Gaming cockpit is not only a great asset for amateur and pro gamers who want all their controllers organized in one place. It has become a framework that makes simulations more immersive. For example, when playing racing games, you will feel as if you are the driver of your car and not just the controller—unlike when you have your fingers on the pad. With the best gaming cockpit, you will have your hands on the wheels and use your feet too.
In addition to an immersive experience, the best gaming cockpits come with extra comfort and flexibility suitable for gamers who spend long hours in front of the screen. However, with the growing number of gaming cockpit desk staring in the eyes of gamers, it is becoming increasingly difficult to make a choice. Obviously, some features are more important than others. Having analyzed what matters and what doesn’t, we present to you the best gaming cockpits of 2021.
By the way, If you are interested in the best gaming desks for 2021, check it out here.
Review of the best gaming cockpit of 2021
In choosing a gaming cockpit desk, the first question you will want to answer is how simple or complex you want your setup to look like. If your aim is just a simple, decent gaming setup, then any gaming cockpit might be enough but if you are looking for something more professional that will accommodate all your accessories and give you the impression that you are in a racing car, then, you have to pay attention to the design of the metal frames. We put all these in consideration when making a list of our 5 best gaming cockpit.
Openwheeler GEN2 Racing Wheel Stand Cockpit – Best gaming cockpit overall
The beauty of the Openwheeler GEN2 Racing Wheel Stand Cockpit is in the simplicity. It trumps virtually all the gaming cockpits in the market in virtually all the available statistics. It is not surprising that it is one of the most purchased gaming cockpit till date.
The Openwheeler GEN2 Racing Wheel Stand Cockpit is compatible with all racing wheels including Logitech, Thrustmaster, and Fanatec. This is particularly useful if you already have a racing wheel—but that is not all.
All the mounting hardware and tools are you will need are included and ready to use right out of the box. Virtually anyone can assemble the mount without serious troubles. However, most of the parts are already preassembled in the box so that you can start using them as soon as you pull them out of the box.
This product is suitable for left or right handed players because the included gear shifter mount can be placed either on the right or left hand side. The superior material and design offers maximum stability that every racer would need to stay in control. This gaming cockpit weighs 68.7 pounds making it one of the lightest and most compact in the market.
Pros
- Compatible with all the major racing wheels
- Easy to assemble
- Gear shifter can be mounted on left and right
- Cheaper than other models
- Comes in a variety of colors
- Lightweight and compact for easy movement
Cons
- Doesn’t have a screen mount
Next Level Racing F-GT Simulator Cockpit – Best for multiple accessories mount
It you have a lot of accessories for your racing games and need a cockpit that will hold them all, the Next Level Racing F-GT Simulator Cockpit should be your top pick. The Next Level Racing F-GT Simulator Cockpit has had some major upgrades from the previous model.
It is compatible with all the major wheel and pedals including Thrust master, Logitech, and Fanatic. Although not included in the pack but sold separately, the Next Level Racing Floor mat, lockable wheel castor, and f-get Monitor Stand are all compatible with this gaming cockpit.
Some of the tools you will get when you buy this cockpit include gear shifter holder, lumbar support cushion, f-get frame, seat and slider, butt kicker gamer 2 adaptor, and screws to mount wheel. It is rigid and made of powder coated steel frame of high quality. The seats are also of premium quality and designed for total comfort.
One area that this cockpit stands out of the rest is that it offers 3 levels of angle adjustments for the wheel, pedals, and seat. This product weighs 89 pounds which might be a limitation for those who want to move it around. Besides this, it is a racing asset that anyone would love to have.
Pros
- Steel frame is powder coated and high quality
- More adjustment levels for wheel, pedal, and seat
- Compatible with all major wheels and pedals
- Can be fitted with monitor stand
Cons
- Slightly expensive
- Heavier than other models
GTR Simulator GTSF Model with Real Racing Seat – Best for immersive racing experience
All gaming cockpits are designed to give you an immersive racing experience but the GTR Simulator GTSF Model which is a modification of previous models takes this a notch higher by providing you with real racing seat. The moment you slide into the seat, you will be feeling like a real racer.
The next feature that makes a huge difference for GTR Simulator GTSF Model is the monitor stand which can be fitted with single or triple monitors for a more immersive view.
This gaming cockpit is also built tough. The frames are powder coated and the racing bucket seat is adjustable. It is also has precision-made supports for wheel, pedals, and shifters. The 4-way adjustable racing seat conforms to your body and offers maximum comfort and support which are crucial during extended gaming hours. Although comfort has been prioritized in the construction of this gaming cockpit, it also has positions for multiple accessories. At 75 pounds, you can also move it around without much difficulty.
Pros
- Supports monitor, wheel, pedals, and shifter
- Real racing seat with 4-way adjustments
- Steel frame is powder coated and high quality
- Hold up to three monitors
Cons
- Slightly expensive
GTR Simulator GTA-BLK-S105LBKRD – Best for adjustability
The GTR Simulator GTA BLK S105LBKRD has been optimized for amateurs and professionals. Even more interesting is the fact that it is compatible with all gaming consoles; PC, PlayStation 1 to 4, all Xbox, all Nintendo and so on. Its supports are precision-made for wheel and pedals. One area that GTR Simulator GTA BLK S105LBKRD outsmarts the other gaming cockpits is in adjustability. With this monster you will get 14-way adjustable seating position which should be enough to guarantee maximum comfort. Besides the seat, the steering wheel plate and frames are also adjustable—bit that is not all.
The GTR Simulator GTA BLK S105LBKRD comes in two different color choices viz-a-viz diamond silver and majestic black. The powder coated frame is stable and heavy duty giving you better handling control to conquer the curves. The racing bucket seat design closely mimics that of a racing car. Therefore, when you sit on it, it gives you that feeling that you in one. At 70 pounds, this is one of the lightweight gaming cockpit that you can easily move around with relative ease. With this gaming cockpit, the gaming console you have will matter less because the feeling will be basically the same.
Pros
- Compatible with all gaming consoles
- Precision-made supports for wheel and pedals
- Massive 14-way adjustable seating position
- Comes in two color variants
- Lightweight and compact for easy handling
- Fairly affordable
Cons
- Doesn’t have a screen mount
GT Omega Art Racing Simulator Cockpit – Best for multiple users
For a gaming cockpit to accommodate different users who are of different sizes, the cockpit art has to be designed to be adjustable. The GT Omega Art Racing Simulator Cockpit is fully adjustable to accommodate people of different body sizes. The chair is also designed for comfort, having a reclinable back and seat sliders so that you can easily move it when you want to step in or out. The steel box tubing frame is coated with black powder to give it an elegant finish. The mounted wheel plate and racing seat are firmly secured to keep your controls steady.
This gaming cockpit comes fully equipped with GT Omega branded accessories like gear shifter mount which can be placed on the left or right, steering wheel stand, and reclinable racing seat. The GT Omega Art Racing Simulator Cockpit is compatible with all the popular steering wheels, pedals and gear shifters. Consequently, the frames have been drilled to accept racing accessories from Logitech, Thrustmaster, and Fanatec Clubsport. The weight of this product is not stated. Although it is designed like a racing car, it looks a little bulky to move around.
Pros
- Steel frame is coated with black powder
- Fully adjustable cockpit to accommodate different body sizes
- Compatible with different gaming consoles
- Works with the most popular wheel, pedals, and gear shifters
Cons
- Slightly expensive
- Doesn’t have provision for screen mount
Buying Guide For The Best Gaming Cockpit of 2021
The most important reason why anyone needs a gaming cockpit is to have an immersive experience of their racing games—to feel like they are part of the action. What you need is a gaming cockpit that will engage all your senses. For this reason, emphasis when you want to buy should be on certain features. Below are the features that will ultimately affect your gaming experience.
Accessories Compatibility
When making a selection of your gaming cockpit, it is essential to verify their compatibility with wheel, pedals, and gear shifters. The best cockpit should be compatible with accessories from the most popular manufacturers. If you already have any of these accessories, make sure you are getting a cockpit that will accommodate it. Also check to see if it has provisions for other luxury gaming accessories like floor mat.
Chair
The next most important feature that you cannot ignore after accessories compatibility is the chair. It needs to be comfortable and adjustable for extra comfort—especially if you spend long hours on games. Some chairs are designed to look like what you will find in racing cars. This will definitely enhance the feeling you will get from such gaming cockpits.
Game Compatibility
Some gaming cockpits are compatible with all the gaming consoles while others can only work with a few. Make sure the console you are getting can work with your game console. It is totally pointless to buy a cockpit that you can’t use with your console.
Construction and Material
Both the construction and material are worth thorough checks before you buy. The material should be durable as well as sturdy enough to keep it steady. If your cockpit moves around during a gaming session, it can mess up your controls. However, your cockpit has to be light enough for you to move it around with ease. Your gaming cockpit is your car, you need to get one that appeals to your senses.
Screen mount
Gaming cockpits that have provisions for screen mount actually offer a more immersive experience than those that doesn’t support screen mounts. There are cockpits that support up to 3 screens. Although this is a matter of choice but a cockpit with screen mount is more aesthetically appealing and offer a more immersive experience.
Installation of Accessories
The installation of accessories on your gaming console should not be too complex. It should be as simple as possible such that you can do it on your own with minimal difficulty. If installation of accessories on your gaming console is complex, you might have a big problem in the future if you want to expand your accessories collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why do I need a gaming cockpit?
A gaming cockpit works like a racing simulator and gives you a more realistic racing experience by engaging your hands and your feet.
- Are all gaming cockpits compatible with all gaming consoles?
No. There are gaming consoles that are dedicated for a particular type of console while others can be used with a broad range of gaming consoles. The manufacturer should clearly state this information on the product description.
- What should I look out for in a racing wheel?
Your racing wheel should fit seamlessly into your cockpit, should be compatible with multiple consoles, should be capable of maximum rotation, feature force feedback, and compatible with other accessories like shifters.
- Are the chairs for all gaming cockpit adjustable?
Most gaming cockpits have adjustable chairs. However, the level of adjustments usually vary from one product to another. Some gaming cockpits have chairs with up to 14-adjustment levels.
- Can I install my gaming cockpit myself?
Some gaming cockpits are more difficult to install than others. However, you may need some customer support to install all the gaming cockpits.
Conclusion
The idea of having a gaming cockpit is to have an immersive gaming experience. However, some products are more immersive than others. When you want to buy your gaming cockpit, there are essential features you need to pay attention to and we have listed them in our buying guide. At a budget of 400 dollars, you should be able to get a cockpit that will accommodate all your accessories. However, if there is one feature that should guide your decision, it should be the compatibility of the gaming cockpit with the most popular gaming accessories.