10 Best Cockpit Gaming Chairs

If you want to take your gaming to the next level, then there’s nothing better than buying a sim cockpit.

Generally speaking, they tend to come in two flavors:

Racing cockpits and flight cockpits, although you can absolutely find cockpits that can handle both.

So, if you’re lookin’ to upgrade your gear, read on ahead!

See also: Best Pedestal Gaming Chairs & Best Floor Gaming Chairs

1. OpenWheeler GEN2 Racing Wheel Stand Cockpit – The Most Popular Cockpit Gaming Chair

If you’ve read some of my previous articles on gaming chairs, you’ll be familiar with the OpneWheeler brand name.

While this one isn’t as fancy as the one mentioned in the other article, it’s still a solid choice.

To begin with, it has a TON of adjustability. The seat glides forward/backward with a reclining back, the wheel mount can also be adjusted up/down and forward and backward, as well as angled up or down.

Finally, the pedal board can be adjusted backward and forward as well.

You’ll also be happy to know that the shifter mounts can be moved over to the left if you prefer that setup.

The chair is nothing fancy and pretty standard in terms of gaming chairs. It’s not ergonomic, but it does have side and leg support in the shape of the winglets.

It also has a couple of vents for some cooling for long gaming sessions.

One of the big selling points here is that the chair is easy to pack up and store, if that’s the kind of solution you’re looking for.

Also, the mounts are compatible with the majority of mainstream racing/flight combat gear, such as Logitech, and Thrustmaster.

2. VEVOR Racing Simulator Cockpit

Another entry in racing sim seating, this is a bit of a toned down version of the OpenWheeler Gen 2.

The main selling point of this chair is that it’s light (coming in at 100 pound/46 kg), so it’s easy to move. The front section that has the base for the pedal, wheels, and shifter can fold completely, so it’s easy to store and just use the chair as is.

So this is definitely a more versatile chair in terms of storage.

Unfortunately, there’s very little adjustability. The pedals are not set individually into a frame, so the only thing you can really do is adjust for height, and when you alter one thing you’re essentially altering all three.

The seat does recline though, so I guess that’s something!

The seat itself is actually reasonably good, maybe even a bit better than the Gen 2. The frame is constructed of carbon steel and PVC, while the chair is foam and what looks like PU leather.

3. Volair Sim Universal Flight/Racing Cockpit with Triple Monitor Mounts

If you’re looking for something that is both top of the line, and can be used for racing and flight sims, this is the chair for you.

First off, the frame comes fitted with a mount for three screens, so you can get a near 180-degree viewing angle, which is pretty awesome.

Secondly, it has mounts coming out the wazoo: table stand that can mount a joystick and thrusters, yolk or a racing wheel.

It also has a keyboard mount, 3 different mounts for joysticks/thrusters (so you can have a middle-stick setup if you prefer).

Finally, it has detachable armrests, which is a feature you don’t really see often and a great addition.

The seat itself is relatively good, though nothing too fancy. It also has a bit of a recline, which is always nice to have.

The frame is made of steel, so it’s sturdy and you don’t have to worry about putting literally all your gear there.

While all this sounds great, the one downside is that adjusting things isn’t necessarily easy right out the box.

That being said, once you’ve spent the time to set things to where you want them, you won’t have to do much adjustment after that.

4. GTR Simulator GTA Model with Real Racing Seat

While not as fancy as the Volair, this is still a great and solid racing sim chair.

In terms of mounts, there’s one for a racing wheel, one for the shifter and of course the pedal mount at the bottom.

Luckily the shifter is a clamp attached to the frame, so you can actually shift it from right to left depending on your preference.

Adjustability is good, but obviously not as much as you’d get with the OpenWheeler Gen 2.

The frame is made of alloy steel, so it’s pretty sturdy.

The chair is surprisingly good for the price point, with a cushioned seat, something you don’t often see with racing-style seats.

It also has winglets on the back and bottom, so you get some extra support and (and comfort!). You’ll also be happy to hear that you can slide the seat backward and forward, which is a must really.

The seat is also on a rail with an internal steel frame with padding and synthetic leather.

One thing I should mention is that while you can technically use flight sim gear, it’s really not set-up properly for it.

5. Playseat Evolution

One step down the ladder from the GTR Simulator, the Playseat is a good option if you’re on a tight budget.

With a lower price, you get less overall steel for stability. Doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s worse construction, just that you’re more likely to feel twisting when you’re using your gear heavily.

Of course, you do get the adjustable wheel and pedal mounts, which is nice. Unfortunately, the shifter mounting is extra, which greatly reduces the value of a purchase.

The seat isn’t anything special and probably one of the lesser quality ones on the list. It also doesn’t recline, which is…less than ideal.

6. GTR Simulator – GTA-F Model With Triple/Single Monitor Stand

A couple of steps up from the previous GTR simulator chair, this one’s got all the fixings!

In all honesty, this is essentially the same as the previous one listed, except it has the added frame for the triple/single monitor setup.

For starters, you have the wheel, pedal and shifter mounts. The shifter mount can be attached to either the left or right side, depending on your preferences.

The pedal mount has some adjustability as well, which is always appreciated.

The seat itself is basically the same as the previous GTR model. You get some adjustability back and forth, a recline, and the fins for some extra support.

The internal frame is made of steel, with foam padding covered by synthetic leather.

7. Playseat Challenge NASCAR Edition

Another budget offering by Playseat, this is a good option if you need something cheapish, small and easily foldable/storable.

While this chair won’t stop any traffic, it’s actually a reasonably good chair for its purpose.

The wheel mount bar swings upwards and backwards so that you can store it when it’s done. It also latches, so you don’t have to worry about it moving around a lot and making life a pain.

The pedal mount is pretty simple, just a swingable frame where you can screw your pedals into.

Unfortunately, there’s no shifter mount, so you’ll likely have to have a small chair for the shifter, a wheel with shifters on it, or just go with automatic in your game.

The seat is just a suede canvas placed over the frame. You can adjust it here and there using different levels of tension, but beyond that, there isn’t much more you can do.

Fortunately, it’s actually quite comfy, even after a few hours, so don’t let it put you off.

One pretty cool thing about this chair is that it’s NASCAR branded, so if you’re into that, it’s definitely a chair to consider.

8. IWR1 IMPERATORWORKS Gaming Chair

I mean…just look at this thing. It’s the full Monty. Also, look at that price tag. Damn!

The main attraction of this chair (aside from the awesome looks), is the overhead screen mount and the fact that the whole thing can tilt back 140 degrees!

In terms of screen mount, you have lots of options and a total max load of 35 lb/15.8 kg. You can do a single curved monitor up to 49” and triple monitor with each going up to 28”.

Could even get a custom made bracket that lets you mount dual monitors up to 28”.

The screen arm itself can also be raised up independently of the chair, so you don’t have to be dodging screens every time you get in and out of the chair.

Of course, it has a motor, so you don’t actually have to exert any energy like some lowly pleb.

Next, we have the seat, which is actual leather, something you don’t see often, but not surprising given the product and price tag.

It doesn’t have any fins/wings/vents, but it does have a massage function, so who cares about that other stuff?

In terms of mounts, it only has one big one for a keyboard and mouse, although you could probably get your racing or flight sim gear on there.

Unfortunately, there’s no place for pedals though, which is a bit irritating.

9. Playseat Air Force Flight Seat

If you’re looking for something that’s more oriented to flight sims, this chair is a really great option.

There’s an adjustable center mount for your flight stick or yolk, which is a pretty typical position for most combat and flight sim games.

You also get two mounts on either side of the chair if you prefer side-mounting your HOTAS. You could technically use the mounts for racing gear, but it’s not really purposed for that.

Also, you, unfortunately, don’t get any kind of pedal mount, so you’ll just have to put it on the floor and hope it doesn’t slip.

In terms of the seat itself, it’s what you’d expect. It’s a steel framework covered in padding and synthetic leather.

It reclines back a fair bit, although that’s as far as adjustments for it go. The whole thing does fold in half, so it’s easy to set-up, or take down and store.

10. Playseat F1 Red

Simply titled ‘F1 Red’ this is actually a really cool cockpit gaming chair shaped…like a Formula 1 car!

I’m not sure there’s much to say besides that, it’s completely formed to fit the look and feel of a Formula 1 car.

The wheel mount is centered and can fit most 3rd party wheels, while also being adjustable. Playseat claims that it has G27 shifter support, but I couldn’t find any info to corroborate that, although I don’t doubt it.

The seat is angled backward, to give more of that formula one feel, with the seat bottom actually aiming at almost a 45-degree angle.

It’s made of black vinyl, which is surprising given the cost, but also unsurprising given the purpose. Past the center column, you’ll find the pedal mount, similarly angled and also supportive of most 3rd party pedals.

And that’s pretty much it, what you see is what you get.

Conclusion

There it is folks, a great collection of cockpit gaming chairs catering to all needs.

While I realize it’s important to let people come to their own decisions, here’s my quick picks:

Entry Level: Probably the best entry-level gaming chair is the Playseat evolution. It doesn’t have a lot of frameworks, and you will have to buy the shifter extra, but it’s a great little product if you want to save some money.

I’ll also mention that the Playseat Challenge Nascar edition is a pretty good chair too if you want to stay in the under $200 budget range.

Also, if you’re looking for a flight sim specific chair, the Playseat Air Force Flight Seat is a good option, although a bit on the pricey side and just at the edge of mid-level.

Wow, Playseat has really dominated this category.

Mid Level: While it’s a close fight between Vevor, OpenWheeler Gen 2 and the GTR, I think the GTR Simulator – GTA model wins out. It has a much better framework, better adjustability, and for an extra $100-$200, you can get yourself the version that has the screen mount, making it the cheapest screen mount cockpit gaming chair on this list.

That being said, if you don’t need the screen mount, then I’d go with the OpenWheeler Gen 2.

High Level: Phew, well this category is a doozy.

In terms of realism, I think the Volair Sim Universal Cockpit Chassis wins it hands down. It has mounts for literally everything, bar the kitchen sink. Not only that, it’s an affordable cost being half the price of the next more expensive competitor on this list.

Now if you’re talking in terms of what would be awesome to have, then the choice is easily the IWR1 IMPERATORWORKS Gaming Chair. Look at that thing, it’s awesome. Not to mention that it’s geared towards general PC/gaming use, so it doesn’t have to be exclusively for racing/flight sims.