Top Racing Wheels for All Drivers

As technology continues to advance, the distinction between real-life motorsport and the racing simulations designed to mimic them is becoming increasingly blurred. It's no secret that many of the world's top drivers spend significant time honing their skills in racing simulations, underscoring the growing sophistication of racing hardware. However, with the abundance of options on the market, choosing the right racing wheel for your gaming setup can be a daunting task.

To help you navigate this selection, I've compiled a list of 10 racing wheel recommendations for PC, Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and even Nintendo Switch. Whether you're on a tight budget or looking to invest in a high-end setup, this guide will provide insights into the best low-price, mid-range, and premium options available. For racing game enthusiasts, a racing wheel is undoubtedly one of the most essential gaming accessories you can own.

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 that offers an affordable entry into sim racing, particularly suitable for beginners and those on a tight budget. While its plastic rim and pedals may feel toy-like, it provides genuine force feedback, a crucial feature that sets it apart from even cheaper options like the T-80. The T-128's smaller rim size can enhance the feel of its modest 2 Nm torque, making it a good choice for those new to racing sims. Additionally, it can be upgraded with accessories like the TH8S shifter and improved pedals, offering flexibility as you progress in your racing journey.

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 an excellent budget option for PlayStation users, offering robust build quality and better pedals than many entry-level alternatives. Despite its age, the G-29 remains a reliable choice for those starting their sim racing journey. Its metal rim and three-pedal set, including a clutch, provide a more authentic feel. However, the gear-driven force feedback can be noisy and less refined compared to 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

Moza's R3 is a direct drive racing wheel designed for Xbox Series X|S and PC, offering a high-quality force feedback experience at a price point just above older belt-driven options. Its brushed metal rim and all-metal pedals provide a solid foundation, and the direct drive technology ensures smooth, silent, and instant feedback. The R3 is also highly upgradable, though Xbox compatibility for additional accessories like shifters and handbrakes is 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 a premium direct drive experience with excellent force feedback and quiet operation. It's ideal for PC and multi-console users, although PlayStation compatibility comes at a higher cost. The GT DD Pro's torque can be boosted from 5 Nm to 8 Nm with an additional kit, and while the bundled pedals use Hall effect sensors, a load-cell brake pedal can be purchased separately for a more realistic feel.

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 the top choice for Nintendo Switch users, offering a larger wheel and analog pedals that improve upon the Switch's digital triggers. While it lacks force feedback and uses elastic resistance, it's a fun option for beginners and younger players. However, its suction cup mounts are less effective, and it's not suited for serious racing sims.

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-price option for PlayStation users, offering a belt-driven force feedback system that's quieter than gear-driven alternatives. While it's an older model, it remains a solid choice for those not ready to invest in direct drive systems. Its metal wheel and three-pedal set provide a decent racing experience, though it's less competitive on PC due to newer direct drive options at similar prices.

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 11 Nm of torque, providing a high-end simulation experience. Its larger rim size and adjustable pedals, including a 100kg load cell brake, enhance the realism of your racing setup. While the wheelbase is bulkier than some competitors, the G Pro's Trueforce technology adds to its value, offering detailed feedback in supported games.

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 Wheel and Pedal Set is an all-inclusive bundle that offers a direct drive experience with load cell pedals at a competitive price. While it may not match the force feedback quality of some competitors, it's a great value for new racers looking for a complete setup without additional purchases. The integrated table clamp is a strong feature, though the button box is less useful on Xbox.

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 a balance of power and price. With 12 Nm of torque, it provides strong yet quiet force feedback, making it an excellent choice for serious sim racers. While it requires additional purchases for rims and pedals, it's a top option for those looking to upgrade their setup without breaking the bank.

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 is designed for truck and bus simulation games, offering a large 400mm rim for an immersive experience. Its compatibility with Moza's ecosystem makes it a great choice for those already invested in Moza products. However, its size may reduce the effectiveness of force feedback on lower torque bases, and additional components are required for a complete setup.

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 dedicated sim racers may prefer a more advanced model with stronger force feedback. There are three main types of force feedback:

• Gear Drive: The oldest and least refined type, often noisy and clunky but cost-effective.
• Belt Drive: Smoother and quieter than gear drive, though less capable of conveying nuanced feedback.
• Direct Drive: The most expensive but also the most realistic, offering direct and nuanced feedback without loss.

Racing Wheel FAQ

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

Smaller rim sizes can enhance the feel of low torque wheel bases, making them seem more responsive. However, larger rims can provide a more authentic driving experience, though they may require more powerful wheel bases to feel effective.

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

Racing games often use dampening to make them playable on controllers, which can make the transition to a wheel challenging. The key to improving your performance is to drive smoothly and avoid overdriving your car, allowing you to better understand its limits and improve your lap times.

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

For serious motorsport simulation, consider games like 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 more casual games like Forza Horizon 5, The Crew 2, and Wreckfest. For Nintendo Switch users, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a great choice.

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

Before concluding that your wheel is faulty, explore the various settings available in your games and on your wheel. Community recommendations can help you find the right configuration for an optimal driving experience.

Are racing wheels worth the investment?

For casual players, a cheaper wheel or other gaming accessories might be more cost-effective. However, for avid racing game enthusiasts, a quality racing wheel can enhance immersion and improve your racing performance through more precise and realistic control.

How realistic is a racing wheel?

Racing wheels can offer a highly realistic driving experience through accurate force feedback, which simulates the feel of driving a real car. The level of realism depends on the wheel's quality and features, but top models can provide an experience close to that of professional racing drivers. This realism is why many professional drivers use sim racing to practice and why sim racing has helped some gamers transition to real-world racing careers.