Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFor casual scenic cruising, Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) is the more direct fit: its official purchase page explicitly invites players to cruise European highways for sightseeing. Choose American Truck Simulator (ATS) if you would rather tour American landscapes, want its built-in Driving Academy lessons, or are interested in exploring in cars through the separate Road Trip: Ford DLC. Neither game is established as universally easier or more relaxing; the better choice depends on what you want to drive through and how you want to play.
At a glance
| What matters to you | Better fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Highway sightseeing | Euro Truck Simulator 2 | Its official purchase page explicitly describes cruising thousands of kilometers of highways for sightseeing. |
| American scenery | American Truck Simulator | Its official site describes a growing map of 20+ states, with landscapes including deserts, forests, and cities. |
| Guided driving practice | American Truck Simulator | Its Driving Academy covers tasks such as gear shifting and trailer reversing. |
| Driving personal cars | American Truck Simulator, with Road Trip: Ford DLC | The DLC adds personal cars and Atlas exploration; it is additional downloadable content, not a base-game feature. |
| Company progression | Either | Both include company-growth features alongside driving. |
What does “casual driving” mean to you?
Scenic cruising without a specific lesson goal
ETS2 has the clearest official pitch for this: its purchase page describes cruising thousands of kilometers of highways to sightsee. Its features page says the game world spans 37 European countries, according to SCS Software’s page accessed October 7, 2026. These descriptions make ETS2 an easy recommendation if the appeal is touring European roads in a truck.
That is a feature-based recommendation, not evidence that ETS2 is objectively more relaxing. Official descriptions do not compare the games’ comfort, control feel, difficulty, or average session length.
Learning driving tasks at your own pace
ATS has the more clearly documented training feature: its Driving Academy introduces tasks including shifting gears and reversing a trailer. That makes it the stronger pick if you value structured practice. It does not establish that ATS is easier overall, and the checked ETS2 pages do not establish a directly equivalent current tutorial comparison.
#1 Best Overall
- Run your own haulage business which will continue to expand whilst you complete your freight deliveries overseas
- Build your own fleet of trucks, buy garages, hire drivers and manage our business for maximum profits
- Tune your vehicles to keep them in tip top condition
- Customise your transport fleet with optional lights, bars, horns and beacons
- Thousands of miles of real road networks with hundreds of famous landmarks and structures
Exploring in a car, not only a truck
ATS remains centered on truck hauling, but its Road Trip: Ford DLC adds car-based exploration through Atlas. SCS announced the DLC’s release on September 29, 2026, with the Ford Mustang, F-150, Bronco, and Crown Victoria. Because this is DLC, do not assume those cars or that exploration feature come with the base game.
How the settings compare
American Truck Simulator
ATS is built around American roads and landscapes. SCS Software’s current official site describes a growing map covering 20+ states, with scenery ranging from deserts and forests to cities. South Dakota DLC arrived on September 24, 2026, according to the same site. If those settings are the draw, ATS is the more natural choice.
Rank #2
- Standard USB-A interface, compatible with laptops or desktop computers
- The microphone is suitable for European truck simulator, American truck simulator and other computer games that require microphone communication. With a PTT design, make your gaming experience more immersive
- Using high-quality materials, the microphone provides clear sound recording, making your communication simple and timely
- Up to four programmable buttons are available, which can facilitate various settings for you, such as one-click combo in games, multimedia control, game voice communication, and fast text input(The package comes with a downloadable QR Code inside)
- The package comes with a self-adhesive backing bracket that doesn't require drilling. This makes it easy for you to install the microphone in a location that is within reach
The site also describes Convoy, a multiplayer mode with shared jobs and synchronized traffic, weather, and time. That may matter if you want to drive with other people, but it does not by itself establish which game’s multiplayer is better.
Euro Truck Simulator 2
ETS2 offers a European setting. SCS Software’s features page reports a world spanning 37 countries and 25 licensed truck models from seven manufacturers; these are publisher-reported figures, not independent measurements. Its purchase page also describes hundreds of jobs and highways intended for sightseeing cruises.
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Rank #3
- The key activates the electrical system ---- With a PTT design, make your gaming experience more immersive.The key supports power activation,It can starting and turning off the ignition. mirroring the functionality of an actual car.Press the hand mic button to communicate; and the hand microphone enables voice transmission.The microphone is suitable for European truck simulator, American truck simulator and other computer games that require microphone communication.
- The central control box Key functions---- 16 input button box for PC Custom lettering, you can choose to leave the basic lettering or have customized lettering done and have a one-of-a-kind button box of your design.When you enter the game and find the function you need to map, Then you can press the button of the central control box you want to map,It finish to complete the customization of the function button.
- The central control box quality and features---- Good quality box, All Sim switch boxes are made with high-quality PLA plastic and metal switches. These are 3-D printed and will have small print lines. Product was extremely easy to setup and map keybindings to. Buttons and switches all feel really good and sturdy. Functions exactly as expected and offers great, solid build quality.It is easy to program, the LED back lighting is great and easy to customize, and combined with the buttons on my steering wheel you don't have to touch your keyboard at all once I start playing.
- Product functions --- USB Simulation Racing Instrument Center Control Button Box for Truck ETS2 Hub To Make the experience immersive PC Sim racing Multi-function HUB Instrument Cluster for Racing Games.Through sim hub software to control the light effect, players can through sim hub software DIY game synchronization light effect, including but not limited to speed light, brake light, steering, double flash, abs, tc, colored flag light, pickup light, etc.
- These boxes are designed to elevate your ATS – ETS experience with life like parking break and real ignition switch. The box works perfectly, and I love its aesthetics and customizable lighting.Supports the following base installation: FANATEC /SIMAGIC /SIMCUBE /MOZA /OSW /IMMS Bracket mounting hole spacing 45-102MM.Such as:For G27/G29/G920/G923; For T248/T248X/TGT/TS-XW/T300/T300RS/T300 RS;For MOZA R3/R5/R9/R12;For PXN V99/ V10/V12 LITE.
How much management is involved?
Both games offer more than driving. ATS lets players hire drivers, buy trucks, and open garages. ETS2 offers company growth, driver and fleet selection, and career progression. Those features give each game a longer-term management layer, but the available descriptions do not establish how much of it can be ignored during a casual drive. Choose on setting and driving features first rather than assuming one game requires less management.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which one should you choose?
- Choose ETS2 if European scenery and highway sightseeing are your main reasons to play.
- Choose ATS if you prefer American landscapes or want its Driving Academy’s clearly described practice tasks.
- Consider ATS with Road Trip: Ford DLC if car-based exploration is part of the appeal, remembering that it is additional content.
- Choose either if you want truck driving alongside company progression; both games offer that combination.
These recommendations follow the games’ official feature descriptions, not comparative gameplay testing. Those descriptions cannot settle which game feels more comfortable or relaxed to you.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- The ATS Shifter comes with customized button , allows you to use switches to quickly switch between high and low gears. It supports up to 18 gears and also includes custom setting button for personalized preferences, offering a seamless and immersive gameplay experience.
- aikeec USB shifter is designed specifically for Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) and American Truck Simulator (ATS) games or FIA ETRC 18 WOS .Versatile Compatibility: Our USB Gearshift is compatible with popular racing wheel models such as Logitech G25, G27, G29, G920, Thrustmaster TH8A.
- The American truck simulator shifter provide three different sizes of adapter accessories to ensure compatibility with other brand models shifter shalft . If you require a different adapter size, simply replace the 10mm or 12 mm adapter plugs with the appropriate size.
- Easy Installation with Plug and Play: The USB Gearshift comes with an upgraded 2-meter long cable, including an independent USB connection. Plug and play without need of driver , , only supports PC windows system Set up steps: →①Open the game settings in ETS2/ATS: Options → Controls (Keyboard → Select "Add joystick/controller") →②Select "Transmission H-Shifter" →③Choose the "Shifter layout" (Eaton Fuller 10/13/18 speeds) →④Set "Shifter Toggle: 1 Joy Button 1" for the first switch →⑤Set "Shifter Toggle: 2 Joy Button 2" for the second switch →⑥Enable "Shifter Toggle use Switch Mode"
Rank #4
- Developed in collaboration with SCS software, including steam download codes for "Euro Truck Simulator 2" and "American Truck Simulator"
- Original size with faux leather covered truck steering wheel with 40 cm diameter and 1800 degree rotation, placed at extra flat angle
- Dual Motor Force Feedback for a particularly immersive trucking experience
- Shifter lever with H-toggle pattern including keypad and integrated gear lever buttons for range split operation: Enables switching in high/low and up to 18 gears
- A total of 103 controllers including 2 analog sticks and a included app for individual customization of different settings such as input seat and more
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
