Update: Check out our list of the best wheels for Forza Motorsport to upgrade your setup now the latest Turn 10 racing title has arrived!
Adding one of the best wheels for Forza Horizon 5 to your setup can help you gain a competitive edge. However, finding the ideal wheel for you isn't as straightforward as it may seem, nor is whether you should go with a wheel in the first place.
The thing is, the realism and immersion offered by the best racing wheels remain unmatched. So, to help your search, we've put together a list based on features, pricing, and reviews of great wheels. Whether you're a rookie eyeing the Thrustmaster TMX for a starting point or an adept racer seeking the pinnacle, like the Logitech G923, our list covers it all.
We've also answered commonly asked questions about racing wheels, particularly for Xbox Series X, guiding you to choose the perfect match that unleashes your driving potential. Now, let's dive into our comprehensive list to find the ultimate wheel that'll have you leaving the competition in the dust.
Best wheels for Forza Horizon 5
- Logitech G923 - best for sim racing overall
- Logitech G PRO Racing Wheel and Pedals - a great choice for pro racing
- Thrustmaster TMX - an excellent entry-level contender
- Fanatec Forza Motorsport Wheel - a superb premium alternative
- Thrustmaster TS-XW - a high-end device for experienced racers
- Hori Racing Wheel Overdrive - top-tier budget pick
1. Logitech G923
Best sim wheel for Forza Horizon 5
We feel this wheel has all the credentials to be one of the best and most well-rounded racing wheel, arguably one of the best force feedback wheels, in fact, around thanks to Logitech's expertise in the field.
It features a premium design that includes next-gen TRUEFORCE force feedback technology designed to deliver racing feedback to the palms of your hands as you race through the fictionalised Mexican landscape.
Moreover, the Logitech G923 comes with a wide array of additional buttons that you can remap to some of your most-used controls like your gear changes for example.
If this sounds like the wheel for you, then it's worth noting that it is compatible with both Xbox and PC, making it a great pick for FH5.
- Read More: Best monitors for Forza Horizon 5
2. Logitech G PRO Racing Wheel and Pedals
Best pro wheel for Forza Horizon 5
This Logitech G PRO Racing Wheel and its accompanying pedals look to be ideal for serious sim racers looking for a top-tier direct drive wheel.
The wheelbase boasts a maximum 11Nm of torque with 1080 degrees of rotation for a complete direct drive and TRUEFORCE feedback experience.
You also get magnetic hall effect paddle shifters, dual-clutch paddles, and an extensively tested PRO thumb sweep button layout designed to give you all the buttons and dials you need close by to reduce the time it takes to use them.
The pedals are packed with technology too, featuring a load cell brake, swappable springs, contactless hall effect sensors, and removable pedal modules for complete customisation. Ultimately, the Logitech wheel and pedals look to be the complete package for experienced racers.
- Read More: Best racing seats for Forza Horizon 5
3. Thrustmaster TMX
Best entry-level wheel for Forza Horizon 5
If you're new to Forza and you're looking for something slightly cheaper to start with, then the Thrustmaster TMX might be for you.
The 900-degree force feedback racing wheel combines belt pulleys and gears which Thrustmaster states provide a much smoother, fluid, and quieter ride.
Moreover, it comes with optimised and adjustable pedals, with the brake pedal delivering progressive resistance to help you gain a better feel of the abilities of the FH5 cars.
With a 'competition' design and both PC and Xbox compatibility, this stand-out wheel should be a great option to consider for Forza Horizon 5.
- Read More: Best racing gloves for Forza Horizon 5
4. Fanatec Forza Motorsport Wheel
Best premium wheel for Forza Horizon 5
With "Forza" in its name, this Fanatec offers an awful lot and can deliver an exceptionally authentic gaming experience in the game.
Distinguishing itself as one of the premier premium devices, the wheel boasts key features that elevate its status, including a brushed aluminium base, a genuine leather wheel cover, and fully customisable buttons that allow users to map controls for Forza Horizon 5 according to their preferences.
Adding to its appeal, the wheel comes equipped with an on-wheel LED display, providing a convenient way to effortlessly monitor your speed during intense racing sessions.
- Read More: Best headsets for Forza Horizon 5
5. Thrustmaster TS-XW
Best high-end wheel for Forza Horizon 5
If you're searching for something high-end that fits nicely between an entry-level and premium race wheel, then Thrustmaster TS-XW could be your answer.
Firstly, the wheel works with both Xbox and PC and comes with a 40-watt brushless servomotor force feedback system that is designed to support intensive use during long sessions without any decrease in performance.
Also, it comes with solid metal, adjustable pedals which, Thrustmaster boasts, have been optimally spaced to deliver the smoothest and most realistic racing feel possible.
Ultimately, as high-end racing wheels go, this Thrustmaster bit of kit should definitely be one of the better options for FH5.
- Read More: Best controllers for Forza Horizon 5
6. Hori Racing Wheel Overdrive
Best budget wheel for Forza Horizon 5
From a high-end device to a budget option, the Hori Racing Wheel Overdrive will likely deliver the key features of a gaming wheel at just a fraction of the cost compared to the previous entries.
This Xbox wheel features a 270-degree turn radius with adjustable output options, meaning you should be able to tackle even the tightest of turns with ease.
Moreover, Hori states the Racing Wheel Overdrive is easily mountable with its secure and sturdy clamps which is probably ideal if you play FH5 at a desk, and is another reason why it is possibly a great option to consider.
- Read More: Best triple monitor arms for Forza Horizon 5
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
When it comes to finding the right racing wheel, there are usually a few questions that pop up, we're here to answer some of the more common queries.
Is sim racing easier with a racing wheel?
While both wheel and controller are capable of completing the exact same lap times around an FH5 circuit, we believe racing wheels have more to offer once you're used to their mechanics.
Firstly, the addition of either force feedback or direct drive means you get a greater feedback response which can help you know when to make subtle alterations to your racing lines.
Moreover, we feel you gain more confidence with a wheel as you know you can make minor adjustments easier to correct any mistake which, in turn, promotes a more aggressive driving style to help you achieve a first-place finish.
With that being said, a controller offers you greater versatility away from racing, so, if you're a more casual Forza player, then you may find picking up a top gamepad to be more beneficial.
Are all racing wheels compatible with Xbox?
We can't vouch for every single gaming wheel available, but the majority, including those featured on this list, should be compatible with Xbox.
This is of course crucial as Forza was once an Xbox-exclusive game, and it has only made the transition to PC as recently as Forza Horizon 4.
FH5 continues this trend as it is available on Steam. As touched in our list of the best wheel for Assetto Corsa, the majority of racing wheels from most of the major manufacturers are PC-compatible, so you shouldn't have to worry if you are a PC gamer.
What does force feedback mean?
As touched on above, force feedback refers to a simulation technique used in racing wheels to provide you with as realistic a feeling as possible of the road in the game.
In other words, force feedback tries to replicate what the driver would feel if he were to race under the exact same conditions in the same location in real life.
If you're looking to maximise your feedback, then make sure you check out our list of the best wheel bases to upgrade your setup.
What does direct drive mean?
We’ve previously gone into detail about what exactly direct drive is, but put simply, direct drive is another simulation technique.
The term 'direct drive' actually refers to when a racing wheel is mounted directly onto the motor via a quick-release hub.
As a result, you should feel the full feedback from the motor as there are fewer components involved between you, the wheel, and the mechanism.
This differs from a force feedback device which uses a belt or gear system in conjunction with the motor to deliver the added simulation aspect.
Do you need a dedicated stand or mount for a racing wheel?
The need for a dedicated stand or mount for your sim racing wheel depends on your personal preferences and setup. However, owning a dedicated stand or mount can provide better stability for your sim racing wheel, especially during intense gameplay or force feedback effects. It helps prevent the wheel from moving or vibrating excessively, resulting in a more immersive and realistic experience.
A stand or mount also allows you to position the wheel at a comfortable height and angle, reducing strain on your arms and wrists during extended gaming sessions. Adjustable mounts offer flexibility to customise. the positioning based on your preferences.
However, purchasing a wheel stand or mount is an additional cost, and it takes up space. Therefore, it's not uncommon to simply mount your wheel to a desk instead, and you also have the option of creating your own wheel mount if you don't want to buy a pre-made one.
Therefore, deciding whether or not to buy a stand or mount ultimately depends on your preferences, budget, and the level of immersion and stability you desire.