Sim Racing Pedals Buyer’s Guide 2025: Load Cell vs Hydraulic vs Potentiometer
,
by Mark Verwoert
3 min reading time
Upgrading your sim racing setup starts from the ground up—literally. While high-end wheels and rigs often steal the spotlight, it's your pedals that translate braking precision, throttle modulation, and clutch feel into true on-track performance. In this 2025 buyer’s guide, we break down the core differences between load cell, hydraulic, and potentiometer pedals to help you make the right choice.
Whether you're chasing milliseconds in iRacing or building your first sim rig, this guide will help you understand the pedal technologies available today—and how to choose the best sim racing pedals for your budget, goals, and style.
What’s the Difference Between Load Cell, Hydraulic, and Potentiometer Pedals?
Technology
Feel
Accuracy
Maintenance
Price Range
Best For
Potentiometer
Basic, spring-based
Low
Low
$100–$300
Beginners, arcade-style setups
Load Cell
Pressure-sensitive, firm
High
Low–Medium
$250–$600
Intermediate to serious sim racers
Hydraulic
Realistic, progressive brake
Very High
High
$500–$1200+
Advanced racers, training for real-world racing
Potentiometer Pedals: Entry-Level and Budget Friendly
Potentiometer pedals use rotary sensors to measure how far the pedal is pushed. They're common in beginner setups and prebuilt pedal units. While affordable, they can feel inconsistent over time and lack the realism serious racers expect. They're ideal if you're just starting out or racing casually.
Pros: Inexpensive, easy to replace Cons: Less accurate, less durable, limited realism
Load Cell Pedals: Balanced Precision and Value
Load cell pedals measure force instead of distance—particularly on the brake pedal. This results in a more realistic and consistent feel, especially under threshold braking. Mid-range to high-end pedal sets now feature load cells as standard, making them a favorite for competitive sim racers.
For most sim racers in 2025, load cell pedals offer the best value-to-performance ratio.
Pros: High precision, good durability, widely supported Cons: Slightly higher cost, may need occasional recalibration
Hydraulic Pedals: Ultimate Realism
Hydraulic pedals use fluid pressure just like real-world brake systems, offering unmatched feel and resistance. These are typically reserved for advanced sim racers or professional drivers looking to replicate real-world conditions as closely as possible.
While hydraulic pedals are often the most expensive and require more maintenance, their performance is second to none.
Looking for tested models? Check our full guide on the Best Sim Racing Pedals for PC, regularly updated with in-depth reviews and comparisons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are load cell pedals worth it in 2025?
Absolutely. Load cells now offer excellent performance even at mid-range price points, making them a solid investment for most serious sim racers.
How long do hydraulic pedals last?
With proper maintenance (fluid changes, bleeding), they can last many years. They're built for durability but require upkeep.
Can I upgrade from potentiometer to load cell?
Yes, many pedal systems allow sensor upgrades. Alternatively, upgrading the entire pedal set is common as your skills improve. The overall quality of the materials is often better with load cell equipment because it are premium products.
What’s the most realistic pedal set?
Hydraulic pedals deliver the closest feel to real-world motorsport braking. They’re used in professional simulators and training rigs.