Looking to get some flying practice without the fear of crashing your drone? Or maybe you’ve just got yourself a brand new DJI drone and want to gain some experience before taking it to the real skies?
Drone flying simulators are a great way to hone your flying skills before you start flying or even a way to maintain your muscle memory during the winter months when there’s less opportunity to fly.
This is our buying guide for the best drone flying simulators on the market in 2023.
We’ll break down the features, pros and cons of each simulator, and give you the scoop on the price range. Whether you’re on a budget or ready to splurge, there’s a range of simulators available on the market, from free options to those that come with a price tag.
But hey, we get it if you’re in a rush and itching for the quick version. Jump straight to the Comparison Table for all the specs and bits you need to know before making a decision.
What is a drone flight simulator?
A drone flight simulator is a training tool that lets you practice flying drones in a virtual world.
Similar to a video game, they are virtual flight playgrounds where you can learn the basics, perfect your inspection and videography skills, or even indulge in some thrilling FPV racing.
Depending on what you want to practice, you can simulate different weather conditions, flight scenarios, and practice specific maneuvres like takeoffs, landings, and aerial maneuvres.
You can use them on several platforms, such as computers, consoles and even your smartphone.
The good news is, you don’t necessarily have to break the bank to get your hands on one. However, if you’re serious about honing your skills and getting a realistic flying experience, investing in a high-quality simulator is the way to go.
Check out the best drones for beginners.
Top drone flight simulators in 2023
These are our top picks for drone flight simulators in 2023. There is no universal simulator that suits ALL drone needs (not yet, anyway).
Hence why I want to emphasise the importance of figuring out what you want to get out of a flight simulator app. From this, you can select the best simulator for you.
DJI Flight Simulator (best for DJI drones)
The DJI Flight Simulator makes the top of our list in that the zero cost and unlimited usage makes this the best simulator for DJI drones on the market.
For those wanting to practise certain movements, get better at flying in windy conditions, or for experience flying with different DJI drones, this app does a great job in doing exactly this.
It’s serious enough to help you get used to the mechanics of actual drone flying but also offers a sense of entertainment with some games and challenges.
If you’re wanting to practice as a hobbyist and don’t have an extra need for FPV drones or for professional applications, then this free piece of software works great.
The free version is available to everyone with a DJI account. Simply, download the simulator from the official DJI website on your computer or laptop, and log in with your DJI credentials. If you do not yet have a DJI account and are wishing to try the simulator before you purchase a drone, you can easily register for a DJI account for free.
You will need a charging cable that enables data transfer to connect the remote controller to your computer. This is available on most cables, however, if your computer is not recognising the controller, it is probably a standard charging cable so just double check.
There is the paid option for an Enterprise or Energy version. Both of these are aimed at businesses and enterprises to practice inspections and other professional applications. The Enterprise version is valued at around ~£1400 ($1300 USD) whilst the Energy version is priced around £7000 – making it a top training investment for businesses.
Whether you’re a casual hobbyist or an ambitious professional, I think there’s little reason to explore beyond the free version of the simulator. It provides more than enough resources for your needs. The only limitations to consider are the fewer features, for example you cannot fly enterprise drones like the Inspire 2 or Matrice, or engage in specific scenarios. In my opinion, despite these restricted extras and drone models, the free version excels in assisting the development of flying skills and provides exactly what you require.
Key features
- Aimed at both hobbyists (free) and professionals (paid).
- Utilises DJI’s advanced flight technology to provide a realistic flying experience.
- Impressive physics and mechanics simulate numerous wind and weather conditions.
- Offers four training modules: Free Flight, Skills Training, Entertainment, and Application Training.
- Experience a range of POVs from the drone lens to the remote controller screen for more immersive training.
- Supports a wide range of popular drone models, including Spark, Mavic 2 Zoom, Mavic Air, Mavic Pro, Phantom 4 Pro, Inspire 1 Pro and Inspire 2.
- Selection of five flight scenarios: Hangar, Farm, City, Island and Custom. Enterprise offers the addition of Mountain and Forest scenarios.
- Available on Windows PC and Mac.
Supported controllers
Mavic Air, Phantom 4, Phantom 4 Advanced, Phantom 4 Pro, Phantom 4 Pro V2.0, Matrice 100, Matrice 600, Matrice 600 Pro, Inspire 1 Series, DJI Smart Controller, Lightbridge 2, and Xbox One controller (unofficially).
Pros
- The free version provides an ample variety of drones and flight modes without requiring a paid upgrade.
- Supports top-level DJI drones like the Mavic, Phantom and Inspire series.
- Provides a realistic simulation of terrain, crashes, and wind control, enhancing the training experience.
- The controller POV accurately replicates thumbstick input, offering a life-like and immersive flight.
- A great choice of different modes from skill development to in-game challenges.
- Acts as a great ‘try before you buy’ – helping you to make a more informed decision before making a drone purchase.
Cons
- Only suitable for DJI drones: As this is specifically a DJI drone simulator, you are limited to strictly flying DJI drone models.
- DJI Mini controllers not supported: Whilst this may not be an issue to some, it’s worth mentioning that the DJI Flight Simulator does not support controllers used with DJI Mini drones like the Mini 2 or Mavic Mini.
- No FPV drone training: Whilst there is an FPV view mode in the DJI simulator, there are no features for flying FPV drones.
- Paid versions are a heavy investment. The simulator is heavily aimed at professionals and so, both the Enterprise and Energy version entail a significant investment that may not deem affordable to the average flyer.
Verdict
A great free option that does what it says on the tin. For zero cost, you can learn the basics of flying, practice scenarios and become a master of flying before you take your drone outside your doorstep. Also, it is an engaging way to ‘shop’ around and play with other drones before buying.
Liftoff: Drone Racing (best for FPV drones)
Serious pilots who want a realistic experience, look away now!
Designed by Immersion RC, this drone flying simulator offers a fun and game-style approach to FPV drone flying. With impressive mechanics and flight controls, it caters to both beginners and professionals in FPV freestyles and racing. There are two modes to choose from: Assisted Flight Mode and Freestyle.
Assisted Flight mode is perfect for beginners and those new to the drone game. Providing a third-person POV of the drone, players can get familiar with the controls and flight mechanics, with full in-game assistance in maintaining a steady height and staying on track during the flight course. As you gain confidence, you can gradually adjust the settings and reduce the game’s support to challenge yourself.
The next level up is Freestyle Mode. This mode reflects true FPV drone flying through an FPV perspective. There no time limit nor other players in this mode, so players are free to do what they want and master the art of aerial ballet.
Moving up a level, Freestyle Mode offers a true FPV drone flying experience and was where I spent most of my playing time. It impressively replicates the view from the FPV drone lens, giving players the freedom to experiment with flight movements in various open environments. As one not much for drone racing, I must admit Freestyle gave me such an adrenaline rush! Flying through narrow spaces with no (major) fear of crashing was an absolute blast. Pun intended.
For drone racing enthusiasts, Liftoff allows players to compete against other FPV racers in an online multiplayer mode. There are numerous competitive events and leaderboards to satisfy your competitive spirit.
Although Liftoff offers an enjoyable gamified experience and is more affordable compared to other drone simulators, I personally didn’t find it worth the full price of £20. And would say it’s better to grab it in a discounted sale.
Features
- Game-style FPV drone flight simulator offering a variety of quads and customisable maps.
- Experienced pilots can explore in Freestyle mode or compete in races, while newcomers can grasp the basics before they take to the field.
- Up to 60 race tracks available.
- Supports FPV goggles and radio controllers for a more immersive flying experience.
- Offers competitive events and leaderboards.
- Available on PS Store (PS4), Xbox Store (Xbox One), and Steam.
Pros
- Ideal for those wanting a fun and game-like experience of FPV flying.
- Supports both newbies to get into FPV racing and the more experienced for good practice sessions.
- Offers both first and third person view in drone flying, so both FPV pilots and general drone pilots can enjoy.
- Affordable game at £20 – compared to most drone flying simulators – to practice and maintain drone flying muscle memory.
Cons:
- Limited to FPV and general drone racing. It less suitable for professionals or individuals focused on photography or videography.
- Flight controls and physics are not hyper-realistic. The game prioritises a more entertaining approach to drone flying.
- Unlocking certain drone parts requires players to level up, which may be a long-winded or tedious task for seasoned pilots.
Verdict
An ideal option for those wanting a thrilling and and entertaining experience with FPV drone flying and racing. Caters to both beginners and experienced pilots at an affordable option.
VelociDrone Simulator (best for FPV racing)
A close second for FPV drone enthusiasts – VelociDrone is a great game for competitive FPV drone racers.
It’s specifically geared towards pilots with prior experience in drone racing. The game boasts its high customisability, offering a wide range of options for drone flying, modes, and maps.
While the graphics may not be top-notch, the focus shifts towards skill development and performance.
Players can challenge themselves to beat personal bests, striving for perfection in modes like Time Attack. For those seeking serious competition, online races provide the opportunity to compete against friends and other FPV racers, striving for higher rankings on global leaderboards.
To purchase this game, you must download it directly from the Velocidrone website. Here, you freely register for a Velocidrone account where you can create your own player name that will be displayed in game and across player leaderboards.
Priced at £16.99 ($20), Velocidrone offers excellent value for its cost.
Features
- Taking a step back from video-game-like drone racing, this simulator is specifically designed for FPV drone racing.
- Can choose from preset quad options or build your own.
- Different modes allow you to compete against other players in leaderboards or beat your personal bests in single player races.
- Option for premium content to purchase more game modes and environments.
- Available on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Pros
- Still releases regular patch updates for map reworks and design updates – as recent as March 2023.
- Great physics and flying mechanics.
- High degree of customisability throughout the game.
- Compatible with almost any USB controller.
Cons
- Not ideal for beginners – aimed at those with some drone racing experience.
- Graphics aren’t top-standard.
- Not available on Steam or console.
Verdict
Velocidrone is a winner for individuals looking to refine their FPV drone racing skills and actively participate in competitions. It’s excellent for those dedicated to quads and building their own drones specifically for races and competitive events.
Drone Sim Pro (best for custom scenarios)
droneSim Pro UAS Flight Simulator is a semi-realistic flight simulator. It’s designed for beginners to veterans of drone flying. Beginners can use this tool to practice their flying skills around obstacles, whilst professionals can use this tool for things like tower inspections.
A demo can be acquired upon registering for an account, in which you receive download instructions from the team. If you like it, you can purchase the full version. Although its full price is at $29.99, I have seen it on sale for $9.99 which is much more affordable for what you get.
You can experience a limited range of scenarios – including an open field, obstacle courses and a house fire (this one is more for firefighters but is open to the general public if you ever wanted to feel like a frontline firefighter).
Personally, I just couldn’t get into the feel of this game. Maybe coming from a gaming background, I enjoy a bit more excitement and thrill. But this game wasn’t giving me enough to stay interested. One feature I did enjoy however was the ability to customise your environments. I was able to create my own obstacle course and scenarios which I can imagine would come in useful for professionals.
Features
- Fairly realistic drone simulator designed to practice general drone flying for beginners and experienced pilots.
- Shows warnings for loss of VLOS and altitude restrictions, replicating a real-world flight experience.
- Offers both drone and pilot views.
- Supports USB controllers, including Playstation and Xbox controllers.
- Available on Windows PC and Mac.
Pros
- Accurate physics and flight engine software create a fairly realistic flight experience.
- Ability to customise environments to practice your specific scenario, as well as deliveing realistic lighting and terrain.
Cons
- Limited to flying only Phantom 2 and Phantom 3 drones.
- Full price is too expensive for the limited features and variety you receive.
Verdict
A fairly well-priced game that allows players to design custom scenarios and environments to practice in. It provides a realistic flying experience to help both beginner and experienced pilots navigate obstacles, helping them transition to real-world flight.
Zephyr Drone Simulator (best for classroom-learning)
Zephyr is a unique choice on this list due to its specialised software that focuses on education and classroom management.
It offers a unique interactive learning management system designed specifically for pilots of all levels, ranging from hobbyists to professionals. Unlike other games or simulators that primarily serve entertainment purposes, Zephyr’s main objective is to provide education and training.
When using Zephyr, you assume the role of a student, and your progress is carefully monitored and evaluated by a professional instructor. The software uses an internal tracking system that allows instructors to observe your performance, through how many errors/violations were made or how often you crashed, for example. Over time, you can track your improvement and build confidence in your piloting abilities, all under the guidance of a qualified instructor.
Individually, Zephyr offers three packages: a free trial for curious hobbyists, a $9.99 package for beginners seeking basic drone training, and a $49.99 package for those looking for professional training. Additionally, there are sector-specific bundles available for purchase to meet the requirements of commercial users.
The professional package of Zephyr offers a comprehensive range of scenarios, including tower inspection, obstacle courses, parking lot navigation, hill flying, and flight path practice, covering all aspects of training.
During the checkout process, you may see a selection of optional paid add-ons, which can be confusing when you’re new to the program. Therefore, I recommend starting with the free trial to familiarise yourself with the system and determine if it suits your needs.
I haven’t personally bought this program myself because I feel like it offers more than I need for a general practice simulator. For example, I would have to buy a supported RC controller at an extra cost or compromise the realism of the flight training by using a gamepad controller.
Despite this, I’ve heard great things about the quality of service Zephyr provides. For professionals, businesses, and people in the drone industry, Zephyr’s learning management system (LMS) can be an invaluable training tool. Though if you are just looking for casual practice without intense classroom-style feedback, I wouldn’t recommend going for this option as it might be overkill. There are other simulators available that can meet your needs at a more reasonable price.
Supported controllers
The original FlySky FS-16s is the most advised and user-friendly controller. Zephyr also offers its own-brand Orqa controller for $90.00. With a rechargeable battery and USB-C compatibility.
- Xbox One and Xbox 360 controller
- Playstation 4 controller
- Hobby King 6-CH RC Flight Simulator Controller
- Interlink Elite by Futaba
Zephyr stated that other off-brand gamepad and RC controllers may work but aren’t stated officially by Zephyr.
Features
- Has built-in Learning Management System for interactive drone teaching and education.
- Accurate physics for realistic flying.
- Both FPV and VLOS flight modes available.
- Professionals have the option to opt of out classroom and pursue more individual-based learning.
- Connected controller/transmitter can be set to any configuration.
- Includes FAA regulations in flying so pilots are warned of violations during training.
- Extra scenarios can be bought separately.
- Available on Windows PC and Mac.
Pros
- Very interactive-based learning. Based on performance and feedback from instructors.
- Large customisability for drones models, modes, and weather conditions to enhance learning experience.
- Wide selection of modes and scenarios to suit needs of commercialists and hobbyists.
- Varied prices for different packages and purposes.
- Suited for US pilots with in-training regulations and violations training.
Cons
- DJI controllers are incompatible.
- Pricing structure of the packages can be confusing with a number of add-ons that can be purchased separately.
- More geared towards professionals and enterprises. The hobbyist package doesn’t offer much for its price, whilst other simulators offer more for less.
- No FPV racing.
Verdict
A great option for professionals and commercialists to scale their training and get an exceptional drone training program. However, for general hobbyists the pricing structure is confusing and you dont get much in the standard hobbyist package.
Comparison Table
Here is our comparison table summarising each drone flight simulator based on its price, specs and unique selling point.
| Flight simulator | Price | Best for | Purpose | Supported devices | Unique Selling Point |
| DJI Flight Simulator | Free (paid versions available for professionals) | Beginners and professionals | DJI drones | Windows and Mac | Winner for DJI users |
| Liftoff: Drone Racing | ~ £20.00 | Beginners and experienced | FPV flying and racing | Playstation, Xbox, and Steam | Video game FPV racing, and supports FPV goggles |
| Velocidrone | £16.99 ($20) | Experienced | FPV racing | Windows, Mac, and Linux | For those serious about FPV racing |
| droneSim Pro | $29.99 (sale price: $9.99) | Beginners and experienced | Standard drones flying | Windows and Mac | Customisable scenarios |
| Zephyr Drone Simulator | $0.00 – $49.99+ | Beginners and professionals | Standard drone flying | Windows and Mac | Most interactive, educational-purpose learning |
Benefits of Using Drone Flight Simulators
“Why bother with a drone flight simulator when I can just go out and practice with my actual drone?” I hear you ask. Well, I’ve asked the same question myself.
The main reason I love using drone simulators is the freedom to fly without the cost of crashing.
When I first started flying, I was fascinated by the idea of flying fast. Strange, because my drone was fresh out of the box, I wanted to be as cautious as possible. But with a remote controller in my hand, I couldn’t resist the urge for some thrilling speed. Luckily, no crashes were recorded, but I wouldn’t risk repeating.
Unleash your speed demon in the simulator and crash as much as you want. So when you’re out flying your actual drone, you can rest easy knowing your wallet won’t be touched.
With that, here are more benefits from using drone flight simulators:
- Commitment-free training: Drones come with various gear and accessories that can add up in cost. A drone flight simulator is a way to learn the ropes and tip your toe in drone flying before making a financial commitment.
- Safe and worry-free practice: Actual drone flying has the added concerns of running out of battery, or losing signal, or the risk of crashes. Simulators remove these risks, allowing you to learn and practice flying in a safe and risk-free environment.
- Realistic flight experience: Some high-quality simulators can replicate the physics and dynamics of real drone flight, providing a realistic flying experience. So, what you learn can be truly reflected in your actual drone flying.
- Scenario training: By simulating challenging scenarios – such as flying in strong winds, avoiding obstacles, or dealing with emergency situations – you can prepare and improve your responsiveness in unexpected circumstances.
- Specific to you: With many drone simulators on the market, you can buy one that suits what you want to learn. Whether it’s FPV racing or practising photography skills, you can get exactly what you want out of your flight training.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Drone Flight Simulator
Before we delve into the list of our top picks for drone flight simulators, it’s worth mentioning factors that may influence your purchasing decision. Some simulators work best for certain drone models and flying purposes.
Define your intention
Before you start browsing for simulators, it’s important to figure out what you want to use a simulator for. Do you want to practise drone photography? Explore the field of drone inspections? Or maybe you want to try out FPV racing before taking it to the next level?
Simulators can offer different training programs so it’s worth identifying your specific needs before investing in one that may not align with your goals.
Check out Drone Shot Ideas to improve your aerial photography skills.
Compatible controllers
Not all controllers are compatible with each simulator. Whilst part of this may be obvious with cross brand products, some simulators such as the DJI simulator is not compatible with all DJI controllers.
However, a lot of simulators do have compability for USB – controller gamepad controllers such as the Xbox and Playstation controllers. However, just note that you may not get the same experience and realistic experience of drone flying with a gamepad controller so this is worth bearing in mind.
Conclusion
Drone flight simulators offer a cost-effective and safe way to practice drone flying in a virtual world.
Whether you’re a beginner or a hobbyist, these simulators allow you to learn the basics of aerial ballet without worrying about costly repairs. Not to mention, experienced pilots and professionals can benefit from simulators, as they can acquire specialised skills like aerial photography and inspections before taking their drones to the real skies.
However, each flight simulator listed in this article has its own unique features and target audience. Some simulators take a serious educational approach to drone training, while others create a relaxed and entertaining atmosphere for pilots to practice from the comfort of their couch.
It’s crucial to determine your purpose for using a simulator and what you want to learn. By doing so, you can make an informed decision about the type of drone simulator, and the price you’re willing to pay.
FAQs: Best Drone Flying Simulators 2023
Are drone flight simulators realistic?
The level of realism in drone flight simulators can vary depending on the specific simulator you choose. Different simulators offer different levels of realism in terms of flight physics and controls. For example, simulators like Liftoff take a video game-style approach to FPV racing and are designed to provide an entertaining environment for practice.
On the other hand, simulators like Zephyr take a more serious and educational approach, focusing on providing realistic scenarios with in-place regulations. By emphasising a genuine training experience, Zephyr could be seen as more realistic.
Can I use a drone flight simulator with any type of controller?
No, each simulator has its own specific requirements and compatibility for drone controllers. For example, the DJI Flight Simulator does not accept ALL DJI controllers.
However, most drone flight simulators support branded gamepad controllers such as for the Xbox One and PS4.
How do drone flight simulators help in improving piloting skills?
Drone flight simulators provide a safe and risk-free environment for beginner pilots to learn and practice flying techniques without the fear of damaging expensive equipment. They offer realistic physics and controls, allowing users to become familiar with drone mechanics that they can transfer to the real world.
Additionally, flight simulators offer a wide range of scenarios and challenges that help pilots enhance their skills. They can simulate different weather conditions, terrains, and flight scenarios, allowing users to practice in diverse and challenging environments – helping to build confidence in real-world flying situations.
