Dominate the Virtual Track With the Best Sim Racing Cockpits

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Sim racing bridges the gap between virtual and reality, bringing the adrenaline-fueled world of high-speed racing into our homes. As crucial as your virtual driving skills might be, the right sim racing setup can make or break your experience, and little is more pivotal in sim racing than using the right cockpit for your needs. This isn't just a chair—it's an epicenter of control and immersion where your physical input meets on-screen action. We've picked the best options out there to help you step up your sim racing game.

Things to Consider When Buying a Sim Racing Cockpit

Whether you're a rookie racer or a seasoned sim racing pro, choosing the right rig can dramatically enhance your experience and even increase your virtual lap times. Here are some key considerations you should bear in mind before making your investment alongside your sim racing wheel and sim racing game of your choosing.

Adjustability and Ergonomics

Ensure that the cockpit you're eyeing offers ample adjustment options to cater to your preferred driving position. Ergonomics are crucial in long racing sessions, and a highly adjustable rig can prevent fatigue and discomfort. Look for features like adjustable seat positions, steering wheel height, pedal placement, and monitor stands.

Compatibility

Make sure the cockpit is compatible with your existing hardware. Not all sim gear is universal; some is designed specifically for particular brands or types of racing wheels, pedals, shifters, and platforms (Xbox, PlayStation, or PC). It's also possible to get certain adapters to mount specific wheels and pedals to various seats, so take into account whether you'll need to purchase any extra gear.

Materials and Build Quality

Pay attention to the materials used and the overall build quality. Extruded steel or aluminum typically make the sturdiest rigs, but steel tubing seats are incredibly robust as well, especially with thicker tubing. The seat material should also be considered; options range from fabric to synthetic or genuine leather. Your choice can impact both durability and comfort.

Stability

A good cockpit should offer a solid foundation, especially when reacting to force feedback from the steering wheel. A wobbly frame can detract from the realism and immersion of your sim racing experience. Opt for cockpits with sturdy, well-braced frames.

Space Constraints

Evaluate the amount of space available in your gaming area. Some cockpits are significantly larger than others. Foldable or modular designs might be more suitable for small spaces. It's also worth considering how easily the rig can be moved or stored.

Customization and Accessory Options

If you plan to upgrade or add components in the future, such as a buttkicker, shifters, or a VR headset, make sure the cockpit supports these expansions. Some models feature modularity that allows you to easily integrate additional components as your setup evolves.

Price and Value

Set a budget and assess what you are getting for your money. While it's tempting to go for a high-end cockpit, sometimes midrange options offer nearly as much functionality at a fraction of the cost. However, if sim racing is more than just a hobby for you, investing in a premium cockpit might be worthwhile.

Here are some of the best sim racing cockpits on the market today.

GT Track

The Next Level Racing GT Track (NLR-S009) features a robust design with comprehensive adjustability and support for additional sim racing gear. Inspired by insights from professional and eSports drivers, it supports all major wheel and pedal brands and can handle strong direct-drive wheels thanks to its laser-cut carbon steel frame.

Users can adjust the distance and angle of pedals, the height and tilt of the wheel plate, and the seat distance and angle. It's also compatible with other sim racing equipment, such as handbrakes, shifters, buttkickers, and more through optional mounting accessories. While we wouldn't suggest using the cockpit while on wheels, it does come with casters.

It's also designed to easily integrate Next Level Racing's Motion Platform V3 and Traction Plus Motion Platform for enhanced simulation immersion.

Trophy

The Playseat Trophy is a relatively new chair from Playseat, made in collaboration with Logitech. While we haven't used one (yet), its shape bears a striking resemblance to the Playseat Challenge (more about this seat below), albeit with a much sturdier, non-folding frame and a more padded seat.

It's not nearly as adjustable as some other options on this list, but it does offer wheel and pedal adjustments. One major benefit of the Trophy over the Challenge is Playseat's new patented body-conforming Actifit seat technology, which conforms to your body for a better fit. We also like the wide shoulder supports of the Trophy, which is something we wish Playseat would add to its more compact Challenge cockpit.

The Playseat Trophy is a bit expensive, considering it lacks support for easily mounting shifter sticks, buttkickers, and other accessories. But it does offer a clean, all-in-one solution for anyone who wants to start racing with minimal hassle.

Evolution Pro

The Playseat Evolution Pro is a no-frills sim racing cockpit that gets the job done without breaking the bank. It's one of Playseat's best-selling rigs and with good reason: It's sturdy, adjustable, and doesn't take up a ton of space. It doesn't have fancy attachment points, but the seat is comfortable, and when paired with the right displays and peripherals it offers everything you need for lifelike racing.