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Aviation · head to head

Collins Aerospace Systems vs X-Plane 12

Collins Aerospace Systems logo

Collins Aerospace Systems

Aviation

Advanced aerospace technology and systems leader

From
On request
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

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

Attributes where Collins Aerospace Systems and X-Plane 12 differ
AttributeCollins Aerospace SystemsX-Plane 12
Starting priceOn request$59.99/lifetime
Pricing modelquoteone-time
PlatformsHardware, Embedded, ConnectivityWindows, Macos, Linux
Founded19191995

Identical on both: 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 Collins Aerospace Systems

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

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.

Collins Aerospace Systems

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

X-Plane 12

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

Where each one falls short

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

Collins Aerospace Systems

Nothing recorded yet. See the Collins Aerospace Systems review.

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

Collins Aerospace Systems

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

X-Plane 12

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

Which should you pick?

Choose Collins Aerospace Systems if

  • You need flight control systems.
  • You work on Hardware, Embedded, Connectivity.
  • You also want avionics.
Collins Aerospace Systems 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 Collins Aerospace Systems or X-Plane 12 better?
Neither clearly leads. Collins Aerospace Systems starts at On request 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, Collins Aerospace Systems or X-Plane 12?
Collins Aerospace Systems starts at On request and X-Plane 12 at $59.99/lifetime.
Does Collins Aerospace Systems or X-Plane 12 run on more platforms?
Collins Aerospace Systems runs on Hardware, Embedded, Connectivity. X-Plane 12 runs on Windows, Macos, Linux.
What is Collins Aerospace Systems best used for?
Collins Aerospace Systems is most often used for aircraft systems, cabin connectivity, maintenance support, aftermarket services. Of those, aircraft systems and cabin connectivity are not what X-Plane 12 is typically brought in for.
What can Collins Aerospace Systems do that X-Plane 12 cannot?
Collins Aerospace Systems covers Flight control systems, Avionics, Cabin systems, In-flight connectivity. X-Plane 12 covers Flight physics, Global scenery, Realistic aircraft, Weather simulation.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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
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
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
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