Top Racing Wheels for All Drivers

As technology rapidly advances, the distinction between real-life motorsport and the racing simulations that aim to replicate them is becoming increasingly blurred. It's no surprise that many top-tier real-life drivers spend a significant amount of their free time honing their skills on racing simulations, a testament to how advanced and realistic racing hardware has become. With an ever-growing array of options on the market, choosing the perfect racing wheel for your setup can be daunting.

To help you navigate this decision, I've curated a list of 10 racing wheel recommendations suitable for PC, Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and even Nintendo Switch. Whether you're a casual gamer or a dedicated sim racing enthusiast, this list will clarify the strengths and weaknesses of various budget-friendly, mid-range, and high-end options available today. For those passionate about racing games, investing in a racing wheel can significantly enhance your gaming experience.

TL;DR: The Best Racing Wheels

Thrustmaster T-128

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Logitech G-29

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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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Moza R12

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Moza TSW Truck Wheel

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1. 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 sim racing product ideal for beginners and those on a tight budget. Despite its plastic construction and small rim size, it offers genuine force feedback, setting it apart from even cheaper alternatives like the T-80. The T-128's modest 2 Nm of peak torque is enough to provide essential on-track information. Additionally, it can be enhanced with accessories like the TH8S shifter and upgraded pedals, making it a versatile choice for those looking to expand their setup.

2. 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 remains a solid choice for PlayStation users, even after a decade on the market. Its metal rim and three-pedal set, including a clutch pedal, offer a more premium feel compared to entry-level Thrustmaster options. However, its gear-driven force feedback can be noisy and less refined than belt-driven systems.

3. Moza R3

Best Starter Direct Drive Wheel for Xbox Series X|S and PC

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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 is a fantastic entry into direct drive technology, offering smooth and silent force feedback. Although the bundled pedals are basic, the entire setup is highly upgradable, making it a great starting point for Xbox and PC users.

4. 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

Fanatec's GT DD Pro offers top-tier direct drive technology with excellent force feedback and quiet operation. While the bundled pedals are basic, the system's flexibility allows for multi-console use, making it an ideal choice for enthusiasts.

5. 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 a budget-friendly option for Nintendo Switch users, offering analog pedals and a larger size compared to other Switch wheels. However, it lacks force feedback and has limited mounting options.

6. 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 offers reliable performance for PlayStation users, with a belt-driven system that's quieter than gear-driven alternatives. While it may be outdated compared to direct drive options, it remains a solid choice for PlayStation gamers.

7. Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel

Best Value Premium PC and Console 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 delivers a premium direct drive experience with robust pedals and excellent feedback. Despite its larger size, it offers a high-end simulation experience at a competitive price.

8. Turtle Beach VelocityOne Race Wheel and Pedal Set

Best Value Direct Drive Plus Load Cell Pedal Bundle

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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 a comprehensive bundle with direct drive technology and load cell pedals. While its force feedback may not match some competitors, it's a great value for those looking for a complete setup.

9. 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 an exceptional direct drive wheel base, offering a perfect balance of power and price. It's ideal for those looking to upgrade their setup without breaking the bank, though it requires additional purchases for a complete system.

10. 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 offers an immersive experience for truck and bus simulation games, closely mimicking real-life truck steering wheels. Its large size may reduce force feedback effectiveness on low-torque bases, but it's a great choice for those dedicated to heavy vehicle sims.

How to Choose a Racing Wheel

Before investing in a racing wheel, consider how frequently you'll use it. For casual gamers, an entry-level wheel might suffice, while dedicated sim racers may opt for more advanced models with stronger force feedback.

Force feedback comes in three main types:

• Gear Drive: The oldest and least refined, often noisy but dependable.
• Belt Drive: Smoother and quieter than gear drive, though less capable of nuanced feedback.
• Direct Drive: The most expensive but offers the most realistic feedback, with prices becoming more accessible.

Racing Wheel FAQ

What impact do rim sizes have on the feel of a sim racing wheel?

Smaller rims may feel less realistic but can make low-torque bases more effective.

Why am I now slower on a racing wheel than a controller?

Racing games are designed to be playable on controllers with dampened inputs. Transitioning to a wheel requires precision and smooth inputs to improve lap times.

What are the best games to play with a racing wheel?

Serious simulation fans can enjoy Assetto Corsa Competizione, F1 24, and Dirt Rally 2.0. Mainstream titles like Gran Turismo 7 and Forza Motorsport also work well with wheels, as do Forza Horizon 5, The Crew 2, and Wreckfest. For Nintendo Switch, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a top choice.

This doesn’t feel quite right. Is my wheel a dud?

Check your game and wheel settings, and consult community recommendations to fine-tune your experience.

Are racing wheels worth the investment?

For casual gamers, a budget wheel or other gaming accessories might be more suitable. For avid racing game players, a high-quality wheel enhances immersion and precision, justifying the investment.

How realistic is a racing wheel?

Racing wheels can replicate the feel of driving a real car, with the level of realism depending on the wheel's quality and features. Many professional drivers use sim racing to hone their skills, and some gamers have transitioned to real-life racing through sim racing.