If you're looking to create the best budget racing setup, you're in the right place. We’ve compiled a list of top picks for racing equipment, including top wheels, excellent pedals, and more, based on features, reviews, and, of course, price (seeing as this is a budget list) to help you out.
We've also answered common questions about sim racing technology to guide you in choosing what you need to enhance your setup. Any gear we mention is even better if it's on sale, but even at full price, you'll save significantly compared to pricier options. So, let us help you save money while building a fantastic racing setup.
What is the Best Budget Racing Equipment?
While the Logitech G29 (or G920 for Xbox) might be the best budget wheel, there's more to a complete racing setup than that...
- Best budget racing wheel — Logitech G29 / G920
- Best budget pedals — Thrustmaster T-3PM
- Best budget racing seat — Playseat Challenge
- Best budget gaming monitor — AOC 25G42E
- Best budget headset — RIG 400 GEN 2
- Best budget racing shifter — Logitech G Driving Force Shifter
- Best budget racing handbrake — aikeec 64-Bit USB PC Handbrake
- Best budget direct drive wheel base — MOZA R9 V2
Specs:
- Compatibility — PC, PS5, PS5, Xbox
- Weight — 2.25kg (without cables - wheel)
- Force Feedback — Yes
- Maximum Rotation Angle — 900°
Why we chose the Logitech G29/G920
The Logitech G29 and the G920 are some of the best budget-friendly racing wheels on the market, depending on your console. Between them, they're compatible with all major consoles and PC, making them a versatile choice for anyone looking to get into sim racing without committing to high-end gear.
Performance-wise, the dual-motor force feedback system delivers realistic, tactile sensations, letting you feel traction loss, terrain changes, and cornering forces with impressive accuracy. Meanwhile, the 900-degree rotation mimics real car steering from lock to lock, giving you precise control through tight corners and wide sweeps alike.
These wheels also boast a helical gearing system that ensures smooth and quiet operation, minimizing distractions and boosting immersion during long sessions.
Build quality is another strong point. With anodized aluminum, steel components, and hand-stitched leather on the wheel, the wheels feel durable, comfortable, and authentically premium. Both wheels also come with a full pedal set, rounding out a complete setup right out of the box.
Specs:
- Compatibility — PC, PS5, PS5, Xbox
- Weight — 3kg
- Resistance — 200kg
Why we chose the Thrustmaster T-3PM
The Thrustmaster T-3PM pedal set is a standout pedal pick for anyone looking to elevate their racing setup without spending a fortune.
These pedals can handle up to 200kg of pressure, making them sturdy enough for long, intense racing sessions. Thanks to H.E.A.R.T magnetic technology, the pedals deliver ultra-precise input with 12-bit resolution, ensuring smooth and consistent performance over time without sensor wear.
The brake pedal offers four adjustable pressure modes, letting you fine-tune resistance depending on your setup. Plus, the T-3PM is also 20% heavier than previous versions, giving it a more stable, planted feel during gameplay.
Adding to this, the set boasts smooth, no-contact magnetic sensors that eliminate friction and mechanical wear, providing long-lasting accuracy. They're also broadly compatible with Thrustmaster wheel bases and most sim racing rigs, making them a versatile choice for upgrading any setup.
Specs:
- Compatibility — Logitech, Thrustmaster, Fanatec Wheels / PlayStation, Xbox, PC
- Dimensions — 136 x 54 x 96 cm (9kg)
- Foldable — Yes
Why we chose the Playseat Challenge
The Playseat Challenge is a fantastic choice for racing fans who want a realistic cockpit experience. It balances comfort, durability, and affordability, making it ideal for both casual and competitive sim racers.
Comfort is front and center thanks to the luxurious Alcantara lining, which stays breathable during long sessions and feels far more pleasant than leather in warmer environments. The seat’s foldable design makes storage simple, too, so it’s perfect for gamers with limited space.
The Playseat Challenge also delivers a true-to-life racing position, putting you in a realistic cockpit stance that enhances immersion. It also brings a sturdy steel frame that is powder-coated for durability and stability, ensuring it can handle intense inputs without wobbling or flexing.
For anyone looking to bring the thrill of racing home at a budget-friendly price, the Playseat Challenge is a standout option. It combines comfort, realism, and practicality into one compact, well-designed package, making your sim racing experience feel authentic without breaking the bank.
Specs:
- Screen Size & Aspect Ratio — 24.5-inch, 16:9
- Resolution — FHD (1920 x 1080)
- Panel Type — IPS
- Refresh Rate — 180Hz
- Response Time — 1ms (GtG)
Why we chose the AOC 25G42E
The AOC 25G42E is one of the best budget gaming monitors I've personally used across every genre, including racing games and general competitive play. Despite its modest price, it delivers speed, clarity, and features that punch well above its weight.
With an 180Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, the monitor delivers smooth motion and fast inputs, which are both critical for precision driving in high-speed racing. Meanwhile, the Fast IPS panel with Adaptive Sync provides vibrant colors and fluid gameplay while minimizing screen tearing, keeping every lap immersive and visually clear.
Racing-optimized presets further enhance track visibility and contrast, making it easier to spot braking points, apexes, and fine track details. Also, the screen's anti-glare coating helps reduce reflections in various lighting conditions, ensuring distraction-free gaming even during long sessions.
While it does have a few compromises — limited ports and no height adjustment — the AOC 25G42E still represents exceptional value. Backed by a 3-year warranty, it’s a top pick for racing fans who want solid performance without breaking the bank.
Specs:
- Driver — 40mm
- Connectivity — Wired (3.5mm)
- Compatibility — PS5, PS4, Xbox, Mobile, PC
- Weight — 249g
Why we chose the RIG 400 GEN 2
The RIG 400 GEN 2 is a standout budget-friendly headset for racing game fans who want comfort, clear audio, and simple plug-and-play functionality. I've used it, and despite its affordable price, it delivers features that make long sessions more enjoyable and, ultimately, more realistic to actual driving.
Equipped with 40mm dynamic drivers, the RIG 400 GEN 2 produces clear directional audio, helping you track rivals on the course without relying on heavy bass. The headset is lightweight as well, at just 230g, and is built to last thanks to durable materials and flexible construction that can handle everyday wear.
On the comfort side, its memory foam cushions and a padded headband make marathon racing sessions pleasant, keeping fatigue to a minimum. Plus, it has a flip-to-mute boom mic that offers clear voice pickup, and the intuitive flip-up design makes muting mid-session effortless.
The RIG 400 GEN 2 also has a unique three-step clip-in fit system that provides a secure, customizable fit that’s easy to set once, though it’s less suited for mid-game adjustments. And while it doesn’t have wireless connectivity or advanced audio customization, it more than makes up for it with comfort, reliability, and clear voice communication.
Specs:
- Compatibility — G923, G29, G920, G Pro Racing Wheel
- Weight — 760g (without cables)
- Speeds — 6
Why we chose the Logitech G Driving Force Shifter
If you need a budget gear stick, look no further than the Logitech G Driving Force Shifter. It combines realistic performance with durable construction, making it a solid addition to any Logitech racing setup.
Its H-pattern design replicates a real-world six-speed gearbox with reverse, giving a tactile and satisfying feel for gear changes. And key components are built from steel and leather, adding durability and a premium touch that makes each shift feel solid and responsive.
The shifter is fully compatible with Logitech’s G29, G920, and G923 wheels, ensuring seamless integration with existing Logitech setups. Compact and lightweight, too, it’s easy to mount, store, or reposition, fitting into most setups without requiring a dedicated or custom cockpit.
For racers looking to add a manual shifter to their setup without breaking the bank, the Logitech G Driving Force is a worthwhile upgrade for budget-conscious sim enthusiasts.
Specs:
- Compatibility — Windows PC (Logitech, Thrustmaster, Fanatec Wheels)
- Weight — 960g
Why we chose the aikeec 64-Bit USB PC Handbrake
The aikeec 64-Bit Handbrake is a fantastic, budget-friendly addition for anyone looking to enhance their sim racing setup with a top-tier handbrake.
Equipped with a 64-bit on-contact Hall sensor, the handbrake provides ultra-accurate input detection, letting you modulate braking with precision and improving overall control in racing sims. The automatic calibration system simplifies setup, so it works optimally right out of the box.
Built from CNC-machined aluminum and mild steel, it strikes a great balance between lightweight handling and long-term durability, ensuring it can withstand regular, intense use. Its design closely replicates the feel of a real-world handbrake, enhancing immersion and making every drift or emergency stop feel authentic.
Plug-and-play USB compatibility makes integration into your existing sim rig straightforward, with no extra drivers or software required, and the budget-friendly price tag really helps to make this aikeec option a worthy pick for a cheap but cheerful and, ultimately, complete racing setup.
Specs:
- Compatibility — PC
- Weight — 6.08kg
- Force Feedback — Yes (Direct Drive)
- Torque — 9Nm
Why we chose the MOZA R9 V2
The MOZA R9 V2 is a standout choice for sim racers looking for a budget-friendly direct drive wheel base that doesn’t compromise on performance. While direct drive technology doesn't really come cheap, this is one of the most compelling options in a relatively affordable price range.
With 9Nm of direct drive torque, the R9 V2 provides strong, detailed feedback, giving you a realistic and immersive driving experience far beyond what belt- or gear-driven bases can offer. Meanwhile, its compact design makes it easy to mount on most rigs or desks, perfect for racers with limited space or modular setups. Optional table clamp support adds stability for desk racing, ensuring comfortable gameplay without needing a full cockpit.
While the R9 V2 is optimized for PC use, it unlocks full potential in sim racing software with customizable tuning for serious racers.
For anyone seeking a powerful, compact, and affordable direct drive base, the MOZA R9 V2 is tough to beat. It’s a “cheap but cheerful” option that brings professional-grade feedback to budget-conscious setups. For those wanting a complete direct drive wheel bundle, options like the NACON Revosim PURE might also be worth checking out.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to spend a fortune to build an immersive, high-quality sim racing setup.
With the right gear, sim racing on a budget can still deliver top-tier performance and excitement. From the reliable Logitech G29/G920 wheel to the powerful MOZA R9 V2 direct drive base, and the space-saving Playseat Challenge to the responsive Thrustmaster T-3PM pedals, each item on this list offers great value without compromising on the essentials.