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Aviation · head to head

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 vs SpaceX Starlink Aviation

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 logo

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

Aviation

Hyper-realistic cloud-based flight simulation

From
$9.99/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
SpaceX Starlink Aviation logo

SpaceX Starlink Aviation

Aviation

High-speed satellite internet for aircraft

From
$12500/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 pricing not disclosed on vendor site; available only through external retailers; SpaceX Starlink Aviation no pricing information published on aviation service page
  • They diverge on capability: Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 covers Photogrammetry scenery, SpaceX Starlink Aviation covers High-speed internet.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and SpaceX Starlink Aviation actually diverge.

Attributes where Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and SpaceX Starlink Aviation differ
AttributeMicrosoft Flight Simulator 2024SpaceX Starlink Aviation
Starting price$9.99/month$12500/month
PlatformsWindows, XboxHardware
Founded20202002

Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), 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 Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

  • Photogrammetry scenery
  • Realistic weather
  • ATC
  • Xbox Game Pass
  • Azure cloud
  • Third-party add-ons
  • VR support
  • Hardware

Only in SpaceX Starlink Aviation

  • High-speed internet
  • Low latency
  • Streaming capable
  • Multi-user support
  • IFE systems
  • Cabin management
  • Flight operations
  • Encrypted connection

Both cover

  • Aircraft systems
  • Global coverage

What people use each for

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

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

  • Flight trainingnot SpaceX Starlink Aviation
  • Recreationnot SpaceX Starlink Aviation
  • VR flyingnot SpaceX Starlink Aviation
  • Network flyingnot SpaceX Starlink Aviation

SpaceX Starlink Aviation

  • Passenger connectivitynot Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
  • Crew operationsnot Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
  • Real-time datanot Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
  • Entertainmentnot Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
  • Business operationsnot 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

  • Pricing not disclosed on vendor site; available only through external retailers
  • Multiple editions without published pricing comparison

SpaceX Starlink Aviation

  • No pricing information published on aviation service page
  • Service availability and hardware requirements not clearly specified
  • Bandwidth limitations and latency specifications not disclosed

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

SpaceX Starlink Aviation

$12500/month
  • Starlink Aviation$12500/month
    • Up to 350 Mbps
    • Global coverage
    • Low latency

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 SpaceX Starlink Aviation if

  • You need high-speed internet.
  • You work on Hardware.
  • You also want low latency.
SpaceX Starlink Aviation review

Questions people ask

Is Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 or SpaceX Starlink Aviation better?
Neither clearly leads. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 starts at $9.99/month and SpaceX Starlink Aviation at $12500/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 or SpaceX Starlink Aviation?
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 starts at $9.99/month and SpaceX Starlink Aviation at $12500/month.
Does Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 or SpaceX Starlink Aviation run on more platforms?
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 runs on Windows, Xbox. SpaceX Starlink Aviation runs on Hardware.
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 SpaceX Starlink Aviation is typically brought in for.
What can Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 do that SpaceX Starlink Aviation cannot?
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 covers Photogrammetry scenery, Realistic weather, ATC, Xbox Game Pass. SpaceX Starlink Aviation covers High-speed internet, Low latency, Streaming capable, Multi-user support. Both handle Aircraft systems, Global coverage.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024: What editions of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 are available?

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is available in four editions: Standard (70 aircraft, 150 airports), Deluxe (80 aircraft, 155 airports), Premium Deluxe (95 aircraft, 160 airports), and Aviator (125 aircraft, 160 airports, includes 30 Microsoft-published marketplace aircraft).

Source
SpaceX Starlink Aviation: What does Starlink Aviation service cost?

Starlink does not publish pricing information on its aviation service page. Customers interested in service must contact Starlink directly to inquire about availability, hardware costs, and monthly subscription rates.

Source
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024: Where can I purchase Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024?

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is available on Microsoft Store, Steam, PlayStation Store, and Xbox Game Pass. Pricing is not listed on the official website; customers must check these retailers for current prices.

Source
SpaceX Starlink Aviation: How do I purchase Starlink Aviation service?

The aviation service page does not provide details on how to purchase or sign up. Interested parties are directed to contact Starlink through the main website.

Source
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