Whether you’re flying close air support in DCS World, dogfighting in Star Citizen, or cruising the skies in Microsoft Flight Simulator, a good flight stick turns a game into an experience. And in 2025, the options have never been better—from ultra-premium builds with military-grade switches to budget-friendly sticks that still offer serious control.
Here’s a closer look at some of the best flight sticks and throttle systems on the market right now. Whether you’re a sim veteran or just testing the skies, there’s something here that’ll suit your cockpit.
Best Flight Sticks: Quick Comparison
| Product | Type | Platform Support | Twist Rudder | Price |
| Thrustmaster Warthog | HOTAS (Stick + Throttle) | PC Only | No | $305.20 – Buy Now |
| VKB Gladiator NXT EVO | Stick Only | PC Only | Yes | $101.25 – Buy Now |
| MOZA MH16 Flightstick | Stick Only | PC Only | No | $169 – Buy Now |
| T16000M FCS HOTAS | HOTAS (Stick + Throttle) | PC Only | Yes | $80 – Buy Now |
| T-Flight HOTAS One | HOTAS (Stick + Throttle) | Xbox + PC | Yes | $110 – Buy Now |
| Logitech G X56 HOTAS | HOTAS (Stick + Dual Throttle) | PC Only | Yes | $250 – Buy Now |
| Virpil CM3 Throttle | Throttle Only | PC Only | N/A | €319.95 – Buy Now |
Best Flight Sticks: Top Picks
Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog
Quick Highlights
- Dual-control HOTAS (stick + throttle)
- All-metal construction
- 19 action buttons + 5-axis control
- Detachable throttle with friction adjustment
- Inspired by the A-10C Warthog
- Price – $305 – Buy Now
The Thrustmaster Warthog is the gold standard for flight sim enthusiasts who want the real deal. Built from metal with surgical precision, it mimics the A-10C’s control system down to the switch types and feel. The stick uses HallEffect sensors for precise input, and the throttle unit—complete with dual throttles, toggles, and detents—is a simulator in itself.
There’s no twist yaw, so pairing with rudder pedals is a must. But for those who fly regularly and want deep immersion, nothing else at this price point delivers this level of tactile feedback and presence. It’s not plug-and-play for casuals—it’s built for realism junkies who want to flip real toggles and fly like they mean it.
Pros
- Built like a tank; all-metal
- Incredibly immersive and accurate
- Precise throttle detents and switches
Cons
- No twist for rudder
- High cost and large footprint
VKB Gladiator NXT EVO
Quick Highlights
- Modular design with swappable grips
- Contactless sensors on all axes
- Adjustable dampers and return springs
- Twist rudder included
- Available for left- or right-hand use
- Price – $101.25 – Buy Now
The Gladiator NXT EVO is VKB’s mid-range beast that punches well above its price class. It features premium internals like contactless magnetic sensors on all axes, a robust gimbal system, and a modular grip design that lets you swap handles depending on your preference or aircraft type. The grip itself has tactile switches and a wide array of buttons, making it excellent for both casual and serious simmers.
What makes it shine is how it feels during small, precise adjustments—whether you’re trimming a Cessna or pulling high-G turns. It’s incredibly smooth, and the adjustable spring tension lets you tune it to your liking. Plus, the twist rudder makes it a solid all-in-one option for desk setups that don’t include pedals.
Pros
- Ultra-precise with excellent build feel
- Modular grip and left/right variants
- Affordable for the quality
Cons
- No included throttle (must be paired)
- Plastic body (but still sturdy)
MOZA MH16 Flightstick (Stick Only – requires a base)
Quick Highlights
- 16-bit Hall sensors on all axes
- Ergonomic grip with 27 programmable inputs
- Adjustable base tension
- USB-C powered and software customizable
- High-end aluminum base
- Price – $169 – Buy Now
MOZA’s MH16 Flightstick is the newcomer that came out swinging. Known for sim racing gear, MOZA brought that same engineering quality to aviation with this impressive debut. It features a die-cast aluminum base, high-resolution sensors, and a handle that rivals the best in terms of button count and layout.
Everything from the base tension to the RGB lighting can be adjusted via software, and the build quality is easily on par with sticks twice the price. It’s missing a throttle unit—so you’ll need to bring your own—but as a standalone stick, it feels incredible. It’s a strong contender for pilots who want premium features without jumping into full HOTAS territory just yet.
Pros
- Excellent build quality and response
- Tons of inputs and smooth movement
- Great software support
Cons
- No throttle module
- Not ideal for left-handers
Thrustmaster T16000M FCS HOTAS
Quick Highlights
- Ambidextrous stick with throttle unit
- HallEffect sensors for precision
- 16 buttons, POV hat, twist rudder
- Affordable HOTAS combo
- Compatible with PC only
- Price – $80 – Buy Now
The T.16000M FCS HOTAS offers a ton of value in a space where entry-level doesn’t always mean immersive. This combo includes a precise HallEffect-based flight stick with a twist rudder and a throttle that has an additional 14 buttons and a mini analog stick for extra input. It’s a true HOTAS on a budget.
While the plastic construction keeps it from feeling premium, the input precision is well above average at this price point. The stick is ambidextrous (literally—swap parts to suit your hand), and the throttle has enough control options to satisfy most space and flight sim players alike. It’s often recommended as the “first real setup” for aspiring sim fans—and for good reason.
Pros
- Great value for full HOTAS
- Accurate sensors and solid ergonomics
- Twist rudder built in
Cons
- Feels plasticky
- Throttle has limited resistance adjustment
Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS One
Quick Highlights
- Budget-friendly HOTAS combo
- Twist rudder on stick
- Integrated throttle with buttons and rocker
- Xbox Series X/S and PC compatible
- Plug-and-play setup
- Price – $110 – Buy Now
The T-Flight HOTAS One is a solid beginner-friendly HOTAS setup that works just as well on Xbox as it does on PC. It’s straightforward, lightweight, and compact enough for desks without a full sim rig. The throttle and stick can be used attached or separated depending on your space.
While it lacks the high-end internals of pricier models, it makes up for it with simplicity. The stick includes a twist rudder, basic button layout, and decent ergonomics. It’s not for advanced players, but if you’re flying in Microsoft Flight Simulator on console or looking for a first HOTAS for casual gaming, it gets the job done without much fuss.
Pros
- Works with Xbox and PC
- Compact and easy to set up
- Great for casual use or beginners
Cons
- Limited customization
- Build feels basic
Logitech G X56 H.O.T.A.S
Quick Highlights
- Dual throttle with tension dials
- RGB lighting on stick and base
- Twist rudder, analog stick, mini mouse
- 189 programmable controls
- Works with most sim titles out of the box
- Price – $250 – Buy Now
The Logitech G X56 HOTAS is a popular mid-to-high-end option that blends gamer style with simulation functionality. The dual-throttle setup is perfect for spacecraft or twin-engine aircraft, and the stick includes all the controls you could possibly need—plus a twist rudder, which reduces the need for pedals.
Its RGB lighting, slightly gamer-ish aesthetic, and abundance of switches make it a top pick for Elite Dangerous and Star Citizen fans. However, the plastic housing and sometimes-wobbly throttle tension mean it’s not quite pro-grade. Still, for someone who wants a “complete” HOTAS setup without stepping into the $500+ zone, it’s one of the most feature-rich picks.
Pros
- Dual throttle, great for multi-engine craft
- Highly customizable and VR-friendly
- Includes twist rudder
Cons
- Build quality feels mid-tier
- Software can be buggy
Virpil CM3 Throttle
Quick Highlights
- Premium aluminum throttle unit
- Swappable detents and customizable resistance
- Dozens of switches, toggles, and hats
- Built for DCS and high-end sims
- Works with most modern flight sticks
- Price – €319.95 – Buy Now
The Virpil CM3 Throttle isn’t just a throttle—it’s a control panel. This is a standalone unit built for simmers who already have a quality stick but want full control over aircraft systems. From adjustable friction to the tactile click of its toggles, every element feels mechanical, deliberate, and incredibly polished.
There are swappable cams and detents, which makes it easy to match to the behavior of specific aircraft. You’re paying a premium here, but you’re also getting best-in-class construction and real mechanical feedback. It doesn’t include a stick, so this is for people who are serious about flight sims and want to build their HOTAS rig piece by piece.
Pros
- Unmatched build and tactile feel
- Incredibly customizable throttle behavior
- Ideal for pro-level DCS setups
Cons
- Expensive
- Requires separate flight stick
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right flight stick really comes down to how deep you want to go. The Thrustmaster Warthog and Virpil CM3 are for sim pilots who demand realism, weight, and full control systems. VKB’s NXT EVO and the MOZA MH16 hit the sweet spot between high-end responsiveness and approachable design. If you’re just getting started, the T.16000M and T-Flight HOTAS One offer solid experiences without the steep learning curve or price. And if you want a flashy all-in-one that doesn’t hold back on controls, the Logitech X56 delivers.
Whether you’re dogfighting, spacefaring, or flying solo over open landscapes, these options let you build the cockpit that fits your style and sim of choice.
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