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Finding the best racing seat can be challenging, especially with the wide range of price points making it hard to know how much to spend and what quality you're getting. To help, we've compiled a list of top seats and cockpits based on features, price, and reviews, making upgrading your setup easier.
We recommend looking for lightweight, possibly foldable seats for easy storage. Ensure compatibility with your racing wheel to avoid setup issues too, otherwise, you might encounter a few problems. Luckily, our list considers all of that for you, featuring everything from complete cockpits like the Next Level Racing F-GT Lite to top-tier gaming chairs for racing. Let's dive in...
Best racing seats
- Next Level Racing GT Track Cockpit - best overall cockpit setup
- Playseat Challenge ActiFit - a great budget alternative
- Razer Iskur - the best seat for a desk setup
- Playseat Trophy - a cockpit with all the bells and whistles
- Next Level Racing F-GT Lite - an excellent foldable option
1. Next Level Racing GT Track Cockpit
Best racing seat overall
Where to buy *
* prices are accurate at the time of last check
This Next Level Racing GT Track seat is designed for serious sim racing enthusiasts who want to achieve as realistic a racing experience as possible playing games like F1, Gran Turismo, or Forza.
It comes with fully adjustable steering, shifter, and pedal mounts to suit your preference, and is compatible with Next Level Racing's motion platform to bring even more realism to your racing games. It's compatible with some of the best direct drive wheels too, as its carbon steel frame is sturdy enough to take the sheer power these wheels deliver.
Ultimately, we feel this cockpit is well worth considering if you're looking for a well-rounded bit of kit to pair with some of the best wheels for PS5 and Xbox around.
Reasons to buy:
- An adjustable full cockpit setup
- Its carbon steel frame makes it sturdy enough for direct drive
- The PU leather seat is comfortable to sit in
Read More: Best deals on sim racing equipment
2. Playseat Challenge ActiFit
Best budget racing seat
Where to buy *
* prices are accurate at the time of last check
For a more affordable racing seat option, the Playseat Challenge ActiFit with its Alcantara lining is a top pick.
Although lightweight and portable, it boasts a high-quality build that's incredibly sturdy, with its powder-coated steel frame that effectively handles vibrations from some of the best force feedback wheels out there today.
It's compatible with all major wheel brands too, and is completely foldable to make it easier to store when you're done racing. All of this helps to make it an excellent budget-friendly upgrade to any racing setup in our opinion.
Reasons to buy:
- It's lightweight and foldable
- Cheaper than rival racing seats
- The powder-coated steel is sturdy and durable
Read More: Best budget racing wheels
3. Razer Iskur
Best racing seat for a desk setup
Where to buy *
- Razer - $599.99 / £499.99
* prices are accurate at the time of last check
For enthusiasts of racing games like F1, a full-fledged cockpit setup with a racing seat boasting all conceivable mounting options might seem like the ultimate choice. However, not everyone has the luxury of abundant floor space to accommodate such a setup. That's where a premium gaming chair like the Razer Iskur comes into play.
Crafted with a bucket seat-style design reminiscent of a race car cockpit, the Iskur offers a snug embrace, enveloping you in comfort during marathon gaming sessions. Its adjustable lumbar curve is engineered to conform closely to your spine too, alleviating discomfort and promoting better posture, ensuring you stay fresh and focused.
Wrapped in synthetic leather with a resilient resin finish, the Iskur boasts a durable exterior as well, which not only exudes sophistication but also facilitates easy maintenance with a simple wipe-down.
Furthermore, the chair's back angle can be adjusted up to 139 degrees, granting you the freedom to find your perfect seating position for maximum comfort and support. In our experience, the Iskur stands out as one of the best gaming chairs available, offering unparalleled versatility for any gaming setup.
Reasons to buy:
- Realistic bucket-seat shape
- Fits perfectly under a desk
- The synthetic leather is durable and is made better with the resilient resin finish
Read More: Best controllers for racing
4. Playseat Trophy
Best premium racing seat
Where to buy *
- Amazon - $811.76 / £502.79
* prices are accurate at the time of last check
The Playseat Trophy is designed to offer exceptional comfort and robust support for individuals weighing up to 120kg. This is achieved by featuring a sturdy steel and aluminum yet frameless structure that helps keep the weight to a minimum, while also allowing the cockpit to adapt to your body.
The seat itself is made from Playseat's ActiFit material, which, again, adds to the levels of comfort by maintaining an element of breathability to help prevent overheating during longer racing sessions.
With the frame being so strong, this premium racing cockpit can withstand the power of direct drive, with compatibility spanning Logitech, Fanatec, and Thrustmaster wheels. You can also adjust pretty much every element of it, including the height, backrest, hardness, and pedal and wheel stand position.
Sure, it's a little pricey, but you get a hell of a lot in exchange for that premium price tag, which makes it an excellent racing seat to consider.
Reasons to buy:
- Stylish and robust
- Compatible with a range of wheels
- Playseat's ActiFit material is both comfortable and breathable
Read More: Best sim racing pedals
5. Next Level Racing F-GT Lite
Best portable racing seat
Where to buy *
- Overclockers - £248.99
* prices are accurate at the time of last check
The Next Level Racing F-GT Lite is an impressively versatile and highly adaptable piece of equipment, designed to cater to a wide range of racing preferences.
This racing simulator can be easily configured for both GT and Formula racing setups, allowing you to switch between different gaming experiences seamlessly. It also features a wheel mount, which not only accommodates direct drive wheels but also provides compatibility with haptic feedback devices. This combination ensures an immersive and authentic racing experience that truly puts you in the driver's seat.
Another notable advantage is its foldable design, making storage a breeze when the seat is not in use. This, along with the characteristics mentioned earlier, makes the Next Level Racing F-GT Lite a strong contender, offering flexibility, compatibility, and convenience for avid racing enthusiasts.
Reasons to buy:
- You can switch it between GT and Formula setups
- Completely foldable
- The wheel mount is strong enough to accommodate direct drive
Read More: Best sim racing shifters
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.
What types of racing seats are there?
Racing seats vary based on their design and cost. If your gaming style leans towards using a controller and you desire a chair reminiscent of a regular office seat, then a standard gaming chair might suit your needs perfectly.
Conversely, if you're equipped with a complete set of a wheel, shifter, and pedals, a racing simulator seat offers a cockpit-style experience that can enhance realism and engagement. This setup immerses you into the racing environment by mirroring the layout of an actual vehicle's driver seat.
For those seeking the pinnacle of immersion, motion cockpits are available too. These advanced systems dynamically respond to the on-screen action, moving in sync with the visuals. Although this option comes with a higher price tag, it delivers unparalleled realism and an immersive experience that closely mimics real-life racing.
Should you get a racing seat for your sim setup?
Getting a racing seat for your sim setup can significantly enhance your overall racing simulation experience. These seats add realism by replicating a cockpit-like environment, increasing your immersion and making you feel more connected to the virtual racing world.
Racing seats are also incredibly comfortable, and ideal for long racing sessions. Their ergonomic designs can often be customized to fit your specific body shape too, improving comfort even further. Additionally, they are usually mounted on a sturdy frame, providing stability during intense gaming sessions, enhancing the overall feel of the simulation, and reducing the risk of tipping or wobbling.
However, racing seats can take up a lot of space, especially if it's a full cockpit setup. To address this, consider investing in a foldable seat, which is much easier to store once you've finished racing.
How much should you spend on a racing seat?
Racing seats can represent a significant investment, but fortunately, numerous inexpensive options exist for those hesitant to allocate a substantial amount of money toward a premium cockpit.
The amount you should consider spending is largely contingent upon your budget and the level of seriousness with which you approach racing games.
For casual players who enjoy titles like Forza without a strong commitment, investing in a racing chair might not be crucial, nor justify the additional expense. On the other hand, dedicated racing enthusiasts aiming to enhance the realism and immersion of their gaming experience would find that investing in a high-quality seat meets their needs satisfactorily.
Are bucket seats comfortable for sim racing?
We've previously gone into detail on whether racing seats are comfortable and, in the said guide, we mention that bucket seats in real life are built to be secure, lightweight, and strong to maximize performance and safety.
However, as sim racing seats aren't used in real life, 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 added comfort, plus they can be made from premium materials like leather and Alcantara to ensure a highly enjoyable gaming experience.
How do you mount a wheel to a racing seat?
To mount a racing wheel to a racing seat, first position your seat in front of a gaming console or racing simulator rig, ensuring it is stable and comfortably distanced from the screen. Most racing seats include a wheel mounting bracket or stand. Locate this bracket, usually in the center, and adjust its height to your preference.
Align the screw holes on the wheel base with those on the mounting bracket. Secure the wheel to the bracket using the provided screws or bolts, ensuring it is centered and properly aligned. Connect the wheel and test its functionality to confirm it is correctly positioned. For any issues, refer to the instruction manual for detailed mounting instructions.
What is Alcantara?
Alcantara is a type of synthetic microfiber fabric that is designed to mimic the look and feel of suede leather. It was developed in the 1970s in Japan, and it is now commonly used in a variety of products, including furniture, clothing, and vehicle interiors, hence it being used for sim racing gear.
Alcantara is known for its softness, durability, and resistance to stains and wear. While it may not have the same natural texture as suede, it is often considered a more practical and sustainable alternative.
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