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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
9.8
Chosen by1,189
Realism
System Requirements
Add-ons and Customization

Most important from
2648 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
9.8
Chosen by1,189
Realism
System Requirements
Add-ons and Customization

Most important from
2648 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 Rudder Pedals

Rating
9.6
Realism

Most important from
2667 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
9.6
Realism

Most important from
2667 reviews

Realism
The adjustable tension and independent toe brakes enhance realism, though there is a learning curve.
#3

Honeycomb Alpha Flight Controls Yoke with Honeycomb Aeronautical Bravo Throttle Quadrant Bundle (2 Items)

Rating
9.4
Realism
System Requirements
Add-ons and Customization

Most important from
212 reviews

Realism
The yoke delivers smooth, precise control with no dead zones, making it the best yoke experience for flight simulation so far.
System Requirements
Initial setup requires updating drivers to ensure axis bindings work correctly, which can take some trial and error.
Add-ons and Customization
A wide range of switches on both the yoke and throttle quadrant offers excellent customization and cockpit immersion.

The Honeycomb Alpha Flight Controls Yoke combined with the Bravo Throttle Quadrant bundle offers a solid setup for flight simulation enthusiasts looking for realism and versatility in their cockpit experience. The yoke and throttle system are designed to simulate real aircraft controls quite effectively, with the Bravo quadrant supporting configurations from small single-engine planes to large four-engine commercial aircraft. This makes it a good choice for users wanting to explore different types of planes without needing separate hardware for each.

The inclusion of multiple cockpit elements like autopilot controls, gear and flap levers, and a trim wheel adds to the immersive and realistic feel. Additionally, the LED landing gear indicators provide helpful visual feedback during simulation. In terms of customization, the unit is versatile enough to suit various flying styles and preferences, enhancing the flight simulation experience. The build quality and modern design contribute positively, although the 1-pound weight suggests it may be on the lighter side compared to some heavier, more premium models, which might affect the tactile feel under heavy use.

This product does not impact graphics quality directly, as that depends on your computer and flight simulator software. It also doesn't have specific system requirements beyond what your PC and simulator need, since it connects as a peripheral. This bundle is suited for flight sim users serious about improving their controls and immersion rather than casual players. Beginners might find the number of controls a bit overwhelming at first, but its popularity and positive reputation indicate it’s a reliable and well-made option for enhancing your flight sim setup.

Rating
9.4
Realism
System Requirements
Add-ons and Customization

Most important from
212 reviews

Realism
The yoke delivers smooth, precise control with no dead zones, making it the best yoke experience for flight simulation so far.
System Requirements
Initial setup requires updating drivers to ensure axis bindings work correctly, which can take some trial and error.
Add-ons and Customization
A wide range of switches on both the yoke and throttle quadrant offers excellent customization and cockpit immersion.

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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