How to Start Sim Racing on a Budget

Learn how to start sim racing on a budget with our simple guide to choosing wheels, pedals, seats and games. Discover clever saving tips, upgrade paths and setup secrets so you can enjoy realistic home racing without overspending from your very first lap.

How to Start Sim Racing on a Budget

When I first looked into sim racing, I thought it was only for people with deep pockets. Direct-drive wheels, triple monitors, aluminum rigs—it all looked amazing, but completely out of reach. The truth is, you don’t need any of that to start. With the right choices, you can learn how to start sim racing on a budget and build a fun, immersive setup for less than the price of a mid-range smartphone.

The key is simple: start with what you have, buy only what you really need, and upgrade slowly as your passion grows.

Start With What You Already Have

One of the biggest beginner mistakes is thinking, “I’ll wait until I can buy everything at once.” That usually means… you never start.

Instead, use your existing gear and platform:

• PC you already own
  Even a mid-range PC can run many popular sims on medium settings: Assetto Corsa, Automobilista, Raceroom, and more.

• PlayStation (PS4 / PS5)
  Perfect if you want Gran Turismo Sport or Gran Turismo 7, both great for beginners.

• Xbox (One / Series X|S)
  Great for Forza Motorsport, Forza Horizon, and other accessible racing titles.

And for visuals:

• Single Monitor or TV Is Enough
  You don’t need triple screens or VR on day one.
  A single 1080p screen, placed at the right distance, is perfectly fine for a budget sim racing setup.

💡 Start racing first. Worry about fancy immersion later.

Best Budget Sim Racing Wheels

Your wheel and pedals are the heart of any cheap sim racing rig. You don’t need the latest tech; you just need reliable force feedback and decent pedals.

Here are classic budget-friendly choices many beginners start with:

1. Logitech G29 / G920 – Most Popular Budget Choice

These are often recommended as the go-to entry level sim racing gear:

• Solid force feedback (gear-driven but strong enough to feel the car)

• Good build quality

• Reliable pedals for basic braking and throttle control

• Widely supported in most racing games

• Often available used at attractive prices

If you want something that “just works” on PC, PlayStation, or Xbox, this is a safe, proven starting point.

2. Thrustmaster TMX / T150 – Smoother Force Feedback Option

If you prefer slightly smoother feedback:

• Hybrid belt + gear drive, so the wheel feels less “notchy”

• Good step-up in feel and immersion compared to older entry-level wheels

• Often bundled with basic pedals you can use now and upgrade later

Both Logitech and Thrustmaster options give you everything you need to start building a low cost sim racing setup that still feels serious.

Affordable Ways to Mount Your Wheel

You don’t need a metal rig in your living room to enjoy sim racing. Mounting your wheel securely is more important than making it look like a race car.

Here are three budget-friendly mounting options:

1. Clamp to a Desk

Most beginner wheels come with strong clamps:

• Attach directly to your office desk or table

• Takes seconds to set up and remove

• Ideal if you share the space or can’t leave the setup out permanently

Just make sure the table is stable and not too thick for the clamps.

2. Cheap Wheel Stand ($60–$120)

A foldable wheel stand is a big upgrade in comfort:

• Dedicated spot for your wheel and pedals

• Easier to find a good driving position

• Folds away when you’re not racing—perfect for small apartments

This is a great middle ground between “desk only” and a full cockpit.

3. DIY Setup

If you’re handy or enjoy projects, DIY solutions can be both cheap and fun:

• Simple wooden frames built from basic lumber

• Old car seat mounted on a base

• Modified IKEA furniture used as a stand

Many sim racers started with a DIY rig before moving to more professional setups. It’s part of the journey.

Start With a Single Game

You don’t need 10 games to get started. In fact, focusing on one main title helps you:

• Learn the physics and handling faster

• Build consistency and better lap times

• Save money by not buying games you barely touch

Some great beginner-friendly options:

• Assetto Corsa (PC/Console)

  • Often very cheap on sale

  • Huge amount of content and mods (on PC)

  • Good physics without being too punishing

• Gran Turismo 7 (PS5 / PS4)

  • Polished, beautiful, and structured career mode

  • Great for learning car control step by step

• Forza Motorsport (Xbox / PC)

  • Accessible handling

  • Wide variety of cars and tracks

• iRacing (PC)

  • Best if you want serious online competition

  • Subscription-based, so it’s more expensive long-term

  • Consider this later, once you know you love sim racing

Final

Sim racing doesn’t have to be expensive. Once you understand how to start sim racing on a budget, you realize that the real investment is not just money—but time, practice, and passion. If you start with what you have, make smart gear choices, and upgrade only when you’re ready, you’ll build an immersive, rewarding sim racing experience that grows naturally with you.