As sim racing continues to gain popularity, it’s fair to say that people’s interests and hobbies are changing with the popularity of the esports scene.
Although it is a fact that sim games or sim software is available for multiple different devices like consoles and even mobile applications, it always scares people to consider actually buying an entire sim racing setup.
A bit similar to investing in an entire PC build in order to engage in video games, Sim racing is by no means inexpensive and is in fact quite costly.
Fortunately for us, racing hardware manufacturers all over the world have come up with many high quality but budget friendly options for most of the parts of our racing setups including racing seats which can be quite pricy too.
Table of Contents
- Why Do You Need a Racing Cockpit For Sim Racing?
- Ergonomic design
- Back support
- Functionality
- Things to Consider When Looking For a Racing Cockpit
- Size and space
- Features and compatibility
- Price
- OpenWheeler GEN3
- Features:
- Next Level Racing F-GT Simulator Cockpit (NLR-S010)
- Features:
- Marada Racing Simulator cockpit
- Features:
- Playseat Evolution Black
- Features:
- Next Level Racing GT Lite Foldable Simulator Racing seat
- Features:
- Playseat WRC
- Features:
- VEVOR G920 Simulator Cockpit:
- Extra pick:
- RESPAWN 200 Racing Style Gaming Chair
- Features:
- Looking to get faster in ACC? Try now our GT3 Setup Bundles!
- Sim Racing Gear – Comparison Guides
Why Do You Need a Racing Cockpit For Sim Racing?
For those who are familiar with the gaming community, you can find the reason why gamers spend hundreds to thousands for the “perfect” gaming chair to have the right experience they need.
Almost similar to why a gamer requires a gaming seat, sim racers similarly need a racing seat for the following reasons:
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Ergonomic design
You could opt for a range of models that are more multipurpose and let you work or play other games but they concentrate on making you as comfortable as possible when you are playing any of their sim racing software/games.
This mainly relates to the angle, height, and the flexibility of the seat which you may be missing out on if using other seats for sim racing.
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Back support
Both racing and gaming involves you being in a particular stance for a very extended period of time, which in turn can lead to back pain, and even back/spinal issues over time. Some of you may have experienced how some people tend to point fingers at gaming as being the root cause of the problem. However, in this case inappropriate seating is the problem.
When you are using a good quality racing seat which is recommended for sim racing, you can be sure that you will be free from any chances of sustaining any back problems however do ensure to play and stretch accordingly.
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Functionality
For the simple reason that they offer ergonomic design and back support functionalism is further enhanced making your body strained neither when racing and leaving for other activities. In addition, racing seats are constructed in a way to of filling all supported racing performance.
For instance, racing seats are not ordinarily fitted with wheels. This may not be practical for work purposes but at the same time, it means that unneeded movements will be reduced therefore allowing you to concentrate even better on the race.
Things to Consider When Looking For a Racing Cockpit
Now that you know the importance of having a racing seat for your sim racing setup, here are several things that you should consider before buying your very own racing seat:
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Size and space
Nowadays racing seats come with adjustable features which makes it much easier for us to fit into any kind of racing chair.
Thus, finding one that fits you will not be a problem. The more important thing for you to look for is if you have enough space for your racing seat.
Racing seat is not much larger than any other seat, but it is relatively longer compared with other seats including gaming seats.
With that in mind, make sure that you have enough space to put your seat conveniently in a way that it will not disrupt your gameplay.
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Features and compatibility
Racing seats are available with different features that you could choose depending on your preference. Amongst all features, we recommend you to get one with adjustable features, which most racing seats have in today’s market.
What is more important is for you to get a racing seat compatible with your other racing hardware, such as brakes, switches, pedals, etc.
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Price
If you have not noticed by now, we always remind our readers to adjust with their own budget. Buying sim racing equipment is an investment that you should consider for the long term. Think to yourself, are you planning to collect more than one chair, or are you looking for a high-end chair that could last you for a long time?
Regardless, we always recommend spreading your budget and spending equally on every part of your racing setup, such as upgrading your PC, buying premium racing gloves, or even getting a new set of pedals.
It is easier to buy high-end racing equipment from an established brand as they usually guarantee quality and functionality. However, as we mentioned above, you might want to consider buying quality equipment for every part of your racing setup.
Instead of spending thousands of dollars on a racing seat, you can actually find top notch racing seats at affordable price points. In the following article, we have compiled the 7 best budget sim racing seats in 2021, keep reading!
OpenWheeler GEN3
Compatibility : PS5, PS4, PC, Xbox One, Xbox X
Check the prices here on Amazon
OpenWheeler GEN3 is a racing seat known for its compact and versatile design. This is one of the best options if you are looking for a racing seat without making your racing setup feel too bulky.
OpenWheeler GEN3 is commonly used for both racing and flight simulators, as it comes with high compatibility (with any devices and hardware) and adjustability.
Here’s our in depth review of the OpenWheeler GEN3 seat.
Features:
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High compatibility with different brands of racing hardware
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Compact and versatile design
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Adjustable gear shifter mount (left and right)
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Mounting hardware and tools included
Next Level Racing F-GT Simulator Cockpit (NLR-S010)
Compatibility : Windows, Xbox, PlayStation 5, PlayStation2, PlayStation, PlayStation 3, Xbox Series X
Check the prices here on Amazon
Next Level is another established racing equipment manufacturer whose product is known for its high quality material and strong build.
The Next Level Racing F-GT Simulator Cockpit (NLR-S010) is one of their best racing seats that comes with high compatibility with both devices and racing hardwares.
Made with a high quality powder coated steel frame, this racing seat by Next Level is very durable and can last you for a lifetime of simulation racing.
Here’s our in depth review of the The Next Level Racing (NLR-S010).
Features:
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NLR F-GT frame
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Gear shifter holder
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Adjustable height, seat and slider
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Lumbar support cushion
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Buttkicker Gamer 2 adaptor
Marada Racing Simulator cockpit
Compatibility : PC, Playstation, Xbox
Check the prices here on Amazon
A racing/gaming chair is a great option for those of you who race without a complete racing setup and looking for an affordable option.
However, it may be harder for you to find cheaper options if you are looking for a seat compatible with a whole racing setup.
One of our favourite choices and definitely one of the most affordable is the Marada Racing Simulator seat.
Costing less than $200, this racing seat is compatible with most racing hardwares and also with both consoles and PC.
Here’s our in depth review of the Marada sim racing seat.
Features:
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Adjustable height, length, angle
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Made of durable carbon steel
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Rubber foot pads to reduce vibration and noise
Playseat Evolution Black
Compatibility : Playstation 3, Playstation 4, XBox360, XBox One, PC
Check the prices here on Amazon
Playseat Evolution Black is probably the cheapest set of racing seats that you can get from Playseat.
Regardless of the price, Playseat is popular as a manufacturer who never compromises on quality, so you can be sure that this seat is built with premium material and functional design.
Moreover, this seat is also highly compatible with most devices and racing hardwares.
Here’s our in depth review of the Playseat Evolution black seat.
Features:
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Playseat Gearshift Holder PRO
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TV Stand PRO by Playseat
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Playseat seat slider
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Durable structure
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Easy to assemble
Next Level Racing GT Lite Foldable Simulator Racing seat
Compatibility : Windows, Xbox, PlayStation 5, PlayStation2, PlayStation, PlayStation 3, Xbox Series X
Check the prices here on Amazon
If you are looking for a compact racing chair that is easy to store and carry, we recommend getting a foldable seat such as the NLR-S021 by Next Level. Obviously, foldable seats take up less space, but it is also much easier for you to set up and assemble.
Moreover, this seat by Next Level Racing is equipped with compatibility to practically any devices and racing hardwares.
Here’s our in depth review of the Next Level Racing NLR-S015.
Features:
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Durable built
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High adjustability
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Made with breathable fabric
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Adjustable gear shifter support (left and right)
Playseat WRC
Compatibility : PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Wii, Wii U, PC, Mac
Check the prices here on Amazon
If you are familiar with sim racing equipment, you may not expect to find a Playseat product at a budget option list. Yes, Playseat is a premium manufacturer of high quality racing equipment, with products at the range of thousands of dollars.
Playseat WRC presents us with a rare opportunity to get our hands on such a premium racing seat for a very reasonable price. With high compatibility and a sturdy build, this racing seat is perfect for racers of all levels.
Here’s our in depth review of the Playseat WRC seat.
Features:
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Foldable design to minimize space usage
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Compatible with all steering wheels and pedals
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Playseat Gearshift Holder PRO
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Seat Slider by Playseat
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Playseat TV Stand PRO
VEVOR G920 Simulator Cockpit:

Compatibility : PS5, PS4, PC, Xbox One
The following recommendation is from VEVOR.
This product is made using high-quality carbon steel, premium foam seating, and synthetic PVC fibers. And that’s all you consider while buying the best cockpit.
Another thing all the racers want in a cockpit is comfort, and this product is full of this specification.
You have to attach the wheels, monitors, and gears to start using this cockpit. You will get a reclining seat and an adjustable frame in this cockpit.
Once you buy this product, you will declare it among the best cockpits you’ve ever had.
Extra pick:
Do you instead think that cockpits don’t suit you?
Do you feel like you need something that helps you play other games such as Minecraft or Fortnite?
If that’s your kind of concern, here is a gaming chair you could also consider buying
RESPAWN 200 Racing Style Gaming Chair
Compatibility : PS5, PS4, PC, Xbox One
Check the prices here on Amazon
RESPAWN 200 Racing Style Gaming seat is the perfect chair for casual racers who do not use a full racing setup.
Equipped with wheels, this racing/gaming seat is not connectible to any hardwares and device, it is an independent seat that is designed specifically to help you race better in both console and PC.
While it may be different from a real racing seat, we recommend getting this kind of seat if you do not race with a complete setup. Not only it is more versatile and can be used for other purposes, it is also a much cheaper option that does not compromise on quality.
Features:
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Ergonomic tube frame design
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4D adjustability
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Versatile and multipurpose
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Open-back structure for heat control
That is it for the 7 best budget simulation racing cockpits in 2021.
Remember to apply our tips on things to consider before you buy yourself a sim racing seat. Finally, do not overthink and just go with the one that you like the most, enjoy!
Looking to get faster in ACC? Try now our GT3 Setup Bundles!
Sim Racing Gear – Comparison Guides
- Best VR Headsets for Sim Racing
- Best Sim Racing Wheels for Xbox
- Best Steering Wheels for PS5
- Best Sim Racing Button Box
- Best Triple monitor stands for Sim Racing
- Best Headphones for Sim Racing
- Best Sim Racing Steering Wheel Stands
- Best Sim Racing Monitors
- Best Sim Racing Hydraulic Pedals
- Best Sim Racing Shoes
- Best PCs for Sim Racing
- Best Sim Racing Direct Drive Wheel Bases
- Best Sim Racing Steering Wheels
- Best Sim Racing Load Cell Pedals
- Best Hydraulic Handbrakes
- Best Sim Racing Gear Shifters
- Best Sim Racing Cockpits
- Best socks for Sim Racing