🏁 Intro: Why Visual Setup Matters

Your visual setup plays a major role in how immersive—and how competitive—your sim racing experience is.

• Want to feel like you’re in the car?

• Want to see opponents in your mirrors and spot apexes naturally?

• Want the best bang for your buck without motion sickness?

In this post, we’re comparing the three most popular visual options for sim racers in 2025:

• 🖥️ Single Monitor

• 🥽 Virtual Reality (VR)

• 🖥️🖥️🖥️ Triple Monitor Setups

Let’s break it down and help you pick what’s right for your rig, your budget, and your racing style.

🖥️ Option 1: Single Monitor Setup (Simple, Budget-Friendly)

A single screen is the most common way to start sim racing—and for good reason.

✅ Pros:

• Easy to set up, no special configuration needed

• Budget-friendly (use any monitor or TV you already own)

• Compatible with every sim title

• Lower hardware requirements = smoother performance

• Great for tight spaces or beginner rigs

❌ Cons:

• Limited field of view (FOV)

• Can’t see side mirrors or cars beside you without camera adjustment

• Less immersive than other options

🛠️ Ideal Use Case:

You’re just getting started, or want to keep things simple and affordable. Pair a 27″–32″ 1080p or 1440p monitor with a desk mount or cockpit arm and you’re good to go.

🛒 Recommended Monitor:

• Gigabyte M27Q 27” QHD IPS (165Hz)

• BenQ EX3203R 32” Curved QHD (144Hz)

🥽 Option 2: VR Headsets (Immersion Overload)

If you want the closest thing to sitting in a real race car, VR is hard to beat.

✅ Pros:

• Full 360° view—look into corners, check mirrors, or glance at your dashboard

• Massive immersion—feel like you’re inside the cockpit

• Great for road cars, rally, drifting, and open-wheel sims

• No need for multiple monitors or extra mounts

❌ Cons:

• Can cause motion sickness for some users

• Requires powerful GPU and CPU for smooth framerate

• Long sessions can cause fatigue (and helmet hair)

• Lower visual clarity compared to flat screens

• Can be sweaty, hot, or uncomfortable over time

🛠️ Ideal Use Case:

You’re chasing immersion and already have (or plan to buy) a strong gaming PC. Best paired with iRacing, Assetto Corsa, rFactor 2, or Automobilista 2.

🛒 Recommended VR Headsets (2025):

• Meta Quest 3 (Great for value + standalone use)

• Pimax Crystal (Best visuals for sim racing)

• Varjo Aero (Elite, but expensive)

• HP Reverb G2 V2 (Budget-friendly with solid clarity)

Pro Tip: Always run your sim at 90+ FPS to avoid VR sickness. Lower = instant nausea.

🖥️🖥️🖥️ Option 3: Triple Monitor Setup (The Competitive Choice)

Triple screens are the go-to for hardcore racers and esports competitors. Why? Because they offer:

• Massive horizontal FOV (~180°+)

• Full side mirror visibility

• Seamless peripheral awareness

• No motion sickness like VR

✅ Pros:

• Immersive without wearing a headset

• See opponents in side mirrors

• Ideal for cockpit-style racing and GT, F1, oval, or endurance

• No loss in clarity—everything stays sharp and readable

• Easier to race for long hours

❌ Cons:

• Requires strong GPU for 3-monitor output

• Needs lots of desk/cockpit space

• Can be tricky to align bezels and angles correctly

• Higher cost (3 monitors + triple stand or cockpit mount)

🛠️ Ideal Use Case:

You’re serious about sim racing and want the best visual layout for situational awareness and immersion—without the discomfort of VR.

🛒 Recommended Triple Setup Monitors:

• Samsung Odyssey G5 27” Curved (3x)

• Dell S2721DGF 27” QHD (3x for premium flat setup)

• Don’t forget: Use a triple monitor stand or cockpit-mounted arms

🔄 Side-by-Side Comparison

🏆 Our Recommendation: Start Simple, Upgrade With Experience

• Beginner? Start with a good single 27” or 32” monitor

• Immersion Hunter? Go VR—if you have the PC power and stomach

• Esports or Competitive Driver? Go triple screen for unmatched visibility

No matter what setup you choose, the key is to find a comfortable, immersive view that helps you focus and perform at your best. Your visual rig is just as important as your wheel and pedals—so make it count.

🛠️ Final Pro Tip: Get Your Field of View (FOV) Right

Whatever display you use, proper FOV settings can make or break your immersion and accuracy. Use an FOV calculator(like iRacingTools or FOV Tool) to dial in the correct camera distance and angles based on your screen size, distance, and game.