The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide: The Best First Sim Racing Setup for €300-500

You’re staring at the screen, ready to jump into sim racing, but the options are a mess. Logitech? Thrustmaster? Or do you just go straight for a Direct Drive wheel like the Moza R3? And how are you supposed to mount any of it without spending another fortune? You’ve got €300 to €500. It’s the question everyone asks when they start. I get it. You want to buy something you won’t hate in six months. This guide is for you — we’re cutting through the noise, comparing what’s actually available in Europe, and figuring out how to spend your cash without regret.

Why €300-500 Actually Makes Sense

Let’s get this out of the way: you’re not building a pro rig. Not even close. But this budget? It’s the sweet spot. It’s enough to get two things that matter: a force feedback wheel base (pedals usually come with it) and something solid to bolt it all to. The best part? You’re not stuck with last-gen tech. You can actually look at entry-level Direct Drive now. It’s a real foundation. One you can race on for years.

The Three Contenders: Logitech, Thrustmaster, or Moza DD?

Time to look at your first real choice. Prices here are what you’ll see around the EU — Amazon, local shops, specialists like Simrace.nl or Sim-Motion. They move around, but this is the ballpark.

1. Logitech G29 / G923: The Safe Bet

• Price: €220 (watch for sales)
• Type: Gear-Driven Force Feedback
• For: The total newbie who wants to plug in and go. No fuss.

The Logitech G series (G29, G920, G923) is a rite of passage. It’s been the gateway drug for years. It’s built like a tank, works every time, and you can find it anywhere. The force feedback feels a bit notchy and it can sound like a coffee grinder. But you know what? It teaches you the basics. The pedals are fine. It’s the choice you make when you don’t want to think about it too hard.

The EU Perk: It’s everywhere. The second-hand market is huge. Perfect for dipping a toe in. The Catch: Where do you go from here? You can upgrade the pedals, but the wheel base is a dead end.

2. Thrustmaster T248 / T300 RS GT: The Middle Ground

• Price: T248: €300, T300 RS GT: €350
• Type: Hybrid Gear/Belt (T248) or Pure Belt-Driven (T300)
• For: You want more detail than Logitech offers. You’re already thinking about upgrading later.

Thrustmaster sits in the middle. The T248 is the modern pick with a little screen. The T300 RS GT is the classic. Its belt-driven system is smoother. Quieter. It just feels better than the Logitech gear drive. The pedals in the GT bundle are a step up, too. If you can stretch your budget, the T300 is where things start to get interesting.

The EU Perk: Good availability. Thrustmaster has a whole ecosystem — different wheels, better pedals — you can swap in later. The Upgrade Path: Solid. You can add T-LCM load cell pedals or a new wheel rim down the line.

3. Moza R5 / R3 Bundle: The New School

• Price: R5 Bundle: €479, R3 Bundle: €329
• Type: Direct Drive Force Feedback
• For: You want the good stuff from day one. You’re okay with a bit more setup hassle.

This changes everything. Direct Drive (DD) means the motor is hooked straight to the wheel. No gears. No belts. The result? Detail you can’t get from the others. It’s smooth. It’s fast. It’s quiet. The Moza R5 Bundle (5.5Nm of torque) fits comfortably in your budget — and the R3 Bundle at €329 leaves room for a better cockpit. It feels like a different hobby. Just know you’ll probably order it from a specialist dealer.

The EU Perk: You’re buying into top-tier tech from the start. Moza’s ecosystem is growing fast. The Upgrade Path: Excellent. Keep the base, add better pedals, a new wheel, or even a more powerful motor later.

The Cockpit: Don’t Screw This Up

A great wheel on a wobbly desk is a waste. A desk clamp works for a G29. For a T300 or a DD wheel? You need something solid. It’s not optional if you want to be consistent. The good news? You have options, even on a tight budget.

Option 1: Playseat Challenge / NLR Wheel Stand 2.0 (€180-220)

These fold. That’s the point. The Playseat Challenge is a lightweight racing seat. The Next Level Racing Wheel Stand 2.0 is a stand you roll your office chair into. Both can handle a T300 or a light DD like the R5, but you’ll feel some flex when you crank the force. A fantastic first step if space is tight.

Option 2: Used or Basic 8020 Cockpit (€200 - €350)

This is the endgame. An aluminium profile cockpit (80/20 or 40/40) is modular, rock-solid, and lasts forever. New basic kits start around €350 (check Sim Lab, Treq). But the second-hand market — eBay, local forums — is where you find the deals. A used 8020 rig is often the smartest money you’ll spend. Want to build your own? It’s a solid option too.

How to Split Your €500

You’ve got to be clever with the math. Some combinations land right at €500, others stretch slightly beyond — but they’re all worth considering.

• Scenario A (Wheel First): Moza R5 Bundle (€479) + a DIY or used stand (€30) = around €510. Get the best feedback now, worry about the perfect rig later.
• Scenario B (The Balanced Build): T300 RS GT (€350) + Playseat Challenge (€180) = around €530. A complete, quality package that just works.
• Scenario C (Stability First): Logitech G29 (€220) + a basic new 8020 cockpit (€250) = around €470. Build a fortress, then drop a better wheel into it later.

Real Talk for Starting in Europe

1. Try It: Go to a gaming event. Ask in communities like r/simracing. Feel the difference between gear drive and DD. It matters.
2. Buy Used: Seriously. Logitech and Thrustmaster wheels flood the second-hand market when people upgrade. Save a bundle.
3. Think Ahead: Are you buying a one-and-done (Logitech) or a platform you can build on (Thrustmaster, Moza)?
4. Platform Check: PC, PlayStation, Xbox? PC gives you all the options. Console locks you in.

So, What Should You Buy?

• The “Let’s Just See” Starter: Logitech G29/G923 plus a solid desk clamp or a used wheel stand. You won’t outgrow it instantly, and you can sell it for most of what you paid.
• The “Do It Right” Build: Thrustmaster T300 RS GT paired with a Next Level Racing Wheel Stand 2.0. The best balance of quality, feel, and future-proofing your budget allows.
• The “I’m All In” Play: Moza R5 Bundle on a second-hand aluminium profile cockpit. You’re investing in the best tech and a foundation that’ll last a decade. It takes more hunting and patience.

Whatever you pick, just start. The time you spend learning the tracks matters more than the gear. See you on track. Try to keep it on the black stuff.