What is the best PC joystick? Picking a joystick can be simpler than you think with only a handful of key criteria to consider, and only a few companies even still making dedicated flight sticks. Whether you're after a single stick to get started in air combat games or want a full space sim experience, we've got a joystick for you.
The best joystick overall is the Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flight Deck, which brings a multitude of functions to your fingers with its HOTAS controls. For those with less to spend, the best budget joystick is the Logitech G Extreme 3D Pro, which is incredible value at under $35. Meanwhile, the best space sim joystick is the Thrustmaster Sol-R2 HOSAS. For more options, check out the list below. Plus, be sure to read the how to choose and FAQ sections if you in need of some guidance on what to look for in a flight stick. Meanwhile, if you're after a fight stick joystick, rather than a flight stick, check out our best flight stick guide.
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Best PC joysticks in 2025:
1. Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flight Deck – best overall
2. Logitech G Extreme 3D Pro Joystick – budget choice
3. Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS One – budget choice with throttle
4. Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog – premium choice
5. Thrustmaster TCA Officer Pack Airbus Edition – best for flight sims
6. Logitech GX56 Throttle and Stick – best performance and price
7. Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flightstick – all-in-one choice
8. Thrustmaster Sol-R 2 HOSAS – best for space sims
Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flight Deck
Best flight stick for most
Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flight Deck specifications:
| Buttons | 139 |
| Connection | USB-C |
| Throttle | Included |
| Weight | 2.97kg / 6.55lbs (total) |
Pros
- Incredible build quality
- Easy and quick to set up
- Unrivalled immersion
Cons
- Layout a bit overwhelming
- Software crashes sometimes
The Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flight Deck isn't for anyone looking to dip a toe into flight sim gear, with a design that aims to have that 1% extra over competitors be it on performance or inputs. It has 139 buttons, with more obtainable through the companion app, and it sports more HAT controls than any other commercial HOTAS controller.
Its price is premium, there's no avoiding that, but the value on offer is incredibly competitive, and you could spend more and get less with other controllers. Turtle Beach has nailed an approachable design that can be intimidating at first, but once you're deeply immersed in games like Microsoft Flight Sim or War Thunder, you'll be surprised at how quickly you adapt.
Its accompanying software is sometimes unreliable due to freezing and crashes, but there isn't much need for it beyond the firmware updates, and these may address stability issues in the future.
Read our Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flight Deck review for more.
Logitech G Extreme 3D Pro Joystick
Best budget PC Joystick
Logitech G Extreme 3D Pro Joystick specifications:
| Buttons | 12 |
| Connection | USB |
| Throttle | Yes |
| Weight | 2.7lbs / 1.2kg |
Pros
- Outstanding value for money
- Surprisingly solid build quality
- Throttle control
Cons
- Simplistic software
- Not ambidextrous
- No dedicated rudder control
Sometimes we just want to hop in a Boeing 747, turn down the realism of the flight model, and just enjoy the view. If you fall into this category then the Logitech G Extreme 3D Pro Joystick offers everything you need to have a great casual experience, which is why it earns our pick as the best budget standalone PC joystick.
With 12 customizable buttons, including an 8-way HAT switch, you'll find plenty of options for your controls as long as you're not planning on diving into DCS and starting up an Apache gunship.
The integrated throttle is all you need for flying about in games such as Microsoft Flight Simulator in its easier settings or Battlefield and the level of control will be far better than a mouse and keyboard or gamepad. Z-axis enjoyers are well catered for here too as you can twist the joystick with reckless abandon for rudder controls for accurate flying.
At an MSRP of $39.99 (£44.98), it's hard to fault it, but it would be nice to have some extra buttons or for it to be more ambidextrous or have alternative models so that lefties aren't left out. The joystick is frequently discounted too – making this option more enticing despite its few setbacks.
Read our full Logitech Extreme 3D Pro review.
Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS One
Best budget HOTAS PC joystick
Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS One specifications:
| Buttons | 15 |
| Connection | USB |
| Throttle | Included |
| Weight | 4.5lbs / 2kg |
Pros
- Decent price
- Especially great for in-game flight
- Ergonomically designed
Cons
- Y button placement a bit off
- Could use more buttons
- Cable could be longer
While it might not be quite as much of a marvel as the Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog listed above, this is still a top-notch joystick. It is both comfortable and ergonomic and is no less capable of enhancing all your favorite flight simulators.
It has a decent array of 15 buttons that you can remap as you please (although it is a bit fiddly), with adjustable tension levels that let you get it just the way you like it. We wish the Y button was slightly better positioned, but other than that, it all felt very well designed.
It's a big piece of hardware, for sure, but if you've got the real estate, it stands to be a fantastic addition to your setup. If you also enjoy gaming via Xbox, you'll also be pleased to hear it offers cross-compatibility with both Xbox and PC. You might find more buttons, or customization options on the pricier options, but for the cost, this is pretty fantastic.
Read our Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS One review.
Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog
Best premium joystick
Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog specifications:
| Buttons | 55 |
| Connection | USB |
| Throttle | Included |
| Weight | 3.97lbs / 1.8kg |
Pros
- High-quality construction
- Modelled after a real A-10 aircraft
- Superb feeling
Cons
- Expensive
- Lacking z-axis rotation
The Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog is the best premium PC joystick for good reason. The Warthog is modeled after the joystick found in the real U.S. Air Force's A-10C aircraft. The joystick went through many phases of development, and the end result is a product with a fantastic metal build and laser precision. This is the best flight simulator joystick if you can handle the high price.
The HOTAS Warthog has 55 customizable buttons and hat switches to ensure that you can fly any digital aircraft – be it military, civilian or spacecraft. This quality does come at a premium as the full set has an MSRP of $549.99 (£449.99), but it regularly goes on sale for less.
The HOTAS Warthog has been a flight sim favorite for years now. With a weighty and authentic feel. However, a nitpick from us virtual helicopter and spaceship pilots is the lack of z-axis rotation built into the joystick. – this isn't a stick suitable for space sims, though pedals can be used to add this function. We can't fault Thrustmaster for staying true to the A-10 though, as this isn't found in the real thing either. Get the HOTAS Warthog if you want the most authentic and very best PC joystick that money can buy.
Thrustmaster TCA Officer Pack Airbus Edition
Best joystick for flight simulators
Thrustmaster TCA Officer Pack Airbus Edition specifications:
| Buttons | 33 |
| Connection | USB |
| Throttle | Included |
| Weight | 3.97lbs / 1.8kg |
Pros
- A good entry point for flight-sims
- Included throttle
- Ambidextrous
All the sticks on this list are great for flight sims but the reason we've picked out this option specifically is that if you're more interested in conventional airplane flight and want a more civilian-focused explorative experience, rather than an emphasis on combat, it's ideal. It's modelled after typical Airbus airplane controls, providing a more true to life feel of flying commercial jet aircraft than some other sticks.
What's more, the Thrustmaster TCA Officer Pack Airbus Edition is also a great quality flight stick with some clever extra features. Along with its HOTAS throttle control, this stick includes 33 action buttons and uses a Hall Effect stick sensor to ensure it should never wear out or develop stick drift. It's party trick, though, is that you can swap some of the joystick components on its top to better suit left or right handed use.
Crucially, although the look and feel here is of a commercial jetliner-only flight stick, this controller can be used for other purposes. It includes a trigger for combat situations and the stick can twist to provide rudder ain flight sims or z-axis control in space sims.
Logitech GX56 Throttle and Stick
Great value for the performance
Logitech GX56 Throttle and Stick specifications:
| Buttons | 13 |
| Connection | USB |
| Throttle | Included |
| Weight | 4.5lbs / 2kg |
Pros
- Huge customizability
- Included throttle
- Great value
Cons
- Slightly cheap-feeling construction
- Lightweight
The Logitech G Saitek X56 throttle and stick offers the best price-to-performance ratio which is why we have crowned it as our best-value PC joystick. The X56 features 31 programmable buttons and 5 hats meaning that pretty much any craft should be covered.
You won't need to shell out for pedals either as the joystick can rotate to engage z-axis movement from rudder adjustments. An adjustable spring tensioning system means you can dial in what level of resistance you want allowing for even more granular control.
The joystick also benefits from Hall effect sensors which enable you to further adjust how it feels if you want an authentic experience when flying a craft with sluggish controls. The sensors also mean that the X56 should remain as accurate as the day you bought it as it won't be susceptible to stick-drift.
Having the throttle with independent sticks means you'll have much more control over dual-engined spaceships and planes. All this choice makes the X56 a great setup to grow into as the controls can be as simple or complex as you like.
Hopefully, the joystick and throttle will last long enough though as the construction of the unit feels a little lacking as it is mostly comprised of plastic. This means that it is quite lightweight so you will definitely need to make use of the suction cups or attach it more permanently or the unit will slide about your desk.
Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flightstick
Best value all-in-one PC joystick.
Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flightstick specifications:
| Buttons | 27 |
| Connection | USB |
| Throttle | Sold separately |
| Weight | 1.81lbs / 821g |
Pros
- Lots of inputs
- Unobtrusive
- Lovely Construction
Cons
- Odd throttle layout
- Too lightweight
Turtle Beach isn't known for its flight sim peripherals first. Still, its first outing into the business has been remarkably successful and the VelocityOne Flightstick ticks many boxes in a very tidy package which is why it is our best all-in-one PC joystick.
The throttle controls are built directly into the base of the unit meaning you don't have to bother with multiple cables running across your desk. There are additional USB-C ports and these can be used to connect to other controls such as pedals and the like.
There are many customizable controls too and to help make sense of what you're doing – a monochromatic OLED screen adorns the top of the joystick which shows your axis, trim, and a chronograph.
The joystick is beautifully built too and every time we look at it we are shocked that Turtle Beach knocked it out of the park on their first attempt. It even has z-axis controls!
It's not without its quirks mind you as the throttle controls are bewilderingly not off to one side but flank the joystick. Whilst this may aid in making it more ambidextrous – it means that anytime you need to adjust the throttle at the same time (which is most of the time) you will have to remove your hand from the joystick entirely which isn't ideal.
The VelocityOne Flightstick is also very lightweight so unless you attach it to a set-up, you may find yourself knocking it about. These issues withstanding, for around $129.99 (£119.99) you are getting an awful lot for your money.
Thrustmaster Sol-R 2 HOSAS
Best joystick for space sims
Thrustmaster Sol-R 2 HOSAS specifications:
| Buttons | 88 |
| Connection | USB |
| Throttle | No |
| Weight | 2.5kg |
Pros
- Full two-stick space movement control
- Great build quality and accuracy
- Masses of buttons and controls
If you're looking for the best joystick for Star Citizen, Elite Dangerous, or any other space flight game, the Thrustmaster Sol-R 2 HOSAS Space Sim Duo is it. Featuring dual sticks for many-axis control, this setup will allow for the highly complex movements you can perform in the freedom of space.
What's more, this stick pairing includes Hall Effect stick movement sensing, which should ensure the sticks don't wear out and develop stick drift over time. The sticks also include a mass of extra features, including a total of four triggers, two ministicks, two thumbwheels, and a total of 88 action buttons.
The only real downside – other than this HOSAS setup being less suited to normal flight sim use than a HOTAS setup – is the fairly high price of $399. However, you can also check out the Thrustmaster T.16000M duo if you're looking for a cheaper option with similar specs.
How to choose the best PC joystick
Grabbing the best joystick for PC entirely depends on what games you like to play. Like real planes, the controls are wildly different and the prices can be equally wild. A dedicated throttle helps if you're serious about the flight sim scene, which is why some of our premium selections include them. Some units, like the Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS X, include a throttle at a very reasonable price.
If you play combat sims, opt for something a bit more involved such as the Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog which features many buttons, hats (a multi-directional switch), a dedicated throttle, and bombproof construction whereas if you're more of a casual user you may be well served by the budget-friendly Turtle Beach VelocityOne.
Thrustmaster's T-Flight HOTAS One is ideal if you're cruising among the stars, while its TCA Officer Pack Airbus Edition caters more to simulators. Logitech's G X56 strikes a great middle-ground, however, and should suit most gamers wanting to take flight.
If you're a sim veteran but haven't tried your hand at dogfighting yet, or vice versa, then it might be worth subscribing to Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass for PC, where you'll be able to access multiple flight sims in one package.
Of course, you might not be into flight simulators at all. You can also get joysticks like the 8BitDo Arcade Stick, specifically designed for arcade games (especially fighting games). It'd be pretty cumbersome with most flying games, but if you love retro fighters that are all about those rapid button combos, it's night and day.
Joystick FAQs
Do I need a joystick for Microsoft Flight Simulator?
Microsoft Flight Simulator doesn't require the use of a joystick, with the best PC controllers making for a great alternative, but they do greatly enhance the experience. A joystick simply feels like a more natural and true to life way to interact with a plane. What's more, the sheer complexity of some controls and functions means it can be a lot easier to use the dedicated functions on a joystick than remember all the dozens of keyboard binds or controller buttons combinations needed to fully take charge of a complex aircraft.
What joysticks are compatible with Microsoft Flight Simulator?
Microsoft Flight Simulator has incredibly wide support for most joysticks – it's the single biggest game of its genre so manufacturers want to ensure their gear works well with the game. The Microsoft Flight Simulator development team maintains a list of compatible controllers on its website, which you can find here.
What does HOTAS mean?
HOTAS is an acronym for "Hands-On Throttle And Stick," and it essentially describes a joystick setup where you have a dedicated second throttle controller as well as a joystick. So, both your hands are fully occupied being on a throttle and stick.
What is a Hat switch?
A hat switch is a multi-directional button similar to a d-pad on a controller. However, they tend to have a pointy, conical shape like a hat. They're generally situated on the top of a joystick and are often used to control the player's view – unless you're using a VR headset – but can be used for other functions too.
Do I need a separate throttle control?
Precise throttle control is a key component of any flight or space sim, with all but the most budget joysticks including some sort of throttle control. The key factor is that, like your joystick movement, a throttle control needs to be analog, so many controls offer sliders of some sort. For instance, the Logitech G Extreme 3D Pro Joystick has a simple rotating throttle dial just in front of the main joystick.
However, for more precise control and immersive feel, a dedicated throttle control is a major upgrade. Joysticks with separate throttle controls are known HOTAS systems and as well as offering a larger, more precise dedicated throttle control, these systems generally include two throttle controls for controlling left and right engines, plus they tend to host many more dedicated buttons and switches, enabling you to bring even more controls to your fingertips. Our best joystick overall, the Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flight Deck is a HOTAS control.
How many buttons do I need?
True flight sim games can demand dozens of controls to be interacted with to truly simulate what it's like to control are aircraft. From turning on fuel pumps to altering flaps and of course firing your guns, you only have to look at pictures of the inside of a cockpit to realise how complex planes can be.
To this end, many higher end joysticks include loads of extra buttons and controls. Some of the most important to look out for are extra throttle controls, HAT switch for controlling your point of view, and any other extra analog dials for setting controls such as flaps to multiple settings. However, keep in mind that many controls can still be enabled via a keyboard, it's just that a joystick can make them quicker and easier to find and make for a more immersive feel.
What joystick do you need for a space game/sim?
If you're playing a game that involves movement in space, rather than in air and with gravity, the key extra feature you need for a joystick is a Z-axis control. This can either come in the form of an entirely separate second stick, such as the Thrustmaster T.16000M duo or Thrustmaster Sol-R 2 HOSAS Space Sim Duo, or as a single joystick with the ability to not just tilt back/forward and left/right but twist as well. That's why the Logitech G Extreme 3D Pro Joystick is our favorite budget joystick as it offers this extra function despite costing so little.
What's the best controller for flight sims?
If you aren't ready to invest in a dedicated flight stick just yet, you may want to consider a quality controller instead. Our list of the best PC controllers has a host of great options, but some of our top picks would be those with swappable thumbsticks that allow for adding taller, more precise sticks, such as on the Scuf Valor Pro. We'd also recommend seeking out a Hall Effect controller, as this type of thumbstick tech eliminates stick drift. Controllers from as cheap as $30, such as the EasySMX X05 offer this feature.
Who makes the best joysticks?
There are only a handful of manufacturers that still make flight sticks, with the big three being Logitech, Thrustmaster, and Turtle Beach. Also look out for Honeycomb and VKB options. Any products by these companies will be reliable but there's considerable variation between their cheapest and most expensive options, so it all depends what features are a priority for you.
Do joysticks wear out?
Sadly, so. Like all hardware, they can be damaged by continuous use. If you use the same joystick for years and years, you may find that it becomes less responsive, or that it occasionally misses inputs. You may be able repair certain joysticks but finding spare parts can be tricky plus, if you're paying someone else to do the repair, as with most things in life, it only makes economic sense if you're repairing an already expensive item. If you have a relatively budget joystick, it will probably be cheaper to just buy a new one.
Are taller joysticks better?
Typically, you'll get a higher level of accuracy when using a taller joystick. Additionally, you may find that the taller options are more comfortable to use, especially if you're a person with large hands. Of course, the shorter ones still have their benefits, but if you like competitive gaming in particular, taller ones may be better.
Why is my joystick drifting?
If you have a joystick that's started to drift, there are several potential causes. It could be that the joystick has become damaged through excessive use, and it could also be that dirt is trapped within it. If you feel comfortable doing so, you could take it apart and clean the interior. However, as opening it like this will void the warranty, it's probably best to avoid this unless you're very confident with hardware maintenance or know it's already out of warranty.
For more product recommendations on enhancing your setup, read our guides on the best PC steering wheels and the best racing sim cockpit. They've got some great suggestions for fans of racing games.
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