Lockheed Martin Prepar3D vs X-Plane 12
A comprehensive head-to-head comparison of two leading aviation & aerospace solutions in 2026. Compare features, pricing, ratings, and more to find the right fit.
Quick Verdict
Choose Lockheed Martin Prepar3D if you need Flight simulation and prefer comprehensive paid features. Choose X-Plane 12 if you prioritize Flight physics and want plans starting at $59.99/lifetime. Lockheed Martin Prepar3D has a higher user rating (4.8 vs 4.7).
Lockheed Martin Prepar3D vs X-Plane 12: At a Glance
| Criteria | Lockheed Martin Prepar3D | X-Plane 12 |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.8 | 4.7 |
| Pricing | $9.99/month | $59.99/lifetime |
| Pricing Model | subscription | perpetual |
| Free Plan | ||
| Platforms | Windows, Vr | Windows, Macos, Linux |
| Category | Aviation & Aerospace | Aviation & Aerospace |
| Founded | 2010 | 1995 |
Feature Comparison: Lockheed Martin Prepar3D vs X-Plane 12
| Feature | Lockheed Martin Prepar3D | X-Plane 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Flight simulation | ||
| Aircraft systems | ||
| Realistic physics | ||
| Training scenarios | ||
| Performance analysis | ||
| Hardware controllers | ||
| VR systems | ||
| Motion platforms | ||
| Custom aircraft | ||
| Enterprise systems | ||
| Enterprise security | ||
| Data encryption | ||
| Role-based access | ||
| Multiplayer training | ||
| Instructor control | ||
| Flight physics | ||
| Global scenery | ||
| Realistic aircraft | ||
| Weather simulation | ||
| ATC system | ||
| Plugins | ||
| Add-ons | ||
| VR headsets | ||
| Controllers | ||
| Hardware | ||
| License activation | ||
| Online flying | ||
| Multiplayer | ||
| VA compatibility | ||
| Windows support |
Lockheed Martin Prepar3D vs X-Plane 12: Pricing Breakdown
Lockheed Martin Prepar3D Pricing
Model: subscription
- Flight simulation
- Basic aircraft
- Training tools
- Scenario creation
- Advanced simulation
- Full aircraft systems
- Advanced training
- Custom scenarios
X-Plane 12 Pricing
Model: perpetual
- Full simulator
- Global scenery
- Realistic physics
- VR support
Pros and Cons
Lockheed Martin Prepar3D
Pros
- Highly rated by users (4.8/5)
- Rich feature set with 15+ capabilities
- Strong Flight simulation functionality
- Strong Aircraft systems functionality
Cons
- No free plan available
- May require time to learn advanced features
X-Plane 12
Pros
- Highly rated by users (4.7/5)
- Available on 3 platforms (Windows, Macos, Linux)
- Rich feature set with 15+ capabilities
- Strong Flight physics functionality
- Strong Global scenery functionality
Cons
- No free plan available
- May require time to learn advanced features
Who Should Use Lockheed Martin Prepar3D vs X-Plane 12?
Choose Lockheed Martin Prepar3D if you:
- Need Flight simulation
- Have a budget of $9.99/month+
- Work primarily on Windows and Vr
- Value Aircraft systems
Choose X-Plane 12 if you:
- Need Flight physics
- Have a budget of $59.99/lifetime+
- Work primarily on Windows and Macos
- Value Global scenery
Frequently Asked Questions: Lockheed Martin Prepar3D vs X-Plane 12
Is Lockheed Martin Prepar3D better than X-Plane 12?
It depends on your needs. Lockheed Martin Prepar3D has a 4.8/5 user rating while X-Plane 12 has 4.7/5. Lockheed Martin Prepar3D excels in Flight simulation and Aircraft systems, while X-Plane 12 stands out with Flight physics and Global scenery. Consider your budget ($9.99/month vs $59.99/lifetime), platform needs, and specific feature requirements.
Which is cheaper, Lockheed Martin Prepar3D or X-Plane 12?
Lockheed Martin Prepar3D starts at $9.99/month. X-Plane 12 starts at $59.99/lifetime. Compare the specific plan features to determine the best value for your use case.
Can I use Lockheed Martin Prepar3D and X-Plane 12 together?
While both are aviation & aerospace tools, some teams use complementary software together. Check each product's API and integration capabilities for compatibility. However, most users find that one solution covers their core aviation & aerospace needs.
What are the main differences between Lockheed Martin Prepar3D and X-Plane 12?
The key differences include: pricing model (subscription vs perpetual), platform support (Windows, Vr vs Windows, Macos, Linux), and feature focus. Lockheed Martin Prepar3D emphasizes Flight simulation, Aircraft systems, Realistic physics while X-Plane 12 focuses on Flight physics, Global scenery, Realistic aircraft. User ratings differ slightly: 4.8 vs 4.7 out of 5.
Ready to choose?
Explore detailed reviews, user ratings, and pricing for both Lockheed Martin Prepar3D and X-Plane 12.