Racing simulator cockpits are by far the most fun and engaging type of gaming chair.
As products, however, they can be painfully hit or missed. Some are meh. Others are the secret ingredient to reach immersive levels in games you never dreamed of experiencing.
In a nutshell, at UGC we believe in itOpenwheeler's GEN3 cockpitis one of the best racing gaming seats available.
Comfortable, robust, flexible... and of course compatible with all platforms and most leading steering wheel brands. At its specific price point, it's an absolute steal.
There are some high-end options for an absolutely premium experience, such asThe Next Level GT track. We'll cover them too.
Let's head over for a quick introduction and then dive right into the best gaming chairs for your steering wheel.
Overall best
Excellent compatibility with various steering wheels and platforms.
Flexible and surprisingly easy to move/store.
Tolle Extras
Leading in design, overall durability and structural stability.
Passive + active cooling system for ultimate comfort.
good value
Realistic simulations with proprietary anti-shake measures.
Ideal for taller gamers, with great shoulder support.
There are more gaming racing chairs on the market today than ever before and a whole range of designs and features to choose from.
When thinking about buying a sim racing rig, there are many things to consider. You need to make sure that the chair you buy is made of quality materials, is well constructed, that you are happy with both its looks and functionality, and that you are happy with the comfort it offers.
Whether you're on a budget or need to invest more, the diversity of the market means that when you're looking to buy a chair or cockpit to match, you shouldn't struggle to find something that suits your needs.
The best chair for racing games offers reclining features to relax your lower back and provide ample support for a range of sitting positions.
In other words, there is much to talk about. Let's dive in and outline some of the better choices you can get your hands (and feet) these days.
UGC recommends:
The 6 best racing simulator cockpits and gaming chairs for steering wheels
1
Best Racing Chair (also for Logitech G29 & G920):
OpenWheeler Gen3-Cockpit
GEN3?
Yes, OpenWheeler continues to innovate and this is one of their best performing racing and cockpit simulator gaming seats. You've got almost all your bases covered here - the racing chair is compatible with the Logitech G29, as well as the G920 and G932 series. It also works well with Thrustmaster brand wheels (including the TX model) or Fanatec brand wheels.
Needless to say, you'll get a fully immersive experience whether you're playing on Xbox One, PS (PS4 to be precise), or PC.
The right word here is: stability. This racing seat gaming chair is made from powder coated heavy gauge steel. it sitsAlsoand is here to stick with this style of manufacture. After all, this stuff doesn't come cheap - you should make the most of your purchase!
Paired with this high-quality workmanship is the breathability of the fabric. I'm not sure about yours, but hitting those drifts or that twisty map on Dirt 4 makes for some very sweaty moments. Not here though - or at least the discomfort is minimized as much as possible.
The icing on the cake is the flexibility. Firstly, the shifter bracket can be used for both left-handed and right-handed people. Second is the chairsomethinglight for a racing chair. You can easily move it after you're done with your session and keep it somewhere that doesn't get in the way.
OpenWheeler just does it right, what can we say!
You can also check what people who have already bought it needsay in their reviews.
The disadvantage?
The only nitpick we have here is that you have to buy any add-ons or electronic controls separately. The electronic control part is not surprising - many manufacturers follow the same logic. However, some included add-ons would have been great!
2
Best Premium Racing and Flight Simulator Seat:
Next Level Racing GT Track V3
Next Level's V2 movement system made some revolutions with the older GTUltimate model. Now an updated V3 system is waiting for you to fully immerse yourself in even better quality and comfort.
First off, a combination of passive + active cooling has been introduced to keep you from breaking a sweat and taking your attention off the track. The harness has also been improved so you can strap yourself in and stay stable even when drifting on the most challenging courses.
Next Level stays true to its production roots. The GT Track NLR-S009 is made of high quality carbon steel. Similar to other brands you would say. Where this particular one excels, however, is in the precise welding and laser cutting that comes with the process.
As a result, you get unmatched stability. The rigidity of the racing simulator cockpit is complemented by a variety of adjustment options that you would not find in many other products. Height and angle adjustments go without saying, but you can also adjust seat spacing and tilt in a more complicated way than standard chairs.
Last but not least, if you are into flying, the GT Track is also one of the best flight simulator gaming chairs. It's fully upgradable to a flight cockpit and you'd benefit from all the bells and whistles - especially the fishing support.
The disadvantage?
Price. That's about it. All these premium features and upgraded construction are priced higher than other steering wheel gaming chairs.
As we always recommend, go toRead the minds of buyerson the GT Track Gaming chair for racing.
3
Inexpensive gaming chair for sim racing with pedals:
Playseat Evolution Alcantara chair
A phenomenal product known for its amazing build quality, undisputed comfort and stability. The Playseat Evolution is one of the affordable yet premium gaming racing chairs you can buy these days.
Part of its high-end feel comes from the Alcantara leather used in its manufacture. Softer than usual leather or synthetics, but still very hard-wearing, it cuts a fine figure when sitting on the chair for a long time.
While not as meticulous as Next Level, Playseat's Evolution builds constructively on cheaper alternatives. You've got a special anti-shake measure here, coupled with a sturdier-than-usual construction to keep things as stable as possible.
The frame is made of powder-coated steel. Not as good as carbonized but still on the higher end of what you would see in racing chair build quality.
This special wheelchair with a steering wheel is also ideal for taller people. The Evolution Alcantara accommodates players up to 7ft tall without causing discomfort or painful adjustment issues.
The disadvantage?
Playseat mentions a weight limit of 300lbs. We haven't personally tested this limitation, but it's a bit odd considering the racing chair is compatible with taller people.
When in doubt, simplycheck his amazon pagefor opinions and insights from buyers. You might find an answer to your specific questions.
4
This GTR simulator gaming seat racing chair works with all market leading consoles and PCs including PS4 and PS3, Xbox One and Xbox 360.
It slides backwards, forwards and tilts and has a rear pedal mount that can be adjusted between 10 and 40 degrees. The wheel mount can be adjusted up, down and forward and has a robust steel construction.
Described by the manufacturer as a “complete racing simulator seat,” the seat is heel and toe friendly.
The perfect fit can be achieved with the various easy-grip buttons and the seat can be adjusted 6" back and forth.
It has a shifter mount 9" off the ground, while the footplate features eight adjustable angles.
GTR Simulator Equipment is a decently known manufacturer of gaming chairs that also specializes in fitness equipment and more. Probably not as premium as some of the options we've reviewed, but still a more than reasonable choice for some racing fun.
5
If you want Next Level build quality and reliability without the frills of your V3 GT Track... Well, the F GT simulator cockpit for racing games is a very good choice.
Known for its authenticity, this two-position gaming seat racing cockpit features fully adjustable wheels, pedal positions and a shifter.
Also part of the package is a lumbar support pillow, powder coated steel frame and seat glider. The seat is perfect for sim racing and is even used in professional driver training - that's what we've heard.
It is compatible with all leading wheels and pedals, including devices and peripherals from Logitech, Thrustmaster or other leading brands.
If you are looking for one of the best chairs for racing game setup that fits a mid-range budget, you can't go wrong with this chair. It looks elegant and is not at all complex to set up. It's also much easier to set up than some higher tier mounts.
6
This is a bit more of a premium take on GTR's usual sim gaming rigs for a steering wheel.
This steel and faux leather side can slide back and forth and recline as well. It has a 330lb weight capacity and its pedal mount can be adjusted from 10 to 40 degrees. It is impact and abrasion resistant and can be easily folded for quick storage. It works with a variety of well-known devices, such as the Logitech G29 Driving Force Race Wheel and most Thrustmaster wheels, shifters and pedals.
This system is designed for someone looking for an all-in-one solution for their seat, accessories and monitor mount all housed in one giant body.
While this setup isn't that much cheaper than the other mounts and seats out there, it will save you money in the long run as it also has room for your monitors.
This is especially useful if you want to take the desk out of the equation and create a more realistic cockpit.
The design of this chassis requires a more expensive aftermarket hydraulic G-Force system. if you plan to build a more immersive racing simulator. The cheaper ones could simply be rated too weak for this mount.
Quick FAQ on the best chairs for racing games
There are many racing seat manufacturers on the market - which are the most reputable?
Some of the most trusted and reputable racing seat manufacturers are Openwheeler, Next Level, GiantEx, Playseat, VEVOR, Auto Dynasty and Conquer.
What properties should I look for in a racing seat?
While you have a wide range of features at your disposal, features commonly found in gaming racing seats include compatibility with devices and peripherals such as Logitech products, the Xbox, and the PS4.
Many people are looking for racing seats that they can easily fold up for storage in moments. Lumbar support cushions are in demand, as is the ability to lean back. Powder coated steel is used to make many racing seats including many top products including adjustable pedals.
How much do I have to pay for a quality racing seat?
Reliable, supportive, and multifunctional racing seats can vary in price, but you can pick up quality products for around low to mid-$XXX. The more you pay for a racing seat, the more functionality and durability you can expect.
Diploma
There are many quality racing seats on the market and you shouldn't have too much trouble finding a suitable product for your needs, even if you only have a modest amount of money to invest.
Racing seats can increase the thrill of the game and make the experience much more realistic. When you're spoiled for choice, it's a good idea to create a shortlist of products and think carefully about your needs so you can make an informed decision.
By purchasing a well-constructed chair, using the highest quality materials, you can make a sound investment that will serve you well for years before you need to replace it.