Best Sim Racing Cockpit - 9 Awesome Models You Can Buy Today

Next Level Racing is a familiar name. Their GT Ultimate series are ideal for hectic racing video games played with a virtual reality headset. This model comes with a comfortable racing simulator seat included, and a chassis that holds the steering wheel and pedals firmly in place. This makes the model suitable for long stretches of gameplay. The cockpit works with Logitech, Thrustmaster, and Fanatec wheels, which more or less covers the basics. A GT Ultimate model will set you back somewhere around $650 to $700.

The P1-X is no joke. Fully made of aluminum, this rig is the best racing cockpit if you want maximum stability during gameplay. This makes it perfect if you want to use a direct-drive wheel. For extra studiness, you have the option of purchasing special adjustable feet. Furthermore, it is built with modularity in mind. The gear shift and handbrake can be attached to anywhere on the chassis. It is also compatible with almost all top-level steering wheel models. The P1-X advertises itself as “motion ready,” which means it’s compatible with a D-BOX hydraulic racing simulator. This beast will cost you at least $800, which is definitely on the expensive side.

Fanatec is one of the market leaders in sim racing, and the Rennsport V2 boldly demonstrates that. It’s definitely different from other sim racing chassis - giving you the impression of sitting in a roll cage. It is designed both for rigidity and ease of use, making it the ideal long-term investment for your home. Assembly is easy, with a large selection of accessories available to suit your needs. It is also made of aluminum for minimal flex. Its list of compatible wheels includes every Fanatec steering wheel. The Thrustmaster T500RS and, of course, the classic Logitech G25 and G27 are also suitable. The Fanatec Rennsport V2 retails for $999.

Looking to buy your first gaming cockpit? The Next Level Racing Challenger is worth considering. It is designed specifically as entry-level equipment. It is fully adjustable - the distance between the seat and the pedals can be shortened or lengthened. The chassis is also fairly compact, meaning it will take up a relatively small space in your living room. And that’s not all - you have the option of pairing it with Next Level Racing’s Lockable Castor Wheels, which would allow you to roll the cockpit around freely. This makes it incredibly easy to tuck away when not in use. The Challenger racing simulator cockpit is compatible with all major steering wheels and retails for a price of $350.

The F-GT is a so-called “dual position” chassis, which means it can be both a GT racing, as well as an F1 simulator cockpit. There’s more - the F-GT also doubles as a flight simulator, so it really can suit all your needs at once. It comes packed with loads of extra features like a seat slider, adjustable feet, and a gear shifter module. Its stable design also ensures minimal flex. The F-GT is perfect for an experienced sim racing enthusiast, but also for professional esports use. A model typically costs around $500.

A one of a kind racing hardware, the RSeat N1 is meant for hardcore racing enthusiasts and professionals. It works with all major platforms, be it a racing simulator for PC, Playstation, or Xbox home consoles. In addition, the N1 has a head-spinning number of models which can range anywhere from a thousand dollars to over $30,000. The base chassis without a seat goes for $1099. It is steel construction with pedal and seat sliders. From there, you can pick a number of different upgrades, like a shifter, handbrake, or keyboard mount, among others. The ultimate package contains its own D-BOX hydraulic racing simulator and will set you back at least five figures.

Looking for something more on a budget? The Playseat Challenge proves you don’t need an expensive rig to have a quality experience. It is surprisingly stable, with no side-to-side wobble. And at $250, it makes for an excellent cheap sim racing rig. When you’re done using it, the Playseat Challenge folds up and can be stored in a closet, taking up very little space. The hammock-like seat supports weights up to 122 kg, or 268 lbs. It is compatible with all steering wheel and pedals, as well as every console from the PS3 and Xbox 360 onwards.

Sparco is a household name in that particular market. But now, their racing simulator cockpit, the Evolve GP, aims to win over enthusiasts. It features a fiberglass sloped seat modeled after F1 cockpits, making the rig a good choice for F1 2021 sessions. The Evolve GP won’t move around while racing either, as it has built-in adjustable feet. Furthermore, it comes with an integrated VESA monitor mount. The rig is compatible with Logitech, Thrustmaster, and Fanatec wheels and pedals. It retails for around $1000, without the seat.