The Top 10 Racing Simulator Cockpits

The Best Racing Simulator Cockpits of 2020

Virtual racing has become incredibly popular, especially as more traditional racers have moved to online spaces both the train and to compete. While most racing games can do a good job of simulating the experience, those who want to get closer to the track know that having a professional rig is a huge part of the experience. Below are ten of the best racing simulator rigs available today, each of which is best suited for a particular type of racing fan.

• 1. Playseat Revolution
• 2. Next Level Racing F-GT Lite
• 3. APIGA AP2 Foldable Racing Simulator Stand with Gearshift Mount
• 4. Openwheeler GEN2 Racing Wheel Stand Cockpit
• 5. Playseat F1
• 6. GTR Simulator GTA-F
• 7. Next Level Racing GTUltimate V2
• 8. Playseat Challenge
• 9. GTR Simulator GTA
• 10. DOF Reality Motion Simulator Platform

10. DOF Reality Motion Simulator Platform H6

DOF Reality Motion Simulator Platform H6 | Credit: dofreality.com

While most of the rigs on this list aim to simulate racing by creating a cockpit-like atmosphere, this one does the trick by supporting motion simulation. Set up for three-hundred-and-sixty degrees of motion, this unit doesn't look like much but it actually provides an incredibly realistic experience. The only downside, honestly, is that this rig just doesn't look as cool as some of the others on the list. Though it does require specialized software to get the most out of its design, this is still one rig at which serious racers should be looking.

9. GTR Simulator GTA Pro

GTR Simulator GTA Pro Simulator | Credit: gtrsimulator.com

This robust racing simulator rig has everything you need to set up a professional-level racing experience. Not only does it include the hardware for basic pieces like your steering wheel and pedals, but it's got dedicated spaces for both gear shifts and for mounting monitors. Though this piece is definitely large enough that it needs a dedicated space to be set up, it's also an incredibly elegant solution to the set-up issues that many would-be racers have when trying to create a professional-level rig.

8. Playseat Challenge

Playseat Challenge | Credit: playseatstore.com

One of the biggest problems with the average racing simulator rig is that it takes up a lot of space. Even those with dedicated gaming rooms can find these units to be a little overbearing, so it's nice to see a model from Playseat that can be quickly and easily put away. This unit still has hardware for attaching a steering wheel and pedals, but every bit of it can be folded into an easy-to-store package. This makes it one of the space-friendly rigs on the market today.

7. Next Level Racing GTultimate V2

Next Level Racing GTultimate V2 | Credit: nextlevelracing.com

The first word that comes to mind when one sees this simulator rig is usually 'adaptability'. This is one of the more adaptable rigs on the market right now, created with a number of high-end accessories in mind. This is a great simulator chair for those who are just looking for a typical wheel/pedal combination, of course, but it really shines when users add things like motion feedback or extra monitors. A solid piece of engineering, this unit can also be separated into two halves for easy storage.

6. GTR Simulator GTA-F

GTR Simulator GTA-F | Credit: gtrsimulator.com

The GTA-F is another example of what might be considered a 'professional'-level simulator rig. It comes equipped with not only an excellent racing seat but also the hardware to suspend up to three monitors in front of the driver. The stand itself is meant to be as sturdy and dependable as possible, allowing racers to live out the fantasy of being on the track. This is a high-end product to be sure, but one that those who are very serious about simulated racing are going to love due to its high degree of reliability.

5. Playseat F1

Playseat F1 | Credit: playseatstore.com

The Playseat F1 is a Formula-1 style racing simulator rig that absolutely nails the feel of that particular type of racing. Though it's similar in terms of hardware adaptability to most of the other items on this list, the unique positioning of the seat really helps racers to feel like they're inside the game. Compatible with all major gaming platforms and easy to adapt to a variety of different peripherals, this is an excellent racing system that can help virtual racers to experience something much closer to the thrill of being on the track.

4. Openwheeler GEN2

Openwheeler GEN2 Racing Wheel Stand Cockpit | Credit: amazon.com

This unit from Openwheeler is one of the more adjustable models on the market. While most simulators are very good at being able to work with multiple types of racing hardware, some of them have a little trouble working with a variety of heights. Fortunately, virtually every bit on this cockpit can be moved around, allowing racers to feel incredibly comfortable while they are on the track. This is an ideal rig for those who tend to feel left out by the big names or who experience a fair bit of discomfort when they are racing on traditional rigs.

3. APIGA AP2 Foldable Racing Simulator Stand with Gearshift Mount

APIGA AP2 Foldable Simulator | Credit: amazon.com

Space is always going to be an issue with racing rigs. This one, however, seems to really do its best to allow even those racers with incredibly small amounts of floor space to capture something closer to the real racing experience. Less a full cockpit than a stand, this unit holds a steering wheel up top and pedals on the floor. The unit can easily be dismantled and moved out of the way when not in use, but even at full size, it's significantly smaller than most of the other high-end rigs.

2. Next Level Racing F-GT Lite

Next Level Racing F-GT Lite | Credit: nextlevelracing.com

The F-GT Lite has a lot of similarities with higher-end racing rigs but at a significantly more affordable price point. What's amazing, though, is that quality really doesn't seem to be what's been sacrificed to get to the lower price. This unit has an excellent seat with great lumbar support as well as some excellent hardware that can hold most of the different racing peripherals on the market. To top it all off, it's portable! All this setup really lacks is monitor support, so it's a good choice for those who already have a monitor setup.

1. Playseat Revolution

Playseat Revolution | Credit: playseatstore.com

The Playseat Revolution is a solid example of a barebones simulator rig. Though it doesn't have a built-in steering wheel or pedals, it has excellent hardware that allows you to mount your own equipment. The chair itself is solid and easy to adjust, with the various pieces holding up well to regular usage. A trustworthy product, this is an excellent choice for anyone who is looking for a way to better enhance his or her own virtual racing experience.

It's Time to Hit the Road

There are plenty of great rigs out there, each of which is best suited for a particular type of drive. Whether you need monitor support, adjustability, or just something that works with the latest tech, there's a simulator rig out there for you. At the end of the day, your goal should be to find the simulator rig that allows you to experience racing in the way you enjoy the most.