Compare X-Plane 12, MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024 for realism, scenery, add-ons, offline use, platforms and performance, with a clear verdict.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is the best all-round choice for most new buyers, with the richest default world, built-in career and widest console reach. Choose X-Plane 12 for consistent flight dynamics, procedure practice, Mac/Linux support and stronger offline use; choose MSFS 2020 mainly for its mature add-on library or an established setup.
How do X-Plane 12, MSFS 2020 and 2024 compare?
MSFS 2024 leads in default world detail and built-in activities, X-Plane 12 in offline flexibility and cross-platform desktop support, and MSFS 2020 in proven add-on maturity.
| Area | X-Plane 12 | MSFS 2020 | MSFS 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Hand-flying, procedures, experimentation and offline desktop use | Established installations built around proven add-ons | Best overall package for most new buyers |
| Default world | Procedural scenery stored locally; less photographic without custom scenery | Streamed satellite imagery and photogrammetry | Enhanced streamed world with better close-up ground detail |
| Flight behaviour | Consistent blade-element aerodynamic model; aircraft tuning still matters | Capable modern flight model whose quality varies by aircraft | Refined atmospheric and surface simulation; aircraft implementation still matters |
| Built-in activities | Flight school, but no full native career | Bush trips, challenges and activities, but no full career | Career Mode and a broad mission system |
| Add-ons | Mature desktop ecosystem and accessible file structure | Very mature aircraft and scenery catalogue | Designed to carry much of the 2020 ecosystem forward, but each product needs checking |
| Internet dependence | Strongest offline choice once activated and installed with local scenery | Can operate offline, but streamed world detail and online services are reduced | Most dependent on cloud-streamed content and a reliable connection |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS and Linux | Windows PC and Xbox Series X|S; never released on PlayStation | Windows PC, Xbox Series X|S, PS5 and PS5 Pro |
If the two Microsoft versions are your main shortlist, our feature-by-feature explanation of the changes from MSFS 2020 to 2024 covers the new career, physics, streaming model and compatibility questions in more depth.
Which simulator should you choose?
For a new buyer with compatible hardware and dependable broadband, MSFS 2024 is the strongest general-purpose choice.
- Choose MSFS 2024 for low-level VFR flying, the best default scenery of the three, integrated missions and Career Mode, or PlayStation support. It is also the logical Microsoft version when you are starting without a large 2020 add-on collection.
- Choose X-Plane 12 when aerodynamic behaviour, repeatable IFR practice, local scenery, file access or offline reliability matters more than photographic ground detail. It is the only choice here for macOS or Linux.
- Choose MSFS 2020 when a must-have aircraft, utility or scenery package is proven there but not in 2024, or when you already have a stable installation built around it. It remains capable, but it is no longer our default recommendation for someone starting from scratch.
A mistake we see constantly is choosing from screenshots alone. A simulator with spectacular terrain may still lack the exact aircraft systems, controller support or offline behaviour needed for the flying you intend to do.
Realism depends on the aircraft, not just the simulator
No simulator is the realism winner in every aircraft and phase of flight. X-Plane 12 is often preferred for hand-flying because its aerodynamic forces are calculated continuously across the aircraft, while MSFS 2024 combines convincing flight behaviour with a more realistic visual environment and improved surface simulation.
The individual aircraft can reverse that result. A carefully modelled airliner with accurate avionics, electrical logic and failure behaviour in MSFS 2020 may be a better procedural trainer than a simplified aircraft in either newer simulator. Scenery realism and systems realism are separate measurements; our wider analysis of flight-simulator realism explains how to judge them.
For real-world training, prioritise the aircraft variant, avionics fit, control calibration, repeatable weather and instructor requirements. Consumer software does not become a certified training device merely because its flight model feels convincing.
Is MSFS 2024 worth upgrading to from MSFS 2020?
MSFS 2024 is worth upgrading to when Career Mode, missions, enhanced world detail and the newer simulation platform outweigh the disruption to a proven 2020 installation.
Stay with MSFS 2020 for the moment if your flying depends on a complex aircraft, external utility or specialist scenery package that has not been confirmed to work properly in 2024. Compatibility claims should be checked product by product: scenery often transfers more easily than aircraft with custom gauges, external programs or specialised flight-model code.
Do not remove MSFS 2020 until every essential aircraft, livery, airport, controller profile and utility has been tested in 2024. Our assessment of the case for buying MSFS 2024 covers that decision separately from the X-Plane comparison.
Platforms, VR and internet access
X-Plane 12 is the only option among these three for macOS and Linux, while MSFS 2024 is the only one available on PlayStation. MSFS 2024 launched on PS5 and PS5 Pro on 8 December 2025; PSVR2 support is being added through a free update in 2026. MSFS 2020 remains limited to PC and Xbox.
All three support VR in some form, but headset compatibility, performance and control interaction matter more than a simple yes-or-no specification. Our headset-focused X-Plane 12 and MSFS 2024 comparison covers the practical VR differences.
For unreliable or metered internet, X-Plane 12 is the safest option after installation, activation and scenery setup. MSFS 2020 can run offline with reduced world data; MSFS 2024 relies more heavily on streaming. Its smaller local installation does not mean lower bandwidth use, while X-Plane’s local scenery can consume much more disk space.
What should you check before buying?
Check your platform, essential add-ons, internet connection, storage, controls and intended aircraft before committing to any of the three.
- Confirm the platform. Windows users can consider all three. Mac and Linux users need X-Plane 12; PlayStation users need MSFS 2024. Console peripheral and add-on support must be verified explicitly.
- List your must-have aircraft and airports. Do not assume an MSFS 2020 product works identically in 2024, or that an older X-Plane aircraft is fully compatible with X-Plane 12.
- Assess internet and storage together. Microsoft’s streamed scenery needs bandwidth; X-Plane’s local scenery trades that dependency for disk usage.
- Do not assume the older simulator runs faster. Resolution, traffic, clouds, glass cockpits, scenery density and complex airports can change the bottleneck. A default light aircraft over open countryside is not a meaningful performance test for someone planning to fly airliners from detailed hubs.
- Check controls and VR hardware. A well-calibrated yoke or stick, separate rudder control and sensible response curves can affect perceived realism more than changing simulator.
Bottom line: buy MSFS 2024 for the strongest overall experience, X-Plane 12 for flight-dynamics-focused desktop simulation and offline control, or MSFS 2020 when an established add-on setup gives you a specific reason to remain there.