Best flight simulators: how to choose the right one for your flying style

Talking about the best flight simulators as if one were superior to the rest is just scratching the surface. In flight simulation, not all users are looking for the same thing, nor do they fly in the same way. Some prioritize technical realism, while others seek visual exploration, combat, or total immersion.

Choosing the right flight simulator isn't about rankings, but about the type of flight you want to do and the experience you're looking for . In this article, we analyze the most relevant flight simulators from a practical perspective to help you choose the one that's right for you.

Before choosing a simulator: what type of virtual pilot are you?

Before discussing specific simulators, it's important to answer a key question: what type of flight do you want to do? Not all simulators are designed for the same purpose , and choosing one without a clear idea often leads to frustration or underutilized software.

Some users focus on civilian flight and realistic procedures , interested in navigation, cockpit management, and accurate aircraft behavior. Others enjoy visual flight and exploration , traveling the world or flying at low altitudes. There are also those who seek military aviation and combat, where advanced avionics and weapons systems come into play. And finally, there are those who prioritize total immersion, especially with VR, where the feeling of being inside the cockpit is paramount.

Having a clear understanding of your profile as a virtual pilot is what will truly allow you to choose the right simulator, beyond rankings or generic recommendations.

The most relevant flight simulators today, according to the type of experience

Not all flight simulators pursue the same goal. Some prioritize physics and procedures, others the representation of the real world, and still others focus on combat or the simulation of complex systems. Therefore, rather than talking about "the best," it makes more sense to understand what each one excels at.

Microsoft Flight Simulator

It's the benchmark for exploration and visual flight. Its recreation of the real world, based on satellite data and photogrammetry, makes it ideal for VFR flights and general aviation. Its systems have improved significantly over time, but its greatest strength remains the environment and the feeling of flying over the real planet.

X-Plane 12

Highly regarded for its flight model and aerodynamic behavior, it's a popular choice among users seeking technical realism, procedures, and a more direct flight experience. While the visuals have evolved, the focus remains on physics and pure simulation.

DCS World

The gold standard when it comes to military aviation and air combat. It stands out for its level of detail in systems, avionics, and weaponry, with a steep learning curve. It's not a general-purpose simulator, but a highly specialized platform.

FlightGear

A free alternative designed for beginners in flight simulation without initial investment. It offers a competent flight model and an active community, although it requires more setup and adjustment time.

Each of these simulators addresses a different need. Understanding their approach is key to choosing wisely and not just going with the most popular name.

What do we mean by realism in a flight simulator?

When we talk about realism in flight simulation, we're not just referring to the graphics. A simulator can look great and still not convey a believable feeling of flying. Realism begins with the flight model , with how the aircraft responds to the controls, weight, wind, or configuration changes.

In addition, there's the simulation of systems , such as engine management, avionics, and real-world procedures. Another key point is interpreting the information : understanding what the aircraft is doing and why, beyond what's displayed on the screen. A coherent and well-balanced simulator is usually more realistic than a spectacular but superficial one.

Flight simulators and hardware: the mistake almost everyone makes

One of the most common mistakes when choosing a flight simulator is separating the software from the hardware. An excellent simulator can offer a poor experience if the hardware isn't up to par or isn't suited to the type of flight you want to perform.

Not all simulators demand the same: some rely more on graphics power, while others load the CPU due to system simulation and physics. The type of control also plays a role. Flying with a keyboard or gamepad significantly limits the experience compared to a joystick , HOTAS, or proper pedals .

The opposite mistake also occurs: investing in advanced hardware without taking full advantage of it. VR , for example, can be incredibly immersive, but it only makes sense if the simulator is well optimized and the computer can run it smoothly. Otherwise, it ends up being more frustrating than realistic.

Choosing a simulator and hardware as a set, and not separately, is key to truly enjoying flight simulation.