One of the most popular entry-level sim racing rigs is the Playseat Challenge. People love it because it is affordable, sturdy, adjustable, and space efficient.
We’ve been getting questions about the best alternatives to the Playseat Challenge. Whether it’s concerns about availability or pricing, sometimes people just want to know what other options are out there.
If you are looking for a dedicated sim racing seat that is affordable, sturdy, and foldable, the following alternatives may be of interest to you!
Note: This article may contain affiliate links for the products mentioned
Table of Contents
Why People Like The Playseat Challenge
Not everyone has the space or budget to build a dedicated sim racing rig. But racing at your desk isn’t always the best option, especially for more powerful racing wheels.
That’s where the Playseat Challenge, and similar products below, come in. You get the stability of a real sim racing rig, with the portability and price that works well for most people. These folding rigs are especially good for living room use, where it’s simply not possible to set up a permanent rig in front of the TV!
Now, let’s take a look at a couple of great alternatives to the Playseat Challenge.
Next Level Racing GT Lite
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The best alternative to the Playseat Challenge is the Next Level Racing GT Lite. The GT Lite looks very similar, and shares many of the same features that people love about the Playseat Challenge.
Both rigs are foldable and space efficient. Both are highly adjustable. We think you should pick the GT Lite because it is cheaper and has a more adjustable pedal mounting system. With the Playseat Challenge, the pedal’s basically lay flat on the ground. Not exactly a deal breaker, but having the ability to adjust the angle of the pedal set can give you more options.
What We Like About the GT Lite
- Wheel base, pedals, and shifter are all adjustable
- Quick adjustments with the unique hub system
- Breathable seat fabric
- Compatible with all major sim racing gear like Thrustmaster, Logitech, and Fanatec
- Ability to switch shifter to left or right position
GT Omega Steering Wheel Stand
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Maybe the Playseat Challenge and Next Level Racing GT Lite are still a bit too bulky or pricey for you. That’s ok! There are still options out there that are better than simply clamping a wheel to your desk and putting the pedals directly on the floor for that semi-truck driving position!
Take a look at something like that GT Omega Steering Wheel Stand. The GT Omega is a wheel stand, meaning you supply the seat. The stand holds your pedals, wheel base, and shifter.
At a much lower cost than other options, we think this is a great investment and step up from a desk mount situation if you can’t find or afford the Playseat Challenge or Next Level Racing GT Lite. You’ll still get all the great things about a dedicated wheel stand as you get with the GT Lite and Challenge, like adjustability and more stability.
What We Like About the GT Omega Steering Wheel Stand
- Adjustable wheel base, pedal, and shifter positions
- Height adjustable to fit a number of seating options
- Compact and foldable
- Constructed of steel for sturdiness
- Compatible with all major sim racing hardware like Logitech, Thrustmaster, and Fanatec
Conclusion
The best alternative to the Playseat Challenge sim racing rig is the Next Level Racing GT Lite. It’s a very similar product in terms of features and design. If you are looking for a foldable, sturdy alternative to a desk mounted racing setup, the GT Lite is your best bet over the Playseat Challenge.
If you don’t need the integrated seat, check out something like the GT Omega Steering Wheel Stand. You still get a strong but portable design. You’ll just need to supply your own seat. We think both options will serve you well over a desk mounted racing setup.
See Also: Top 3 Stands for the Logitech G29/G920