Top Racing Wheels for All Drivers

As technology continues to advance, the boundary between real-life motorsport and racing simulations is becoming increasingly blurred. It's well-known that many top-tier real-life racing drivers spend a significant amount of time honing their skills on racing simulations, which underscores just how sophisticated and realistic these systems have become. With an ever-growing array of racing hardware on the market, selecting the right racing wheel for your setup can be a daunting task. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned enthusiast, the choices range from budget-friendly options to high-end setups that deliver unparalleled immersion.

To help you navigate this landscape, I've compiled a curated list of 10 racing wheels suitable for PC, Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and Nintendo Switch. This selection is designed to cater to different budgets and levels of commitment to sim racing, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each option across low-price, mid-range, and premium categories. For avid racing game players, a racing wheel is undoubtedly one of the most impactful 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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Moza R3

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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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Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel

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Turtle Beach VelocityOne Race Wheel and Pedal Set

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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 designed for those on a tight budget. While its plastic construction might feel a bit toy-like, it offers genuine force feedback, setting it apart from even cheaper alternatives like the T-80, which uses a bungee-style resistance system. The T-128's smaller rim size can actually enhance the feel of its modest 2 Nm torque, making it a solid choice for beginners and younger racers. Additionally, the wheel can be upgraded with accessories like the TH8S shifter and better pedals, offering room for growth as your racing skills improve. The T-128 is available in versions compatible with Xbox and PC, or PlayStation and PC, with the latter typically costing a bit more.

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 robust and reliable choice for PlayStation users, offering a more premium feel than the Thrustmaster T-128 at a similar price point. Despite being over a decade old, the G-29 remains a great entry point into sim racing thanks to its durable construction and superior pedals, which include a clutch pedal and a rubber stopper for the brake. However, its gear-driven force feedback system can be noisy and less refined compared to newer technologies. If you're considering an upgrade to the newer G-923, keep in mind that its Trueforce technology adds extra noise, so the G-29 might still be the better value unless you can find the G-923 at a significant discount.

3. Moza R3

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

Moza R3

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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 an excellent entry into direct drive technology at a price point only slightly higher than older, non-direct drive options. Its smooth and silent force feedback is a significant step up from belt-driven alternatives, making it an attractive choice for Xbox and PC users looking to experience the precision and immersion of direct drive. The R3 is highly upgradeable, allowing you to enhance your setup with more powerful wheel bases like the R9 or R12. However, note that some Moza add-ons like shifters and handbrakes are not currently compatible with most Xbox racing games.

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 top-tier direct drive performance, making it a premium choice for sim racers. Its force feedback is superior to belt-driven systems, and it operates quietly, enhancing the overall experience. With a default torque of 5 Nm, which can be upgraded to 8 Nm, the GT DD Pro is versatile and powerful. It's particularly appealing for multi-console users, as you can switch between PlayStation and Xbox with the right accessories. However, its higher cost, especially for PlayStation compatibility, might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.

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 players looking to enhance their racing game experience. While it lacks force feedback and uses elastic resistance, it's a fun and affordable option for casual gamers and kids. The analog pedals provide a better feel than the Switch's digital triggers, making it suitable for games like Grid Autosport. If you're in the market for a Switch racing wheel, this model is preferable over the smaller Hori Mario Kart Mini, which is less practical due to its size and mounting system.

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 remains a solid choice for PlayStation users despite its age. Its belt-driven force feedback provides a quieter and smoother experience than gear-driven alternatives, making it a reliable mid-range option. While it lacks the nuance of direct drive systems, it's still a cost-effective choice for PlayStation sim racers. However, for PC users, newer direct drive options from Moza might offer better value at similar price points.

7. Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel

Best Value Premium PC and Console Racing Wheel

Logitech G Pro 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 at a competitive price. With 11 Nm of torque and Logitech's Trueforce haptics technology, it delivers an immersive and realistic driving feel. The larger rim size and robust pedals, including a 100kg load cell brake, enhance the authenticity of the setup. While the wheelbase is larger than some alternatives, its performance and value make it a standout choice for serious sim racers across multiple platforms.

8. Turtle Beach VelocityOne Race Wheel and Pedal Set

Best Value Direct Drive Plus Load Cell Pedal Bundle

Turtle Beach VelocityOne Race Wheel and Pedal Set

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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 direct drive technology and load cell pedals at a competitive price. While its force feedback might not match some higher-end options, it's a great entry point for new racers looking for a complete setup without additional purchases. The integrated table clamp is a significant advantage, providing a sturdy and convenient mounting solution. However, the button box's limited functionality on Xbox might be a drawback for some users.

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 perfect balance of power and price. With 12 Nm of torque, it provides a strong and quiet force feedback experience, ideal for serious sim racers. While it requires additional purchases for a complete setup, its compatibility with the Moza ecosystem makes it a versatile choice for PC and Xbox users. However, PlayStation users will need to rely on third-party adaptors for 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 enthusiasts of truck and bus simulation games, offering a large 400mm rim that closely mimics real truck steering wheels. Its compatibility with Moza's ecosystem ensures seamless integration with other Moza products, enhancing the immersive experience. However, its size may reduce the effectiveness of force feedback on lower-torque wheel bases, and additional purchases 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 benefit from investing in a more advanced model with stronger force feedback. There are three main types of force feedback systems to consider:

Gear Drive: The oldest and least refined type, found in wheels like the Logitech G29/G920 and G923. It's noisy and clunky but reliable and affordable.

Belt Drive: Offers a smoother and quieter experience than gear drive, though it may not convey the most nuanced feedback. Examples include the Thrustmaster T300 RS GT.

Direct Drive: The most advanced and expensive option, providing the most realistic and immediate force feedback. Entry-level direct drive wheels are becoming more affordable, making them an excellent choice for those within budget.

Racing Wheel FAQ

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

Smaller rim sizes can make low-torque bases feel more responsive, though they may contribute to a less premium feel. Larger rims offer a more authentic experience but may require more powerful wheel bases to maintain effective force feedback.

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

Racing games are designed to be playable on controllers, which often include dampening to make the experience less twitchy. Transitioning to a wheel requires adjusting to more precise and smooth inputs, which can take time to master. Overdriving is a common mistake for new sim racers, so focus on smooth and precise control to improve your lap times.

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. EA Sports WRC and the now-delisted Project CARS 2 are also excellent choices. Mainstream titles like Gran Turismo 7, Forza Motorsport, and Forza Horizon 5 are well-suited for wheels, as are The Crew 2, Wreckfest, 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 the numerous settings available in your games and on your wheel. Community recommendations can help you fine-tune your setup for an optimal driving experience.

Are racing wheels worth the investment?

For casual gamers, a budget wheel or other gaming accessories might be more cost-effective. However, dedicated racing enthusiasts will find that a high-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 feel of driving a real car through accurate force feedback. The realism depends on the wheel's quality and features, but top-tier options provide an experience so authentic that professional drivers use them for training. Sim racing has even launched careers, with former gamers like Wolfgang Reip and Florian Strauss winning real-world races after starting in simulations.