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X-Plane 12 vs EFB Pro

X-Plane 12 logo

X-Plane 12

Software

Professional flight simulation software

From
$59.99/lifetime
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
EFB Pro logo

EFB Pro

Software

Electronic Flight Bag for professional aviation operations

From
$149.99/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: X-Plane 12 commercial and professional use requires a separate licence at $1,000, against $59.99 for the personal digital download; EFB Pro aircraft type support is limited to a published list on CAVU's own site; adding a new aircraft type requires contacting CAVU directly rather than self-service configuration
  • They diverge on capability: X-Plane 12 covers Flight physics, EFB Pro covers Flight planning.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where X-Plane 12 and EFB Pro differ
AttributeX-Plane 12EFB Pro
Starting price$59.99/lifetime$149.99/month
Pricing modelone-timesubscription
PlatformsWindows, Macos, LinuxIos, Android, Windows
Founded19952010

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 EFB Pro

  • Flight planning
  • Weight and balance
  • Performance planning
  • Aeronautical charts
  • In-flight management
  • FMS systems
  • Dispatch systems
  • Weather services

Both cover

  • Windows support

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 EFB Pro
  • Procedure practice and aircraft familiarisationnot EFB Pro

EFB Pro

  • Commercial operationsnot X-Plane 12
  • Crew trainingnot X-Plane 12
  • Flight performancenot X-Plane 12
  • Dispatch coordinationnot 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

EFB Pro

  • Aircraft type support is limited to a published list on CAVU's own site; adding a new aircraft type requires contacting CAVU directly rather than self-service configuration
  • Requires iOS 15.6 or later, per the App Store listing

Pricing, plan by plan

X-Plane 12

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

EFB Pro

$149.99/month
  • Standard$149.99/month
    • Flight planning
    • Charts access
    • Weight and balance
  • Enterprise$299.99/month
    • All Standard features
    • Crew training
    • Custom integrations

Which should you pick?

Choose X-Plane 12 if

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

Choose EFB Pro if

  • You need flight planning.
  • You work on Ios, Android, Windows.
  • You also want weight and balance.
EFB Pro review

Questions people ask

Is X-Plane 12 or EFB Pro better?
Neither clearly leads. X-Plane 12 starts at $59.99/lifetime and EFB Pro at $149.99/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, X-Plane 12 or EFB Pro?
X-Plane 12 starts at $59.99/lifetime and EFB Pro at $149.99/month.
Does X-Plane 12 or EFB Pro run on more platforms?
X-Plane 12 runs on Windows, Macos, Linux. EFB Pro runs on Ios, Android, Windows.
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 EFB Pro is typically brought in for.
What can X-Plane 12 do that EFB Pro cannot?
X-Plane 12 covers Flight physics, Global scenery, Realistic aircraft, Weather simulation. EFB Pro covers Flight planning, Weight and balance, Performance planning, Aeronautical charts. Both handle Windows support.
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