10 Best Flight Simulators for Home in 2023

You get confirmation from the control tower that it is now safe to begin the takeoff procedure. Then, you pull back on the yoke after flipping a few switches and the beginning of the descent down the runway. As you throw yourself into the air, the plane continues to ascend, becoming higher with each passing second! Once you’ve reached the ideal height, you’ll be able to cruise comfortably. Now that you’re enjoying one of the best flight simulator games, it’s time to get to work! Let us take a look at some of the best flight simulators for home!

Those interested in aviation will find that the most excellent flight simulators make the ideal video game. Choose your preferred simulation, pilot a jet or helicopter, and then blast off into the sky for thrilling stunts and action! There are many flight simulator setups available today, including some variants that provide realistic training and even wargame-style conflict.

If you’re on the market for new flight simulators, the sheer amount of options are making you shout, “Mayday! Mayday! Mayday!” but don’t worry, we’re here to guide you through the maze of flight simulators.

The items on our rundown of the top flight simulators will provide you with all you need to launch from the comfort of your cockpit without having to leave the house. First, we will tell you what you need to keep in mind before making a purchase.

Roundup of the Best Flight Simulators for Home

Best Compact Flight Simulator for Home	Next Level Racing Foldable Flight Simulator Cockpit
Best Flight Stimulator for Xbox	Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flight Universal Control System
Most Realistic Flight Simulator for Home: RealFlight 9.5	RealFlight 9.5: RF9.5 Radio Control RC Flight Simulator Software with Spektrum Interlink-DX Controller
Most Durable Flight Simulator for Home	Honeycomb Aeronautical Alpha Flight Controls Yoke & Switch Panel
Best Flight Simulator for VR	Logitech G X56 H.O.T.A.S Throttle and Joystick Flight Simulator Game Controller
Best Budget Flight Simulator for Home	PXN-F16 Flight Simulator Stick
Most Versatile Flight Simulator for Home	Logitech G PRO Flight Yoke System
Most Realistic Flight Simulator for Home	Logitech X52 Flight Control System
Best Professional-Level Flight Simulator for Home	Logitech X52 Pro Flight Control System
Best Flight Simulator for PlayStation	Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS 4 for PS4 and PC

Things to Consider While Buying a Flight Simulator for Your Home

As with most flight simulators, costs might quickly escalate if you do not maintain a pragmatic and strategic perspective on your objectives and the resources you will need to accomplish them. The following is a list of things you need to consider before buying a flight simulator for your home.

A Powerful PC

High-end games, like simulations, may put a lot of strain on a computer. For example, add-ons like airport sceneries, weather generators, and aircraft add-ons might degrade performance if the specs aren’t sufficient for their intended use. Therefore, investing in a high-end system is the best way to ensure that your experience is accurate.

You can find the minimum and recommended specs for each simulator on the company’s website.

Remember that simulators are far more CPU and GPU sensitive; hence buy the best and do not compromise in these areas. So we suggest running the simulator on your present system for a short period to gauge how well it works. Then and only then should you consider upgrading your system.

Software

If you’re starting from scratch with your flight simulator, the simulation engine is where you should get your feet wet first. The software is the engine of your flight simulator. One example of this is gaming software designed to fill a particular need in the market. For instance, Digital Combat Simulator World is a well-liked piece of software among fans of military-themed video games. Pilots and aviation enthusiasts expect flexible and realistic simulators of general and commercial aviation like Prepar3D, X-Plane, and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020.

Prepar3D

Prepar3D is a cutting-edge simulation platform owned by Lockheed Martin and allows aviation fans to engage in virtual flight. The best part is that you may exercise in nearly any environment, whether above or below the ocean’s surface or outer space. A broad range of individuals, businesses, and even the military use this technology to train their pilots. 

X Plane 11

The most popular all-around flight simulator, XPlane 11, gives fans the ability to construct a high-performance flight simulator with little effort quickly. Examinations of the hardware and frame rate guarantee that it satisfies the requirements for FAA certification.

Microsoft Flight Simulator X

The Microsoft Flight Simulator was released in 2020, and comprehensive information on its features has been available online. The visuals are the ones that stick out the most among them. To operate the Microsoft Flight Simulator with the maximum settings, you need a solid personal computer or an Xbox gaming console.

Anyone of these flight simulators offers a real-world flying experience.

Hardware

You should buy gear that correctly simulates the feel of flying an airplane once you’ve selected your simulation engine. You may maneuver and get more familiar with the cockpit of an aircraft by using a mouse that is typical of a computer. Having a pleasant yoke, throttle, and rudder pedal combination, on the other hand, will be of tremendous assistance once you begin doing maneuvers.

It’s safe to assume that the flying controls will take up the majority of the budget for your home simulator. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that you have spent your money well. The following is a list of choices that will need to make:

Material: Metal or Plastic Controls

Plastic controls are often more affordable but of lower quality than their metal counterparts. As a result, they are well suited for the casual gamer and might even serve as a temporary solution for pilots buying their first set of home simulator controls.

Metal flight controls provide a more realistic and long-lasting simulation experience, making them the best choice for pilot training. Metal controls are a more significant financial commitment, but they have the potential to provide your home-built simulator a more lifelike experience than any other product.

Controllers: Yoke or Joystick

Many people who utilize home simulators choose to play using joysticks as their controller of choice. Joysticks are an appealing choice for various users, but they are trendy among fans of combat simulators and pilots of aircraft that use sidesticks. On the other hand, a high-quality yoke is a component that will provide the most level of realism to a home flight simulator for the typical pilot or aviation enthusiast.

The Flight That Takes Your Fancy

There are hundreds of aircraft included in flight simulation software, and the creators constantly add more to stay ahead of their competitors. Many of them are sure to be enjoyable to fly. When designing your setup, keep in mind which plane will be your default aircraft.

In addition to having an impact on the discussion of whether a yoke or joystick is better, the configuration of your primary aircraft should play a role in determining which throttle you use. Single-engine or twin-engine planes? Before your initial purchase, you should consider aircraft configurations to maximize your return on investment.

Upgrades and Extras

After completing your primary flight simulator configuration, adding upgrades is a logical next step. Each simulator has a variety of add-ons from various businesses, such as realistic airplane add-ons, weather engines, and airport and landscape scenes.

You’ll never have to worry about bad weather in your flight simulator again, thanks to ActiveSky’s weather engines. There are a variety of airport and landscape views to choose from, depending on where you’re going. For example, many European airports have stunning ORBX Simulations landscapes. Many third-party add-ons are available for purchase on websites like simMarket.

Airplanes and Airports

The number of new planes and airports is increasing daily. Adding them to your simulation program allows you to try new techniques and study different cockpits for a nominal fee. For example, PMDG Simulations provides Boeing with study-level aircraft that Boeing has authorized.

The Airbus A320 from FSLabs is well-done and full of fine details. A2A simulations and Carenado have some pretty detailed planes accessible if you’re interested in general aviation. For the most part, you will find them in Prepar3D.

Aviation Apps

The ability to use your favorite aviation applications in combination with simulated flights is available as software that you may buy. For example, you may communicate your simulated aircraft’s position, speed, direction, altitude, and GPS lock status with ForeFlight, Garmin Pilot, and others through a wireless connection to your phone or tablet.

Extra Monitors

Expansions for monitors are helpful. Inexperienced pilots tend to rely on their instruments while flying a simulator without the supervision of an instructor. A more prominent display may alleviate this problem by giving you a better view of the horizon. Even better, you’ll have visual signals all around you thanks to the inclusion of two more displays. Side monitors are handy when the aircraft’s nose is up or while you’re performing steep spins.

Realistic Flying

Six-pack avionics mimic the appearance of real glass to enhance realism. Software enhancements enable you to model the most up-to-date avionics. As a result of incorporating new technology, it is now feasible to use buttons and knobs that are analogous to those found on an aircraft.

Training

Pre-flight teaching, on-the-fly feedback, and post-flight scoring are all provided through Guided Independent Flight Training (GIFT) for all maneuvers necessary for a private pilot’s license. GIFT may help you acquire your pilot’s license quicker and for less money and maintain your proficiency in the most famous aircraft maneuvers.

Air Traffic Controllers

A few different businesses provide virtual ATC to their customers. For example, VATSIM is a free online platform that allows aviation enthusiasts to test and improve their abilities. No matter where they are, pilots flying in virtual reality may connect their simulators to a shared virtual environment that includes live air traffic controllers.

Top 10 Flight Simulators for Home

Our review of the 10 best flight simulator seats will help you decide which one is best for your needs.

1. Next Level Racing Foldable Flight Simulator Cockpit

Best Compact Flight Simulator for Home

• Foldable and storable when not in use
• Has innovative adjustment hubs
• Compatible with all racing simulations
• It is compatible with a vast array of accessories

• Assembling is a tad difficult

It is your most outstanding choice if you have ever wanted to quickly switch between GT and F1 racing positions. One of the most significant drawbacks of utilizing a cockpit simulator is that it takes up a lot of room and makes you angry.

Fortunately, the creators of F-GT light were aware of this and created a space-saving simulator. So you can fold it up and store it beneath your bed when visitors come.

It works with all accessories and consoles, allowing you to concentrate only on your game. It’s inconvenient to get up to drink water, eat snacks, or play games since exiting the simulator is a monumental feat. The F-remarkable GT’s design allows you to get in and out whenever you want simply.

However, there is one little flaw with it. Tall persons will find it difficult to alter the horizontal angle of the steering wheel since you can only adjust it vertically. The seat is ergonomically engineered to handle long gaming periods and features a comfortable reclining angle.

In conclusion, if you’re a fan of both commercial and combat flight, this is the best flight simulator setup you can own. It folds up easily for storage. Moreover, the Next Level Racing Foldable Flight Simulator Cockpit is ideal for those with limited space but still desire a challenging and intense flight experience, making it the best compact flight simulator for home.

View on Amazon: Next Level Racing Foldable Flight Simulator Cockpit

2. Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flight Universal Control System

Best Flight Simulator for Xbox

• Precise, responsive control
• Realistic design
• Customizable elements
• Numerous programmable controls
• Beautiful RGB lighting
• Onboard exhibit

• Not compatible with Flight Simulator menus
• The levers are a bit shaky

The VelocityOne Flight system from Turtle Beach is particular about who it’s for. It is a must-have for anyone who enjoys Microsoft Flight Simulator, from the installation to the personalization options you get.

It didn’t appear very attractive to us at first, but as soon as the RGB lighting glowed from buttons, the yoke, and even the sticks, we were beyond dazzled. This feature gives it that additional push that makes you realize it’s a high-end product. It’s attractive, and you can change the colors using onboard controls.

Now, let us get to the flying thing. Owing to the extensive customization, we found the pleasure of directing our aircraft across the Himalayas or gliding over-center London exceptionally thrilling, and we were quickly able to adjust the experience to our preferences.

It is the experience that comes the closest to being in the pilot seat of a plane without actually having to go through the training. We can’t emphasize enough how incredible it is to see the VelocityOne Flight in action.

In conclusion, VelocityOne Flight is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a more immersive Flight Simulator experience. It’s an expensive purchase, but you’re getting a lot of value. It’ll last a long time, and the configuration is general enough that you can leave it on your desk for years. It is one of the best Xbox controllers, in our opinion.

View on Amazon: Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flight Universal Control System

3. RealFlight 9.5: RF9.5 Radio Control RC Flight Simulator Software with Spektrum Interlink-DX Controller

Most Realistic Flight Simulator for Home

• It works great as a training tool
• Great graphics
• The controller is the same as RC planes and helicopters; it provides a real-life feel
• Fun to use
• It has as many helicopters, drones & planes preloaded

• Installation is tedious

If you want to learn to fly RC planes or practice before attempting that extraordinary new feat with the actual ones, the RF9.5 Flight simulator is as close as you can get to real-life experience. So, it is our choice for the most realistic flight simulator. This simulator helps to learn to fly new aircraft, and thus, it’s ideal for both exercises and learning new skills like flying.

Over 170 unique aircraft, such as planes, drones, and helicopters, are available for you to fly at approximately 40 distinct flying sites. You can switch both the plane you are flying in and the location of your flight at any time. In our testing, we found the overall experience to be fun and interactive, and we were also able to compete with other pilots online.

With our 300-hours of testing, we were able to test it thoroughly and found it super easy to download, and we can say it performed seamlessly.

In conclusion, if you’ve always wanted to learn how to fly a radio-controlled model aircraft, helicopter, or quadcopter but have been hesitant to try it, this product is the most effective method. It’s the most realistic RC flying simulator we’ve ever played with.

View on Amazon: RealFlight 9.5: RF9.5 Radio Control RC Flight Simulator Software with Spektrum Interlink-DX Controller

4. Honeycomb Aeronautical Alpha Flight Controls Yoke & Switch Panel

Most Durable Flight Simulator for Home

• The yoke can be rotated left and right by 180 degrees
• It has a switch panel
• Sturdy build
• 5-year warranty
• A lot of customization options

• We found no issues with this product

Honeycomb Aeronautical Alpha Flight Controls Yoke & Switch Panel has a premium feel and additional functionality like light switches and a start switch. With this yoke, you’ll get a lot more bang for your buck, and owing to its solid build quality; you can use it for years to come making it the most durable flight simulator on our list.

As far as the build quality goes, the construction quality is excellent, with a solid metal rod. The rubberized grip feels firm, and the plastic used on the yoke does not feel or slide as it should. Even without the clamps, you can secure it on your desk; the sticky pad holds everything in place.

During testing, it provided decent resistance and consistent sensitivity throughout all ranges of motion and felt comfortable in hand. You feel like you’re flying an airplane with the ability to make modest, progressive changes and complex mechanical inputs to steer the flight controls.

In conclusion, if you are looking for high-quality pilot training equipment at a reasonable price and can last for years, Honeycomb Flight and Yoke Switch panel have you covered.

View on Amazon: Honeycomb Aeronautical Alpha Flight Controls Yoke & Switch Panel

5. Logitech G X56 HOTAS Throttle and Joystick Flight Simulator Game Controller

Best Flight Simulator for VR

• Good balance of price and functionality
• Excellent HOTAS for multi-purpose simulations
• Smooth and responsive joysticks and sliders
• Toggle switches
• Compatible with VR
• The multi-engine throttle has a split option
• Several springs that can be readily replaced

• Build quality could have been better
• Stiff throttle

You’ll need a good flight stick, whether you want to put your flying talents to the test as a fighter jet pilot in the sky or as a space commander. You’ll never get the most out of your flying gaming experience unless you have a superb HOTAS, which stands for Hands-On Throttle and Stick for the uninformed, and it is our choice for the best flight simulator for virtual cockpit experience.

The Logitech G X56 seemed and felt robust right out of the package, and it stayed utterly functioning with no build quality issues throughout our 400-plus hours of testing. The G X56 includes holes in its bases that you can attach to practically any surface if you want it to be a more permanent setup component.

The Logitech X56’s RGB illumination is its most attractive feature. You can configure it to match, complement, or contrast the color of your gaming keyboard and get a stunning display.

The throttle’s thumb slider, dials, and switches functioned as expected throughout our evaluations and testing. You may configure 189 controls using the supplied HOTAS setup software. In addition to the 5 HATS, 13 axes, and 31 programmable buttons, you can also fine-tune the dead bands and response curves using the three different configuration options available.

In conclusion, with all of these characteristics, the Logitech X56 is a high-quality throttle and joystick configuration that delivers an even better experience for all aviation and space lovers, ranging from simple, plug-and-play gaming to professional fine-tuned simulation. We highly recommend this product as the best for VR.

View on Amazon: Logitech G X56 HOTAS Throttle and Joystick Flight Simulator Game Controller

6. PXN-F16 Flight Simulator Stick

Best Budget Flight Simulator for Home

• Sturdy build quality
• Value for money
• Programmable buttons
• Ergonomically designed

• No suction cups to attach it to surface

The PXN-F16 is a good value for the money. It is an excellent flight simulator, much more solid, so you may use it entirely without fear of it toppling over. It’s even better since it comes with configurable buttons.

There is a throttle control on the rear of the vehicle. All the controls, including the joystick and throttle, are very responsive and easy to use. We played games with more straightforward flying mechanics in our testing and didn’t find it lacking. In addition, when it comes to playing War Thunder, this configuration offered everything we needed to get the most out of the game.

With the quick-fire trigger, 4-axis control, 8-way hat switch, and 12 customizable buttons, you can make the proper motion. You can do a lot of custom settings and keyboard mapping owing to the sophisticated software which comes with it.

In conclusion, the design is intuitive, and the flying controls have a strong and smooth feel. Additionally, you have complete control over the throttle at their fingertips. It is sturdy and has a solid base, and has outstanding overall performance when used for flying. If you are a beginner and want to save money, the PXN-F16 stick is one of the best home flight simulators!

View on Amazon: PXN-F16 Flight Simulator Stick

7. Logitech G PRO Flight Yoke System

Most Versatile Flight Simulator for Home

• Excellent introductory yoke
• Excellent value for money
• Numerous programmable features and buttons
• Display with timers
• Independent throttle quadrant
• Simple to attach

• Build quality needs improvement
• Limited to 45-degree rotation

The Logitech Pro Flight Yoke is one of the most popular and commonly used flight simulator yokes today. It has a lovely design with a separate throttle quadrant that you can extend for multi-engine aircraft usage, making it the most versatile flight simulator for home use.

The yoke is made of a solid stainless steel shaft with precision bearings for excellent control and provides a sensation similar to that of flying an actual aircraft. Additionally, it has an attractive LED display that allows you to see and interact with several useful flight timers.

Our tests confirmed that everything works as it should, and it was straightforward to connect to a PC with only one USB connection, and the yoke and throttles clip to any desk. It doesn’t take up nearly as much space as we expected.

It comes with a separate, fully working throttle quadrant with three programmed levers that are removable in case you wish to connect numerous throttle quadrants, for example, for a multi-engine sim cockpit which gives it great functionality. For example, you can connect the throttle quadrant via USB to the USB hub located on the rear of the yoke.

In conclusion, Logitech G Pro is a really attractive package with many highly adjustable controls. Incorporating trims, communications, autopilot deactivation, perspective modification, and general switches for anything you need makes it the most versatile flight simulator. So you must go for it if you want one in a budget option.

View on Amazon: Logitech G PRO Flight Yoke System

8. Logitech X52 Flight Control System

Most Realistic Flight Simulator for Home

• Excellent response time
• Mountable on a specialized rig
• Responsive controls
• Solid construction
• Simplicity of use
• It comes with the best flight simulator software
• Good design at an affordable price

• There are no grip or slip-resistant surfaces to hold the throttle and stick
• The throttle feels a tad stiff

Logitech X52 is a great starter set for space sims with just the appropriate amount of buttons and hat switches in all the suitable locations and fantastic ergonomics. It is an excellent flying stick/throttle combination and gives a real-life feeling of maneuvering the plane.

We found X52 is simple to set up and were able to use it immediately after opening the package. We were amazed by how simple it is to alter our preferences and fashion. Additionally, it feels and looks fantastic at the same time to take on the virtual skies!

This stick has two triggers instead of one, a unique feature. First, the stick has a dual-point primary trigger. Then, with only one trigger, you can fire two different weapons! Multi-tasking at its finest! The second trigger, dubbed a “pinky-trigger,” is located precisely on your pinky.

Among all of these characteristics, the LCD is the most striking! The LCD panel can show you various information, including time, system mode, date, and which profile is currently active! For example, you can convert the clock on the LCD screen by pressing the “Function” button. The LCD screen shows you key bindings when you hold the pinky trigger down.

In conclusion, if you enjoy a variety of aviation-themed PC games such as “Elite Dangerous,” “Crimson Skys,” “MechWarrior,” and other flying simulators, X52 is the flight simulator to go for to get the realistic feel that you crave. It’s like flying your aircraft without ever leaving the ground; it’s incredible and an accurate replica of flying a plane.

View on Amazon: Logitech X52 Flight Control System

9. Logitech X52 Pro Flight Control System

Best Professional-Level Flight Simulator for Home

• Good quality material
• Extremely easy to operate
• Attractive design
• Feature-packed flight simulator

• Less responsive at times

Logitech X52 has excellent build quality, fits well in your hands, and can be adjusted to accommodate bigger or smaller hands. For example, there are buttons and joysticks all over the Logitech X52, all of which have lights so you can see them in any kind of environment.

In addition, the controllers and buttons are precisely positioned for easy operation, making it our elite choice for the best professional flight simulator.

You may spend hours configuring a game’s buttons, but once you do, it’s incredibly fluid and gives you a significant edge over others who fiddle with keyboards and controllers. It also looks and feels quite astonishing; you’ll probably shout aloud multiple times, even if you’re alone.

The four suction cups held it in place, and we were able to move the stick in every direction – pitch and roll – and twist it (yaw channel) without exerting too much power. Despite having dual-spring control, it does not seem uncomfortable or as if you can’t reach the end of the journey.

You’ll find the striking Multi-Function Display (MFD) LCD on the throttle base. Depending on the labels you designate using the stick’s software, you can view each button on the MFD allocated by pressing a specific button on the throttle. You can even tell what mode or sub-mode you’re in. Handy.

In conclusion, an excellent option for those who have been winging it with a cheap joystick or, gasp, a keyboard and want to step up their flying game. With a bit of experience, this joystick will feel like you were born with it in your hands, even if it has a wide variety of buttons and choices for that cockpit-like experience.

View on Amazon: Logitech X52 Pro Flight Control System

10. Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS 4 for PS4 and PC

Best Flight Simulator for PlayStation

• Good construction quality
• Simple to assemble and disassemble
• Plug-and-play connectivity with PS4; seamless integration
• Has plug-in rudder pedals that you may buy separately
• Adjustable resistance of joystick

• The throttle was subpar, being very soft
• Limited controls (by design)
• Few customizing possibilities are available

The T.Flight Hotas One is an entry-level joystick and throttle for flight simulators that work with Xbox and PC. Don’t anticipate fancy features or a plethora of buttons since the pricing is relatively low, and it is our choice for the best flight simulator for the PlayStation.

The Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS 4 for PS4 has a twin rudder system around the vertical axis. It adds a whole new action and wheel gaming level to the table. It comes in a sleek black, and blue design with PlayStation marks on each button and a detachable throttle and joystick (but still linked by a wire), allowing you to customize the device to your preferences. The stick was light and didn’t seem heavy at all.

It didn’t feel like the stick was hefty at all. Plugging the stick into a USB port on your PS4 or PC is all it takes. The Hotas 4’s buttons are neatly labeled with their gamepad equivalents, making menu navigation surprisingly straightforward.

The Hotas 4’s primary joystick is likewise very sensitive, with a grooved handgrip and a dual rudder system that you can use by twisting the joystick. If you possess the TFRP Rudder Pedals, which have toe brakes, you may use them to add realism to the Hotas 4.

In conclusion, T-Flight Hotas 4 is an excellent starting point for anyone who wants to get into flight simulators because of its detachable design, ease of use, and low price. The button locations are great, and you can adjust the joystick tension, which is a beautiful touch. However, we wish the throttle had a little more weight to it.

View on Amazon: Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS 4 for PS4 and PC

Frequently Asked Questions About Flight Simulators for Home

Final Words on the Best Flight Simulators for Home

As you can see, there is a flight simulator available that is perfect for you regardless of the amount of money you have available to spend or the sort of experience you want to have. In addition, there is a flight simulator that caters to your specific interests, whether they be military combat, aerial stunts, or just having fun flying. You can also combine some flight simulators with the best VR headsets on the market for an even more immersive experience!

The Next Level Racing Foldable Simulator Cockpit is the product that we suggest to our customers since it has been developed to replicate the real-life excitement and pleasure of piloting an aircraft. Its never to late to be a better pilot!

Even though some of us may not be able to go on an airplane, those who have access to a computer or a gaming console can still embark on fascinating journeys in remote locations worldwide by using one of the numerous flight simulators mentioned above.