Finding the best racing seat for Forza Horizon 5 can be challenging at times, but don't let that stop you from upgrading your setup to bring some of the FH5 cars to life. Our list of top picks, based on features, price, and reviews, should be the ideal place to kick off your search.
We'd argue that there's no better way of immersing yourself in all the action than by adding a top racing seat or gaming chair for racing to your setup to emulate what your favourite high-speed vehicles would feel like to drive in real life from the comfort of your own home.
What should you be looking for though? Well, this really depends on your setup. You can opt for a fully kitted-out cockpit if you've got the space, or you may benefit from keeping things simple and choosing a gaming chair to suit a desk setup.
Whatever it is you're after though, we've got you covered. Whether you're looking for a cockpit-style seat, like this Next Level Racing GT Ultimate V2, or you're after something a little cheaper, like this Playseat Challenge, then our list is here to help.
We've also answered some of the most commonly asked questions to help you pick out the right seat for you now, and to future-proof your setup for upcoming racing titles like Forza Motorsport. Before we get into that though, here's our list...
Best racing seat for Forza Horizon 5
- Playseat Forza Motorsport Pro
- noblechairs HERO
- Playseat Challenge
- Next Level Racing GT Ultimate V2
- OpenWheeler GEN3
1. Playseat Forza Motorsport Pro
Best racing seat for Forza Horizon 5 overall
Materials: Vinyl, Alloy Steel
Folding: Yes
The Forza Motorsport Pro stands out as one of the top choices for Horizon 5, especially due to its realistic racing car setup.
With features like an integrated pedal platform, a steering wheel stand, and adjustable height and recline options, it ensures comfort even during extended gaming sessions.
In terms of durability, the chair's steel frame is specifically designed to withstand rigorous use. Its sleek black coating with Forza branding adds a stylish touch. Additionally, if you prefer a clutter-free gaming area, the Motorsport Pro chair can be conveniently folded for storage purposes.
As a result, we'd say this Forza racing seat is an excellent option to consider adding to your setup.
Read More: Best wheels for Forza Horizon 5
2. noblechairs HERO
Best desk-setup racing seat for Forza Horizon 5
Materials: Faux Leather
Folding: Unspecified
If you prefer to race using a controller, then the ergonomic design of the noblechairs HERO, arguably one of the best gaming chairs around right now, might be your answer.
As an added bonus, lumbar support has been included to help you feel comfortable and relaxed during longer races, plus the steel frame can support anyone weighing up to 330 lbs.
The HERO also looks sophisticated with its quilted back made from faux leather and the choice of different stitching colours to help you match the chair to whatever colour scheme you have in your gaming setup.
On the whole, this smart-looking seat will likely be a great option if you're planning on using a controller for FH5.
Read More: Best monitors for Forza Horizon 5
3. Playseat Challenge
Best budget racing seat for Forza Horizon 5
Materials: Unspecified
Folding: Yes
Back to Playseat and its Challenge racing chair which offers FH5 fans a slightly cheaper rig option if you're after a great budget gaming seat.
The chair is lined with Alcantara which, on a warm day, should be much nicer to sit on compared to a leather chair during a challenging session.
It also comes with a steel, powder-coated frame designed to provide structural support, and the setup aims to emulate the cockpit of a real racing car to help enhance the FH5 experience.
The chair is also fully foldable, so you'll likely be able to store it inside a cupboard with ease after you finish gaming which is ideal for saving space and is, therefore, another reason why the Challenge makes our list.
Read More: Best headsets for Forza Horizon 5
4. Next Level Racing GT Ultimate V2
Best premium racing seat for Forza Horizon 5
Materials: Unspecified
Folding: Separate then Foldable
If you're seeking to create a top-tier, premium racing setup, the GT Ultimate V2 could be the perfect choice for you.
Constructed with durability in mind, the cockpit itself has a weight of 45kg to ensure a strong, stable place to sit. The seat is crafted from lightweight fibreglass, though, to give a realistic feel.
Not only does it come equipped with a lumbar support cushion, but the GT Ultimate V2 also features a 4-point harness, elevating your racing experience to the next level as you strive for the podium.
What's more, the GT Ultimate V2 comes pre-drilled, ready to accommodate some of the finest racing wheels available, such as Thrustmaster and Fanatec. This exceptional adaptability makes it a versatile and excellent choice for your racing setup.
Read More: Best triple monitor arms for Forza Horizon 5
5. OpenWheeler GEN3
Best versatile racing seat for Forza Horizon 5
Material: Unspecified
Dimensions: Unspecified
The OpenWheeler GEN3 has several great features that make it stand out, particularly its exceptional versatility, accommodating all racing wheels from popular brands like Logitech, Thrustmaster, and Fanatec.
One of its key advantages is its compact racing seat, designed for easy storage, making it a perfect choice for those with limited space who still desire an FH5 setup without compromising on the experience. Also, it features a handy gear shifter mount, which can be adjusted for either the left or right side, catering to individual comfort preferences.
In conclusion, the OpenWheeler GEN3 is an incredibly versatile racing seat that elevates your FH5 experience to new heights.
Read More: Best wheels for Forza Motorsport
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
When it comes to finding the right racing seat, there are usually a few questions that pop up, but we're here to answer some of the more common queries.
Why should you get a racing seat for Forza Horizon 5?
Although they're not absolutely necessary, a good racing chair can help make FH5 feel more real as well as increase your levels of comfort, especially if you use a wheel.
Unfortunately, they can take up quite a bit of room, however, as seen in this list, a large majority of racing seats are foldable, making them easier to store when they're not in use.
What types of racing seats are there for Forza Horizon 5?
Racing seats can vary in complexity depending on their style.
If you're looking for something more akin to a normal office chair when using a controller for FH5, then a standard gaming chair may be for you.
By contrast, you can also get a racing simulator seat that is more of a cockpit-style setup if you have the whole wheel, shifter, and peddle ensemble.
There are also motion cockpits available which, unsurprisingly, move in correlation to what you see on your screen if you're after the most realistic racing game experience possible.
How much should you spend on a racing seat for Forza Horizon 5?
Racing seats can be pricey, but there are a number of budget options available if you don't want to splash the cash on a premium rig.
How much you should spend really depends on your available budget and your interest in FH5.
If you're planning on playing FH5 casually and infrequently, then picking up a racing chair may not be entirely necessary.
However, if you're a serious and keen racer looking for some added realism, then going for a top gaming chair should satisfy your needs.
Are bucket seats comfortable for racing on Forza Horizon 5?
In our guide on whether racing seats are comfortable, we mention that bucket seats built for real-life racing cars are designed to be secure, lightweight, and strong to maximise performance and safety.
However, as sim racing seats aren’t used in real cars, they can therefore afford to include some additional elements to ensure you remain comfortable, even during extended gaming sessions.
For example, most sim bucket seats come with a ton of padding for a softer ride, plus they can be made from premium materials like leather and Alcantara to ensure the maximium levels of comfort.
How do you mount a racing seat?
Most sim racing seats are side-mounted with brackets to your sim rig which gives the greatest range of motion for adjustability. However, in some circumstances, racing seats are mounted underneath, although this is rare.
One thing to be careful of if buying a seat that is bottom-mounted though is that it often restricts the adjustability, therefore, they can occasionally be stuck in a fixed position.
What is Alcantara?
Despite its appearance, Alcantara isn't suede. Alcantara is actually a synthetic textile that was developed in Japan in the 1970s and produced by an Italian company which is unsurprisingly named Alcantara.
The main benefit of Alcantara is that it provides more grip than leather, which is why it is commonly applied to racing wheels. It is also more durable and hard-wearing than suede which, in turn, makes it easier to clean, hence manufacturers will often also use it for car interiors like racing chairs.
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