The best sim racing accessories

Sim racing products to up your game

Man in a racing simulator

by Myles Warwood |
Updated on

So you want to be a sim racer, but your rig ain't fly? Well, instead of a visit from Xzibit in some weird episode of Pimp My Ride, CAR will look through some of the best sim racing accessories out there to help you get the maximum from your rig and bring your driving up a level.

You don't have to have the most extravagant set-up to get the best out of your driving, but it is nice to have extra comfort levels while you game. This will keep your driving at its peak for as long as you can maintain while giving you something nice to enjoy.

What do I need to accessorize my sim?

This all depends on your personal needs and wants. Some people might want a new seat to give them a better driving position, a sharper, more controlled handbrake, new headphones with a microphone or even just some lighting to go around your sim to make it 'look cool' when you Twitch. Whatever your reason, there's an endless list of things you can do.

Do accessories make me a better sim racer?

No. Sorry.

Well, that's not strictly true. If you get a better servo for your steering wheel or some pedals with a better response, you can improve your driving by the feel that you get back through the controllers. However, as with anything in life, it takes practice.

Plus, some pretty lights around the edge of your sim will do nothing for your driving skill, but they might look nice on your Insta live stream.

The best sim accessories

This can be quite a long list, as it depends on what you're looking for, but let's get into it and see what comes out of it.

Stands and seats

Upgrading your rig with a stand or a seat is one of the quickest and easiest things you can do. Instead of having your pedals on the floor and steering wheel clamped to a desk, you can start customising things. This likely means you'll be more comfortable for longer and feel better behind the wheel.

Please note: All prices correct at time of writing. Prices, stock and deals subject to change without notice.

Simple and practical, this stand will hold your wheel, pedals and gear lever/handbrake if you have one. A considerable advantage is that it can be folded down, so you don't always have to have it take up floor space. It's sturdy and robust, meaning you can use it with powerful direct-drive wheel systems.

Pros

  • Folds away
  • Relatively low cost
  • Sturdy and strong

Cons

  • It would be best if you still had pedals, seats, steering wheel, etc
Compatibility:Wheel (<a href="https://www.demon-tweeks.com/uk/trak-racer-fs3-steering-wheel-stand-trkfs3-02/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">check demon tweaks website</a>), Pedals (<a href="https://www.demon-tweeks.com/uk/trak-racer-fs3-steering-wheel-stand-trkfs3-02/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">check demon tweaks website</a>), Shifter (<a href="https://www.demon-tweeks.com/uk/trak-racer-fs3-steering-wheel-stand-trkfs3-02/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">check demon tweaks website</a>), Handbrake (<a href="https://www.demon-tweeks.com/uk/trak-racer-fs3-steering-wheel-stand-trkfs3-02/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">check demon tweaks website</a>)
Adjustable:3 height settings
Wheel mount:Yes
Pedal mounts:Yes
  • Compact folding design
  • Adjustable height
  • Superior build quality and stability

On offer

Playseat® Challenge Actifit – Black
Price: $138.07
Alternative retailers
Walmart$294.15View offer

You might feel more like a racing driver with this Playseat® Challenge Actifit. The more laid-back position with your bum below your knees is something more accustomed to F1 drivers. There's a mount for your steering wheel and also for your pedals. The activity material is breathable to regulate your body temperature, and the seat is compatible with a wide range of wheels and pedals.

Pros

  • Folds down
  • Lightweight
  • Compatible with a variety of other products

Cons

  • Needs to be set up every time you play
Compatibility:A wide variety of wheels and pedals
Adjustable:Yes
Wheel mount:Yes
Pedal mounts:Yes
  • Unique foldable design
  • Highly adjustable, realistic cockpit
  • Superior build quality and materials: breathable ActiFit material to avoid sweat even in the most excessive racing sessions
  • Very stable and comfortable
  • Compatible with all steering wheels and pedals currently available, including Logitech, Thrustmaster and Fanatec

Trak Racer TR80 Lite Aluminium Sim Racing Cockpit
Price: $379 starting

www.demon-tweeks.com

An all-in-one purpose-built racing cockpit made of strong and rigid aluminium, it can withstand vibrations and high levels of longitudinal, transverse and forces. It can withstand pressures up to 10Nm from direct drive wheels. The impressive build of this cockpit doesn't end there, with the pedal tray constructed of no-flex carbon.

Pros

  • Heavy duty
  • Angle-adjusted pedal plate
  • Seat adjustable backwards and forwards

Cons

  • Permanently set up
Compatibility:A wide variety of wheels and pedals
Adjustable:Seat adjustable back and forth and reclining options, pedal angle adjustable
Wheel mount:Yes
Pedal mounts:Yes
  • Heavy-duty anodised black 90-degree brackets connect the frame, and laser-cut carbon steel plates allow you to attach your peripherals.
  • The pedal plate can be angle adjusted, moved forwards and backwards and has a locking lever to lock it into place.
  • The base structure is an 80mm × 40mm high-end aluminium T-slot extruded profile anodised in black.

Discounted

Playseat® Trophy - Black

Rrp: $599.00

Price: $549.00
Alternative retailers
Best Buy$499.00View offer
Walmart$549.00View offer
Adorama$549.00View offer

It might not look like it, but this Playseat Trophy is fully adjustable. You can raise or lower the seat height and adjust the backrest, seat harness, lumbar support, pedal plate and steering wheelbase. All aimed at getting your perfect racing position. While it's handy to have so many levels of adjustability, you might want to keep your mates off it, as getting back to that position may never happen! The ActiFit material will keep you comfortable while driving.

Pros

  • Hugely adjustable
  • Comfortable
  • Only 15kg

Cons

  • You can get more sturdy builds for less
Compatibility:A wide variety of wheels and pedals
Adjustable:Yes, plenty of adjustabilities
Wheel mount:Yes
Pedal mounts:Yes
  • Developed with input from real racing drivers and e-sport athletes
  • A frameless but extremely stable seating structure in which the seat adapts itself naturally to the body of the racer
  • The actual racing experience, as you can find in real bucket seats.
  • Experience any true force feedback signals with all your senses
  • The comfortable sitting position is made out of Playseat ActiFit material, allowing many hours of racing without sweating.
  • Fully adjustable for finding the perfect driving position for all ages (from children to adults)
  • Pedal plate suited for maximum braking force.
  • Recommended for Direct Drive wheels
  • Compatible with all Direct Drive steering wheels on the market (Fanatec, SimSteering, Heusinkveld, Simucube, etc.)
  • Compatible with all steering wheels and pedals on the market (Logitech, Thrustmaster, etc.)

Steering Wheels, Servos and Display units

Black Friday Deal

Thrustmaster F1 Wheel Add on
Price: $179.99

So, you want your rig to resemble an F1 car? Well, Thrustmaster makes this add-on, which means you'll already have to have a Thrustmaster wheel in the first place. Based on the Ferrari steering wheel of 2011, you've got a plethora of knobs and dials to get your set up just right.

Pros

  • Looks cool
  • I feel like an F1 driver.
  • Adjustable

Cons

  • Only available for Ferrari
  • Already need a Thrustmaster set up
Console Compatibility:PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PD4, PS5
Dual clutch control:No
Gear shift levers:Yes – Push and pull
Diameter:31.5cm
Material:Metal with soft grip handles
  • A full-size replica of the Formula 1 Ferrari 2011 racing wheel, under official license by Ferrari
  • Reinforced scratched-brushed metal facing ensuring optimum solidity and inertia
  • Professional quality rotary knobs, switches and action buttons
  • Genuine F1-style scratched-brushed metal “Push & Pull” shifters
  • Detachable racing wheel featuring the Thrustmaster Quick Release system
  • Detachable add-on wheel to use with T500, T300, and TX Racing Wheel Series

On sale

Logitech G Saitek Farm Sim Controller
Price: $259.99
Alternative retailers
Newegg$279.99View offer
Logitech$299.99View offer
Walmart$376.48View offer

If you like riding the big rig and need something a bit more laid back and sedate for the farming simulator, try this by Logitech. Get the whole set-up from the wheel to the control panel with over 25 programmable buttons.

Pros

  • Made for Farming Simulator
  • Plenty of customisable buttons
  • Integrated steering wheel buttons

Cons

  • Expensive, but it is a particular set-up
Console Compatibility:Macintosh, Windows 7, Windows 10
Dual clutch control:No
Gear shift levers:No – gear stick
Diameter:33.5cm
Material:Mix of plastics and metals
  • It perfectly simulates heavy farming machinery.
  • 900 degrees of rotation in both directions
  • Multi-Platform Friendly
  • 25+ programmable buttons
  • Compatible with: Farming Simulator 15, 17 or 19, Euro Truck Simulator 2, American Truck Simulator, Train Simulator, Elite Dangerous

Deal

Thrustmaster TS-XW Servo Base
Price: $531.25

Updating its servo is one significant upgrade you can bring to your sim without buying a new wheel. This brings a more responsive feel and more feedback through the wheel. A belt and Pulley system with metal ball bearings bring a super smooth result, helping you get a feel for your driving.

Pros

  • More responsive
  • Super-smooth
  • Quiet

Cons

  • Only compatible with specific models
Console Compatibility:Xbox Series X|S / Xbox One / PC
Dual clutch control:No
Gear shift levers:No
Diameter:40cm
Material:mix of plastics and metals
  • Compatible with all detachable Thrustmaster add-on wheels
  • Precise and responsive Force Feedback Turbo
  • Powerful 40-watt motor
  • Extremely quiet performance

A purpose-built data display unit has been tailer mode for the simulator industries. This panel is, in effect, plug and play. All you need to do is install your device drivers, select your preferred dash layout and LED configurations and turn off your race. Simple as that.

Pros

  • Plug and play
  • Plenty of information
  • Built to a high spec

Cons

  • Expensive
Console:Multiple software compatibility: SimHub (fully supported plug and play), JRT and Z1 Software
Dual clutch control:N/A
Gear shift levers:N/A
Diameter:Not Given. 4.3” Led screen
Material:6061 billet aluminium
  • 4.3" LCD Display
  • 18 Fully addressable RGB LEDs
  • Up to 60 FPS
  • Single high-speed USB cable
  • Billet aluminium body (anodised black finish)
  • Polycarbonate glass
  • Universal bracket: SC1/VRS/OSW, Simucube 2, Fanatec CSL/CSW, Fanatec DD1/DD2, Accuforce V1/V2, Simagic Alpha

Handbrakes

Up your drift and rally game with these handbrakes.

Cheaper than usual

64Bit PC USB Handbrake
Price: $61.59 (was £75.99)

Taking nothing to install other than plugging into a USB port, this handbrake is an effective way of getting your drift game on point for a bit of expense. A USB plug-in handbrake is only compatible with Windows PC, not Xbox or PlayStation models.

Pros

  • Relatively low cost
  • Easy installation
  • Height Adjustable

Cons

  • Limited compatibility
Console:PC Windows
Height Adjustable:Yes
Colour options:4 colour options
Material:Steel
  • USB handbrake
  • Standalone add-on
  • High rigidity moulded alloy springs provide a handbrake damping feel for long life.
  • All-steel structure
  • Linear progressive handbrake

Thrustmaster TSS Handbrake Sparco Mod+
Price: $280.66

For a more trusted name in the gaming world, we can always rely on Thrustmaster and its products. Not only is this a progressive handbrake, but it's also a sequential gear shift lever, too. This is interchangeable between modes using HallEffect AccuRate Technology (HEART), a mechanism incorporating contactless magnetic sensors; the TSS Handbrake Sparco Mod + provides a precision that won't degrade over time.

Pros

  • Handbrake and gear shifter
  • Respected brand
  • Durable

Cons

  • Higher price
Console:PS4/Xbox One and PC
Height Adjustable:Yes
Colour options:One colour is available
Material:Crafted of 90% metal - Steel and Aluminium
  • A replica of the genuine gear knob from Sparco’s Rally and drifting range
  • Features Thrustmaster’s H.E.A.R.T HallEffect AccuRate Technology
  • A two-in-one product

Monitors, stands and mounts

If you want to up your sim experience, a monitor stand bringing the action closer to you can help. It'll make everything feel a lot closer and much more accurate. Differences in each won't be huge, but it'll be which you have to work with.

This version can be upgraded in two widths to a triple monitor stand with the addition of side arms, which can be bought separately. Which, in the 1200mm wide stand will give you triple monitors up to 45", and in the 800mm wide stand, triple monitors up to 32". Demon tweaks also sell triple monitor stands, too.

Pros

  • Relatively low cost
  • Able to extend to a triple monitor set-up
  • Different sizing options

Cons

  • The buying of the stand is the cheap bit!
Screen width:Single monitor up to 80” 800mm wide stand triple monitor up to 32” 1200mm wide stand triple monitor up to 45.”
Adjustable:Yes
Mounting points:Multiple
Rig compatibility:Trak Racer cockpit or most other cockpits which use two or more rows of extruded aluminium T-slot
Material:Not given
  • VESA mounting plate with 75mm, 100mm, 150mm, 200mm, 300 and 400mm mounting points
  • It fits cockpits with two or more rows of T-slot extruded aluminium.
  • Fully adjustable to provide optimum monitor position
  • Accepts a single monitor / TV's up to 80" in size

If your rig doesn't support having monitors on top, a floor-mounted monitor stand could be your answer. Again, like the sim-mounted stand above, this one comes in two sizes. You can mount three monitors to it with the purchase of side arms. You can also purchase a triple monitor stand.

Pros

  • Stable and sturdy
  • Able to make it into a triple monitor set-up
  • Different sizing options

Cons

  • You need a monitor to start with. Things get expensive, then.
Screen width:Single monitor up to 80” 800mm wide stand triple monitor up to 32” 1200mm wide stand triple monitor up to 45”
Adjustable:Yes
Mounting points:Multiple
Rig compatibility:Almost all as it’s mounted to the floor, not the rig
Material:Not Given
  • VESA mounting plate with 75mm, 100mm, 150mm, 200mm, 300mm and 400mm mounting points
  • Universal floor mounting
  • Fully adjustable to provide optimum monitor position
  • Accepts a single monitor / TV's up to 80" in size

Good gaming TVs are super expensive compared to monitors, but LG tends to be among the best. Large enough to have it on its own 4K resolution can keep up with the movement of the game, giving you hours of gaming joy.

Pros

  • High resolution
  • 0.1ms response time
  • True-to-life picture

Cons

  • High cost
Screen size:55”
Mounting Points:Table and Wall mounts
Resolution:4k Ultra HD
Display tech:OLED
  • LG 4K SELF-LIT OLED
  • Most advanced OLED picture quality
  • 0.1ms response time & low input lag for superfast gameplay

Headsets

Up your streaming and communication in-game with a headset which won't make you sound like a low-budget pilot giving the weather updates, and you'll be able to hear what people are saying to you, too.

£13 off

Turtle Beach Recon 70P Gaming Headset
Price: $39.95
Alternative retailers
GameStop, Inc.$24.99View offer
Walmart$39.95View offer
Kohl's$39.99View offer
Best Buy$39.99View offer

They are lightweight and comfortable, so when you have them on, they're bearable for long periods on the sim. What's more, the Turtle Beach Recon headset microphone will flip up, so those choice words you use after binning it in the wall won't be broadcast for the world to hear.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Comfortable
  • Low cost

Cons

  • Low cost doesn't always mean durability
Weight:231g
Batteries required:1 Lithium Ion.
Material type: ‎‎Leather
Connector:‎3.5mm Jack
  • Lightweight comfort
  • Flip-up Mic
  • Premium ear cushions
  • Multiplatform compatibility
  • The 3D Audio advantage

Great Deal

HyperX
Price: $111 (26% off)
Alternative retailers
Newegg$89.99View offer
HP$119.99View offer
Walmart$126.00View offer

With a USB audio sounds card amplifying your voice and audio for optimal Hi-Fi gaming, you can hear everything deep down in the game you've been missing, from tyre squeal to engine revs building and the turbo spooling up. This next-generation headset generates virtual 7.1 surround sound with distance and depth to enhance your gaming, movie or music experience.

Pros

  • Audio sound card
  • Virtual 7.1 surround sound
  • Memory foam for comfort

Cons

  • Not many at this price
Weight:275g
Batteries required:One battery is needed
Material type: ‎Plastic, 100% memory foam on headband and leatherette cushions
Connector: ‎USB
  • USB Audio Sound Card with 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound
  • Comfortable
  • Pro-gaming optimised
  • TeamSpeak Certified

SteelSeries Arctis 7 Wireless Gaming Headset
Price: $175.99
Alternative retailers
Newegg$158.26View offer

These are designed for gaming with a wireless connection you'll never lose, thanks to the 2.4G connection. If being heard is what's important to you, then the SteelSeries Arctic 7 has, what is regarded to be, the best mic for in-game clarity, and it's certified by Discord with its ClearCast microphone. You'll also get 360 degrees of precision audio, so if you've got Lewis Hamilton breathing down your neck in the corners, you'll hear him before you see him. Delightful.

Pros

  • Best microphone
  • 360-degree surround sound
  • Lossless wireless connection

Cons

  • Bit pricey
Weight:352g
Batteries required:1 Lithium Polymer battery required (included)
Material type:Faux Leather, Plastic
Connector:Wireless
  • Designed for gaming
  • 2.4G connection delivers rock-solid, lossless wireless audio with ultra-low latency and zero interference
  • Best mic in gaming
  • 360 degrees of precision audio
  • On-ear ChatMix dial
  • AirWeave ear cushions that keep your ears cool and dry
  • Ski goggle suspension headband

Lighting

Nothing will make your set-up look more relaxed than immersive lighting. The lights can also reflect what's happening in the game, giving you a much more immersive experience and feel.

Discounted

Philips Hue Lightstrip
Price: $67.55 (was £76.46)

Philips were the OG in intelligent lighting with the Hue; it can produce colours of every, erm, well, hue. You can turn them on and off with your smart speaker or the Philips App on your phone, adjusting colours to all sorts of options. Extension packs are much cheaper once you're up and running.

Pros

  • The original
  • Respected brand
  • Easy to extend

Cons

  • High initial set-up cost
Length:2 meters
Material:Silicone
Watts:20
Life:25,000 hours
  • Fully flexible
  • Plus works out of the box.
  • Choose from 16 million colours, including warm to cool white light.
  • Control Lights With Your Voice

Super offer

Nanoleaf Shapes
Price: $125.99 (was £179.99)

These things are great for adding smart lights to your wall and connective panels which slot easily together, giving you some mega wall art like a window to the world in your sim room. Nanoleaf has many different designs, so choose the one you want to work with.

Pros

  • Stunning wall lighting
  • Easy to connect
  • Fully customisable

Cons

  • It might give you a cable-hiding headache
Number of lights:9
Lumens:900
Watts:18
Life:25,000 hours
  • Create your own design
  • A modular lighting experience
  • Combine Shapes Designed with Connect to work together with other shapes from the Nanoleaf Shapes
  • Music Visualizer With Rhythm feature
  • 16M Colours Create the right ambience for any occasion
  • LayoutDetect Exclusive technology that enables intelligent colour animations based on your panel layout

Discounted

Set this floor lamp in the corner of the room and let it work its magic. When streaming your gaming, this could be a mega addition to adding ambience to your rig set-up. With over 16 million different colours, there's no lighting scene it can't create.

Pros

  • Sync with Music
  • Voice and app controllable
  • Easy installation

Cons

  • Competitive market
Dimensions:35cm high
Material:Metal
Power:Wall socket
Bulb type:LED

Comfort accessories

Add these convenience items to your rig; they won't add performance, but they'll make your racing a bit more comfortable.

A handy little cup holder which helps keep you hydrated on those mammoth endurance racing events. Remember, stay hydrated.

Pros

  • Low cost
  • Easy installation

Cons

  • Could argue it's not needed, but it's a low price. Does it matter?
  • Easily attaches to Trak Racer cockpits.
  • It provides a safe and accessible place to store drinks.
  • Rock solid mounting

If you want to up your mid-race chat game, this adjustable keyboard tray is suitable for mounting to the right or left side of a TR160, TR120, TR80 and any DIY rigs using an aluminium profile. Become the ultimate keyboard warrior.

Pros

  • Adjustable
  • Easy to install

Cons

  • High price for a keyboard holder
Dimensions:500 x 200 x 3mm
Material:Metal
  • It fits Sim chassis, which uses a T-slot aluminium profile.
  • Suits most keyboards
  • Fits on the left or right side of a chassis
  • Includes 40 x 40mm aluminium profile

Perfect for stopping your sim from damaging the floor while also there to instantly mop up any sweat from those super hard sessions in the sim. It'll also dampen some of the sounds from your sim through the floor. This Sparco cockpit floor mat is perfect for any loft sim conversions.

Pros

  • Looks mega
  • Stops scratches from the sim to the floor
  • Dampens sound

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Perfect length for Sparco rigs
  • A high-quality mat that will finish off your sim racing set-up
  • Sparco gaming logos with a grip position design

Myles is a Commercial Content Writer for What's The Best, Parkers and CAR. His areas of expertise include cycling, fitness tech and hot hatches.

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