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Software · head to head

X-Plane 12 vs Collins Aerospace Systems

X-Plane 12 logo

X-Plane 12

Software

Professional flight simulation software

From
$59.99/lifetime
Rated
-
Collins Aerospace Systems logo

Collins Aerospace Systems

Software

Advanced aerospace technology and systems leader

From
On request
Rated
-

The short version

  • They diverge on capability: X-Plane 12 covers Flight physics, Collins Aerospace Systems covers Flight control systems.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which X-Plane 12 and Collins Aerospace Systems actually diverge.

Attributes where X-Plane 12 and Collins Aerospace Systems differ
AttributeX-Plane 12Collins Aerospace Systems
Starting price$59.99/lifetimeOn request
Pricing modelone-timequote
PlatformsWindows, Macos, LinuxHardware, Embedded, Connectivity
Founded19951919

Identical on both: 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 X-Plane 12

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

Only in Collins Aerospace Systems

  • Flight control systems
  • Avionics
  • Cabin systems
  • In-flight connectivity
  • Maintenance support
  • Aircraft OEMs
  • Airlines
  • MRO facilities

What people use each for

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

X-Plane 12

  • Flight simulation for private pilots and enthusiastsnot Collins Aerospace Systems
  • Procedure practice and aircraft familiarisationnot Collins Aerospace Systems

Collins Aerospace Systems

  • Aircraft systemsnot X-Plane 12
  • Cabin connectivitynot X-Plane 12
  • Maintenance supportnot X-Plane 12
  • Aftermarket servicesnot X-Plane 12

Where each one falls short

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

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

Collins Aerospace Systems

Nothing recorded yet. See the Collins Aerospace Systems review.

Pricing, plan by plan

X-Plane 12

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

Collins Aerospace Systems

On request
  • Aerospace SystemsFree
    • Avionics
    • Flight controls
    • Cabin systems

Which should you pick?

Choose X-Plane 12 if

  • You need flight physics.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux.
  • You also want global scenery.

Choose Collins Aerospace Systems if

  • You need flight control systems.
  • You work on Hardware, Embedded, Connectivity.
  • You also want avionics.

Questions people ask

Is X-Plane 12 or Collins Aerospace Systems better?
Neither clearly leads. X-Plane 12 starts at $59.99/lifetime and Collins Aerospace Systems at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, X-Plane 12 or Collins Aerospace Systems?
X-Plane 12 starts at $59.99/lifetime and Collins Aerospace Systems at On request.
Does X-Plane 12 or Collins Aerospace Systems run on more platforms?
X-Plane 12 runs on Windows, Macos, Linux. Collins Aerospace Systems runs on Hardware, Embedded, Connectivity.
What is X-Plane 12 best used for?
X-Plane 12 is most often used for flight simulation for private pilots and enthusiasts, procedure practice and aircraft familiarisation. Of those, flight simulation for private pilots and enthusiasts and procedure practice and aircraft familiarisation are not what Collins Aerospace Systems is typically brought in for.
What can X-Plane 12 do that Collins Aerospace Systems cannot?
X-Plane 12 covers Flight physics, Global scenery, Realistic aircraft, Weather simulation. Collins Aerospace Systems covers Flight control systems, Avionics, Cabin systems, In-flight connectivity.

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