The 5 Best Sim Racing Pedals Under $500 (Budget Guide)

Trying to find sim racing pedals under $500 can seem like quite a task, as there are lots of options out there. However, there are some really great pedal sets out there, and below we take a look at the best sim racing pedals you can buy for less than $500.

The 5 best sim racing pedals under $500 are:

1. Fanatec ClubSport V3 Pedals
2. Thrustmaster T-LCM Pedals
3. Fanatec CSL Elite V2 Pedals
4. MOZA SR-P Pedals
5. SimForge Mk1 Pedals

We’ll take a closer look at each of these pedal sets below, to help you understand which one is right for you. We’ll also discuss the kind of things you should be looking for in a sim racing pedal set. Stick around until the end for some extra options that come in just over the $500 mark.

The 5 Best Sim Racing Pedals Under $500

1. Fanatec ClubSport V3 Pedals

Pedals: 3 | Materials: Metal | Compatibility: PC / PlayStation / Xbox

The Fanatec ClubSport V3 Pedals are widely considered some of the best on the sim racing market, making them a top choice for those looking for the best pedals under $500. These pedals come as a three-pedal set, compatible with both Xbox and PlayStation, and they feature an all-metal construction that looks great and is highly durable.

An Excellent Set Of Pedals

These pedals from Fanatec have a sleek racing aesthetic that can fit into any sim racing setup. Despite being on the higher end of the $500 budget range, these pedals offer an incredibly immersive sim racing experience that is well worth the investment for those with the cash (although they may not be the ideal set for absolute beginners).

One of the standout features of these pedals is the vibration motors in the brake and gas pedals. These subtle vibrations can add a new level of realism and immersion to your racing experience by allowing you to feel when your tires are near the limit of grip and when your traction control kicks in.

Note: The vibration feature is fairly subtle and not too noisy, but you can disable it if you wish

The brake pedal features a 90 kg load cell, providing a high level of realism and detail, while the gas and clutch pedals include Hall effect sensors that offer high-resolution and exceptional accuracy and reliability. The pedals also come with a set of metal and plastic facings that can be changed, providing added adjustability.

In terms of adjustability, these pedals offer a range of options, including the ability to change their position, angle, resistance levels, and more. The brake pedal’s stiffness and sensitivity can be adjusted using Fanatec software on your PC, and the gas pedal’s feel can be adjusted using the different strength springs that come with the pedals.

There is also an optional damper kit for the brake and gas pedals that provides a hydraulic-like resistance experience. This optional upgrade will enhance the realism and provide a more immersive driving experience. However, this upgrade is not included in the $500 budget range we have selected for this article, and you need to pick it up separately (and you only get one damper with the kit).

The Inverted Option

For those who are looking for a more premium option, there is also an inverted version of the Fanatec ClubSport V3s available, which comes with the damper kit pre-installed. However, this version is pricier and falls outside of the $500 budget limit.

Note: You may experience an issue with the throttle (and potentially the brake) sensor on the V3 pedals after a few years of very heavy use. It can often be remedied by regular cleaning as it may be a dust issue, but it's worth noting.

Overall, the Fanatec ClubSport V3s are considered some of the best sim racing pedals on the market, making them a popular choice among drivers of all skill levels. With their high-quality construction, high level of adjustability, and immersive vibration motors, the Fanatec ClubSport V3s are a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to join the Fanatec ecosystem and jumpstart their journey in sim racing.

PROS:

• Incredibly immersive
• Solid all-metal construction
• Ideal for intermediate to advanced racers

CONS:

• Quite pricey
• Not the most beginner friendly

2. Thrustmaster T-LCM Pedals

Pedals: 3 | Materials: Metal / Plastic | Compatibility: PC / PlayStation / Xbox

The Thrustmaster T-LCM pedals are a great option for beginner to intermediate sim racers and they are currently the best pedals offered by Thrustmaster. These pedals are compatible with both Xbox and PlayStation, making them one of the best options for console gamers too, and they’re much cheaper than the ClubSport V3 pedals discussed above.

Durable Overall Construction

The construction of the T-LCMs is mostly metal, making them heavy and durable, although there is some plastic used as well. The price is well within the $500 budget range, but the plastic does lend to a slightly cheaper overall feel. The T-LCMs offer a 100 kg load cell brake, with interchangeable springs to adjust the brake resistance to your preferences.

While the adjustability options on the T-LCMs may not be as extensive as on some other pedals on the market, it is sufficient for both beginner and intermediate racers. These pedals are also durable and stable, although you might experience some slight side-to-side movement over time as a result of the slightly cheaper construction.

When combined with one of Thrustmaster’s excellent wheel bases and wheel rims, the T-LCMs offer a great overall experience, especially given their affordable price and adjustability options. For those looking for a budget-friendly option that not part of the Fanatec ecosystem, the Thrustmaster T-LCMs are a great choice.

PROS:

• Reasonably priced
• Immersive load cell brake
• Good beginner option

CONS:

• Some plastic in the construction

3. Fanatec CSL Elite Pedals V2

Pedals: 3 | Materials: Metal | Compatibility: PC / PlayStation / Xbox

The Fanatec CSL Elite Pedals V2 are a great option for those looking to enter the world of load cell braking. Fanatec is a well-established brand that caters to both beginner and intermediate racers (and advanced racers too), so it’s no surprise that this pedal set is a top choice for many.

A Step Up

The CSL Elite Pedals V2 are a step up from Fanatec’s budget pedals (in the CSLs), offering improved construction and increased realism compared to their predecessors, the CSL Elite V1s. The pedals are made of a sturdy metal construction with a powder-coated finish, giving them durability and a premium look to match.

One of the standout features of the CSL Elite Pedals is the load cell brake, which offers progressive resistance that feels very similar to what you’d find in a real car. This is a great upgrade over beginner potentiometer or Hall effect brakes that are found on cheaper beginner pedal sets. Additionally, you can swap out the springs to personalize your experience further.

Ideal For Beginners

While there’s a slight lack of adjustability when compared to other pedal sets on our list, the CSL Elite Pedals still provide plenty of room for customization, especially for beginner racers. More advanced racers would be better served by the ClubSport V3s.

Overall, if you’re just starting out in the world of sim racing or want to upgrade to your first load cell set, the Fanatec CSL Elite Pedals V2 are a solid choice that will serve you well as you continue to improve and advance as a sim racer.

PROS:

• Immersive progressive brake
• Durable all-metal construction
• Simple setup

CONS:

• Not the biggest range of adjustability

4. MOZA SR-P Pedals

Pedals: 3 | Materials: Metal | Compatibility: PC

The MOZA SR-P pedals are a relatively new offering on the sim racing scene, with MOZA being a bit of a newcomer compared to well-established brands like Fanatec and Thrustmaster. Despite this, MOZA produces high-quality sim racing gear at an affordable price, with a focus on providing realism and immersion for beginners and those with a limited budget.

Middle Of The Pack

The SR-P pedals are MOZA’s mid-tier offering, and although they’re a step below the CRP pedals (see the final section of this article), they still provide a realistic load cell braking experience at a price point that few other brands can match. The pedals feature a metal construction, which is impressive considering the price, and they feel weighty and secure.

You get a 75 kg load cell brake pedal, and you can further customize your experience using the MOZA Pit House app on your phone. This makes fine-tuning your sim racing experience very accessible. However, the realism and adjustability offered by the SR-P pedals is still below that of the ClubSport V3s and CSL Elite pedals from Fanatec.

A Cheaper Feel

Additionally, the pedals feel relatively cheap to use as a result of their design and construction, which is similar to the CSL pedals from Fanatec. Obviously, the pedals are quite cheap, so that’s to be expected, but these are definitely aimed towards beginners rather than more experienced sim racers.

Despite these drawbacks, for the price you’re paying, you get a robust load cell brake and a sturdy set of pedals. Unfortunately, these pedals are not compatible with consoles and are best for beginner sim racers on PC that are looking to enter the exciting and ever-growing MOZA ecosystem.

PROS:

• Some of the cheapest load cell pedals available
• Simple setup
• Very beginner friendly

CONS:

• Only compatible with PC
• Slight lack of features and adjustability

5. SimForge Mk1 Pedals

Pedals: 3 | Materials: Metal | Compatibility: PC

Finally, the SimForge Mk1 pedals are a unique and stylish offering in the sim racing market. With a 3-pedal set available for under $500, they offer an affordable and immersive experience for sim racers on a budget. However, it’s important to note that these pedals are produced in batches, leading to longer shipping times, but the myriad positive online reviews tell you that it’s worth the wait!

A Solid PC Choice

These pedals are designed for PC racers, with no console compatibility. PC racers have more flexibility, and the SimForge Mk1 pedals are a popular choice for those who aren’t limited to one particular sim racing ecosystem. The solid all-metal construction of the pedals is not only visually appealing, but it also ensures a long-lasting and sturdy choice.

The SimForge Mk1 pedals offer 14 different pedal angle adjustments, allowing racers to personalize their setup and driving style in many different ways. The pedals are adjustable in terms of side-to-side and up-and-down movement, and they feature an 80 kg load cell brake with adjustable resistance.

The gas and clutch pedals also have adjustable sensitivity and durable Hall effect sensors. This adjustability makes these an excellent choice for those that value being able to personalize the physical setup of their pedals rather than just being able to tweak the pedal sensitivity and resistance (which you can of course do as well).

Overall, the SimForge Mk1s are an impressive set of sim racing pedals for PC racers on a budget. The range of adjustability, ease of customization, and affordability make this a must-watch brand for the future.

PROS:

• Very good value for money
• Great racing aesthetic
• Immersive and adjustable

CONS:

• Can have long delivery times

Summary Of The Best Sim Racing Pedals Under $500

Pedals	Pros	Cons
Fanatec ClubSport V3 Pedals	Excellent level of immersion Superior build quality	They are very expensive There can be sensor issues after years of heavy use
Thrustmaster T-LCM Pedals	Very beginner friendly pedals High level of adjustability for the price	They have a bit of a cheaper feel than the Fanatec V3s
Fanatec CSL Elite V2 Pedals	Very good progressive brake pedal Great value for money	Not a huge amount of adjustability
MOZA SR-P Pedals	Very cheap set of pedals Reasonably durable construction	Can be long delivery times Not console compatible
SimForge Mk1 Pedals	Great performance for the price Huge amount of adjustability	Long lead times as they’re produced in batches Not part of a dedicated ecosystem

How To Choose The Best Sim Racing Pedals Under $500

Build Quality

When looking to purchase a new set of sim racing pedals, it’s important to consider the build quality. This includes everything from the base plate to the pedal faces, and the mechanisms used in each pedal. The materials used will greatly impact the feel and longevity of the pedals.

When shopping for pedals under $500, you may come across some sets made mainly of plastic, but there are also lots of all-metal options available. Opting for a metal construction will provide a more realistic feel and longer lifespan compared to plastic pedals.

Adjustability

Adjustability is another crucial factor to consider when choosing sim racing pedals. While more adjustability is often available with higher priced options, there are still great pedal sets under $500 that offer sufficient customization options to suit your particular setup and driving style.

At a minimum, you should be able to adjust the placement of the pedals and move them closer together or further apart. This allows you to customize the pedals to your needs, such as moving the gas and brake pedals closer together for better heel-toe shifting, or getting the clutch pedal out of the way if you don’t use it much.

As you approach or exceed the $500 mark, you’ll find more adjustability in terms of how the pedals feel to use. This is often achieved through adjusting the load cell sensitivities and resistance levels of the brake pedal.

Mechanisms

There are four types of mechanisms in sim racing pedals: potentiometers, Hall effect sensors, load cells, and hydraulics. Potentiometers, which are largely becoming obsolete, measure pedal travel distance. Hall effect sensors measure travel distance but without physical contact and they therefore have a longer lifespan.

However, both potentiometers and Hall effect sensors lack realism compared to load cells. Load cell pedals, which are becoming the most common in the beginner to intermediate sim racing market, measure the pressure applied to the pedal, resulting in a more realistic and immersive experience. Load cells are also reliable and are usually found in the best sim racing pedals under $500.

Hydraulic pedals, which are usually around $1,000 or more, can offer even more immersion but require more maintenance. These are priced outside of the scope of this article, and they’re really aimed at more advanced sim racers, or those who race competitively.

Compatibility

Compatibility is a crucial factor to consider when purchasing sim racing pedals, especially if you’re racing on a console. Not all pedal manufacturers cater to console users, so it’s important to check compatibility before making a purchase.

Additionally, if you have sim racing equipment from a different brand, you will typically not be able to mix and match the components if you’re racing on a console. For example, if you have a Fanatec steering wheel, you need a set of Fanatec pedals. This won’t matter for those on PC, but you’ll still need to ensure your pedals are compatible with the rest of your rig for mounting purposes.

Price

All the pedal sets mentioned above can usually be found for less than $500. However, the prices may vary, and price may be a determining factor if you’re on a tight budget. Despite this, we always recommend you purchase the best quality you can afford, as it may save you money in the long run compared to buying multiple cheaper pedal sets over time as they either brake or you outgrow them.

What Kind Of Pedals Can You Get For Less Than $500?

You can find a variety of two or three-pedal sets for less than $500 that are equipped with either potentiometer/Hall effect sensor or load cell technology. Although there are some plastic options at the lower price range, you can also find all-metal pedal sets within this budget.

The essential features you can expect in a set of sim racing pedals for under $500 include:

• Potentiometer/Hall effect sensor for gas and clutch pedals
• A load cell brake
• Mostly metal construction with some plastic elements
• Compatibility with PlayStation and Xbox (manufacturer-dependent)

There are some great starter pedal sets available under $500, and even some excellent higher-end options for those looking for more immersion and realism. With a wide range of options from top brands in the industry, you can find a set of pedals that fits your needs and budget. But what are your options if you can stretch your budget that little bit further?

KEY POINTS

• It’s important to pay attention to build quality when choosing a budget set of sim racing pedals

• Also consider compatibility if you’re a console racer

• You’ll typically be able to find good load cell pedals within the $500 budget range

4 Other Pedal Sets Around The $500 Mark Worth Checking Out

1. Heusinkveld Sprint Pedals

Pedals: 2 | Materials: Metal | Compatibility: PC

The Heusinkveld Sprint Pedals can be purchased for around $500 for the 2-pedal set, but an extra $100 or so will get you the 3-pedal set if you need the clutch. These pedals are regarded as some of the best on the sim racing market, and it’s easy to see why when you take one look at them!

Incredible Construction

Built with CNC precision laser-cut steel, the pedals feature a solid all-metal construction that ensures longevity and realism. The pedals also boast load cells in all three pedals, offering exceptional accuracy with every input. The brake pedal features a 65 kg load cell that offers precision and a realistic feel, with a dual-stage braking system and adjustable progressive feel using the various rubber stacks.

Unfortunately, the Heusinkveld Sprint Pedals are only compatible with PC, but they are an excellent choice for those who prioritize immersion in their sim racing experience.

PROS:

• Load cells on all three pedals
• Incredibly durable
• Super immersive

CONS:

• A bit pricey
• Not compatible with console

2. Asetek Forte Pedals

Pedals: 2 | Materials: Metal | Compatibility: PC

The Asetek Forte pedals feature a 180 kg load cell brake and offer a highly immersive sim racing experience for PC players. Their design is inspired by real-life race cars, and the stunning black and orange color scheme gives them a sporty look.

Great Value For Money

The adjustable brake pedal provides a stiffness that simulates the feel of a hydraulic brake pedal, which is a remarkable feature considering the price point at around $500 (you may be able to pick them up for less depending on the retailer).

It’s worth noting that you’ll need to spend a bit extra on the Forte S pedals if you want to be able to adjust their spacing, and there are some metal ridges on the pedal base that make them uncomfortable to use if you race in socks. But with some good sim racing boots, these pedals can truly offer one of the best pedal experiences in this budget range!

PROS:

• Great looking set of pedals
• Very strong load cell
• Good range of adjustability

CONS:

• You need to spend more if you want to adjust the pedal spacing

3. MOZA CRP Pedals

Pedals: 3 | Materials: Metal | Compatibility: PC

The MOZA CRP Pedals are another cost-effective option for sim racers, coming in just above the $500 price point. These pedals are well-regarded for their combination of top-notch performance and build quality, all for a very reasonable price. They look sleek and can fit into any sim racing setup, but keep in mind that they are not compatible with consoles.

3-Stage Clutch

The pedals feature a 100 kg load cell on the brake, which can be tailored to your driving preferences by adjusting the resistance and replacing the springs. They also have a unique three-stage clutch that provides an authentic race-car-like clutch experience, although it may not be necessary for all types of racing, so whether this is a huge selling point depends on your racing preferences.

All in all, if you’re searching for high-quality sim racing pedals with a standout clutch feature at around the $500 price point, the MOZA CRP pedals are definitely worth considering.

PROS:

• Decent price
• Immersive and adjustable load cell brake
• Unique 3-stage clutch

CONS:

• Can be long delivery times

4. Venym Atrax Pedals

Pedals: 2 | Materials: Metal | Compatibility: PC

Finally, the Venym Atrax pedals, costing close to $600, are a unique and exciting addition to the sim racing scene. Inspired by pedals found in real race cars, these pedals offer a highly immersive racing experience. The 200 kg load cell on the brake pedal is highly adjustable, and the brand has worked with real drivers to deliver a set of pedals that feel great and offer a realistic experience.

Durable & Adjustable

Load cells on the brake and throttle pedals add extra realism and accuracy to inputs, and the pedals can be fine-tuned even further with their Pitstop app. Made using a monobloc aluminum design, the pedals offer high levels of durability and reliability. While they’re not compatible with consoles, the Venym Atrax pedals are worth checking out for PC sim racers.

PROS:

• Unique racing aesthetic
• Various colors available
• Strong load cell brake

CONS:

• A bit on the expensive side
• Not the most feature rich

Final Thoughts

There are lots of pedals to choose from that come in around the $500 mark or under, but the best choice overall is the V3 pedal set from Fanatec. If you can’t afford them, the T-LCMs or the CSL Elite V2s are your next best bets, and they’re all compatible with console too.

If you have a bit more cash to spare and are sim racing on PC, consider checking out the Heusinkveld Sprints. These pedals will offer an excellent level of immersion at a reasonable price point. The CRP pedals from MOZA are worth checking out as well, as are the Asetek Forte pedals.