Top Racing Wheels for All Drivers

As technology rapidly advances, the boundary between real-life motorsport and racing simulations continues to blur. It's widely known that many top-tier professional drivers hone their skills using racing simulators, underscoring the remarkable quality and realism of today's racing hardware. With an ever-increasing variety of options on the market, choosing the right racing wheel can be daunting, whether you're a beginner or looking to upgrade.

To help you navigate this landscape, I've compiled a list of 10 racing wheel recommendations suitable for PC, Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and Nintendo Switch. This guide considers various budgets and levels of commitment to sim racing, detailing the pros and cons of budget-friendly, mid-range, and premium options. For enthusiasts of racing games, a racing wheel is a transformative accessory that 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 excellent entry-level sim racing product, ideal for those on a tight budget, including kids and casual racing fans. While its small, plastic rim and pedals may feel toy-like, it offers genuine force feedback, distinguishing it from even cheaper options like the T-80, which rely on bungee-style resistance without force feedback. The 2 Nm peak torque may be modest, but it's sufficient for beginners to feel the car's behavior and react intuitively. For those seeking more, the T-128 can be upgraded with add-ons like the TH8S shifter and better pedals, making it a versatile choice for future enhancements.

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, despite being on the market for a decade, remains a robust and cost-effective option for PlayStation users. Its metal rim and three-pedal set offer a more premium feel than the T-128, with the added benefit of a clutch pedal for those looking to expand their setup with Logitech’s standalone shifter. However, its gear-driven force feedback can be noisy and less refined than belt-driven systems, which might be a consideration for those sensitive to sound.

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 remarkable entry into the direct drive wheel market, offering superior force feedback and a quiet operation at a price point that's only slightly higher than older, non-direct drive options. Its upgradable nature means you can enhance your setup over time, though the bundled pedals use springs and Hall effect sensors, which may not satisfy those seeking the most realistic braking experience.

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 a step up in direct drive technology, delivering smooth, quiet, and precise force feedback. Its versatility across multiple platforms makes it an attractive option for those who play on different consoles, although the cost for PlayStation compatibility is a notable consideration. The bundled pedals use Hall effect sensors, which may not replicate the feel of real braking without an additional load-cell brake pedal.

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 tailored for Nintendo Switch users, offering a larger wheel and analog pedals compared to the Joy-Con triggers. While it lacks force feedback and uses elastic resistance, it's a fun option for casual gamers and kids, especially for titles like Grid Autosport on the Switch.

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, despite its age, remains a solid choice for PlayStation users seeking a mid-range option. Its belt-driven force feedback is less noisy than gear-driven alternatives and offers a reliable experience, though it may not match the nuance of direct drive systems. For PC users, newer direct drive options might be more suitable at this price point.

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

Logitech's G Pro Racing Wheel steps into the realm of high-end direct drive systems, offering a significant leap in driving feel over their older models. With 11 Nm of torque and Trueforce haptics technology, it delivers a premium experience without the added noise found in other models. Its larger rim and adjustable pedals, including a load-cell brake, make 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

Turtle Beach's VelocityOne Race wheel and pedal set is a comprehensive bundle that offers a direct drive wheel and load-cell pedals at a competitive price. While its force feedback may not be the best in its class, it provides a striking upgrade over older gear- and belt-driven systems, making it a great entry point for new racers.

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 excellent choice for those seeking a high-end direct drive wheel base. With 12 Nm of torque, it offers a powerful yet quiet experience, striking the right balance between performance and cost. It requires additional purchases for a complete setup, but it's a worthwhile investment for those looking to upgrade their sim racing experience.

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

Moza's TSW Truck Wheel is designed specifically for truck and bus simulation games, offering a large, 400mm wheel that closely mimics real truck steering wheels. It enhances immersion and is compatible with Moza's ecosystem, though it requires a separate wheel base and pedals.

How to Choose a Racing Wheel

Before investing in a racing wheel, consider how often you'll use it. Casual gamers might find an entry-level option sufficient, while dedicated sim racers may prefer something with stronger force feedback.

Force feedback types include:

• Gear Drive: The oldest and least refined type, often noisy and clunky.
• Belt Drive: Smoother and quieter than gear drive, but may not convey very fine feedback.
• Direct Drive: The most expensive but also the most realistic, with direct, nuanced feedback.

Racing Wheel FAQ

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

Smaller rim sizes can feel more toy-like but are beneficial for low-torque bases to enhance the sense of feedback.

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

Racing games are designed to be enjoyable on both controllers and wheels, but controllers often have dampening effects to make them less twitchy. 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 enthusiasts should try Assetto Corsa Competizione, F1 24, and Dirt Rally 2.0. Mainstream titles like Gran Turismo 7 and Forza Motorsport are also excellent, as are more casual 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 within your games and on the wheel itself. Community recommendations can help you find the perfect driving experience.

Are racing wheels worth the investment?

For occasional players, a budget wheel might suffice. Serious racers will find the investment in a high-quality wheel rewarding due to enhanced immersion and improved racing performance.

How realistic is a racing wheel?

Racing wheels can replicate the feel of driving a real car through accurate force feedback. The realism depends on the wheel's quality and features, but top-tier options can provide an experience that professional drivers use for training.