X-Plane 11 vs Microsoft Flight Simulator: which is better?

For most new users, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 is better than X-Plane 11 because its streamed world, weather and lighting are far more convincing out of the box. Choose X-Plane 11 instead for Linux or macOS support, lower hardware demands, offline scenery, or a mature aircraft-and-plugin collection you already own.

This comparison uses Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, the direct contemporary rival to X-Plane 11. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is a separate release with different hardware, content and platform considerations; our breakdown of the differences between MSFS 2020 and 2024 explains which version applies.

X-Plane 11 vs MSFS 2020 at a glance

MSFS 2020 is the stronger visual world simulator, while X-Plane 11 remains the more flexible choice for operating-system support, local scenery and established add-ons.

Which simulator is more realistic?

Neither simulator is universally more realistic; the answer changes with the aircraft and the kind of realism being judged. X-Plane 11 calculates aerodynamic forces across sections of the aircraft, but that does not automatically make every model accurate. Poor geometry, engine data or control tuning can still produce unrealistic behaviour.

MSFS 2020 also models airflow and surface forces, while adding far stronger visual cues for height, visibility and weather. Those cues matter during circuits, visual approaches and low-level flying. For IFR procedures or detailed aircraft systems, a well-developed add-on can matter more than the platform underneath it.

Our wider explanation of how flight-simulator realism changes by aircraft and use case covers the distinction between aerodynamics, systems, procedures and visual immersion.

Which has better scenery and weather?

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 has substantially better default scenery and weather presentation. Its streamed imagery can produce a recognisable world with little preparation, whereas X-Plane 11's default terrain, roads and autogen show their age.

X-Plane 11 can be transformed with orthophoto scenery, custom airports and regional overlays, but that requires installation work and considerable storage. Incorrect scenery order in scenery_packs.ini can also hide airports or place overlays beneath terrain. MSFS avoids much of that setup, though slow or unstable internet can cause blurred ground textures and delayed scenery loading.

For a closer look at this trade-off, see our comparison of default global scenery and customisable local scenery.

Which runs better on a low-end PC?

X-Plane 11 is usually easier to run on older hardware, particularly at modest scenery and reflection settings. Its Vulkan or Metal renderer can improve consistency on supported systems, but performance still depends heavily on aircraft plugins, object density, shadows and custom scenery.

MSFS 2020 places heavier demands on the processor, graphics card, memory, storage and internet connection. Reducing render scaling, terrain detail, traffic and glass-cockpit refresh demands usually helps more than lowering every setting indiscriminately.

Do not assume X-Plane 11 will always be faster. Dense orthophotos, high-resolution meshes, complex airliners and several active plugins can produce long loading times or stutters even when the base simulator runs well.

Is X-Plane 11 still worth using?

X-Plane 11 is still worth using when it already supports the aircraft, controls and workflow you need. Replacing a stable installation solely because another simulator looks newer can mean losing compatible plugins, carefully tuned controls and familiar aircraft.

• Keep or choose X-Plane 11 for macOS or Linux, predominantly offline flying, an established add-on library, or a PC that struggles with MSFS.
• Choose MSFS 2020 for convincing scenery without manual installation, visual flying, integrated live-world features or Xbox support.
• Check add-on compatibility first. An X-Plane 12 product is not automatically compatible with X-Plane 11, and plugins may require separate Windows, macOS or Linux binaries.
• Check console restrictions. Xbox users cannot install arbitrary PC files into the MSFS Community folder and must use content distributed through the simulator's supported console system.

Aircraft, scenery and utilities can alter the comparison considerably, so our guide to improving X-Plane 11 with suitable add-ons is useful before writing off the older simulator.

What comparison mistakes should you avoid?

The biggest mistake is comparing a default aircraft in one simulator with an expensive, deeply modelled aircraft in the other. Match aircraft type, weather, payload, control sensitivity and assistance settings before judging handling.

1. Disable unrealistic assistance. Automated rudder, simplified controls and other assists can disguise the actual flight model.
2. Calibrate the same controls. A poor dead zone or aggressive response curve can make either simulator feel unstable.
3. Test equivalent conditions. Use the same airport, runway, wind, weight and centre of gravity.
4. Separate scenery stutters from flight physics. Streaming pauses, plugin delays and texture loading do not indicate an aerodynamic problem.
5. Compare the aircraft, not just the platform. Check systems depth, autopilot behaviour, performance tables and developer support.

Which one should you choose?

Choose Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 if you are starting fresh and want the most convincing world, weather and visual flying experience with minimal scenery setup. Choose X-Plane 11 if compatibility, offline operation, a modest computer or an existing library of aircraft and plugins matters more than modern graphics.

For most first-time buyers, MSFS 2020 is the better all-round package. For an established X-Plane 11 user whose preferred aircraft and plugins work reliably, changing platforms is an upgrade in presentation rather than an automatic upgrade in every aspect of simulation.