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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.
Best budget sim racing equipment
- Logitech G29/G920 - best budget wheel
- Thrustmaster T-3PM - best budget pedals
- Playseat Challenge - best budget racing seat
- BenQ Zowie XL2411K - best budget gaming monitor
- Turtle Beach Recon 70 - best budget headset
- Logitech G Driving Force Shifter - best budget racing shifter
- aikeec 64-Bit USB PC Handbrake - best budget racing handbrake
- MOZA R9 V2 - best budget direct drive wheel base
1. Logitech G29/G920
Best budget racing wheel
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose the Logitech G29/G920
The Logitech G29/G920 is a standout budget racing wheel that offers premium features at an affordable price, compatible with all major consoles and PCs. Its dual-motor force feedback system provides a realistic driving simulation, allowing you to feel every nuance of the car during races, while the helical gearing ensures smooth and quiet steering.
With a 900-degree lock-to-lock rotation, the G29/G920 offers enhanced control for navigating wide corners, adding to the immersive racing experience. Despite its budget-friendly price, it features high-quality materials too, including anodized aluminum, steel, and hand-stitched leather, ensuring durability and a comfortable grip.
Taking all of this into account, the Logitech G29/G920 is an impressive choice for anyone looking to upgrade their racing setup without breaking the bank. Plus, it comes with a set of pedals to round out your rig.
Reasons to buy:
- Cheaper than most racing wheels out there
- It has force feedback for an immersive, realistic experience
- It's compatible with a range of platforms
Read More: Best deals on racing games
2. Thrustmaster T-3PM
Best budget racing pedals
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose the Thrustmaster T-3PM
For an enhanced racing experience without breaking the bank, the Thrustmaster T-3PM pedal set is an excellent choice. Engineered for durability, these pedals can withstand pressures of up to 200kg, ensuring longevity and reliability. There's also the advanced H.E.A.R.T system that offers precision with a 12-bit resolution, helping the set maintain consistency over time.
What sets these pedals apart is their adaptability. The central pedal provides four pressure modes, allowing fine-tuning to accommodate various gaming setups, whether you're at a desk, standing, or in a dedicated cockpit. Additionally, the updated version of these pedals is 20% heavier, offering a stable and robust feel under your feet.
For top-tier simulation racing pedals at an affordable price, the Thrustmaster T-3PM is a must-have for an immersive and personalized gaming experience.
Reasons to buy:
- Thrustmaster's H.E.A.R.T system helps it withstand the test of time
- Can adjust its pressure to suit your preference
- Compatible with a range of Thrustmaster wheels
Read More: Best force feedback wheels
3. Playseat Challenge
Best budget racing seat
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose the Playseat Challenge
The Playseat Challenge is a superb 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.
Reasons to buy:
- Brings a realistic racing cockpit feel into your home
- The steel frame is sturdy and foldable
- Features a soft Alcantara lining
Read More: Best racing seats
4. BenQ Zowie XL2411K
Best budget racing monitor
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose the BenQ Zowie XL2411K
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.
Reasons to buy:
- One of the cheapest 144Hz monitors out there
- It's fairly small which helps to save space
- Boasts a very fast 1ms response time
Read More: Best monitors for racing games
5. Turtle Beach Recon 70
Best budget racing headset
- Amazon - $39.99 / £24.99
- Turtle Beach - $39.99
- AO - £30.00
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose the Turtle Beach Recon 70
If you're into racing games and want a headset that delivers excellent sound quality without disturbing others, especially during late-night sessions, the Turtle Beach Recon 70 is a solid choice to consider. While racing games may not require the precision of hearing every footstep like FPS games, you'll still appreciate the clarity these headphones provide with their 40mm neodymium magnet speakers, ensuring you hear every engine noise and gear change in exceptional detail.
The Turtle Beach Recon 70 also offers practical features like onboard controls for quick volume adjustments and muting your mic, as well as foam cushioning for enhanced comfort during long gaming sessions. All of this comes at a relatively affordable price too, making it a great budget option for racing enthusiasts.
Reasons to buy:
- It has powerful neodymium magnet speakers
- Comes with a mic for online communication
- You get onboard controls to adjust settings on the fly
Read More: Best headsets for racing
6. Logitech G Driving Force Shifter
Best budget racing shifter
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose the Logitech G Driving Force 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.
Reasons to buy:
- It's mostly made from durable metal and leather
- Traditional H-pattern
- Fits into Logitech's excellent and extensive range of racing wheels
Read More: Best sim racing shifters
7. aikeec 64-Bit USB PC Handbrake
Best budget racing handbrake
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose the aikeec 64-Bit USB PC Handbrake
For a budget-friendly racing setup, the aikeec 64-Bit Handbrake is an excellent addition. Its automatic calibration system ensures optimal performance right out of the box, making setup easy and convenient. The handbrake also features a 64-Bit On-Contact Hall Sensor, enhancing the feel of the brake in racing simulations for a more immersive and realistic driving experience.
Crafted from lightweight CNC-machined aluminum and mild steel as well, the handbrake is designed for precision and durability. Its robust build ensures it will last for years, making it a reliable and cost-effective choice for your sim racing setup.
Reasons to buy:
- A very good but cheap option handbrake
- Hall Sensors provide a realistic feeling when applying the brake
- It's made from lightweight CNC-machined aluminum and mild steel
Read More: Best sim racing handbrakes
8. MOZA R9 V2
Best budget direct drive wheel base
- Amazon - $439.10
- MOZA Racing - £399.00
- Overclockers - £398.99
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose the MOZA R9 V2
The MOZA R9 V2 is a standout in the world of budget direct drive wheel bases, offering an exceptional combination of performance and value. Boasting an impressive 9Nm of torque, this wheel base provides an authentic direct drive experience that is perfect for sim racers transitioning from gear or belt-driven alternatives. Its power and precision make it a top choice, capable of providing a more immersive and realistic racing experience.
One of the key features of the MOZA R9 V2 is its remarkably compact design. It's versatile enough to be effortlessly mounted on a variety of rigs, making it a practical choice for many setups. Additionally, for users who prefer to race at a desk, it offers the option of securing it with a table clamp, ensuring added stability.
While the MOZA R9 V2 is exclusively compatible with PC, which might be a drawback for console players, its performance and value relative to other direct drive bases are hard to beat in the budget category, making it an ideal first direct drive option for those looking to elevate their sim racing experience without breaking the bank.
Reasons to buy:
- Provides a powerful but not earth-shattering amount of torque for beginners
- Ideal for racers seeking direct drive on a budget
Read More: Best wheel bases
And that's it! Hopefully, this guide has helped you pick out the perfect budget-friendly addition to your racing setup. While you're here, subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get the latest racing game news and deals straight to your inbox!
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