Direct drive has long held the crown as the most premium, and expensive, racing wheel technology on the market. But thanks to steady advancements in sim racing tech, direct drive wheels have become increasingly accessible over the years. While they’re not exactly cheap just yet, you can now get some incredible setups that bring that coveted direct drive feel within a more reachable, and affordable, distance.
This guide covers the best budget direct drive wheels — setups that deliver serious power, precision, and immersion without completely breaking the bank. Based on years of racing experience here at RacingGames.gg, these wheels represent the sweet spot where performance meets affordability — and the reviews back each of them up.
Best Budget Direct Drive Wheels
- Fanatec CSL DD QR2 Ready2Race Bundle (5 Nm) — Fanatec's best budget DD system
- Logitech G RS50 — Logitech's latest entry into the DD space
- NACON Revosim Pure — NACON's first, and already top, attempt at racing
- MOZA R3 Bundle — The perfect entry-level DD setup
- Thrustmaster T598 — One of Thrustmaster's best racing wheels, in general
Fanatec CSL DD QR2 Ready2Race Bundle (5 Nm)
Why we chose the Fanatec CSL DD QR2 Ready2Race Bundle
The Fanatec CSL DD QR2 Ready2Race Bundle (5 Nm) feels like the perfect entry into proper direct-drive performance without blowing all your budget.
The CSL Steering Wheel P1 V2 is designed to be lightweight yet sturdy, with a 300mm diameter that 'fits' with all types of cars. I really like the little touches here, including the RevStripe LED RPM indicator and the three-digit display for gear or speed, which add a proper racing feel mid-session.
Additionally, the wheel features a rubberized rim that should be comfortable to grip, even in long races, while the metal paddles give a crisp, satisfying “click" that reacts almost instantaneously on-screen.
At the heart of the bundle is the CSL DD wheel base, now with QR2 quick release. The direct-drive tech makes a massive difference, as no belts or gears are in the way of the pure, precise force feedback straight from the motor. Even at 5 Nm, it’s strong and detailed, with the option to push to 8 Nm if you add the Boost Kit later.
The CSL Pedals round things out nicely. Made from heavy steel with Hall-effect sensors, they feel durable and precise, with a progressive brake that gives solid control lap after lap.
For me, this bundle is a top-tier, high-value way to step up my sim racing setup, all without completely breaking the bank.
Logitech G RS50
Why we chose the Logitech G RS50
If you're a keen racing fan looking to dive into direct drive without spending silly money, the Logitech G RS50 System will no doubt catch your eye.
It’s a complete three-piece setup, giving you the RS50 base delivering 8 Nm of direct drive torque, the RS wheel hub, and an 11-inch RS round wheel — all ready to go out of the box.
The 8 Nm of TRUEFORCE feedback is a big deal at this price point. It’s strong, detailed, and delivers that proper direct drive immersion where you can actually feel every bump, kerb, and slip in the car.
Meanwhile, the RS hub brings all the extras, including 13 buttons, adjustable paddle shifters, and an integrated quick-release to swap wheels down the line if you want to.
The included RS wheel is versatile, too. At 11 inches with a grippy silicone leather finish, it’s well-suited for rally, drifting, or any car that benefits from quick steering input. Plus, it comes with everything needed for mounting, whether to a desk or a racing rig.
For Xbox and PC, or PlayStation systems, this is one of the most affordable ways into direct drive, making it a really tempting option for my setup, as well as your own.
NACON Revosim Pure
Why we chose the NACON Revosim Pure
After spending considerable time testing the NACON Revosim PURE, I have to say I've been impressed with it thus far, especially considering it’s NACON’s first shot at sim racing hardware.
At £699.90 for the full bundle (at the time of writing), it’s just about within the budget-friendly direct drive category, though it doesn’t feel cheap at all.
The 9 Nm direct drive motor is the star of the show. It’s powerful, detailed, and gives you that raw, connected feeling to the car. At first, it felt like a lot to handle, but once I settled in, the precision and immersion it brought to the table made every lap better and more realistic.
Build quality is excellent, too, with plenty of aluminum and steel giving it a premium feel. Then there is the GT-style 30cm wheel rim, which is wrapped in plush faux leather for a comfortable hold, and the quick-release system, which feels like something lifted from real motorsport.
I also liked the two-pedal set you get with it, especially the 100kg load cell brake with swappable elastomers for tuning. These mean you can customize the feel of the brake pedal to exactly your taste.
Sure, setup is a bit fiddly and it’s PC-only, but with customizable software, 12 mappable buttons, and even a phone clamp for live telemetry, the Revosim PURE nails performance and value.
MOZA R3 Bundle
Why we chose the MOZA R3 Bundle
The MOZA R3 Bundle is a seriously compelling option within the budget direct drive realm.
Its 3.9 Nm direct drive motor delivers detailed, precise force feedback that should feel smooth, responsive, and incredibly immersive. While this isn't quite as strong as this list's previous entries, there's no need to worry, as the ultra-low torque ripple ensures you can feel every bump, curb, and slide without annoying vibrations or inconsistencies.
The compact, aviation-grade aluminum base brings durability to the table, while the innovative X-shape design helps with cooling, so you don’t have to worry about heat during long sessions. Plus, its 15-bit encoder keeps steering inputs accurate and lifelike, giving you the confidence to brake late and hit every apex without fail.
Included in the bundle is the MOZA ES Lite wheel with non-slip PU grips and a solid aluminum rim, plus the SR-P Lite pedals made from high-strength steel, complete with adjustable spacing for optimal ergonomics. Pedal curves and sensitivity are fully adjustable through the MOZA Pit House app, and the mobile app even lets you tweak settings on the fly.
Ultimately, the MOZA R3 is an excellent first step into direct drive, and because it's not too expensive, you can always upgrade to something more powerful later down the line.
Thrustmaster T598
Why we chose the Thrustmaster T598
The Thrustmaster T598 is slightly different from previous entries, offering up a direct axial drive motor that delivers cog-free, high-fidelity force feedback for a more precise and immediate sense of every curb, tire screech, and track detail.
With 5 Nm of constant torque and +100% overshoot, the wheel packs a serious punch, while HARMONY technology ensures high-frequency torque so even the smallest nuances of the car’s physics are felt through your hands.
The 11.8-inch detachable sports car wheel rim is lightweight yet sturdy, wrapped in rubber for comfort during long sessions. Meanwhile, its mag-shift paddles and a multifunctional encoder put 12 customizable actions at your fingertips. Plus, it features a Race Dash screen that lets you adjust settings and monitor telemetry in real time.
If that wasn't enough, you get Raceline Pedals LTE with this wheel, which are equally impressive. They feature Hall Effect sensors, adjustable firmness, and optional upgrade paths, including a third load cell pedal. Everything is stabilized with non-slip pads as well for secure, consistent control.
Part of the Thrustmaster ecosystem, the T598 allows you to swap rims, add shifters or handbrakes, and expand your setup over time.
Being officially licensed by PlayStation, too, the T598 is nothing short of a great budget-friendly yet highly capable direct drive wheel that's very well suited to serious console racers.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Direct Drive Wheel
- Torque & Force Feedback – Determines how strong and realistic the steering feels, plus look for adjustable settings for different car types and setups.
- Build Quality – High-quality materials and solid construction ensure durability and reduce vibrations or flex. Generally speaking, anything made of metal will be stronger than wheels made mostly from plastic.
- Compatibility – Must work with your platform (PC, PlayStation, Xbox) and be supported by your favorite racing games.
- Wheel Rotation & Rims – Rotation range affects vehicle control, and interchangeable rims allow switching between GT, formula, or rally setups.
- Pedal & Accessory Support – Compatibility with pedals, shifters, handbrakes, and other peripherals enhances realism.
- Noise, Heat & Electronics – Motor noise, heat management, and firmware/software features impact performance and longevity, so look for something that manages all these effectively.
- Price & Warranty – Consider overall value, long-term cost, and manufacturer support for peace of mind.