When diving into Gran Turismo 7, there's one key element that stands as the linchpin for an immersive driving adventure – the racing wheel. The market is teeming with great but somewhat pricey options, so finding the best budget wheels for Gran Turismo 7 can be a daunting one.
You're in the right place though, because we've put together a list of top-tier devices that are not just great budget-friendly options, but some of the best racing wheels available in general. Even though they're cheaper, these wheels are still pretty special and can help you shave valuable milliseconds off your laptops.
We've mainly focused on wheels from some of the biggest names in sim racing. More importantly than that, we've carefully considered devices that excel in delivering true-to-life force feedback, mirroring the on-screen action with uncanny precision. This can not only elevate your immersion but also equip you with a level of precision, control, and familiarity that can genuinely make racing easier.
So, fasten your seatbelt as we run through the crème de la crème of budget wheels tailored for Gran Turismo 7. Here are our top picks...
Best budget wheels for Gran Turismo 7
- Logitech G29 - best choice for any platform
- Thrustmaster T80 Ferrari 488 GTB Edition - a great option from Thrustmaster
- Hori Racing Wheel Apex - an inexpensive pick from Hori
- MOZA R5 Bundle - one of the cheapest direct drive options out there
1. Logitech G29
Best budget wheel for Gran Turismo 7 overall
The Logitech G29 is not cheap by any means. However, as racing wheels can be some of the most expensive sim racing gear to pick up, its price tag is relatively low compared to the competition. As a result, we see it as one of the best budget racing wheels on the market.
It's a great all-around pick for Gran Turismo 7 as its compatibility spans across all major consoles and PC, making it suitable for whatever gaming platform you play on. The key feature is its force feedback technology, designed to enhance realism by simulating the sensations of driving a real car under the same in-game conditions.
Furthermore, it features a dual-motor feedback system, providing an incredibly lifelike ride and smooth and quiet steering to enhance your in-game immersion, thus making it one of the best force feedback wheels around while not completely breaking your bank.
With a lock-to-lock rotation of 900 degrees as well, the wheel allows you to turn it around two and a half times to ensure you can handle even the widest corners Gran Turismo 7 has to offer with ease.
In short, it's a standout option from Logitech, one of the leading manufacturers of racing gear. And if you can catch it while it's in a sim racing sale, you can secure it for even less!
Reasons to buy:
- Compatible with a range of platforms, including most major consoles
- Features a dual-motor force feedback system
Read More: Best sim racing handbrakes
2. Thrustmaster T80 Ferrari 488 GTB Edition
Best budget Thrustmaster wheel for Gran Turismo 7
As an 8:10 scale replica of the genuine Ferrari 488 GTB wheel, and the fact it's officially licensed by Ferrari and PlayStation, the Thrustmaster T80 is practically the perfect fit for Gran Turismo if you're after something a little cheaper than normal.
The wheel features official PlayStation buttons on the centre console for easy navigation of menus, a 28cm diameter with textured rubber cladding for superior grip and control, plus an additional pedal set that can be adjusted to suit your comfort and precision preferences.
On the performance side, it comes with a “Bungee Cord” mechanism to deliver linear resistance, regardless of the rotation angle. This type of resistance helps keep the cost low, and while it may not be force feedback, it still provides a little more realism than you would otherwise experience.
Boasting a 240-degree rotation angle, 11 action buttons, a D-pad, and automatic recentring too, there's certainly a lot to like about this excellent but inexpensive Thrustmaster wheel.
Reasons to buy:
- Textured diameter makes it easy to grip tight
- Has a unique “Bungee Cord” resistance system
Read More: Best sim racing shifters
3. Hori Racing Wheel Apex
Best budget Hori wheel for Gran Turismo 7
The Hori Racing Wheel Apex stands out as both an excellent budget option for PS5 gaming as well as Gran Turismo 7 on the PS4, boasting an incredibly inexpensive price tag that's one of the cheapest we've come across.
First and foremost, the wheel is equipped with a 270-degree rotation mechanism to help you tackle wide corners, although you can customise the dead zones through its companion application to alter when you want the steering to cut out based on your preference. The app also allows you to create up to four distinct profiles, making it convenient to switch between driving setups depending on what you're playing, eliminating the need for manual adjustments each time you hop on Gran Turismo.
Moreover, the wheel includes paddle shifters, a dedicated D-pad, and adjustable buttons that can be assigned to frequently used in-game mechanics using the companion app.
Plus, the package comes with a full-size pedal set and a sturdy clamping system, adding to its appeal and usability for all kinds of setups. So, if you're looking for a budget-friendly wheel from Hori for your Gran Turismo gameplay, make sure you check out the Apex.
Reasons to buy:
- Incredibly cheap compared to some of its rivals
- Accompanying app allows for customisation
Read More: Best sim racing pedals
4. MOZA R5 Bundle
Best budget direct drive wheel for Gran Turismo 7
Securing a budget-friendly wheel equipped with direct drive technology is close to an insurmountable challenge, as this technology represents one of the heftiest investments in the world of sim racing. However, if your heart is set on direct drive, then this MOZA R5 Bundle is one of the cheapest ways to obtain it.
Collectively, it provides you with a robust direct drive wheel base, boasting 5.5 Nm of torque, ensuring you experience every nuance of the road within Gran Turismo. Additionally, you get a high-quality wheel constructed from aluminium and steel, enveloped in leather, that is enhanced with numerous extra buttons on the centre console, simplifying access to frequently used functions.
Another significant advantage is the MOZA Pit House software. This facilitates the adjustment of settings and the creation of presets, enabling swift transitions when you're switching games.
The package is rounded off with a set of pedals and a convenient table clamp, giving you everything you need to upgrade to a complete direct drive package, all for a relatively inexpensive price.
Reasons to buy:
- Relatively inexpensive as far as direct drive goes
- Made from premium materials like aluminium and leather
Read More: Best deals on sim racing equipment
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, we've answered some of the most commonly asked queries below.
What does force feedback mean for a racing wheel?
Force Feedback is a simulation technique employed in racing wheels to deliver a highly immersive racing experience. This sensation of Force Feedback is brought to life through a synergy of in-game coding tailored to the specific racing title, a configuration of the settings, and the deployment of multiple electric motors housed within the wheel itself.
These electric motors function in harmony with the on-screen visuals, making dynamic adjustments in real-time to faithfully replicate the driving conditions. They generate resistance, adding depth and realism to the gameplay experience, much in the same way some of the best direct drive wheels can.
It's important to mention that not all racing wheels are equipped with force feedback capabilities. However, for those seeking an enhanced and more realistic gaming experience, then you can buy wheel base upgrades. This upgrade isn't always readily available for every racing wheel, but the investment can significantly enhance your immersion and enjoyment while gaming.
What is direct drive?
Direct drive refers to a configuration where the steering wheel is mounted directly onto the motor. This design contrasts with traditional force feedback systems that utilise belts or gears alongside the motor to augment the realism of the driving simulation.
The primary advantage of this direct drive setup is the delivery of unadulterated feedback from the motor This ensures a more immediate and pure connection between you, the steering wheel, and the simulator's mechanical framework, with minimal loss of fidelity due to the absence of intermediary mechanical components.
It's more expensive in most cases though, so you're unlikely to find a budget-friendly racing wheel with this kind of technology built into it.
Is playing Gran Turismo 7 easier with a racing wheel?
Although both a wheel and controller can achieve identical lap times in Gran Turismo, a wheel holds distinct advantages worth considering.
Firstly, the inclusion of force feedback or direct drive provides enhanced feedback, aiding in subtle adjustments to your racing line. Additionally, racing with a wheel often instills more confidence as it allows for easier corrections to steering, encouraging a more aggressive driving style that might just push you into first place.
However, for a more casual Gran Turismo player seeking versatility beyond racing, a top gamepad might be a more suitable choice. For serious racers though, a wheel is almost a must-have.
Are racing wheels adjustable?
Racing wheels often come with a range of adjustable settings that let you tailor your gaming experience. For instance, you can tweak the steering sensitivity, dictating how much your in-game wheel turns in response to your physical movements on the racing wheel.
Moreover, some wheels allow you to modify the virtual steering wheel's rotation angle, affecting how much you need to turn the physical wheel for a full turn in the game.
Models with feedback settings enable adjustments to feedback effects like vibration, resistance, and movement intensity. These settings are customisable more often than not, allowing you to fine-tune them for a more realistic and immersive experience.
Additionally, most racing wheels feature buttons and controls that can be altered to suit your preferences or match the controls of the game you're playing. However, the adjustability options might differ across various models, so checking the product specifications and user manuals is wise to understand the specific adjustable features of the model you're interested in.
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