Microsoft Flight Simulator: The ultimate 2‑minute Black Friday guide for the PERFECT joystick

Buying Guides
By last updated

Here are my no-nonsense recommendations for MSFS, featuring my favorite flight sticks and yokes that are still compatible with practically any other flight sim.

You're here for a recommendation on the best flight stick for flight simulators, not my life story. I've skipped any major exposition and Microsoft history lessons to jump into which joysticks and yokes are genuinely worth your money.

My top, no-nonsense suggestion for stick-controlled aircraft starts with Honeycomb's brand-new Foxtrot for PC, a Turtle Beach alternative for Xbox players, and Thrustmaster's entry-level pick. Otherwise, HOTAS and yoke recommendations from the same trio of brands better suit propeller-driven planes.

All of these flight sticks are compatible with Microsoft Flight Simulator, both the 2020 reboot and its 2024 successor, so your only decision to make is which control style you prefer (and whether you have enough space to set it up). Happy flying!

Ben Wilson
Ben Wilson
Senior Editor

Ben is a Senior Editor of Windows Central, covering PC gaming hardware, software, and everything connected to it. He's built more custom desktops than he can count, and has hands-on experience with some of the most exciting components and accessories for Windows PC and Xbox. A lifelong obsession with Microsoft's technology has led to broad expertise in laptops and in the cutting-edge processors that are pushing the industry forward.