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Aviation · head to head

DUAT vs simBrief

D

DUAT

Aviation

Flight briefing and weather information system

From
$9.95/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
simBrief logo

simBrief

Aviation

Free online flight planning for flight simulators

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only simBrief has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: DUAT no native mobile applications; web-only access; simBrief the free version uses a navigation database the vendor describes as slightly outdated by default
  • They diverge on capability: DUAT covers Flight briefings, simBrief covers Weather integration.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which DUAT and simBrief actually diverge.

Attributes where DUAT and simBrief differ
AttributeDUATsimBrief
Starting price$9.95/monthFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionfree
Free tierNoYes
Founded19922009

Identical on both: platforms (Web), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Aviation).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in DUAT

  • Flight briefings
  • Weather data
  • NOTAM information
  • Briefing tools
  • FAA systems
  • Weather services
  • ATC databases
  • Chart systems

Only in simBrief

  • Weather integration
  • NOTAM analysis
  • Fuel calculation
  • Briefing generation
  • Real weather
  • NOTAM data
  • Aircraft database
  • Export formats

Both cover

  • Flight planning
  • Web support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

DUAT

  • Flight briefingnot simBrief
  • Weather briefingnot simBrief
  • Flight planningnot simBrief
  • Regulatory compliancenot simBrief

simBrief

  • Generating realistic flight plans and briefing packs for flight simulationnot DUAT
  • Calculating fuel, routing and weight and balance for simulated flightsnot DUAT

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

DUAT

  • No native mobile applications; web-only access
  • Modern pilots prefer integrated EFB solutions with moving map displays

simBrief

  • The free version uses a navigation database the vendor describes as slightly outdated by default
  • Current navigation data updated every 28 days requires a separate Navigraph subscription
  • Jeppesen IFR and VFR charts require the higher Navigraph Unlimited subscription
  • Neither subscription price is stated on the SimBrief site, since both are sold by Navigraph

Pricing, plan by plan

DUAT

$9.95/month
  • Standard$9.95/month
    • Flight briefings
    • Weather data
    • NOTAM information
  • Professional$24.95/month
    • All Standard features
    • Advanced weather
    • Unlimited briefings

simBrief

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Flight planning
    • Weather analysis
    • Fuel planning

Which should you pick?

Choose DUAT if

  • You need flight briefings.
  • You also want weather data.
DUAT review

Choose simBrief if

  • You need weather integration.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want notam analysis.
simBrief review

Questions people ask

Is DUAT or simBrief better?
Neither clearly leads. DUAT starts at $9.95/month and simBrief at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, DUAT or simBrief?
simBrief has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $9.95/month for DUAT and Free for simBrief.
Does DUAT or simBrief run on more platforms?
Both run on Web, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
Can I use simBrief for free?
Yes. simBrief has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. DUAT starts at $9.95/month.
What is DUAT best used for?
DUAT is most often used for flight briefing, weather briefing, flight planning, regulatory compliance. Of those, flight briefing and weather briefing are not what simBrief is typically brought in for.
What can DUAT do that simBrief cannot?
DUAT covers Flight briefings, Weather data, NOTAM information, Briefing tools. simBrief covers Weather integration, NOTAM analysis, Fuel calculation, Briefing generation. Both handle Flight planning, Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

DUAT: What services does DUAT provide?

DUAT provides weather briefings, NOTAM information, and flight plan filing through an online system accessible to registered pilots. Pilots can check weather, review alerts, and file flight plans within a 15-minute transaction window.

Source
simBrief: Is SimBrief free to use?

Yes, SimBrief is free to use. It is a free flight planning service provided by Navigraph for Flight Simulation enthusiasts. Creating a Navigraph account is free, quick, and easy.

Source
DUAT: Who can use DUAT?

DUAT services are available to registered U.S. pilots and student pilots who hold a current medical certificate, as well as flight instructors, ground instructors, and other members of the aviation community.

Source
simBrief: What does SimBrief provide for flight planning?

SimBrief is a web-based dispatching system that generates in-depth flight plan packages featuring detailed fuel planning, weather forecasts, current NOTAMs, ETOPS calculations, and much more in seconds.

Source
DUAT: How has DUAT changed over time?

DUAT has evolved as a service. The FAA discontinued DUATS (the competing service) on May 16, 2018, and most pilots have transitioned to modern electronic flight bag applications. DUAT.com, operated by Data Transformation Corp., continues to provide flight briefing services.

Source
simBrief: Can I upgrade SimBrief for better features?

SimBrief is free by default and uses a slightly outdated navigation database. You can purchase a Navigraph subscription after registering to access the latest navigation database and additional features.

Source
DUAT: Is DUAT free to use?

Historically, DUAT was free to qualified U.S. pilots and student pilots holding a current medical certificate. Current pricing for DUAT.com services should be verified directly with the provider.

Source
simBrief: How do I access SimBrief?

To access SimBrief, you need to sign in using a Navigraph account. You can create a free Navigraph account from the SimBrief website.

Source
DUAT: What are the recommended alternatives to DUAT?

The FAA recommends 1800wxbrief.com for free weather and aeronautical information, flight plan filing, and automated services. Modern pilots increasingly use electronic flight bag applications like ForeFlight and Garmin Pilot which integrate weather, charts, and flight planning.

Source
DUAT: Does DUAT offer mobile app access?

DUAT is primarily web-based without native mobile applications. Modern electronic flight bag alternatives like ForeFlight and Garmin Pilot offer full-featured mobile apps for on-the-go flight planning.

Source
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