Top Racing Wheels for Every Driver

As technology rapidly advances, the distinction between real-life motorsport and racing simulations becomes increasingly blurred. It's no secret that many top-tier professional drivers spend significant time honing their skills in racing simulations, a testament to how advanced racing hardware has become. With an ever-growing selection of racing gear on the market, choosing the right racing wheel for your setup can be daunting. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned sim racer, this guide will help you navigate through the best options available for PC, Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and even Nintendo Switch, categorized by budget and performance levels.

Here's a curated list of 10 racing wheels, tailored to various budgets and platforms, to help you find the perfect match for your racing ambitions.

TL;DR: The Best Racing Wheels

Thrustmaster T-128

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Logitech G-29

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1See it at Amazon

Fanatec GT DD Pro

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Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe

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Thrustmaster T300 RS GT

0See it at AmazonSee it at B&H

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Moza R12

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Moza TSW Truck Wheel

0See it at Walmart

1. Thrustmaster T-128

Best Budget Wheel for PC and Xbox

Thrustmaster T-128

0See it at AmazonSee it at Best Buy Product Specifications Rim size260mm, not removable MotorBelt + gear hybrid Peak torque2 Nm CompatibilityPC, Xbox, PlayStation Rotation range900 degrees PROS

• Less noisy than similar entry-level Logitech wheels
• Pedals are upgradeable CONS
• Small rim size
• Bundled pedals are poor The Thrustmaster T-128 is an excellent entry-level option for those on a tight budget or beginners, especially for kids eager to dive into sim racing. While its small and entirely plastic rim might feel a bit toy-like, it offers genuine force feedback, a crucial feature distinguishing it from even cheaper alternatives like the T-80, which relies on bungee-style resistance. With a modest 2 Nm of peak torque, the T-128 still communicates essential on-track feedback effectively, and its small rim size enhances the feeling of torque. For those looking to expand their setup, the T-128 can be upgraded with accessories like the TH8S shifter and better pedals, making it a versatile starting point.

2. Logitech G-29

Best Budget Wheel for PlayStation

Logitech G-29

0See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuySee it at Logitech Product Specifications Rim size270mm, not removable MotorGear Peak torque2.1 Nm CompatibilityPC, PlayStation Rotation range900 degrees PROS

• Much better pedals than entry-level Thrustmaster bundles
• Sturdy and still a great option a decade down the track CONS
• Clunky and noisy at times
• Gear-driven force feedback not as refined as Thrustmaster’s hybrid belt system The Logitech G-29 remains a robust and reliable choice, especially for PlayStation users, despite its age. Its metal rim and three-pedal set, which includes a clutch pedal, offer a more premium feel compared to entry-level competitors. However, its gear-driven force feedback can be noisy and less refined than belt-driven systems. For those considering an upgrade, the G-29's compatibility with Logitech's standalone shifter makes it a scalable choice.

3. Moza R3

Best Starter Direct Drive Wheel for Xbox Series X|S and PC

1See it at Amazon Product Specifications Rim size280mm, removable MotorDirect drive Peak torque3.9 Nm CompatibilityXbox Series X|S, PC Rotation rangeUnlimited PROS

• High-quality force feedback in a whisper-quiet package
• Every part of the bundle is upgrade-friendly CONS
• Bundled brake pedal feels simplistic
• Xbox compatibility still lacking for shifter and handbrake add-ons for most games Moza's R3 is a significant step up for Xbox and PC users, offering direct drive technology at a price point just above traditional belt-driven options. Its silent operation and smooth force feedback make it a compelling choice for those seeking a more realistic racing experience. Although the bundled pedals use spring resistance and Hall effect sensors, they are sturdy and can be upgraded. Keep in mind that some Moza add-ons are not yet compatible with Xbox racing games.

4. Fanatec GT DD Pro

Best Direct Drive Wheel

Fanatec GT DD Pro

0See it at eBay Product Specifications Rim size280mm, removable MotorDirect drive Peak torque5 Nm - 8 Nm CompatibilityPC, PlayStation Rotation rangeUnlimited PROS

• Excellent force feedback, quiet operation
• Perfect for PC and multi-console owners (with additional purchases) CONS
• Bundled brake pedal feels simplistic
• Paying a high premium over the CSL DD for PlayStation compatibility The Fanatec GT DD Pro stands out as a premium direct drive wheel, offering exceptional force feedback and quiet operation. With a default torque of 5 Nm that can be boosted to 8 Nm, it's a versatile choice for serious sim racers. Its multi-console compatibility, achieved through additional purchases, makes it a valuable investment for those who game across different platforms. However, the bundled pedals use Hall effect sensors and lack load-cell technology without additional cost.

5. Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe

Best Nintendo Switch Racing Wheel

Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe

0See it at AmazonSee it at Best Buy Product Specifications Rim size280mm, not removable MotorN/A Peak torqueN/A CompatibilityNintendo Switch, PC Rotation range270 degrees PROS

• Analogue pedals are a step up from the Switch’s digital triggers
• Bigger than the tiny Hori Mario Kart Mini CONS
• Suction cup mounts are pointless
• No force feedback whatsoever The Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe is tailored for Nintendo Switch users, offering a fun yet basic racing experience. While it lacks force feedback and uses elastic resistance, it's a suitable choice for beginners and kids. Its analog pedals provide a slight edge over the Switch's digital triggers, enhancing the gaming experience in titles like Grid Autosport.

6. Thrustmaster T300 RS GT

Best Mid-Price PlayStation Racing Wheel

Thrustmaster T300 RS GT

0See it at AmazonSee it at B&H Product Specifications Rim size280mm, removable MotorBelt Peak torque3.9 Nm CompatibilityPlayStation, PC Rotation range1,080 degrees PROS

• Cheaper than entry-level PlayStation direct drive options
• Reliable and makes less ruckus than gear-drive wheels CONS
• Belt drive is quickly becoming outmoded as direct drive prices drop
• Not the best PC option at this price point The Thrustmaster T300 RS GT remains a reliable mid-range option for PlayStation users, offering a solid belt-driven force feedback experience. While it may not match the nuance of direct drive systems, its quieter operation and removable rim make it a practical choice. For PC users, newer direct drive options might be more appealing at this price point.

7. Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel

Best Value Premium PC and Console Racing Wheel

0See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuySee it at Logitech Product Specifications Rim size300mm, removable MotorDirect drive Peak torque11 Nm CompatibilityPC, Xbox/PC, PlayStation/PC Rotation rangeUnlimited PROS

• A high-end simulation experience in a neat bundle
• Realistic rim size, great pedals, fantastic feedback CONS
• Not a ton of other accessories to date
• Large wheelbase makes for a bulky install Logitech's G Pro Racing Wheel delivers a premium direct drive experience, complete with 11 Nm of torque and Logitech's Trueforce haptics technology. Its larger rim and adjustable pedals, including a load cell brake, offer a highly authentic feel. While the wheelbase is bulkier than some competitors, its performance and value make it a top choice for serious racers.

8. Turtle Beach VelocityOne Race Wheel and Pedal Set

Best Value Direct Drive Plus Load Cell Pedal Bundle

0See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuySee it at Turtle Beach Product Specifications Rim size300mm, removable MotorDirect drive Peak torque7.2 Nm CompatibilityXbox/PC Rotation rangeUnlimited PROS

• Attractively priced for a direct drive wheel with a load cell, three-pedal set
• Integrated table clamp is strong and far better than bulky standalone clamps CONS
• Button box and telemetry is a cool novelty but mostly pointless/not compatible on Xbox
• Poorer force feedback than competing wheel bases in this price range The Turtle Beach VelocityOne Race is an all-inclusive bundle that offers a direct drive wheel and load cell pedals at a competitive price. While its force feedback may not be the best in its class, it's a solid entry point for those looking to upgrade their racing setup without breaking the bank. The integrated table clamp adds to its appeal, providing a sturdy mounting solution.

9. Moza R12

Best Direct Drive Wheel Base

Moza R12

0See it at Amazon Product Specifications Rim sizeN/A MotorDirect drive Peak torque12 Nm CompatibilityPC, Xbox (when paired with Moza ESX wheel) Rotation rangeUnlimited PROS

• Right at the sweet spot of price versus power
• Strong yet quiet CONS
• Requires additional purchases
• No native PlayStation compatibility, although third-party adaptors will make them functional The Moza R12 is a high-end wheel base that offers a perfect balance of power and price. With 12 Nm of torque, it delivers a strong and quiet force feedback experience. While it requires additional purchases for rims and pedals, it's an excellent choice for those seeking top-tier performance without the exorbitant cost of professional-grade equipment.

10. Moza TSW Truck Wheel

Best Non-Traditional Wheel Rim

Moza TSW Truck Wheel

0See it at Walmart Product Specifications Rim size400mm, removable MotorN/A Peak torqueN/A CompatibilityPC Rotation rangeN/A PROS

• The most immersive way to play truck and bus simulations
• Instant compatibility across Moza’s ecosystem CONS
• Wheel diameter will make force feedback seem light on low-torque wheel bases
• Wheel base and pedals must be purchased separately The Moza TSW Truck Wheel offers a unique and immersive experience for truck and bus simulation enthusiasts. With a 400mm diameter, it closely mimics real truck steering wheels, enhancing immersion. While it requires a separate wheel base and pedals, its compatibility with Moza's ecosystem makes it an excellent choice for those invested in heavy vehicle sims.

How to Choose a Racing Wheel

When selecting a racing wheel, consider your intended usage. Casual gamers might be content with an entry-level wheel, while serious sim racers will benefit from investing in higher-end models with advanced force feedback. Here are the main types of force feedback:

Gear Drive - The oldest and least refined type, found in Logitech’s G29/G920 and G923. It's noisy but reliable.

Belt Drive - Smoother and quieter than gear drive, but less capable of nuanced feedback. Common in mid-range wheels.

Direct Drive - The most advanced and expensive, offering direct and nuanced feedback. Ideal for serious racers.

Racing Wheel FAQ

What impact do rim sizes have on the feel of a sim racing wheel?

Smaller rim sizes can feel more toy-like but enhance the torque feel on low-torque bases, making them suitable for beginners.

Why am I now slower on a racing wheel than a controller?

Racing games are designed to be enjoyable on controllers with dampening to reduce twitchiness. Transitioning to a wheel requires adapting to a more precise and realistic control method, which can initially slow you down.

What are the best games to play with a racing wheel?

For serious simulation, try Assetto Corsa Competizione, F1 24, and Dirt Rally 2.0. Mainstream titles like Gran Turismo 7 and Forza Motorsport also work well with wheels, as do more casual games like Forza Horizon 5 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Switch.

This doesn’t feel quite right. Is my wheel a dud?

Before concluding your wheel is faulty, explore the numerous settings in your games and on the wheel itself. Community forums can provide valuable insights and recommendations for optimal configurations.

Are racing wheels worth the investment?

For casual gamers, a cheaper wheel or other gaming accessories might be more suitable. However, for avid racers, a high-quality wheel enhances immersion and precision, making it a worthwhile investment despite the initial learning curve.

How realistic is a racing wheel?

Racing wheels can offer a highly realistic driving experience through accurate force feedback. The level of realism depends on the wheel's quality and features, but top-tier options can closely mimic real-world driving, as evidenced by professional drivers using them for training.