Steer Your Way Into P1 with the Best Sim Racing Wheels

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

Welcome to the thrilling world of sim racing, where the experience of navigating a Porsche 911 GT3 RS around the Nürburgring or wrestling a vintage Ford Mustang through Laguna Seca's corkscrew is no more than a seat and quality gaming rig away. In this adrenaline-fueled sphere, one's choice of equipment makes a difference, but arguably, no piece of gear is more crucial to that tactile connection to the digital tarmac than a proper sim racing wheel.

At the center of all sim racing experiences, a sim racing wheel provides direct feedback from your virtual vehicle and transmits the nuances of the track it's traversing. But how do you decide on the right wheel to ensure your lap times are less about luck and more about skill? Buckle in, because we're here to guide you through the best wheels for anyone looking to get started in the world of sim racing.

Things to Consider When Buying a Sim Racing Wheel

When looking to buy a sim racing wheel, there are key factors to consider:

Force Feedback: This technology simulates the resistance and vibrations you'd feel driving a real car by using a small motor attached to the wheel. This feedback gives you an authentic sense of the road and relays the vehicle's response to your actions, making the digital driving experience more immersive. There are three main types of force-feedback systems: gear-driven, belt-driven, and direct drive. Typically, gear-driven wheels are on the entry-level, while belt-driven and direct drive wheels are for serious sim racers who want the most realistic driving experience.

Compatibility: Some wheels are multi-platform, but others are specific to a single gaming platform. Ensure your racing wheel is compatible with your gaming console or PC. As you'll see in our list below, some manufacturers make what is effectively the same model for different consoles due to different button and feature requirements.

Material and Build Quality: Wheels made of more sturdy components, such as steel or carbon fiber will almost always outlast the cheaper plastic wheels found at the lower end of the sim racing wheel market. Additional touches, such as the use of leather or Alcantara on the wheel, can also lend a more deluxe feeling compared to plastic and composite counterparts.

Pedals and Other Accessories: Many wheels come with pedals for an even more immersive experience, and some also offer gear shifters. Make sure you get the accessories you need for the style of racing you're planning to partake in. For example, if you're planning on rally racing, you'll probably want a sequential shifter and handbrake. Likewise, you'll probably want a formula-style wheel with paddle shifters if you plan on racing open wheel or prototype vehicles for added realism.

Price: Sim racing wheels vary widely in cost, from budget options to high-end setups. A more expensive wheel does not necessarily mean a better experience, but you will typically find the more expensive options offer better materials quality, more realistic feedback, and better support across multiple sim racing games. Select a wheel that matches your budget and meets your specific needs.

G92/G290 Driving Force Racing Wheel and Floor Pedals

The Logitech G29 and G920 are high-quality sim racing wheels that offer an immersive gaming experience. Compatible with PlayStation (G29), Xbox, and PC (G920), these racing wheels are the gold standard when it comes to entry-level sim wheels.

Logitech uses a gear-driven system inside both of these wheels, and while typically looked down upon compared to belt-driven or direct-drive wheels, it’s expected at this price point and still offers a dramatic improvement over using a gaming controller. I’ve used the G920 in the past and while it is a noticeable difference compared to both belt-driven and direct drive wheels I’ve used, it still offers reasonable performance. Some sim racing games, such as iRacing, will even have special feedback modes that can make the gear-driven force feedback feel even more realistic.

The two models are nearly identical mechanically, using the same motor components and identical pedal sets, which include throttle, brake, and clutch pedals. The wheel base and wheels are made of a combination of steel, plastic, and hand-stitched leather. The G29 features built-in PlayStation buttons, while the G920 has Xbox buttons, including D-pads and paddle shifters. The G29 also includes a few extra dials and options for customizable functionality, giving the PlayStation-compatible model a slight edge over the Xbox-friendly G920.

While the gear-driven motors inside these two units aren't as realistic as belt-drive or direct-drive wheels, each model still has a lot to offer considering everything included in the kit, making it a budget-friendly setup for anyone getting into sim racing. Just make sure you get the right model for your gaming system.

G923 Racing Wheel and Pedals

The Logitech G923 is the successor to the company's popular G29 and G920 sim racing rigs. Like the aforementioned models, this unit comes in two different versions: one for PlayStation consoles and one for Xbox and PC gamers. Confusingly, they're both called the G923, so you'll have to refer to the specific model names to ensure you get the right ones: Sony PlayStation and PC model (941-000147), Microsoft Xbox and PC model (941-000156)

Externally, the two units look essentially identical to their predecessors, with the only notable differences being small style changes and the inclusion of a rotary dial, rev lights, and +/- buttons on the Xbox/PC model for the first time. Internally, Logitech has brought a handful of improvements to increase the realism of the wheels. Specifically, Logitech has added what it calls TrueForce, a vibration system that will rumble the wheel independent of the force feedback, adding extra realism when you hit high revs or go off-track. Also new are additional paddles on the back that can be used as a dual-clutch system for games that support such functionality.

The pedal setup that comes with the G923 models has also been improved with a more rigid brake pedal that better mimics the feeling of real-world pedals. Any and all settings you can adjust can be saved as custom profiles using Logitech's G Hub software to ensure specific settings are used across different games.

T300 RS Gran Turismo Edition Racing Wheel

The Thrustmaster T300RS GT Edition is an all-in-one kit that offers a realistic and immersive driving experience at a reasonable price. It's designed for serious gamers and racing enthusiasts who value precision and authenticity. The wheel is equipped with Thrustmaster's HallEffect AccuRate Technology (HEART), which promises accurate and responsive steering. The force feedback system, powered by brushless servomotor, provides a seamless and smooth driving experience, replicating the feel of real-life racing conditions.

The T300RS GT Edition is officially licensed by Gran Turismo and is compatible with both PlayStation and PC platforms. It features a detachable GT-style wheel and a pedal set. The wheel is 11 inches in diameter and covered with reinforced rubber for a comfortable grip. The wheel includes 13 action buttons and a D-pad. The pedal set is fully adjustable and includes a brake pedal with progressive resistance, providing a more realistic braking feel.

Despite its high-end features, the Thrustmaster T300RS GT Edition is also designed to be user-friendly for beginners. It comes with a robust and adjustable mounting system that can be easily fitted to any desk or table, and the wheel's firmware is upgradable, ensuring it stays compatible with the latest games and systems. Overall, the T300RS GT Edition is a comprehensive sim racing wheel that combines high-quality materials, advanced technology, and user-friendly design to deliver an authentic and enjoyable racing experience.

TS-XW Racer w/ Sparco P310 Competition Mod

The Thrustmaster TS-XW Racer w/ Sparco P310 Competition Mod is a collaboration between Thrustmaster and Sparco, two industry leaders in the world of racing simulation and motorsports, respectively. The wheel is a 1:1 scale replica of the Sparco P310 Competition wheel, known for its ergonomic design and build quality.

The TS-XW Racer features a powerful brushless servomotor that provides seamless force feedback and uses a dual belt system for a stronger, more realistic handling. While not with this specific wheel, I have used the TS-XW wheel base before and while not nearly as strong as direct drive wheels, it provides more than enough force to create realistic levels of resistence for even the most challenging of racing games. So much so that it will likely take time to build up your muscles if you intend to race for extended periods of time at higher force feedback levels. The wheel also features Thrustmaster's HallEffect AccuRate Technology (HEART), which ensures precision that won't decrease over time thanks to its contactless magnetic sensors.

The TS-XW Racer is fully compatible with the Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, and PC. It also supports Thrustmaster's ecosystem of add-ons, allowing you to customize your setup with different pedals, shifters, and handbrakes. The included Sparco P310 Competition Mod steering wheel is detachable, providing flexibility for users who wish to switch to other wheel rims.

Gran Turismo DD Pro (8 NM)

The Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro (8NM) is a sim racing wheel officially licensed for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 consoles. It uses a direct-drive system that provides real-time, nuanced force feedback, enhancing the gaming experience. Key features include Fanatec's patented FluxBarrier technology for motor efficiency, a carbon-fiber-enhanced composite steering column for durability, and an aluminum wheelbase housing.

The device also uses a high-resolution, contactless Hall-position sensor, mirroring the technology used in the company's flagship Podium Series direct-drive wheelbases. The Gran Turismo DD Pro's steering wheel has a tactile rubber grip and features a RevLED strip, a white OLED display for tuning menu access, telemetry output, five-way directional sticks for menu navigation, and ergonomic shifter paddles.

The wheel is made from fiberglass-reinforced plastic and comes with an exchangeable QR1 Lite Wheel-Side quick-release system, so Fanatec's other wheel rims can be swapped out depending on your preference and the style of vehicle you like to drive in the virtual world. While I haven’t used one of Fanatec’s direct drive wheels, I do have one of their belt-driven wheel bases and one of my favorite parts of Fanatec’s lineup is its extensive selection of steering wheel rims that can be easily swapped out to fit the style of car you intend to race with.

This package also includes a two-pedal set, upgradable to a three-pedal set with separate upgrade kits. With optional anodized aluminum plates, the steel pedals use contactless Hall sensors for precision and durability. The brake pedal is stiffer than the throttle pedal, and a PU foam damper adds extra resistance. Its modular design allows inverted mounting and vertical rear plates enable bracing against a wall or other surface. The pedals directly connect to the Gran Turismo DD Pro Wheel Base.

Something to keep in mind is that you'll likely need a dedicated sim racing seat or cockpit, considering the amount of force this direct-drive wheel can put out. While it can be used on a desktop with an optional desk mount, you'll want to make sure you have a very sturdy desk to minimize risk of damage or injury.

FAQ

Do I need a stand for my sim racing wheel?

While not essential, a steering wheel stand can make your sim racing setup more comfortable and stable, especially for longer gaming sessions. Some stands are adjustable and portable, and many are designed to hold pedals, shifters, and the wheel.

You may also want to consider a dedicated sim racing seat if you're getting a more heavy-duty sim racing wheel, as the force feedback strength may prove too much for a desk mount.

Is a sim racing wheel worth it?

This depends on how seriously you plan to take your sim racing. You may be satisfied with a gamepad if you're a casual gamer. But if you're an enthusiast or professional looking for a more immersive experience, a sim racing wheel significantly enhances the realism and immersion of your digital driving experience.

Can I use a sim racing wheel on any game?

Sim racing wheels are typically segmented based on the device you plan to game on. Generally, you'll find sim racing wheels offer specific versions for Sony PlayStation or Microsoft Xbox gaming consoles, with the Xbox models typically also capable of being used with Windows PCs.

Higher-end sim racing wheels are usually made specifically for PC gaming, considering the amount of customization and flexibility they require. Always check the game's hardware compatibility to ensure the best experience.

Do sim racing wheels require a lot of maintenance?

Sim racing wheels are designed to be durable and require minimal maintenance. However, like any technology, they can benefit from regular cleaning and careful use. Always refer to the manufacturer's maintenance instructions.

Why Trust Us

Road & Track and its sibling publications at Hearst Autos represent three of the most influential automotive publications in the world. We rely on decades of experience in the automotive and gear spaces to help readers make informed purchasing choices, bringing reviews and evaluations of automotive gear and accessories such as Action Cameras, Sim Racing Setups, and Truck Tonneau Covers to our readers.

With the legacies of Autoweek, Car and Driver, and Road & Track behind us, the Hearst Autos Gear Team is more concerned with the trust our readers have in us than our bottom line. We won't tell you to buy something if we wouldn't buy it ourselves or recommend it to our friends, and we'll never claim to have used or tested something if we haven't. Read more about our testing process here.

You Might Also Like

• You Need a Torque Wrench in Your Toolbox

• Tested: Best Car Interior Cleaners

• The Man Who Signs Every Car