Please note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I also work with other affiliate partners and may be compensated from the links below. Details here.
With the power and speed of modern gaming systems, especially high-end PC builds, sim racing looks more like you’re actually behind the wheel than ever before. With a good display setup and the right sound system, all you need is a driver’s seat to make you feel like you’re really there.
To help you create that totally immersed feeling, we’ve put together our list of the 10 Best sim racing seats and cockpits in 2023.
There are options here for every budget, so no matter your setup, you can feel like you’re really in the driver’s seat.
Best Sim Racing Seats & Cockpits in 2023 Round-Up
The table below will give you a quick look at our selections for the 10 best sim racing seats and cockpits currently available on the market. To read a full review, simply click on ‘review>>’ in the respective row.
Product | Image | Rating | |
1. Next Level Racing GTTrack ''Best sim racing cockpit overall'' |  | 9.8 | |
2. Extreme Simracing XT PREMIUM 3.0 ''Best premium sim racing cockpit'' |  | 9.7 | |
3. Extreme Simracing P1 3.0 ''Best overall runner-up'' |  | 9.6 | |
4. OpenWheeler GEN3 ''Best value pick'' |  | 9.5 | |
5. Next Level Racing F-GT ''Most versatile sim racing seat'' |  | 9.5 | |
6. Extreme Simracing VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE V 3.0 ''Editor's pick'' |  | 9.4 | |
7. Next Level Racing F-GT Lite ''Best portable sim racing cockpit'' |  | 9.3 | |
8. Playseat Challenge ''Best sim racing cockpit for kids'' |  | 9.1 | |
9. Playseat Evolution White ''Honorable mention'' |  | 9.0 | |
10. Next Level Racing Challenger ''Best cheap/budget sim racing cockpit'' |  | 8.8 |
1. Next Level Racing GTTrack
Maximum Supported Weight: 150 kg / 330 lb | Dimensions: 138 x 120 x 55 cm / 54 x 47 x 21 in | Weight: 48 kg / 106 lb
REASONS TO BUY
- Extremely authentic experience
- Plenty of performance-enhancing add-ons are supported
- Good price compared to other premium cockpits
- Comfortable, authentic seat
- High-quality construction
REASONS TO AVOID
- Poor screen mounting options
- Not a good option for flight sims or other non-racing sims
Our Rating: 9.8/10
The Next Level Racing GTTrack Simulator is built with full immersion in mind. If you want a serious, professional-grade experience from your sim racing cockpit, this is going to deliver at levels beyond your expectation. The Racing GTtrack is used by esports pros and in training by professional racers, meaning it was built to provide experience as close to real-life racing as possible–and it truly delivers.
Obviously, the quality of the experience goes beyond the included five-point harness, but the fact that they’re willing to include that as part of the kit should tell you something about the dedication to detail you’ll be getting here.
The cockpit is also compatible with haptic feedback devices like the ButtKicker Gamer2, or if you’re really willing to really invest in your experience and bring it to the next level, you can add on the Next Level Racing Traction Plus motion platform, which will simulate the motion of a vehicle on the track.
Now, the included attachments are pretty basic. You’ve got support for the expected controller brands, up to and including direct drive wheels, and a gearshift mount that can be attached on either side of the seat. The height, angle, and distance can be adjusted for all of the central controls.
Unfortunately for some gamers, there isn’t a screen mount, and the optional add-on does not install directly on the frame, which could hinder immersion, depending on what you ultimately pick for your display setup.
In terms of quality and comfort, the seat is made of a suede-style fabric with faux leather trim. It’s very comfortable, durable, and reasonably well-ventilated. It can be reclined, and angle adjustments can be made to the seat for extra comfort and authenticity. Overall, the seat is extremely comfortable and highly adjustable. Plus, it has a maximum weight limit of 330 pounds (150kg).
If you need to move it regularly, you’ll want to purchase the lockable caster wheels since the cockpit weighs 106 pounds (48kg) on its own. However, keep in mind the caster wheels are not compatible with the Traction Plus platform.
On a final note, every part of the cockpit feels really high-quality. It’s very durable, with the frame being made out of all steel, and the rubberized feet at the base will make it stable on both carpet and solid floors.
All-in-all, the base model of the Next Level Racing GTtrack is a pretty authentic experience on its own and performs extremely well for the price. Where it really shines is with the added peripherals. If you’ve got the money to really invest in your sim racing experience, the addition of a motion simulator really takes this to a whole new level.
2. Extreme Simracing XT PREMIUM 3.0
Maximum Supported Weight: 140 kg / 310 lb | Dimensions: 61 x 109 x 58 cm / 24 x 43 x 23 in | Weight: 55 kg / 120 lb
REASONS TO BUY
- Extremely comfortable
- Every component is high quality
- Sturdy, powder-coated steel construction
- Tons of support for peripherals
- Compatible with professional-grade simulation controls
- Super immersive
REASONS TO AVOID
- Hard to find in stock
- Expensive
- Difficult to relocate
Our Rating: 9.7/10
Right off the bat, we want to point out that the Extreme Simracing XT Premium 3.0 is going to be a bit hard to get your hands on. The fact that it’s consistently sold out despite being several hundred dollars more expensive than its siblings should tell you something about its quality.
In fact, those are the only truly negative things we have to say about it: it’s going to be hard to find someone to take your money for this one, and it’s going to be a big chunk of change once you can find it.
Apart from that, this is a near-perfect sim racing cockpit. The seat is a suede-finish faux leather, which still isn’t as good as genuine leather but has a degree of manufacturing that makes it hard to notice the difference. There’s a good angle of reclining, and it’s supremely comfortable. Gamers up to 300 pounds will, for the most part, fit comfortably in it.
Like the rest of the Extreme Simracing lineup, the rest of the chassis is all powder-coated steel, giving it a sturdy, professional quality. The mounts are compatible with all brands of controllers, including direct drive wheels and load cell pedals, allowing for as close as possible to the authentic experience. The pedal distance can be adjusted, but the wheel can only change angles, not height, which can make things a little tricky for people at either height extreme.
In addition, there’s tons of space for extra gadgets. There’s a keyboard mount and an object holder (good for phones and remotes), the gearshift holder has extra space for a mouse, and there’s a platform behind the screen for your PC or console. The installed screen mount holds up to a 55-inch screen, or you can purchase a three-screen holder for the full wraparound effect.
The XT PREMIUM 3.0 will need to be a semi-permanent fixture wherever you install it. The seat folds down a little, but not enough to really unblock the view. If you’re not using the screen mount and do need to move it, there are wheels on the front that help, but the whole thing is over 120 pounds (55kg).
We realize that the Extreme Simracing XT Premium 3.0 isn’t going to be in everyone’s budget, and that’s before getting into the time it could take to track one down. However, if you’re serious about having a sim racing experience that’s simultaneously authentic and luxurious, this is the perfect cockpit for you.
- YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Best Monitors and TVs for Sim Racing
3. Extreme Simracing P1 3.0
Maximum Supported Weight: 140 kg / 310 lb | Dimensions: 53 x 102 x 61 cm / 21 x 40 x 24 in | Weight: 35 kg / 77 lb
REASONS TO BUY
- Support for all controllers and a wide range of peripheral devices
- Authentic, immersive experience
- Comfortable, sturdy seating
- Fairly easy to move around
- High-quality construction
REASONS TO AVOID
- Expensive
- The faux leather seat doesn’t feel as nice as some other materials
- Smaller range of adjustments
Our Rating: 9.6/10
We’re really doing the Extreme Simracing P1 3.0 a disservice by putting it next to the XT Premium. Like the rest of the Extreme Simracing cockpits, it’s an excellent sim racing rig. It has basically all of the same features; it’s even a little cheaper. Plus, it has one big edge over the XT: it’s in stock in most of the places we looked.
It’s got all the support for peripheral devices we expected from the Extreme Simracing lineup. Obviously, it has the support for Logitech, Fanatec, and Thrustmaster controllers, but it can even support direct drive wheels and load cell pedals.
On top of that, there’s an included gearshift mount, a keyboard stand, a VESA mount for 75mm to 300mm brackets, and a stand for your game station, whether you use a PC or console.
If you’re looking for full immersion, the single monitor stand can be swapped out for a triple stand, achieving the coveted wraparound effect. It is an expensive add-on, almost as much as at least one of the screens in some cases.
Now, the chair is faux leather and has a great deal of padding. It has some minor rocking and angle adjustments but does not recline. It’s overall comfortable but might be a bit tight for larger users. It’s also not as breathable as some other possible materials, so you might feel like you’re overheating a bit more during long gaming sessions.
In terms of quality, the chassis is powder-coated carbon steel, which makes for an incredibly solid frame, with a maximum suggested weight of 310 pounds (140kg). Additionally, the P1 3.0 is a bit more towards the lighter side at 77 pounds (35kg), so even though it has all of the same functions as some of the bulkier Extreme Simracing cockpits, it’s going to be easier to move around if you need to store it.
The pedals, which are going to be the main concern when it comes to height adjustment, can be slid forward and back, and their angle can be adjusted based on height and driving style. The steering wheel remains at a fixed height, but the angle can be adjusted, and it can be slid forward and back as well. Hopefully, this, in conjunction with the adjustable angle on the seat, will accommodate most users.
Overall, the Extreme Simracing P1 3.0 is a gorgeous racing cockpit. Most of the difference between it and the XT Premium is going to come down to personal preference. This one does have the advantage of being easier to find in stock, but it is a little less comfortable. You will absolutely get an authentic and comfortable gaming experience with this cockpit, and it’s worth the money as long as money isn’t too much of an issue for you.
- RELATED READING: Best Gaming Setups
4. OpenWheeler GEN3
Maximum Supported Weight: Not Specified by Manufacturer | Dimensions: 94 x 40.6 x 58.4 cm / 37 x 16 x 23 in | Weight: 24.75 kg / 55 lb
REASONS TO BUY
- Excellent value for the money
- Sturdy all-steel construction
- Easy to assemble
- Comfortable, quality seat
- Highly compatible
- Multiple points of adjustment
REASONS TO AVOID
- No included controllers
- No monitor mounts
Our Rating: 9.5/10
The OpenWheeler GEN3 is everything most of us are looking for in a sim racing cockpit: comfortable, versatile, inexpensive, and easy to move and store. Not everyone has a whole room they can dedicate to their racing setup, so something like GEN3, which can be easily folded down for storage, is going to be a huge plus.
However, if you do have a large, dedicated amount of space for your gaming, and specifically your racing setup, don’t worry. The GEN 3 is a sturdy, comfortable seat that can be rearranged into a number of configurations, from a full racing cockpit to a more conventional chair or recliner.
The frame is made of steel for extra strength and durability. That’s going to make it a little bit heavier when you’re moving it around since the whole cockpit weighs 55 pounds (24.8 kg). Fortunately, there are wheels on the back end of the frame, which will help with portability as long as you don’t need to lift it directly.
The seat is fabric; whether that’s a point for or against it is going to come down to personal preference. Leather is undeniably more durable, but some people find that it can get sticky, especially if you’re sweating during a long racing session or your game room is warmer or not as well-ventilated. The cloth will hold up to regular use but probably not direct damage, so there’s still a decent amount of durability from this one.
Now, virtually all elements of the OpenWheeler GEN3 are adjustable. The seat reclines and can slide forward and back, the steering wheel mount can be raised or lowered and slid forward and back, and the pedal mount can slide forward and back as well.
The headrest might not be perfectly ergonomic for taller gamers, but everything else about it will comfortably accommodate just about anyone, including larger gamers who might feel cramped in other sim racing cockpits.
Similar to most racing cockpits, all of the controls you might need for racing are sold separately, which can increase the overall price of your racing rig. However, this will allow you to pick the controls you feel most comfortable with, and that will work best for your game.
There is an included gear shifter mount that can be mounted on the left or right, depending on which configuration you’re most comfortable with. The gearshift mount can also be swapped out for a joystick if you play flight simulators in addition to racing sims.
In terms of compatibility, the steering wheel and pedal mounts are compatible with all major controller brands, including Logitech, Fanatec, and Thrustmaster. Because of the full range of controller installs available, the OpenWheeler GEN3 is compatible with PC and both Xbox and PlayStation.
Overall, the OpenWheeler GEN3 is a good balance between some of the simpler racing cockpits and the more complex premium options. If you don’t have a big budget but still want a quality, comfortable, and easy-to-build sim racing cockpit, you’ll be hard-pressed to find anything better for the money.
- RELATED ARTICLE: How Much Do Pro Gamers Make?
5. Next Level Racing F-GT
Maximum Supported Weight: 130 kg / 285 lb | Dimensions: 140 x 61 x 124.5 cm / 55 x 24 x 49 in | Weight: 40 kg / 89 lb
REASONS TO BUY
- Professional racing cockpit
- Support for a wide range of add-ons
- Authentic GT and Formula racing positions
- Tons of adjustments and customizations are available
- Comes with a lumbar support
REASONS TO AVOID
- Difficult to assemble
- A lot of what would be considered basic components are sold separately
- Not easy to move or store
Our Rating: 9.5/10
The Next Level Racing F-GT is the most authentic option on our list. This sim racing cockpit is used in training by professional racers and has garnered several high-profile e-sports endorsements. It is a bit stripped down for what you’re paying for it, but purists will see the value in it.
The biggest selling point for the Next Level Racing F-GT is the ability to be arranged into both GT and Formula racing configurations but also its connectivity. Like most of the options on our list, it is compatible with all major brands of sim wheels and controllers, including gear shifters. The wheel mount is even built to accommodate direct-drive wheels for a fully immersive, professional-grade experience.
On top of that, there’s support for haptic feedback devices like the ButtKicker Gamer2, VESA screen mounts, joystick controls, and keyboard and mouse stands. None of these are included by default, so adding them will drive the price higher, but you will be able to customize a fully immersive experience.
The frame is all steel and fully adjustable. You can adjust the wheel height or change the seating configuration depending on your racing style (or game), as well as adjust the pedal distance. The broad base sits on rubberized feet, which can be swapped for lockable caster wheels (purchased separately).
Since the wheels are sold separately, the 89 pounds (40.4 kg) cockpit is questionably portable. Add in the fact that it lacks any configuration that could be considered suitable for storage, and we have to put this down as another one that’s only going to be for people who are able to make a serious space commitment.
As a slight downside, it is a bit harder to assemble than some of the other cockpits we’ve looked at. Adding peripherals is easy, but assembling the chassis itself (especially the seat) is a bit tricky since some of the access points for fasteners are at difficult angles or in weird places.
That seat is reclinable, which gives you a bit more versatility. Plus, the cockpit ships with a lumbar support pad, which will help keep you comfortable during marathon racing sessions. It’s got a weight limit of 285 pounds, owing mostly to the dual seat configurations available. The adjustability and wide customization for add-ons remove most of the height restrictions.
On the final note, the seat on the F-GT is faux leather, which means you’re sacrificing a bit of breathability in exchange for durability and easier cleaning.
The Next Level Racing F-GT is going to be best for purists. It’s not the most expensive on our list by a long shot, but the piece-by-piece nature of add-ons can make it start to feel like you’re getting nickel and dimed if you don’t have a clear vision of what you want.
On the other hand, if you know exactly the configuration you’re looking for, you can get exactly that, no more, no less, for less than you might pay to get a more advanced sim racing cockpit that had all of those features as part of a more expensive bundle.
- READ ALSO: Best Gaming Glasses
6. Extreme Simracing VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE V 3.0
Maximum Supported Weight: 140 kg / 310 lb | Dimensions: 172 x 55.1 x 140 cm / 67.7 x 21.7 x 55.1 in | Weight: 52 kg / 115 lb
REASONS TO BUY
- Quality, all-steel construction
- Fully powder-coated and rubberized elements
- TV/Monitor stand can accommodate most screen setups
- Plenty of mounts for all controllers and peripherals
- Comfortable for long sessions
REASONS TO AVOID
- Not easy to move or stow
- Less adjustable than some other models
- Expensive
Our Rating: 9.4/10
If you do have a dedicated space for your racing rig, the Extreme Simracing Virtual Experience V 3.0 is another fantastic premium cockpit that comes with everything you need. It creates a reserved space that’s just for racing (and similar) simulators that will put you immediately into the headspace of getting into a real cockpit every time you use it.
In terms of quality, the Extreme Simracing V 3.0 uses a wide base and all-steel construction to deliver an incredibly sturdy and stable gaming cockpit. Much of the steel exterior is powderized, which can help prevent scratches and other superficial damage. Besides that, the feet and bushings are both rubberized for extra stability.
Unlike some of the more minimal options on our list, the Extreme Simracing V 3.0 includes mounts for your entire rig. That obviously includes the standard wheel, pedal, and gearshift mounts, but on top of that, the V 3.0 also has a VESA bracket compatible with 75mm to 300mm mounts for your monitor or TV, a stand for your PC, a keyboard rack, a mouse pad, and a cupholder just to round to the whole thing out.
Keep in mind the VESA mount is only set up for one screen, which can range from 27” to 55”, but there are add-ons available for purchase if you already have or are looking to set up a triple monitor display.
The idea here is that you could reasonably use this instead of a desk or any other sort of computer workspace. If you tend to do a lot of other things on your PC besides racing (or similar) sims, that’s probably not a good option for you, so you might need to spend extra and take up more space to have a desktop workspace.
The control mounts are adjustable and compatible with all major racing controllers. They are all also adjustable, but the steering wheel tilts rather than being able to be fully raised or lowered, which doesn’t give you quite the degree of control that we’d like to see.
Further, the seat rocks but does not fully recline. It can be folded down for storage or to allow you to use the screen for watching movies or other videos if this is going to be connected to your main media screens rather than your workspace.
Additionally, the seat is made of synthetic leather, which is more durable than cloth but not as breathable as either cloth or genuine leather would be. It’s meant to accommodate users between 4’3” and 6’7” (1.3m to 2m) and who weigh up to 310 pounds (140kg)
There are some overtures made to portability, with wheels attached to the bottom, but the combination of the base weight (115 pounds/52kg) and the screen mounts make it unlikely that you’ll be moving it a lot, even if the stand is removable.
All things considered, this is a premium option for people who take their sim racing experience very seriously. It’s also going to be more of an investment, both in terms of price and space, than casual users are probably going to be comfortable with. For serious racers, this will have just about any feature you could want.
- YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Best Mobile Hotspots for Gaming
7. Next Level Racing F-GT Lite
Maximum Supported Weight: 130 kg / 287 lb | Dimensions: 175 x 75 x 127 cm / 68.5 x 29.5 x 50 in | Weight: 19 kg / 42 lb
REASONS TO BUY
- Highly portable/stowable
- Quality and stable construction
- Still able to support all major controllers
- Wide range of adjustments
- Comfortable fabric seat
REASONS TO AVOID
- Less comfortable for heavier gamers
- Limited mounting options
- Not a lot of options for adjusting the steering wheel
Our Rating: 9.3/10
For many of the options on our list, even some that we’ve given positive marks for storage and portability, you still need a relatively large amount of space. Sim racing isn’t just enjoyed by people with homes with large basement rec rooms, so this needs an answer. That answer is the Next Level Racing F-GT Lite. It’s by far the most portable and storable option on our list and does it without sacrificing comfort or functionality.
Like its cousin, the F-GT Lite can be arranged into both GT and Formula racing configurations for maximum immersion no matter the game you’re playing. The pre-drilled controller mounts are compatible with wheels, pedals, and gearshifts from all major brands, including Logitech, Thrustmaster, and Fanatec.
It stands out among collapsible racing cockpits because of its ability to be folded and stowed with the wheel and other control elements still attached. When in a folded position, the chair is 29.5 inches by 15.7 inches by 34 inches (75cm x 40cm x 87cm).
In terms of quality, the frame is made of powder-coated stainless steel tubes, which are going to give you a lot more strength but will also up the weight quite a bit. Before your controls are installed, it weighs 42 pounds (19kg), which means that you’ll have to give it a good heft to move it and put it away.
Furthermore, the angle of the headrest, seat, pedals, and more are controlled with Next Level Racing’s patent hubs, which not only allow precise adjustments that can withstand a huge amount of force but allow the whole thing to quickly and smoothly fold up.
Perhaps unsurprising for a folding seat, it doesn’t have a very high weight limit. The officially posted limit is 287 pounds (130kg), but even people who are close to that might still find it uncomfortable.
Speaking of comfort, the seat is a sling of a soft but very durable fabric. It’s a comfortable seat with good breathability, and the fabric feels thick enough that it’s not going to tear under everyday stress.
It probably goes without saying, but there are limited options for mounting with the F-GT Lite. Mounting your screens is right out of the question, and you’ll have to be creative if you’re trying to add a keyboard or mouse pad. This is going to be a better choice for VR racing or if you’re running your game on a large TV.
The price tag on the Next Level Racing F-GT Lite is a bit shocking, especially considering what’s available in full-frame racing rigs for a similar price. As comfortable as it is, it’s still not going to hold up to something with properly cushioned seats, either. However, this is hands down the best racing cockpit for people who don’t have a lot of space available, but our recommendation is limited to just those gamers.
- RELATED READING: Best Audiophile Headphones for Gaming
8. Playseat Challenge
Maximum Supported Weight: 122 kg / 270 lb | Dimensions: 136 x 54 x 96 cm / 53.5 x 21.3 x 37.8 in | Weight: 9 kg / 20 lb
REASONS TO BUY
- Lightweight and quality construction
- Folds down easily
- Compatible with all major controller brands
- Comfortable for longer racing sessions
- Budget-friendly
REASONS TO AVOID
- Limited seating adjustments
- Not comfortable for larger gamers
- Less sturdy compared to other options
Our Rating: 9.1/10
Space isn’t the only consideration when it comes to sim racing setups. Maybe it’s something you genuinely enjoy but have other hobbies or obligations, and that prevents you from dropping the literally thousands of dollars you could spend on a premium racing rig.
So, you need something that’s both portable and attainable within your entertainment budget for the next couple of months. Enter the Playseat challenge: a simple, foldable racing seat that works on its own or will let you get a feel for whether you want to invest in something more serious.
The Playseat challenge uses a padded, buckle-style seat but is only minimally adjustable. You can make adjustments to the pedal position and wheel height to accommodate racers of a wide range of heights, but the adjustments available for the actual angle of seating are somewhat limited.
Besides that, this probably isn’t going to be a good fit for anyone on the heavier side, either. The seat supports a max weight of 270 pounds (122kg) but is also fairly narrow, which can make it an uncomfortable fit for some. You’re either going to find this chair comfortable or you won’t, with very little middle ground or the ability to adjust.
If you do find it comfortable, it’s going to be a great chair for you. The steel tubing construction is sturdy, and the legs are given extra stability by rubberized “feet” which wrap around the bottom bars. The chair sets up and stores quickly without the need to detach any of your controllers.
It folds flat, but the pedal mounts stay extended when stowing it, making the whole thing a little over 4 feet (1.2 meters) long, which will limit your storage options. It is, however, very light. Before installing any of your controllers, the whole chair weighs roughly 20 pounds (9kg) which gives you a few more options as far as where you store it.
As far as compatibility goes, the Playseat Challenge is compatible with all the main controller brands currently on the market. There is space to mount a gearshift, but it’s not in a place that’s going to be immediately intuitive and could break the immersion a little if you’re used to having it down to the side.
Like any other folding racing cockpit, there is no way to mount a screen, so you’ll need a wall or desk mount if you don’t already have one.
Ultimately, the Playseat challenge is going to be best suited for younger gamers. People who share a space and possibly a gaming setup with children are going to get the most use out of this one. It’s also going to be a good fit for people in apartments, especially if they’re sharing the space. If you’re going to spend a lot of time racing, especially at long stretches, you’ll probably want to drop a bit more money on your rig.
9. Playseat Evolution White
Maximum Supported Weight: 122 kg / 270 lb | Dimensions: 130 x 50 x 98 cm / 51.2 x 19.7 x 38.6 in | Weight: 20 kg / 44 lb
REASONS TO BUY
- Folding leather seat
- Good price for a fixed rig
- Easy setup
- Compatible with all major brands
- Great price/performance ratio
REASONS TO AVOID
- Very few peripherals, all of which are sold separately
- Not as sturdy as most fixed rigs
- Not very portable, even for a fixed rig
Our Rating: 9.0/10
As a company, Playseat has a reasonable amount of gaming cred. Their founder, Fernando Smit, was a professional racer and is a long-time sim racing enthusiast. That insider perspective really comes through on the Evolution White, a cockpit that strikes an excellent balance between comfort, performance, and price.
The construction on the Evolution is a bit on the minimal side, but it can be enhanced with some add-ons. The frame is steel, and there are no feet or other padding along the bottom, so you will probably want some sort of mat underneath it. Besides that, it doesn’t include a holder for the gear shift, so if that’s a bit part of the immersiveness for you, you’ll definitely notice the absence there.
Apart from that, the angle and height of the steering wheel can be adjusted, and the pedal distance can be adjusted and firmly locked into place, though it takes a bit more effort than on some models. If you’d like extra adjustments to the seat, a seat slider like you’d find in a real car is available for purchase.
The seat is fully leather, which is a big selling point. That can help create the effect of an actual car seat, but more to the point is the most durable option for seats.
In terms of adjustability, the seat can’t really be adjusted, which can limit your ability to use this as a multi-function station. It does, however, fold forward, unblocking the view of the screen(s) if you intend to install it in front of your TV.
Apart from that, it doesn’t really fold up, and there are no wheels, so while it’s only about 44 pounds (19.8 kg), it’s still going to be hard to move and store if you don’t have a dedicated space for it.
Now, the pedal and wheel mounts are compatible with all brands, including the major ones like Logitech, Thrustmaster, and Fanatec. It is otherwise very light on peripherals. There’s no place to attach screens, and the screen mount sold as an add-on is basically just a tall, freestanding pair of legs.
What’s a little surprising about the Playseat Evolution White is the low maximum supported weight. We’d expect something with an all-steel construction like this to have a supported weight higher than their folding options, but it’s still only 270 pounds (122kg). It’s comfortable enough for people below 250, and taller gamers won’t have too much issue, but the seat is on the narrow side.
Overall, the Playseat Evolution White is going to be best for people who are looking to upgrade to a fixed sim racing cockpit but don’t have the budget or are otherwise hesitant to commit to some of the pricier models. It’s going to be comfortable for most users and have a good level of adjustability, making it a good staple for family game rooms.
10. Next Level Racing Challenger
Maximum Supported Weight: 150 kg / 330 lb | Dimensions: 140 x 48 x 93 cm / 55 x 18 x 36 in | Weight: 24 kg / 52 lb
REASONS TO BUY
- Able to accommodate users of all sizes
- Small footprint and low profile
- Decent support for add ons
- Quality construction
- Budget-friendly
REASONS TO AVOID
- The Center column for the wheel platform can sometimes get in the way
- The wheel column isn’t as well anchored as would be ideal
- The seat is not as durable as other options
Our Rating: 8.8/10
The Next Level Racing Challenger is another great budget option for a fixed sim racing rig. It looks a bit simple but has all of the core features and will make your sim racing experience more fun and authentic than any traditional cockpit.
The chassis is a basic steel frame, but unlike most options, the steering wheel mount is on a single column up the center. Next Level claims that this doesn’t interfere with pedal access or any of your preferred driving styles, but it does break the immersion a little bit. On the other hand, it does make the chair a little easier to get in and out of, considering how low to the ground it is.
Additionally, the pre-drilled mounts have spaces for all of the major controller brands: Logitech, Fanatics, and Thrustmaster. And as a bonus, there is also an included shifter plate.
Now, the angle and distance of the solid metal breaking plate can be adjusted, but this will typically require rescrewing the bolts, making the Racing Challenger a bit more complicated when it comes to switching between multiple users. The height and angle of the steering column can also be adjusted, fortunately, a bit more easily than the pedals.
As far as comfort goes, the seat is made of fabric and offers a high degree of reclining, making this very comfortable for the price and size. You can also adjust the position and angle for added comfort and to better accommodate your driving style.
There are a few add-ons available with the Next Level Racing challenger as well. With its low profile and small footprint, it’s a good fit for family rec rooms, so the addition of caster wheels will make it easier to move in and out of position.
If you’re going for the full cockpit experience, a monitor stand can be attached directly to the chassis. If you intend to use the cockpit for other gaming or PC purposes, you can add a keyboard and mouse platform as well.
This is also one of the sturdiest options on our list, with a maximum supported weight of 330 pounds (150kg). Its minimal design also gives it one of the largest height ranges, with comfortable accommodation for users ranging from 4 feet (1.2 meters) to 6 feet 9 inches (2.1 meters) tall.
The low price, minimal size, and wide variety of user profiles available make this an ideal rec room fixture or a good starter rig. It checks all the boxes and will provide an immersive gaming experience at a very reasonable price.
Final Words
There you have it. These were our selections for the top 10 best sim racing cockpits in 2023.
Like any other gaming accessory, which sim racing cockpit is best for you is going to come down to how often and intensely you’re going to be using it.
If you’ve got a lot of space and spend several hours a week (or more) on sim racing, then one of the larger premium options will work like a charm. If it’s more of a casual hobby that you enjoy a little extra arcade-style immersion from, then you can easily get away with one of the smaller, cheaper options.
Every one of the racing rigs on this list will take your experience far beyond a keyboard or conventional controller. It’s up to you to pick the one that fits your taste and budget.
Be the first to comment