Flight Simulators are nowadays one of the trending software. Microsoft Flight Simulator and X-plane are the two most renowned flight simulators.
The former has high-performance graphics and realistic scenery, whereas the latter has high-power aircraft and self-modification features. Both the flight simulator programs refer to Bing maps to depict a realistic representation of planet Earth, no matter where you’re flying.
The customizable factors of the flight simulator are live traffic, weather, and electronic flight bag integration. These modern-day simulators are defining new eras which you haven’t dreamed of.
Key Takeaways
- Microsoft Flight Simulator offers a visually stunning, realistic world with satellite imagery and 3D structures, while X-Plane focuses on accurate flight physics and aircraft systems.
- X-Plane has a more comprehensive range of aircraft and third-party add-ons, while Microsoft Flight Simulator provides a smaller selection but with a more user-friendly interface.
- Microsoft Flight Simulator has a more extensive user base and official support, whereas X-Plane has a dedicated community and open-source development.
Microsoft Flight Simulator vs X-Plane
Microsoft Flight Simulator is a flight simulation software developed by Microsoft and released in 2020. It uses high-resolution satellite imagery to recreate the world in 3D. X-Plane is a flight simulation software developed by Laminar Research. It was first released in 1993 and has since been updated several times.
Microsoft Flight Simulator is one of the modern-day flight simulators mainly renowned for its graphics and better controls. Also, as the name suggests, the Microsoft Flight Simulator is only compatible with Windows software.
For example, the Microsoft flight simulator is compatible with Microsoft Windows, MS-DOS, and Classic Mac OS. X-Plane is a flight simulator program that is primarily compatible with almost all types of software.
For example, X-Plane is compatible with Android, Linux, iOS, WebOS, Mac OS, and Windows.
Also, the X-Plane flight simulator was initially launched in the year 1995. This was created by Austin Meyer and Laminar Research and launched by Laminar Research and Aerosoft.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Microsoft Flight Simulator | X-Plane |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | X-Plane an amateur flight simulator used mainly as a video game. | X-Plane is an amateur flight simulator used mainly as a video game. |
| Operation Platform | Microsoft flight simulator is compatible with Microsoft Windows, MS-DOS, and Classic Mac OS. | X-Plane is compatible with Android, Linux, iOS, WebOS, Mac OS, and Windows. |
| Establishment | The Microsoft Flight Simulator was developed in the year 1977. | The X-Plane was developed in the year 1995. |
| Developer | The credit for developing the X-Plane is given to Austin Meyer and Laminar Research. | The credit for the development of the X-Plane is given to Austin Meyer and Laminar Research. |
| Feature | The Microsoft Flight Simulator has high-performance graphics and high-quality graphics. | The X-Plane has highly controlled aircraft and a variety of controlled panels. |
What is Microsoft Flight Simulator?
Microsoft Flight Simulator is a set of programs designed for Microsoft Windows OS. This was earlier scheduled for MS-DOS and MAC OS.
Microsoft Flight Simulator is one of the best and most used flight simulators. The credit for the development of flight simulators is given to Bruce Artwick.
“All this started in the year 1977. The two new versions of Microsoft Flight Simulator named” Professional”” and” Standard ” editions in the years 2000 and 2002. “All this started in the year 1977. The two new versions of Microsoft Flight Simulator were named “Professional” and “Standard ” editions in 2000 and 2002.
However, the Professional edition contains more tools, better scenery options and a variety of aeroplanes. Microsoft Flight Simulator gives a realistic experience of operating a flying aircraft.
The natural global scenery feature is the cherry on the cake. This feature enables one to view each detail finely and precisely.
The environmental graphics, such as sunlight glare, haze, and cloud gathering, are realistic and seem true.
What is X-Plane?
X-plane, an amateur flight simulator created and published by Austin Meyer. Laminar Research and Austin Meyer developed the X Plane flight simulator in 1995.
The commercial X-Plane versions for desktops are available for Linux, macOS, and Windows. At the same time, the mobile version of X-Plane is sold for Android, WebOS, and iOS.
The mobile version has been available since 2009. Austin Meyer is given credit for developing and creating the X-plane.
X-plane is preinstalled with many military and commercial aircraft and natural scenery features. It also has some preinstalled architecture plugins that permit users to create their global scenery and planes.
The blade element theory is the distinguishing feature of the X-plane. The atmospheric modulation is a treat to watch; as the sunlight enters through the glass of the cockpit, the glare produced is so actual.
Main Differences Between Microsoft Flight Simulator and X Plane
- Microsoft flight simulator is compatible with Microsoft Windows OS, MS-DOS, and Classic Mac OS. X-plane is compatible with Android, Linux, iOS, WebOS, Mac OS, and Windows.
- The credit for the development of Microsoft Flight Simulator is given to Bruce Artwick. On the other hand, the credit for developing the X-plane is given to Austin Meyer and Laminar Research.
- Microsoft Flight Simulator is a set of programs mainly designed for Microsoft Windows OS. Whereas X-plan, an amateur flight simulator used mainly as a video game.
- The Microsoft Flight Simulator was developed in the year 1977. Whereas the X-plane was developed in the year 1995.
- The Microsoft Flight Simulator has a high graphic variety with global scenery. Whereas X-plane lacks high-level graphic variety and global scenery.
- https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-90-481-8764-5_20
- https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/6842350/
- https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=RT9v6Bhl420C&oi=fnd&pg=PR3&dq=microsoft+flight+simulator&ots=X_Xu0ZsnmE&sig=mcfYszjLlMhYafCfrNpkr3Newos
- https://arc.aiaa.org/doi/pdf/10.2514/6.1991-3314
Last Updated : 13 July, 2023
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.
I beg to differ. X-Plane has been nothing but a disappointment for me. I find Microsoft Flight Simulator to be a far better option. Then again, it’s all a matter of opinion.
If you’re looking for graphics and global scenery, then the Microsoft Flight Simulator is the ideal choice.
That’s an interesting viewpoint. I guess it really depends on the specific preferences and needs of each user.
This article gives a clear picture to avid flyers of what they can achieve with these two excellent simulators.
I couldn’t agree more. I believe this is a comprehensive and verified comparison.
The comparisons between the two are quite helpful, they provide a clear understanding of what each has to offer. Thanks for sharing.
Microsoft Flight Simulator is a masterpiece. It feels like you are actually flying, the graphics are simply incredible.
X-Plane is far more technologically advanced than what Microsoft provides. It’s a total gamechanger.
I must admit, the environmental graphics of Microsoft Flight Simulator blow my mind. It feels like reality just through a screen.
It is a feat of modern technology. What a time to be alive!