Flight Simulator Joysticks with Throttle (HOTAS)

Q: What does HOTAS mean?

HOTAS stands for Hands On Throttle And Stick.It describes a control setup in which a flight stick and separate throttle are designed to keep frequently used aircraft functions within reach of both hands.

A HOTAS — Hands On Throttle And Stick — combines a flight stick with a separate throttle, allowing you to control your aircraft without constantly reaching for a keyboard or mouse. HOTAS systems are especially popular for combat flight simulation and space simulation, but can also be a practical choice when you want more controls within easy reach.

What do you fly?
Choose your flying style to quickly narrow down the products that best match your setup.

↓ Jump to our HOTAS buying guide ↓

Turtle Beach VelocityOne HOTAS

Op voorraad

Op voorraad
€ 249,00
Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS Neo - Ace Combat 8 Edition

Op voorraad

Op voorraad
€ 129,00
Thrustmaster Warthog HOTAS MKII

Op voorraad

Op voorraad
€ 549,00

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What is a HOTAS system?

A HOTAS (short for Hands On Throttle And Stick) consists of two main controls that are designed to be used together. Understanding the role of each part makes it easier to compare different systems.

Flight Stick
Control the primary movement of your aircraft.
The flight stick controls the primary movement of the aircraft. Buttons, triggers and hat switches on the grip can be assigned to frequently used functions so they remain within reach during flight.
- Pitch and roll control
- Often includes twist rudder
- Buttons, triggers and POV hat-switch
Throttle
Control Engine Power and additional systems.
The separate throttle controls engine power and usually adds extra buttons, switches and axes to control additional systems. More advanced throttles may offer split levers, detents or reverse thrust controls.
- Independent throttle movement
- Additional hands-on controls
- May include detents or reverse thrust

How to choose a Flight Simulator HOTAS

Choosing the right HOTAS depends on the aircraft you fly, your simulator and the level of control you need. Look beyond the number of buttons: platform compatibility, throttle design, control layout and technology all influence how well a HOTAS fits your setup.

1 - Compatibility
Does the HOTAS work with your platform and simulator?
Most sets are designed for use on Windows PC. Only selected models support Xbox or PlayStation.
Please note that there is currently no hardware Xbox compatible with cloud gaming.
2 - Aircraft Type
Which types of stick-controlled aircraft do you prefer to fly?
Combat aircraft and spacecraft often benefit most from a HOTAS. A separate throttle gives you more precise power control and more space for additional buttons, switches and axes than the small throttle found on many standalone joysticks.
3 - Control Layout
Which functions do you need to fly your aircraft?
One of the benefits of a HOTAS is that a HOTAS provides a generous amount of programmable buttons, switches and additional axes. Consider which functions you want to control directly from your HOTAS.
4 - Technology
Which joystick and throttle features matter to you?
Take a look at Hall-effect sensors, adjustable tension, stick twist, programmable buttons and ergonomics/adjustability.

Which HOTAS fits the way you fly?

The right HOTAS depends largely on the aircraft or spacecraft you fly and the platform you use.
A beginner has different needs from a combat simmer, while console compatibility can immediately narrow down the available options.

Beginner
Look for a manageable number of buttons, an intuitive control layout and a separate throttle that gives you more precise power control without making the setup unnecessarily complex.
Combat
Combat flight simulation benefits from quick access to many aircraft functions. Look for multiple hat switches, triggers and programmable buttons, combined with a separate throttle that lets you control power while keeping both hands on your flight controls.
Space Simulation
Space simulation often requires more axes and programmable controls than 'normal' flight simulation. A HOTAS with plenty of buttons, hat switches and axes can make it easier to manage movement, systems and other frequently used spacecraft functions.
Console (PlayStation / Xbox)
When using a HOTAS on Xbox or PlayStation, compatibility should always be your first consideration. Only selected HOTAS systems support consoles, so check both your platform and simulator before comparing other features.

Understand the important features

When selecting a HOTAS, it is worth looking beyond the number of buttons and axes.
The technology, throttle design and control layout determine how precisely the system responds and how naturally it fits the aircraft and simulators you fly.

Hall-effect Sensors
Hall-effect sensors measure movement magnetically instead of relying on physical contact at the sensing point. This allows precise input measurement while reducing wear in the sensor mechanism.
Stick Twist
Some HOTAS flight sticks have an additional twist axis that is commonly used for rudder control. This allows you to control yaw without immediately needing separate rudder pedals.
Throttle Resistance
The resistance of the throttle determines how much force is required to move the lever. Adjustable resistance can help you tune the throttle feel to your own preference.

Dual Throttle Control
Some HOTAS systems use two separate throttle levers, allowing you to control two engines independently. The levers can often be linked together when separate engine control is not required.
Throttle Detents
Detents create physical positions in the throttle travel. Depending on the system, they can help identify settings such as idle, afterburner or reverse without looking at the throttle.
Buttons and Switches
Buttons, (hat-)switches and triggers allow you to control frequently used aircraft functions directly from the joystick grip.
These can be programmed, in the simulator, to match your preferences and style.

Frequently Asked Questions about HOTAS for Flight Simulator

What does HOTAS mean?

HOTAS stands for Hands On Throttle And Stick.
It describes a control setup in which a flight stick and separate throttle are designed to keep frequently used aircraft functions within reach of both hands.

What is the difference between a HOTAS and a joystick?

A standalone joystick is primarily a flight stick, sometimes with a small integrated throttle, where a HOTAS combines the flight stick with a separate throttle and usually provides more buttons, switches and axes.

What are Hall-effect sensors?

Hall-effect sensors measure movement magnetically without physical contact at the sensing point. This allows precise position measurement while reducing mechanical wear in the sensor mechanism.

Is a HOTAS useful for DCS?

Yes. Digital Combat Simulator (DCS) aircraft often require frequent access to many controls, making the additional buttons, hat switches and separate throttle of a HOTAS especially useful.
It adds additional immersion, as it makes flying (a bit) more realistic.

Which HOTAS is suitable for beginners?

We think a HOTAS should match your skill set. Beginners often benefit from an intuitive HOTAS with a manageable control layout. More advanced systems can also be suitable if you want room to expand your setup as your experience grows.

The best start is to look for a HOTAS that is easy to manage, with a manageable control layout and compatibility with the platform you use. More buttons are only useful when they match functions you actually use (and you know how to use those functions). If you want to buy a HOTAS for beginners, make sure to check out our Flight Simulator Hardware for Beginners section.

Complete Your Flight Simulator Setup

A HOTAS provides your primary stick and throttle controls. You can expand the setup further depending on the aircraft you fly and the level of realism you are looking for.

Rudder Pedals

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Avionics & Panels

Check
Virtual Reality

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Not sure what hardware fits best?

You can find a lot of different Flight Simulator Joysticks on this page. But what if you're not completely sure what type of controller fits you best?

No worries! We've got you covered!
Just contact our customer service, or -if you're a beginning pilot- check out our dedicated page for beginning pilots.
On this page, we guide you through the different models and options and explain everything about joysticks, yokes, rudder pedals, and throttles.

Contact us ➞ Hardware for Beginning Pilots ➞

Flight Simulator Joysticks with Throttle (HOTAS)

Turtle Beach VelocityOne HOTAS

Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS Neo - Ace Combat 8 Edition

Thrustmaster Warthog HOTAS MKII

Flight Stick

Throttle

1 - Compatibility

2 - Aircraft Type

3 - Control Layout

4 - Technology

Beginner

Combat

Space Simulation

Console (PlayStation / Xbox)

Hall-effect Sensors

Stick Twist

Throttle Resistance

Dual Throttle Control

Throttle Detents

Buttons and Switches

Frequently Asked Questions about HOTAS for Flight Simulator

Rudder Pedals

Avionics & Panels

Virtual Reality

Not sure what hardware fits best?