Free alternatives
Free Alternatives to Microsoft Flight Simulator
Short answer
FlightGear is the best free alternative to Microsoft Flight Simulator: an open-source simulator with a genuine flight dynamics engine, global scenery, weather, multiplayer and a large free aircraft library, on Windows, macOS and Linux. Visual fidelity is well behind MSFS; system depth is not.
Serious flight simulation is expensive twice over: the simulator, then the aircraft and scenery add-ons. There is one free simulator with genuine depth, and it has been flying since before Microsoft's current series existed.
Our pick: FlightGear
Simulation2.0 GBOpen Source (GPL-2.0)
FlightGear is a full civilian flight simulator with a real flight dynamics engine, worldwide scenery, weather, a large aircraft library and multiplayer. Aircraft systems are modelled deeply enough that checklists and procedures matter.
How it differs from Microsoft Flight Simulator: Scenery and cockpit art do not approach modern MSFS, which leans on satellite photogrammetry and streaming. FlightGear's quality varies by aircraft because they are community-contributed — some are studied to switch level, others are rough.
All free Microsoft Flight Simulator alternatives compared
| Game | Genre | Size | Licence | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlightGear | Simulation | 2.0 GB | Open Source (GPL-2.0) | Windows, macOS, Linux |
FlightGear
FlightGear is a full civilian flight simulator with a real flight dynamics engine, worldwide scenery, weather, a large aircraft library and multiplayer. Aircraft systems are modelled deeply enough that checklists and procedures matter.
The difference: Scenery and cockpit art do not approach modern MSFS, which leans on satellite photogrammetry and streaming. FlightGear's quality varies by aircraft because they are community-contributed — some are studied to switch level, others are rough.
FlightGear is our pick because it feels like the flight sim we stumbled into and kept coming back to. It’s deep, open, endlessly tinkering-friendly, and still feels like a hidden gem.
Questions
What is the best free alternative to Microsoft Flight Simulator?
FlightGear is the best free alternative to Microsoft Flight Simulator: an open-source simulator with a genuine flight dynamics engine, global scenery, weather, multiplayer and a large free aircraft library, on Windows, macOS and Linux. Visual fidelity is well behind MSFS; system depth is not.
Are these Microsoft Flight Simulator alternatives really free?
Yes. Every game listed here is free to start, with no trial masquerading as a full game and no paid competitive advantage. Optional cosmetics and premium extras are allowed. Each game has been tested and played, then assessed against PlayBound's four published criteria — including whether it has That One Thing worth telling a friend about.
Do I need to pay for multiplayer in these Microsoft Flight Simulator alternatives?
No. None of these games charge for multiplayer. Public servers are community-run and free to join, and there is no subscription of any kind.
How is FlightGear different from Microsoft Flight Simulator?
Scenery and cockpit art do not approach modern MSFS, which leans on satellite photogrammetry and streaming. FlightGear's quality varies by aircraft because they are community-contributed — some are studied to switch level, others are rough.
Every game here has been assessed against the PlayBound Bar — four published criteria for whether a free game is actually worth your time. Every title is tested and played before it is added.