The Best Sim Racing Setups for Every Budget
In this article we will dive in and recommend our best sim racing setups for every budget. Before diving in and explaining why we chose what we chose, you will find below the complete list:
To see all the products available in stock at this time we recommend checking the prices at Fanatec
Under 200 $
Under 200$ our choice goes to the Thrustmaster T80 which includes the pedals and the Vevor wheel stand. There is not a lot to say about this choice except that this is the cheapest bundle we found on the market. Personally, I don’t recommend going for it at it is very cheap and not high quality.
Under 300 $
Instead of the Thrustmaster T80 we upgrade now to the Thrustmaster T150. See below:
The steering wheel is the Thrustmaster T150/TX. This is a bundle containing the steering wheel, the wheel-base and the pedals, all-in-one. The T150 / TX is one of the most popular force-feedback steering wheels on the market. It has a 900° rotation and a gear-driven wheelbase. It is a very reliable 11-inch (28 cm) steering wheel wrapped in leather. The TX version is compatible with PC & Xbox whereas the T150 version is compatible with PS3 & PS4.
The Thrustmaster T150 has very good value for money the only drawback could be the level of quality of the pedals. There are only 2 of them and they are made out of plastic.
You still have the VEVOR wheel stand with it for this price range. We recommend upgrading to get a decent wheel stand as the Vevor is not great.
Under 400 $
Here we upgrade to the GT Omega wheelstand instead of the Vevor wheel stand. It is an OK product, it will get the job done but it is not the best out there.
Under 500 $
This is where things start to get interesting. in my opinion, this is the first decent sim racing setups. At this price range, you keep the Thrustmaster T150 and you upgrade the cockpit with the Playseat Challenge.
The Playseat Challenge is a high-quality foldable seat. It is made of quality materials such as steel and fabric and is fully adjustable to your size and needs. It supports all wheels and associated wheels bases on its supports. It is a very good product with good value for money. The only drawbacks are its appearance, that might seem cheap, and the fact that after prolonged use it can become a bit uncomfortable.
You can check our review of the Playseat Challenge here.
Under 600 $
At this price range, we upgrade our stirring wheel/wheelbase/pedals bundle and we go from the Thrustmaster T150 to the Logitech G29 that is better in my opinion.
The G29 has better pedals the Thrustmaster T150 for the price point. It has a nice price ($300) for both beginners in sim racing and more experienced virtual racers.
The Logitech G29 is the most popular force-feedback steering wheel on the market. It has a 900° rotation and a strong 2-motor driven wheelbase. It has many buttons, a rotary dial and comes with handy pedals. It is also compatible with pretty much everything: PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox.
There are better steering wheels on the market but, as we will see in a minute, the price range of steering wheels can be well… somewhat shocking. The G29 is a solid choice for the money and has a 2-year warranty coming with it.
You can check our review of the G29 here.
Under 700 $
Here we go from the Playseat Challenge to the Open Wheeler GEN 2 racing rig. The main advantages of the Open Wheeler Gen 2 compared to the Playseat Evolution is that first, it looks nicer. It comes with a shifter mount, is heavier and as the Playseat Challenge, it is fully adjustable.
Under 800 $
Here we change our Logitech G29 for the Thrustmaster T300.
There are a few differences here. The G29 is a gear-driven force feedback steering wheel whereas the T300 is a belt-driven stirring wheel. This means that the T300 is smoother, quieter and has a better force feedback technology than the G29.
The pedals you get in the T300 bundle are also of better quality than what you get with the G29.
Under 900 $
Here we upgrade our Open Wheeler Gen 2 to the GTR Simulator GTA model. The 2 cockpits are in the same price range and there is not a big gap in quality but in my opinion, the GTR simulator GTA model is slightly better. The comfort is more on point.
Under 1000 $
We go back to the Open Wheeler GEN 2 to earn some price cap that we spend on the T3PA Pro pedals. The T300 comes with high-quality pedals but the T3PA Pro takes it to the next level with a fully metallic pedal set. It is better and worth the buy.
Under 1100 $
Here there are some big changes. We drop our Thrustmaster T300 and start going into Fanatec territory. We recommend buying in this range the CSL elite Racing wheel that comes with its wheelbase along with the CSL Elite pedals.
As with anything Fanatec this a high quality 30 cm diameter wheel. It is made with Alcantara leather stitched to the wheel frame. It is a belt-driven steering wheel with a stronger motor than the T300’s. You get the looks, the tech and the feel. If your budget is within this range, definitely go for it.
The CSL Elite pedals are however not as good as the T3PA Pro that you can have with the T300 but they will do the trick.
Under 1200 $ & 1300 $
Here we keep our previous setup: the CSL Elite Pedals & CSL Elite Racing wheel and we change our Open Wheeler Gen 2 for the GTR Simulator GTA. We keep a very good stirring wheel (see the section above), a quality pedal set and upgrade our racing cockpit.
Under 1400 $
We are now in the high price range for sim racing setups. Here we upgrade our stirring wheel marginally by choosing the CSL Elite Racing Wheel WRC which is the same as the CSL Elite Racing Wheel with a few upgrades.
The main difference is the GTR Simulator GTA that we change for the GTA Simulator GTSF. The GTSF has more options, is more rigid with a metal plate joining the pedals set to the chair. It also comes with a triple screen stand which is nice to have.
Under 1500 $ & 1600 $
Here we change the CSL Elite Pedals for the CSL Elite Pedals LC. That costs more than twice as much. The CSL Elite Pedals LC are basically the same as the CSL elite pedals except that you get 3 pedals with the LC instead of only 2 with the standard version.
Additionally, the CSL Elite Pedals LC comes with a load cell (LC) added for the brake pedal in order to make it more realistic and precise. This pedal set is also fully adjustable, easy to mount. It is one of the best in the market.
Under 1700 $
Here we change our racing cockpit to the Playseat Evolution in order to get a more fancy stirring wheel. The Playseat Evolution is cheaper than the GTR Simulator GTSF but it is still very good, fully adjustable and made with high-quality materials. We think it is ok to downgrade the cockpit a bit in order to invest the difference in the Clubsport Racing Wheel V2.5.
This is what you can call a “sexy” stirring wheel. It has a 33 cm diameter, high-quality materials. The whole wheel is covered in stitched leather. It is made of CNC aluminium making light and rock solid. This wheel is also a big upgrade in term of force feedback. Its force feedback is generated with the use of a dual belt, v-ribs and big ball bearings. It has stronger & smoother force feedback. It just can’t be a wrong choice.
Under 1900$
We keep everything the same and we upgrade our pedals for the Clubsports V3 Pedals. The pedals we previously had were excellent but these ones are even better.
They are studied to have the perfect position for your feet. The load cell kit for the brake pedals is stronger increasing the precision of braking. And the pedals are built in a way that makes them last longer. A very good choice overall.
Under 2200 $
We choose the best for everything and go back to our GTR Simulator GTSF chair, we keep the Clubsports V3 pedals and the Clubsport Racing Wheel V2.5
2200 $ and above
This is last the price range and it covers the case where you are very wealthy and don’t care at all about the money that you are going to spend on your setup.
Here we go for the most high-end Fanatec Stirring wheel: the podium F1 racing wheel. It is a direct drive force feedback stirring wheel meaning that, unlike the other stirring wheels, the wheel is connected directly to the motor and the motor is very powerful. It is the best force feedback system in the market. The wheel is also an exact replica of F1 stirring wheels with the same materials and same feel. It is a must if you are wealthy.
For the cockpit, we will go with the Extreme Simracing Cockpit Virtual Experience V3.0. It comes with everything: from the pedals stand, to the triple screen mount and with also the shifter mount. The chassis is made with an alloy of carbon and steel almost like the real thing. It is fully adjustable with high durability. It has no weak spots.
What To Look For In A Sim Racing Wheel Price ?
When it comes to sim racing wheels, price is often an important consideration. However, it’s important to look beyond the sticker price to understand what you’re actually getting for your money. Here are some factors to consider when evaluating the price of a sim racing wheel:
Force feedback: Force feedback is one of the most important features of a sim racing wheel. It provides realistic and nuanced feedback that can help you feel the car and improve your driving. High-end sim racing wheels often have stronger and more precise force feedback motors, which can justify a higher price.
Build quality: A well-built sim racing wheel can last for years, whereas a cheaply-made one may break or wear out quickly. Look for high-quality materials and construction, as well as features like metal pedals and a leather-wrapped wheel.
Compatibility: Make sure the sim racing wheel you’re considering is compatible with your gaming system and your preferred racing games. Some sim racing wheels are designed for specific platforms or games, so be sure to do your research before making a purchase.
Features: Sim racing wheels can come with a range of additional features, such as programmable buttons, paddle shifters, and adjustable pedal positions. Consider which features are important to you and whether they’re worth the extra cost.
Brand reputation: Look for sim racing wheel brands with a strong reputation for quality and customer support. While you may pay a premium for a well-known brand, you can often feel confident in the quality of the product and the support you’ll receive if you encounter any issues.
Ultimately, the price of a sim racing wheel should be balanced against the features, quality, and compatibility that you’re looking for. Be sure to read reviews and compare products to find the best value for your needs and budget.
How to choose cheap and good sim racing wheel ?
Choosing a sim racing wheel that is both affordable and of good quality can be a challenge, but there are some steps you can take to find a good balance between cost and performance. Here are a few tips:
Determine your budget: Before you start shopping, decide how much you’re willing to spend on a sim racing wheel. This will help you narrow down your options and avoid overspending.
Look for deals: Keep an eye out for sales, discounts, and promotions that can help you get a good deal on a sim racing wheel. You may be able to find a high-quality wheel at a discounted price by waiting for a sale or shopping around.
Consider used or older models: If you’re willing to buy a used or older model, you may be able to get a good sim racing wheel at a lower cost. Just be sure to do your research and buy from a reputable seller to avoid any potential issues.
Focus on the basics: If you’re on a tight budget, consider focusing on the most important features of a sim racing wheel, such as force feedback and compatibility, and skipping some of the more advanced features.
Read reviews: Before you make a purchase, be sure to read reviews and feedback from other sim racers who have used the product. This can give you a better sense of the wheel’s performance and quality, and help you make an informed decision.
How much should I spend on a budget racing wheel ?
The cost of a budget racing wheel can vary depending on the specific features and quality you’re looking for. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from around $100 to $300 for a decent budget racing wheel. However, it’s important to keep in mind that you get what you pay for, and lower-priced wheels may not offer the same level of performance, durability, or features as more expensive models.
If you’re just starting out with sim racing and don’t want to invest a lot of money upfront, a lower-priced wheel may be a good option. Just be aware that you may need to upgrade to a higher-quality wheel as you become more experienced and want more advanced features.
When considering how much to spend on a budget racing wheel, it’s important to keep in mind that other expenses may also be involved. For example, you may need to purchase additional components such as pedals or a shifter, and you’ll also need a sturdy desk or racing seat to mount your wheel on. All of these factors should be considered when determining your overall budget.
Ultimately, the key is to find a balance between cost and performance. Look for a wheel that offers the features and performance you need, but be mindful of your budget and don’t overspend on features you may not need.
Are budget racing wheels as good as more premium ones?
Budget racing wheels can offer a good balance between affordability and quality, but they may not offer the same level of performance, durability, or features as more premium racing wheels. There are several factors that can affect the performance and quality of a racing wheel, including the quality of the force feedback, build materials, compatibility, and additional features such as programmable buttons or adjustable pedals.
Higher-end racing wheels often have stronger and more precise force feedback motors, which can provide a more realistic driving experience. They may also use higher-quality materials, such as metal or carbon fiber, for added durability and improved feel. Additionally, more expensive wheels may offer additional features and compatibility with a wider range of games and platforms.
That being said, budget racing wheels can still offer a good level of performance and quality for beginners or casual sim racers. They may be a good option for those who are just getting started with sim racing and don’t want to invest a lot of money upfront. Many budget racing wheels still offer decent force feedback and compatibility with popular racing games, and can be a good way to get started without breaking the bank.
Parting thoughts
It requires heavy research to choose the right setup. According to ours, the best setups for the money are the ones presented inside the 500$ – 800$ price range.
You should research heavily before buying your sim racing steering wheel as there are many important features to consider. Give a particular focus on the force feedback generation method that is used and on the rotation range of the wheel.
If you are looking for other sim racing gear recommendation, we have other pages just like this one on our recommended products section. We also have a section for karting and racing equipment. This is the best gear on the market in our opinion.
