As technology continues to advance, the gap between real-life motorsport and racing simulations is narrowing significantly. It's no secret that many successful professional drivers dedicate time to racing simulations, which is a testament to the ever-improving quality of racing hardware. With an abundance of options on the market, choosing the right racing wheel can be daunting. Here, we've compiled a list of 10 top racing wheels suitable for PC, Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and Nintendo Switch, catering to various budgets and levels of commitment to sim racing. For avid racing game enthusiasts, a racing wheel is undoubtedly one of the most essential gaming accessories.
TL;DR: The Best Racing Wheels
Thrustmaster T-128
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Logitech G-29
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Moza R3
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Fanatec GT DD Pro
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Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe
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Thrustmaster T300 RS GT
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Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel
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Turtle Beach VelocityOne Race Wheel and Pedal Set
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Moza R12
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Moza TSW Truck Wheel
0See it at Walmart1. Thrustmaster T-128
Best Budget Wheel for PC and Xbox
Thrustmaster T-128
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Product Specifications
Rim size: 260mm, not removable
Motor: Belt + gear hybrid
Peak torque: 2 Nm
Compatibility: PC, Xbox, PlayStation
Rotation range: 900 degrees
PROS
- Less noisy than similar entry-level Logitech wheels
- Pedals are upgradeable
CONS
- Small rim size
- Bundled pedals are poor
The Thrustmaster T-128 is an entry-level racing wheel designed for beginners and those on a tight budget. Its plastic construction may feel a bit toy-like, but it offers genuine force feedback, distinguishing it from lower-priced models like the T-80, which rely on bungee-style resistance. The T-128's 2 Nm of peak torque is modest but sufficient for beginners. The small rim diameter enhances the feel of the torque, and the wheel can be upgraded with accessories like the TH8S shifter and improved pedals. It's available in versions compatible with Xbox and PC, or PlayStation and PC.
Logitech G-29
Best Budget Wheel for PlayStation
Logitech G-29
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Product Specifications
Rim size: 270mm, not removable
Motor: Gear
Peak torque: 2.1 Nm
Compatibility: PC, PlayStation
Rotation range: 900 degrees
PROS
- Much better pedals than entry-level Thrustmaster bundles
- Sturdy and still a great option a decade down the track
CONS
- Clunky and noisy at times
- Gear-driven force feedback not as refined as Thrustmaster’s hybrid belt system
The Logitech G-29 is a reliable and robust budget wheel, particularly for PlayStation users. It features a metal rim and a three-pedal set that provides a more premium feel compared to the T-128. While it may be noisy at times due to its gear-driven system, it remains a solid choice for those starting their sim racing journey. The G-29 is essentially identical to the newer G-923, minus the Trueforce technology, making it a more cost-effective option.
Moza R3
Best Starter Direct Drive Wheel for Xbox Series X|S and PC
Moza R3
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Product Specifications
Rim size: 280mm, removable
Motor: Direct drive
Peak torque: 3.9 Nm
Compatibility: Xbox Series X|S, PC
Rotation range: Unlimited
PROS
- High quality force feedback in a whisper quiet package
- Every part of the bundle is upgrade friendly
CONS
- Bundled brake pedal feels simplistic
- Xbox compatibility still lacking for shifter and handbrake add-ons for most games
The Moza R3 introduces direct drive technology to Xbox users at a competitive price. It offers smooth and silent force feedback, a significant upgrade over belt-driven wheels. The R3 is highly upgradeable, allowing users to enhance their setup over time. However, note that some Moza add-ons are not compatible with most Xbox racing games.
Fanatec GT DD Pro
Best Direct Drive Wheel
Fanatec GT DD Pro
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Product Specifications
Rim size: 280mm, removable
Motor: Direct drive
Peak torque: 5 Nm - 8 Nm
Compatibility: PC, PlayStation
Rotation range: Unlimited
PROS
- Excellent force feedback, quiet operation
- Perfect for PC and multi-console owners (with additional purchases)
CONS
- Bundled brake pedal feels simplistic
- Paying a high premium over the CSL DD for PlayStation compatibility
The Fanatec GT DD Pro offers high-quality direct drive force feedback and is ideal for users who play across multiple platforms. It's more expensive than the CSL DD due to its PlayStation compatibility, but it's a versatile choice for serious sim racers. The wheelbase can be upgraded with a boost kit for additional torque, and while the bundled pedals use Hall effect sensors, a load-cell brake pedal can be purchased separately.
Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe
Best Nintendo Switch Racing Wheel
Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe
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Product Specifications
Rim size: 280mm, not removable
Motor: N/A
Peak torque: N/A
Compatibility: Nintendo Switch, PC
Rotation range: 270 degrees
PROS
- Analogue pedals are a step up from the Switch’s digital triggers
- Bigger than the tiny Hori Mario Kart Mini
CONS
- Suction cup mounts are pointless
- No force feedback whatsoever
The Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe is tailored for Nintendo Switch users, offering a fun, if basic, racing experience. It uses elastic resistance instead of force feedback, which may be suitable for kids and beginners. The analog pedals are an improvement over the Switch's digital triggers, but the lack of force feedback limits its realism.
Thrustmaster T300 RS GT
Best Mid-Price PlayStation Racing Wheel
Thrustmaster T300 RS GT
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Product Specifications
Rim size: 280mm, removable
Motor: Belt
Peak torque: 3.9 Nm
Compatibility: PlayStation, PC
Rotation range: 1,080 degrees
PROS
- Cheaper than entry-level PlayStation direct drive options
- Reliable and makes less ruckus than gear-drive wheels
CONS
- Belt drive is quickly becoming outmoded as direct drive prices drop
- Not the best PC option at this price point
The Thrustmaster T300 RS GT is an older but still reliable mid-price option for PlayStation users. Its belt-driven system provides smoother force feedback than gear-driven alternatives but falls short of direct drive wheels. The wheel is PC compatible, but direct drive options are more competitive at this price point for PC users.
Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel
Best Value Premium PC and Console Racing Wheel
Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel
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Product Specifications
Rim size: 300mm, removable
Motor: Direct drive
Peak torque: 11 Nm
Compatibility: PC, Xbox/PC, PlayStation/PC
Rotation range: Unlimited
PROS
- A high-end simulation experience in a neat bundle
- Realistic rim size, great pedals, fantastic feedback
CONS
- Not a ton of other accessories to date
- Large wheelbase makes for a bulky install
The Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel offers a premium direct drive experience at a competitive price. It includes Trueforce haptics technology and a 100kg load cell brake, providing a realistic driving feel. While the wheelbase is larger than some competitors, it delivers strong performance and value for serious sim racers.
Turtle Beach VelocityOne Race Wheel and Pedal Set
Best Value Direct Drive Plus Load Cell Pedal Bundle
Turtle Beach VelocityOne Race Wheel and Pedal Set
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Product Specifications
Rim size: 300mm, removable
Motor: Direct drive
Peak torque: 7.2 Nm
Compatibility: Xbox/PC
Rotation range: Unlimited
PROS
- Attractively priced for a direct drive wheel with a load cell, three-pedal set
- Integrated table clamp is strong and far better than bulky standalone clamps
CONS
- Button box and telemetry is a cool novelty but mostly pointless/not compatible on Xbox
- Poorer force feedback than competing wheel bases in this price range
The Turtle Beach VelocityOne Race offers an all-inclusive direct drive and load cell pedal bundle at a competitive price. While its force feedback may not be as refined as some competitors, it's a solid entry point for new racers looking for a complete setup without additional purchases.
Moza R12
Best Direct Drive Wheel Base
Moza R12
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Product Specifications
Rim size: N/A
Motor: Direct drive
Peak torque: 12 Nm
Compatibility: PC, Xbox (when paired with Moza ESX wheel)
Rotation range: Unlimited
PROS
- Right at the sweet spot of price versus power
- Strong yet quiet
CONS
- Requires additional purchases
- No native PlayStation compatibility, although third-party adaptors will make them functional
The Moza R12 is a high-end direct drive wheel base that offers powerful and quiet performance. It's ideal for those looking to upgrade their setup without breaking the bank on professional-grade equipment. Note that it requires separate purchases for a rim and pedals, and lacks native PlayStation compatibility.
Moza TSW Truck Wheel
Best Non-Traditional Wheel Rim
Moza TSW Truck Wheel
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Product Specifications
Rim size: 400mm, removable
Motor: N/A
Peak torque: N/A
Compatibility: PC
Rotation range: N/A
PROS
- The most immersive way to play truck and bus simulations
- Instant compatibility across Moza’s ecosystem
CONS
- Wheel diameter will make force feedback seem light on low-torque wheel bases
- Wheel base and pedals must be purchased separately
The Moza TSW Truck Wheel is designed for heavy vehicle simulations, offering an authentic feel with its large 400mm diameter. It's a great choice for those looking to immerse themselves in truck and bus sims, though it requires a separate wheel base and pedals.
How to Choose a Racing Wheel
When selecting a racing wheel, consider how frequently you plan to use it. Casual gamers might opt for an entry-level model, while dedicated sim racers may justify investing in a more advanced wheel with stronger force feedback.
Force feedback types include:
- Gear Drive: The oldest and least refined, known for being noisy and clunky. Found in wheels like the Logitech G29/G920 and G923.
- Belt Drive: Smoother and quieter than gear drive, but less capable of conveying nuanced feedback. Examples include the Thrustmaster T300 RS GT.
- Direct Drive: The most advanced and expensive, offering the highest level of feedback detail. Entry-level direct drive wheels are increasingly affordable.
Racing Wheel FAQ
What impact do rim sizes have on the feel of a sim racing wheel?
Smaller rims can make low-torque bases feel more responsive, though they may feel less authentic.
Why am I now slower on a racing wheel than a controller?
Racing games are designed to be enjoyable on controllers, which often incorporate dampening to make them less twitchy. Transitioning to a wheel requires adjusting to more precise and smoother inputs to improve lap times.
What are the best games to play with a racing wheel?
For serious simulation, try Assetto Corsa Competizione, F1 24, Dirt Rally 2.0, and EA Sports WRC. Mainstream titles like Gran Turismo 7, Forza Motorsport, and Forza Horizon 5 also work well with wheels, as do The Crew 2, Wreckfest, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Switch.
This doesn’t feel quite right. Is my wheel a dud?
Before concluding your wheel is faulty, explore the numerous settings available in games and on the wheel itself. Community recommendations can help fine-tune your experience.
Are racing wheels worth the investment?
For casual gamers, a basic wheel might suffice. However, dedicated racing enthusiasts will find the immersion and precision of a quality wheel to be a worthwhile investment, despite the initial learning curve.
How realistic is a racing wheel?
High-quality racing wheels can replicate the feel of real driving through accurate force feedback. The realism depends on the wheel's features, but top models are used by professional drivers to hone their skills, highlighting their effectiveness.
