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Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 vs DUAT

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 logo

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

Software

Hyper-realistic cloud-based flight simulation

From
$9.99/month
Rated
-
D

DUAT

Software

Flight briefing and weather information system

From
$9.95/month
Rated
-

The short version

  • 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; DUAT no native mobile applications; web-only access
  • They diverge on capability: Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 covers Photogrammetry scenery, DUAT covers Flight briefings.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and DUAT differ
AttributeMicrosoft Flight Simulator 2024DUAT
Starting price$9.99/month$9.95/month
PlatformsWindows, XboxWeb
Founded20201992

Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), 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 DUAT

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

What people use each for

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

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

  • Flight trainingnot DUAT
  • Recreationnot DUAT
  • VR flyingnot DUAT
  • Network flyingnot DUAT

DUAT

  • Flight briefingnot Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
  • Weather briefingnot Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
  • Flight planningnot Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
  • Regulatory compliancenot 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

DUAT

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

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

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

Which should you pick?

Choose Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 if

  • You need photogrammetry scenery.
  • You work on Windows, Xbox.
  • You also want realistic weather.

Choose DUAT if

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

Questions people ask

Is Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 or DUAT better?
Neither clearly leads. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 starts at $9.99/month and DUAT at $9.95/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 or DUAT?
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 starts at $9.99/month and DUAT at $9.95/month.
Does Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 or DUAT run on more platforms?
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 runs on Windows, Xbox. DUAT runs on Web.
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 DUAT is typically brought in for.
What can Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 do that DUAT cannot?
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 covers Photogrammetry scenery, Realistic weather, Aircraft systems, Global coverage. DUAT covers Flight briefings, Weather data, NOTAM information, Flight planning.

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
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
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
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
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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