Finding a high-quality, budget friendly sim racing seat can be tricky, as you want to ensure you still have a comfortable racing experience. To help you make your decision, we’ve put together a list of our favorite cheap sim racing seats.
The 9 best cheap sim racing seats are:
- GTR Simulator GTA Cockpit
- Openwheeler GEN3
- Playseat Challenge
- Sim Lab Speed 3
- RESPAWN-200
- Playseat Evolution
- Secretlab Titan
- Trak Racer GT Style Seat
- Sparco R100
Depending on your specific needs, budget, and personal taste, any one of these racing chairs could suit you. In this article, we will look at all of the chairs on the list in more detail to find out which one suits you best.
- • High-quality materials
- • Reclinable chair
- • Frame for wheel and pedals
- • Very budget friendly
- • Highly portable
- • Super comfortable
- • A versatile choice
- • Excellent build quality
- • Highly adjustable
Note: We have ordered our list in terms of value for money, so the cheapest options aren’t necessarily at the start of the list (as some options come with mounting options, while others are just the seat itself). See the Playseat Challenge for the lowest price.
The 9 Best Cheap Sim Racing Seats
1. GTR Simulator GTA Cockpit
The GTR Simulator GTA Cockpit is our number 1 pick, and for good reason. It’s made from high-quality materials, is fully adjustable, looks good, feels good, and has plenty of functionality for any sim racer to enjoy.
GTR Simulator GTA Cockpit
Features
It comes with a fully adjustable seat that you can recline, as well as a pedal stand and wheel stand that can be adjusted so that the angle and length both suit your specific requirements. The frame is built from steel and the seat is made of synthetic leather, and both should last you for many races to come. It’s also firm but comfortable, to keep your body well supported while you race.
You will have to assemble the frame around the chair, but all parts are included, and installation isn’t too difficult. Versatility is one of this product’s disadvantages, with it being dedicated solely to sim racing, and while it may not be the cheapest, for what it is there really is nothing better on the market today at this price point.
PROS:
- Fully adjustable seat and stands
- Lots of colors and designs
- Very comfortable
CONS:
- Not the absolute cheapest
2. Openwheeler GEN3
This chair narrowly missed out on the number one spot and could have, in all honestly, shared the top honors. This chair is also fully adjustable and can be made to fit almost anybody. A fully reclining seat, along with adjustable wheel and pedal mounts ensure it’s ideal for racers of all kinds.
Openwheeler GEN3
Features
This chair doesn’t have many parts and can be easily disassembled and stowed away when you’re not using it. It’s made from fabric rather than leather and it comes in 6 different colors. It also has great back support, though one minor quibble may be that (like the GTR Simulator GTA) it could perhaps do with some more neck support.
Its price is reasonable if not a little expensive, but if you are looking to buy at this price point, choosing between this and the GTR Simulator chair is really a matter of personal opinion as they are of a very similar standard.
It suffers from the same functionality issues as the GTR with it also being a dedicated sim chair that requires assembly, but that actually makes it a very ideal choice for sim racers. If you need a seat that can function as an office chair, check out the RESPAWN-200.
PROS:
- Seat is fully adjustable
- Easy to assemble
- Extremely comfortable
CONS:
- A little expensive
3. Playseat Challenge
This is the cheapest option on our list, but that doesn’t mean it’s of cheap quality! It’s a highly comfortable, all-in-one sim racing cockpit that’s ideal for those looking for a good beginner sim racing setup.
Playseat Challenge
Features
Easy to move, easy to store, and easy to adjust, the Playseat Challenge doesn’t require the space that many others do and it can be fully folded away in seconds. It’s made from steel and Alcantara fabric for enhanced durability, and it’s incredibly comfortable too. Additionally, it is adjustable to suit a range of heights, although especially tall people may want something a little larger.
The Playseat Challenge has a built-in mount for your wheel and pedals, but it doesn’t have a dedicated gear stick mount. For the price, if you are looking for an entry-level rig or something that you can use casually, look no further than the Playseat Challenge!
PROS:
- Great value for money
- Easy to fold and store
- Fully adjustable
CONS:
- Looks a little cheap
- No shifter mount
4. Sim Lab Speed 3
Up next we have a high-quality sim racing seat from Sim Lab, one of the most reputable brands in the business. This is a standalone seat, meaning you’ll need your own rig to mount it on to. But it still comes in at a reasonable price all things considered, so it’s worth checking out if you already have a rig at home.
Features
The seat is designed for maximum comfort, taking on the bucket seat design you’d find in many real race cars. It has a fiberglass structure (i.e. it’s solid but lightweight), and the high-density foam cushions are removable. This means you can create a more customized experience.
It’s super comfortable for long racing sessions, and if you want an extra level of immersion it does support a 5-point harness. That’s not included and obviously not required. You also get a handy mobile phone pouch to keep it close while you race. Overall, this is a solid choice for those just looking for a cheap sim racing seat rather than a cockpit.
PROS:
- Very comfortable sim racing seat
- Sturdy but lightweight
- Removable cushions
CONS:
- It’s just the seat (rather than a full cockpit)
5. RESPAWN-200
This is the first of the “racing style” gamer chairs on the list (to be clear, it’s a gaming chair, but it can suit sim racers). Ergonomically designed, coming in a range of nine colors, and even available in fabric or leather material options. This is a seat that offers a great gaming experience while also serving as a brilliant desk chair.
RESPAWN-200
This is a budget friendly gaming chair that can also be used for sim racing. It's designed for maximum comfort and versatility, making it ideal for beginners and those without a dedicated sim racing rig.
Features
The RESPAWN-200 includes a height-adjusting mechanism, side recliners, 4D armrests, and removable lumbar and neck support cushions, so that players can be in complete comfort while racing or working from home.
The key to this chair is its functionality. You can easily switch from work mode to game mode without any hassle, and this can offer a lot of extra value for busy sim racers without the space for a dedicated rig.
The obvious drawback is that there are no mounts for any extra accessories, and it’s not optimized for sim racing. However, should you be playing using only a controller, then this might be a better option for you.
PROS:
- Versatile chair
- Comfortable and ergonomically designed
- Reasonably priced
CONS:
- You can’t attach any accessories to it
- More a gaming chair than sim racing chair
6. Playseat Evolution
The second of the Playseat chairs to feature in this list, this is the mid-range model from the brand. The Evolution is easily assembled and has a unique foldable design so that it can be stowed away quickly and easily, although not quite as easily as the Challenge.
Playseat Evolution
Features
The seat frame is made from steel, and the pedals and wheel mounts can be fully adjusted to suit your preferred racing style. It’s designed for comfort, so you can game for long periods while not having to worry about any back issues, despite not having neck support.
The mounts are compatible with most wheels and pedals on the market, which is a huge bonus, and build quality is top-notch with no wobbling or design issues. The price is at the higher end of the budget range, but this is beginning to get into the territory of quality, dedicated sim racing gear, making it ideal for more experienced racers too.
PROS:
- High quality
- Easily foldable
- Compatible with most wheels and pedals
CONS:
- It is a little expensive
7. Secretlab Titan
The second of the sim racing office/gaming chair options (after the RESPAWN-200), this is aimed more toward the higher end of the market. It’s made from premium quality materials and designed to give maximum comfort to the player. The minds at SecretLab have been creating premium quality chairs for years, and the Titan model is just one great example of this.
Secretlab Titan
Features
The Titan is completely adjustable to suit any setup, and it can be used for both working from home and gaming, making it a highly functional chair for those that want the maximum bang for their buck.
This chair doesn’t support add-on features like a wheel or pedals, and it is also on the high-end of the price range. But if you are looking for a premium product to use while you work and game, then it really is one of the best options on the market.
PROS:
- Good range of colors available
- Great functionality
- Luxury product with amazing comfort
CONS:
- A bit pricey
- Not a dedicated racing chair
8. Trak Racer GT Style Seat
Next up is another option for those that already have a rig to mount a seat to. The Trak Racer GT style seat will look right at home in any setup, and while it has GT in the name, it’s quite a versatile option for all kinds of sim racing.
Features
This is another fiberglass seat, offering strength and durability in a lightweight form factor. It’s designed specifically for sim racers, and it’s therefore a comfortable choice even over long endurance races. Its design is also ideal for those with motion rigs, with a fairly deep profile that will keep you in place as your rig throws you around!
The high-density foam padding is ultra-comfortable, and it’s very breathable too (which helps with the overall comfort levels). It’s a fairly cheap choice all things considered, so it’s one to check out if a seat is the missing piece of your sim racing rig.
PROS:
- Lightweight but sturdy racing seat
- Ideal for motion rigs
- Very comfortable option
CONS:
- It only comes with the seat
9. Sparco R100
Finally, the R100 from Sparco is one of the best reclining seats on the market, and while you’ll need a racing rig to attach it to, it’s an incredibly immersive choice for those on a budget. It’s not too pricey, but it offers a realistic racing aesthetic and plenty of comfort.
Features
It’s made from high-quality fabric and offers a slick racing aesthetic that’ll ensure it fits into any racing rig. You will need to have a setup already so that you can attach this chair to it, but it’s still a fairly cost-effective option for those that want that extra bit of immersion.
The reclinable nature of the seat means you have a lot of control over its position, making it a versatile and comfortable choice. It’s a little narrow in places, meaning it may not be the most suitable for larger racers. But overall, it offers comfort and functionality at a reasonable price point.
PROS:
- Incredibly comfortable
- Reclinable choice
- Durable build quality
CONS:
- You’ll need a rig to attach it to
- Not the best for larger racers
Summary Of The Best Cheap Sim Racing Seats
| Seat | Pros | Cons |
| GTR Simulator GTA Cockpit | Highly adjustable in many ways Very comfortable seat | Not the absolute cheapest option |
| Openwheeler GEN3 | Very comfortable sim racing chair Easy to put together | A bit on the pricey side |
| Playseat Challenge | Amazing value for money Foldable for easy storage | No shifter/handbrake mount |
| Sim Lab Speed 3 | A very comfortable option Breathable mesh fabric | You only get the seat itself |
| RESPAWN-200 | A versatile desk chair Comfortable and ergonomic design | It’s not a dedicated sim racing chair |
| Playseat Evolution | Great build quality Can fold the seat for easier storage | The wheel mount can get in the way of your legs Expensive for what it is |
| Secretlab Titan | A very good all-round chair Highly comfortable with a luxury feel | A bit expensive Not a dedicated racing chair |
| Trak Racer GT Style Seat | Solid build quality Very comfortable racing seat | Only the seat included |
| Sparco R100 | Comfortable reclining option Very good build quality | Expensive and doesn’t come with a rig |
How To Choose A Sim Racing Seat
Budget
For our list, we gathered a range of cheap options that are ideal for various different types of sim racing experiences. All these chairs range from $150 to about $500 (although some may be a little over this mark depending on where you buy it), so keep in mind that, if you’re looking for the high-end gear, this list may not be for you!
Functionality
As great as some of these chairs are to race with, some of them are not much good for anything else. Although it’s great to feel like a racing driver all the time when you actually have to do your real-life job, something that you can get behind a desk might be handy if you want a multi-purpose option.
We always recommend going for a dedicated racing seat for the best experience and the highest level of immersion, but at lower price points, there are still some good desk chairs for sim racing.
Other Accessories
If you are planning to buy, or already do have, accessories like a wheel, pedals, gear stick or a handbrake, there will be some chairs that are better suited for attaching your equipment than others (these are often the cockpit-style racing chairs). Note that these are often on the more expensive side, but they can offer a far more realistic and upgradable experience.
Appearance
Keep in mind that most chairs come in a range of colors, but fabrics are far more difficult to change, and so are designs. So, while it’s not the most important factor to consider, how your racing seat will look as part of your overall rig is still worth thinking about before you buy!
Final Thoughts
The GTR Simulator GTA is the best cheap sim racing seat. It offers a complete package when it comes to overall feel and design as well as being fully adjustable. However, if you’re looking for a budget friendly desk chair for sim racing instead, the RESPAWN-200 chair is the one to go for.
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