Adding the best racing wheel to your sim setup can elevate your experience, offering immersion that a traditional controller can’t match. Compatibility is key, though; while some top-tier wheels are platform-specific for PlayStation, Xbox, or PC, others work seamlessly across multiple consoles—ideal if you play on more than one platform.
When choosing, prioritize realism-enhancing features like tactile feedback for that authentic feel, with direct drive wheels for precision or force feedback options for a quality but more budget-friendly choice. Build quality also matters, with durable metal frames and Alcantara or leather coverings offering both longevity and comfort. Thankfully, to make your decision easier, we’ve evaluated the best racing wheels across platforms, focusing on key features, durability, and user reviews to help you decide.
Best racing wheels - Quick list
- Logitech G923 - a well-rounded pick for any platform
- Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro - best direct drive choice for the PS5
- Thrustmaster T-GT II - a competitive option for the PS4
- Thrustmaster TS-XW Racer Sparco P310 Competition - a great alternative for Xbox
- MOZA RS V2 - a stellar wheel to upgrade your PC setup.
- Thrustmaster EVO Racing 32R Leather - the best option for rallying
Logitech G923
Best racing wheel overall
* prices accurate at the time of our last check
Why we chose the Logitech G923
We're starting with a great all-rounder given it's compatible with all the major consoles as well as PC. The wheel in question is this Logitech G923, which has been featured before in our lists of the best wheels for Forza Motorsport as well as Gran Turismo 7.
Let's begin by mentioning Logitech's TRUEFORCE feedback technology. It's a system designed to plug directly into in-game physics for unprecedented levels of realism thanks to its real-time haptics software. However, you also get a 24-point selection dial unit on the wheel itself, meaning everything from traction to torque, and even brake force is all adjustable right in front of you.
Logitech hasn't held back on the build either. The wheel is made from a combination of aluminum, steel, and leather. As a result, you should find this Logitech bit of kit can withstand all the trails of home racing, whilst taking your in-game immersion to the next level.
TL;DR - Reasons to buy
- TRUEFORCE Feedback Technology: Real-time haptics system for ultra-realistic in-game feedback.
- 24-Point Selection Dial: Adjustable settings for traction, torque, and brake force at your fingertips.
- Durable Build Quality: Made with aluminum, steel, and leather for long-lasting, immersive home racing experiences.
Read More: Best deals on sim racing equipment
Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro
Best racing wheel for PS5
- Fanatec - $699.95 / €699.95
* prices accurate at the time of our last check
Why we chose the Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro
While compatible with the majority of consoles, we feel the Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro is best suited to next-gen (although more current-gen these days) gaming, particularly the PS5 and the PS5 Pro.
It's the first direct drive wheel on our list, and, therefore, comes with a premium price tag. However, to get the most out of everything the PS5 has to offer, you're going to want something that can deliver as realistic feedback effects as possible. To achieve this, the wheel is directly mounted to the motor shaft, meaning no belt or gear drive is weakening the response.
The wheel face is pretty advanced too. You get an OLED head-up display and diffused RevLEDs to give visual information on your driving. You also get a set of four 5-way directional sticks that correspond to the familiar PlayStation inputs, hence why we think it's a particularly great pick for PS5.
Other notable features include the Boost Kit 180 unlocking the wheel's full 8 Nm of torque, paddle shifters, plus the tactile rubber grips around the edge for grip.
For more information here, check out our review of the Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro. We'd say it's a great choice for most people, as it's ideal for those after a direct drive experience. However, Fanatec does have something more powerful with the DD Extreme, which is worth checking out if you're an experienced racer and want even more torque.
TL;DR - Reasons to buy
- Direct Drive System: Wheel mounted directly to the motor shaft for ultra-responsive feedback without belts or gears.
- OLED Display & RevLEDs: Provides visual driving data along with PlayStation-specific controls for an optimized PS5 experience.
- Boost Kit 180: Unlocks full 8 Nm of torque with paddle shifters and tactile rubber grips for enhanced control and grip.
Read More: Best sim racing shifters
Thrustmaster T-GT II
Best racing wheel for PS4
- Amazon - $799.99 / £699.99
- Thrustmaster - $799.99 / £699.99
- CCL - £649.99
* prices accurate at the time of our last check
Why we chose the Thrustmaster T-GT II
For PS4 users, the Thrustmaster T-GT II stands out as an excellent officially licensed choice. Developed through over 23,000 hours of research, it can deliver high-velocity force feedback with a powerful 40-watt brushless motor, ensuring consistent performance thanks to Thrustmaster's patented H.E.A.R.T innovation (HallEffect AccuRate Technology).
Wrapped in leather, the wheel features 25 action buttons, including four rotary selectors natively recognized in GT Sport, making it an excellent choice for games like Gran Turismo. In fact, Nicolas Rubilar, a pro sim racer, has called it "the best wheel for competitive racing on Gran Turismo". That's high praise for this standout bit of kit.
TL;DR - Reasons to buy
- 40-Watt Brushless Motor: Provides high-velocity force feedback for consistent, powerful performance.
- H.E.A.R.T Technology: Thrustmaster’s patented system ensures accurate, durable force feedback over time.
- 25 Action Buttons & Rotary Selectors: Leather-wrapped wheel with GT Sport-recognized controls, praised by pro racers for Gran Turismo.
Read More: Best racing game deals
Thrustmaster TS-XW Racer Sparco P310 Competition
Best racing wheel for Xbox
* prices accurate at the time of our last check
Why we chose the Thrustmaster TS-XW Racer Sparco P310 Competition
The Thrustmaster TS-XW Racer Sparco P310 Competition Mod racing wheel (yes, we know that's a long name) is a high-performance choice for serious Xbox Series X racers, designed as a 1:1 scale replica of the iconic Sparco P310 Competition wheel. This attention to detail in design, combined with premium materials, means it can offer a realistic and immersive racing experience thanks to its 40-watt brushless servomotor that delivers powerful force feedback to your fingertips. Plus, with Motor Cooling Embedded technology, the wheel is designed to stay cool even during the most intense racing sessions, enhancing durability and long-term performance.
The TS-XW Racer is built for smooth and responsive handling thanks to its dual belt-pulley system and metal ball-bearing axle, helping it provide seamless movement with minimal friction. And, for optimal power delivery, the wheel comes equipped with a toroidal-shaped Turbo Power power supply, boasting an impressive 86% efficiency without the need for a bulky finned design.
These features, coupled with its compatibility with Xbox Series X, make the Thrustmaster TS-XW Racer one of the best racing wheels available, offering both a competitive edge and high durability for dedicated gamers looking to elevate their racing experience.
TL;DR - Reasons to buy
- 1:1 Sparco P310 Replica: Realistic design with high-quality materials for an immersive racing experience.
- 40-Watt Brushless Servomotor: Powerful force feedback, kept cool with Motor Cooling Embedded technology for durability.
- Dual Belt-Pulley System & Turbo Power Supply: Smooth, responsive handling with efficient power delivery on Xbox Series X.
Read More: Best racing seats
MOZA RS V2
Best racing wheel for PC
- MOZA Racing - £439.00
- Walmart - $475.86
* prices accurate at the time of our last check
Why we chose the MOZA RS V2
The MOZA RS V2 is a top choice for serious sim racing on PC, particularly for titles like Assetto Corsa, rFactor 2, and iRacing. This 13-inch wheel, made with genuine leather, carbon fiber, and aluminum, is compatible with a range of direct drive and force feedback bases, including the powerful 9 Nm MOZA R9, providing an exceptional direct drive experience that can knock you off your seat (or racing chair in this instance).
The wheel features an LED Rev counter and numerous buttons to keep all essential information at your fingertips, ensuring precise gear shifts. The lightweight carbon fiber magnetic shifters on the back of the wheel enable quick, smooth gear changes as well, ensuring you have a competitive edge against on-track rivals.
Additionally, the RS V2 includes a quick-release system for a secure and stable connection, making it easy to switch between devices. As a result, it's one of the best wheels available for PC racing enthusiasts alongside the R9 wheel base.
TL;DR - Reasons to buy
- Premium Build with Direct Drive Compatibility: 13-inch wheel made from genuine leather, carbon fiber, and aluminum, compatible with high-power bases like the 9 Nm MOZA R9.
- LED Rev Counter & Magnetic Shifters: Provides essential info and smooth, fast gear shifts for a competitive edge in sim racing.
- Quick-Release System: Ensures secure connection and easy switching between devices for versatile racing setups on PC.
Read More: Best sim racing pedals
Thrustmaster EVO Racing 32R Leather
Best racing wheel for rally games
- Amazon - $299.99 / £259.99
- Thrustmaster - $349.99 / £269.99
- Currys - £224.00
* prices accurate at the time of our last check
Why we chose the Thrustmaster EVO Racing 32R Leather
The Thrustmaster EVO Racing 32R is a 12.6-inch rally-inspired wheel designed for precision and performance. Its curved paddle shifters, equipped with magnetic sensors, ensure precise responsiveness for tackling tough tracks at high speeds. The wheel’s high-quality design features a brushed aluminum central faceplate for enhanced rigidity while maintaining a lightweight construction, and the leather wrapping adds both durability and style.
With a detachable central hub system, the EVO Racing wheel allows for customization too, letting you mix and match different wheel rims and paddle shifters to tailor your setup for any racing circuit. The hub also includes 25 action buttons, four rotary encoders, an ergonomic D-pad, and seven LEDs that display critical racing information, such as RPMs, to give you a competitive edge.
To use this wheel, you’ll need to pair it with a Thrustmaster wheel base, though it's compatible with almost all models in the Thrustmaster range, offering plenty of options should you take the leap and invest.
TL;DR - Reasons to buy
- Rally-Inspired Design: 12.6-inch wheel with curved magnetic paddle shifters and brushed aluminum faceplate for lightweight durability.
- Customizable Hub System: Detachable hub allows for swapping rims and shifters, with 25 action buttons, rotary encoders, and LED indicators.
- Thrustmaster Base Compatibility: Works with almost all Thrustmaster wheel bases, offering flexible options for serious racers.
Read More: Best budget racing wheels
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Buying a racing wheel can often lead to a ton of questions, especially if it is your first time. Don't worry though, we've answered some of the most commonly asked queries below.
How much should you spend on a racing wheel?
The amount you should invest in a sim racing wheel ultimately depends on your budget and how much you're willing to allocate toward enhancing your racing experience.
Racing wheels come in a broad range of prices, ensuring there's an option for every budget. While more affordable models might lack some advanced features, there are numerous high-quality wheels available at reasonable prices that shouldn't be overlooked. For instance, the Hori Overdrive / Apex is a standout in our guide to the best budget racing equipment. It offers a 270-degree turn radius and adjustable output options, providing solid control over your setup without breaking the bank.
If you're able to increase your budget slightly, you can explore wheels that include force feedback and, at the higher end, direct drive technology, which significantly enhances the realism of your sim racing experience, but more on that later...
Ultimately, the decision on how much to spend is yours to make. If a premium wheel isn't within reach at the moment, remember that upgrading later as your budget allows is always an option.
What does force feedback mean for a racing wheel?
Force feedback is a simulation technique used in racing wheels to create as realistic a racing experience as possible.
Force feedback is achieved through a combination of in-game code from whichever title you're playing, the right configuration, and several electric motors inside the wheel itself.
The motors work in tandem with what is displayed on the screen and adjust themselves depending on the driving conditions to create resistance.
At this point, it's worth noting not every racing wheel comes with force feedback capabilities. You may be able to change this by upgrading to one of the best wheel bases, although this isn't always the case.
We'd recommend going for something that comes with some kind of feedback technology though, as, without it, you're missing out on some excellent in-game immersion.
What does direct drive mean for a racing wheel?
Direct drive technology takes force feedback to the next level by eliminating the belt or gear system that is typically used in conjunction with the motor to simulate resistance.
With direct drive, the wheel is directly attached to the feedback motor, allowing users to experience full resistance with fewer components between the wheel, motor, and the user. Direct drive devices tend to be more expensive than their force feedback counterparts as they use larger motors, which require more materials.
Also, to direct drive, only a few motors are capable of meeting the necessary precision, including stepper motors or AC servo motors. These motors require complex control systems and separate drivers to function properly.
Are racing wheels adjustable?
Yes, many racing wheels are adjustable to allow you to customize your gaming experience according to your personal preferences. For example, most racing wheels allow you to adjust the sensitivity of the steering input. This determines how much the virtual steering wheel in the game turns in response to your physical input on the racing wheel.
Also, some racing wheels allow you to adjust the rotation angle of the virtual steering wheel, influencing how far you need to turn the physical racing wheel to achieve a full lock-to-lock turn in the game.
Those with feedback settings tend to allow you to alter the strength and intensity of the feedback effects, such as vibration, resistance, and movement. You can often fine-tune these settings to match your preferred level of realism and immersion.
As racing wheels typically come with buttons and other controls, most models allow you to customize the button assignments to suit your preferences or to match the controls of the specific racing game you're playing.
Keep in mind that the extent of adjustability can vary between different racing wheel models. So, it's a good idea to review the product specifications and user manuals to understand the specific adjustable features offered by that particular model.
Are sim racing wheels suitable for beginners?
Yes, sim racing wheels are suitable for beginners. In fact, they can be an excellent way for newcomers to racing sims to enhance their gaming experience and improve their driving skills.
This is because they can provide a more intuitive and immersive way to control virtual vehicles compared to traditional gamepads or keyboards. The steering wheel and pedal setup closely mimic the controls of a real car, making it easier for beginners to understand and learn.
Sim racing wheels often feature feedback technology too, which replicates the sensations of driving a real car by providing tactile feedback through the wheel. This feedback helps beginners develop a better sense of car control, including understanding when the car is losing traction or experiencing understeer/oversteer.
As someone who has used a controller to play racing games, I can safely say it's easy to be more precise using a wheel as well. Making minor adjustments to your steering is both easier and more fluid in comparison to using the thumbsticks on a gamepad, thus making a wheel an excellent choice for beginners overall.
Can a racing wheel be used without a dedicated racing seat or stand?
Yes, a racing wheel can be used without a dedicated racing seat or stand. Many racing wheels are designed to be mounted on a desk or table using clamps, providing a stable platform for gaming. This setup is suitable for casual gamers or those with limited space, allowing for an immersive racing experience without the need for additional furniture.
However, using a dedicated racing seat or stand significantly enhances stability and comfort, especially during longer gaming sessions. These setups usually prevent the wheel from moving during intense gameplay too, and they often provide a more realistic driving position. So, while not essential, they are highly recommended for serious racing enthusiasts seeking the most authentic experience.