The 7 Best Sim Racing Motion Platforms For All Budgets

A sim racing motion platform is an easy way to make your sim racing setup a lot more immersive, getting you closer and closer to that feeling of a real car. They are also surprisingly easy to assemble and integrate with your rig, but it helps to know which are the best sim racing motion platforms.

The 7 best sim racing motion platforms are:

1. Qubic System V20 4 Dof Motion Simulator
2. Next Level Racing Motion Plus Platform
3. SIMRIG SR2 Sim Racing Motion System
4. Qubic System QS-S25 Ultimate 6DOF Motion Simulator
5. GTR Simulator GTM Motion Cockpit
6. Next Level Racing Motion Platform V3
7. DOF Reality Motion Simulator Platform

By no means are these meant for beginners, but if money is no object or you can incorporate it into your budget, there should be a motion platform here that suits you. Read on below for a more in-depth look at each motion platform and some other information worth knowing before you buy.

The 7 Best Sim Racing Motion Platforms For All Budgets

1. Qubic System V20 4 DOF Motion Simulator

DOF: 4 | Weight: 280 kg / 620 lbs | Max Load: 150 kg / 330 lbs

The Qubic System V20 is an incredibly enticing option for those with less space and a slightly lower budget than buyers of the QS-S25 (see below). Nonetheless, it still costs a pretty penny, and I wouldn’t see it as a justifiable purchase for any beginners to sim racing – but it really is one of the best available. Unlike the QS-S25, the V20 features 4 DOF, rather than 6.

While the 6 DOF of the more expensive QS-S25 offers the most realistic and immersive experience, the V20 still offers an incredibly immersive and functional motion simulation experience at a lower price point. The frame of the motion simulator is far slimmer than that of the QS-S25, making it a much more viable option for those with limited space.

Same Build Quality At A Cheaper Price

The build quality and materials used are largely the same as the more expensive QS-S25, ensuring that it will last through the abuse that you’ll throw at it (or that it throws at you!). The motion simulator allows for seat, pedal, and wheel mounting adjustability. The Qubic Systems V20 also comes with the same software as the QS-S25, offering adjustable settings for the actuators.

It also allows you to create and customize individual profiles for sim racing games for settings on a per-game basis. There are also predefined profiles for many of the most popular sim racing titles. Setting the motion sim up with any supported racing game is a mostly plug-and-play process.

Lots Of Immersion

The 4 DOF featured on this system are heave, roll, pitch, and yaw, which are more than enough to get you fully immersed into any title you play and offer a great deal of information so you can perform better on track. While the frame itself is slimmer than the more expensive QS-S25, it’s still immensely heavy and you won’t have an easy time moving it once it’s set up.

But overall, if you want as close to the best motion setup as you can get on a smaller budget, this is the one to go for.

PROS:

• User-friendly and robust software
• Excellent build quality
• Slimmer frame and cheaper than QS-S25

CONS:

• Still very expensive
• Not easy to move once set up

2. Next Level Racing Motion Plus Platform

DOF: 2 | Weight: 22 kg / 50 lbs | Max Load: 250 kg / 550 lbs

The Motion Plus Platform from Next Level Racing is intended to be used as an accessory to their other motion platforms to add an extra DOF, but it can also be used independently as a cheaper motion platform that still offers full chassis movement. One unit will provide 2 DOF, but combining two will net you 3 DOF. The modular nature of it netted it a spot on our list.

A Modular Setup

This gives you the choice of whether you want to spend the extra money and get 3 DOF, or settle for 2 DOF but save a chunk of cash. The Motion Platform V3 discussed above only moves the seat independently from the rest of your chassis, which hinders the immersion. The Motion Plus Platform on the other hand mounts underneath your chassis.

This means that you don’t feel disconnected from the rest of your peripherals and rig as your whole setup moves in response to the actuators. The mounting process is very simple, making this ideal for those delving into the world of motion simulators for the first time.

The Costs Add up

A single unit isn’t too expensive when compared to the rest of the market, but if you want 3 DOF purchasing a second unit will double the costs. If you plan on settling with 2 DOF then the Motion Plus Platform is a great choice, but if you plan on purchasing 2 units to get 3 DOF, it is much more cost effective to simply buy a more expensive single unit that provides more than 2 DOF.

PROS:

• Modular design
• Full chassis movement
• Very easy to mount

CONS:

• Adding modules becomes expensive
• Only 2 DOF as a standalone motion platform

3. SIMRIG SR2 Sim Racing Motion System

DOF: 3 | Weight: 22 kg / 50 lbs | Max Load: 225 kg / 500 lbs

This a very impressive sim racing motion system at a fairly reasonable price. The SR2 has possibly the best balance in price and performance on the market, offering an incredibly easy-to-set-up motion system that gives you 3 DOF using its 4 SR2 actuators, providing heave, pitch, and roll.

Plenty Of Customization

It’s mostly a plug-and-play setup, but the included software allows for managing the motion system, adjusting the power of the actuators, and even for separate profiles, not just on a per-game basis but also a per-car basis. This is an unbelievable amount of customization!

You will need an aluminum rig to attach the SR2 actuators to, with 80×40, 120×40, or 160×40 mm aluminum extrusions. These are all fairly standard measurements for most chassis, but it’s best to double-check your rig’s measurements before committing to a purchase. The SR2 has a latency of 7 ms, which is virtually negligible.

As it can be quite dangerous if you aren’t careful, there is an emergency stop included with the SR2. The bottom of each actuator has a rubber pad attached too. This eliminates any unwanted vibrations, keeps the noise profile low, and makes sure that your rig is secure on the ground and won’t slip.

Great Performance At A Reasonable Price

Three DOF still offers an impressive amount of realism and detail, but most importantly it is only a fraction of the price of the QS-S25 and QS-V20. The control unit tucks nicely underneath your seat and the power supply can sit out of the way. The electronic control unit’s fan only runs when it’s really needed, making the whole operation of the motion sim very quiet.

The whole package takes up very little space as all you are really getting are the 4 actuators along with the electric control unit and power supply, so any space taken up is really dependent on the size of your chassis.

At this price point, the SIMRIG SR2 is one of the easiest motion simulators to set up and has the most comprehensive feature list on the market at this price, giving you everything you need for a fully immersive experience at a much lower price point than some of the other options out there.

PROS:

• Best balance of price to performance
• Far cheaper compared to other options
• Great software included

CONS:

• No surge, sway, or yaw simulation

4. Qubic System QS-S25 Ultimate 6DOF Motion Simulator

DOF: 6 | Weight: 350 kg / 770 lbs | Max Load: 250 kg / 550 lbs

The Qubic System QS-S25 is one of the best motion simulators that money can buy. It’s very expensive, so I wouldn’t recommend buying it unless you have a very large budget to work with and you are confident you’ll get enough use out of it to justify the purchase!

The motion simulator itself has 6 DOF, meaning it can accurately simulate almost every movement that a real car would make, allowing you to get completely enveloped by the game you race in and have the most accurate and realistic information to work with.

Plenty Of Feedback

Not only does this motion simulator provide feedback for all 6 DOF, but also sensations like engine rumble, velocity, as well as road texture, allowing you to fully connect with the car you’re driving. The QS-S25 is also a fantastic piece of hardware for VR racers.

It features VR motion compensation technology, which is incredibly important as without this motion compensation tech, driving can quickly make you motion sick and ruin the experience. The VR compensation doesn’t affect the linear actuators’ strength or responsiveness in any way, so you still get fully immersed and feel every important detail but with a much more pleasant VR experience.

Fully Customizable  

There is a large selection of optional accessories that are worth getting alongside the QS-S25, such as monitor stands, keyboard brackets, and even safety belts and harnesses for the most immersive experience. The QS-S25 doesn’t just rely on linear actuators to deliver feedback, as it also has motors and can provide accurate vibrations to simulate the engine rumble and road surface.

The build quality of the motion platform is excellent, and the materials are extremely durable. The QS-S25 also comes with its own software, so you can adjust settings and preferences to your liking on a per-game basis. You can adjust how the motion simulator handles things like post-processing and adjust the motion of the actuators.

Fairly Simple Setup

It’s mostly plug-and-play for many sim racing games, and there are pre-made profiles for popular sims such as iRacing. This makes it a fairly easy one to set up even if it does look incredibly intimidating!

You can make separate profiles and swap between them seamlessly. It also features a tactile audio-based feedback system that allows you to get more detailed feedback from your tactile transducers and bass shakers attached to your chassis. Overall, this offers the ultimate immersive sim racing experience, but it’s going to cost you!

PROS:

• One of the best motion sims money can buy
• Robust software
• 6 DOF

CONS:

• Extremely expensive
• Takes up a lot of space
• Incredibly heavy once assembled

5. GTR Simulator GTM Motion Cockpit

DOF: 2 | Weight: 34 kg / 74 lbs | Max Load: 136 kg / 300 lbs

The GTR motion cockpit features 2 DOF, which provides an immersive experience but with more limited movement than other more expensive options on the market. A huge advantage of the GTM motion cockpit is its comprehensive package that includes a racing seat and even a triple monitor stand. This is a great option for those that don’t already have a chassis for actuators to attach to.

A Slim Design

It has a very slim design, making it easy to accommodate into your sim racing space, and it isn’t too heavy to move around once set up. The frame of the chassis itself is quite thin but is still durable and sturdy enough that there is very little unwanted movement caused by the torque of your wheel.

The maximum user weight is 136 kg (300 lbs). The monitor stand accepts VESA 100×100 and 200×200 mm VESA mounting interfaces. The chair included is comfortable and adjustable like any other sim racing seat. The pedal deck is also adjustable in height and tilt angle.

Small Compromises

The 2 DOF includes pitch and roll simulation, and so depending on your needs, the lack of surge, sway, heave, and yaw simulation may leave too much to be desired. The actuators feel responsive with no noticeable latency, but it does lack some of the immersion the others on this list have to offer.

The price point of this setup is fairly enticing, as you get not only a 2 DOF motion rig, but also a chassis with a racing seat and triple monitor stand included, as well as brackets for other accessories like a shifter or handbrake. So, this is a great all-in-one motion setup for those looking to get more bang for their buck.

PROS:

• Comes with chassis, seat, and triple monitor stand
• Very slim and not too heavy
• Cheaper and more comprehensive package than others on the market

CONS:

• Only 2 DOF

6. Next Level Racing Motion Platform V3

DOF: 2 | Weight: 25 kg / 55 lbs | Max Load: 130 kg / 290 lbs

The Motion Platform V3 is an incredibly compact motion simulator that seamlessly mounts underneath your seat in your existing sim racing rig. It has 2 DOF but is a lot cheaper than other bulkier options on the market.

It Only Moves The Seat

Note that with this product, the motion platform V3 will only affect your racing seat. This means that the rest of the chassis, including your wheel, is going to be stationary without any extra motion platforms mounted. This can feel odd at first as you feel rather disconnected from the rest of your rig.

The motion platform V3 makes the overall racing experience more fun, but it’s hard to call it completely immersive when you feel so disconnected from the rest of the rig. So, if total immersion is what you’re after, one of the motion platforms listed above may be a better choice.

Small Form Factor

No additional space is required with this motion rig as it simply mounts underneath your seat on your existing chassis. It features passive and active cooling methods to keep it from overheating and it is almost silent, so you certainly won’t hear a thing if you are playing with speakers or headphones. The power supply is located inside the motion platform itself but is well protected.

The Motion Platform V3 comes with a great software with predefined profiles for the most popular sim racing games and even flight sim games on the market. There is also VR Headway technology built into the software to ensure you don’t get motion sick while sim racing in VR.

The maximum user weight that the platform supports is 130 kg (285 lbs). Some may find the 2 DOF quite limiting depending on what you want from a motion platform, but the movement itself is quite immersive. Overall, it’s a good choice for those that can’t quite afford the Qubic System options that still want to add an immersive boost to their sim racing rig.

PROS:

• Very easy to set up
• Takes up no additional space
• Software with per-game profiles

CONS:

• Only 2 DOF
• It only moves your seat, not the full rig

7. DOF Reality Motion Simulator Platform

DOF: 3 | Weight: 62 kg / 136 lbs | Max Load: 150 kg / 330 lbs

Finally, we have the Motion Simulator Platform from DOF Reality. This one has 3 degrees of freedom, and it’s a beast. It comes in at more than 55 kg itself (120lbs), which is going to be something to consider for potential owners of this motion platform.

Note: The numbers for this one seem to vary depending on where you look. The official website even lists two separate sets of figures for the weight. It may be worth reaching out to them directly if you’re unsure if it’s right for you.

A Heavy-Duty Choice

While this platform is a big and heavy one, capable of some immense motion simulation, it can actually often be found for a lower price than others on this list. It’s designed to be incredibly durable, made of tough materials and requiring minimal maintenance.

It’s also designed to be compatible as a flight simulator as well, so it comes with pitch, roll and yaw capabilities. This means you’ll feel every movement of the car on the track. Everything moves as well – not just the seat. Your wheel, pedals, gear shifter, and anything else you have connected to it will all move with the in-game action.

This creates an unbelievably realistic experience. Combine that with direct drive compatibility, and you can really feel like you’re on the real track with this motion platform!

Things To Bear In Mind

As I mentioned above, it is a very heavy choice. That’s because everything is integrated into one platform, with mounting for your seat, wheel, and pedals included. However, it’s actually not all that bulky, taking up a footprint of just 3x5x2 feet. You will need to source your own seat though, which can add quite a bit to the total cost.

Nonetheless, it’s definitely one to consider if you’re looking to get into motion rigs. It’s not always the easiest to get your hands on, but if you can it’ll add a whole new dimension to your sim racing setup!

PROS:

• 3 degrees of freedom for lots of realism
• Everything moves – not just the seat
• Can be found at a (relatively) reasonable price

CONS:

• Seat not included
• It’s very heavy

Do You Need A Sim Racing Motion Setup?

It’s not a necessity by any means, but a sim racing motion setup offers a level of immersion that you simply can’t get without one. A racing wheel can only offer so much information. From a purely immersive perspective, a wheel doesn’t come close to offering all there is to experience. Most of what you feel while racing in real life is felt through your body and the seat that you sit in.

Some Much-Needed Feedback

Physically feeling the vehicle move beneath you is what allows you to connect with the car and understand exactly what it’s doing. This feeling is just not possible with a sim racing wheel and pedals alone, regardless of whether you use VR or not or have a wheel with rumble functionality. This is why for some people who strive for the next level of immersion, it may be a need more than a want.

Note: Motion platforms are expensive, so it’s not something I would recommend beginners get and it’s not a must-have to race competitively. For the absolute cheapest choices, check out the SIMRIG SR2 or the Next Level Racing Motion Platform V3.

Sim racing motion platforms should be seen as a way to greatly improve immersion first and foremost, as they won’t inherently make you a better driver. However, the simulated G-forces do help you feel more connected to the car which can, in theory, help your performance on the track. But until you adjust to this, you may even see your lap times rising rather than falling.

When deciding whether to purchase a sim racing motion platform, you need to decide whether the cost of these platforms will be worth it to you as they are very expensive. Motion platforms with a more limited range of movement will often be cheaper, but to get the full motion simulation experience, you’re going to need to part with some serious cash.

How To Choose A Sim Racing Motion Platform

Space

The first thing you need to look at is how much space you have to work with. A large motion platform setup such as the QS-S25 is going to take up a huge amount of space, so you will almost certainly need a dedicated sim racing room or at least a chunk of a room.

Most of the more consumer-friendly and more affordable motion platforms seamlessly integrate with your current sim racing rig and generally only a small amount of space is taken up by the platform itself. An example of this would be the V3 rig from Next Level Racing that we discuss above.

Degrees Of Freedom

Degrees of freedom, or DOF as its often abbreviated to, is the most factor with the most impact when it comes to simulating motion in a racing game. There are 6 DOF in total: surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw. Some motion platforms will require that you buy multiple units to have a larger number of DOF.

The Motion Plus Platform by Next Level Racing for instance nets you 2 DOF, but another module is required for 3 DOF. This means that one module will give you vertical and horizontal movement, but a second unit is required to simulate surging or forward and backward movement.

Naturally, the higher number of DOF that a platform can provide the better, but the price can drastically increase in line with the number of DOF. How many DOF you wish to have and the cost that you are willing to pay is completely up to you, but 2 is likely the minimum, with 6 DOF reserved for those with plenty of cash to spare.

Compatibility

A good number of sim racing motion platforms require a specific form factor to integrate with your sim racing rig. Some motion platforms may only work with a specific type of chassis or maybe even a particular manufacturer’s chassis.

It is possible to use these motion platforms on DIY rigs, but I would advise against this as it could lead to some dangerous accidents. The platform’s manufacturer will generally tell you which manufacturers’ chassis the platform is compatible with and, if you are in doubt, it’s not a bad idea to simply search online to see if someone has safely used the platform with your specific chassis.

Budget

Needless to say, these aren’t made for beginners, but an advanced sim racer will be able to take full advantage of the motion platform. The cost of motion platforms greatly increases in line with the number of DOF that the platform has.

If you want all 6 DOF, money really will have to be no object. 6 DOF will give you the most immersive motion simulation you can get your hands on, but at an excessive financial cost.

Maximum Load

Most retailers will state the maximum load the actuators can take, including the racing seat, chassis, driver, and other racing peripherals. Some may simply state the maximum driver weight that they can withstand. It’s important that you stay within these load restrictions.

Serious accidents could occur if the actuators can’t withstand the weight, and considering the average cost of a motion platform, it would be a serious waste of money. If you think you will exceed the maximum load of the motion platform, consider saving a bit more money and look for a different motion platform with a higher weight tolerance.

KEY POINTS

• Sim racing motion platforms are not designed for beginners

• They’re not an essential piece of kit, but they can dramatically improve the immersion

• You’ll need to have a reasonably high budget to buy one

Final Thoughts

The Qubic System V20 is one of the most advanced and feature-filled motion sims on the market, but it comes with a hefty price tag. The Next Level Racing Motion Plus modular system is definitely a cheaper option to consider, but for 3 DOF on a budget, the DOF Reality is the best choice.