As a community we race on iRacing, but that does not mean it is the best choice for everyone. Here we put the three most popular sims honestly side by side — including where iRacing is weaker.
The comparison in one table
| iRacing | Assetto Corsa Competizione | Le Mans Ultimate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost model | Subscription + individual content | One-off purchase (± €40) | One-off purchase (± €40) |
| Entry cost | From ± $13 / €11.40 per month | ± €40, often on sale | ± €40 |
| Learning curve | Average; system enforces clean driving | Accessible, strong driving aids | A bit rougher around the edges |
| Multiplayer | Best organised online racing | Good, less tightly organised | Building up, growing grids |
| Content | Very large (mostly paid) | GT3/GT4/GT2 and matching circuits | WEC classes: Hypercar, LMP2, GT3 |
| NL community | Large and active | Active | Smaller, growing |
| Strongest point | Structure and matchmaking | Price and GT3 feel | Official Le Mans/WEC experience |
Prices checked in July 2026 — software prices change; always check the current shop price. iRacing raises subscription prices on 18 August 2026 (1 month becomes $14.75). Le Mans Ultimate EU price still to be confirmed.
iRacing
Costs and model. You pay a subscription (from $13 / ±€11.40 per month, much cheaper per year) and buy cars and tracks separately on top. Your account does come with a solid set of free base content, so you can drive immediately. The full cost breakdown is in what does sim racing cost.
Learning curve. The driving itself is learnable, but the system around it — iRating, Safety Rating, licences — confuses beginners. Once you get it, it works in your favour. We explain it in iRating and Safety Rating explained.
Multiplayer. This is where iRacing wins everything. Fixed races at fixed times, participants split by level, and a system that punishes dirty driving. No hassle hunting for lobbies. For many people this alone is worth the subscription.
Content and community. Huge numbers of cars and tracks, and a large, active Dutch community — including us.
Where it is weaker. It costs money, every month. Individual content adds up. And the graphics are not the prettiest of the three; iRacing is about behaviour and organisation, not the picture. If you want to race casually once without a subscription, it is not the logical choice.
Assetto Corsa Competizione
Costs and model. One-off around €40, and it regularly goes heavily on sale. No subscription, no individual content you must buy to race. On a small budget this takes you furthest.
Learning curve. Accessible, with good driving aids you can switch off step by step. Nice for learning the basics.
Multiplayer. Fine, but less tightly organised than iRacing. You race on community servers and in Competition races; quality varies more.
Content and community. Focused on the real GT championships: GT3, GT4 and GT2, with the matching circuits. If GT3 is your thing, you are in good hands. The community is still active, though the player base is smaller than at its peak.
Where it is weaker. Outside GT racing it offers little; no formula, no open-wheel, no broad mix. And the organised online experience does not match iRacing.
Le Mans Ultimate
Costs and model. One-off purchase, around €40. Since 22 July 2025 the sim is out of early access (version 1.0), so you are no longer buying a half product.
Learning curve. The driving model is strong, but the sim still feels a bit rougher in places than the established names. If you love endurance, that is quickly forgiven.
Multiplayer. Building up. Grids are growing, but you do not (yet) find the full grids of iRacing at every hour of the day.
Content and community. This is the official game of the WEC and Le Mans: Hypercars, LMP2 and GT3 on the real endurance circuits. Unique if that is exactly what you want. The Dutch community is smaller but growing.
Where it is weaker. Less content and a smaller, younger player base than the other two. If you want a full race at any moment, then iRacing is more reliable.
Concrete advice per profile
- Limited budget? Start with ACC. One-off €40 (or less on sale), no ongoing costs, and enough to learn whether the hobby sticks.
- Want competitive racing? Choose iRacing. The matchmaking and rating system are unmatched, and you always find a race at your level. This is also where we race.
- Love endurance and Le Mans? Then Le Mans Ultimate is the most obvious — the official experience with Hypercars and LMP2. For the biggest, busiest endurance races iRacing remains the alternative.
- Racing casually? ACC without a subscription is the most carefree: buy, drive when you want, done.
And if you are unsure: you do not have to choose forever. Many people start on ACC and later move to iRacing when they want more structure. We are happy to help you along — drop into the community.