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 some of the hard work for you by compiling a list of our top picks based on features, price, and reviews to help you find the right seat 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.
From there, 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, with all this in mind, if you're after something built specifically for racing, like this Next Level Racing GT Track Cockpit, or you're looking for something designed more for gaming in general, like this noblechairs HERO, we've got you covered right here.
Best racing seat
- Next Level Racing GT Track Cockpit
- Playseat Challenge
- Razer Iskur
- Extreme Simracing Cockpit 3.0
- Next Level Racing F-GT Lite
click to enlarge1. Next Level Racing GT Track Cockpit
Best all-round racing seat
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.
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.
Read More: Best wheel bases
Ultimately, we feel this cockpit is well worth considering if you're looking for a well-rounded bit of kit, especially as it is compatible with some of the best wheels for PS5 and Xbox around.
click to enlarge2. Playseat Challenge
Best budget racing seat
This lightweight and portable Playseat Challenge should be a good option to consider if you're searching for a slightly cheaper racing seat.
That's not to say it isn't made using quality materials though. For example, the frame is made from powder-coated steel, designed to be highly durable and supportive, and the seat is lined with Alcantara which should be nicer to sit on than leather on a warm day.
Read More: Best budget racing wheels
As far as compatibility goes, this seat is built for all the main controller brands currently on the market, which is another reason why it makes our list as one of the best budget options around.
click to enlarge3. Razer Iskur
Best racing seat for controllers
While a racing seat that comes with all the mounting options is ideal for games like F1, not everyone may have enough floor space to accommodate a cockpit setup. However, there's no need to worry, as a top-notch gaming chair such as the Razer Iskur can still elevate your racing environment to the next level.
The chair features a bucket seat-style design that provides the feeling of being enclosed in a race car, with a fully adjustable lumbar curve that closely aligns to your spine to enhance comfort and posture during extended gaming sessions.
Read More: Best controllers for racing
Additionally, the chair is entirely cushioned with high-density molded foam, then covered with synthetic leather and a resin finish to ensure a robust exterior that's also easy to clean when necessary.
Also, the back angle of the chair is adjustable up to 139 degrees, giving you ample options to achieve a comfortable seating position. Ultimately, we feel this seat is one of the best gaming chairs we've come across. So, if you're after something a little more versatile for your setup, then this Iskur seat could be for you.
click to enlarge4. Extreme Simracing Cockpit 3.0
Best premium racing seat
The Extreme Simracing Cockpit should be an extremely comfortable and sturdy seat for anyone up to 300lbs thanks to its no-flex Carbon Steel chassis and reclining faux leather bucket chair.
What we particularly like about this cockpit though is the number of accessories it comes with. For example, it features a 50" TV stand, a shifter mount, and even a cup holder to ensure you stay refreshed, even during longer races.
Read More: Best sim racing pedals
It's also worth noting that the racing cockpit has a rubber levelling base, designed to improve stability, especially if you're planning to use it as a more permanent fixture.
click to enlarge5. Next Level Racing F-GT Lite
Best portable racing seat
The Next Level Racing F-GT Lite looks to be an extremely versatile and highly compatible bit of kit as it can be arranged into both GT and Formula racing configurations depending on what it is you're playing.
Moreover, the wheel mount is built to accommodate a direct drive wheel, plus it supports haptic feedback devices to help fully immerse yourself in the racing experience.
Read More: Best sim racing shifters
On the whole, we feel it is definitely a strong option to consider, especially as it's fully foldable so should be easy to store when the seat is not in use.
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 can vary in complexity depending on their style and price tag.
If you're looking for something more akin to a normal office chair if you prefer using a controller, 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, as their name suggests, move in correlation to what you see on your screen. This is obviously the most expensive variant, but should also be the most realistic and immersive option.
Why should you get a racing seat?
Although they're not absolutely necessary, a good racing chair can help bring your favourite racing game to life.
A racing chair can also increase your level of comfort, particularly if you're used to a desk set up and monitor.
Unfortunately, they can take up quite a bit of room, however, most racing seats are foldable these days, making them easier to store when they're not in use.
How much should you spend on a racing seat?
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 cockpit
In terms of how much you should spend, that really depends on your available budget and how seriously you invest in racing games.
If you're planning on playing games like FH5 more casually, then picking up a racing chair may not be entirely necessary and worth the added cost.
However, if you're a serious and keen racer looking to add realism into your experience, then going for a top gaming chair should satisfy your needs.
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 racing seat?
Most sim racing seats are fitted with brackets to your sim rig, often side-mounted, which typically gives the greatest range of options in terms of 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?
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.
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