Which is Best - FSTraffic vs FSLTL - Full Performance & Setup Review | AI Traffic & VATSIM MSFS 

FS Traffic for me. Already purchased and installed, quite impressed.

Will definitely consider buying it. The bonuses for me are the traffic lining up for the runway won’t be unrealistically congested and the more realistic sounds and models.

I’ve bought yesterday FS traffic and I did a lot of traffic creations in my home base(Barcelona) and it works perfectly. With FSLTL was always nice at the beginning but FPS worst performance once installed and flying specially in payware airport and I don’t have a bad computer. With FS I can put full traffic and heavy schedules and still having great performance and its manual you can understand it very well. Also I’ve been waiting for FS since they said they’d created and JUSTFLIGHT it is the place I get used to buy FS addons.

I've seen bigger differences especially in larger airports like EGLL and EDDF. With FSTL or AIG, it was impossible for me to get good frames with 100% traffic. With FS Traffic, it is possible. That alone is worth the price.

I’m team FSLTL, no cargo planes with FS Traffic (yet) but Leipzig is buzzing with DHL planes on FSLTL.

Man, still learning so much about MSFS and addons. Ive had FSTraffic for several months and have never seen the control panel screen. Lol

When you create a flight in FS traffic you are required to enter origin and destination, so you are only generating planes within those two airports. When you inject traffic in FSLTL you generate planes within the radius in Km you specify, so I'm sure for this video FSLTL is actually generating not only the planes we see in this airport, but also in other airports nearby and in the air. And yet, the FPS hit is very similar between the two.

Solid video once again, thx ! In all honesty, I have become much more demanding with payware folks - they need to up their game with true & unique features / improvements to grab me. Although I do see some perf increase with FSTraffic, they seem to be marginal, at best. I'll be sticking with FSLTL, it serves me well and runs nicely on my system. The models, effects, animations and sounds have kept me smiling. Most of all, I do very much appreciate the near "real time" traffic it offers. Had FSTraffic managed to also rework the sim air / ground traffic routine, I would have jumped in instantly. Maybe I am too greedy.

A good comparison. Fio the moment I will continue with FSLTL. Hopefully the team will make improvements to this freeware.

Sorry Just Flight , but you knew FSLTL was freeware and you still want to charge $ 40.00 for a slightly better product. I don't think to many people are going to make the change. Drop the price by half and maybe it would be worth the frame rate gain I suppose.

For now, I stick to FSLTL and for the money, I'd think FS Traffic has to improve (real live traffic option and more liveries) before I'll even consider buying it.

Great video comparing the two packages. Thank you. For me I'll probably stick with FSLTL for right now (meets my needs at the moment). I'll give FSTraffic as harder look if/when it goes on sale. The FSTraffic price tag is a little steep considering there is a viable alternative with FSLTL.

With regard to FSLTL frame rates, I just boosted the rolling cache to 32GB & turned the 'off-screen terrain caching' to ultra - even at CPU heavy airports like JFK, Heathrow, Gatwick & Charles de Gaulle I boosted frame rates by roughly 50%...& my system is now most definitely considered mid-range. I can't wait to see what the next sim update does to the AI traffic - from the MSFS Beta forums they worked some magic there it seems. Hopefully Atlanta gets some love as AI traffic never worked there...for me at least...

Those FS traffic aircraft looked like they were limping taxing and departing. Sticking with FSLTL personally.

Great comparison video excellant. As I have now started on VATSIM I don't think I would use most of FS Traffic features. I agree the models are amazing but they a very good in FSLTL too. FSLTL and AIG VMR files give all the model match you could want for vatsim and they are free. Also FS Traffic still uses ASBO AI traffic default behaviour which comes with all the usual faults. that said, I can't justify £27 for a little more than what I already have albeit more detailed models. I think If I mainly used for offline flying then I would be tempted. But for me I'm sticking with fsltl for now, who also upgrade models regular. Thanks for putting this video together brilliant as always. 👍

thank you for putting this together. I plan on getting SF Traffic and was waiting on some reviews like this. Much appreciated!

I will stay with fsltl for now they do a great job and are constantly updating their software

What's with the taxying jets "bouncing" up and down as they are moving? Never noticed that with FSLTL, assume this is specific to FST? Nice review by the way.

FS traffic models don't touch the ground! I mean the plane are hovering over the runway :). For $40 this is not an option for me

FSLTL is free, and open source. With good backing, an open source project will constantly improve and grow (like the FBW A320). I've seen nothing to suggest that FSLTL can't do this, and indeed they've released several very solid updates so far. It's also hands free, whereas FSTraffic requires us to tell them what airport we want traffic at - sort of removes the immersion when in VR. I sometimes just like to divert and turn up somewhere. Others say frame rates suffer with FSLTL. I suspect there is a slight hit, but in my experience it's not noticeable. Pluses and minuses for both, but being free, FSLTL is a no-brainer really. It's already solid, and I can't wait to see what else they'll do to enhance it.

I found out why some people find the sounds from FST better than FSLTL. They are so soft at full thrust that because of the 100% taxi thrust bug introduced with SU11, they sound quite OK on taxi, and they rev up and down. FSLTL have a work around for that bug, setting the sounds at a steady low rate at taxi, so no revving. And that way FST sounds better at taxi. When the bug is fixed, FSLTL sounds also will rev, and have a good roar at takeoff and rumble at a large distance, like intended. FST sounds will then be hardly heard while taxiing. Also FST uses the old tech FSX sounds, no startup and shutdown sounds are available. Nice detailed models though.

Currently I have fsltl, but for several reasons covered in your review I may very well be adding fs traffic

I will use both for model matching in vatsim along with select installed planes/liveries as available. Also, when not using online ATC, I will use one or the other depending on the use-case scenario be it Flight Radar 24's real-time traffic advantage or FS Traffic's historic schedule databases advantage. When loafing around in a hot air balloon, bush flying in northern Ontario, or soaring in the Alps, I probably won't use either. In other words, I will enjoy the versatility that both have to offer, individually and together.

Bought fs traffic yesterday and it’s awesome, performance better than fsltl

I like FSLTL simply because it’s free, no fps issues and no lags. Sure it has some static traffic glitches but so does FS.

If they added GA and Biz jets I will get it, Or give it a few months to mature add more scheme etc. Be good if they get data from fr24 or something to create flights for Biz jets and GA.

Having some issues with FS Traffic, I even get better frames on Vatsim with the FSLTL VMR. And there is an annoying issue with FS traffic and a Simobjects limitations, in the same scenario at KLAX the FS Traffic doesn't show up, while it does with FSLTL. (even when disabling ground objects in the control center).

@0:17 look at the road traffic at center, vehicles jumping off the road LOL.

Been waiting for this video!

Hi, I'm not sure that displaying a launch of the new FS Traffic to show video footage with Nose wheels hovering the taxi ways & runways or the opposite, imbedded into the tarmac displaying jolts rather than smooth movement across the surface as though the aircraft is trying to tug its way out from the surface?. Also noticed static objects being flashed on to the image whilst showing a scan of Manchester Airport. Is the issue the FS Traffic or the simulator for both examples?

What a nice and very well explained video. Thx Gavin. I stick to FSLTL by now... or no ? Damn i wanna try FS TRAFFIC. XD

If I was doing more offline flying I would grab it. It looks like a really nice product, but as I fly mainly online I only really need the vmr file and at them moment FSLTL meets my needs nicely in that regard. Interesting to see where it goes

FSLTL (default settings) literally halves the framerate at 4K HDR Full Ultra TAA at say KLAX for me even on an OC'd 13900K and 4090. I've bought FS Traffic in the hope that it is more efficient but haven't tried it yet. Remember, my tests are at 4K HDR Full Ultra TAA, with Frame Generation making it still usable, not 1440p, 1080p or using DLSS upscaling so results may vary. I'm hoping that FSLTL is only so bad because of the true real time element which is not critical to me (I can only get 76Mbps download speed where I live, even if the relevant servers could provide it).

I use FSLTL with light settings. AI behaviour in sims has always been a problem together with ATC so with just a minimum set of traffic just to have an not empty airport is enough for me. Good to see some good competition on this front though. More options for everyone and hopefully it pressures Asobo a little more for their ATC solutions.

As long as the traffic system of MSFS is still buggy I stick with AIG and FSLTL together with PSXT and RealTraffic. No go arounds at all except when it happens in real life. Nice flaring when landing even crabbing when there’s crosswind. The correct parking spots at any airport no AFCAD problems. The reason of buying FS Traffic is pure for the models and liveries to get more immersive at the airports. PSXT gives priority over each models and liveries by having a registration number database which is updated a lot for FREE. Model matching at VATSIM is in my opinion a lot better with FSLTL because of the virtual airline liveries. The big advantage though is that the models in FSTraffic are native MSFS models so no conversion there.

why the touch down and taxiing physics are so funky and jittery? it makes feel the aircrafts look like they are made ouf of light cardboard

Love the videos! One question, how do you get the aerial camera views?

FSLTL also injects GA and VFR traffic which doesn't appear to be the case for FS Traffic since it is based on airline schedules. I wonder if anyone has tried combined traffic injection by setting IFR in FSLTL to 0 to get only the VFR from FSLTL while getting the airliners from FS Traffic.

As long as Asobo doesn't improve it's traffic engine, i see no need to buy a traffic addon that suffers from the same core limitations as FSLTL and AIG do.

Not sure there is enough there to justify the price when compared with freeware FSLTL. Also no mention in the video of the A380 wheels being below the runway and all planes bouncing up and down like on a bumpy road when moving. That would annoy the hell out of me. Maybe one for the future if it ever goes on for decent sale price.

Wow, what a great in depth video! I wonder if this solution to combine both tools also works outside vatsim? I didn't get that. Plus, what impact does it have to run BOTH simultaneously, I wonder?

For me, I think I'll stick with FSLTL for now, but wait a bit to see what changes are made to FS and maybe if there was a promo then I could justify. I do have the odd FPS drop with FSLTL so will be interesting with FS. I've even got a Medium to High Spec machine.

Great review for both live traffic and Vatsim. I only fly on Vatsim but not really convienced yet paying for that little extra detail on the Modelmatching.

Great video and explanation, I’m very disappointed of the product. Definitely not worth $39.99. I like the details on the aircrafts and sounds a little bit but the aircraft’s placements are completely off; JFK being my home airport on pretty much every flight; FSTL does a better job. T5 is known for being Jetblue’s terminal and FS Traffic has some other airlines at this terminal, something FSTL does a lot more accurate. Hopefully some updates will come and get all that fixed, in the meantime I keep enjoying FSTL. Thanks for the video!!

I don't use vatsim.Models are some better and some not so good in both.I wouldn't really use the other features tha FS Traffic has,well not at this point anyway.I have no problem starting FSTL after I have set up at my airport.Free compared to around $60 Australian,the free wins out easily for me.Maybe if they have like a half price sale down the track I may think about it.Cheers for the video.Very nice!!

Got FS traffic. PROS vs FSLTL more accurate detailed models, flight plans leave you to fly in every area of the world at any local time. CONS: FSLTL still has the best AI sound ever created, I have a hi end audio system and takeoff FSLTL sound is amazing. FSLTL plenty of livery and cargos, any freight for FS

the flight plan manager schedules do not match the traffic shown at all.. its just random airliners departing and arriving..whats the purpose of the schedules then? weird

looks very good, i like the added dirt

They should make FSTraffic pull your Simbrief flight as well to make it hands off

apples and oranges... does it really ruin one's immersion that much? For me, nope. Will stay with FSLTL.

The flight characteristics of the FSLTL is terrible. I do not expect much for AI traffic, but when traffic land too far into the runway and then cannot stop in time, then there is an issue! In my case, the aircraft made a turn that would put an F1 race driver to shame, cutting the grass on the way in and only stopping inside one of the cargo buildings! I have also found that the aircraft uses full power taxi from the holding point onto the runway. Sounds very funny hearing those engines roar just to taxi into position. My last issue is not related to FSLTL... The AI system in MSFS is completely screwed! With real weather enabled, the active runway is 19. ATIS confirms that landing and departing is on Runway 19. The windsocks show a wind of 190-200 degrees at 20 kts. There is one aircraft on approach (24 miles) to Runway 19. AI aircraft requests taxi. Now here comes the funny part! Taxi is given to Runway 01!!! WTF??? Ok, maybe it is a glitch so let's see what happens. Aircraft takes off and the approaching aircraft lands. Second departing aircraft requests taxi... AGAIN, taxi is given to Runway 01! AITIS still says that Runway 19 is active. I have no explanation...

Regarding vatsim, I just use both (or technically also AIG at the end) and because of better liveries FS traffic above FSLTL

I get a pretty high FPS hit with FSLTL so I may consider FST.

I will keep the frame hit for a freeware that works with live traffic ..fs traffic need to update to a simbrief integration

Is it just me but every video I’ve watched the plane being followed stutters with its height badly. The A380 for example wasn’t smooth at all on take off. Keep seeing this, is it an actual problem? $60 AUD is allot of money. FSLTL is problematic for people like me who are based in Australia and like to fly overseas locations because the live traffic is based at middle of night depending on time. Lots of FedEx planes. Was hoping this is better but expensive.

Have you checked if the stacked up AI planes at the original airport (going back to an airport) happens with FS traffic also? It happens with AIG, FSLTL and Sim’s own AI

Thx for this video! Will probably get this! One question: What MAN scenery do you use?

I’m definitely picking this up so such better than FSLTL

Is there any way or a program available to model aircraft flying around that you don’t have downloaded? Like fighter jets and helicopters etc. that way I don’t see a 172 zooming pass me at the speed of light. Lol

I'll only buy an AI traffic addon if it matches or even exceeds the likes of World Traffic 3 for X plane, since that addon can make you park your aircraft somewhere and just enjoy plane spotting from your favorite airport with the amount of detail given to its animations. But since this addon is limited by the sim itself, nah.

Great video thanks looking forward to seeing this on console later in the year.

I might get FSTraffic and use AiG to supplement since AiG has better FPS than FSLTL. I miss FLAi...

The low flying aircraft issue doesn't have anything to do with JustFlight, its an issue with Asobo traffic. Even FSLTL and AIG aircraft depart, climb for a bit, then descend, and then climb again. Until Asobo fix the AI system, it doesn't matter what third party developers do, it will have this issue.

Gavin one other thing. I still have AIG not loaded but there to help FSLTL with missing liveries I think it does that. If get FST do you think I can uninstall AIG s as it takes up heaps of space. I don’t ever run AIG anymore it’s just there.

Hello Gavin. I try to add the VRM file of Fsttaffic as a customer ruleset in vpilot but nothing happens. Vpilot gives error loading the planes in and says it will try to recreate the model. Any suggestions what I might be doing wrong? Thanks

what isnt mentionned here is that FSTraffic isnt compatible with AI ATC like FSHud.

Will the AI traffic show up on the ND for TCAS purposes? I know FSLTL does not display AI traffic on the ND. I fly the FBWire A320.

I used FS Traffic with vatsim if there is no atc or traffic online

Thank you for the review , Since the last update of FSLTL, My PC keeps crashing , But if i try flying without the addon , Its a normal flight at 30 fps reducing to 25 FPS when getting close to a airport. I was a big supporter of Ultimate Traffic Live , Very much the same has the FSTraffic, But what i am unsure off is while at high altitude , Do you get to see the other aircraft just like flying to the middle east and you get to see many other planes , So do you get that feature on FSTaffic. One thing that is a miss is the ability to right click and see aircraft traffic thats close by However FSLTL covers this by using the development mode and objects , But not has good as before on Microsoft Flight Simulator , Would like to hear your thoughts

What weather/Clouds generators are You using ??, The clouds are beautiful in this video.

So does this new FS traffic run completely in the background with no application needed to be open? If so that’s a great plus.

Icelandair might be a bit tricky to modelmatch because Icelandair has only B737MAXs, i ’m not sure but i think neither of these addons have MAX models.

I heard its not working with gsx pro. And there are no gen aircrafts while flying off route

I use FSLTL, but how does this compare with AIG models?

After years of usage, which one you use and recommend? FS Traffic, AIG or FSLTL?

I will stick with FSLTL for a bit, but FSTraffic looks really nice, and way more options to tweak it, because FSLTL is a but of a FPS hog!

What about the aig models and sounds?

Hi, Works fine in Manchester but no traffic at all in EGLL London Heathrow ( Either Asobo or Inibuilds Version), very strange ! Do you have the similar issue ? I've reported it to JustFly support and I'm waiting for a reply. Thank you

Intresting comparison and both are a great solution for heavy metal pilots. BUT what about us GA pilots? Do either inject traffic for us or is it just heavy metal yet again?

Cruise planes in FS Traffic does not communicate with ATC.. so flying silent over Europe isn"t that fun. I wonder why they could not fix that. Both AIG AND FSTL have this function. I quess i will stick with FSTL for now.....

It looks way better than Simple Traffic one.

Hello friend, i've heard that it possible to set textures in fsltl in 2K, how to do that ? Apprently, the textures files decrease from 40go to 9 go ! do you know how to set that ?

When I see a price tag of around $50 in Australia for this. Vs a great freeware FSLTL.. Let's all just appreciate the hard work that goes into these great freeware products like FSLTL, FBW etc.. Remember there are companies just bunch of greedy pricks trying to cash in on the popularity of FS2020..

No matter what I do after following the instructions to add destination ICAO code and confirm, I am only getting traffic at my departure airport and even then it is only departing aircraft. It is a shame as it does run smoothly. Just flown LHR-LGW-loads of aircraft at LHR. Spotted for 15mins then flew to LGW-no aircraft. Did the reverse flight and exactly the same result. Very disappointing.

Do you have any issues running FS Traffic and FSLTL with BOTH sets of models installed? I read that you should only use one or the other database?

Just installed MSFS2020 on my new PC, will FS Traffic replace all the default looking aircraft that you see parked at stands with correct liveries?

Does FS Traffic place the correct airlines at the gates? I like FSLTL for that reason.

Why is the Emirates A380 at T2 on your FSLTL comparison 🤣

FSLTL has the best sound and lights! So FSTL for me!

The answer here, as in many, many other cases, is "Get both". :D

So far, Installing this into My fight simulator, It's rather difficult and confusing to install., Twice I installedit and Twice, all the planes were doubled together and I uninstalled it and re-downloaded the whole product files starting on a clean slate., Does FS traffic Start automatically when My Flightsim starts ??

do either of these include nameplates?

When I disabled the FSTraffic it still populated the Airport with white generic aircraft when on Vatsim? Was at EGCC and watching this video (17:48) when you disabled FST you airport was completely empty until you connected to Vatsim. Any ideas why I would have generic white planes?

bought it yesterday, got sick of AIV crashing and the install process. Only thing i will say, sounds seem to be a little too loud. Other than that, love it.

How are you getting almost 42 FPS mine maxes at 30, what are your settings and how are you getting these great FPS?

Hmmm might have a problem with FSTraffic..bought and installed yesterday..but not seeing ANY ground traffic or air traffic..settings per FSTraffic recommendation

When you spawn into an airport are you using Live Time or can you set a specific time and FS Traffic will adjust the schedule to align with your specified time ?

Is it possible to run both FS Traffic and FSLTL but deleting unnecessary models from FSTL folder and keeping the Cargo and other missing aircraft? I mainly fly on vatsim so I'm only in need of models and VMR

Where can I find the Fs traffic control center? It's not in the folders nor did it install upon installation...

Is fsltl better optimized in 2024?