Best Racing Seats 2024

Finding the best racing seat can be challenging at times, especially with the wide range of price points to consider that make it hard to know how much you should spend and what sort of quality you're getting for your cash. Fortunately, we've done the hard work for you by putting together a list of top seats and cockpits based on features, price, and reviews to help you find the right one to upgrade your setup.

In terms of features to look for, we'd recommend something lightweight, perhaps even foldable, so you can store it with ease once you're finished racing. Also, we'd suggest making sure the seat you're interested in buying is compatible with your racing wheel, as you don't want to encounter any issues setting up once the seat arrives.

So, if you're looking to build from the ground up and upgrade your chair first, our list is the ideal place to start your search. From complete package cockpits like the Next Level Racing GT to top-tier gaming chairs for racing, our list has you covered. Let's dive in...

Best racing seats

1. Next Level Racing GT Track Cockpit - best overall cockpit setup
2. Playseat Challenge - a great budget alternative
3. Razer Iskur - the best seat for a desk setup
4. Playseat Trophy - a cockpit with all the bells and whistles
5. Next Level Racing F-GT Lite - an excellent foldable option

Credit: Next Level Racing

1. Next Level Racing GT Track Cockpit

Best racing seat overall

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
• The steel frame makes it sturdy enough for direct drive

Read More: Best deals on sim racing equipment

Credit: Playseat

2. Playseat Challenge

Best budget racing seat

If you're looking for a more inexpensive racing seat, then the Playseat Challenge is an excellent choice.

Despite being lightweight and portable, it doesn't compromise on quality materials. The frame is constructed from powder-coated steel that can still handle vibrations from some of the best force feedback wheels on the market with ease.

Moreover, this seat is designed to be compatible with all the major wheels available. This makes it one of the top contenders to consider if you're after a budget-friendly way to upgrade your setup.

Reasons to buy:

• Lightweight and foldable
• Cheaper than most

Read More: Best budget racing wheels

Credit: Razer

3. Razer Iskur

Best racing seat for a desk setup

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

Read More: Best controllers for racing

Credit: Playseat

4. Playseat Trophy

Best premium racing seat

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 aluminium 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

Read More: Best sim racing pedals

Credit: Next Level Racing

5. Next Level Racing F-GT Lite

Best portable racing seat

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 seamlessly switch between different gaming experiences. 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 aforementioned characteristics, makes the Next Level Racing F-GT Lite a strong contender, offering flexibility, compatibility, and convenience for avid racing enthusiasts.

Reasons to buy:

• Can switch between GT and Formula setups
• Completely foldable

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.

Why should you get a racing seat for your sim setup?

Although not completely necessary, getting a racing seat for your sim setup can enhance your overall racing simulation experience.

Firstly, they can add realism by replicating that cockpit-like environment you'd find in a real-life car. In turn, this can increase your immersion in the gaming experience, making you feel more connected to the virtual racing world.

Racing seats tend also to be incredibly comfortable, making them optimal for long racing sessions. Plus, their typically ergonomic designs often make them great for customising to fit your specific body shape, thus improving comfort even further.

Racing seats are usually mounted on a sturdy frame too, providing stability during intense gaming sessions. This stability not only enhances the overall feel of the simulation but can also ensure safety by reducing the risk of tipping or wobbling.

The only thing is, they can take up a lot of room. You therefore need quite a lot of floor space to house one, in most cases, especially if it's a full cockpit. That's why we'd recommend investing in a foldable seat though, as they're 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 maximise 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?

Mounting a wheel to a racing seat involves several steps to ensure a secure and comfortable setup. First, place your racing seat in a suitable position, such as in front of a gaming console or a racing simulator rig. Ensure that the seat is stable and positioned at a comfortable distance from the screen or display.

Most racing seats come with a wheel mounting bracket or a wheel stand specifically designed for attaching the racing wheel. Locate this bracket, which is usually in the centre, then adjust the height to your preference.

Place the wheel base on the mounting bracket, aligning the screw holes on the base with the corresponding holes on the bracket. Use the provided screws or bolts to secure the wheel firmly to the bracket. Ensure that the base is centred and aligned properly.

Secure, connect, and test out the wheel to ensure it works and is positioned correctly. You should then be good to go. Any issues along the way, make sure you consult the instruction manual for more detailed and specific mounting instructions.

What is Alcantara?

Alcantara is a type of synthetic microfibre 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.