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Guide to flight simulator controllers
Flight sims have advanced tremendously over the years, and so have the flght simulator controllers used to enhance the experience. Gone are the days when a simple joystick and throttle were your only affordable options—today, flight sim setups are more immersive and varied than ever.
With so many yokes, joysticks, rudder pedals, and throttle quadrants available, choosing the right setup can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re breaking down some of the best flight sim controllers to help you find the perfect option for your budget and play-style.
1️⃣ Logitech G Saitek Pro Flight Yoke, Throttle, and Rudders Bundle
This package is the gold standard for many flight sim enthusiasts. It offers a realistic, durable, and customizable experience, making it the go-to choice for serious flight simulation players. This bundle gives you full control with a rich feature set that can be expanded over time and you get the full package at a price that is difficult to beat.
The Saitek Pro Flight Yoke System is designed to mimic the controls of an actual aircraft. With a yoke, throttle quadrant, and rudder pedals, it offers a complete setup. The yoke and throttle quadrant are solid and well-built, with stainless steel shafts in the yoke ensuring longevity. The throttle quadrant also includes customizable lever handles, allowing users to configure them based on the aircraft they’re flying. There are also a good amount of buttons to customize in game commands which can help build a more immersive experience.
Another highlight to this package is that this bundle is part of Logitech’s modular system, meaning you can easily add additional components such as switch panels or multi-instrument panels for a more detailed cockpit experience.
But keep in mind, it can be incredibly difficult to get the game to recognize each different component. After, you still will need to key bind each individual part to the game which can be very time consuming, and sometimes the game won’t recognize the button which means you need to restart until the game sees it.
But like we said, you get the full package here, and while it’s not all premium quality, you get it all for a very reasonable price which is why this is my number one recommendation.
This package includes:
A yoke system with stainless steel shafts for longevity
A throttle quadrant with customizable levers
Rudder pedals for added realism
Why It’s Great:
✅ Modular system – Expandable with additional Logitech panels (multi-instrument displays, switch panels, etc.)
✅ Customizable buttons – Plenty of inputs for immersive gameplay
✅ Plug-and-play setup – Automatically recognized by most flight simulators
Things to Consider:
❌ Can be tricky to set up initially – Requires manual keybinding in-game
❌ Not all components are premium quality – Some plastic parts feel cheaper
Overall: The best all-around option for both beginners and serious flight sim players. It may take some time to set up, but once you get going, this system offers an immersive, realistic experience.
2️⃣ Thrustmaster T-Flight Full Kit
If you want the full package but want an even cheaper option, then the Thrustmaster T-Flight might be the one you’re looking for. This package includes it all while also being far cheaper than the Logitech. But as you’d expect, the quality is worse too. The pedals aren’t as fluid and the joystick is more of a fighter pilot rather than a 747 plane. Still, this is hard to beat.
As one of the few flight sim controllers fully compatible with both Xbox Series X,S and PC, it caters to console gamers who want to take their flight simulation to the next level. Easy setup is one of the standout features. This system is truly plug-and-play, meaning users can get started without the need for complex configurations.
Having said all that, we need to take note that unlike more expensive setups, the T-Flight Full Kit doesn’t offer the same level of button and axis customization. It should also be noted that while it’s a solid option for its price point, the materials used in the T-Flight Full Kit are not as premium as higher-end options, so durability may be a concern with long-term heavy use.
This package includes:
A flight joystick (HOTAS-style, fighter-jet inspired)
Throttle quadrant for power control
Rudder pedals
Why It’s Great:
✅ Affordable – One of the most budget-friendly complete flight sim kits
✅ Easy setup – Truly plug-and-play for Xbox & PC users
✅ Good for casual and console players
Things to Consider:
❌ Build quality is not premium – Mostly plastic components
❌ Pedals aren’t as fluid as high-end models
❌ Joystick is more suited for fighter planes than airliners
Overall: This is a great budget flight simulator controllers option for console players or those wanting an entry-level flight setup. You get everything you need for less money, though the quality doesn’t match higher-end products.
3️⃣ Logitech G X56 H.O.T.A.S Throttle and Joystick
This was actually my first HOTAS controller, and I did a ton of research to discover if this was the controller for me. That being said, this was such a great option to dive into as it has everything you need to get started. The amount of buttons this controller has is amazing, but at the same time, I ended up having to put post-it notes beside the buttons so I remembered what I actually programmed them to do.
Set up was a breeze and the games very easily picked up on both sets of controllers, making the set up and button assignments a breeze.
This is also a popular package so there is a lot of support online which can really make a difference when you need to trouble shoot. I was also impressed by the metal components as well where some of the frame and buttons were full on metal.
That being said, the downside was that it had a hard time sticking to the desk as all they gave you was suction cups. As I was dog fighting, the controllers would slide around out of control, but if it was for Flight Simulator 2024, then it’s perfect.
For those who prefer joystick and throttle (HOTAS) setups, the Logitech G X56 is a fantastic option. It’s particularly great for combat flight simulators like DCS and Star Citizen, but it also works well for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.
This package includes:
Joystick & throttle quadrant
4 spring tension options for joystick resistance
189 programmable buttons
Why It’s Great:
✅ Highly customizable – Tons of buttons for realistic control setups
✅ Metal components for durability
✅ Widely supported with strong online troubleshooting help
Things to Consider:
❌ Suction cups don’t hold well – Can move around on a desk during intense dogfights
❌ No rudder pedals included
Overall: A great HOTAS setup with tons of customization options. If you’re okay without rudder pedals, this is a top-tier joystick and throttle system.
4️⃣ Turtle Beach Velocity One Flight Universal Control System
This flight sim controller setup provides an excellent all-in-one solution. For both console or PC player, this system delivers a solid, immersive flight experience. The biggest thing is first and foremost the quality. This is a sleek looking machine that is sure to get noticed. The ability to customize and build controls is a great feature. Also, the yoke handle has a smooth motion, providing tactile feedback for precise control during flight. The throttle quadrant also feels solid and offers customizable levers. And because of the comfortable grip and smooth yoke movements, it doesn’t feel tiresome are longer gameplay.
But keep in mind, like many other premium flight controllers, the Turtle Beach VelocityOne is on the more expensive side. The learning curve is difficult too, but worth it if you’re serious about flight sim. Also, again, like most of these, set up was difficult and the computer sometimes had a difficult time recognizing the controllers and all of the components.
But still, if you don’t mind the bulky build and want a flight simulator controller setup that looks as good as it performs, the Turtle Beach Velocity One is an excellent choice.
This package includes:
Yoke system with a comfortable grip
Throttle quadrant with customizable levers
Trim wheel & rudder controls
Why It’s Great:
✅ Aesthetic design – Looks amazing with a sleek, professional finish
✅ Customizable controls – Adjust the throttle levers for different aircraft setups
✅ Durable and built to last
Things to Consider:
❌ More expensive than entry-level options
❌ Takes up a lot of desk space
Overall: An excellent all-in-one premium flight sim setup. If you’re serious about flight sims and want a high-end rig, this is a great investment making it one of the best premium flight simulator controllers.
5️⃣ Thrustmaster TCA Captain Pack Airbus Edition
For aviation enthusiasts who love the Airbus line of aircraft, the Thrustmaster-TCA Captain Pack is a dream come true. Its precise controls, realistic feel, and expandability make it one of the top choices for serious sim players.
This Pack replicates the controls of an Airbus aircraft, making it the perfect choice for fans of commercial aviation. The throttle quadrant and joystick are modeled after real Airbus controls, providing a highly realistic experience. A huge plus is the joystick uses Hall-effect sensors, ensuring smooth and precise inputs. The throttle quadrant includes realistic detents, allowing users to simulate real-world aircraft power management.
And finally, the TCA series is modular, allowing users to expand their setup with additional controls like rudder pedals, making it a flexible option for those wanting to build a more comprehensive cockpit over time. But do keep in mind that although the system is feature-rich, users may find it lacks some of the customization options that more advanced setups offer. There aren’t a ton of buttons to configure but it does have more throttles to better customize the experience. Still, this can be lacking in a lot of ways.
This package includes:
Airbus-style joystick & throttle quadrant
Hall-effect sensors for precision control
Realistic throttle detents & engine switches
Why It’s Great:
✅ Designed for Airbus fans – The most realistic Airbus flight sim controller available
✅ Precise and smooth inputs – Hall-effect sensors ensure accuracy
✅ Expandable – Can be paired with rudder pedals and additional controls
Things to Consider:
❌ Limited button customization
❌ Not as many extra features as other high-end setups
Overall: Perfect for those who love flying Airbus planes. If you want a true-to-life commercial flight experience, this is an awesome option for the flight simulator controllers lineup.
Which Flight Sim Controller Should You Choose?
| Controller | Best For | Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Logitech G Saitek Pro Flight | Best all-around choice | Yoke + Throttle + Pedals | Realistic setup, expandable, good quality | Difficult setup process |
| Thrustmaster T-Flight Full Kit | Best budget option | Joystick + Throttle + Pedals | Affordable, easy to set up | Build quality isn’t premium |
| Logitech G X56 H.O.T.A.S | Best for combat sims | Joystick + Throttle | Highly customizable, great for fighter planes | No rudder pedals included |
| Turtle Beach Velocity One | Best premium setup | Yoke + Throttle | High-end build, great design | Expensive, large footprint |
| Thrustmaster TCA Airbus Pack | Best for airliner fans | Joystick + Throttle | True-to-life Airbus controls, smooth inputs | Limited customization |
Final Thoughts
Choosing from the best flight simulator controllers depends on your budget, preferences, and playstyle.
If you want a realistic all-in-one yoke system, go for the Logitech Saitek Pro Flight Bundle. If you want a budget-friendly setup, the Thrustmaster T-Flight Full Kit is a solid choice. For combat sims, the Logitech G X56 H.O.T.A.S is fantastic. If you want a premium setup, the Turtle Beach Velocity One delivers both style and performance. For Airbus enthusiasts, the Thrustmaster TCA Captain Pack is the best pick.
Watch our video review below for more info:
Thanks for reading, I hope this review of the best flight simulator controllers helped you find the right flight sim setup! If you’re on the lookout for a new laptop, make sure try our Laptop Finder Quiz. Otherwise, check out our similar tech reviews on the links below.
