Racing games have existed since the inception of video games, but the genre really began to flourish with the onset of racing wheels. Racing wheels are steering wheel and pedal combos that allow for a deeper level of immersion when playing racing games. It gives the feeling of being in the driver's seat and competing for the top position. There are quite a lot of options to choose from, and this guide should help narrow down the best racing wheel for gaming in different categories.
Regarding peripherals for a PC or a console, a racing wheel is among the top five. They come in a multitude of shapes, sizes, features, and components. Most racing wheels work with both PCs and consoles. However, some may not work with both Xbox and PlayStation consoles. The good news is that casual gamers who just want a better experience than a gaming controller or a mouse and gaming keyboard, as well as enthusiasts who wish to build the ultimate racing simulator, have a healthy assortment of wheels to choose from.
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Factors To Consider When Buying A Racing Wheel
When choosing a racing wheel, consider these factors:
- Force Feedback: Force feedback is the technology found in many mid to high-end racing wheels. Using a small motor, it essentially simulates the resistance and vibrations that the in-game vehicle is experiencing based on the speed, terrain, and other factors.
- Compatibility: Most modern racing wheels work with both PCs and consoles. More on this later.
- Pedals and Accessories: Depending on the configuration, a racing wheel package can include just the steering wheel and two pedals – accelerator and brake, or it can have a steering wheel, a three-pedal set, a manual gear shifter, and a separate base station, or a combination of these. The pedals come in three variations: potentiometer, hall effect, and Load Cell.
- Price: As mentioned earlier, there is a wide range of racing wheels at various price points. Gamers can find options to fit their specific needs and the space they have for their racing setup.
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VelocityOne Race KD3 Racing Wheel & Pedals
- Brand
- Turtle Beach
- Compatibility
- Xbox, PC, iOS, and Android.
- Forced Feedback
- Yes, Custom K: Drive Direct Drive 3.2Nm
- Connection
- USB-C
- Wheel Size
- 11.77” x 11.54” x 4.61”
- Pedals
- Two pedal set
The Turtle Beach VelocityOne Race KD3 is an entry-level Xbox/PC direct drive racing wheel with 3.2 Nm torque, hall-effect 2-pedal set, modular upgrades, on-wheel display, and smooth, detailed force feedback.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Smooth, detailed force feedback with low fatigue.
- Upgradeable modular ecosystem for pedals and rims.
- On-wheel display and profiles for quick adjustments.
- Lower torque than most direct drive competitors.
- No load-cell brake in the included pedal set.
The Turtle Beach VelocityOne Race KD3 makes a pretty compelling case for itself in that awkward price bracket between toy wheels and serious sim gear. At under $500, you're getting real direct drive tech with a 3.2 Nm motor that won't snap your wrists but delivers way cleaner feedback than most gear-driven wheels on the market.
Coming to force feedback, it just gets out of its own way. It's not trying to impress you with brutal strength, but the detail coming through the wheel is really good. You can feel weight transfer, road texture, even subtle grip changes without all the grinding and notchiness that plagues cheaper wheels.
The 2,160° rotation handles everything from rally stages to open-wheelers, and having that little Race Management Display right on the wheel is quite useful for console players who don't want to alt-tab constantly. The pedals are decent but not special. Hall-effect sensors are smooth, and the adjustability is nice, but if you're coming from a load-cell brake, you'll miss that pressure-sensitive feel. The good news is you can upgrade later since this is all modular -- different pedal sets, different wheel rims, the works.
Setup is going to be painless with the table clamp, and the tuning software works properly across Xbox, PC, and even mobile. Overall, this pick isn't going to satisfy the belt-and-braces sim crowd who need every last newton-meter. But as a stepping stone into proper direct drive territory, especially for Xbox players who've been stuck with limited options, the KD3 hits a sweet spot between performance, price, and convenience that's hard to argue with.
Logitech G923 Racing Wheel and Pedals
- Brand
- Logitech
- Compatibility
- Xbox, PS5, PS4, PC
- Forced Feedback
- TRUEFORCE
- Wheel Size
- 11 inch
- Pedals
- Three-pedal set
- Paddles
- Brushed stainless steel paddle shifters
The Logitech G923 Racing Wheel is a great wheel for most play styles, be it casual racing or a hardcore sim rig setup. It brings the company's TRUEFORCE technology that delivers more detailed feedback to the user for an immersive racing experience. The buttons are well laid out and the stainless steel paddle shifters are easy to use as well. The Logitech G923 Racing Wheel comes with a three-set pedal system that includes a progressive brake pedal.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Value for money
- Brake pedal mimics a pressure-sensitive system
- Comfy grip
- Excellent force feedback
- Base can be a little bulky
- Logitech G29 and G920 are cheaper and offer similar performance
Anyone looking for a racing wheel will find the Logitech G923 included in every list. It is the best overall racing wheel because of its value. Trueforce feedback makes its way to this less premium Logitech offering, compared to the Logitech Pro Racing Wheel, which makes it a great way to experience the details and nuances of the company's innovative technology. The package includes an 11-inch steering wheel and a three-pedal set. It is available in models for both PlayStation and PC or Xbox and PC.
The steering wheel has hand-stitched leather over it, giving it a comfortable feel in the hand, though some may prefer Alcantara. Just behind the wheel are brushed stainless steel paddle shifters that are easy to reach. The steering is also packed with controls that are all relatively easy to reach. There is a 24-point selection dial that allows adjusting various settings like traction, torque, and brake force. There is a rev indicator built into the steering as well.
Coming to the pedals, the three-pedal set features a progressive brake pedal that feels like a pressure-sensitive system. The frame and arms of the pedals are made from cold rolled steel, and at the bottom is the company's patented carpet grip system that will keep them in place even with aggressive driving.
The wheel features proprietary Trueforce technology that allows it to connect seamlessly to game engines like Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC and process in-game action 4000 times faster for realistic and detailed gameplay. The built-in LED Rev indicator displays the RPM range right where the user can see it without straining.
Not all games support Trueforce, so keep that in mind before pulling the trigger on a Logitech wheel.
Thrustmaster T300RS GT
- Brand
- Thrustmaster
- Compatibility
- PS3, PS4, PS5, PC
- Forced Feedback
- Yes, dual-belt system
- Wheel Size
- 11 inch
- Pedals
- Three-pedal set
The Thrustmaster T300RS GT is a mid-range offering from Thrustmaster and brings force feedback through a dual-belt system connected to a 25W brushless motor. The steering uses magnetic technology instead of a potentiometer to accurately track inputs. The package includes a three-set pedal system with metal heads and the steering can be swapped out for a different one from Thrustmaster.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Dual belt system prevents dead zones
- Swappable steering wheel
- Realistic pedal resistance
- Stays fairly cool for long gaming sessions
- The base is a bit bulky
- Mounting bracket is finicky
Thrustmaster is a popular brand in the sim racing space, and the T300RS GT checks all the right boxes. It is a well-built steering wheel with Gran Turismo branding in the center. The standard PlayStation buttons are relatively easy to access, but there are a few buttons on the base station that would require the user to take their hands off the wheel. Thrustmaster ships the T300RS GT with its T3PM three-pedal set that has 100% metal heads. These are magnetic pedals with four pressure modes and a pressure resistance of 200 kg for each pedal.
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The wheel uses a dual-belt system that connects the steering to the 25W brushless motor. It has a simple wheel-changing mechanism that makes the base compatible with other Thrustmaster wheels. It also uses the company's patented HEART (HallEffect AccuRate Technology) system that makes use of magnets instead of a potentiometer for better accuracy and durability.
Also, the Thrustmaster TR300RS is great with many types of games and works well with Gran Turismo, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. Therefore, users can play all their favorite games without worrying about compatibility issues. There is a built-in high-end racing simulator with up to 1080 degrees of feedback, thanks to the deliberate efforts to create a reliable industrial-class business motor.
It has a diameter of up to 11 inches or 28 centimeters, and the central spokes are made from brushed metal for ultra durability. Reinforced rubber material covers the entire circumference of the wheel for a grippy feel whenever in use. It comes with three adjustable metal pedals, including the clutch and the accelerator, giving gamers the power to choose how they will use it.
Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel
- Brand
- Logitech
- Compatibility
- PlayStation/PC/ Xbox (model specific)
- Forced Feedback
- TRUEFORCE
- Wheel Size
- 11 inch
- Pedals
- Three-pedal set
The Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel is a premium offering from Logitech, and it brings the latest and greatest technologies that the company has to offer. The design for the steering wheel has been developed in collaboration with pro sim drivers. It brings TRUEFORCE force feedback through its direct drive system with 11 Nm of torque. It uses a thumb sweep orientation for the buttons and dials, making them easily accessible without having to take the hands off the wheel.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Convenient button layout
- Solid construction
- High torque force feedback
- Easily customizable
- Pedals need to be purchased separately
- Very expensive
As part of the Logitech G Pro series of peripherals, this racing wheel is a premium option, bringing the company's latest and greatest technologies. First and foremost, the package contains only the steering wheel, so those interested in the Logitech Pro Racing Wheel will have to purchase pedals separately. But this premium price point brings force feedback through direct drive and Logitech's Trueforce technology.
Logitech promotes that the force feedback delivered by this wheel is directly rendered kinesthetic and tactile force feedback calculated internally at up to 4000Hz to the steering wheel. This means the wheel can deliver more detailed feedback, giving the driver a one-to-one sensation of the terrain, the resistance, and other nuanced vibrations. Trueforce can also be further fine-tuned through the G HUB app.
The 11-inch steering wheel comes with a layout that has been tested by professionals and enthusiasts across the globe. It utilizes a "thumb sweep" orientation for the buttons and dials, which means drivers will not have to take their hands off the wheel. Logitech says the steering wheel is also ready for future upgrades and is customizable. Being a premium steering wheel, the Logitech Pro Racing Wheel comes with magnetic gear shift paddles and an LED that shows the rev bar and game settings.
HORI Racing Wheel Apex for PlayStation 5
- Brand
- Hori
- Compatibility
- PS4, PS5, PC
- Forced Feedback
- No
- Wheel Size
- 11 inch
- Pedals
- Two-pedal set
- Connection
- USB
The HORI Racing Wheel APEX is a great entry-level racing wheel for PC, PS4, and PS5 users. It does not have force feedback and has a basic steering wheel and pedal combo. It comes with a two-pedal setup that connects to the steering base, which then connects via a single USB connection, and that's it as far as the setup goes. There are paddle shifters behind the steering wheel.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Paddles
- Yes
- Comes with paddle shifters
- Easy to set up
- Strong rumble feedback
- High build quality
- No force feedback
- Pedals are not great
The Hori Racing Wheel APEX is perfect for beginners who want something a bit more immersive than a controller. It is a budget-friendly wheel that works with the PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and PC. There is an Xbox version as well. The package includes an 11-inch steering wheel and a two-pedal setup. It allows for 270 degrees of rotation, which is usually restricted to 180 degrees on most entry-level wheels. The base uses a clamp system to sit tight on any desk, and once it's secured in place, there is minimal to no movement while racing. The Hori Racing Wheel APEX comes with easy-to-access paddle shifters with a loud click.
Thanks to its standby clamps, users will appreciate the ease with which this racing wheel clamps to a table or racing stand. It features durable materials, with some of its parts made from steel, for an enduring presence in the average gamer’s life. Gamers who do not want to use the wheel at 270 degrees can adjust it to 180 degrees in imitation of the basic racing wheel.
Users can adjust settings and select any of four custom profiles based on pedal sensitivity, dead zone, and more. Additionally, users can download and install the HORI Device Manager App to adjust settings to any of the four profiles.
At this price point, getting a wheel with force feedback is unlikely, and the Hori Racing Wheel APEX does not offer the deeper level of immersion that the others on this list do. But there is no denying that this wheel offers a significantly better racing experience than a controller and even other entry-level wheels. Another plus is that there is no external power required, and a single USB cable is enough to use the Racing Wheel APEX.
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Hori has a HORI Device Manager companion app that allows users to adjust settings like dead zones, create profiles, and update the firmware. It also has all the familiar PlayStation buttons that can be customized.
PXN V3 Pro Racing Wheel
- Brand
- PXN
- Compatibility
- PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch
- Forced Feedback
- No
- Wheel Size
- 10.2 inches
- Pedals
- Two pedals, plastic
- Connection
- USB
The V3 Pro from PXN is a small entry-level racing wheel that packs a punch. It is one of the few wheels that comes with a gear shifter, though it is a sequential gear shifter. The plastic construction helps save weight and bring the cost down. The pedals have linear potentiometer control for a more realistic racing feel. All the controls are easily accessible, more so because the wheel is quite small.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Paddles
- Yes
- Comes with sequential shifter
- Easy to set up
- No force feedback
- May be too small for some
Gamers who want to dip their toes into sim racing to find out if it is something they can get into would ideally not want to spend an arm and a leg building a sim rig right off the bat. They should, instead, consider the PXN V3 Pro, which offers a lot of features at an entry-level price point of sub $100. This steering wheel and pedal combo is the only package that includes a sequential gear shifter that is attached to the steering wheel, but it also comes with paddle shifters for those who appreciate the Formula One style of racing.
The PXN V3 Pro has a small steering wheel, coming in at just over 10 inches, which may be too small for some. It has a plastic construction which is to be expected at this price point. It is compatible with all gaming platforms and can clamp onto the desk with several different mechanisms. The pedals included in the package come with a linear potentiometer control but are made of plastic, so they might not feel the most solid.
The PXN V3 Pro is a great entry-level racing wheel ideal for those who want to get into sim racing, and it comes in a few different colors.
MOZA R5 Bundle
- Brand
- MOZA
- Compatibility
- PC
- Forced Feedback
- 5.5 Nm Direct Drive
- Wheel Size
- 11 inches
- Pedals
- Two pedal set
- Paddles
- Yes
The MOZA R5 bundle includes a steering wheel, a two-pedal set, and a direct drive wheel base. The wheel base can deliver 5.5 Nm of torque for more accurate simulation. The metal construction makes the package feel premium and there is an app to control the settings on the steering wheel and wheel base.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Stick Shifter
- No
- Solid build quality with firm clamping mechanism
- 5.5 Nm of torque
- Only compatible with PC
The MOZA R5 is arguably the best racing wheel for PC gamers because of the value it offers. The R5 bundle includes a steering wheel, a direct drive wheel base, and a two-pedal set. The wheel base can deliver 5.5 Nm of torque and has a solid aviation-grade aluminum alloy construction. It allows for infinite rotation and a quick-release mechanism for taking off the steering wheel and using a different (compatible) one. Speaking of which, the wheel is 11 inches in size and is covered in microfibre leather. It has a bunch of easy-to-reach controls as well as a rev indicator.
The MOZA app allows gamers to easily fine-tune the settings on their steering wheel and wheel base. The pedals are made from high-strength steel and are fully adjustable. The overall build quality is second to none, and it feels solid, which is great for aggressive driving. The clamping mechanism feels solid as well, keeping the wheel in place.
MOZA is a well-known brand in the sim racing space and is trusted by gamers everywhere.
Turtle Beach VelocityOne Race Wheel and Pedal System
- Brand
- Turtle Beach
- Compatibility
- Xbox, PC
- Forced Feedback
- Yes, K Drive
- Wheel Size
- 11 inches
- Pedals
- Three pedal set, Load-Cell Braking System
- Connection
- USB Type C
The VelocityOne steering wheel and pedal combo from Turtle Beach is ideal for Xbox and PC gamers. It comes with a direct drive wheel base that also houses a display that acts as the HUD. It is customizable and so is the three-pedal set. There is also a control unit with additional buttons to adjust various features of the car.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Paddles
- Yes
- Stick Shifter
- No
- Customizable display is a great addition
- Companion app for easy fine-tuning
- Limited compatibility
- A bit on the expensive side
Turtle Beach is not only known for its gaming headsets, but also its flight sim and racing sim equipment. The VelocityOne from Turtle Beach stands as the best racing wheel for Xbox gamers. The package includes a K: DRIVE force feedback motor that houses an 11-inch steering wheel and a "Race Management Display." This display shows real-time race telemetry and has integration for the more popular racing titles. Everything can be adjusted with the VelocityOne be it the pedals, the display, and the force feedback. Turtle Beach has a companion app available on Xbox, Android, and iOS for easy tuning of all settings.
Furthermore, there is a dedicated control unit mounted next to the steering wheels that gives a number of additional controls. These can be used to adjust brake mapping, the lights, the amount of force feedback, and more, on the fly. There are four expansion ports on the base, which is great if gamers want to use it as an easy-to-reach hub.
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The racing feel is enhanced by the Dynamic Brake Tek load-cell brakes that also come with a clutch pedal. Those looking to get a manual gear shifter can make use of the clutch pedal, which is also customizable.
Thrustmaster T-GT II
- Brand
- Thrustmaster
- Compatibility
- PS4, PS5, PC
- Forced Feedback
- Real-time force feedback
- Wheel Size
- 11-inch
- Pedals
- Three-pedal set
- Paddles
- Yes
The Thrustmaster T-GT II racing wheel brings the latest technologies developed by the company to deliver a more professional and realistic sim racing experience. The T-GT II brings features like real-time force feedback, drift curve calculation, and 3D depth feedback. It is powered by a 40W linear brushless motor that sends nuanced feedback to the driver.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Precise and realistic force feedback
- Sturdy construction
- High power motor
- A bit on the expensive side
The T-GT II from Thrustmaster uses the company's latest and greatest technologies to deliver an accurate and real-time driving experience. Like several of the other wheels on the list, it is also Gran Turismo-themed. It is made from components that are used in the automotive industry, making it durable and feel substantial while in use.
Some new technologies in the T-GT II are drift curve calculation or DCC, Real-Time Force feedback (T-RTF), 3D feedback (DFB), and better linearity with T-LIN. Thrustmaster has put in over 23,000 hours of Research and Development on this wheel to bring these new technologies to mainstream users. DCC allows racers to have a more responsive and precise drifting experience. Because of real-time force feedback, drivers will instantly feel the nuances of the roads in-game. This also prevents any dead zones or latency.
The T-LIN tech ensures that the force feedback is completely linear and precisely proportional to the force in the game. The 40W brushless motor in the Thrustmaster T-GT II uses Depth Feedback technology to deliver a realistic 3D perception of the environment through in-depth sensations in the steering wheel. There are various customizable controls on the wheel, along with four dials.
Thrustmaster T128X
- Compatibility
- Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC
- Forced Feedback
- Yes
- Pedals
- Yes
- Paddles
- Yes
- Stick Shifter
- No
- Brand
- Thrustmaster
The Thrustmaster T128X offers players immersive force feedback, delivering realistic sensations of racing. This stylish wheel also includes engine speed LEDs for optimized gear shifting and an angle of rotation up to 900°. Plus, there are magnetic paddle shifters (patented H.E.A.R.T technology) providing instant responsiveness. The handbrake buttons are easily accessible on the wheel, for controlled skids, while a quick attachment system makes the wheel suitable for desks and tables up to 2.2 inches / 5.5 cm thick.
- Connection
- USB
- Wheel Size
- 11 inch
- Feature-packed budget offering
- Hybrid technology for stronger force feedback
- 900-degree steering rotation
- Plastic pedals
Another great budget offering is the Thrustmaster T128 which is available for both Xbox/PC and PlayStation/PC. What's unique about this wheel is that it offers a combination of belt and gear mechanisms for versatile force feedback. Not only does it look great with its black aesthetic with red accents, but it also features a rev bar that lights up with different colors to let users know how fast they are going.
The T128 does not limit the rotating angle like other wheels in this budget range, and it offers 900 degrees of freedom. It uses magnetic paddle shifters that have a clicky sound and are designed with Thrustmaster's patented H.E.A.R.T technology. Speaking of magnets, the two-pedal set is also magnetic and based on the same tech. The layout of the buttons is such that they are reachable without having to take one's hands off the wheel.
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The Finish Line Is In Sight
Picking out a racing wheel for gaming can be pretty intimidating. There are many options to choose from, not to mention the amount of customization and parts that can be added to setups to make them even better. When searching, just remember to keep in mind the main factors for finding the best racing wheel, and the search will be much easier.
Force Feedback
Force feedback is a key component of having a casual versus a much more immersive racing experience. It is delivered in three different ways: gear drive, belt drive, and direct drive.
Gear drive and belt drive racing wheels use a combination of gears or belts to send vibrations and feedback generated by the motor to the user. While this somewhat amplifies the torque generated by the motor, it is not the most accurate feedback. These force feedback mechanisms are relatively cheaper and require a small motor, which means the overall form factor is compact.
In the case of direct-drive racing wheels, the wheel is connected directly to the motor shaft. A larger motor is used for direct drive wheels, which translates to more powerful and more accurate feedback. Besides being heavier and not as compact, these are typically more expensive than belt and gear drive options.
Compatibility
PC users will find that all racing wheels work out of the box, but console users would need to do a bit more research. Unfortunately, there are some racing wheels that either work with PC and PlayStation or PC and Xbox. Some manufacturers have the same model of racing wheel, but it's specific to either PlayStation or Xbox.
Pedals And Accessories
Racing wheels come in different packages, some include just the wheel, while others combine the wheel, pedals, shifters, base stations, and more. The parts included are typically determined by the budget, but it also depends on how realistic gamers want their driving games to feel. When it comes to pedals, there are three main variations – potentiometer-based, hall effect, and Load Cell.
The potentiometer-based pedals use the distance traveled by the pedals to determine the amount of acceleration or braking. They are typically cheaper and inaccurate as the braking power should be based on how much pressure has been put on the pedal rather than how far it has been pushed. They use springs or dampers to give resistance to the brakes. On the other hand, Hall effect pedals use the same measurement method but magnets instead. It also measures the braking based on how far the pedal is pushed, but the magnets allow for a more accurate and reliable reading.
Load cell pedals measure the actual pressure being applied, giving the brakes a much more realistic feel. They allow for more detailed inputs, creating a more immersive experience. When it comes to changing gears, most steering wheels for gaming come with paddle shifters, but those looking to build a racing sim rig usually prefer a manual gear shifter.
Something to remember when building a racing sim is that not all components need to be from the same manufacturer. This means the steering wheel can be from one brand, the pedals from another, and the shifter from a third brand.
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FAQ
Q: Is Logitech G923 worth it?
The Logitech G923 is a great package for all kinds of gamers, be it casual or hardcore racers. It offers great value as it brings the company’s TRUEFORCE technology to a steering wheel that does not cost an arm and a leg. For these reasons, it is a great wheel worthy of its price tag.
Q: What's better Thrustmaster or Logitech?
Both Thrustmaster and Logitech offer impressive racing wheels with force feedback. Thrustmaster, however, has been making sim racing wheels for much longer and has a lot more options available for all categories of users. Thrustmaster also has options available for under $130 which is ideal for those looking to get into sim racing with a brand that already has a well-established ecosystem.
Q: What is the latest Logitech steering wheel for PS5?
The Logitech G923 works with the PlayStation 5 and PC. It brings the latest force feedback technology and is easy to connect with the PS5. It works right out of the box and offers incredible performance for what it costs.