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10 Best Flight Simulators 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Logitech G X56 H.O.T.A.S Throttle and Joystick Flight Simulator Game Controller, 4 Spring Options, +189 Programmable Controls, RGB Lighting, 2x USB, PC - Black

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,143
Realism
System Requirements
Add-ons and Customization

Most important from
2623 reviews

Realism
The controls feel premium and solid despite being primarily plastic, delivering a smooth and fluid joystick movement with more buttons and hat switches than one could ever need.
System Requirements
Despite some quirks, the build quality falls into a 'just right' category, offering a balance between high-end models and affordability with seamless plug-and-play on Windows.
Add-ons and Customization
The dual throttles offer excellent customization with friction and lock adjustments, though the throttle can be stiff and may require mounting due to its size and light weight.

The Logitech G X56 HOTAS is a dedicated flight simulator controller designed to bring a realistic and immersive experience to enthusiasts, especially those interested in combat and space flight sims. It offers a high level of realism with its military-grade precision, adjustable stick force, and hall-effect sensors that deliver smooth and accurate control inputs. This makes flying a variety of aircraft feel more natural and responsive.

The controller includes over 189 programmable buttons and dual throttles with friction and lock adjustments, giving you plenty of customization options to tailor controls to your specific flight sim needs. Its mini analog sticks allow control in multiple directions, which is great for managing complex flight functions and weapon systems, particularly in space or combat scenarios. The RGB lighting can be customized to match your gaming setup, adding a nice aesthetic touch.

The X56 is compatible with Windows operating systems and requires two USB ports, making it easy to set up on most PCs. It is also designed to work well with VR setups, enhancing immersion in virtual cockpits. Since this device is a controller rather than a flight simulator game, it doesn’t affect graphics quality or aircraft variety directly—those depend on the software you use it with. The device requires a learning curve to master the many controls, and its relatively bulky size may need a dedicated space. The system requirements are modest, but you'll need a compatible PC and game to fully benefit from the X56’s features. This makes the Logitech G X56 a strong choice for serious flight sim fans looking for a highly customizable and precise control system to enhance their flight experience, especially in complex or combat flight sims.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,143
Realism
System Requirements
Add-ons and Customization

Most important from
2623 reviews

Realism
The controls feel premium and solid despite being primarily plastic, delivering a smooth and fluid joystick movement with more buttons and hat switches than one could ever need.
System Requirements
Despite some quirks, the build quality falls into a 'just right' category, offering a balance between high-end models and affordability with seamless plug-and-play on Windows.
Add-ons and Customization
The dual throttles offer excellent customization with friction and lock adjustments, though the throttle can be stiff and may require mounting due to its size and light weight.
#2

Logitech G PRO Flight Yoke System, Professional Simulation Yoke and Throttle Quadrant, 3 Modes, 75 Programmable Controls, Configurable Knobs, Steel Shaft, USB, PC - Black

Rating
10.0
Realism
Graphics Quality
System Requirements

Most important from
2682 reviews

Realism
The yoke offers smooth and precise control with a realistic feel, ideal for both beginners and experienced pilots aiming to deepen their flight simulation skills.
Graphics Quality
While the yoke system covers essential controls well, the overall visual realism depends on the PC and simulator software, not the hardware itself.
System Requirements
Compatibility with Mac Mini running Sequoia and X-Plane 12 works seamlessly, dispelling concerns about limited system support.
Add-ons and Customization
The system’s 54 programmable controls and adjustable dead zones provide extensive customization, allowing fine-tuning to match different aircraft and personal preferences.

The Logitech G PRO Flight Yoke System is designed to give you a realistic feel when flying virtual planes, making it a solid choice for both beginners and experienced flight sim enthusiasts. Its stainless steel yoke shaft provides smooth and precise control, which helps in building real flying skills or just enhancing your simulation experience. With 54 programmable controls, including a throttle quadrant and multiple buttons, you can customize the setup to match many aircraft types, which is great if you like trying different planes.

The system connects easily via USB and works with popular flight simulators like Microsoft Flight Simulator and X-Plane, though you might need to download extra software. It clamps securely to most desks, so it stays stable during use. On the downside, since it’s a hardware-focused product, the graphics quality depends on your PC and simulator software, not the yoke itself. Also, the product is somewhat heavy and requires a decent amount of desk space.

If you’re looking for a full flight simulator experience, this system covers the essential controls well but you’ll still rely on your computer’s power and the simulator software to deliver realistic visuals and a wide variety of aircraft. This durable and versatile control system enhances realism and offers good customization, making it a strong pick for hobbyists wanting to deepen their flight sim experience.

Rating
10.0
Realism
Graphics Quality
System Requirements

Most important from
2682 reviews

Realism
The yoke offers smooth and precise control with a realistic feel, ideal for both beginners and experienced pilots aiming to deepen their flight simulation skills.
Graphics Quality
While the yoke system covers essential controls well, the overall visual realism depends on the PC and simulator software, not the hardware itself.
System Requirements
Compatibility with Mac Mini running Sequoia and X-Plane 12 works seamlessly, dispelling concerns about limited system support.
Add-ons and Customization
The system’s 54 programmable controls and adjustable dead zones provide extensive customization, allowing fine-tuning to match different aircraft and personal preferences.
#3

Logitech G Pro Flight Rudder Pedals

Rating
9.8
Realism

Most important from
2653 reviews

Realism
The adjustable tension and independent toe brakes enhance realism, though there is a learning curve.

The Logitech G Pro Flight Rudder Pedals are designed to enhance your flight simulation experience by providing a realistic control mechanism. One standout feature is the adjustable tension dial, allowing you to customize the pedal response based on the type of aircraft you are simulating, whether it's a light plane or a heavy jet. This flexibility caters to a wide range of user preferences, making it a great addition for serious flight simulation enthusiasts. The differential toe brakes are another strong point, giving you precise control during taxiing and landing, which can greatly improve your performance in simulations.

In terms of graphics and realism, while these pedals don't directly contribute to visual quality, they do enhance the immersive experience by offering more precise control. They are compatible with a range of Windows operating systems, ensuring that a broad audience can potentially use them without compatibility issues. Their USB connectivity makes for easy setup and convenience, which is appreciated by users.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. Some users might find them somewhat limited in terms of hardware customization. Additionally, being corded may restrict your positioning options compared to wireless alternatives. The weight of approximately 5.07 pounds also means they might not be as portable for those who travel or switch setups frequently. These rudder pedals are an excellent choice for dedicated flight simulator users who prioritize realism and control in their setup, but those looking for extensive customization options or portability might want to explore other solutions.

Rating
9.8
Realism

Most important from
2653 reviews

Realism
The adjustable tension and independent toe brakes enhance realism, though there is a learning curve.

Buying Guide for the Best Flight Simulators

Choosing the right flight simulator can be a thrilling yet challenging task. Flight simulators are software programs that allow you to experience the sensation of flying an aircraft from the comfort of your home. They can range from simple, game-like experiences to highly realistic simulations used for pilot training. To find the best fit for you, it's important to consider several key specifications that will impact your overall experience. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision based on your needs and preferences.
RealismRealism refers to how accurately the flight simulator replicates real-world flying conditions, including aircraft behavior, weather, and terrain. This is important because higher realism can provide a more immersive and educational experience. Realism can be divided into basic, intermediate, and advanced levels. Basic realism is suitable for casual users and beginners who are looking for a fun experience without too much complexity. Intermediate realism offers a balance between fun and accuracy, making it ideal for enthusiasts who want a more authentic experience. Advanced realism is designed for serious hobbyists and professional pilots who require highly detailed and accurate simulations. Choose the level of realism based on your interest and experience in flying.
Graphics QualityGraphics quality determines how visually appealing and detailed the flight simulator is. This includes the quality of the aircraft models, landscapes, and environmental effects. High-quality graphics can enhance the immersion and make the experience more enjoyable. Graphics quality can be categorized into low, medium, and high. Low graphics quality is sufficient for users with older or less powerful computers and those who prioritize performance over visuals. Medium graphics quality offers a good balance between visual appeal and performance, suitable for most users. High graphics quality provides the most stunning visuals but requires a powerful computer to run smoothly. Consider your computer's capabilities and your preference for visual detail when choosing the graphics quality.
Aircraft VarietyAircraft variety refers to the number and types of aircraft available in the flight simulator. This is important because it allows you to experience flying different kinds of planes, from small private jets to large commercial airliners. Aircraft variety can be categorized into limited, moderate, and extensive. Limited variety includes a few basic aircraft, suitable for beginners or those with specific interests. Moderate variety offers a wider selection of aircraft, ideal for enthusiasts who want to explore different flying experiences. Extensive variety includes a large number of aircraft with detailed models and unique handling characteristics, perfect for serious hobbyists and those who want to simulate various flying scenarios. Choose the level of aircraft variety based on your interest in exploring different types of aircraft.
System RequirementsSystem requirements refer to the hardware and software specifications needed to run the flight simulator smoothly. This is important because it ensures that the simulator will perform well on your computer. System requirements can be divided into low, medium, and high. Low system requirements mean the simulator can run on older or less powerful computers, making it accessible to a wider audience. Medium system requirements are suitable for most modern computers and offer a good balance between performance and visual quality. High system requirements demand powerful hardware, such as a high-end graphics card and processor, to deliver the best experience. Consider your computer's specifications and choose a flight simulator that matches its capabilities.
Add-ons and CustomizationAdd-ons and customization options refer to the ability to enhance and personalize your flight simulator experience with additional content and settings. This is important because it allows you to tailor the simulator to your preferences and keep the experience fresh. Add-ons and customization can be categorized into limited, moderate, and extensive. Limited options offer basic customization and a few add-ons, suitable for casual users. Moderate options provide a wider range of add-ons and customization features, ideal for enthusiasts who want to expand their experience. Extensive options include a vast array of add-ons, such as new aircraft, airports, and scenery, as well as advanced customization settings, perfect for serious hobbyists and those who want to create a highly personalized experience. Choose the level of add-ons and customization based on your desire to enhance and personalize your flight simulator.

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