The Best Racing Simulator Cockpits
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Playing car racing games can bring the thrill of the racing track to your own home, but gaming with a normal controller has its limits. If you’re trying to get the most realistic experience possible, getting a racing simulator cockpit can bring an extra level of realism and intensity to your gaming performance. Lucky for you, we’ve tracked down the best ones available on the market to help you in your search. Just sit back, buckle up, and start your engines.
What to Look For
When narrowing down the best racing simulator cockpits on the market, we considered durability, comfort, available controls, and price. For example, if you want a comfortable setup with durable construction and versatile controls, the Next Level Racing F-GT racing simulator cockpit has a great mixture of top-notch specs and practical add-ons. If you want something a bit more affordable, the Playseat Challenge racing simulator cockpit has a bare-bones design that doesn’t skimp on quality. Read on to see all our top picks and find the racing simulator cockpit that’s right for you and your gaming setup.
Next Level Racing F-GT Racing Simulator Cockpit
Worlds collide
If you’re new to the world of racing simulation, this cockpit serves as a great place to start your search for a new setup. It combines both practical and premium features for an end result that’s fit for almost anyone. It has a dual-position design, meaning that you can set it up for both F1 and GT-style gaming. It has a powder-coated steel frame for durable construction, and it even offers both seat slider and gear shifter support for added gameplay benefits. The chair itself comes with a lumbar support cushion to make it easier on your back during long racing sessions. It sports a sophisticated design, but still boasts a mid-tier price tag, so it’s accessible to gamers of all levels. Whether you want something comfortable or something with rock-solid durability, you can’t go wrong with this well-rounded choice from Next Level Racing.
Pros:
- Dual position cockpit
- Included lumbar support cushion
- Powder-coated steel frame
- Included seat slider and gear shifter support
Cons:
- Switching between F1 and GT setups can be time-consuming and complicated
OpenWheeler GEN3 Racing Simulator Cockpit
Do it all
If you want a simulator cockpit that’s built to handle it all, look no further. This versatile cockpit is built with a modular design to promote maximum customization for a variety of uses. You can use it as a standard racing interface, a regular gaming chair, or even a flight simulation cockpit. It’s highly adjustable, comes in six different colors, and it’s lightweight for easy moving and storage. This truly is an all-purpose simulator cockpit, so no matter what you plan on using it for, it’s built to handle it all.
Pros:
- Comes in six different color options
- Gear shifter mount included
- Adjustable pedal plate
- Can also be used for flight simulation
Cons:
- The seat isn’t as comfortable as the competition
Playseat Challenge Racing Simulator Cockpit
Simple and sweet
At first glance, this racing simulator cockpit may look more like a lawn chair than an actual car cockpit, but don’t be fooled; there’s more to this gaming chair than meets the eye. While it has a bare-bones design, it maintains a similar gameplay performance as its pricey competitors. It has a simple, comfortable chair design that’s easier to sit in than most other cockpits on the market, making it perfect for long gaming sessions. Despite its light frame, it’s still very stable and durable during intense racing. Best of all, it has a foldable design that makes it easier to set up than almost any other cockpit simulator out there. You can set it up in a matter of minutes and fold it away when you’re done playing. For gamers on a budget or people with a part-time simulation setup, it doesn’t get much better than this affordable choice.
Pros:
- Foldable design
- Easy setup
- Great for beginners
- Comfortable for long gaming sessions
Cons:
- The steering wheel mounting plate isn’t adjustable
Next Level Racing NLR-S009 GTTrack Simulator Cockpit
Only the best
If you have some cash to spare and you’re looking for the most immersive racing simulation experience available, this premium option from Next Level Racing comes loaded with top-notch features to crank your gaming performance into high gear. It comes with a realistic, heavy-duty, PU leather racing seat with straps, giving you a bonafide driver’s seat experience. It comes pre-drilled for compatibility with all major brands of wheels and pedals, and it’s fully adjustable in almost every direction. Best of all, it’s compatible with motion platforms to give your gaming an unmatched level of realism that professionals depend on. Rest assured, this cockpit isn’t for the faint of heart. If you think you’re ready for the next level, this simulator cockpit is ready to take you there.
Pros:
- Made with PU Leather
- Compatible with direct drive wheels and motion platforms
- Pre-drilled for all major brands
- Fully-adjustable for angle, height, and distance
- Extremely sturdy
Cons:
- Fairly pricey
Next Level Racing NLR-S021 GT Lite Foldable Cockpit
Don't break the bank
If you’re tight on money but you still want a more luxurious racing experience, this budget-friendly cockpit from Next Level Racing has you covered. With a foldable design, this affordable cockpit is easy to store for quick access that won’t take up too much space in your living room. It also has Next Level Racing adjustment hubs that allow for quick changes on the fly to make your gaming experience more comfortable. Speaking of comfort, the seat is made from a soft, breathable material that makes racing cozier than ever. It may not be the most heavy-duty option on the market, but for the price, it’s almost unbeatable.
Pros:
- Gear shifter can be installed on either side
- Breathable seat fabric
- Great price
- Easy to store
- Adjustment hubs make for quick alterations
Cons:
- Feels cheaper than luxury options
Frequently Asked Questions
What consoles are racing simulator cockpits compatible with?
Most racing simulator cockpits are compatible with all major consoles and steering wheel controllers for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC platforms. Since the simulator cockpit is more of an additional gaming accessory than a controller, it can be connected to a variety of different consoles.
Do racing simulator cockpits come with a steering wheel?
Most racing simulator cockpits don’t come with a steering wheel because not all steering wheels are compatible with all gaming consoles. The cockpit serves as a platform to hold your steering wheel and foot pedals in a realistic manner that’s more effective for gameplay. However, these cockpits are more than just gaming chairs with extra steps. Even though they don’t act as controllers or steering wheels themselves, they can add extra features like gear-shifting support for better interaction with your controller.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.