The greatest racing sim cockpits elevate video games in a manner not dissimilar to VR headsets. They precisely reproduce the driving positions and the position of devices you’d expertise in an actual automobile, making your sport really feel far more tactile and immersive.
When purchasing for the very best racing simulator setup, you’ll come throughout the identical names; Subsequent Stage Racing and Playseat comprise most of our picks. That is for good cause as they provide glorious construct high quality, customizability, and the options you want for a clean drive.
We may even issue within the worth on supply, and the way well-suited they’re to the greatest racing video games reminiscent of GT, monitor, rally, and Components One. The Subsequent Stage Racing GT Observe Cockpit is at present our prime decide general. Some choices even negate the necessity for the very best PC audio system because of built-in sound techniques which additional drive house the immersion. We’ve handpicked the very best sim racing cockpits for each value level, so learn on to find which is best for you.
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Finest racing sim cockpits in 2024
Subsequent Stage Racing GT Observe Cockpit
Finest racing sim cockpit general
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
- Large quantity of customization
- Stable development
Causes to keep away from
- Fairly costly
- Requires devoted area
- Not the very best for F1
Although a retail value of $899.99 (£749.99) makes it an costly possibility, in case you’re severe about racing sims then you’ll be able to’t do significantly better than the Subsequent Stage Racing GT Observe Cockpit. It’s adaptable and extremely customizable.
The load – whereas unpractical in case you can’t have a devoted area – is good for fanatics as you already know you can be firmly planted within the one spot with out a lot worry of tipping over. Should 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 you already know it’s going to play good with the GT Observe, making it simple to advocate to all.
Whereas it might be the very best general, in case you are all about Components One then this might not be the chair for you as you’ll be able to’t fairly get the right seating format to greatest replicate the low-behind high-feet place of F1 automobiles.
Playseat Problem
Finest finances 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 |
Should you don’t have loads of area, need an inexpensive transportable answer, 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 value.
The Playseat Problem presents a good F1 seating place for the worth too, permitting you to get fairly low however your toes received’t fairly be excessive sufficient if that is the primary kind of racing you need to do.
Nonetheless, while you’re in pole place and also you’ve bought somebody in your slipstream on the brink of move you within the final nook earlier than the end – your thoughts in all probability received’t be occupied occupied with how you might be primarily sitting on a really fancy deck chair and that’s as a result of the Playseat Problem actually presents you every part you want.
That’s aside from a gear shifter mount which is kind of the thorn within the Playseats facet, however as a consequence of what number of racing automobiles include paddle shifters – this can be a non-issue for you. Should you do want one, there are aftermarket options or you’ll be able to go for our greatest decide for a transportable 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
- Accessible 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 answerable for among the greatest gaming chairs in the marketplace and this setup builds a cockpit round certainly one of them. Audio system within the chair are a steady of GTPlayer merchandise and so they may also help make your racing sport expertise much more lifelike and immersive.
Not solely does the Bluetooth sound system sound implausible, however that is very comfy to take a seat on too. It even permits you to recline by as much as 160 levels and is made from actual premium leather-based. With a good quantity of lumbar help, it’s as ergonomic as it’s comfy.
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 little bit bit too slim. Most individuals will nonetheless be capable of use it properly sufficient, however it will be notably extra comfy for these with a slender construct.
The chair can also be out there in various totally 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 key manufacturers (together with Thrustmaster and Logitech), however it’s a sturdy development made to face up to even high-torque racing wheels.
Readers within the UK could also be dissatisfied that it’s fairly troublesome to search out in that area, however for nearly everybody else, this can be a comfy, 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
- Stable mounting
Causes to keep away from
- Improve path isn’t the very best worth
In case you are actually tight for area and might solely play at your desk then Subsequent Stage Racing’s Wheel Stand Lite presents a strong answer to let you hook up some severe package with out taking over half the lounge.
The strong development with mounting factors suitable with all main wheel and pedal producers ensures you’ll have an amazing expertise too – with the added weight of your gear and toes serving to to plant the in any other case mild setup to the ground. It doesn’t fairly supply 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 supply 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 opponents. It really shines as a standalone unit for individuals who are glad to (or don’t have any option to) pair it with their workplace chair.
Subsequent Stage Racing F-GT Lite
Finest transportable 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 transportable answer
- Good for Observe, GT and F1
Causes to keep away from
- Troublesome to pack away
- Not greatest fitted to highly effective pressure drivers
Should you don’t have the area to play with however have the finances, Subsequent Stage Racing’s G-GT Lite presents the complete driving sim expertise for every type of racing in a really handy and transportable answer.
Due to its foldable nature, it’s very easy to regulate it between totally 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 answer (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 techniques could cause sufficient fatigue over time to crack the plastic elements of the wheel mount. This is able to require a severe piece of package to do that in case you fall into this camp, one thing extra strong will go well with you higher.
Attributable to 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 need to swing away in numerous instructions. When you get the grasp of it although it ought to grow to be 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
- Moveable 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 severe about moving into racing sims however don’t fairly need to fork out for a full cockpit simply but, the GT Omega APEX presents a compelling package deal with an excellent improve path must you need to increase your horizons additional down the road.
The Apex Rear Seat Body add-on presents much more versatility in relation to its opponents as you’ll be able to select your personal seat. Within the meantime, the strong development will hold your wheel and pedals firmly planted with out worry 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 properly fitted to a real Components One setup because the seating place won’t ever fairly match that of an actual F1 automobile.
Total, its adaptability and granular improve potential permit it to develop with you in your racing sim journey that means you’ll by no means should spend greater than you’re comfy 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 Pink Bull livery is accessible within the US
Should you reside, breathe, and sleep F1 and have the money to fund your pastime then the Playseat Professional Components presents the very best expertise you could possibly hope for with an genuine driving place, premium construct, and naturally the bragging rights that you should 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 can be transported to the likes of Monaco, and driving your common automobile may by no means really feel the identical once more. We don’t assume anybody would assume twice in case you purchased a racing go well with and helmet to go together with it both so you could possibly actually go all in.
You might be sacrificing portability and the choice to neatly retailer it away however in case you are spending this type of cash in your pastime then this in all probability isn’t a problem for you. Sadly within the US, solely the Professional Components within the Pink Bull livery is accessible which is barely dearer and should not symbolize your favourite F1 crew.
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 transportable choices
Causes to keep away from
- Not the very best for tall folks
If you’d like an excellent 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 could possibly be a possible winner for you because it presents all the above for an MSRP of $549.99 (£499.99). The F-GT is steadily on sale too making its worth proposition even higher.
The angle of the seat may be adjusted and the pedals are elevated that 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 however it’s far sturdier, permitting for sturdy pressure suggestions drivers that received’t trigger any injury to the cockpit.
You may’t get fairly as slung again because the Playseat Professional Components however it’s a third of the price making it simple to forgive – particularly if you wish to dabble in one thing else. Some tall shoppers have reported that it isn’t very properly fitted to them so in case you are 6 foot tall and above, then you might need to take into account one thing else because it’s some huge cash and problem to undergo to search out out it doesn’t fairly give you the results you want.
How to decide on the very best racing sim cockpits
Earlier than making your buy, keep in mind to contemplate the next factors:
- Pricing: There’s no approach to deny it – racing sim cockpits are an costly buy. Some are rather a lot cheaper than others although. Should you want a finances alternative, we don’t advocate spending lower than $300 (for a whole cockpit) as you danger getting lumbered with an inferior product.
- Measurement: These items are large. All the time just be sure you measure the out there area in your sport room and examine it towards the size for every of the cockpits. Nothing is extra annoying than having to return one thing as large as this since you didn’t measure correctly.
- Construct high quality: All those we’ve beneficial on this record are sturdy items of {hardware}. They need to be capable of stand up to even high-torque racing wheels. Earlier than you make a purchase order, we advocate checking what supplies it’s made from so you already know you’re getting one thing dependable.
- Ergonomics: You don’t need to end up with a cockpit that finally ends up inflicting you every kind of aches and pains. For full cockpits that embrace chairs, be sure you’re going for one with sufficient choices for adjustability so you already know you’ll be able to sit in a manner that’s each comfy and good to your well being
When you’ve got any additional questions on the very best racing sim cockpits, try the FAQs under:
Is sim racing simpler with a wheel?
It’s actually extra lifelike. Should 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 probably not performed earlier than, then we advocate beginning with a wheel. The additional stage of precision and management will really feel rather a lot simpler than in case you begin with a controller. It’ll really feel much more intuitive for anybody who is aware of learn how to drive.
Do I want 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 stated that, if you wish to have probably the most immersive expertise attainable with them, then we advocate a racing cockpit. Usually these sims could 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 technique.
Which wheel must you use for sim racing?
A superb 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 very best PC steering wheel for a number of recommendations and deeper perception.
Do actual F1 racers do sim racing?
Completely. It’s typically a necessary a part of their coaching. Should you’re utilizing lifelike simulators, your expertise will come very near that of the professionals.
Our record of the very best racing video games on PC is properly price studying if you wish to seize a sport to go together with your new cockpit.