The Drone Buying Advisor

Drone reviews and buying guides by The Buying Advisor

  • Home
  • Beginner Drones
    • Drones for Adults
    • Drones for Kids
    • Mini Drones
    • A checklist for the first drone (for a child)
  • Drone Cameras
    • Camera features for aerial photography
    • Types of aerial photography shoots
  • Racing Drones
    • How to Choose a Racing Drone
    • RTF FPV Racing Drones
  • DIY Drones
    • Kits for Adults
    • Kits for Kids
    • STEM
      • Robot kits for kids
      • School Science Project
  • By Brand
    • DJI Drones
      • DJI Phantom 4 review
    • Holy Stone Drone
    • Hubsan Drones
      • Hubsan X4 H107C vs H107D vs H107L : a closer look at these three models
      • Hubsan X4 H502E Desire GPS drone review
      • Hubsan H501S X4 GPS 4 Channel drone review
      • Hubsan H501S X4 Professional Version 5.8G FPV drone review
      • Hubsan H109S X4 Pro 5.8GHz High Edition review
    • Parrot Drones
      • Parrot AR 2.0 Elite Edition review
      • Parrot Bebop 2 Power FPV review
    • Syma Drones
      • Syma X8 Drones comparison: X8SW vs X8C vs X8W
      • Syma X8HG 8MP Camera review
      • Syma X5SW Explorers 2 review
      • The Syma X8HC review
    • UPair drones
  • Drone Buzz
    • Top 10 drones gifts for kids and adults
    • Flight Range and Battery
    • Drone simulators – do you need one?
    • How to avoid drone crashes and flyways
    • Drone tracking
    • Fun things to do with a drone
    • What is a drone

Drone simulators – do you need one?

Last Updated on September 21, 2021

Why a drone simulator?

Drone simulators can be a great way to get into flying a drone. You can start practicing even when the weather is bad. A few hours of practice with a simulator can save you from some disastrous and expensive crashes. A flight simulator can be used to:

  • Practice controlling your drone before your first flight
  • Help to reduce the possibility of crashing your drones
  • Practice flying your drone when the weather condition is windy or raining outdoors.

Types of Drone simulators

We can classify drone flight simulators into these general groups:

  • Drone simulators for practicing FPV racing drones
  • Drone simulators for practicing gimbal control camera drone
  • Drone simulators for practicing RC helicopter
  • Drone simulators for practicing flight maneuvers
  • Drone simulator games

To be fair, many drone flight simulators fit very well into multiple categories.

Which drone flight simulator is right for you?

Which drone flight simulator you choose should be dependent on what you intend to do with it.

  • Do you want to practice controlling your camera drone?
  • – You want a simulator to acquire good flight control and camera control skills.
    – You want to practice making smooth turns and avoid jerky movements.

  • Do you want to practice controlling your racing drone?
  • – You want to develop exceptional control, and ability to make fast turns.
    – You want to anticipate needs for changes in direction and speed.

  • Do you want a flight simulator with a controller or one without a controller?
  • – If you already have a controller, make sure it is compatible with your simulator

What to consider before you buy a drone simulator?

  • Computer platform: PC or MS Windows – Mac – Android (Most simulators were written for only one platform. Be sure to select one that matches the platform that you have.)
  • First person view (FPV) vs. Gimbal Camera. Simulators that are FPV or have an FPV mode are better suited to practice racing. Some simulators offer both FPV and Gimbal camera modes.
  • Quadcopter vs RC fixed wing (or both). Some simulators offer simulation of several types of aircraft.
  • Practice vs. Entertainment. If you are looking for some light entertainment or a good way to kill some time, look at the drone simulator games.
  • Drone simulator with a controller or without a controller? If you already have a quadcopter ground controller, many simulators will allow you interface the existing ground controller via a connector PCTx USB interface. This feature gives an even more realistic feel to the simulator.

What to learn before you start using a simulator?

  • Most quadcopters are controlled by two sticks. About all that you need to know about quadcopters is what the two sticks do. (Left motor speed, right for direction.)

Top-rated drone simulators for PC


Preview Product Rating Price
Great Planes RealFlight Drone RC Flight... Great Planes RealFlight Drone RC Flight... 89 Reviews View on Amazon
Great Planes RealFlight RF-8 RC Radio Control... Great Planes RealFlight RF-8 RC Radio Control... 49 Reviews View on Amazon
Great Planes RealFlight RF-8 RC Radio Control... Great Planes RealFlight RF-8 RC Radio Control... 26 Reviews View on Amazon
RealFlight 8 Horizon Hobby Edition: RF8 HH RC... RealFlight 8 Horizon Hobby Edition: RF8 HH RC... 122 Reviews View on Amazon

1. Great Planes RealFlight Drone RC Flight Simulator


Great Planes RealFlight Drone RC Flight...
89 Reviews
Great Planes RealFlight Drone RC Flight...
  • Learn to maneuver your drones for impressive aerial photos and develop FPV camera and...
  • The exclusive RealPhysics technology in RealFlight Drone recreates multirotor...
  • The InterLink Elite Controller works like a real, high-quality drone flight...
  • If you already own an RC transmitter, you may also be able to fly your drone...
View on Amazon
Model: Great Planes RealFlight Drone RC Flight Simulator with controller
Type: Drone simulators for practicing flight control and camera control
Best use for:

  • A beginner who wants to explore the drone world
  • An aerial photographer who wants to master aerial photography skills
  • Camera simulated (you can choose mode fpv or gimbal)
  • Quadcopter simulation (15 different quadcopters, see below)
  • Realistic vs. Entertainment (realistic)

System Requirement:

  • Platform Microsoft Windows 8 or 10
  • For best graphical performance
  • -At least Dual Core 2.4GHz CPU
    -2 GB RAM
    -3D Accelerated Video with:
    -512 MB dedicated video memory
    -Pixel Shader 3.0 support

List of drones simulated by Great Planes RealFlight Drone RC Flight Simulator:

  • Hexacopter
  • 8X Quad 1260
  • Hubsan X4 Pro
  • Helimax Voltage 500 3D
  • Quad X
  • Exploere 580
  • Gaui 33X-S
  • H4 Quad 520
  • KnifeEdge Quad
  • Octocopter
  • 8X Quad 1260
  • Tricopter
  • Dead Cat
  • Eldritch Copter
PROS
  • Comes with ground controller
  • Reset button to restart from any point in the flight
  • You can control all software functions from the controller
  • You can have two people flying simultaneously
  • Digital features make the flight controller like a real ground controller
  • Several specific devices simulated
  • 20 airports are simulated
  • 20 aircraft are simulated
  • Avoid wear and tear on your ground controller

CONS
  • Expensive – Good sim costs money

Summary: Great Planes RealFlight Drone RC Flight Simulator

This RealFlight Drone RC Flight Simulator is a great choice for any drone enthusiasts who wants to reduce the risk of crashing your camera drone investment. It is designed especially for an aerial photographer who wants to master aerial photography skills from the drone’s point of view. This simulator provides fast and safe ways to learn how to maneuver a drone, FPV camera, and gimbal mounted camera control.

Twenty environments are available with this model. Frankly, I was ok with 5 when that was all that I could get. If you get bored easily, then you might want to look at the next model – the RF8 has 40 environments.

CHECK PRICES AND RATINGS ON AMAZON

2. Great Planes RealFlight RF8 (Mode 2) RC Flight Simulator with controller


Great Planes RealFlight RF-8 RC Radio Control...
49 Reviews
Great Planes RealFlight RF-8 RC Radio Control...
  • Trust in RealFlight, the #1 RC flight simulator with unparalleled graphics that has...
  • Fly more than 140 aircraft and 40 flying sites, including over a dozen new aircraft,...
  • Simple, intuitive interface means zero learning curve and zero hassle to guarantee...
  • VR compatibility and game-like challenges make flight training fun and interactive,...
View on Amazon
Model: Great Planes RealFlight RF8 (Mode 2) RC Flight Simulator with controller
Best use for:

  • Learn about quadcopters, even if you have never flown before
  • Master skills needed for aerial photography
  • Learn skills needed in drone racing
  • Camera simulated: yes
  • Quadcopter simulation: Yes
  • Realistic vs. Entertainment: Realistic

System requirements:

  • Platform requires MS Windows PC

Key features: RealFlight RF-8 Mode 2

  • The simulation of the physics involved in flight is the reason that the RealFlight simulators are the #1 RC flight simulator on the market
  • The Interlink-X interface is intuitive – low learning curve.
  • Excellent immersive graphics for 40 different environments
  • Fly in locales like the Sierra Nevada (8 million acres simulated), Joe’s Garage, Wasserkuppe in Germany or the Castle in Calahorra
  • Trees in a variety of shades and shapes
  • Test your skills in a variety of humidity settings, haze, and sunlight glare
  • Game-like challenges to test and hone your FPV flying skills

Key features: Interlink-X Controller

  • Reset button allows you to replay your victories or reversing your crashes (only on RealFlight RF series)
  • Practice without wear and tear on your field transmitter
  • You can control most simulator functions right from the controller
  • 10-channel Radio Control for control of flight features and weapons
  • Built-in features help camera drone pilots aim cameras for the best shots
  • USB Port
  • Compatible FM or FM-selectable transmitter (if using the interface mode).
  • Note: The InterLink-X cord and included adapters make the InterLink-X compatible with the trainer jacks on most Futaba and all Tower Hobbbies, JR, and Spektrum systems.

List of drones simulated by Great Planes RealFlight RF-8 Mode 2 Simulator:RC Aircraft, Sail planes, Helicopters plus the following drones:

  • 8X Quad 1260
  • Explorer 580
  • Gaui 330X-S Quad Flyer
  • H4 Quad 520
  • Helimax 1SQ
  • Helimax FORM 500
  • Helimax Voltage 500 3D
  • Hexacopter
  • Hubsan X4 Pro
  • Octocopter
  • Quad X
  • RISE RXS255
  • Scorpion Sky Strider 280 (2 variants)
  • Tricopter
  • Tempest 250 (2 or more variants)
  • Tempest 280
  • Tiny Terror 150
  • Xiro Xplorer (2 variants)
PROS
  • Comes with a ground controller
  • Several sites are simulated
  • Controller can be used in the field to control several models of craft
  • 40 environments for this model

CONS
  • Expensive – Good sim costs money

Summary: Great Planes RealFlight RF-8 Mode 2

This RF-8 model gets all the realism, beautiful photographic detail and great simulation of the physics involved in flying.

  • VR compatible.
  • Real joy stick controls makes it feel just like you are in the field.
  • Simulates several specific drones.
  • Simulates many specific flying sites.
  • Has game like “challenges”.
  • It has adjustable wind settings direction and speed.
  • Camera position can be set (nose, above, wing tip, etc.)

CHECK PRICES AND RATINGS ON AMAZON

3. Great Planes RealFlight RF-8 RC Radio Control Simulator Software DVD Only


Great Planes RealFlight RF-8 RC Radio Control...
26 Reviews
Great Planes RealFlight RF-8 RC Radio Control...
  • Trust in RealFlight, the #1 RC flight simulator with unparalleled graphics that has...
  • Fly more than 140 aircraft and 40 flying sites, including over a dozen new aircraft,...
  • Simple, intuitive interface means zero learning curve and zero hassle to guarantee...
  • VR compatibility and game-like challenges make flight training fun and interactive,...
View on Amazon
Model: Great Planes RealFlight RF-8 RC Radio Control Simulator Software DVD Only (without controller)
Type: Drone simulators for practicing FPV camera control
Best use for:

  • Quadcopter pilot who wants to practice even in bad weather; drone pilot who wants to polish aerial photography skills.
  • Camera simulated
  • Quadcopter simulation
  • Realistic vs. Entertainment: Real

System requirements:

  • Requires Interlink controller or other other controller you happen to have.
  • Platform: Requires controller and Windows Vista, 7, 8 or Windows 10 to run. Administrator access required.
  • Intel Pentium 1. 0 ghz or equivalent 512 mb ram10 gb hard drive space, dvd drive, 3d accelerated, Video with: 32 MB Dedicated Video Memory.

Key features

  • Upgraded drone racing physics. Simulation of real physics make RealFlight simulators have lifelike experience than with competitors. The simulation programs perform thousands of calculations every second to provide the realistic experience.
  • If you have a VR headset, then the immersive experience of flying as if you are inside in the quadcopter will be available to you.
  • Over 40 3D sites are included. A favorite site included is the FPV Airport site. Editing and importing custom aircraft are included allowing you to build and import more complex 3D models.

Compatible controllers: The RealFlight RF8 is compatible with the following controllers (sold separately):

  • Oculus Rift controller
  • HTC VIVE VR controller
  • Interlink-X controller
PROS
  • About 40 3D sites are simulated
  • Adjustable wind settings
  • Controller can be used in the field to control several models of aircraft

CONS
  • Does not come with a ground controller, you must use a controller that you already have, or buy one separately.

CHECK PRICES AND RATINGS ON AMAZON

4. RealFlight 8 Horizon Hobby Edition Flight Simulator Software Only


RealFlight 8 Horizon Hobby Edition: RF8 HH RC...
122 Reviews
RealFlight 8 Horizon Hobby Edition: RF8 HH RC...
  • Trust in Real Flight, the #1 RC flight simulator with unparalleled graphics that has...
  • Fly More than 150 aircraft and 40 flying sites, including a customized FPV flying...
  • Simple, intuitive interface, combined with AS3X and SAFE Technology, means zero...
  • Rv compatibility and game-like challenges make flight training fun and interactive,...
View on Amazon

Model: RealFlight 8 Horizon Hobby Edition Flight Simulator Software Only
Type: PC based simulator for learning quad copter piloting or practicing skills when weather is bad outside.
Best use for:

  • Practice flying when weather is bad.
  • Learn to fly without taking the chance of losing the quad copter or crashing it into a tree.
  • Experience flying a quad copter in many countries (US, UK, etc.) by flying the simulated sites!

System requirements:

  • Windows 10 (With admin rights)
  • Intel® Pentium® 1.0GHz or equivalent
  • 512 MB RAM
  • 10 GB Hard Disk available
  • DVD Drive
  • 3D Accelerated Video with:
    • 32 MB Dedicated Video Memory.
    • Fully DirectX® 9 compliant (Shader Model 2.0 or better).
  • InterLink-X, RealFlight compatible controller, or other Gamepad/Joystick.
  • Note: some graphical features may be disabled. Aerodynamic calculations will remain high quality.

For better performance

  • Dual Core 2.4GHz CPU
  • 2 GB RAM
  • 3D Accelerated Video with: 512 MB dedicated video memory

Multiplayer Requirements

  • Broadband Internet connection
  • Computer microphone for voice chat

Optional InterLink®-X Controller Requirements

  • USB Port
  • Compatible FM or FM-selectable transmitter (if using the interface mode)

VR Requirements

  • Works with both the Oculus Rift and HTC® Vive™ VR headsets (for other headsets, see mfg specs)
  • Online Activation Required

Some of the new aircraft added to the simulations by RealFlight 8 Horizon Hobby Edition:

  • HobbyZone® Sport Cub S with SAFE® Technology
  • E-flite® Apprentice® S 15e, Timber 1.5 m, Timber 1.5m with Floats, Carbon-Z® Cessna 150 2.1m , F-27 Evolution, Mini Convergence® VTOL *
  • ParkZone® Conscendo™ Advanced
  • Hangar 9® Carbon Cub 15cc *
  • Hangar 9 Ultra Stick 30cc
  • FMS F-15 Eagle V2 64mm EDF
  • Blade® Fusion™ 270
  • Blade Fusion 480
PROS
  • No hassle learning to fly

CONS
  • Does not come with a ground controller, you must use a controller that you already have, or buy one separately.

Summary

Excellent low-cost way to learn to fly a quad copter or to keep up your skills during bad weather.

CHECK PRICES AND RATINGS ON AMAZON

5. AeroSIM RC– Flight Simulator without a controller


No products found.

Model: AeroSIM RC– Flight Simulator without a controller
Type: Flight simulators for learning to fly a RC aircraft, practicing maneuverability, and operating camera drone

Best use for:

  • Learning basic piloting skills
  • Good for training to fly in a variety of settings
  • Camera: simulated
  • Quadcopter: simulation
  • Realistic vs. Entertainment: Realistic

System requirements:

  • Platform: MS Windows PC.
  • Requires: You must buy your own transmitter.
  • Can run in 512MB RAM. 32 MB Graphics.

Key features

AeroSIM is a training tool to help new drone pilots hone their flying skills without risking valuable equipment and time. This simulator is a useful tool to learn aerial photography, search and rescue, surveys, surveillance, construction project reporting. Compatible controllers can often be directly connected via the mono jack (exceptions noted – sometimes an additional adapter is required).

PROS
  • 3D sites are simulated
  • Great training tool
  • Lots of RC planes, helicopters and quadcopters are simulated
  • Fly quadcopters or RC planes in the same 3d sites
  • Adjustable wind settings with preset wind conditions
  • Features normal camera (pilot ground) mode plus chase camera, FPV camera and picture in picture modes

CONS
  • Does not come with ground controller
  • Graphics are not as good as those in RealFlight

CHECK PRICES AND RATINGS ON AMAZON

Filed Under: Drone simulators Tagged With: Drone simulators for PC

Drone Simulator – do you need one?

Drone Tips

How to avoid drone crash

How to avoid drone crashes and flyways

There are many reasons for a drone to crash, and most drone crashes … [Read More...]

dog running by drone

Fun things to do with a drone

I grew up in a big family where we always had fun outdoors activities … [Read More...]

Drone Reviews

upair-one-2-7k-7-inch-screen

UPair One 2.7 megapixel Camera drone review

The UPair one 2.7 megapixel camera drone looks similar to a Phantom quadcopter … [Read More...]

hubsan-h501s-x4-gps-drone

Hubsan H501S X4 GPS 4 Channel drone review

Why we like the Hubsan H501S X4 GPS 4 Channel drone: The Hubsan H501S X4 is … [Read More...]

hubsan-h501s-x4-professional-version-drone

Hubsan H501S X4 Professional Version 5.8G FPV drone review

When you buy the Hubsan H501S X4 Pro you don’t just buy a quadcopter you buy … [Read More...]

upair-one-drone-4k-camera

UPair One 4K Camera 5.8G FPV drone review

The familiar shape, the speed and the ease of control of this UPair One 4K … [Read More...]

parrot-bebop-2-power-fpv

Parrot Bebop 2 Power FPV quadcopter review

If you are moving from “beginner" to “intermediate" drone pilot status, the … [Read More...]

parrot-ar-2-elite-edition

Parrot AR 2.0 Elite Edition (Sand) Quadcopter review

If you are looking for an indoor and outdoor app-controlled quadcopter with 7-10 … [Read More...]

syma-x8hg-8MP

Syma X8HG RC Quadcopter 8MP Camera review

For aerial photography project, the features that you will want to check are the … [Read More...]

syma-x5sw-explorers2

Syma X5SW Explorers 2 2.4G 4CH review

The Syma X5SW Explorers2 2.4G 4CH is a great beginner drone for kids 14 years … [Read More...]

typhoon-q500-quad-CGO3-camera

Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K Quadcopter Review

Our family friend, Tyler, described the Q500 4K as a flying tripod for your … [Read More...]

upair-one-plus-4k-camera

UPair One Plus 4K Camera 5.8G Mobile App version review

When you are looking at the shape and the dihedral angle of the UPair One Plus, … [Read More...]

hubsan-h109S-x4-pro-high-edition

Hubsan H109S X4 Pro 5.8GHz High Edition review

The Hubsan H109S X4 Pro (high edition) is a professional grade quadcopter with 3 … [Read More...]

hubsan-x4-h502e-desire-drone

Hubsan X4 H502E Desire GPS drone review

The Hubsan X4 H502E Desire drone is an affordable and a good starter quadcopter. … [Read More...]

The Syma X8HC review

If you are looking for a budget-friendly camera drone with ‘altitude and … [Read More...]

The Estes RTF Proto Z review

The Estes RTF Proto Z is our top pick for a kid under 10 years old to learn how … [Read More...]

Aerix Aerius quadcopter review

The Aerix Aerius quadcopter review

What is not to like about the Aerix Aerius quadcopter, the world's smallest … [Read More...]

DJI Phantom 4 review

DJI Phantom 4 review

Whether you are a hobbyist or a professional looking for a high-performance … [Read More...]

3DR Solo

3DR Solo review

If you already have your own GoPro or Hero 3, 3+ or 4, this high-performance … [Read More...]

The spirit of sharing

We are drone hobbyists and multirotor enthusiasts. We hope to share with you our experience of buying and flying drones. We also hope that you will find our reviews, tips, check lists and buying guide helpful to you. Welcome to the fascinating world of UAV and have fun flying.

About Us

Contact Us
Disclaimer

Affiliate Disclosure

TheDroneBuyingAdvisor.com is a participant in the Amazon Service LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We appreciate your support. When you purchase from Amazon using our affiliate links, it helps us to keep our site running and to continue providing you with our reviews, tips and guides

Copyright © 2022 · The Drone Buying Advisor· All Rights Reserved