HomeHardwareBest racing sim cockpits in 2024

Best racing sim cockpits in 2024

The finest racing sim cockpits elevate video games in a approach not dissimilar to VR headsets. They precisely reproduce the driving positions and the location of devices you’ll be manipulating in an actual automotive, making your recreation really feel far more tactile and immersive.

When looking for a racing sim cockpit, you’re going to come back throughout the identical names fairly continuously. The largest gamers within the recreation are Subsequent Stage Racing and Playseat who comprise the vast majority of our picks. That is for good motive as that is what most individuals are shopping for owing to their construct high quality, customizability, and options which is what we’ll be taking a look at to find out our selections.

We may also issue within the worth on provide, and the way well-suited they’re to completely different racing video games corresponding to GT, monitor, rally, and Components One. The Subsequent Stage Racing GT Observe Cockpit which we imagine to be the most effective decide total, as you received’t be wanting for a lot else any time quickly and leaves the door open for his or her Movement Platform in case you actually wish to take racing sims and run with them. Some choices even negate the necessity for the most effective PC audio system because of built-in sound programs which additional drive residence the immersion.

We’ve handpicked the most effective sim racing cockpits for each worth level, so learn on to find which is best for you.

Why you may belief our recommendation ✔ At , our consultants spend hours testing {hardware}, video games, and VPNs. We share trustworthy, unbiased opinions that can assist you purchase the most effective. Discover out how we take a look at.

Finest racing sim cockpits in 2024

Subsequent Stage Racing GT Observe Cockpit

Finest racing sim cockpit total

Subsequent Stage Racing GT Observe Cockpit specs:

Compatibility Thrustmaster, Logitech, Fanatec
Finest fitted to Observe, GT, Rally
Weight 45.36kg
Dimensions 100.33 x 62.23 x 59.7cm
Causes to purchase

  • Suitable with all main wheel and pedal producers
  • Enormous quantity of customization
  • Strong building
Causes to keep away from

  • Fairly costly
  • Requires devoted area
  • Not the most effective for F1

Although a retail worth of $899.99 (£749.99) makes it an costly choice, in case you’re critical about racing sims then you may’t do significantly better than the Subsequent Stage Racing GT Observe Cockpit. It’s adaptable and extremely customizable.

The burden – whereas unpractical in case you can’t have a devoted area – is good for fanatics as you’ll be firmly planted within the one spot with out a lot concern of tipping over. In the event you do want to maneuver it into place when in use, there are lockable castor wheels.

Be it Thrustmaster, Logitech, or Fanatec, no matter your gear of alternative is it’s going to play good with the GT Observe, making it straightforward to advocate to all.

Whereas it might be the most effective total, if you’re all about Components One then this is probably not the chair for you as you may’t fairly get the right seating structure to finest replicate the low-behind high-feet place of F1 automobiles.

Playseat Problem

Finest funds racing sim cockpit

Playseat Problem specs:

Compatibility Thrustmaster, Logitech, Fanatec
Finest fitted to Observe, GT, Rally, Components One
Weight 8.5kg
Dimensions 124 x 27 x 54cm

In the event you don’t have a number of area, need an affordable moveable resolution, or solely dabble in racing sims or all the above – the Playseat Problem is the racing sim cockpit for you because it presents all of that at a wallet-friendly worth.

The Playseat Problem presents an honest F1 seating place for the value too, permitting you to get fairly low however your ft received’t fairly be excessive sufficient if that is the principle sort of racing you wish to do.

Nevertheless, whenever you’re in pole place and also you’ve obtained somebody in your slipstream on the brink of move you within the final nook earlier than the end – your thoughts most likely received’t be occupied fascinated with how you’re primarily sitting on a really fancy deck chair and that’s as a result of the Playseat Problem actually presents you every thing you want.

That’s aside from a gear shifter mount which is sort of the thorn within the Playseats facet, however resulting from what number of racing automobiles include paddle shifters – this can be a non-issue for you. In the event you do want one, there are aftermarket options or you may go for our greatest decide for a conveyable racing sim cockpit.

GTPlayer Racing Simulator Cockpit

Finest racing sim cockpit with audio system

GTPlayer Racing Simulator Cockpit specs:

Compatibility Logitech, Fanatec, Thrustmaster, Moza
Finest fitted to Observe, GT, Rally
Weight 28.5kg
Dimensions 130 x 55 x 110cm
Causes to purchase

  • Wonderful built-in sound system
  • Comfy recliner chair
  • Out there in a great deal of colours
Causes to keep away from

  • A bit slim for bigger players
  • Not out there within the UK

GTPlayer is liable for among the finest gaming chairs available on the market and this setup builds a cockpit round certainly one of them. Audio system within the chair are a steady of GTPlayer merchandise they usually can assist make your racing recreation expertise much more real looking and immersive.

Not solely does the Bluetooth sound system sound implausible, however that is very snug to take a seat on too. It even enables you to recline by as much as 160 levels and is made from actual premium leather-based. With an honest quantity of lumbar assist, it’s as ergonomic as it’s snug.

That is one thing of an all-rounder, being well-suited to monitor, GT, and rally experiences alike. Sadly, by way of accommodating all physique varieties, it’s not fairly as a lot of an all-rounder, as a result of bigger players would possibly discover it a bit bit too slim. Most individuals will nonetheless have the ability to use it effectively sufficient, however it’ll be notably extra snug for these with a slender construct.

The chair can also be out there in numerous completely different colours, permitting you to match it to your private aesthetic. Sufficient in regards to the chair although – let’s discuss in regards to the body. Not solely is it suitable with all the foremost manufacturers (together with Thrustmaster and Logitech), nevertheless it’s a sturdy building made to resist even high-torque racing wheels.

Readers within the UK could also be upset that it’s fairly tough to search out in that area, however for nearly everybody else, it is a snug, sturdy, and immersive racing cockpit.

Subsequent Stage Racing Wheel Stand Lite

Finest minimalist racing sim cockpit

Subsequent Stage Racing Wheel Stand Lite specs:

Compatibility Thrustmaster, Logitech, Fanatec
Finest fitted to Observe, GT, Rally
Weight 13kg
Dimensions 60 x 48 x 50-75cm
Causes to purchase

  • Very compact
  • Strong mounting
Causes to keep away from

  • Improve path isn’t the most effective worth

In case you are actually tight for area and may solely play at your desk then Subsequent Stage Racing’s Wheel Stand Lite presents a sturdy resolution to can help you hook up some critical package with out taking over half the lounge.

The strong building with mounting factors suitable with all main wheel and pedal producers ensures you’ll have a terrific expertise too – with the added weight of your tools and ft serving to to plant the in any other case mild setup to the ground. It doesn’t fairly provide a reliable F1 driving expertise however in case you solely have a small area to play with, you’d be hard-pressed to have a greater minimalist setup.

Sadly, the improve path doesn’t provide an enormous quantity of worth if you wish to progress to a full racing cockpit with an built-in seat. The Subsequent Stage Racing Seat Add-On comes with a fairly uncomfortable seat in comparison with different rivals. It actually shines as a standalone unit for individuals who are blissful to (or don’t have any option to) pair it with their workplace chair.

Subsequent Stage Racing F-GT Lite

Finest moveable racing sim cockpit

Subsequent Stage Racing F-GT Lite specs:

Compatibility Thrustmaster, Logitech, Fanatec
Finest fitted to Observe, GT, Rally, Components One
Weight 19kg
Dimensions (GT Place) 175 x 75 x 127cm
Dimensions (Components place) 164 x 75 x 94cm
Dimensions (folded) 75 x 40 x 87cm
Causes to purchase

  • Complete moveable resolution
  • Good for Observe, GT and F1
Causes to keep away from

  • Tough to pack away
  • Not finest fitted to highly effective drive drivers

In the event you don’t have the area to play with however you’ve the funds, Subsequent Stage Racing’s G-GT Lite presents the complete driving sim expertise for every type of racing in a really handy and moveable resolution.

Due to its foldable nature, it’s very easy to regulate it between completely different positions so in case you really feel like a spot of Components One within the morning and a few rally after lunch – you received’t want to achieve for the hex key as there’s a nifty fast launch resolution (just like the wheels of a bicycle).

This quantity of flexibility can meet its match with among the extra highly effective force-feedback racing wheels on the market with some customers reporting that these programs could cause sufficient fatigue over time to crack the plastic elements of the wheel mount. This might require a critical piece of package to do that in case you fall into this camp, one thing extra strong will swimsuit you higher.

On account of its light-weight nature and a number of folding factors, it may be a bit fiddly to place away when all of your elements are on it as they’ll all wish to swing away in several instructions. When you get the grasp of it although it ought to change into a pain-free ritual.

GT Omega APEX

Finest racing sim cockpit for inexperienced persons

GT Omega APEX specs:

Compatibility Thrustmaster, Logitech, Fanatec
Finest suited Observe, GT, Rally
Weight 15.56kg
Dimensions 69 x 56 x 67cm
Causes to purchase

  • Nice improve path
  • Versatile
  • Transportable in its unique kind
Causes to keep away from

  • Won’t ever fulfill a real F1 expertise
  • Will be tough to dial within the driving place

In case you are critical about entering into racing sims however don’t fairly wish to fork out for a full cockpit simply but, the GT Omega APEX presents a compelling package deal with improve path do you have to wish to develop your horizons additional down the road.

The Apex Rear Seat Body add-on presents much more versatility in the case of its rivals as you may select your personal seat. Within the meantime, the strong building will preserve your wheel and pedals firmly planted with out concern of flexing or damaging any of the mounting factors and earlier than you connect a chair to it, it may be stowed away when not in use.

The very strong construct does imply that it may be fiddly to arrange and put away as it may be a bit stiff however that is preferable to one thing breaking for the sake of comfort. Its versatility means it isn’t effectively fitted to a real Components One setup because the seating place won’t ever fairly match that of an actual F1 automotive.

General, its adaptability and granular improve potential enable it to develop with you in your racing sim journey which means you’ll by no means should spend greater than you’re snug with at any given time.

Playseat Professional Components

Finest premium F1 racing sim cockpit

Playseat Professional Components specs:

Compatibility Thrustmaster, Logitech, Fanatec
Finest fitted to Components One
Weight 29kg
Dimensions 72.5 x 51 x 60cm
Causes to purchase

  • Wonderful F1 expertise
  • Premium construct high quality and materials
Causes to keep away from

  • Very costly
  • Solely Purple Bull livery is accessible within the US

In the event you reside, breathe, and sleep F1 and have the money to fund your interest then the Playseat Professional Components presents the most effective expertise you might hope for with an genuine driving place, premium construct, and naturally the bragging rights that you’ll have earned after coughing up the MSRP of $1,499.99 (£1,299).

When paired with a high-end wheel, pedals, and possibly even a VR headset, you’ll be transported to the likes of Monaco, and driving your common automotive could by no means really feel the identical once more. We don’t suppose anybody would suppose twice in case you purchased a racing swimsuit and helmet to go together with it both so you might actually go all in.

You might be sacrificing portability and the choice to neatly retailer it away however if you’re spending this sort of cash in your interest then this most likely isn’t a problem for you. Sadly within the US, solely the Professional Components within the Purple Bull livery is accessible which is barely dearer and will not signify your favourite F1 staff.

Subsequent Stage Racing F-GT Components and GT

Finest worth F1 racing sim cockpit

Subsequent Stage Racing F-GT Components and GT specs:

Compatibility Thrustmaster, Logitech, Fanatec
Finest fitted to Components One, GT, Observe, Rally
Weight 45kg
Dimensions (Components) 170 x 50 x 100cm
Dimensions (GT) 140 x 60 x 125cm
Causes to purchase

  • Extremely adaptable
  • Good F1 racing place
  • A lot sturdier than moveable choices
Causes to keep away from

  • Not the most effective for tall folks

If you need F1 racing sim expertise while retaining the choice to get good seating positions for different racing video games all with out fully breaking the financial institution, then the Subsequent Stage Racing F-GT may very well be a possible winner for you because it presents all the above for an MSRP of $549.99 (£499.99). The F-GT is continuously on sale too making its worth proposition even higher.

The angle of the seat could be adjusted and the pedals are elevated which means you will get an excellent F1 seating place. Adjusting it isn’t fairly so simple as its light-weight counterpart the F-GT Lite nevertheless it’s far sturdier, permitting for robust drive suggestions drivers that received’t trigger any harm to the cockpit.

You may’t get fairly as slung again because the Playseat Professional Components however it’s a third of the associated fee making it straightforward to forgive – particularly if you wish to dabble in one thing else. Some tall shoppers have reported that it isn’t very effectively fitted to them so if you’re 6 foot tall and above, then it’s possible you’ll wish to think about one thing else because it’s some huge cash and trouble to undergo to search out out it doesn’t fairly give you the results you want.

How to selected the most effective racing sim cockpits

Earlier than making your buy, bear in mind to contemplate the next factors:

  • Pricing: There’s no option to deny it – racing sim cockpits are an costly buy. Some are loads cheaper than others although. In the event you want a funds alternative, we don’t advocate spending lower than $300 (for a whole cockpit) as you threat getting lumbered with an inferior product.
  • Dimension: These items are large. At all times just remember to measure the out there area in your recreation room and examine it towards the scale for every of the cockpits. Nothing is extra annoying than having to return one thing as huge as this since you didn’t measure correctly.
  • Construct high quality: All those we’ve advisable on this record are sturdy items of {hardware}. They need to have the ability to stand up to even high-torque racing wheels. Earlier than you make a purchase order, we advocate checking what supplies its made from so you’re getting one thing dependable.
  • Ergonomics: You don’t wish to end up with a cockpit that finally ends up inflicting you every kind of aches and pains. For full cockpits that embody chairs, be sure to’re going for one with sufficient choices for adjustability so you may sit in a approach that’s each snug and good to your well being

When you’ve got any additional questions on the most effective racing sim cockpits, take a look at the FAQs under:

Is sim racing simpler with a wheel?

It’s actually extra real looking. In the event you’ve been utilizing a controller for a very long time, they may really feel more durable at first, since you’ll should get used to them. Nonetheless, if you wish to get into racing sims, however have not likely performed earlier than, then we advocate beginning with a wheel. The additional stage of precision and management will really feel loads simpler than in case you begin with a controller. It’ll really feel much more intuitive for anybody who is aware of the best way to drive.

Do I would like a sim racing cockpit?

If you wish to merely take pleasure in racing sim video games, you don’t technically want a sim racing cockpit. Having mentioned that, if you wish to have essentially the most immersive expertise potential with them, then we advocate a racing cockpit. Typically these sims may have been designed to take full benefit of the options of a cockpit and also you’re not utilizing them to their full potential in case you’re utilizing one other management methodology.

Which wheel do you have to use for sim racing?

A wonderful query, particularly if you have already got a chair in your setup and also you simply want the body. We advocate studying our information on the most effective PC steering wheel for a number of options and deeper perception.

Do actual F1 racers do sim racing?

Completely. It’s typically a necessary a part of their coaching. In the event you’re utilizing actually real looking simulators, your expertise will come very near that of the professionals.

Our record of the most effective racing video games on PC is effectively price studying if you wish to seize a recreation to go together with your new cockpit.

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