Top Racing Wheels for Every Driver

As technology continues to advance, the boundary between real-life motorsport and racing simulations is becoming increasingly blurred. It's no secret that many top-tier professional drivers spend significant time honing their skills in racing simulations, a testament to the ever-improving quality of racing hardware. With an abundance of options available, selecting the right racing wheel for your setup can be daunting, whether you're a beginner or looking to upgrade your current gear.

To help you navigate this crowded market, I've compiled a list of 10 top racing wheels suitable for PC, Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and even Nintendo Switch. This guide considers various budgets and levels of commitment to sim racing, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each option. For avid racing game enthusiasts, a racing wheel is undoubtedly one of the most essential gaming accessories you can invest in.

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 those on a tight budget or beginners, particularly kids. While the small, plastic rim and pedals may feel somewhat toy-like, the wheel offers genuine force feedback, a significant advantage over cheaper alternatives like the T-80, which rely on bungee-style resistance. The T-128's modest 2 Nm of peak torque is sufficient for beginners, and its smaller rim size helps enhance the feel of the force feedback. For those looking to expand their setup, the T-128 is compatible with add-ons like the TH8S shifter and can be mounted horizontally for truck and farming sims.

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 a decade old, remains a robust and cost-effective choice for PlayStation users. Its metal rim and three-pedal set, including a clutch, offer a more premium feel compared to the T-128. However, the gear-driven force feedback can be noisy and less refined than belt-driven systems. If you're considering the newer G-923, note that it adds Trueforce technology but at a higher price and with increased noise.

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 wheel that offers a significant upgrade over belt-driven alternatives at a competitive price. Its silent operation and smooth force feedback make it an excellent choice for Xbox and PC users. The wheel is highly upgradable, though the bundled pedals use springs and Hall effect sensors, which may not provide the most realistic braking feel.

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 a top choice for direct drive enthusiasts. It's particularly appealing for those who want to race across multiple platforms, as it can be adapted for Xbox with an additional wheel rim. However, the bundled pedals use Hall effect sensors, and the PlayStation compatibility adds a significant cost.

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 and uses elastic resistance, it's suitable for casual gamers and kids. The analog pedals are a step up from the Switch's digital triggers, making it a decent choice for games like Grid Autosport.

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 reliable choice for PlayStation users. Its belt-driven force feedback is quieter than gear-driven alternatives, and the wheel is compatible with PC. However, with the rise of direct drive technology, it's becoming less competitive, especially for PC users.

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, suitable for serious sim racers. It includes Trueforce haptics without the added noise found in the G923, and the adjustable pedals come with a 100kg load cell brake. While the wheelbase is larger than some competitors, it provides a high-quality driving experience.

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 bundle at a competitive price. While the force feedback may not match some competitors, it's a solid choice for those looking for an all-in-one solution without additional purchases.

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. It's ideal for those looking to upgrade their setup without breaking the bank on professional-grade equipment. However, it requires additional purchases for a complete setup and lacks native PlayStation compatibility.

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 enthusiasts, offering a large, realistic rim size. It's highly immersive but requires a compatible wheel base and pedals, which can increase the overall cost.

How to Choose a Racing Wheel

When choosing a racing wheel, consider how frequently you plan to use it. Casual gamers might be satisfied with an entry-level option, while serious sim racers may need a more advanced setup with stronger force feedback. There are three main types of force feedback systems:

• Gear Drive: The oldest and least refined, often noisy but reliable.
• Belt Drive: Smoother and quieter than gear drive, but may not convey nuanced feedback as well.
• Direct Drive: The most expensive but offers the most realistic and nuanced feedback, with prices becoming more accessible.

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 can enhance the force feedback on low-torque bases.

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

Racing games are designed to be playable on controllers with dampening effects to manage aggressive movements. Transitioning to a wheel requires precision and smooth inputs, which can take time to master.

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

For serious simulation, consider Assetto Corsa Competizione, F1 24, and Dirt Rally 2.0. Mainstream titles like Gran Turismo 7 and Forza Motorsport are also well-suited, as are more casual games like Forza Horizon 5 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Nintendo Switch.

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

Before concluding your wheel is faulty, explore settings in your games and on the wheel itself. Community recommendations can help you find the right configuration.

Are racing wheels worth the investment?

For occasional players, a cheaper wheel or other gaming accessories might be more cost-effective. However, for avid racers, 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 through accurate force feedback. The realism depends on the wheel's quality and features, but top-tier options can provide an experience close to real-life racing, as evidenced by professional drivers using sim racing to train.