No matter if you’re new to sim racing, or looking for an upgrade, here is our roundup of the best sim racing setups for every budget. Before looking in more detail at each setup, here is our quick table list of all the options.
Budget | Steering Wheel/Base | Rig / Cockpit | Pedals |
$2200 and above | Podium F1 Racing Wheel | Extreme Simracing Cockpit Virtual Experience V3.0 | Clubsport Pedals V3 inverted |
Under $2100 | Clubsport Racing Wheel V2.5 | GTR Simulator GTSF model | Clubsport Pedals V3 |
Under $1900 | Clubsport Racing Wheel V2.5 | Playseat Evolution | Clubsport Pedals V3 |
Under $1700 | Clubsport Racing Wheel V2.5 | Playseat Evolution | CSL Elilte Pedals LC |
Under $1600 | CSL Elite Racing Wheel WRC | GTR Simulator GTSF model | CSL Elilte Pedals LC |
Under $1500 | CSL Elite Racing Wheel WRC | GTR Simulator GTSF model | CSL Elilte Pedals LC |
Under $1400 | CSL Elite Racing Wheel WRC | GTR Simulator GTSF model | CSL Elite pedals |
Under $1300 | CSL Elite Racing Wheel | GTR Simulator GTA model | CSL Elite pedals |
Under $1200 | CSL Elite Racing Wheel | GTR Simulator GTA model | CSL Elite pedals |
Under $1100 | CSL Elite Racing Wheel | Open Wheeler Gen | CSL Elite pedals |
Under $1000 | Thrustmaster T300 f | Open Wheeler Gen | T3PA pro pedals |
Under $900 | Thrustmaster T300 | GTR Simulator GTA model | Included in T300 |
Under $800 | Thrustmaster T300 | Open Wheeler Gen | Included in T300 |
Under $700 | Logitech G29 | Open Wheeler Gen | Included in G29 |
Under $600 | Logitech G29 | Playseat Challenge | Included in G29 |
Under $500 | Thrustmaster T150/TX | Playseat Challenge | Included in T150/TX |
Under $400 | Thrustmaster T150/TX | GT Omega wheel stand | Included in T150/TX |
Under $300 | Thrustmaster T150/TX | VEVOR wheel stand | Included in T150/TX |
Under $200 | Thrustmaster T80 | VEVOR wheel stand | Included in T80 |
Under $200
There isn’t much choice at under $200 unfortunately. Plus at this price point, quality isn’t great. Your best option would be the Thrustmaster T80, ideal if you just want to play with a wheel and pedals rather than a controller. This wheel doesn’t have many functions or force feedback. Personally, for the sake of an extra $100, better to save for our next option.
Under $300
Thrustmaster T150
This wheel bundle contains the steering wheel, the wheel-base and the pedals, all-in-one. The T150 / TX is one of the most popular force-feedback steering wheels on the market.
The Thrustmaster T150 is the perfect entry level wheel, ideal for new sim racers and beginners. The only downside to this budle is the quality of the pedals. With just 2 and made out of plastic, this is certainly budget quality.
The wheel has a very good 900° rotation and a gear-driven wheelbase for force-feedback. It is a very reliable 11-inch (28 cm) steering wheel wrapped in leather. The TX version is compatible with PC & Xbox whereas the T150 version is compatible with PS3 & PS4.
Included in this price bracket is the VEVOR wheel stand, much better than using a desk or coffee table!
Under $400
GT Omega Wheelstand
Here we upgrade to the GT Omega wheelstand for a budget of under $400. This wheel stand is sturdier than the Vevor.
Under $500
Playseat® Challenge Black
The Challenge seat is a high-quality foldable seat. Made using high-quality materials including steel and fabric, it’s fully adjustable and easy to store away. It’s compatible with almost all wheels and pedal sets which is great. This is the first stand and seat combo in the entry level budgets.
In my opinion, this is where everyone should start. A great entry level seat which gives you the feeling of a realistic seating position and pedal setup. Combined with the T150 wheel and you’re good to go for under $500!
Under $600
Logitech G29 Wheel Bundle
The Logitech G29 is the definitive sim racing wheel for PS5, PS4 & PS3. It has a 900° rotation and a strong 2-motor driven wheelbase. It has many buttons, a rotary dial and comes with handy pedals.
At this price point, we can now upgrade the wheel again and go for the Logitech G29. The most popular wheel in sim racing and for good reason. At around $300, it’s great bang for buck.
The G29 has better pedals than the T150, made out of strong metal and a third clutch pedal! Made by Logitech, you can be sure the wheel will be high quality and made to last.
Under $700
OpenWheeler GEN3 Cockpit
The Openwheeler Racing Cockpit, now in its 3rd generation, continues to be unmatched in quality, modularity, and compatibility.
Here we go from the Playseat Challenge to the Open Wheeler GEN 3 racing rig. The main advantages of the Open Wheeler Gen 3 compared to the Playseat Evolution is that first, it looks nicer. It comes with a shifter mount, is heavier and as the Playseat Challenge, it is fully adjustable.
Under $800
Thrustmaster T300 RS
The T300 RS is the officially licensed Gran Turismo racing wheel. Featuring 1080 degree force feedback, powered by a industrial-class brushless motor creating super smooth and seamless force feedback.
Unlike the G29 which has gear-driven force feedback, the T300 is a belt-driven wheel. This means the T300 is much smoother, quieter and creates more realistic force feedback than the G29.
Not only that but the built quality is superior and the interchangeable wheel rims is a cool feature (sold separately).
Under $900
Here we upgrade to the GTR Simulator GTA model racing cockpit.