Software · head to head
X-Plane 12 vs Collins Aerospace Systems

X-Plane 12
Software
Professional flight simulation software
- From
- $59.99/lifetime
- Rated
- -

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.
| Attribute | X-Plane 12 | Collins Aerospace Systems |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $59.99/lifetime | On request |
| Pricing model | one-time | quote |
| Platforms | Windows, Macos, Linux | Hardware, Embedded, Connectivity |
| Founded | 1995 | 1919 |
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.
Related pages
More on Collins Aerospace Systems
Keep looking
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- Collins Aerospace Systems vs ForeFlight
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- Collins Aerospace Systems vs SkyDemon
- Collins Aerospace Systems vs AMOS
- Collins Aerospace Systems vs ARINC Flight Operations Services
- Collins Aerospace Systems vs AviaSIM Pro
- Collins Aerospace Systems vs CAE Flight Training
- Collins Aerospace Systems vs DUATS
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- Collins Aerospace Systems vs Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
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- Collins Aerospace Systems vs AGI STK
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