Who doesn’t love a driving simulator? Ever since the old days of Test Drive, we’ve all been mesmerized by having the ability to drive the types of exotic cars most only dream about.
There is such a wide variety of driving sims now, from track racing to street racers, rally, and even futuristic pod racing. They all share one aspect in common, though. For it to be realistic, you don’t drive with a keyboard or joystick.
That’s why we are going to help you decide on what the best racing wheel for your PC or console will be…
Contents
- 1 Top 11 Best Racing Wheel In 2023 Reviews
- 1.1 1 Logitech Driving Force G29 – Best Logitech PS4 Racing Wheel
- 1.2 2 Thrustmaster TX Ferrari 458 Italia Edition – Best Ferrari Racing Wheel
- 1.3 3 Logitech Driving Force G920 – Best Logitech Xbox Racing Wheel – Best Premium Look Racing Wheel
- 1.4 4 Thrustmaster TMX Pro – Best Thrustmaster Kit Xbox Racing Wheel – Best Value Racing Wheel
- 1.5 5 Thrustmaster TMX – Best Budget Force Feedback Xbox Racing Wheel – Best Budget Racing Wheel
- 1.6 6 Thrustmaster T150 Pro – Best Thrustmaster PS4 Kit Racing Wheel – Best 1080 Degree Racing Wheel
- 1.7 7 HORI Apex – Best Playstation Licensed Racing Wheel – Best No Force Feedback Racing Wheel
- 1.8 8 HORI Overdrive – Best Xbox One Licensed Racing Wheel – Best Budget No force Feedback Racing Wheel
- 1.9 9 PXN V3II – Best Multi Platform Racing Wheel – Best Multi Platform Racing Wheel
- 1.10 10 HORI Mario Kart Pro Deluxe – Best Nintendo Switch Racing Wheel – Best Nintendo Racing Wheel
- 1.11 11 RWA Apex – Best Budget PS4 Racing Wheel – Best Arcade Racer Racing Wheel
- 2 Best Racing Wheel Buyers Guide
- 3 But First, Let’s Check Out What Else We’ve Got For You…
- 4 So, What Is The Best Racing Wheel?
Top 11 Best Racing Wheel In 2023 Reviews
1 Logitech Driving Force G29 – Best Logitech PS4 Racing Wheel
Logitech has been creating peripherals since 1981. With all that experience, you expect a quality product. Of course, we were not disappointed with this racing wheel. This example is compatible with both PC and Playstation 3/4.
Using a mostly metal frame and wrapped in real leather, it does a pretty good job convincing you that you’re behind the wheel of a real car.
Staying in control…
Every button on your Playstation controller is replicated on the wheel itself. That is except for the analog sticks. All the buttons are black except four of them. The four blue buttons function as the trigger buttons.
The pedalboard is plastic but solid. It’s a three pedal set-up with an accelerator, clutch, and brake. Each is tensioned to feel like a real car. The brake has progressive tensioning, meaning it pushes back harder the more you press.
But does it feel like you’re driving?
This wheel does well in the looks department. In terms of feel, the force feedback has some strong geared motors, and you’re sure to feel it after 30 minutes of gameplay. The wheel gives a direct sensation of control, albeit a little clunky.
We found the LED shift lights handy above the wheel’s center. This gives you a visual indication of when to shift using the paddles behind the wheel. It’s particularly useful for playing late at night with the sound down low.
(4.6 / 5)Pros
- Strong force feedback.
- Easy plug and play set-up.
- Real leather-wrapped wheel.
Cons
- Manual gear shifter needs to be purchased separately.
- Brake pedal can be a bit stiff.
2 Thrustmaster TX Ferrari 458 Italia Edition – Best Ferrari Racing Wheel
Compatible with PC and Xbox One, Thrustmaster has created this wheel as a replica of the Ferrari 458 Italia. It’s constructed of plastic and grippy rubber we found comfortable. The wheel is upgradable to Alcantara Leather.
This isn’t the only upgrade available. You can upgrade the pedals from a two pedal set-up to three. A manual gear shifter is also available instead of using the built-in paddle shifters.
But more on this later…
Buttons that map to the Xbox One controller’s main controls can be found on the wheel. However, it is lacking a D-pad, meaning you’ll still need a controller to navigate the game’s menu. A frustrating exclusion.
As mentioned, it’s a brake and accelerator two pedal set-up. Almost entirely plastic apart from the metal on the pedals themselves. They are resistive to an extent with the brake pedal showing slight progression.
The force is strong in this one…
The standout with this set-up is the force feedback. Using a brushless motor and belt system, it is smooth, strong, and responsive. It tends to get a bit hot, so there is a fan installed to reduce the heat generated.
It’s hard to compete with the realistic feedback achieved with this wheel. Your lap times will definitely be improved and also give you sore arms if playing for too long. We would prefer some more premium materials, though.
(4.4 / 5)Pros
- Excellent force feedback.
- Cool Ferrari styling.
Cons
- Not great materials.
- Pushing for upgrades.
3 Logitech Driving Force G920 – Best Logitech Xbox Racing Wheel – Best Premium Look Racing Wheel
This is Logitech’s Xbox One version of their Driving Force range of racing wheels. Compatible also with PC. The wheel is wrapped in hand-stitched leather, giving a premium look and feel.
900-degrees of rotation assist in adding to the feeling of realism. The materials used in the construction of this racing wheel gave us confidence and satisfaction. It’s sure to make driving games more enjoyable.
Steering in the right direction…
There’s a sensible button layout featuring replication of every button from your Xbox One controller. Apart from the analog. The d-pad makes navigating menus easy. However, the colors used stand out less than its PS4 counterpart.
Continuing with the realistic theme is a set of three racing pedals, solidly constructed from strong plastic. All pedals make use of progressive resistance, pushing back as you press down on them.
How does that feel?
The force feedback is some of the strongest in the business. Using a geared belt drive motor, it’s not as smooth as the brushless, but it doesn’t get as hot. We could feel when the car was over or understeering.
Are your arms getting sore?
You can adjust the level of feedback from entirely off to needing a physio session afterward. Overall a well-built, sturdy racing wheel sure to put a smile on your face.
(4.6 / 5)Pros
- Premium look and feel materials.
- Strong, responsive force feedback.
- Progressive resistance pedals
Cons
- Stiff brake pedal.
- No shift light LEDs like the PS4 model.
4 Thrustmaster TMX Pro – Best Thrustmaster Kit Xbox Racing Wheel – Best Value Racing Wheel
Here we have a force feedback wheel and three pedal kit from Thrustmaster for PC and Xbox One. Thrustmaster has an entire ecosystem of professional racing accessories. All are compatible with this kit.
Of course, there is nothing wrong with what’s in this kit. It’s well constructed and solid, with some of the best force feedback in the business. You can always upgrade the steering wheel or pedals later.
Nice bit of kit…
The wheel itself is laid out just like a racing steering wheel, with an impressive 900-degrees of rotation. All the buttons from your Xbox controller can be found in the center of the wheel. It’s a full-sized wheel and has a premium feel.
The majority of the pedal kit is made from plastic. The pedals themselves are metal and feel great, though. Progressive resistance makes it feel like you’re really driving your virtual car. The pedals are usually the first upgrade you’d make, but these are more than decent.
Feel every bump and turn…
Utilizing a belt and gear force feedback system, it does a great job of imitating every scrape, bump, road surface, and traction. It’s so realistic that we were exhausted after a 30-minute driving session.
A great starting point for those getting serious about their racing simulators. We had a great time using this wheel from Thrustmaster. It’s excellent value for the quality and smiles it is sure to bring you. Certainly, the best racing wheel for PC and XBOX fanatics looking to get the best bang for their buck.
(4.5 / 5)Pros
- Realistic force feedback.
- Solid responsive pedals.
- Upgradable in the future.
- Good value.
Cons
- Plastic and rubber steering wheel.
- Unadventurous design.
5 Thrustmaster TMX – Best Budget Force Feedback Xbox Racing Wheel – Best Budget Racing Wheel
Here is the budget little brother to the Thrustmaster TMX Pro, compatible with PC and Xbox One. Perfect for those who want to experience great force feedback, but don’t want to completely empty their wallets.
The only real difference is the pedals, and we’ll get into that shortly. Featuring the same steering wheel setup as the TMX Pro, this makes for great value.
Small price, big features…
With 900-degrees rotation and realistic force feedback, you can’t really go wrong. The steering wheel itself is constructed from plastic and rubber. However, it does feel grippy and durable. Certainly capable of taking some punishment.
Buttons are thoughtfully and conveniently placed around the inside of the steering wheel. One concern we had was that it can be challenging to mount the wheel on thicker desks. A trip to the hardware store for a longer bolt may be required.
Peddling your wares…
Now for the pedals, this is the area where the money is saved. In saying that, they’re not terrible. With full plastic construction, the two pedal set is wide-set and adjustable. They also offer a milder progressive resistance.
TMX is also compatible with the Thrustmaster ecosystem. Meaning you can always upgrade anything from adding a gear shifter to some heavy-duty pedals.
(4.4 / 5)Pros
- Great budget option.
- Compatible with the Thrustmaster ecosystem.
- Realistic force feedback.
Cons
- No clutch on pedals.
- Difficult to mount the wheel on thicker desks.
6 Thrustmaster T150 Pro – Best Thrustmaster PS4 Kit Racing Wheel – Best 1080 Degree Racing Wheel
Another inclusion from Thrustmaster. This time, designed for PC and the PS4/PS3. This full-sized wheel and three pedal kit is solid and well-built. In direct competition with Logitech, we will compare the two.
Thrustmaster has a 1080-degree rotation above the 900-degrees of the Logitech. Both use a geared, belt-driven force feedback system. Thrustmaster, however, has a fan installed to assist with the heat generated. It can be a little noisy.
The difference in design…
Thrustmaster uses a plastic and rubber construction for their steering wheel. It’s grippy and solid, but the Logitech feels a little more premium. The blue accents on black make for an attractive appearance, though.
Metal can be found on the paddle shifters behind the wheel. They click purposefully and aren’t accidentally activated easily. The pedals themselves are metal, with the remaining package being plastic.
Something feels different…
Both force feedback systems are fantastic. They both offer a strong and accurate representation of real driving. The Thrustmasters gears did feel a little less clunky and provided a smoother experience.
The pedals are responsive and react well. Both support progressive resistance and offer a realistic experience. We did prefer the Thrustmaster brake pedal as it didn’t require as much pressure.
(4.3 / 5)Pros
- Smooth, responsive force feedback.
- Solid pedal design.
- 1080-degree rotation on the steering wheel.
Cons
- Plastic construction.
- Fan can get noisy.
7 HORI Apex – Best Playstation Licensed Racing Wheel – Best No Force Feedback Racing Wheel
If you don’t want to spend the money needed for force feedback, there are alternatives. One of which is this well-designed HORI Apex for PC and PS4/PS3. Sure it lacks several of the features of the Logitech and Thrustmaster, but it is a lot more affordable.
Licensed by Sony, the HORI is plug and play and can be connected with ease. More suited for casual arcade racers, it is still an attractive and well-built unit.
So, what should we expect?
It is much lighter without all the motors and gears and is mostly plastic construction. The steering wheel has grippy rubber, and all the Playstation Buttons are replicated. There’s no force feedback, but it does have a rumble function.
This wheel can turn up to a 270-degree rotation, and gears are controlled via plastic paddle shifters. The pedals are a relatively simple plastic two pedal set-up. The brake is stiffer than the accelerator, but neither has active feedback.
Still plenty of features…
Being licensed by Sony, the wheel works well and is recognized by most titles. That didn’t stop HORI from adding a great range of customization, though. Using button gestures, you can adjust dead zone, sensitivity, and rotation amount.
The buttons can also be remapped. This can be handy if you want to play without the pedals. And the L and R buttons are in a great position on the wheel to use in place of the gas and brake pedal.
(4.3 / 5)Pros
- Fully customizable.
- Solid build quality.
- No power bank required.
Cons
- Basic pedals.
- No force feedback.
8 HORI Overdrive – Best Xbox One Licensed Racing Wheel – Best Budget No force Feedback Racing Wheel
Here is the budget racing wheel kit from HORI designed for PC and Xbox One. Unlike the Playstation version, it’s not backward compatible with Xbox 360. It also lacks the rumble feature in the Sony version.
HORI has included two shoulder buttons on their Overdrive version. Very useful for arcade racers if you want to play without the pedals.
Is there anything else missing?
There is no clamp to attach the wheel to a desk. Instead, there are suction cups designed to hold the wheel steady on smooth surfaces. Normal to this price range is the two pedal set-up. Small and plastic, but it gets the job done.
Apart from missing a few items, this wheel is good value. It has a solid construction and is rather attractive, giving a racing feel.
What are the features?
Rotation is up to 270-degrees. The steering wheel is 11-inches in diameter and has comfortable rubber grips. Plastic paddle shifters that click with a sense of purpose are found behind the wheel.
All the buttons are remappable. Also, user profiles can be set with adjustments to dead zone, sensitivity, and rotation.
(4.2 / 5)Pros
- Solid construction.
- Attractive racing design.
- Customization features.
Cons
- Pedals are a bit flimsy.
- No vibration feature.
9 PXN V3II – Best Multi Platform Racing Wheel – Best Multi Platform Racing Wheel
All the racing wheels we have featured so far have been dedicated to either PC and Playstation or PC and Xbox. What about one that can be used across multiple platforms? The PXN might be for you.
It’s compatible with PC, Xbox One, Playstation 3, and 4, plus Nintendo Switch. Not only is the PXN supported by all the major platforms, but it’s also great value too.
Let’s see what this thing can do…
The 11-inch wheel is made from black ABS plastic with rubber grips. It can rotate either 270 or 900-degrees, keeping up with the big boys. There’s also a full set of control buttons and d-pad, making menu navigation a breeze.
Sensitivity can also be controlled, giving a tighter or looser feel. Vibrating motors offer some basic feedback during racing. Plastic shift paddles control gear changes located behind the steering wheel.
Well, that was impressive…
Even the pedals were better than we expected. Made from the same ABS plastic as the wheel unit, they’re not adjustable, but their position is comfortable for most people. A rubber mat underneath stops the unit from slipping.
In addition to the paddles, there is a gear shifter on the right side. It only supports up and down shifting and is not gated. If you find the suction cups don’t stick, a clamp is included for the steering unit.
(4.1 / 5)Pros
- Great features for a low price.
- Compatible with all major systems.
- Solid construction.
Cons
- All plastic pedals.
- No connection cable included.
10 HORI Mario Kart Pro Deluxe – Best Nintendo Switch Racing Wheel – Best Nintendo Racing Wheel
Who doesn’t love Mario Kart? Even the most dedicated racing simulator fanatic has a soft spot for a bit of cartoon arcade action. Fully licensed by Nintendo, here is the HORI Mario Kart Pro Deluxe for the Switch.
We all know Nintendo is all about game immersion. What better way to immerse yourself into not only Mario Kart but any of the other racing titles available for Switch?
Check out my new ride…
This full-sized wheel is designed well. The red and black look aggressive and mature rather than toy-like and childish. HORI has made this unit almost entirely of plastic apart from the rubber grips on the steering wheel.
It features full controls inside the steering wheel, including a d-pad for navigating menus. Included are a set of pedals with a brake and gas pedal.
Is it time to get serious?
Anyone could be forgiven for thinking this is a serious racing wheel. Not just another cheap, throw away plastic accessory for a Nintendo console.
That’s because this is a serious racing wheel. In fact, it is essentially the same racing wheel HORI make for Sony and Microsoft. It has just been given some Mario Kart details and designs. This all makes it one of the best Nintendo accessories currently available, and definitely the best racing wheel for Nintendo.
(4.7 / 5)Pros
- Solid construction and design.
- Nintendo accessory for grown-ups.
- Full-sized steering wheel.
Cons
- Mostly plastic design.
- Flimsy foot pedals.
11 RWA Apex – Best Budget PS4 Racing Wheel – Best Arcade Racer Racing Wheel
Here’ we have another wheel and pedal kit brought to us by HORI. For use with PC, Playstation 4, and Playstation 3. Great for those on a budget and perfect for players of titles like Need for Speed or Burnout.
The lack of force feedback won’t give the same immersion as some of the other racing wheels. It is still a heap of fun, though. We still had big grins on our faces after completing a few laps.
You’d better hold on…
Sporting a full-sized 11-inch steering wheel capable of either 180 or 270-degrees rotation, the colors and style are sporty and attractive. Mounting the wheel unit can be achieved either via suction cups or using the included clamp.
Using a bungee system, the wheel has some resistance. That being, when you turn it one way, it wants to spring back to the center. So it does add to the experience even though it’s not actively responsive.
Foot flat to the floor…
Along with the steering unit, is the pedal system. Also entirely made from plastic, but it does what it’s supposed to. It allows users to enter gas and brake inputs with some light resistance when pushed.
When you do push either pedal flat to the floor, it’s well. Flat. Not the most comfortable position. But there is a handy mat that can be folded out and improves stability.
(4.2 / 5)Pros
- Full-sized budget racing wheel.
- Makes games more immersive.
- Great for arcade racers.
Cons
- Entirely plastic construction.
- Uncomfortable pedal positions.
Best Racing Wheel Buyers Guide
Picking the perfect racing wheel is easy; it’s the one that gives you the most realistic experience. However, choosing the racing wheel that suits you best is not as easy.
There is more than just realism to take into consideration. What about your budget? It’s easy to spend thousands of dollars setting up a full-on racing simulator. But we don’t all have that kind of budget.
Another thing to consider is if the racing wheel is compatible with your system. PC’s are pretty much covered by all on the list, but what if you use an Xbox? Or you might have a Playstation or a Switch?
Choosing the right racing wheel for you
If you own multiple consoles, then the…
PXN V3II - Best Multi Platform Racing Wheel…might be for you. Surprisingly high on features given the affordable price, the only real thing missing is the force feedback.
If you are more into arcade racers rather than full-on simulations, there’s also something for you. HORI makes a selection of great racing wheels suitable for all the current gen systems.
But which is the best?
It really only comes down to two brands for the title of ‘best.’ If you want to experience a realistic driving simulation, you need a wheel with force feedback. It just gives it that extra dimension. Every bump, scrape, traction loss, oversteer, understeer, and collision can be felt. It shakes through your arms, all the way into the rest of your body.
It’s as close as you can get without actually driving. We will reveal our favorite shortly and let you know precisely why we made that decision.
But First, Let’s Check Out What Else We’ve Got For You…
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Back to our top-pick racing wheel…
So, What Is The Best Racing Wheel?
As mentioned, to make our decision, it really all came down to the driving experience. Which racing wheel feels the closest to driving a real car?
It is between Logitech and Thrustmaster. However, the racing wheel we enjoyed most was the…
Thrustmaster T150Even though the Logitech steering wheel used better materials, the Thrustmaster gave us a better driving experience overall. The force feedback is smoother, and the pedals felt more responsive.
Happy gaming.
