Top Racing Wheels for All Drivers

As technology continues to advance, the boundary between real-life motorsport and racing simulations is becoming increasingly blurred. It's no secret that many top-tier professional drivers spend significant time honing their skills on racing simulations, which underscores just how advanced and realistic racing hardware has become. However, with the market now flooded with options, selecting the right racing wheel for your setup—be it for PC, Xbox Series X|S, PS5, or Nintendo Switch—can be a daunting task.

To help you navigate this, I've compiled a list of the top 10 racing wheels across various price points and platforms. Whether you're a casual gamer looking for a budget-friendly option or a serious sim racer aiming for the highest level of realism, this guide will shed light on the best choices available today. A quality racing wheel is undoubtedly one of the most impactful accessories for enhancing your racing game experience.

TL;DR: The Best Racing Wheels

Thrustmaster T-128

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Logitech G-29

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Fanatec GT DD Pro

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Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe

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Thrustmaster T300 RS GT

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Moza R12

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Moza TSW Truck Wheel

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1. Thrustmaster T-128

Best Budget Wheel for PC and Xbox

Thrustmaster T-128

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Product Specifications

• Rim size: 260mm, not removable
• Motor: Belt + gear hybrid
• Peak torque: 2 Nm
• Compatibility: PC, Xbox, PlayStation
• Rotation range: 900 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 entry-level option that, despite its modest pricing and construction, offers significant value for those new to sim racing or on a tight budget. While the small, entirely plastic rim and pedals might feel somewhat toy-like, the inclusion of real force feedback sets it apart from cheaper alternatives like the T-80, which uses a bungee-style resistance system without force feedback. The T-128's compact rim size can enhance the feeling of torque, making it suitable for beginners. Additionally, the wheel can be upgraded with add-ons like the TH8S shifter and better pedals, making it a versatile starter option.

2. Logitech G-29

Best Budget Wheel for PlayStation

Logitech G-29

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Product Specifications

• Rim size: 270mm, not removable
• Motor: Gear
• Peak torque: 2.1 Nm
• Compatibility: PC, PlayStation
• Rotation range: 900 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 cost-effective choice for PlayStation users, even after a decade on the market. Its metal rim and enhanced three-pedal set offer a more premium feel compared to the T-128, with the added benefit of a clutch pedal. However, the gear-driven force feedback can be noisy and less refined than belt-driven systems. Still, its durability and value make it an excellent entry point into sim racing.

3. Moza R3

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

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Product Specifications

• Rim size: 280mm, removable
• Motor: Direct drive
• Peak torque: 3.9 Nm
• Compatibility: Xbox Series X|S, PC
• Rotation range: Unlimited

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 with its direct drive technology, offering smooth, silent, and instant force feedback. This wheel is highly upgradeable, with the Moza ESX wheel compatible with Xbox, allowing for future upgrades to more powerful bases like the R9 or R12. The all-metal pedals are sturdy, though the brake uses springs and Hall effect sensors, which might feel less realistic than load-cell options.

4. Fanatec GT DD Pro

Best Direct Drive Wheel

Fanatec GT DD Pro

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Product Specifications

• Rim size: 280mm, removable
• Motor: Direct drive
• Peak torque: 5 Nm - 8 Nm
• Compatibility: PC, PlayStation
• Rotation range: Unlimited

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

Fanatec's GT DD Pro offers a premium direct drive experience, with excellent force feedback and quiet operation. It's ideal for those who want to switch between PC and PlayStation without needing multiple setups. While the base torque is 5 Nm, it can be upgraded to 8 Nm with a boost kit. However, the bundled pedals use Hall effect sensors, which might not provide the most realistic braking feel without additional load-cell pedals.

5. Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe

Best Nintendo Switch Racing Wheel

Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe

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Product Specifications

• Rim size: 280mm, not removable
• Motor: N/A
• Peak torque: N/A
• Compatibility: Nintendo Switch, PC
• Rotation range: 270 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 a budget-friendly option for Nintendo Switch players. It uses elastic resistance to simulate steering, which might feel toy-like but can be fun for kids and beginners. The analog pedals offer a slight upgrade over the Switch's digital triggers, though the lack of force feedback is a notable drawback.

6. Thrustmaster T300 RS GT

Best Mid-Price PlayStation Racing Wheel

Thrustmaster T300 RS GT

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Product Specifications

• Rim size: 280mm, removable
• Motor: Belt
• Peak torque: 3.9 Nm
• Compatibility: PlayStation, PC
• Rotation range: 1,080 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 is an older but still reliable option for PlayStation users. Its belt-driven force feedback offers a smoother and quieter experience than gear-driven wheels, though it lacks the nuance of direct drive systems. The metal wheel and three-pedal set provide a solid mid-range option for those not ready to invest in direct drive.

7. Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel

Best Value Premium PC and Console Racing Wheel

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Product Specifications

• Rim size: 300mm, removable
• Motor: Direct drive
• Peak torque: 11 Nm
• Compatibility: PC, Xbox/PC, PlayStation/PC
• Rotation range: Unlimited

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 offers a premium direct drive experience that significantly enhances the feel of racing games. With 11 Nm of torque and Trueforce haptics, it provides a high-end simulation experience. The larger rim size and adjustable, load-cell-equipped pedals contribute to a realistic driving feel, making it a top choice for serious sim racers.

8. Turtle Beach VelocityOne Race Wheel and Pedal Set

Best Value Direct Drive Plus Load Cell Pedal Bundle

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Product Specifications

• Rim size: 300mm, removable
• Motor: Direct drive
• Peak torque: 7.2 Nm
• Compatibility: Xbox/PC
• Rotation range: Unlimited

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 a comprehensive bundle that includes a direct drive wheel, load cell pedals, and a button box, all at a competitive price. While it may not match the force feedback quality of some rivals, it offers a compelling package for those looking to upgrade without breaking the bank.

9. Moza R12

Best Direct Drive Wheel Base

Moza R12

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Product Specifications

• Rim size: N/A
• Motor: Direct drive
• Peak torque: 12 Nm
• Compatibility: PC, Xbox (when paired with Moza ESX wheel)
• Rotation range: Unlimited

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 offers a powerful and quiet direct drive experience, ideal for those seeking high-end performance without professional-grade expense. With 12 Nm of torque, it strikes a balance between power and affordability. However, it requires additional purchases for rims and pedals, and lacks native PlayStation compatibility.

10. Moza TSW Truck Wheel

Best Non-Traditional Wheel Rim

Moza TSW Truck Wheel

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Product Specifications

• Rim size: 400mm, removable
• Motor: N/A
• Peak torque: N/A
• Compatibility: PC
• Rotation range: N/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 is designed for truck and bus simulation enthusiasts, offering a large 400mm rim that closely mimics real truck steering wheels. While it requires a separate wheel base and pedals, it provides an authentic experience for heavy vehicle sims, especially when paired with Moza's truck wheelbase mount.

How to Choose a Racing Wheel

Before investing in a racing wheel, consider how frequently you plan to use it. Casual gamers might find an entry-level option sufficient, while dedicated sim racers might justify a higher-end model with superior force feedback.

There are three main types of force feedback:

Gear Drive - The oldest type, found in wheels like the Logitech G29/G920 and G923. It's cost-effective but noisy and less refined.

Belt Drive - Offers a smoother and quieter experience than gear-driven wheels, though it may not convey the finest feedback nuances.

Direct Drive - The most expensive but also the most realistic, with no feedback lost between the motor and your hands. Entry-level direct drive options are now more affordable and highly recommended.

Racing Wheel FAQ

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

Smaller rim sizes can enhance the feeling of torque on low-power bases, though they may feel more toy-like. Larger rims offer a more authentic experience but require more powerful bases to feel impactful.

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

Racing games are designed to be enjoyable on both controllers and wheels. Controllers often have dampening to make the game less twitchy. Transitioning to a wheel requires adjusting to more precise and smooth inputs, which can improve your performance over time.

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

For serious simulation, consider 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 accessible games like Forza Horizon 5, The Crew 2, and Wreckfest. For Nintendo Switch, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a great choice.

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

Before concluding that your wheel is faulty, explore the settings in your games and on the wheel itself. Community recommendations can help you find the right configuration for a satisfying driving experience.

Are racing wheels worth the investment?

For occasional players, a budget wheel or other gaming accessories might be more practical. However, for avid racers, a high-quality wheel enhances immersion and precision, offering a more realistic and enjoyable experience despite the initial learning curve.

How realistic is a racing wheel?

Racing wheels can replicate the feel of driving a real car through accurate force feedback. The realism depends on the wheel's quality and features, but top-tier options provide an experience that's valued by professional drivers, many of whom use sim racing to enhance their skills.