Racing games have been around since the early 1970s, and the methods of playing racing games have evolved over time. Moving from the limitedcontrol of the keyboardto a moreimmersive experience with the controller, gamers were still left wanting more. Enter, sim racing cockpits. Sim racing cockpits take playing racing games to the next level, in combination with steering wheels and pedals. Gamers wanting to get into sim racing or looking to compete at a professional level in racing games should invest in a sim racing cockpit.
In the world of sim racing, a cockpit istypically a chair attached to a framethat lets gamers stack any steering wheel and pedal combo, along with other accessories like a manual gear shifter, handbrake, and others. The seat is meant to give users the feel of sitting inside a race car staring at the display/windshield, squeezing the steering wheel, ready to hit the gas as the light turns green.
Updated July 06, 2025, by Megan Miranda Reyes:This guide has been updated with more insight on what makes for a good racing sim cockpit, as well as current pricing and availability.
Next Level Racing F-GT Elite 160 Side & Front Plate Edition
GTR Simulator GTA-F Model Racing Cockpit
This guide focuses on Sim racing cockpits without motion equipment, since that can be purchased separately from select manufacturers as an upgrade.
Game Rant’s Picks for the Best Sim Racing Cockpit in 2024
Next Level Racing GTTrack Simulator Cockpit
The GTTrack Simulator Cockpit from Next Level Racing is the perfect sim racing rig when it comes to build quality, ergonomics, and features. The frame is made from solid carbon steel and the racing bucket seat comes with a four-point harness. The distance of the seat, the angle of the pedals, and the steering wheel mount can all be adjusted.
The GTTrack Simulator Cockpit from Next Level Racing checks all the boxes when it comes to the best sim racing cockpit. Not only does it look amazing, it provides all the features and functionality that both casual and professional gamers need. Starting with what’s included in the package, gamers will get a solid carbon steel frame with a racing seat that sits on an adjustable slider, lockable wheel castors, a gear shifter holder, and a handbrake plate.
The immersion and race car feel offered by the bucket seat is amplified by the four-point harness seatbelt system, which not only locks gamers in place but gives them the feeling of strapping in a real race car. The steering wheel mount, pedal angles, seat, and distances are all adjustable and feel solid in all orientations. They are compatible with all major brands of steering wheels, including Thrustmaster, Logitech, Fanatec, and others.
The Next Level Racing GTTrack Simulator Cockpit comes with rubber feet as well as wheel castors, making it easy to move around, though it cannot be folded to use less space when not in use. The wheels are essential for moving the cockpit, as it weighs 60 kg without any steering wheel, pedals, or accessories. The weight is a consequence of the solid construction, so that’s a good thing overall, even if it is a bit inconvenient to move around.
Fans of Next Level Racing would be pleased to know that the GTTrack Simulator Cockpit is compatible with the Next Level Racing Motion Platform V3, Traction Plus Motion Platform, and other products offered by the company.
Playseat Challenge
The Playseat Challenge is a versatile budget racing sim cockpit that is a great entryway for those looking to get into sim racing. It includes a foldable frame that is lightweight at just under 10 kg, making it easy to put away when not in use. It features a light carbon quality steel body and a frame for mounting the pedals and steering wheel. The Playseat Challenge is great for all types of racing games be it Formula One, Rally, GT or more.
The Playseat Challenge stands as the best budget racing sim cockpit, not only because of its price but the value it offers in terms of build quality and features. The frame is made from lightweight carbon-quality steel and the best part is that it can be folded into a much more compact form factor, making it easy to store when not in use. It is compatible with all racing wheels and consoles, but the slimmer and portable form factor comes at the cost of compatibility with direct-drive wheels.
The seat is fully adjustable to accommodate both kids and adults. There are no seatbelts or harness systems, but the seat’s shape gives the feeling of a race car bucket seat. It can be positioned upright for a more GT-like stance or reclined for a more F1-style position.
Another impressive feature of the Playseat is the ease of setting it up. It comes with an instruction manual and the tools required for assembly. It should be noted that the pedals sit flat on the floor with the Playseat Challenge, and those looking for a more elevated pedal position should consider thePlayseat Challenge X from Logitech. It comes with a different seat and angled mounting plates for the pedals.
Playseat Formula Intelligence
The Playseat Formula Intelligence is the ultimate Formula One sim racing experience. It is a high-end offering from Playseat that has been tested and approved by professionals. The carbon quality steel frame makes sure there is no creaking or bending while the PU leather seat keeps players comfortably locked in. The angle of the seat and pedals accurately depicts what its like being seated in an F1 car.
Those interested in Formula 1 races and getting behind the wheel of a 200+ mph low-to-the-ground race car should look no further than the Playseat Formula Intelligence. It is the most accurate and realistic sim racing experience for F1 players, as they are seated in a position that puts them low to the ground and their feet raised higher up, just like with a real Formula One car.
The frame is made from lightweight carbon-quality steel and the seat is made from PU leather. The Playseat Formula Intelligence has been approved by professional racers including Charles Leclerc, Max Verstappen, Sebastian Vettel, and Valtteri Bottas. There is no flex in the pedals thanks to the solid construction and, speaking of pedals, the Playseat Formula Evolution is compatible with all racing wheels and consoles.
The Playseat Formula Intelligence is fully adjustable, and gamers can use the strongest direct-drive steering wheels without worrying about rattling or wobbling thanks to the Forcelock system. The package, without any steering wheel or accessories, weighs about 50 kgs and has no wheels to move it around easily. If budget is not an issue and gamers want the most accurate F1 racing experience, look no further than the Playseat Formula Intelligence.
GTPLAYER Racing Simulator Cockpit
The GTPLAYER Racing Simulator Cockpit is an affordable and well-built sim racing cockpit that comes with Bluetooth speakers. There are two speakers attached to the seat for an immersive surround gaming experience. The frame is made from solid alloy steel and the seat itself can recline to 160 degrees. It is strong enough to support high torque direct drive wheels.
For a well-rounded racing sim experience with the addition of surround speakers, gamers should consider the GTPLAYER Racing Simulator Cockpit. Not only does it look good, but the frame is also made from alloy steel and the wine-red seat comes with lumbar and neck support. Speaking of the seat, it has been mounted on a sliding rail to adjust its position according to the user’s height. The steering wheel (not included) can be adjusted up and down for maximum comfort.
The main selling point of the GTPLAYER Racing Simulator Cockpit is the integrated dual surround speakers that sit on the shoulders of the seat. They are Bluetooth-enabled and offer an immersive racing experience. The seat also reclines to 160 degrees, but note that gamers cannot play in this position. There is also a mounting plate for the shifter, which is adjustable and held in place with rubber clippers.
The GTPLAYER Racing Simulator Cockpit is stable enough to support high torque direct drive steering wheels from various manufacturers, making it compatible with basically all wheels and pedals. There are several color options available with this offering, which is often on discount through a promotion or coupon.
The F-GT Elite 160 Side & Front Plate Edition from Next Level Racing is a premium offering that brings solid build quality, high adjustability, and compatibility with the company’s other accessories like motion rigs, bucket seats, and more. It allows for multiple seating positions including Formula, GT, hybrid, truck, and tank driving.
Racing simulator fans for whom budget is not a concern and are willing to spend extra on a seat should consider the Next Level Racing F-GT Elite 160 Side & Front Plate Edition. It is a premium offering from the company without any compromise on build quality and versatility. The frame is made from 40/40, 40/80, 40/120, and 40/160 aluminum extrusion with a powder coat and anodized aluminum finish.
The package includes side and front mount brackets (hence the name), height adjustable shock absorbing feet, custom cable clips, seat brackets, a mounting plate for the shifter and handbrake, and a safety footstep. It is also compatible with Next Level Racing’s accessories, such as the Motion Platform V3, Castor Wheels, freestanding monitor stands, as well as ES1, ERS1, and ERS2 seats.
Its versatility does not stop there. The Next Level Racing F-GT Elite 160 allows for Formula, GT, hybrid, truck, and tank driving positions. Being a premium offering, it is compatible with all racing wheel brands and consoles. When it comes to pedals, the multi-folded pedal plates are made from thick carbon steel which ensures there is no flex or deflection when pressing down hard on the brake or the accelerator.
It should be noted that the Next Level Racing F-GT Elite 160 does not come with a seat and is only compatible with the seat options from the company. Furthermore, some would argue whether the F-GT Elite 160 should be considered a cockpit without the seat, but it should be noted that those who purchase the rig would either already have a compatible seat or buy one with it.
The GTR Simulator GTA-F Model Racing Cockpit stands out from the competition thanks to its included triple monitor stand. Out of the box, the monitor stand can support up to three 24-inch monitors or a single 50-inch monitor. The company also offers an upgrade that allows users to mount up to three 39-inch monitors. The solid construction and adjustability of the GTA-F Model Racing Cockpit make it a great value option for sim racing fans.
Racing games are best experienced with a steering wheel, pedals, a shifter, and a handbrake, but what’s arguably more important is the monitor setup. The GTR Simulator GTA-F Model Racing Cockpit allows players to install up to three 24-inch monitors for a truly immersive racing experience. Alternatively, they can mount a single 50-inch monitor, which should be large enough to supplement the wrap-around feel of multiple monitors.
GTR Simulator also offers an upgrade kit that allows users to mount three up to 39-inch monitors for an even more immersive and jaw-dropping racing experience. The monitors are mounted on the rig via VESA 100x100 plates that can slide on a rail to align the three monitors.
As for things included in the package, gamers get a red Leatherette seat that has 14-way adjustable seating positions, adjustable frame length, an adjustable steering wheel plate, as well as an adjustable pedal angle and steering angle. The frame is made from alloy steel and is powder-coated. It is compatible with all major brands of steering wheels, pedals, and other accessories.
With the sim racing cockpit box checked, users would need to look into the best racing wheel to add to their rig, along with other peripherals, includingone or more gaming monitors, to get the most realistic racing experience. Those who want to take the immersion a step further can take a look at thebest VR headsets.
How To Find the Best Sim Racing Cockpit
There are quite a few sim racing cockpits on the market, but all of them are quite an investment compared to other gaming peripherals. Even those with a near-limitless budget will want to carefully consider their options before making a final decision. Those who need a bit of direction when it comes to narrowing down the plethora of racing sim cockpits should focus on these key features when shopping:
Build quality: In most cases, the cost of the sim racing cockpit will define the build quality, but some manufacturers offer great build quality without costing an arm and a leg. The cockpit must be sturdy and not move around with every aggressive turn of the steering wheel.
A great way to know whether a cockpit will be of good quality is to make sure it is made of metal. Additionally, the heavier the cockpit is, the more stable it will be, even once other peripherals, such as pedals or monitors, are attached.
Ergonomics: Having a comfortable seat as well as a comfortable seating position is key when it comes to the best sim racing cockpit. The seat must be comfortable yet firm at the same time, allowing for long racing sessions while also giving the feel of a solid race car bucket seat.
Although many scoff at the side wings on a gaming chair, these come from their racing counterparts, and side wings can make racing much more comfortable in the long run. Make sure to choose a cockpit with a chair that has sizeable side wings, as well as intelligent contouring.
Customizability: Sim racing cockpits should allow adjusting the distance between the steering wheel, the seat, and the pedals to accommodate taller gamers. Theaccessories and mounting platesshould also be within reach and, ideally, adjustable. Additionally, sim racing cockpits take up a lot of space. If there isn’t a dedicated space for it in a home, the cockpit may need to be disassembled often. So, depending on the available space, gamers may need to consider foldable cockpit options.
Alternatively, having locking casters is an easy way to be able to move your racing cockpit out of the way at a moment’s notice. Having parts such as the chair or pedals easily removable is another useful feature, especially for gamers who may want to upgrade their setup in the future.
Budget: Racing sim cockpits can cost a fortune depending on the features and functionality. The higher the price, typically the more features it will offer. So, depending on what features are essential, a budget should be fixed with some wiggle room.
It’s typically not a good idea to skimp on build quality, though most racing cockpits that do not come with the seat included tend to costmorethan average. At the same time, whether you have invested in a direct-drive steering wheel should determine how much you spend on your cockpit. If you don’t have a direct-drive steering wheel, there isn’t much benefit to getting the very best cockpit available, as it will almost certainly be designed for more advanced wheels. At the same time, your high-end steering wheel won’t be enjoyable if it’s attached to a subpar cockpit.
FAQ
Q: Are racing cockpits worth it?
A well-equipped racing cockpit offers a level of immersion that a steering wheel clamped on to a desk cannot. It puts users in the race car seat with a steering wheel in hand and pedals at the feet, just like a real car. Racing cockpits also allow for adding monitors and a handbrake to make it feel like more of a race car cockpit.
Q: What SIM rig does Max Verstappen use?
Max Verstappen uses the Playseat F1 Ultimate cockpit with a Sim Engineering wheel. His setup includes a Leo Bodnar engine and base, Heusinkveld Ultimate pedals, and three Samsung 32-inch curved screens.
Q: What racing SIM do professionals use?
Most professionals use iRacing and Assetto Corsa Competizione as their preferred sim racing game.
