Best Budget Racing Setup 2024

If you’re looking to create the best budget racing setup possible, you’re in the right place. With an array of new racing games on the market right now, there's arguably no better time to upgrade either.

Fortunately, we've done the hard work for you by compiling a list of our top picks based on features, price, and reviews, to kick off your search for the best racing equipment, including top racing wheels and excellent pedals, in the greatest way possible. We've also answered some of the most commonly asked questions surrounding sim racing technology to help you figure out what exactly it is you need to take your setup to the next level.

Of course, any of the gear we're about to mention gets even better if it's on sale (check out our list of the best sim racing deals to find out). But even if you have to pay full price on any of these items, you'll still end up saving a huge chunk of change compared to buying some of their more expensive rivals. With that in mind, let's save you some money...

Best budget sim racing equipment

1. Logitech G29 - best budget wheel
2. Thrustmaster T-3PM - best budget pedals
3. Playseat Challenge - best budget racing seat
4. BenQ Zowie XL2411K - best budget gaming monitor
5. Turtle Beach Recon 70 - best budget headset
6. Logitech G Driving Force Shifter - best budget racing shifter

Credit: Logitech

1. Logitech G29

Best budget racing wheel

The Logitech G29 stands out as a top choice among our selection of budget racing wheels, offering premium features at a relatively inexpensive price. Its compatibility spans across all major consoles and PCs, making it a versatile option for racing games.

The key highlight of the G29 is its force feedback technology, powered by a dual-motor feedback system. This advanced system provides a highly realistic simulation of real-life driving conditions, allowing you to feel the nuances of the car as you race. The helical gearing system then ensures smooth and quiet steering, enhancing the overall immersive experience.

With a lock-to-lock rotation as well, providing a 900-degree radius, you can effortlessly navigate through the widest corners during your races, offering enhanced control and precision.

Despite its lower price, Logitech has not compromised on build quality either. The wheel boasts premium materials, including anodised aluminium for the spokes, steel for the steering shaft, and a hand-stitched leather cover, ensuring durability and a comfortable grip. All in all, the Logitech G29 is an impressive racing wheel that deserves serious consideration for anyone looking to upgrade their racing setup.

Read More: Best deals on racing games

Credit: Thrustmaster

2. Thrustmaster T-3PM

Best budget racing pedals

For an enhanced racing experience without breaking the bank, look no further than the Thrustmaster T-3PM pedal set.

Engineered for durability, these pedals can withstand pressures of up to 200kg, ensuring longevity and reliability. With Thrustmaster's advanced H.E.A.R.T system, precision is guaranteed too thanks to a 12-bit resolution that maintains consistency over time.

What sets these pedals apart is their adaptability. The central pedal offers four pressure modes, allowing for fine-tuning to accommodate various gaming setups, whether you're at a desk, standing, or in a dedicated cockpit. Additionally, this updated version of the pedals is 20% heavier, providing a stable and robust feel under your feet.

If you're seeking top-tier simulation racing pedals at an affordable price, the Thrustmaster set is a must-have for an immersive and personalised gaming experience.

Read More: Best force feedback wheels

Credit: Playseat

3. Playseat Challenge

Best budget racing seat

The Playseat Challenge is the perfect solution for racing game enthusiasts who crave both quality and affordability in their gaming setup, and are after something more realistic for racing than a gaming chair.

Featuring luxurious Alcantara lining, this chair ensures a comfortable experience, even during marathon gaming sessions. Its premium material provides a more enjoyable feel than traditional leather, particularly on warmer days. Plus, its foldable design makes storage a breeze, effortlessly tucking away into a cupboard when not in use, leaving ample space for other racing essentials.

Crafted with a robust, powder-coated steel frame, this seat provides exceptional structural integrity within its cockpit, faithfully recreating the sensation of being behind the wheel of a real racing car. With the Playseat Challenge, you have everything you need to bring the thrill of racing home.

Read More: Best racing seats

Credit: BenQ

4. BenQ Zowie XL2411K

Best budget racing monitor

For seamless immersion in the fast-paced world of racing games, a top-tier gaming monitor is essential. The BenQ Zowie XL2411K stands out in this field, boasting a remarkable 1ms response time and a 144Hz screen, delivering fluid gameplay without breaking the bank. Its inexpensive cost compared to pricier options makes it a standout choice.

At 24 inches, the screen size hits the sweet spot for desk-bound gaming, offering an optimal view of the adrenaline-pumping action. Coupled with its 1080p resolution, expect sharp and detailed gameplay that brings out the best in titles like Gran Turismo on PS5, taking full advantage of the 120Hz capability, or the high-speed thrills of F1 in 144Hz on PC.

So, with its exceptional performance specs and wallet-friendly price tag, it stands tall as an impressive contender among the array of best 144Hz budget gaming monitors available today.

Read More: Best monitors for racing games

Credit: Turtle Beach

5. Turtle Beach Recon 70

Best budget racing headset

While racing games may not be so much about listening to every tiny footstep as FPS games are, you’ll likely still want a headset that delivers exceptional sound quality if, for example, you play late at night and want to make as little noise as possible.

With that being said, a budget headset like this Turtle Beach Recon 70 might be your answer. They come with 40mm neodymium magnet speakers meaning you will hear every engine noise and gear change in exceptional quality. What's more, this set features onboard controls so you can quickly adjust the volume and mute your mic if you need to, and includes foam cushioning for extreme comfort.

All of this comes at a low price too, making it a great budget gaming headset to consider for racing.

Read More: Best headsets for racing

Credit: Logitech

6. Logitech G Driving Force Shifter

Best budget racing shifter

While many gear shifters in the market come with a premium price, the Logitech G Driving Force stands out as an affordably priced option that does not skimp on quality.

Featuring a traditional H-pattern design that mirrors the gear shifters found in conventional road vehicles, this model boasts six gears for seamless shifts and plenty of power. The H-pattern allows for effortless gear transitions, providing racers with a competitive advantage on the track.

It's made from budget-friendly plastic that's also durable. However, the critical moving parts are made of robust steel and leather, significantly enhancing the shifter's lifespan. Moreover, its compatibility with Logitech's complete wheel range renders it an ideal addition to the arsenal of any Logitech sim racing fan.

Read More: Best sim racing shifters

And that's it! Hopefully, this guide has helped you pick out the perfect budget-friendly addition to your racing setup. Stay tuned for more guides like this right here on RacingGames.