The Best Sim Racing Seats – Buyer’s Guide

Featured image: my sim racing setup with a Motorbase seat

How did I end up spending three months researching racing seats? For me, it started with back pain after a particularly gruelling endurance race. I’d been racing on an office chair I’d had since university, and whilst it was fine for the odd hour here and there, it wasn’t cutting it for proper sim racing.

The thing about choosing a racing seat is this: you can spend £400 on something that looks like it was ripped from a GT3 car, bolt it to your rig, and discover you can’t actually fit into it properly because you measured wrong. I know this because I did exactly that with my first bucket seat. Shoulder width matters. Hip width matters. And those measurements guides that manufacturers provide? Use them.

In this guide, I’ll cover gaming chairs (which are far more practical than I initially gave them credit for), budget racing seats that don’t compromise on the fundamentals, and proper motorsport-grade options from brands that actually supply Formula 1 teams. I’ll also go over mounting solutions, because a brilliant seat with rubbish sliders is just an expensive way to be uncomfortable.

If you’re looking for a complete rig with integrated seat and frame, check out my other guide to the best sim rigs on the market, or our F1 rig guide. Today I’m purely focusing on stand-alone seats to complement a cockpit you’ve already purchased.

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How to Choose a Sim Racing Seat

The biggest thing to remember when picking a racing seat is that the process will have a certain amount of personal relevance. There are cardinal buying rules – fit, materials, mounting compatibility – but beyond that, it depends entirely on your budget and what you’re trying to achieve.

Probably the most important thing you should consider before committing to any particular model is whether or not your seat will fit you. It’s good practice to measure yourself much like you would for new clothing, and have these sizes handy when you’re browsing online. All seats have a measurement guide like this:

The point is that you want your sim experience to feel as real as possible, so make sure to check out the adjustability of all seats to ensure that you’ll get the best seating position that makes you feel like a racer.

As with any sim racing equipment, I recommend spending ample time researching a variety of trusted brands. What’s interesting about seats is that you’re not limited to sim racing brands. You have the option of selecting real racing seats that are built for use in motorsport. Seats for sim racing and motorsport seats share the same base dimensions – they’re compatible for mounting.

Of course, some people are happy to play sim racing games from an office chair, but if you’re looking to step up your immersion levels, you can’t beat a proper bucket seat for the bolstering hip support they can provide. This is especially important if you race for extended periods. It will pay dividends, in the long run, to invest in a good seat.

When you start your search for a new sim racing seat, here’s a quick checklist of items to keep in mind:

• Frame/shell materials (steel, fibreglass, carbon fibre)
• Upholstery materials
• Ergonomic and adjustable design
• Lumbar support
• Secure mounting system
• Style: F1 / Formula racing, Hybrid (LM prototypes) or GTE?
• Price

It’s worth doing your research on Reddit. You’ll find people who have similar preferences to you, and these individuals can be valuable sources of information as to where you can find useful upgrades or whether you should try out certain sim racing products.

Gaming Chairs vs Proper Racing Seats

Before we get into specific products, it’s worth understanding the fundamental difference between gaming chairs and proper racing seats.

Gaming chairs offer excellent comfort for extended sessions. They include features like recline functions, armrests, and built-in lumbar support. They’re ideal if you also use your rig for work or want something that’s easier to get in and out of.

Proper racing seats, on the other hand, are designed to lock you in place with aggressive side bolstering and a fixed position. They provide the authentic racing feel and are essential if you’re using a motion rig or want the most immersive experience possible. The trade-off is that they’re less versatile and can be challenging to climb in and out of.

Let me be honest here – gaming chairs won’t give you the locked-in feel of a proper bucket seat. But they’re far more practical for daily use. If you’re planning marathon endurance sessions or sharing your rig with family members of different sizes, a gaming chair might be the smarter choice.

Gaming // Ergonomic Chairs for Sim Racing

I’ve spent a fair bit of time sitting in various gaming chairs for both sim racing and general gaming. Whilst they might not look as motorsport-authentic as a bucket seat, they offer genuine advantages for many sim racers.

GTRacing

Founded in 2011 with a “BE COOL BE FREE” design philosophy, GTRacing has built a reputation in the e-sports world. They’re the official gaming chair of Niconico Japan and got featured in Forbes’ “Best Gaming Chair for Serious Gamers” list. The brand focuses on accessible gaming chairs with proper ergonomic features rather than just racing aesthetics.

Range: Four distinct series spanning $129.99 to $344.99, with over 18 products covering everything from budget footrest models to premium ergonomic designs with advanced lumbar support systems.

Who they’re for: GTRacing excels at the office-gaming hybrid role. If you’re using your rig for work during the day and racing at night, these chairs handle both brilliantly. What I appreciate is the adjustability – height, armrests, recline angle – making them excellent for shared setups. The Ergonomic Series with mesh backing stays cool during long stints, whilst the Ace Series provides enough lateral support for moderate force feedback wheels. The footrest models are particularly clever for endurance racing where you want to stretch out between stints.

Footrest Series GT505F ($129.99): This is your entry point. Retractable footrest, PU leather, 90°-165° recline. It’s basic but solid, supporting up to 350 lbs with a proper metal frame. The bladed seat design provides decent lateral support despite the budget price. For £130, you’re getting proper adjustability and that footrest function which, frankly, is brilliant for longer sessions.

Ace-S1 ($139.99): Steps up the padding with high-density foam and memory foam combination. The 3D sponge backrest hugs your body better than the GT505F, reducing fatigue during longer races. Still includes that retractable footrest.

Ergonomic Series Luft 310 ($179.99): My pick for extended sessions. The breathable 4D mesh keeps you cool even when you’re sweating through qualifying. The auto-chasing lumbar mechanism adapts as you move, and the 96°-106°-116° lockable recline positions are spot-on for different racing styles. Rated highly in Japan specifically for comfort.

Ace Series Dragon ($219.99): The reinforced side bolstering here actually provides meaningful lateral support when wrestling with high FFB settings. Pocket spring cushioning in the seat base distributes weight better than foam alone. The metal armrest frames won’t flex under load like cheaper nylon alternatives.

Ace Series GTX320 ($239.99): The top-tier gaming chair for serious sim racing. Most aggressive bolstering of the range, quality materials that’ll withstand daily use, proper lumbar adjustment. If I wanted a gaming chair for competitive racing rather than casual driving, this is what I’d choose.

Apex Sim Racing

Apex Sim Racing is a reputable US-based specialist retailer offering high-quality sim racing products from top brands including Moza, Simagic, Cube Controls, and Sabelt. They’ve become a trusted source for sim racing enthusiasts across North America, known particularly for excellent customer service and efficient shipping.

Range: Gaming chairs similar in specification to GTRacing, with particular focus on ergonomic designs featuring breathable materials and advanced lumbar support systems. Range spans $129.99 to $299.99.

Who they’re for: What sets Apex apart is the US-based customer service and rapid shipping – typically 2-4 business days for in-stock items. If you’re in North America and want the peace of mind of dealing with a local specialist who understands sim racing specifically, Apex is worth considering. Their Ergonomic Series chairs prioritise comfort over aesthetics, making them excellent choices for anyone doing multi-hour endurance races.

Ace Series ZEUS ($129.99): Entry-level offering with solid construction and 350 lb weight capacity. Available in multiple colours to match your setup. Decent padding for the price point.

Ergonomic Series CH153 ($169.99): Features segmented ergonomic zones targeting neck, shoulders, and back pressure dispersion. The dual-layer backrest combines elastic high-density foam with high-loft fibre for proper support without the dead-leg numbness you get from cheaper chairs.

Ergonomic Series Ergo13 ($179.99): The auto-chasing lumbar mechanism is the highlight here – it doesn’t just push against your lower back, it actually moves with you. You can lock it in place for more rigid support during intense racing or leave it free to flex during longer endurance stints. The 4D mesh is properly breathable.

Ace Series ARTHUR ($299.99): Top of the Apex gaming chair range. Reinforced metal armrest frames, thick padding throughout, aggressive bolstering that approaches proper racing seat levels whilst maintaining gaming chair adjustability.

Budget to Mid-Range Racing Seats

This is where we transition from gaming chairs to proper racing seats. The seats in this category offer authentic racing positions with side bolstering, but at price points that won’t require selling organs.

Playseat Challenge & Evolution

Founded in 1995, Playseat is a Dutch brand with over 25 years creating racing simulators. They hold multi-year partnerships with Formula 1, Red Bull Racing, and Mercedes-AMG. Their products are endorsed by F1 drivers including Max Verstappen and feature patented ForceLock™ technology.

Range: Challenge and Evolution series span $229.99 to $299.99. Both feature Playseat’s patented foldable design – brilliant for space-constrained setups. ActiFit breathable fabric throughout, supporting the full range of wheels and pedals on the market.

Who they’re for: These are brilliant solutions for apartment dwellers, students in dorms, or anyone who can’t dedicate permanent floor space to a full rig. The Challenge particularly shines here – it folds completely flat and can slide under a bed or into a cupboard in under a minute. What surprised me is how stable they are despite the folding mechanism. The Evolution offers a more substantial feel with better padding, but the Challenge is what I’d recommend for most people in this category. Both work with Direct Drive wheels despite looking delicate. The ActiFit fabric genuinely stays cool – no sweaty back after a two-hour endurance race.

Challenge ActiFit ($229.99): The original foldable racing seat. Powder-coated steel frame, ActiFit breathable mesh seat, adjustable wheel plate that swings up for entry/exit. Accommodates heights from 120cm to 220cm (47″ to 87″) and weights up to 122kg (270 lbs). The low, reclined position is proper racing car geometry.

Challenge NASCAR Edition ($259.99): Same mechanical design as the standard Challenge but upgraded with Alcantara suede seat covering featuring authentic NASCAR stripes and branding. The suede grips better than the standard mesh, keeping you planted during aggressive steering inputs.

Evolution ActiFit ($249.99): More substantial than the Challenge with thicker padding and a beefier frame, but maintains the foldable design. The seat is wider and more comfortable for longer sessions. Still supports all wheel and pedal combinations, still folds for storage.

Evolution Racing Suede ($299.99): Top of the foldable range with black racing suede upholstery that looks properly premium. The suede provides excellent grip without being abrasive. This is what I’d get if budget allowed.

Extreme Simracing – Complete Brazilian Packages

Extreme Simracing is a Brazilian manufacturer specialising in complete simulator packages. Their approach is simple: deliver motorsport-level quality at competitive prices. Their seats include all necessary mounting hardware and support drivers up to 310 lbs.

Range: Five distinct seat models from $229 to $499. Every package includes mounting brackets and sliding rails – you’re not buying just a seat. Fibreglass construction keeps weight down whilst maintaining rigidity.

Who they’re for: The complete package approach is what sets Extreme apart. You’re not piecing together compatibility across different manufacturers. This is brilliant for first-time builders who don’t want to worry about whether their sliders will fit their brackets which will fit their rig. The Brazilian engineering brings motorsport DNA at prices that undercut most European and American brands. What I’ve read on r/simracing suggests shipping times can vary (it’s coming from Brazil, after all), but the products themselves are well-regarded for the price point. The 310 lb capacity accommodates larger drivers better than many competitors.

Compact Seat ($229): Entry-level fibreglass bucket seat with double slider included. Sports car-inspired design with comfortable foam padding. It’s compact, as the name suggests – shoulder width 21″, lower back 14″, thighs 16″. Check measurements carefully if you’re broad-shouldered.

XT Premium Seat ($399): Steps up to sports car-level design and finish. More generous dimensions than the Compact with improved foam density for longer sessions. The premium designation refers to both materials and fit-and-finish quality.

GTX Seat ($429): Competition-level design with adjustable seat distance via included double slider. Fibreglass shell, comfortable foam, proper side bolstering. Extreme claims it supports riders up to 140kg (308 lbs).

XL Seat ($499): The name tells the story – this is for larger drivers. Features firm backrest for greater stability when using load cell brakes, metal side plates for customising seating angle, reinforced mounting points. Includes L brackets, rails, adjustment rod.

Advanced SimRacing

Established in 2020, Advanced SimRacing is a rapidly growing Canadian manufacturer focusing on high-quality racing simulation chassis and adjustable seating systems. Their innovative designs cater to both amateur and professional sim racers, positioned in the premium segment with lifetime hardware warranties.

Range: Three distinct seat models from $249.99 to $419.99. Advanced SimRacing’s unique selling point is their reclining racing seats – they’re the only manufacturer doing this properly. Vinyl and suede options available, all include sliding seat rails.

Who they’re for: Advanced SimRacing is the only manufacturer offering proper racing seats with recline functions. This matters enormously if you’re sharing your rig across multiple users with different preferences, or if you use your setup for both racing and flight simulation (where a more upright position helps). The lifetime warranty on structural components is confidence-inspiring – they’re backing their engineering long-term. Being Canadian-made means faster shipping throughout North America compared to European imports.

Recliner Seat Vinyl ($249.99): The budget-friendly recliner option. Features medium-sized side bolsters to fit most body types, Advanced SimRacing logo embroidered on headrest, included sliding seat rails. Seat height 36″, width 20.5″, length 22″ in standard tilt. The recline function means you can adjust between racing and more relaxed positions.

Bucket Seat ($399.99): Fixed-back fibreglass construction with side mounting brackets included. High-quality sport-style PVC leather, medium side bolsters, removable padding. This is for those who want a traditional bucket seat rather than the adjustable recliner design. Dimensions: height 36″, width 21″, length 24″.

Premium Recliner Seat Suede ($419.99): Top-tier adjustable option with high-quality breathable suede material instead of vinyl. The suede provides better grip and looks more premium. Features high side bolsters for optimal support – more aggressive than the vinyl version. Same recliner mechanism but with upgraded materials throughout.

Racingcockpits – Accessible Carbon Fibre

Racingcockpits focuses on adjustable carbon fibre racing seats. Their Selection series offers champion-recommended designs backed by 2-year warranties, bringing carbon fibre technology to accessible price points.

Range: The Selection Carbon PRO Adjustable Racing Seat at $250 represents their core offering – genuine carbon fibre construction at a price point typically associated with fibreglass seats.

Who they’re for: If you want carbon fibre but can’t justify the typical £1000+ price tags, Racingcockpits bridges that gap. The Selection Carbon PRO’s adjustability means it works across different body sizes without the commitment of a fully custom seat. The 2-year warranty provides peace of mind, though I’d note that we have limited information on long-term durability compared to more established brands. At $250, it’s worth considering if carbon fibre appeals but you’re not ready for Sabelt or Sparco pricing.

Selection Carbon PRO Adjustable Racing Seat ($250): Carbon fibre shell construction keeps weight low whilst maintaining rigidity. Adjustable design accommodates various body types. Champion-recommended suggests it’s been validated by competitive sim racers. 2-year warranty covers manufacturing defects.

Premium Racing Seats

Now we’re into serious territory – seats engineered to professional standards, often with real motorsport heritage.

Trak Racer – Motorsport Engineering Expertise

Founded in 2008, Trak Racer is an Australian brand that’s become a global leader in sim racing hardware. They’re trusted by professional drivers and esports champions worldwide. As official partner to the BWT Alpine Formula One Team and Airbus Aircraft, they co-produce advanced simulators like the Alpine Racing TRX.

Range: The GT Style TR Series Fibreglass seats represent Trak Racer’s commitment to bringing F1-level engineering to sim racing. Currently priced at $356.15 (reduced from $419), featuring ultralight fibreglass construction with motorsport-inspired ergonomics.

Who they’re for: The Alpine F1 partnership isn’t marketing fluff. Trak Racer’s seats benefit from insights gained working with actual Formula 1 engineers. The TR Series delivers that same rigidity and driver positioning found in professional simulators, but at prices accessible to serious enthusiasts. The 200kg (440 lbs) weight capacity and side-mount design make them compatible with most 8020 aluminium rigs. What impressed me is the high-density foam padding that maintains shape over time – cheaper seats compress and lose support within months. If you’re running Direct Drive wheels above 15Nm, this level of rigidity matters.

Black GT Style TR Series Fibreglass Seat ($356.15, reduced from $419): Ultralight fibreglass shell with impact-resistant construction and integrated side bolsters. High-density foam padding is washable and breathable. Accommodates Small to XL body types (up to 46″ waist) with 200kg weight capacity. Side-mounted with standard M8-size 29.5mm spacing for universal rig compatibility. Features motorsport-inspired ergonomics designed by experienced race seat engineers to promote correct posture and reduce fatigue. Note: This is for simulation use only, not road-legal for vehicles.

Playseat Premium Range – Official F1 Partnership

Founded in 1995, Playseat brings over 25 years of experience with official partnerships spanning Formula 1, Red Bull Racing, and Mercedes-AMG. Their products are endorsed by F1 drivers including Max Verstappen and feature patented ForceLock™ technology.

Range: The premium Playseat range spans $349.99 to $2,999.99. These feature the ForceLock™ system that allows extreme forces to be applied without flexing. These are the seats used by Max Verstappen at home and in professional esports environments.

Who they’re for: If you’re running high-end Direct Drive wheels (20Nm+), motion platforms, or competing in serious esports leagues, this is the level you need. The ForceLock™ system is properly engineered – it allows super-quick adjustments of wheel and pedal positions whilst maintaining absolute rigidity under load. The official F1 liveries aren’t just cosmetic; they represent authentic partnerships where Playseat works directly with teams to replicate their actual racing positions. The Formula Intelligence at the top end was co-developed with F1 teams over 10 years.

Forza Motorsport ($349.99): Official licensed collaboration with Microsoft’s Forza franchise. Leather-look black vinyl upholstery with Forza Motorsport logos. Patented foldable design (yes, still foldable at this price point) makes it practical for homes. Highly adjustable, very stable, suited for maximum braking force.

Trophy Red/Black ($499.99): Frameless but extremely stable design developed with input from real racing drivers and esports athletes. The frameless construction means the seat adapts naturally to your body whilst maintaining rigidity for Direct Drive wheels. ActiFit™ breathable material prevents sweating during intense sessions.

PRO Formula Red Bull Racing ($1,499.99): The seat Max Verstappen uses at home. Official Red Bull Racing livery with ForceLock™ system allowing extreme forces with zero flex. Designed to replicate F1 driving position exactly. Low, sloped seating position offers immersion beyond any other platform. Accommodates 120cm to 220cm height (47″ to 87″) and up to 122kg (270 lbs).

Formula Intelligence Mercedes/Red Bull ($2,999.99): The ultimate. Developed over 10 years partnering with F1 teams and drivers. Offers the most realistic F1 racing experience possible in simulation. Features flex-free F1 seating position, fully adjustable via knob-free sliding system, wheel and pedal plates adjust in seconds.

Sabelt

Founded in 1972, Sabelt is an Italian motorsport brand with over 50 years manufacturing safety equipment for real-world motorsport and aerospace. Their products are used by multiple Formula 1 teams. They entered the sim racing market in 2023, bringing 100% Italian-made quality and authentic racing heritage to digital driving experiences.

Range: Three distinct models from $549 to $679. Each features ultralight fibreglass shells, removable 20mm high-density foam pads, and professional-grade construction. These are 100% Italian-made seats from a brand trusted in actual F1 racing.

Who they’re for: This is the real deal. Sabelt’s straps and harnesses are used in actual Formula 1 cars – their safety equipment protects drivers at 200mph. That engineering expertise translates directly to their sim racing seats. The fibreglass construction is ultralight yet incredibly rigid, the foam padding uses the same high-density material found in their motorsport seats, and the build quality is simply on another level. At $549-$679, they’re positioned between budget fibreglass and full carbon fibre. What you’re paying for is authentic motorsport pedigree, Italian craftsmanship, and the confidence that comes from a brand with 50+ years in racing.

SRS-1 ($549-$799 depending on variant): GT-style bucket seat with ultralight fibreglass shell. Designed to fit most drivers comfortably with generous dimensions – shoulder width 42cm, hip width 34cm. Removable high-density 20mm foam pad kit allows customisation of fit. Weight: just 27 lbs (12.2kg), making it one of the lightest proper racing seats available. Multiple colour variants available (Yellow, Black, Red accents). Seat brackets sold separately.

SRP-1 ($579-$679): Formula-inspired design with vertical backrest for authentic F1 seating position. Reinforced fibreglass shell provides optimal body rigidity for stability during intense racing. The vertical backrest angle is specifically designed for single-seater simulation – Formula 1, IndyCar, Formula 2/3/4, etc. Padded with 20mm thick high-density foam throughout.

SRX-1 ($659): Aggressive bolstering with vertical backrest, specifically developed for Sabelt’s X Series cockpits but compatible with S Series rigs too. Features most aggressive side bolstering of the Sabelt range whilst maintaining ergonomic comfort. Available in blue and black colourways to complement various sim rig aesthetics.

Essential Accessories

A brilliant seat is only as good as its mounting system. I’ve seen too many people invest in expensive seats only to bolt them directly to their rig with inadequate adjustment.

Seat Sliders

If you’re sharing your rig or want fine-tuning capability, sliders are essential. The most affordable option is the Sparco Seat Slider from Sim-Lab at $59.95 – it offers 23cm of adjustment and includes all mounting hardware. The width is adjustable by bending the centre bar, which sounds crude but works brilliantly.

Moving up, the OMP Universal Seat Sliders at $95.99 feature a double-locking mechanism for added safety. These are what I use on my motion rig – that extra security is worth the price difference when you’re being thrown around.

For premium builds, consider the Sabelt options ranging from $99.99 to $174.99. The P Series sliders include an anti-noise system that eliminates the annoying rattles you sometimes get with cheaper options.

Seat Brackets

You’ll need appropriate brackets to mount your seat. The PRO SIMRIG brackets offer excellent adjustability, whilst the Sabelt brackets ($89-$124.99) are specifically designed for their S and X series seats but work with most side-mount seats. Made from 5mm thick aluminium, they’re properly robust.

Harnesses

If you’re going full immersion, the Sabelt Sim Racing Seatbelts at $229.99 add that final touch of authenticity. The 4-point harness with quick-release buckle not only looks the part but genuinely helps keep you positioned correctly during intense sessions. Just remember – these are for sim use only!

How to Mount Your Sim Racing Seat

There are a few different ways to mount your seat to your rig. Generally it’s recommended to buy mounts from the same retailer as the seat to ensure compatibility.

The three most common ways to mount a seat are: side mounts (fixed position), runner kits (adjustable), and base plates (fixed position). Depending on the brand of your seat, you may be able to choose between any of the three choices, or you may be forced to choose one. It’ll also be dependent on what type of cockpit you’re using, so before you click to buy, make sure you’ve covered all your bases.

Steel Side Mounts

These steel side mounts are multi-drilled to provide lots of scope for adjustment, allowing you to position your seat in the most suitable position. A good thing to note is that these mounts will fit most side-mounted seats including those from Sparco, OMP, Cobra and Corbeau.

Cobra Universal Seat Runners

Seat runners are universally designed to give shell seats some adjustability.

They sit between the standard steel mount (mentioned above) and will mount on an 8020 style aluminium rig easily.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right seat is deeply personal. What works brilliantly for me might be uncomfortable for you.

That said, if you’re just starting out, I’d recommend beginning with a gaming chair unless you’re certain you want the full racing experience. The GTRacing Ace Series GTX320 at $239.99 or an Advanced SimRacing Recliner at $249.99 gives you flexibility without sacrificing too much immersion.

For those ready to commit to proper racing seats, the Playseat Challenge ActiFit is exceptional value at $229.99 for space-constrained setups. If you need a complete package with all mounting hardware sorted, the Extreme Simracing XT Premium at $399 offers brilliant value.

If budget allows, the Sabelt SRS-1 at $549 brings authentic motorsport heritage and Italian craftsmanship to your rig. The ultralight fibreglass construction and removable foam pads provide professional-grade comfort and rigidity. It’s what I’d choose for a new build today.

Remember, prices shown are current thanks to our real-time API integration and may vary. Always check availability as popular models do sell out – the Trak Racer and Sabelt options particularly seem to fly off the shelves.

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