Best joysticks and HOTAS flight sticks for Microsoft Flight Simulator in 2024

Years before being taken seriously as a brand invested in gaming, Microsoft Flight Simulator was the staple for taking virtual aircraft to the skies.

It's still true today, as the 2020 reboot brought a picture-perfect recreation of planet Earth to PCs and Xbox consoles with a massive collection of planes, helicopters, and more.

While it's possible to play the title with a mouse and keyboard or sit back with an Xbox controller, the experience is geared towards ultimate realism when paired with at least a joystick or a fully-fledged HOTAS (hands-on throttle-and-stick) set.

I've tested my fair share of sim hardware and, following discussions with colleagues, have curated this list of the absolute best flight sticks for Microsoft Flight Simulator in 2024, with the $399.99 Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flightdeck ranking at the top.

If you have more particular needs, I can help you pick the right joystick for your budget. So, let's dive into Microsoft's world of flight simulation.

Ben Wilson

I've been a fan of simulation games on PC for most of my adult life, and I couldn't have been happier to see Microsoft Flight Simulator make its way to Xbox in 2020. Testing the latest peripherals, I can help newcomers and seasoned fans find their next flight stick.

The quick list

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Best for PC

Turtle Beach, despite my previous habit of associating the brand with cheap Xbox headsets, managed to create a top-tier flight HOTAS combo that excels in design and functionality. It really only lacks force feedback, which I quickly disable anyway. It features one of the most straightforward assembly processes, making it nice and easy to set up, and both units feature a gigantic range of programmable buttons with a digital touchscreen display offering even more.

My Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flightdeck review explains how the whole package has a satisfyingly weighty feel for stability and unique features such as the chunky 'FIRE' button doubling as a touchpad to help with menu navigation instead of reaching for your mouse. The OLED screen pair offers a traditional chrono timer, though it can help with in-game adjustments and toggle the built-in RGB lighting if you want a bit of added flair. Turtle Beach's companion app, Flight Hangar, is essential for firmware updates. Still, it also offers deeper RGB customization and personalized control profiles, helping with broader compatibility in Microsoft Flight Simulator when you want to assign axes as buttons or vice versa.

While the lack of pre-made configurations at launch for Microsoft Flight Simulator may challenge beginners, Turtle Beach promises to fix that with an update. Despite this minor drawback, the VelocityOne Flightdeck stands out as the best HOTAS flight stick for Microsoft Flight Simulator I've ever used. Once fully configured, it delivers an unparalleled gaming experience, and what it lacks isn't really impactful at this price range.

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Best for Xbox

When looking to elevate your Microsoft Flight Simulator experience beyond the entry experience, securing the best hands-on throttle-and-stick solution is an investment you won't regret. While there are dozens of sim-ready peripherals, the trusty joystick is a must-buy to improve the adventures ahead. The best flight sticks have their benefits, including granular input over fundamental control surfaces and components, with assignable keys for everyday functions.

As you can see from our Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flightstick review, this accessory checks numerous boxes for those with a taste for Microsoft Flight Simulator. It works with both PC and Xbox, so you can fly on whatever system works best for you. The joystick axes provide high-precision control over pitch and roll, with a twist of the stick also handling yaw for horizontal adjustments.

The flight stick delivers a comfortable, ergonomic design when in hand, with various inputs to bolster functionality. An OLED display near the top of the flightstick makes it easy to access internal settings quickly, and you can customize the accessory's RGB lighting to get it looking the way you want. Just remember to take the time to update Turtle Beach firmware if you plan on using it with games outside of Microsoft Flight Simulator. 

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Best budget

The latest Microsoft Flight Simulator was the first to hit Xbox consoles, bringing the full scale of its virtual globe to the luxury of the living room. While the title makes a smooth transition, retaining the full depth of this ultra-realistic sim, it’s let down by a poor ecosystem of accessories for diehards. Consoles never needed an exhaustive range of flight gear, with its Xbox version set back literal decades versus the full-fledged PC experience. That’s not to say you can’t find great joysticks and flight gear for Xbox, but it pays to be picky about which joystick you buy.

As you can see from our Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas One review, this is an excellent budget option for PC and Xbox, offering a relatively affordable one-stop solution for all flying games. While it pairs best with Microsoft Flight Simulator, it’s compatible with popular titles like Elite Dangerous and Star Wars: Squadrons, making this a wise investment for budding pilots. This entry-level setup includes a full-sized joystick and throttle, with smooth yet precise inputs, offering complete oversight over control surfaces. It also works on PC, too.

The joystick offers the standard inputs for controlling pitch and roll, with a twist for yaw and adjustable resistance to fine-tune handling. There’s an eight-way hat switch, ideal for looking out over stunning, sky-high views, while 14 other buttons, a rear trigger, and reverse thrust provide ample inputs as you see fit.

We named Flight Simulator a must-play for Xbox players in our initial review, but the poor choice of accessories overshadowed its rollout. While some manufacturers have looked to appease the Xbox audience, your options are still relatively limited. While the Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flight offers a compelling yoke for console and PC, we’re yet to see a better contender among joysticks.

With an affordable retail price and a robust suite of features, the Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas One is an easy pick for Xbox users. While the PC market features a vibrant space of contenders spanning different price points, we recommend the Hotas One to any Xbox user, whether new to the scene or a seasoned pilot.

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Best for realism

If you want a highly realistic control experience while playing Microsoft Flight Simulator, consider the Thrustmaster TCA Captain Pack X Airbus Edition. The high level of detail put into the design and function of this joystick sets it apart on another level from other flightsticks out there. As you might expect, you will have to pay a pretty price for it, but it's still well-priced overall.

Like many other flightsticks, this one is compatible with PC and Xbox. However, you might have difficulties interacting with specific Xbox game menus without a traditional controller handy. Speaking of hands, the TCA Captain Pack X Airbus Edition allows you to swap the brake buttons and autopilot to accommodate anyone who prefers right-handed flying. Plus, the user experience is nice and smooth, thanks to the fact that there are no dead zone issues. 

As you might imagine, this joystick is intended explicitly for realistic flight simulation and isn't ideal for more action-packed flying games such as Star Wars: Squadrons. But if your main goal is an incredibly realistic Microsoft Flight Simulator experience, this is the flight stick for you. 

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Best premium

Venturing into the premium-tier flight sticks further opens your options, but the Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog Flight Stick has remained on top for several years. The peripheral is a favorite among enthusiasts, granting both responsive and precise control over your aircraft. Its build quality surpasses that of its closest rivals, resulting in a consistent and robust stick for all forms of flight, including Microsoft Flight Simulator.

The Warthog Flight Stick design comes from the nicknamed A-10 Thunderbolt II, which helps nail down an ergonomic in-hand feel while also grounded in realism. The construction is on the high end, lining the plastic stick with metal accents you wouldn't find on cheaper alternatives. It also includes a detachable metal base, which helps on the desk while still adapting to integrate into a cockpit setup. And weighing over 6.5 pounds, this joystick won't move anywhere even if you're not using the included mounting solution.

Thrustmaster's HEART technology, seen in the best flight sticks, backs the Warthog. It uses magnet sensors for 16-bit resolution and high precision while also being durable for multi-year usage. The company also boasts its five-coil spring system, which provides tension and consistency without dead zones. The stick also packs plentiful inputs, with 19 action buttons, two eight-way hat switches, and various other assignable buttons to get you into the air.

The Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog Flight Stick retails at $280, just above complete mid-range HOTAS solutions. The stick can be used standalone, or as part of a larger modular set, and like many on this list, it shines when paired with other accessories. The Warthog Flight Stick is just one piece of the puzzle, with the Warthog and Cougar throttle quadrant suitable solutions to assemble a complete Thrustmaster ensemble.

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Best for VR

Those considering HOTAS setups that are easy to control without needing eyes on the buttons should look to the Logitech G X56, a moderately pricier alternative to the T.16000M, ideal for VR Flight Simulator pilots. The X56 fits the bill if you're jumping between a few games that demand a joystick with various customizable inputs and features spanning the two-part system. While it's not a massive leap over cheaper Thrustmaster gear, this robust HOTAS has earned its spot on this list.

The joystick covers all critical flight control surfaces, altering pitch, roll, and yaw. It has the same 16-bit resolution as similarly priced competition, including the T.16000M from Thrustmaster, plus hall effect sensors for long-term durability. You can also swap out the integrated springs, adjusting tension according to your preferences.

The accompanying throttle quadrant has twin throttles for finer control over multiple engines, while five hat switches and 31 buttons add a slew of bonus inputs. Logitech also included light-up RGB buttons, with accompanying software to change colors and assign those button inputs, but you can disable these for when you're playing in virtual reality.

The X56 comes from a respected PC accessory brand, and after bringing onboard flight sim hardware experts Saitek, it's seen minor improvements over the years. The grey-on-black setup looks the part on most desks, with a sturdy plastic shell and metal detailing. The X56 is another strong HOTAS for newcomers looking to invest in VR sim gear or passionate pilots looking for relatively affordable solutions.

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How to choose the right flight stick

Microsoft Flight Simulator enables virtual globetrotting on an unprecedented scale. The series' revival brings a newfound demand for dedicated flight hardware on PC, with a handful of impressive peripherals on the scene. Thrustmaster usually flies as the market leader with the best joystick technology for the price; however, the Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flightdeck is our overall top pick for PC. 

With Flight Simulator-ready hardware in high demand and short supply, the Flightdeck is one of the few high-quality solutions available at a reasonable price. That includes a reliable hands-on throttle-and-stick combo covering everything you need to get started, with a robust build and features for even the most sophisticated aircraft. It also pairs great with many of the best pedals for Microsoft Flight Simulator, adding an additional dimension of control to your travels.

Meanwhile, those playing Microsoft Flight Simulator on Xbox Series X and Series S require specific console-compatible hardware, like the Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flightstick and Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas One, among the Xbox flight sticks. Alternatively, it also makes a fantastic budget flightstick for PC. 

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