Top Racing Wheels for Every Driver

As technology rapidly advances, the distinction between real-life motorsport and racing simulations continues to blur. It's no secret that many top-tier real-world drivers spend considerable time honing their skills in racing simulators, a testament to the ever-improving quality of racing hardware. With a plethora of options available today, choosing the right racing wheel for your setup can be daunting.

To help you navigate this decision, I've compiled a list of 10 racing wheel recommendations suitable for PC, Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and Nintendo Switch. This list is designed to cater to various budgets and levels of commitment to sim racing, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of budget-friendly, mid-range, and premium options. For avid racing game enthusiasts, a racing wheel is a transformative accessory that can elevate your gaming experience to new heights.

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 racing wheel ideal for beginners and those on a tight budget. Despite its plastic construction, it offers genuine force feedback, setting it apart from even cheaper alternatives like the T-80, which rely on bungee-style resistance. The smaller rim size and modest 2 Nm of torque are suitable for those starting out, and the wheel can be enhanced with add-ons like the TH8S shifter and upgraded pedals.

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 is a solid choice for PlayStation users, offering a durable and reliable experience despite its age. Its metal rim and three-pedal set, including a clutch, provide a more authentic feel than the T-128. However, its gear-driven force feedback can be noisy and less refined than belt-driven alternatives.

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

Moza's R3 is a compelling entry into direct drive technology at a competitive price. Its silent operation and smooth force feedback make it a step above belt-driven competitors. The bundle is highly upgradable, though Xbox compatibility for add-ons remains limited.

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

The Fanatec GT DD Pro offers superior force feedback and quiet operation, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a premium direct drive experience. Its flexibility to work across multiple consoles with additional purchases is a significant advantage.

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. While it lacks force feedback, its analog pedals offer a slight improvement over the Switch's digital triggers, making it suitable for casual gaming.

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 is a reliable mid-range choice for PlayStation users, offering a quieter and more refined experience than gear-driven wheels. However, it's becoming outdated with the rise of direct drive technology.

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 offers a premium direct drive experience with robust pedals and excellent feedback. Its Trueforce technology enhances immersion without the added noise, making it a top choice for serious sim racers.

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 complete direct drive and load cell pedal set at a competitive price. While its force feedback might not match some competitors, it's an excellent value for those looking for an all-in-one solution.

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 a high-end direct drive wheel base that offers powerful and quiet performance. It's an excellent choice for those looking to upgrade their setup, though additional purchases are required to complete the 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 authentic experience for truck and bus simulation games, with a large 400mm rim that closely resembles real truck wheels. It's a great choice for enthusiasts of these genres, though it requires additional components.

How to Choose a Racing Wheel

When selecting a racing wheel, consider how frequently you plan to use it. Casual gamers might find an entry-level wheel sufficient, while serious sim racers may prefer a more advanced model with robust force feedback. There are three main types of force feedback:

• Gear Drive: The oldest type, found in budget wheels like the Logitech G29. It's cost-effective but can be noisy and less refined.
• Belt Drive: Offers smoother and quieter feedback than gear drive but can lose some nuanced feedback due to the belt.
• Direct Drive: The most expensive and advanced, providing direct, unfiltered feedback for the most realistic experience.

Racing Wheel FAQ

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

Smaller rims can feel more toy-like but can make low-torque bases feel more effective. Larger rims offer a more authentic feel but may require more torque to feel impactful.

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

Racing games are designed to be fun on both controllers and wheels, but controllers often have dampening to make them less twitchy. Transitioning to a wheel requires learning to be precise and smooth with your inputs, which can initially slow you down.

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

For serious simulation, try Assetto Corsa Competizione, F1 24, and Dirt Rally 2.0. Mainstream titles like Gran Turismo 7 and Forza Motorsport are also great, as are more accessible games like Forza Horizon 5 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 settings in your games and on the wheel itself. Community recommendations can help you find the perfect setup.

Are racing wheels worth the investment?

For occasional gamers, a cheaper wheel or other gaming accessories might be more suitable. However, for dedicated racing enthusiasts, a quality wheel enhances immersion and precision, making it a worthwhile investment despite the learning curve.

How realistic is a racing wheel?

Racing wheels can replicate the force feedback of real cars, offering a highly realistic experience. The level of realism depends on the wheel's quality and features, but top-tier options can provide an experience close to real-world racing, as evidenced by professional drivers using sim racing to train.