, lose features or require a separate installer and licence on another. The same caution applies when moving between MSFS 2020 and 2024: check the developer's stated compatibility rather than assuming every package transfers unchanged.
Scenery conversion has additional legal and technical restrictions; our guide to moving FSX or Prepar3D scenery into MSFS explains what can realistically be reused. Once you have a native package, follow the correct MSFS aircraft installation method rather than copying files from a Prepar3D folder.
What should you check before switching?
A platform change should be treated as a compatibility project, not as a normal simulator update. The expensive part is often replacing aircraft, scenery and cockpit interfaces rather than buying the simulator itself.
- Define the use case. Decide whether the installation is for recreation, procedural practice, education or a formal professional requirement.
- Choose the exact release. “MSFS” and “Prepar3D” each cover versions with different compatibility and platform requirements.
- Audit every dependency. Check aircraft, scenery, weather tools, navigation data, panels, control software and cockpit interfaces individually.
- Verify hardware support. Confirm that yokes, pedals, switch panels, displays and interface software work with the target simulator rather than relying on generic Windows recognition.
- Price the complete migration. Include replacement add-ons, storage, controls and any PC upgrades required for the settings you expect to use.
- Keep the old installation intact. Do not remove a working Prepar3D or MSFS setup until the replacement has completed several representative flights without compatibility problems.
For a new recreational setup, we would choose Microsoft Flight Simulator. Prepar3D remains the sensible choice when a specific training requirement, mature cockpit installation or substantial compatible add-on investment gives it a concrete advantage.