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Aviation · head to head

simBrief vs X-Plane 12

simBrief logo

simBrief

Aviation

Free online flight planning for flight simulators

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
X-Plane 12 logo

X-Plane 12

Aviation

Professional flight simulation software

From
$59.99/lifetime
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only simBrief has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: simBrief the free version uses a navigation database the vendor describes as slightly outdated by default; X-Plane 12 commercial and professional use requires a separate licence at $1,000, against $59.99 for the personal digital download
  • They diverge on capability: simBrief covers Flight planning, X-Plane 12 covers Flight physics.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which simBrief and X-Plane 12 actually diverge.

Attributes where simBrief and X-Plane 12 differ
AttributesimBriefX-Plane 12
Starting priceFree$59.99/lifetime
Pricing modelfreeone-time
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWebWindows, Macos, Linux
Founded20091995

Identical on both: 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 simBrief

  • Flight planning
  • Weather integration
  • NOTAM analysis
  • Fuel calculation
  • Briefing generation
  • Real weather
  • NOTAM data
  • Aircraft database

Only in X-Plane 12

  • Flight physics
  • Global scenery
  • Realistic aircraft
  • Weather simulation
  • ATC system
  • Plugins
  • Add-ons
  • VR headsets

What people use each for

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

simBrief

  • Generating realistic flight plans and briefing packs for flight simulationnot X-Plane 12
  • Calculating fuel, routing and weight and balance for simulated flightsnot X-Plane 12

X-Plane 12

  • Flight simulation for private pilots and enthusiastsnot simBrief
  • Procedure practice and aircraft familiarisationnot simBrief

Where each one falls short

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

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  • The free version uses a navigation database the vendor describes as slightly outdated by default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

X-Plane 12

  • Commercial and professional use requires a separate licence at $1,000, against $59.99 for the personal digital download
  • The personal edition therefore cannot be used for paid training or commercial simulation
  • The professional edition is a distinct product rather than an upgrade path

Pricing, plan by plan

simBrief

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

X-Plane 12

$59.99/lifetime
  • X-Plane 12$59.99/lifetime
    • Full simulator
    • Global scenery
    • Realistic physics

Which should you pick?

Choose simBrief if

  • You need flight planning.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want weather integration.
simBrief review

Choose X-Plane 12 if

  • You need flight physics.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux.
  • You also want global scenery.
X-Plane 12 review

Questions people ask

Is simBrief or X-Plane 12 better?
Neither clearly leads. simBrief starts at Free and X-Plane 12 at $59.99/lifetime, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, simBrief or X-Plane 12?
simBrief has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for simBrief and $59.99/lifetime for X-Plane 12.
Does simBrief or X-Plane 12 run on more platforms?
simBrief runs on Web. X-Plane 12 runs on Windows, Macos, Linux.
Can I use simBrief for free?
Yes. simBrief has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. X-Plane 12 starts at $59.99/lifetime.
What is simBrief best used for?
simBrief is most often used for generating realistic flight plans and briefing packs for flight simulation, calculating fuel, routing and weight and balance for simulated flights. Of those, generating realistic flight plans and briefing packs for flight simulation and calculating fuel, routing and weight and balance for simulated flights are not what X-Plane 12 is typically brought in for.
What can simBrief do that X-Plane 12 cannot?
simBrief covers Flight planning, Weather integration, NOTAM analysis, Fuel calculation. X-Plane 12 covers Flight physics, Global scenery, Realistic aircraft, Weather simulation.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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
X-Plane 12: How much does X-Plane 12 Personal Edition cost?

X-Plane 12 Personal Edition is priced at $59.99 for digital download, the same price on Steam, or $99.99 for the DVD set.

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
X-Plane 12: What is the pricing difference for professional use of X-Plane 12?

Professional-use versions are significantly more expensive, ranging from $1,000 for digital downloads to $1,250 for USB keys.

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
X-Plane 12: How do I activate X-Plane 12 after purchasing the digital download?

When you purchase the digital download edition, you will receive an email confirmation with instructions on how to use and activate X-Plane 12.

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
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