The 5 Best Sim Racing Motion Platforms in 2022

Racing is getting more and more popular over the past few years, but it really is quite different from most sports.

Yes, every sport is unique, but unlike most sports where everyone can just do for themselves, us racing enthusiasts may find it much harder to get a chance to race in real life.

Lucky for us, we live in such a technologically advanced era where almost every popular sport has their own games, including racing. In fact, racing games/simulations present some of the most realistic experiences when it comes to sport games.

You can try building your own simulation racing setup at home, which is actually not that hard.

Most prefer PCs, but you can always use consoles such as Playstation and Xbox. After deciding on where to play, you can choose which game/software you are going to try, which really is the fun part.

For us, the most crucial part is to upgrade your racing setup and make it as realistic as possible.

After all, you are trying to imitate a real life racing condition. How?

Well, getting the basic hardware such as a compatible steering wheel, brakes, and pedal is a must, but we are talking about getting your own motion platform!

What is a Motion Platform?

First of all, let us start by knowing more about what a motion platform really is.

While everyone is familiar with the common racing hardware (steering wheels, brakes, switches, pedals, etc), a motion platform is something that even experienced simulation racers may not even have in their racing setup.

A motion platform or motion simulator is a device that creates movement for various simulation machines, often used in aircraft and racing simulators.

When a motion platform is attached to your racing setup, you will be able to feel the movement which is synchronized with the in-game visual.

As a result, you will be playing in a much more immersive racing simulation.

A realistic experience is one of the main benefits of using a motion platform, and that is why people are willing to spend thousands of dollars on this quite expensive device.

However, do keep in mind that a motion platform will bring you much more than just a mere experience.

Yes, the racing experience will practically be incomparable when you have a motion platform, but using a motion platform can also elevate your simulation racing performance.

If you can not imagine it already, feeling the movement of your simulation racing car will give you a better feel and momentum when racing, allowing you to train and race optimally.

Additionally, a motion platform will complete your racing setup, meaning you will be able to race in realistic simulation and may even help you transition to real life racing!

Motion platform is not cheap, but it will be a great investment to up your simulation racing experience and skill. Moreover, the motion platform is really durable and will last you for decades if maintained properly.

The important thing for you is to get the perfect motion platform for your simulation racing setup, price-wise and of course compatibility-wise.

In the following list, we will go through the 5 best sim racing motion platforms that you can adapt to your simulation racing setup, stay tuned!

Next Level Racing Motion Platform v3 (NLR-M001V3)

Compatibility: PC

Check the current prices here on Amazon

 

Don’t just see it, feel it, and there is no better way to feel it than using a world class motion platform such as the Next Level Racing Motion Platform V3.

Specifically engineered for flight and racing simulation, it is Next Level’s priority to bring high quality immersion for their customers.

This motion platform relies on a complex feedback system capable of simulating every possible detail including road bumps, road texture, vibrations, gear changes, collisions, and horizontal rubs.

Manufactured in Europe with high standards, the v3 motion platform is made to be compact and easy to install. You will find no problem connecting it with your PC as it is only one USB plug away from giving you the ultimate racing experience.

Features:

• Tactile feedback system with two sides vibration capability

• Compact and simple design

• comes with the Next Level Racing Platform Manager Software to assist you

• Compatible with VR at an extra cost (highly recommended)

You can here find our in depth review of the (NLR-M001V3) motion platform

DOF Reality H2 Consumer Motion Simulator Platform

Compatibility: PC, Xbox, Playstation

Where to buy:

https://dofreality.com/

As it is with buying any other products, you can always find affordable alternatives including cheaper motion platforms. In that case, you have to be extremely careful and picky when it comes to buying a cheaper motion platform.

You can always count on buyers’ reviews, or simply look at the manufacturer for their credibility.

In that case, you will not find a much better option than the DOF Reality H2 Consumer Motion Simulator Platform.

This is by no means the best motion platform that you can get from DOF Reality, but for such an affordable price, you are receiving a really good value for a highly compatible and high quality motion platform.

Commonly used in flight and racing simulators, this motion platform will provide the full experience by not only moving your seat, but also every hardware that comes with your setup (wheel, pedals, joystick,etc).

Features:

• 0.7G T / 0.5G L acceleration

• velocity of 50 cm/s (86 °/s)

• 20 degree motion range

You can here find our in depth review of the DOF Reality H2 Sim Motion Platform

 

ATOMIC A3 RACE/FLIGHT SIMULATOR

 

Compatibility: PC

Where to buy:

https://www.atomicmotionsystems.com/race-flight-motion-simulator/

The key to choosing the perfect motion platform is by checking on its quality and functionality.

However, you do want to pick out a versatile motion platform if you are planning to have more than one person using the motion platform, especially for commercial use.

One of our favourite motion platforms that is versatile and equipped with complete safety features is the ATOMIC A3 RACE/FLIGHT SIMULATOR.

ATOMIC A3 RACE/FLIGHT SIMULATOR is made with a compact design and is very easy to adjust, making it suitable for different types of people from children to adults.

Moreover, it is highly compatible with both racing and flight simulation, and can be connected to VR for the ultimate experience.

Features:

• Actuate motion software to support different racing games and simulation

• Intuitive and user-friendly interface

• Extensive adjustability

• 2-DoF simulator with +/- 13.5 degrees movement in pitch & roll

• 71 degrees/sec max velocity

You can here find our in depth review of the Atomic A3 racing simulator.

 

DOF Reality H3 Consumer Motion simulator platform

Compatibility: PC, Xbox, Playstation

Where to buy:

https://dofreality.com/

Most motion platforms are made exclusively for PCs, this is because most racers tend to opt for PCs rather than consoles such as Xbox and Playstation.

If you are looking for a motion platform with high compatibility, we always recommend checking out platforms created by DOF Reality, an established manufacturer with high quality products such as the DOF Reality H3.

As its name suggests, the DOF Reality can emulate 3 dimensional movement including pitch, roll, and rear traction, making it highly suitable for all types of simulation. When you buy products of DOF Reality, you can be sure that your experience is their number one priority.

The DOF Reality H3 will give out movement and vibration to every part of your racing setup, providing you with a much more immersive racing experience.

Features:

• 0.7G T / 0.5G L acceleration

• Velocity of 50 cm/s (86 °/s)

• 20 degree motion range

You can here find our in depth review of the DOF Reality H3 sim motion platform.

 

DOF Reality H6 Consumer Motion simulator platform

 

Compatibility: PC, Xbox, Playstation

Where to buy:

https://dofreality.com/

We have covered both high end and affordable motion platforms, we are going to close this list off with a mid-range motion platform that is suitable for both commercial and home use, the DOF Reality H6.

At $4619, this motion platform ranks 2nd at the most expensive side of our list, but it really is a bargain when you are getting a motion platform capable of six degrees of movement (forward, backward, surge, side to side, sway, up, down, heave, yaw, pitch, and roll).

Just like any other DOF Reality product, the Reality H6 has high compatibility and is engineered precisely to follow each and every detailed movement from your racing simulation.

The Reality H6 does have a slightly lower motion range at 17 degrees, but that is only because of how it can move practically towards every direction possible.

Features:

• Acceleration of 0.5 G towards every directions

• Velocity of 50 cm/s (86 °/s)

• 17 degree motion range

You can here find our in depth review of the Dof Reality H6 Sim motion platform

Conclusion

That ends our list of 5 best motion platforms for simulation racing.

After covering every possible option at different price points, we can safely conclude that buying a motion platform is not a cheap investment by any means.

However, do consider that this one device may hold the key to drastically improve both your racing experience and performance.