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Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 vs CloudAhoy

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 logo

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

Software

Hyper-realistic cloud-based flight simulation

From
$9.99/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
CloudAhoy logo

CloudAhoy

Software

Flight tracking and analysis platform for general aviation

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only CloudAhoy has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 standard Edition is limited to 70 aircraft and 150 airports, versus 95 aircraft and 160 airports in the Premium Deluxe Edition and 125 aircraft in the Aviator Edition; CloudAhoy pricing is not published; the Pro tier is named but not costed
  • They diverge on capability: Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 covers Photogrammetry scenery, CloudAhoy covers Flight tracking.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and CloudAhoy actually diverge.

Attributes where Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and CloudAhoy differ
AttributeMicrosoft Flight Simulator 2024CloudAhoy
Starting price$9.99/monthFree
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWindows, XboxWeb, Ios, Android
Founded20202012

Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

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 Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

  • Photogrammetry scenery
  • Realistic weather
  • Aircraft systems
  • Global coverage
  • ATC
  • Xbox Game Pass
  • Azure cloud
  • Third-party add-ons

Only in CloudAhoy

  • Flight tracking
  • Flight replay
  • Performance analysis
  • Training reports
  • Data visualization
  • GPS devices
  • Aviation databases
  • Weather data

What people use each for

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

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

  • Flight trainingnot CloudAhoy
  • Recreationnot CloudAhoy
  • VR flyingnot CloudAhoy
  • Network flyingnot CloudAhoy

CloudAhoy

  • Post-flight debrief for flight students and instructorsnot Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
  • Reviewing stabilised approaches after the factnot Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
  • Checking IFR accuracy against the flown tracknot Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
  • Sharing a flight track with another pilotnot Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
  • Debriefing fixed-wing, rotorcraft and glider flightsnot Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

Where each one falls short

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

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

  • Standard Edition is limited to 70 aircraft and 150 airports, versus 95 aircraft and 160 airports in the Premium Deluxe Edition and 125 aircraft in the Aviator Edition

CloudAhoy

  • Pricing is not published; the Pro tier is named but not costed
  • Stability Score and Maneuver Score are Pro features
  • A post-flight debrief tool, so it analyses data recorded elsewhere rather than being an in-cockpit aid

Pricing, plan by plan

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

$9.99/month
  • Game Pass$9.99/month
    • Full simulator
    • Game Pass included
    • Cloud saves
  • Standalone$89.99/lifetime
    • Full simulator
    • Lifetime license
    • All updates

CloudAhoy

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Basic flight tracking
    • Flight replay
    • Limited storage
  • Pro$5.99/month
    • Advanced analysis
    • Performance metrics
    • Unlimited storage

Which should you pick?

Choose Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 if

  • You need photogrammetry scenery.
  • You work on Windows, Xbox.
  • You also want realistic weather.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 review

Choose CloudAhoy if

  • You need flight tracking.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android.
  • You also want flight replay.
CloudAhoy review

Questions people ask

Is Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 or CloudAhoy better?
Neither clearly leads. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 starts at $9.99/month and CloudAhoy at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 or CloudAhoy?
CloudAhoy has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $9.99/month for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and Free for CloudAhoy.
Does Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 or CloudAhoy run on more platforms?
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 runs on Windows, Xbox. CloudAhoy runs on Web, Ios, Android.
Can I use CloudAhoy for free?
Yes. CloudAhoy has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 starts at $9.99/month.
What is Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 best used for?
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is most often used for flight training, recreation, vr flying, network flying. Of those, flight training and recreation are not what CloudAhoy is typically brought in for.
What can Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 do that CloudAhoy cannot?
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 covers Photogrammetry scenery, Realistic weather, Aircraft systems, Global coverage. CloudAhoy covers Flight tracking, Flight replay, Performance analysis, Training reports.
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