Best Flight Simulator Controls For Mac of 2025

There are already some excellent flight simulators for Mac but to take things to the next level of realism you need real flight controllers.

We’ve updated our look at the best flight simulator controls for Mac in 2025, including flight yokes, radio panels, dial panels, and rudder pedals — all with the latest compatibility updates for Apple Silicon Macs.

⚠️ Important: The only flight simulator on Mac that supports external flight controls is X-Plane, so you’ll need that first before using any of the hardware below.

If you’re just starting out and want something simpler, check out our guide to the best joysticks for X-Plane on Mac.

And while Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) doesn’t work natively on macOS, you can play it via Xbox Cloud Gaming using an Xbox controller — but external flight controls won’t be recognized that way.

Do These Flight Sim Controls Work With Apple Silicon Macs?

Up until 2024, many Logitech and Saitek flight sim controls did not work properly on M-chip Macs due to a lack of official driver support.

However, in 2025, most basic functions of Logitech/Saitek flight controls now work plug-and-play with X-Plane on Apple Silicon Macs — including the Yoke, Rudder Pedals, and Multi Panel — as long as:

• You’re using macOS Sonoma or newer (including Sequoia and Tahoe)
• You’re running X-Plane 12 or later
• You don’t rely on programming or custom profiles (some driver features still lack full Mac support)

🧩 Tip: Features like LEDs, autopilot logic, and button programming may still require workarounds or third-party tools like Karabiner-Elements or X-Plane plugins.

We still recommend caution with panel accessories on Apple Silicon until official drivers are released, but the situation is better than before.

Useful Tools for macOS X-Plane Users

Some functions not natively supported by macOS can be recovered using third-party tools:

• Karabiner-Elements – Remaps buttons and switches on macOS
• Xsaitekpanels plugin – Adds full Saitek panel support in X-Plane
• USB Overdrive – Offers deeper customization of USB HID devices

These can help restore functionality on Radio and Multi Panels where drivers are incomplete.

With this in mind, here’s a summary of the best Mac compatible flight controls followed by reviews for each one.

Product	Type	Apple Silicon Compatible	Needs Drivers?	Price Range
Logitech Pro Flight Yoke	Yoke & throttle	✅ Basic functions	❌	Approx $169.95
Logitech Radio Panel	Communication panel	⚠️ Partial (LED issues)	✅	Approx $169.99
Logitech Multi Panel	Autopilot & trim	⚠️ Partial (LED issues)	✅	Approx $169.99
Logitech Rudder Pedals	Foot controls	✅ Full	❌	Approx $139.97
Saitek Wheel Stand Pro	Hardware stand	✅ N/A	❌	Approx $184.99

1. Logitech G Saitek PRO Flight Yoke System

If you only buy one cockpit accessory, the Logitech G Saitek Pro Flight Yoke System is probably the best way to make your flight experience more realistic.

It allows you to control pitch trim, roll trim and flaps and the view out of the aircraft (front, side & rear).

The Saitek Pro Flight Yoke has a POV Hat, 14 button controls and 3-position mode switches. It also comes with a separate three axis lever throttle and includes a built-in chronograph that accurately times flight plans.

The Saitek PRO Flight Yoke definitely makes flying planes in X-Plane more realistic although there are a few drawbacks. It only has 45 degrees of movement compared to the 90 degrees of a real yoke for example. To get the most out of it, you’ll also need the rudder pedals (see number 4 below) because otherwise X-Plane will automatically compensate for them.

Note that if you’re having problems getting the Logitech Yoke to work with a Mac, you can find Saitek drivers here.

✅ Works on Apple Silicon: Yes (basic yoke and throttle functions only)

Pros:

• Works on the latest versions of macOS (basic functions)
• Solid build quality and smooth action
• Mounts securely to your desk
• Integrates with other Saitek panels

Cons:

• Only 45° of rotation vs. 90° on real aircraft
• LED functions limited without Windows driver
• Requires extra USB power

2. Logitech G Saitek Pro Flight Radio Panel

The Logitech G Saitek Pro Flight Radio Panel features twin adjustment dials to adjust frequency units, a standby switch for standby frequencies and a set of LED displays for controlling various flight aspects.

The LED works fully in real-time so that you don’t need to view the radio stack on your screen.

For instrument training and ATC training, the Logitech G Saitek Pro Flight Radio Panel provides a much better experience than tuning the radio in X-Plane with a mouse or Trackpad.

It is however quite power hungry on your Mac’s USB ports so we recommend either using a USB hub or making sure that your Mac is plugged into a power supply when using it. Read more about this in the “Before You Buy” section at the foot of these reviews.

🔌 Recommended: Use with a powered USB hub
✅ Works on Apple Silicon: Partially (knobs work; LED display may not)

Pros:

• Real-time frequency tuning via physical dials
• Great for radio and navigation training
• Compatible mounting with Saitek Yoke

Cons:

• LED display may not function without drivers
• Can draw a lot of USB power from your Mac
• Limited macOS support for advanced features

3. Logitech G Pro Flight Multi Panel

The Logitech G Pro Flight Multi Panel is a set of switches and LED display to control various aspects of the flight deck. It removes the need to use many of the onscreen controls in X-Plane.

If you’ve got the Logitech G Saitek Pro Flight Yoke System (see number 1 above), it actually mounts onto it for a more realistic, integrated flightdeck experience.

Controls include full Autopilot panel with associated setting controls and integrated dial adjust settings to select your required altitude. Other functions are adjustment of your aircraft’s throttle, flaps, and elevator trim.

The Pro Flight Multi Panel brings much greater realism by giving you physical switches for trim wheel and flaps as well as the ability to setup autopilot commands.

Note that you need drivers for the Logitech flight panel to work on a Mac which are available here.

✅ Works on Apple Silicon: Partially (switches work; LED functions vary)

Pros:

• Easy control of autopilot functions
• Mounts directly onto the Pro Yoke
• Trim wheel adds realism

Cons:

• LED and dial feedback may not function fully
• Requires X-Plane plugin support for macOS
• Not supported by Logitech G Hub on macOS

4. Logitech G PRO Flight Rudder Pedals

The Logitech G Pro Flight Rudder Pedals are the icing on the cake when it comes to creating a realistic cockpit flight sim setup for your Mac.

The pedals allow you to control the rudder and toe brakes of an aircraft with your feet. The Pro Flight Rudder Pedals are non-slip and have a realistic smooth action that are self-centering.

The pedals provide braking control and allow tension adjustment so that you can find the resistance that suits your flying style.

It comes with a 1.8 meter cable which both provides power and charges the pedals.

✅ Works on Apple Silicon: Yes (fully functional)

Pros:

• Smooth and adjustable tension
• Fully plug-and-play on macOS
• Makes taxiing and takeoff more realistic

Cons:

• Takes up space under your desk
• May conflict with certain USB hubs if underpowered

5. Saitek Wheel Stand Pro

If you buy the entire setup, then one problem you face is where to put everything. It can become a pain having to mount everything on a desk and take it down again when you’re not using the controls. The Saitek Wheel Stand Pro provides allows you to add the finishing touch by providing a frame to place all your cockpit controls.

All connectors are quick release for easy attachment and the stand is very stable. You can adjust the stand and dismantle it easy if you want to carry it somewhere.

Note that there is nowhere to mount a monitor or iMac included in the stand. It’s only designed for the Saitek flight sim controls.

The assembly instructions also aren’t particularly detailed or clear although it’s not too complicated to work out for yourself.

If you’ve invested several hundred dollars in your flight controllers already, the stand is definitely worth the investment.

Best for: Creating a portable cockpit setup that doesn’t require permanent desk space

Pros:

• Fully compatible with all Logitech cockpit gear
• Easy to fold and store
• Stable and customizable

Cons:

• No mount for a monitor or iMac
• Assembly instructions are vague

Flight Controls For Mac: Before You Buy

Here are key things to know before buying flight simulator hardware for your Mac in 2025:

Use A Powered USB Hub

Most of these accessories are power hungry. Plugging in more than two devices directly into your Mac can:

• Cause slowdowns or freezing
• Show the spinning beach ball
• Result in disconnects mid-flight

💡 A powered USB hub offloads power demands and gives you more USB ports for printers, hard drives, and more.

USB-C Adapters May Be Required

Most Logitech and Saitek flight controls use standard USB-A connectors, but Apple Silicon Macs (M-chip models) usually only have USB-C or Thunderbolt 4 ports.

To avoid connection issues or underpowering your flight gear, we recommend:

• A powered USB-C to USB-A hub
• Or a high-quality USB-C adapter with multiple USB-A ports

⚠️ Avoid cheap, unpowered dongles — they may not deliver enough power for devices like yokes, rudder pedals, or LED-equipped panels.

Driver & Software Support

Some flight panels still require Windows-only drivers to unlock full functionality:

• Radio and Multi Panels may not show LED readouts
• Switch Panels do not work at all on macOS

For advanced programming or LED control:

• Consider using X-Plane plugin tools
• Use a Mac-compatible input remapper like Karabiner-Elements
• Avoid relying on Logitech’s G Hub — it’s not designed for flight gear on macOS

Not All Products Work on Mac

Some flight sim hardware works only on Windows, even if the manufacturer once claimed macOS compatibility. Examples:

• ❌ Logitech Saitek Pro Flight Switch Panel – Windows only
• ❌ CH Products Flight Yoke – No longer supported after macOS High Sierra

Always check current macOS compatibility before buying.

Realism & Limitations

While flight simulator controls on a Mac can dramatically improve immersion, they’re not a substitute for a real flight simulator — and professional pilots may find some aspects less precise.

For example, many Saitek controls have built-in “null zones” that limit ultra-fine movements, which can affect your ability to make subtle corrections in X-Plane.

Similarly, some features — like LED indicators for landing gear status on the Saitek Yoke — were designed for Microsoft FSX and won’t function on X-Plane or macOS.

That said, using a flight yoke instead of a joystick still offers the most realistic experience for most Mac-based simmers and integrates well with throttle quadrants, rudder pedals, and panel accessories.

Conclusion

In 2025, it’s finally more realistic to build a flight cockpit setup on a Mac, especially if you use X-Plane and have a powered USB hub.

While not all features work perfectly yet — especially LED displays and advanced programming — the core flight experience using a yoke, rudder, and throttle works well even on M-series Macs.

If you’re just starting out, the Logitech Pro Flight Yoke System and Rudder Pedals are the best combination to begin with. For a full cockpit, consider adding panels and a stand.

As always, be careful with compatibility claims, and avoid any hardware that lacks clear macOS support.

FAQ

Do Saitek flight sim controls work on with Macs?
Most basic functions (axes, buttons) work plug-and-play in X-Plane. However, LED displays, autopilot displays, and programming require workarounds.

Can I use these on an M-series Mac?
Yes, most basic functionality works without drivers. But advanced features may not work until official Apple Silicon support is added.

What if I want to use Microsoft Flight Simulator on Mac?
You can only do that via Xbox Cloud Gaming, which supports Xbox controllers — not external yokes or panels.

Are there wireless flight sim controls for Mac?
No — all flight sim controls use wired USB connections due to latency and power requirements.