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Adding the best racing wheel to your sim setup can significantly elevate your experience, offering immersion that traditional controllers cannot match. Ensuring compatibility is crucial though, with some top-tier wheels designed for specific platforms like PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, while others work seamlessly across multiple consoles—ideal if you use more than one gaming platform.
After compatibility, it's important to focus on features that enhance realism when choosing. Look for wheels with tactile feedback to feel every bump and shift, with direct drive wheels offering the most precise experience and force feedback wheels providing a more affordable yet high-quality alternative. Opt for a wheel constructed with durable materials too, like metal for longevity and Alcantara or leather covers for added luxury and comfort during extended gaming sessions.
That's a lot to take in yourself, so, to help you make an informed choice, we've evaluated top racing wheels based on the features mentioned above, build quality, price, and user reviews. Here are our top picks across all platforms...
Best racing wheels
- 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
- Fanatec CSL DD - 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
1. Logitech G923
Best racing wheel overall
Where to buy *
* prices accurate at the time of our last check
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, 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.
Reasons to buy:
- A very well-rounded wheel in terms of features and price.
- TRUEFORCE feedback helps add realism to your sim experience.
- Compatible with most major gaming platforms.
Read More: Best deals on sim racing equipment
2. Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro
Best racing wheel for PS5
Where to buy *
- Fanatec - $699.95 / €699.95
* prices accurate at the time of our last check
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.
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.
Reasons to buy:
- Direct drive feedback offers unfiltered realism.
- A familiar PlayStation layout on the centre console.
- Heads-up OLED display keeps important vehicle info right in front of you.
Read More: Best sim racing shifters
3. Thrustmaster T-GT II
Best racing wheel for PS4
Where to buy *
* prices accurate at the time of our last check
The Thrustmaster T-GT II is an impressive bit of kit that has been developed through research to deliver a truly authentic and immersive racing experience, complete with all the essentials you need for gaming.
Thrustmaster boasts the wheel has been refined through more than 23,000 hours of intense Research and Development work, resulting in a device capable of high-velocity force feedback from its 40-watt brushless motor and consistent performance due to Thrustmaster's patented H.E.A.R.T innovation.
It's also worth touching on its build. The wheel is wrapped in leather, and it features 25 action buttons on the main console. Included in these buttons are four rotary selectors natively recognized in GT Sport, making it a great option for games like Gran Turismo.
The wheel is officially licensed for PlayStation too, which means it's up there as one of the best wheels you can buy for the PS4. If you're after an upgrade in this realm, this one is worth checking out.
Reasons to buy:
- Officially licensed for PlayStation.
- Tens of thousands of hours of research were put into its design.
- H.E.A.R.T innovation ensures longevity in its performance.
Read More: Best racing game deals
4. Fanatec CSL DD
Best racing wheel for Xbox
Where to buy *
- Fanatec - $649.90 / €649.90
* prices accurate at the time of our last check
Continuing with Fanatec and another direct drive wheel, the Fanatec CSL DD looks to be a superb bit of kit for playing your favorite racing titles on Xbox. In fact, it's officially licensed by the World Rally Championship (WRC) and is used in WRC esports competitions as a result.
So, why has the WRC chosen this particular device? Well, it features a premium build that combines brushed aluminum with plush Alcantara for comfort and grip around the rim.
Moreover, it comes with its own set of detachable paddles, a RevStripe, and a three-digit LED screen to provide useful information like your speed in compatible games. You can also access the Tuning Menu to tweak any settings during gameplay to suit your preferences.
Again, it's worth mentioning it comes with Fanatec's Boost Kit 180 to deliver 8 Nm of torque, which is another reason why it's such a great direct drive choice for Xbox.
Reasons to buy:
- A great direct drive option for Xbox.
- Officially licensed by the WRC so great for rallying.
- LED indicators help you time everything to perfection.
Read More: Best racing seats
5. MOZA RS V2
Best racing wheel for PC
Where to buy *
- Amazon - $539.00 / £545.55
- MOZA Racing - £439.00
- Walmart - $474.51
* prices accurate at the time of our last check
PC gaming tends to lend itself to some of the more serious sim racing titles. With that in mind, one of the best wheels for the likes of Assetto Corsa, rFactor 2, and iRacing, for example, is this MOZA RS V2.
Firstly, it's worth mentioning that this 13", genuine leather, carbon fiber, and aluminum wheel is compatible with a range of direct drive and force feedback bases, including the impressive 9 Nm MOZA R9 for an unrivaled direct drive experience.
On the wheel, you get a ton of additional buttons and an LED Rev counter to help you time your gear shifts to perfection with all the information right in front of you. And, when it comes to actually changing gear, you get two lightweight carbon fiber magnetic shifters on the back of the wheel to make each change as quick as possible.
Finally, it comes with a handy quick-release system to ensure a solid, stable connection after every use, and when you want to switch between devices. Overall, the RS V2 stands out from the crowd as one of the best wheels for PC right now.
Reasons to buy:
- Paired with the R9 wheel base, it can produce 9 Nm of torque.
- LED Rev counter is a huge boon for timing gear shifts.
- Made from premium materials that should withstand wear and tear.
Read More: Best sim racing pedals
6. Thrustmaster EVO Racing 32R Leather
Best racing wheel for rally games
Where to buy *
- Amazon - $299.99 / £269.99
- Walmart - $299.99
* prices accurate at the time of our last check
With a 12.6-inch diameter, the Thrustmaster EVO Racing 32R accurately reflects what a real-life rally wheel looks and feels like, with curved paddle shifters that are easy to access in any scenario. They have magnetic sensors too, ensuring precise responsiveness that can help you tackle the toughest tracks at top speed, whether that's rallying or in other racing disciplines.
It also boasts a high-quality design featuring premium materials such as a brushed aluminum central faceplate. This not only enhances rigidity but maintains the wheel's lightweight construction. The leather wrapping helps add durability and style too, while the detachable central hub system allows you to mix and match different wheel rims and paddle shifters, making it possible to tailor your setup to dominate any racing circuit.
Adding to all this, the EVO Racing hub includes 25 action buttons, four rotary encoders, an ergonomic D-pad, and seven LEDs that provide critical racing information, including revolutions per minute, to help you gain a competitive edge.
Just remember, you'll need to pair this one with one of Thrustmaster's bases if you don't already own one. Thankfully, it's compatible with almost all of its wheel base range, so you're spoilt for choice in this regard.
Reasons to buy:
- It's a realistic size for rallying
- Its magnetic curved paddles make changing gears quick and responsive
- You get LEDs that provide critical racing information on the go
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.
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