Flight sim joysticks and flight sticks compared (2026)
Flight sticks sold on their own, from twist-grip desk sticks to modular grips on contactless bases. Most need a separate throttle for full control. Force feedback stick bases are listed here too, each scored within its own category.
Most pilots land on this page for one of two reasons: a cheap way off the keyboard, or a stick they'll keep for years. For the first, the Thrustmaster T.16000M FCS at $79.99 is our top-rated stick, with 16-bit Hall sensors, and Airbus pilots get a real sidestick in the WINCTRL URSA MINOR Airline Joystick at $68.70. For the second, the modular VKB and VIRPIL sticks take other grips later. Want a throttle too? A HOTAS set is usually the better deal.
6 products compared, from $34.99 to $549.90, US prices checked on October 29, 2026. 2 not rated for lack of sufficient data.
6 products shown
No product matches these filters.
Images: manufacturers
Related rankings
No. 1: Thrustmaster T.16000M FCS · 9.2/10The 4 best flight sticks in 20264 products ranked
No. 1: Logitech X56 H.O.T.A.S. · 9.3/10The 7 best HOTAS and sticks for Star Citizen in 20267 products rankedNo. 1: Thrustmaster T.16000M FCS · 9.2/10The 3 best budget flight sticks under $100 in 20263 products rankedNo. 1: Thrustmaster T.16000M FCS · 9.2/10The 8 best beginner flight sim controls in 20268 products rankedTable: flight sticks
Click a column header to sort. Specs as stated by the manufacturer.
| Thrustmaster T.16000M FCS | Flight stick | Thrustmaster | 9.2 | $79.99 | Hall effect sensor, 16-bit, 4 axes, 16 buttons | PC | Not stated |
 VKB Gladiator NXT EVO Space Combat Edition | Flight stick | VKB | 9.1 | $139 | Contactless magnetic sensor, 6 axes | PC | 2 years |
 WINCTRL URSA MINOR Airline Joystick | Flight stick | WINCTRL | 9.1 | $68.70 | Contactless magnetic sensor, 4 axes, 14 buttons | PC | 1 year |
 VIRPIL Constellation ALPHA Prime + WarBRD-D | Flight stick | VIRPIL | 9.0 | $549.90 | Contactless magnetic sensor, 14-bit, 6 axes | PC | 2 years |
 Logitech Extreme 3D Pro | Flight stick | Logitech G | – | $34.99 | 12 buttons | PC | 3 years |
 MOZA AB9 FFB Base | Flight stick (FFB base) | MOZA | – | $499 | 12 Nm force feedback | PC | 2 years |
Frequently asked questions
Which of these flight sticks has the best score?
Thrustmaster T.16000M FCS has the best score in our selection: 9.2/10 ("Excellent"), at a price of $79.99 checked on October 29, 2026.
How much do flight sticks cost?
The 6 models compared here range from $34.99 to $549.90, checked on October 29, 2026 at official US stores or named US retailers. The price at the merchant is the one that applies.
Which models are Xbox compatible?
No model in this selection is Xbox compatible according to the manufacturer.
Which models use contactless sensors?
Hall effect or magnetic sensors are stated for: Thrustmaster T.16000M FCS, VKB Gladiator NXT EVO Space Combat Edition, WINCTRL URSA MINOR Airline Joystick, VIRPIL Constellation ALPHA Prime + WarBRD-D. For the others, the official page does not state the sensor type.
Which brands are compared?
Thrustmaster, VKB, WINCTRL, VIRPIL, Logitech G, MOZA. Each product page links to the official manufacturer page.
How are the scores calculated?
Each score out of 10 is calculated within the product category from the official specs and the checked US price, with no hands-on test. Missing criteria are removed and the weights renormalized. The full methodology is public.