What are the Best Dashboards and DDUs for Sim Racing?

Dashboard Display Units (DDUs) transform sim racing cockpits from gaming setups into proper race-spec environments. Whether you’re after a ready-made DDU with motorsports-grade construction or building your own with a tablet and SimHub, the right dashboard makes race-critical data instantly readable without looking away from the track.

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I’ve tested various dashboard solutions over the past few years, from DIY Arduino builds that cost £80 but took me 15 hours to assemble, to premium units like the Grid DDU5 that I can see straight through my OMP GT Pro wheel rim. What I’ve found through this testing is that the gap between budget and premium isn’t just about screen quality, it’s about brightness levels, mounting compatibility, and whether you value your weekend more than £200 in savings.

This guide covers everything from £10 DIY components to £650 replica racing displays. I’ll explain the software ecosystem that drives all these units, decode the technical specifications that actually matter, and show you exactly which products work with your specific wheelbase and cockpit. SimHub drives all of the dashboard layouts I’ve featured in this article, so understanding that software is the first step.

Understanding DDU Software and Compatibility

SimHub isn’t just display software, it’s the underlying platform that makes nearly all DDUs work, regardless of manufacturer. Whether you’re running a £10 DIY engine start button or a £600 Porsche Cup replica, SimHub handles the telemetry data from your sim and pushes it to the display hardware.

The free version works for basic testing, but you’ll want the licensed edition (£10-15) for full functionality. This unlocks the web server mode that lets you use tablets as displays, removes watermarks, and gives you access to community-created profiles. What I’ve read on r/simracing is that TWF dashboards are currently the most popular profile choice, with polished graphics matching real race car displays.

Here’s something counter-intuitive about SimHub that catches people out: commercial DDUs often ship with outdated profiles from 2-3 years ago. SimHub releases monthly updates with new features, but manufacturer profile updates happen quarterly at best. The Grid DDU5 includes recent profiles but limited game support compared to what’s available on RaceDepartment forums.

Budget 1-2 hours post-purchase for profile exploration because off-the-shelf configurations rarely match your preferred data layout, personally I love

For web server mode on tablets, SimHub creates a local connection (default port 8888) with 20-50ms latency via WiFi or 10-20ms via USB tethering. Commercial DDUs guarantee under 5ms latency through direct USB. This difference doesn’t sound huge, but wireless drops during online races destroy immersion in ways that cost savings can’t justify for serious racing.

Compatibility spans virtually every sim title: iRacing, Assetto Corsa Competizione, rFactor2, RaceRoom, Automobilista 2, F1 series, and more. The software handles telemetry extraction automatically once you’ve selected your game in the settings panel. If you’re not super familiar with SimHub, take a look at my guide to SimHub to get started with the installation and initial configuration.

Display Technology Explained

Higher resolution doesn’t always mean better readability at racing distances. Your typical viewing distance is 60-80cm from screen to eyeball, and what matters most at that range is brightness and contrast rather than pixel density.

The Grid DDU5 uses a Vocore LCD panel with 480×800 resolution and 500-nit brightness. That brightness figure beats many 1080p displays that max out at 250 nits, and the difference is immediately obvious in bright rooms or with window-facing rigs. Budget IPS panels wash out in direct sunlight whilst the DDU5’s screen maintains perfect visibility. What I’ve found through testing is that screen brightness matters more than resolution for quick data acquisition during racing.

OLED displays provide cinema-grade contrast with perfect blacks, but they cost 2-3x more and carry potential burn-in risk with static elements like gear indicators or lap timers. For dark room setups or VR users who want ambient lighting, OLED makes sense. For bright rooms, prioritise brightness specifications – look for 400+ nits minimum, ideally 500+ nits.

Resolution sweet spots for 5-inch displays at racing distance are 480p to 1080p. Going beyond 1080p provides diminishing returns because your eyes can’t resolve additional detail whilst scanning for apex speed or fuel remaining. The 480×800 panel in the DDU5 delivers crisp text and graphics without the GPU overhead or cost of 4K panels.

Viewing angles matter when mounting displays above or beside your wheelbase. IPS technology offers wide viewing angles (typically 170°) whilst cheaper TN panels lose contrast and colour accuracy beyond 30° off-centre. For through-the-wheel-rim mounting like I use with the DDU5, viewing angle becomes critical because you’re looking at the display at 20-30° off-axis.

Budget-Friendly Options (Under £100)

Building a dashboard from individual components offers flexibility and learning opportunities, though it’s not always the money-saver it appears. Let me break down the actual costs and time investment compared to ready-made solutions.

DIY Components

Starting with the basics, individual buttons and switches from Apex Sim Racing provide the building blocks for custom dashboards. The DIY Engine Start Button at £8 gives you a motorsports-style ignition switch with red LED backlight and IP65 weather rating. It’s a 22mm diameter unit with momentary 1NO1NC switch operation, connecting via USB and appearing instantly as a game controller in Windows.

For multi-function control without dedicating dashboard real estate to individual buttons, the Apex 7-Way Multi Switch (£10) packs eight functions into a single knob. Also known as a “funky switch” in sim racing circles, this precision-engineered unit handles everything from brake bias to traction control with one hand. The 2.2kg weight suggests solid construction rather than hollow plastic.

The Apex 7-in-1 Switch (£40) combines a 4-way directional pad, rotary encoder, and centre push button in a single assembly. The billet aluminium knurled knob with Apex logo provides premium tactile feedback. It includes the M2.5 mounting kit but requires special software configuration that Apex doesn’t provide, expect to spend time with community resources on button mapping.

Entry-Level Flag Indicators

Flag displays represent the entry point into purpose-built dashboard hardware. The RaceFlag LED Display from Racebox Sim Racing (£68) combines an 8×8 RGB LED matrix with five functional buttons in a compact 125x87x42mm unit. Black anodised aluminium housing and carbon fiber textured panels provide surprising build quality at this price point.

What I’ve been reading on RaceDepartment is that flag awareness dramatically improves race craft, particularly in iRacing where penalties for ignoring yellows are severe. The RaceFlag’s bright LED matrix remains visible in direct sunlight, and the integrated button box (2 push buttons plus 1 rotary encoder with push function) gives you 5 in-game inputs without additional hardware.

Installation involves M5 threaded inserts pre-installed on the unit, accepting the included 50x50mm angle bracket for vertical or horizontal mounting. SimHub licensed edition is recommended for full profile functionality, particularly the custom dynamic flag animations that make the display genuinely useful rather than just decorative.

The Race Flag Pro steps up with CNC anodised aluminium construction and carbon fiber mounting plate. This isn’t just a flag indicator, it’s an all-in-one system providing real-time flags, spotter signals, gear indicators, and critical redline warnings. The motorsports-grade build quality justifies the £12 premium over the RaceFlag.

Apex supplies downloadable SimHub profiles for single and dual kit configurations, removing the profile-hunting hassle. The USB connection appears as an Arduino device in SimHub’s hardware detection, and the RGB Matrix tab handles LED configuration. Installation requires basic hex tools (included) and about 20 minutes for mounting and USB routing.

For first-time DDU buyers, commercial units like the Race Flag Pro make sense over DIY builds. What I’ve found through my own DIY attempts is that hidden costs (USB hubs, quality cables, replacement components after mistakes) quickly narrow the price gap. The Race Flag Pro arrives ready to mount with proven reliability.

Mid-Range Complete DDUs (£300-500)

This price bracket delivers proper displays with professional build quality and comprehensive mounting solutions. The difference between £100 flag indicators and £400 DDUs is massive—you’re getting larger screens, higher resolutions, superior brightness, and motorsports-grade enclosures.

Apex GT3R DDU V2

The GT3R (£320-395) represents the entry point into serious display territory. This 5-inch colour LCD unit features CNC machined enclosure with multiple mounting bracket options sold separately—factor in £25-35 for Fanatec, Simucube, or universal brackets when budgeting.

SimHub compatibility includes pre-configured profiles, though community profiles from TWF Dashboards often provide better visual polish and additional game support. The colour-vibrant display handles direct sunlight reasonably well, though it can’t match the Grid DDU5’s 500-nit brightness.

Mounting flexibility is the GT3R’s strength. Apex offers bracket solutions for nearly every wheelbase and cockpit configuration: Simucube pattern (70mm horizontal spacing, M5 threaded holes), Fanatec pattern (50mm spacing), and VESA 75×75 universal mounts. This adaptability matters when you upgrade wheelbases or cockpits – the DDU moves with you.

Grid DDU5 by Sim-Lab

The DDU5 (£380-450) sits at the top of mid-range territory with exceptional value for money. The 5-inch Vocore LCD panel (480×800 resolution) delivers 500+ nit brightness that maintains perfect visibility in direct sunlight. I’ve been testing the DDU5 in our office where windows face south, and the screen never washes out even at peak afternoon sun.

The DDU will instantly make your rig feel more lifelike, and I love this little dashboard as I can see straight through my OMP GT Pro wheel rim. The unit features a motorsports-grade aluminium enclosure, anodised with an industrial coating, which houses that vibrant LCD screen and 20 configurable RGB LEDs.

Mounting to your sim racing cockpit is very easy, with two different carbon brackets supplied. If you own a Simucube 2 Pro or any MiGE-based direct drive wheels, mounting is very simple as the brackets are compatible with the Simucube mounting holes. All mounting bolts and washers are supplied too.

The DDU5 is really colour-vibrant with a Vocore screen that is SimHub compatible. The photos I’ve included feature TWF dashboard software which is by far my favourite display dashboard software of choice. The combination of hardware quality and TWF profiles creates an experience matching £1000+ professional sim racing setups.

Physical Dashboards with Integrated Controls

One of our favourites is the SimLab P1-X Dash Board Full Carbon from Apex Sim Racing. The carbon is 2mm thick and has front mounting MiGE/Simucube compatibility. Importantly, on the rear there’s a USB socket, and much like the button box on your sim steering wheel, the buttons will be immediately assignable to game controls in your favourite sim software.

This integrated approach combines 12 programmable buttons, 2 rotary encoders, and an ignition switch in a single carbon weave dashboard. The 6mm construction (some models use 2mm – verify specifications when ordering) provides rigidity that eliminates flex during intense racing. Direct USB connection means Windows recognises the unit as a game controller immediately.

Here’s something counter-intuitive about button counts: physical dashboards with integrated buttons often have fewer inputs than standalone button boxes despite higher cost. The SimLab dashboard offers 12 buttons versus 32 buttons on dedicated £150-200 button boxes. What I’ve read on r/simracing is that most users map only 15-20 functions regularly – the visual appeal of an integrated dashboard often outweighs raw button count for immersion.

Premium Displays (£500+)

Premium territory brings replica racing displays and ecosystem-specific solutions. These units justify their cost through authentic motorsports construction, advanced features, and immersion levels that transform your rig from gaming setup to proper simulator.

Porsche 911 GT3 Cup DDU

The Porsche Cup DDU (£500-600) recreates the actual display from Porsche Cup racing cars. This isn’t an approximation – it’s an authentic replica with data layouts matching real race car configurations. For GT3 and endurance racers, particularly Porsche enthusiasts, the immersion benefit outweighs the premium pricing.

The clamp-based mounting system works with any wheel deck configuration without drilling holes in your cockpit. This flexibility matters for rental properties or cockpits where permanent modifications aren’t acceptable. SimHub profiles specific to Porsche layouts are available from multiple community sources, with TWF Dashboards offering the most polished implementation.

Fanatec Podium Dashboard

If you’re a DD2/DD1 owner, check out this beauty: the Fanatec Podium DD1/DD2 Dashboard from Apex Sim Racing. Aside from huge assignability with push buttons, ignition switch, bias control and rotaries, this dashboard is made from 6mm thick carbon weave.

The Fanatec-specific mounting pattern integrates directly with Podium wheelbase mounting points, eliminating universal bracket compromises. Build quality matches the premium pricing – CNC machined components, motorsports-grade switches, and carbon construction that feels indestructible. The bias control system provides precise brake balance adjustment during races, a feature missing from most dashboards at any price.

If you’re looking for alternative layouts or compatibility with Fanatec wheelbases and different cockpits, check out the full dashboard range from Apex Sim Racing. Formula-style racing benefits from integrated dashboards that mimic real cockpit layouts, whilst GT and endurance racing may prefer separate button box placement for ergonomic access during long stints.

DIY Dash Display

To make a sim racing dashboard using a smartphone or tablet, you need SimHub software running on your PC with the web server function enabled. This creates a local network connection that pushes telemetry data to your device’s browser in real-time.

Here’s something counter-intuitive about tablets versus commercial DDUs: tablets can outperform budget displays for screen quality, but they introduce latency and stability concerns that commercial hardware eliminates. An iPad or Android tablet delivers 2048×1536+ resolution (£150-300 used market) with retina-quality graphics and unlimited profile customisation. SimHub’s web server adds 20-50ms latency via WiFi or 10-20ms via USB tethering, compared to under 5ms for commercial DDUs through direct USB.

What I’ve found in testing is that tablet solutions work brilliantly for static testing and practice sessions, but wireless drops during online races destroy immersion in ways that ruin competitive racing. USB-tethered tablets nearly match commercial DDU performance whilst maintaining the screen quality advantage. For casual racers or multi-purpose device users, tablets make perfect sense. Serious competitors should invest in dedicated hardware to eliminate latency and stability variables.

SimHub Setup for Tablets

First, download SimHub from https://www.simhubdash.com/ and install it on your PC. Once installed, launch SimHub and navigate to the “Dash Studio” section where you’ll find pre-made dashboard layouts for various racing styles.

SimHub’s dash studio provides hundreds of community-created layouts. Browse through the options and select one that matches your racing discipline—Formula layouts for single-seater racing, GT3 styles for endurance, rally layouts with pace notes integration. The photos above feature TWF dashboard which is by far my favourite display dashboard software of choice.

Enable the web server function in SimHub settings. The software will display an IP address and port number (typically 192.168.x.x:8888). This is the address you’ll enter into your tablet’s web browser to connect to the dashboard feed.

Windows Firewall Configuration

Windows Defender Firewall blocks SimHub’s web server by default. You’ll need to create an exception to allow tablet connections. Navigate to Windows Security settings, then Firewall & Network Protection, then Allow an app through firewall.

Find SimHub in the application list and enable both Private and Public network access. If SimHub doesn’t appear in the list, use “Allow another app” to browse to the SimHub executable file (typically C:\Program Files (x86)\SimHub\SimHub.exe).

For older Windows versions, the firewall interface looks slightly different but the process remains identical. Navigate to Control Panel, System and Security, Windows Defender Firewall, then Advanced Settings. Create an inbound rule for SimHub allowing TCP connections on port 8888.

Connecting Your Tablet

On your tablet, open any web browser (Chrome, Safari, Edge) and enter the IP address and port number displayed in SimHub. For example: http://192.168.1.100:8888. If it does work you’ll see a screen like this:

From here, just select your dash and make the dashboard fullscreen with the options that appear at the top of the window. The tablet now functions as a live telemetry display updating in real-time as you drive. Mount the tablet using a generic tablet holder (£15-25 from Amazon) with adjustable arm for positioning flexibility.

For improved stability, consider USB tethering instead of WiFi. Connect your tablet to the PC via USB cable, enable USB tethering in the tablet’s settings, and SimHub will automatically detect the wired connection. This reduces latency from 20-50ms down to 10-20ms and eliminates wireless dropout risks.

RGB Rev Lights and Gear Shift Indicators

Rev lights and shift indicators use LED strips to provide peripheral vision cues for optimal shift points. The technology behind these systems splits into two categories with different capabilities and driver requirements.

WS2812B addressable LEDs allow individual LED control with sequential patterns, colour gradients, and complex animations. Each LED receives its own data signal, enabling effects like progressive fill (green to yellow to red as RPMs increase) or flag indicator colours (blue flag = blue LEDs, yellow flag = yellow LEDs). SimHub provides native support for WS2812B strips through Arduino integration.

Standard RGB LEDs use three-channel control (red/green/blue) requiring PWM controllers. These limit you to single-colour zones but simplify wiring with just three wires instead of individual data lines per LED. For basic rev lights showing single colour progression, standard RGB proves sufficient. For complex patterns including flag indicators, sector timing, or stint remaining visualisations, WS2812B addressable LEDs become essential.

What I’ve been reading in SimHub Discord is that WS2812B strips from BTF-Lighting (£15-25 per 5 metres) offer best reliability. Cheap Amazon strips often suffer voltage drop issues beyond 30 LEDs, causing colour shifting or flickering at the far end of the strip. Quality strips maintain consistent brightness and colour accuracy across 60+ LEDs.

Arduino boards (Arduino Nano or Uno, £8-15) connect between your PC and LED strips, translating SimHub commands into LED signals. SimHub’s Arduino setup wizard guides you through firmware flashing and pin configuration. The process takes 15-20 minutes for first-time users, though troubleshooting driver issues can extend this significantly.

Mounting options range from magnetic strips that attach to monitor bezels (temporary but repositionable) to 3D printed brackets designed for specific cockpit profiles (permanent but optimised). Position rev lights in peripheral vision zones—approximately 30-40° off-centre from your primary viewing angle. This placement allows subconscious processing of shift cues without conscious attention diversion from the track.

Power requirements matter for longer LED strips. Each WS2812B LED draws approximately 60mA at full white brightness. A 60-LED strip at maximum brightness requires 3.6A, exceeding typical USB port capacity (0.5-0.9A). Use external 5V power supplies rated for your LED count, connecting ground wires between Arduino, LED strip, and power supply to prevent ground loops.

Mounting to Your Cockpit

Here’s something counter-intuitive about mounting systems: universal mounts often require additional spacing hardware, whilst manufacturer-specific brackets provide cleaner integration. The Simucube/MiGE mounting pattern (70mm horizontal spacing, M5 threaded holes) has become the de facto standard for mid-to-high tier DDUs.

Grid DDU5 includes Simucube-direct brackets in the box, allowing bolt-on installation without adapters or spacing washers. Apex GT3R requires separate bracket purchase (£25-35), but this approach provides flexibility for non-Simucube wheelbases. Fanatec users need 50mm spacing brackets with custom mounting solutions.

VESA 75×75 and 100×100 mounting patterns offer maximum versatility. Monitor arms (£20-30) provide adjustability that fixed brackets can’t match—six degrees of freedom for positioning, easy removal for cockpit reconfiguration, and tool-free adjustment during racing sessions. What I’ve been reading on RaceDepartment forums is that monitor arm mounts often provide more adjustability than manufacturer brackets, especially for non-standard cockpit configurations.

The trade-off comes in rigidity. Direct-mount brackets eliminate flex and vibration but lock you into fixed positioning. Monitor arms introduce potential vibration points, particularly with heavier DDUs or aggressive force feedback settings. For wheelbases above 15Nm peak torque, verify monitor arm load ratings (typically 2-8kg maximum).

Wheel deck mounting places DDUs behind the steering wheel for through-the-rim visibility. This requires displays under 6 inches diagonal and careful positioning to avoid obstructing wheel buttons or paddles. My DDU5 mounts 8cm behind the wheel plane, visible through the 28cm diameter OMP rim with minimal head movement required.

Side mounting positions DDUs to the left or right of the wheelbase, useful for cockpits with limited vertical space or users preferring peripheral vision data display. This placement works brilliantly for flag indicators and secondary information but feels unnatural for primary data like speed and gear position.

Cable management determines how professional your installation looks. Use spiral wrap or cable sleeves for USB and power cables, routing them along cockpit extrusion channels where possible. Leave 20-30cm service loops near connections for maintenance access without complete disassembly. Velcro cable ties allow repositioning during setup without zip tie waste.

Choosing the Right Dashboard for Your Setup

Your wheelbase and cockpit combination determines which dashboards mount cleanly versus requiring adapter brackets. Simucube 2 Pro and MiGE-based systems work perfectly with Grid DDU5, Apex GT3R (with bracket), and most premium displays using the 70mm mounting standard. Fanatec Podium wheelbases benefit from Fanatec-specific dashboards that integrate with the existing mounting points.

Budget allocation should prioritise brightness over resolution if you’re racing in bright rooms. The £380 Grid DDU5 with 500-nit brightness provides better visibility than £600+ displays with higher resolution but only 250-nit panels. For dark room setups or VR users adding ambient lighting, prioritise resolution and consider OLED options.

Time investment matters more than most buyers anticipate. DIY builds save £200-300 but consume 10-15 hours including research, ordering, assembly, troubleshooting, and profile configuration. Commercial units arrive ready to mount with proven reliability and warranty support. For first-time DDU buyers, commercial makes sense. For electronics enthusiasts who enjoy Arduino projects and 3D printing, DIY provides rewarding learning experiences.

Button count versus immersion requires honest assessment of your mapping habits. Most users actively use 15-20 functions regularly—pit limiter, black box, brake bias, traction control, ABS, fuel mix, and basic menu navigation. Physical dashboards with 12-15 buttons provide sufficient inputs whilst delivering authentic race car aesthetics. Dedicated 32-button boxes maximise input density but sacrifice visual appeal.

Software ecosystem matters long-term. SimHub’s monthly updates introduce new features and game support, but commercial DDUs ship with outdated profiles. Budget time for profile exploration via RaceDepartment forums, TWF Dashboards, or SimHub’s official Discord. The gap between manufacturer defaults and community creations is substantial—TWF profiles alone justify SimHub’s £10-15 licensed edition cost.

Future-proofing comes through mounting flexibility and USB connectivity. VESA-compatible displays move between cockpits and wheelbase upgrades without replacing mounting hardware. Direct USB connection ensures compatibility with future SimHub versions and Windows updates. Proprietary wireless protocols or manufacturer-specific software create upgrade barriers when you eventually replace other rig components.

That’s the comprehensive breakdown of sim racing dashboards and DDUs. Whether you’re starting with £10 DIY buttons or investing in a £600 replica racing display, the right dashboard transforms your cockpit from gaming setup into proper simulator. SimHub ties the ecosystem together, brightness trumps resolution for racing visibility, and commercial solutions increasingly make financial sense when factoring time investment against DIY savings.

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