Top Racing Wheels: Perfect for Every Driver

As technology advances, the distinction between real-life motorsport and racing simulations continues to blur. It's widely known that many successful professional drivers use racing simulations to hone their skills, underscoring the impressive realism and quality of modern racing hardware. However, with an ever-growing selection of racing wheels on the market, choosing the right one for your setup can be daunting.

To help you navigate this crowded space, I've compiled a list of 10 recommended racing wheels for PC, Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and Nintendo Switch. Whether you're a casual gamer or a serious sim racer, this guide will outline the strengths and weaknesses of top budget, mid-range, and high-end options to help you make an informed decision. A racing wheel is one of the most essential 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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### Moza R3

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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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### Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel

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### Turtle Beach VelocityOne Race Wheel and Pedal Set

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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 excellent entry-level racing wheel, ideal for those on a tight budget or beginners. While its compact and entirely plastic design might feel a bit toy-like, it offers genuine force feedback, a significant advantage over cheaper alternatives like the T-80, which lack this feature. The T-128's smaller rim size can actually enhance the force feedback's impact on lower-torque bases. For those looking to expand their setup, the wheel is compatible with add-ons like the TH8S shifter and can be mounted horizontally for truck and farming simulators.

The T-128 is available in two versions: one for Xbox and PC, and another for PlayStation and PC, with the PlayStation version typically being more expensive.

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 solid choice for PlayStation users, particularly since the Thrustmaster T-128 is pricier on this platform. Despite its age, the G-29 offers a robust build with a metal, wrapped, and stitched rim that feels less toy-like than the T-128. The included three-pedal set, featuring metal pedals and a rubber stopper for the brake, is a step up from entry-level Thrustmaster options. The G-29 is noisy and lacks the refinement of belt-driven systems, but it's a reliable starting point for sim racing enthusiasts.

3. Moza R3

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

### Moza R3

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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 the newest addition to their sim racing ecosystem and offers a direct drive experience at a competitive price. The brushed metal rim with a polyurethane wrapping feels grippy, and the direct drive motor provides smooth, silent, and instant force feedback. The R3 is highly upgradeable, with the wheel base compatible with future Moza products. However, the bundled pedals use springs and Hall effect sensors, which may not feel as realistic as load-cell pedals.

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
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

The Fanatec GT DD Pro offers a high-quality direct drive experience, providing superior force feedback compared to belt-driven rivals. While the base torque is 5 Nm, it can be upgraded to 8 Nm with a boost kit. The GT DD Pro is an excellent choice for those who want to race across multiple platforms, as it supports PlayStation natively and can be used with Xbox-compatible rims. However, the bundled pedals use Hall effect sensors and may not feel as realistic without a load-cell brake pedal upgrade.

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 users. It uses elastic resistance for a toy-like feel, which may be sufficient for casual gamers and kids. The analogue pedals offer an improvement over the Switch's digital triggers, making it a good choice for games like Grid Autosport. However, it lacks force feedback and the suction cup mounts are not ideal for stability.

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, while an older model, remains a strong choice for PlayStation users due to its reliable belt-driven force feedback. It offers a more refined experience than gear-driven wheels, although it's less nuanced than direct drive systems. The included three-pedal set and rubber stopper for the brake add to its appeal, though it's less ideal for PC users given the availability of more advanced direct drive options at similar prices.

7. Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel

Best Value Premium PC and Console Racing Wheel

### Logitech G Pro 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

The Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel is a premium choice that offers a high-end direct drive experience. With 11 Nm of torque, it's suitable for serious sim racing enthusiasts. The wheel includes Trueforce haptics technology without the noise found in other Logitech models, and the 300mm rim size adds to the authenticity. The adjustable pedals with a 100kg load cell brake enhance the realism further, making this a valuable option for those willing to invest in their setup.

8. Turtle Beach VelocityOne Race Wheel and Pedal Set

Best Value Direct Drive Plus Load Cell Pedal Bundle

### Turtle Beach VelocityOne Race Wheel and Pedal Set

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Product Specifications
Rim size: 300mm, removable
Motor: Direct
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 offers an all-in-one direct drive and load cell pedal bundle at a competitive price. While it may not match the force feedback quality of other options, it's a great starting point for new racers looking for a complete setup. The integrated table clamp and three-pedal set with a load cell brake add to its appeal, though the button box is less useful on Xbox.

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 wheel base offers a powerful 12 Nm of torque, making it an excellent choice for serious sim racers. While it requires additional purchases for rims and pedals, its quiet operation and strong feedback make it a standout option. It's a great investment for those already in the Moza ecosystem or looking to upgrade their existing setup.

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 for a more authentic feel. It's a great addition for those looking to immerse themselves in games like Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator. However, its size may reduce the effectiveness of force feedback on lower-torque wheel bases, and additional purchases are required for a complete setup.

How to Choose a Racing Wheel

Before investing in a racing wheel, consider how often you plan to use it. Casual gamers might find an entry-level wheel sufficient, while serious sim racers should opt for more advanced models with stronger force feedback. There are three main types of force feedback systems to consider:

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

Belt Drive - Smoother and quieter than gear drive, but may not convey the most nuanced feedback. Examples include the Thrustmaster T300 RS GT.

Direct Drive - The most expensive but also the most realistic, with no loss of feedback nuance. Entry-level direct drive wheels are now more affordable, making them a great choice if within your budget.

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 impact of force feedback on low-torque bases.

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

Racing games are designed to be enjoyable on controllers, which often include dampening to make them less twitchy. Using a wheel requires more precision and a smoother driving style, which can take time to master.

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, Forza Motorsport, and Forza Horizon 5 are also well-suited for wheels, as are accessible games like The Crew 2 and Wreckfest. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a great choice for Nintendo Switch users.

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

Before assuming your wheel is faulty, explore the settings in your games and on the wheel itself. Community recommendations can help you find the perfect setup.

Are racing wheels worth the investment?

For casual gamers, a budget wheel might suffice. However, serious racing enthusiasts will find the immersion and precision of a quality wheel well worth the investment.

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-end options offer an incredibly authentic experience, as evidenced by professional drivers using them for training.