Beginner sim racing setup: what to buy on a budget

First things first: your platform and your space

The first question is not your budget but the machine you play on. Consoles only accept hardware that the manufacturer states as compatible. On PC, the choice is much wider, especially in direct drive.

The second question is the space you have. If you race at a desk, favour a bundle that ships with a desk clamp. If you have a dedicated corner, a cockpit can come later. Our guide to PS5, Xbox and PC wheel compatibility covers compatibility model by model.

It is also worth thinking about the games you want to play. Some major titles are exclusive to one platform, and that alone can decide which wheels are on your shortlist. Our guide to sim racing games on PC and console lists the main options.

All-in-one bundles for beginners

A bundle brings together the wheel base, the wheel and the pedals. It is the simplest option for a first purchase: everything is compatible and ready to plug in. The table below lists the bundles in our catalogue, with prices checked on 6 October 2026.

For a reasoned selection, see our beginner sim racing setup ranking and the full bundles catalogue.

Around €250 to €300: entry level

At this level, the Thrustmaster T248 and the Logitech G923 are the go-to choices on console. The T248R was listed at €249.99 instead of €299.99, and the G923 PlayStation/PC version at €299 instead of €379.99. Both include a three-pedal set with a clutch.

On PC, the MOZA R3 changes the picture. For the €299 listed when we checked, it combines a 3.9 Nm direct drive base, a wheel, a two-pedal set and a desk clamp. MOZA also sells an Xbox & PC version, listed at €359.

Whichever you pick, this tier is enough to learn the tracks, understand car control and find out how much time you really want to spend in sim racing.

Around €400 to €650: affordable direct drive

This tier opens the door to complete direct drive setups. On PC, the MOZA R5 (listed at €399, crossed-out price €479) and the Fanatec CSL DD Ready2Race (€509.95) are two good entry points. The Fanatec bundle includes a desk clamp and pedals that can be upgraded to three pedals.

On PlayStation, our catalogue includes two direct drive bundles. The Thrustmaster T598 (listed at €449.99) is rated at 5 Nm constant. The Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro 5 Nm (€649.95) carries the official Gran Turismo licence and includes a desk clamp for 5 to 60 mm tops, according to Fanatec.

These bundles still work on a desk. Our guide on how to mount a racing wheel on a desk explains how to fit them properly. If you are torn between the two technologies, read direct drive vs belt drive first.

Adding a cockpit: when and which one?

A cockpit is not the first thing to buy. It becomes useful when the desk moves, when the chair rolls back under braking, or when you want a proper driving position. In our catalogue, the most affordable models are foldable and come with a seat.

• Next Level Racing F-GT Lite: foldable, fabric seat, checked at €299.
• Playseat Challenge X: foldable, seat included, checked at €299.
• Sim-Lab GT1 Evo: aluminium profile without seat, checked at €375.86, ready for direct drive according to Sim-Lab.

Our sim racing cockpit buying guide compares every model and frame type.

In what order should you upgrade your setup?

1. Buy a wheel and pedal bundle that works with your platform.
2. Mount it firmly and set up your driving position.
3. Replace or complement the brake with a load cell model: the Fanatec CSL Pedals LC set was checked at €179.90.
4. Move to a cockpit when the desk or the chair starts to hold you back.
5. Increase wheel base power last, if you feel the need.

The logic is simple: each step fixes the main limitation of the previous one. A load cell brake often brings more consistency than a stronger base, as explained in our guide to load cell pedals. When you do want more power, our guide on how much torque you need helps you pick the right range.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Buying a PC-only base and expecting to use it on console.
• Comparing torque figures without checking whether they are peak or sustained values.
• Forgetting that some bases are sold without a wheel or pedals.
• Choosing a powerful base for a lightweight desk.
• Neglecting the pedals, even though they decide how consistent your braking is.

To check that every part of a planned setup fits together, you can also use our rig builder before ordering.

Figures from official manufacturer spec sheets and market prices checked on 6 October 2026. Not a hands-on test: see our methodology.