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SimAtlas vs buying MSFS add-ons
There are two ways to fly payware scenery in Microsoft Flight Simulator: buy each add-on and manage it yourself, or subscribe to SimAtlas+ and get the whole library in one place. Here is an honest comparison.
At a glance
| Topic | Buying add-ons | SimAtlas+ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Pay for each add-on separately | One monthly price for the whole payware library (154 products worth $2,100+ at USD retail ) |
| Ownership | You keep the license for as long as the store supports it | Access while subscribed; included paid add-ons stop working once your subscription expires |
| Installation | Download each add-on, then run its installer or unzip it into the Community folder | One click in the SimAtlas app |
| Updates | Check each store for updates, then download and reinstall | Automatic; only the changed files are downloaded |
| Enabling and disabling | Move folders around or use a separate add-on linker | One click per add-on; files stay on your disk |
| GSX profiles | Find and install them yourself | Installed automatically for included sceneries |
| Platform | PC, and Xbox for Marketplace add-ons | Windows 10 and 11 PC only |
| Internet | Not needed once installed | Needed to start SimAtlas; the scenery itself stays on your disk |
| Your other add-ons | Work as usual | Keep working alongside SimAtlas |
When buying makes more sense
- You fly the same one or two airports for years.
- You want to own a license with no ongoing fee.
- You fly on Xbox.
When SimAtlas+ makes more sense
- You like flying to different airports.
- You want to try scenery before committing to it.
- You would rather not manage the Community folder and updates yourself.
Common questions
Compatibility
Can I use other add-ons?
Sure! Your existing add-ons will continue working just fine.
Which simulators are supported?
- Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 (MSFS 2020)
- Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 (MSFS 2024)
Billing and account
What happens if I cancel?
To ensure developers get fairly rewarded, we implement content protection so that only active subscribers can use the included add-ons. After your subscription expires, you will lose access to the included paid add-ons.
How do I cancel my subscription?
We bill monthly with no contracts or commitments. Cancel anytime from your account dashboard. No questions asked, no hoops to jump through. You'll keep access until your current billing period ends.