Once a staple of arcade cabinets and home consoles, the joystick is now a must-have for flight-sim enthusiasts. Whether you're piloting a 747 in Microsoft Flight Simulator, or exploring the galaxy in Elite Dangerous and Star Citizen, the best way to play is with a joystick and throttle!
We've ranked the to best flight sticks available online, comparing top brands like Logitech and Thrustmaster. This guide will show you exactly what to look for, so you can pick the best joystick for your particular set up, whether you're playing on PC, PlayStation, or Xbox.
Quick List - Top Joysticks
Logitech G
Flight Stick With LCD Display and 300 Programable Commands
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It will come as no surprise to joystick enthusiasts that the majority of joystick compatible games are found on the PC. Microsoft, or more specifically Windows, has a long history of supporting flight simulation games, and many space sims are also developed for this platform thanks to the plentiful controls offered by a mouse and keyboard.
In recent years, there has been an increase in options for both PlayStation and Xbox, with Thrustmaster specifically putting out joysticks for both consoles. However, the number of games on pales in comparison to PC. It's also worth noting that if you're an Apple Mac user, your options are severely limited.
You'll want to make sure your joystick has enough buttons for all the commands you need. Most will have at least 12 different "action buttons" for your in-game commands, but some of the more high-end options will mimic real-life plane control panels, offering hundreds of different combinations.
Nearly all joysticks have what is known as a "Hat Switch" which is almost like a second, miniature joystick for your thumb. This allows you to change your view in-game, often to look around a cockpit or check out of a window.
As joysticks are the ultimate way to play flight simulation games, you'll often find it comes bundled with extra controls. The most common is the flight throttle, which can come as either a separate unit, or attached to the joystick itself.
It's also worth keeping an eye out for foot pedals, which are used for some types of planes in flight simulators. There are also special bases to ensure that the joystick doesn't slip while in use, and even additional displays that provide extra information to the player.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Thrustmaster T.16000M FCS | ![]() | Ambidextrous Design That’s a Great Choice for Left Handed Gamers | |
2 | Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas 4 | ![]() | Officially Licensed Flight Stick for PlayStation | |
3 | Logitech G Saitek X52 Flight Control System, Controller and Joystick | ![]() | Flight Stick With LCD Display and 300 Programable Commands | |
4 | Thrustmaster USB Joystick | ![]() | Budget Option For Those Looking to Try Flight Sims | |
5 | Thrustmaster T.Flight Full Kit X | ![]() | A Complete Set-up With Throttle and Foot Pedals for Xbox Players | |
6 | Logitech G Extreme 3D | ![]() | Affordable Joystick With a Rapid-Fire Trigger for Combat Games | |
7 | Logitech G X56 H.O.T.A.S Throttle and Joystick | ![]() | Award Winning Joystick that Provides Military Grade Simulation | |
8 | Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog Stick | ![]() | A Real Life Replica of the A-10C Attack Aircraft Flight Stick | |
9 | Thrustmaster TCA Sidestick Airbus Edition | ![]() | Ergonomic replica of the world-famous Airbus sidestick | |
10 | PXX Flight Stick With Throttle | ![]() | Budget-Friendly Joystick and Throttle for Console and PC |
The T.16000M FCS has everything you want from a joystick: an 8-way hat switch, plenty of action buttons with raised button identification, and a twist stick for extra control that can also be locked in place. It also features patented technology that lets you get the most out of your games.
What really sets this joystick apart, is its unique ambidextrous design. The rubber hand rests are modular, meaning they can be moved around to accommodate both right and left-handed users!
The Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas 4 is the official joystick for PlayStation, making it the best choice for those looking to play on PS4 and PS5. With built-in buttons compatible with the system, it also features a dual-rudder system that can be accessed by rotating the handle.
As well as adjustable resistance and large hand rest, this joystick features a detachable throttle. This gives you the option to use is as one single unit, or split apart into two separate modules.
With almost 300 programable commands over 3 modes, the Saitek X52 is the ultimate way to play space exploration simulators like Elite Dangerous and Star Citizen. Plus, the LCD throttle display lets you keep track of your settings with ease!
The magnetic non-contact X and Y-axis sensors provide enhanced longevity and pinpoint accuracy for the most precise gameplay imaginable. Better yet, you'll have no problem flying long distances with the adjustable ergonomic handle that features a 3D twist for rudder control.
Flight and space sims aren't the most accessible genre of games as they're often complicated and unforgiving. When you throw in the need to buy an expensive joystick on top, it results in a large barrier to entry.
If you're looking for an affordable joystick to dip your toes into the water, then this offering from Thrustmaster makes for a great entry point. It's not as complicated as other sticks, meaning you can comfortably acclimatise yourself to the controls, without getting overwhelmed by options.
Officially licensed for both Xbox and Windows, the Thrustmaster T.Flight Full Kit X is the ultimate experience for enthusiasts playing on Microsofts' home consoles. The full-sized throttle is detachable and it also comes with a set of pedals.
The ergonomic design is optimised for all types of flight simulators and has 14 different action buttons and a rapid-fire trigger. If you play Microsoft Flight Simulator on Xbox Series X|S, this is a must-buy!
If you're looking for a simple to use, reasonably priced quality joystick, then the Logitech G Extreme 3D is our number one pick. With 12 action buttons that are customisable and a sturdy wide base, you'll be in complete control all of the time.
The ergonomic layout is designed for those who are right-handed, but it is relatively symmetrical for anyone wishing to use it with their left. It also features a rapid-fire trigger for those looking for a combat-focused edge.
If you're serious about your flight simulations and are happy to invest in a premium product, then the X56 H.O.T.A.S is the pick of the bunch. It features analogue thumbsticks, RGB lighting, 16-bit aileron and elevator axis, 189 programmable controls and much more.
The adjustable spring tensioning system gives X56 an unprecedented level of sensitivity and control at the stick, offering military-grade simulation. If you're looking for the most accurate and realistic joystick on the market, you've found it.
This joystick is a perfect replica of the U.S. Air Force A-10C attack aircraft flight stick, made entirely from metal and sitting on a sturdy base. For military enthusiasts, this is the real deal!
You are paying a premium for this faithful recreation, and if you want to add the corresponding throttle into the mix it'll seriously dent your bank balance. However, it will likely last you a lifetime, making it worth the investment.
There's a lot to like about the TCA Sidestick Airbus Edition and it features many of the same things that we like about similar Thrustmaster products, like the braille-style buttons and modular nature of the stick itself.
If you're an Airbus enthusiast and looking for something to use with Microsoft Flight Simulator this can't be beaten, but it isn't the most versatile option on the market. There are better options available at a similar price-point if you're looking for a single stick as this works best with the full Airbus setup.
You may have noticed that our list has been dominated by products from Logitech G and Thrustmaster. However, this flight stick and throttle combination from PXX is worth special mention as it's one of the few options compatible with PC, PS4 and Xbox.
If you're happy to take a risk on a lesser-known brand, you may find some serious value in this solid choice. There are some more reliable joysticks out there, but for cross-platform gaming, this could be a real winner!
No. 1: Thrustmaster|T.16000M FCS
No. 2: Thrustmaster|T.Flight Hotas 4
No. 3: Logitech G|Saitek X52 Flight Control System, Controller and Joystick
No. 4: Thrustmaster |USB Joystick
No. 5: Thrustmaster|T.Flight Full Kit X
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