X-Plane 12 vs Lockheed Martin Prepar3D
A comprehensive head-to-head comparison of two leading aviation & aerospace solutions in 2026. Compare features, pricing, ratings, and more to find the right fit.
Quick Verdict
Choose X-Plane 12 if you need Flight physics and prefer comprehensive paid features. Choose Lockheed Martin Prepar3D if you prioritize Flight simulation and want plans starting at $9.99/month. Lockheed Martin Prepar3D has a higher user rating (4.8 vs 4.7).
X-Plane 12 vs Lockheed Martin Prepar3D: At a Glance
| Criteria | X-Plane 12 | Lockheed Martin Prepar3D |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.7 | 4.8 |
| Pricing | $59.99/lifetime | $9.99/month |
| Pricing Model | perpetual | subscription |
| Free Plan | ||
| Platforms | Windows, Macos, Linux | Windows, Vr |
| Category | Aviation & Aerospace | Aviation & Aerospace |
| Founded | 1995 | 2010 |
Feature Comparison: X-Plane 12 vs Lockheed Martin Prepar3D
| Feature | X-Plane 12 | Lockheed Martin Prepar3D |
|---|---|---|
| Flight physics | ||
| Global scenery | ||
| Realistic aircraft | ||
| Weather simulation | ||
| ATC system | ||
| Plugins | ||
| Add-ons | ||
| VR headsets | ||
| Controllers | ||
| Hardware | ||
| License activation | ||
| Online flying | ||
| Multiplayer | ||
| VA compatibility | ||
| Windows support | ||
| Flight simulation | ||
| Aircraft systems | ||
| Realistic physics | ||
| Training scenarios | ||
| Performance analysis | ||
| Hardware controllers | ||
| VR systems | ||
| Motion platforms | ||
| Custom aircraft | ||
| Enterprise systems | ||
| Enterprise security | ||
| Data encryption | ||
| Role-based access | ||
| Multiplayer training | ||
| Instructor control |
X-Plane 12 vs Lockheed Martin Prepar3D: Pricing Breakdown
X-Plane 12 Pricing
Model: perpetual
- Full simulator
- Global scenery
- Realistic physics
- VR support
Lockheed Martin Prepar3D Pricing
Model: subscription
- Flight simulation
- Basic aircraft
- Training tools
- Scenario creation
- Advanced simulation
- Full aircraft systems
- Advanced training
- Custom scenarios
Pros and Cons
X-Plane 12
Pros
- Highly rated by users (4.7/5)
- Available on 3 platforms (Windows, Macos, Linux)
- Rich feature set with 15+ capabilities
- Strong Flight physics functionality
- Strong Global scenery functionality
Cons
- No free plan available
- May require time to learn advanced features
Lockheed Martin Prepar3D
Pros
- Highly rated by users (4.8/5)
- Rich feature set with 15+ capabilities
- Strong Flight simulation functionality
- Strong Aircraft systems functionality
Cons
- No free plan available
- May require time to learn advanced features
Who Should Use X-Plane 12 vs Lockheed Martin Prepar3D?
Choose X-Plane 12 if you:
- Need Flight physics
- Have a budget of $59.99/lifetime+
- Work primarily on Windows and Macos
- Value Global scenery
Choose Lockheed Martin Prepar3D if you:
- Need Flight simulation
- Have a budget of $9.99/month+
- Work primarily on Windows and Vr
- Value Aircraft systems
Frequently Asked Questions: X-Plane 12 vs Lockheed Martin Prepar3D
Is X-Plane 12 better than Lockheed Martin Prepar3D?
It depends on your needs. X-Plane 12 has a 4.7/5 user rating while Lockheed Martin Prepar3D has 4.8/5. X-Plane 12 excels in Flight physics and Global scenery, while Lockheed Martin Prepar3D stands out with Flight simulation and Aircraft systems. Consider your budget ($59.99/lifetime vs $9.99/month), platform needs, and specific feature requirements.
Which is cheaper, X-Plane 12 or Lockheed Martin Prepar3D?
X-Plane 12 starts at $59.99/lifetime. Lockheed Martin Prepar3D starts at $9.99/month. Compare the specific plan features to determine the best value for your use case.
Can I use X-Plane 12 and Lockheed Martin Prepar3D together?
While both are aviation & aerospace tools, some teams use complementary software together. Check each product's API and integration capabilities for compatibility. However, most users find that one solution covers their core aviation & aerospace needs.
What are the main differences between X-Plane 12 and Lockheed Martin Prepar3D?
The key differences include: pricing model (perpetual vs subscription), platform support (Windows, Macos, Linux vs Windows, Vr), and feature focus. X-Plane 12 emphasizes Flight physics, Global scenery, Realistic aircraft while Lockheed Martin Prepar3D focuses on Flight simulation, Aircraft systems, Realistic physics. User ratings differ slightly: 4.7 vs 4.8 out of 5.
Ready to choose?
Explore detailed reviews, user ratings, and pricing for both X-Plane 12 and Lockheed Martin Prepar3D.