If you find yourself playing a racing game but want to take things to the next level, a steering wheel will provide that missing immersion. But the myriad of options can be overwhelming.
Do you try a cheaper, unproven brand to test the water, or splash out on a pricier known quantity straight away? The choice is yours, but allow us to help you out.
What to look for
Let’s immediately set some ground rules. We are applying a soft price cap of £300 (or $350) to focus on entry-level gear, but it’s worth noting that every single product we discuss in this video is PC compatible, and can be mounted to a desk, or a beginner cockpit such as a Playseat.
We will also cover console compatibility throughout, as Xboxes and PlayStations can provide a more affordable route into sim racing. It’s also important to know which specific consoles are compatible. If you are looking to play the likes of F1 25 and upcoming titles like Project Motor Racing and NASCAR 25, you will need a PS5 or Xbox Series X/S and, therefore, a wheel that works with those.
Sim racing peripherals take the form of three important components:
- The wheelbase
- The steering wheel
- The pedals
On high-end equipment, these are interchangeable, but most entry-level offerings will have all three parts together as an all-in-one bundle.
For a truly immersive sim racing experience, a wheelbase with Force Feedback (known as FFB) is essential to feel a car’s behaviour. This system, often gear or belt-driven at this price point, transmits crucial sensations through the steering wheel like the car’s movements, grip levels and road surfaces.
So, for us, that rules out the likes of the Hori RWA and PXN V900, which don’t feature force-feedback. FFB simulates steering weight, which can become heavier depending on speed or car – whereas these entry-level devices just vibrate and use a spring to return to centre.
You will also need to be able to push the pedals firmly without them sliding away from you or tipping backwards. Some products will contain rubber grips for hard surfaces, others plastic teeth that grip into carpet, which can be useful for those without a full cockpit just yet.
It’s also worth noting that despite many entry-level pedal sets only including two pedals (accelerator and brake) and others including a third clutch pedal, you don’t need a clutch to sim race competitively. It’s entirely up to you.
So, as a beginner, we want an all-in-one bundle with a force-feedback wheel and a set of pedals.
Honourable mentions
PXN V99
- £199.99 / $229.99
- PC, PS4, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S
On paper, the PXN V99 is the best value sim racing wheel on the market. Sure, you’ll be taking a punt on a relatively unknown brand, but just look at what you get for a measly £199/$230.
Not a two-pedal set, but three. Not two paddles, but four. Unlike Logitech and Thrustmaster, the H-Pattern shifter is included. You can even remove the wheel. As a result, the driving experience is smoother and quieter than most contemporaries.
However, it somehow manages to feel less accurate, too, with slow responses. And that’s not the only gripe.
The paddles are noticeably less tactile than a Logitech’s (more, below). The brake pedal feels like it has similar resistance to the throttle, so not ideal for modulation. If you’re driving on a console, you must plug a gamepad into the back of the wheelbase at all times. It will also not work on PS5 at all.
Finally, while there is a quick release, PXN itself doesn’t sell different wheels as add-ons. We did find an ECANNON available on AliExpress, described as a “Non-Destructive Replacement for PXN V99”, which is like advertising a spoon as “non-lethal cutlery.”
Cammus C5 Bundle
- $329
- PC
Spend a little more, and you can find a direct-drive bundle that is at least worth considering. The Cammus C5 is unique, with a DD motor integrated within the steering wheel itself, rather than in a separate base. Its ability to deliver constant torque at 5Nm makes it comfortably more powerful than the belt and gear-driven alternatives (more, below), providing more detail in the process.
Yet premium materials like aluminium and carbon fibre aside, it can feel relatively rudimentary; The wheel itself is heavy, the software feels a work in progress, the brake pedal lacks decent resistance and it’s PC only. Thanks to its unique design, there’s no space left for useful gearshift paddles either – they are only large enough for one or two fingers – and it can be extremely loud.
Used Market
Of course,before we dive into our recommended wheels, you could buy an older wheel, or a more mid-range wheel, for less, second-hand.
If you go down this route, be aware of the drawbacks – reliability of used products cannot be guaranteed, some parts may be worn, and there could be certain things missing. But if you ask the right questions and make a purchase from a reputable source, you could find yourself a bargain.
Some manufacturers, like Fanatec, also now offer refurbished lines – availability isn’t guaranteed, but a CSL DD bundle may, occasionally, be available with a discount.
Logitech has several old models, the three main ones being the perennial G25, G27 and Driving Force GT. None are compatible with current consoles, but for those on PC, while this is older tech and likely well-worn by this point, they are affordable.
All three are gear-driven, and the Driving Force GT even includes a built-in sequential shifter.
Meanwhile, Thurstmaster’s belt-driven range from the past includes the ever-popular T150, and surprisingly, it still works with current consoles. Good condition ones can be available for under £100 too. Just keep an eye on the rubber grips, as they tend to deteriorate quickly, so gloves may be advised.
Then, there’s the T300RS, which, despite being 11 years old, is still available new. It works on current devices and has a removable wheel (which, with an adaptor, means you can purchase additional designs). But the recommended price is a staggering £329.99/$339.99, hence why we’re only considering a used example.
6. Thrustmaster T248
- £269.99 / $329.99
- PC, PS4 and PS5 or PC, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S
The Thrustmaster T248, which, when compared to the T128 (more, below), includes upgraded pedals, a screen, stronger and adjustable force feedback, two rocker switches, 25 buttons and leather wrapping on the wheel itself.
There is an Xbox version and a PlayStation version, both of which cost £269.99 or $329.99 and work with PC and the current consoles.
The screen allows adjustment to the force feedback strength, rev lights, degrees of rotation and driving information. The included T3PM pedals feature a clutch, rubber pads underneath, and a swappable brake pedal spring.
Notable downsides are primarily the sounds that this wheel produces. The shifters are clunky but not in a nice way, and the hybrid force-feedback system can feel a bit scratchy compared to some of its rivals, despite it being relatively powerful with 3.5Nm of peak torque.
It’s aimed at those who want something to get started that doesn’t feel quite so entry-level, and does a decent job of it. In our opinion, however, the T128 (more, below) represents better value for money than the T248. There is a difference between the two, but not quite enough to justify the gap in price tags.
5. Logitech G923
- £269.99 / $369.99 (RRP £379.99/$399.99)
- PC, PS4 and PS5 or PC, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S
The most recent entry-level Logitech, the G923, arrived in August 2020 with Xbox and PlayStation variants.
For a much higher price at the time of around £379/$399 compared to the older G29 (more, below) it still looks like a G29, with many of the same materials and buttons. At least this time around, the Xbox version also has the dial and shift lights.
The main upgrades took place inside the wheelbase, with Logitech’s proprietary Trueforce technology adding some additional force feedback details such as engine vibrations and road textures, albeit only for a smattering of compatible games.
It’s divisive, with some lauding it for its high-fidelity information, and others feeling it just distracts. We at Traxion fall into the latter category. However, the FFB is generally quieter and less rattly than its predecessor.
The brake pedal also features a more progressive spring, but the same issue applies with the dust build-up.
The cost gap between this and the G29 isn’t nearly as large as it was at launch, but unless the G923 undergoes a significant sale price, that difference is hard to justify.
4. Logitech G920
- £199.99 / $229.99 (RRP £349.99/$329.99)
- PC, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S
If you have an Xbox (either the One or Series X|S), and look at the Logitech G29, then sadly, you need to purchase the G920 instead.
It’s essentially an Xbox-branded version of G29, and is also PC-compatible. But the G920 is arguably a small downgrade, because it lacks the +/- buttons, as well as a multi-point rotating selection dial. The shift lights also don’t feature here, but the pedals and internals are identical.
It’s a shame, as if it were identical to the G29, it would be much higher up this list.
3. Moza R3 Bundle
The only direct drive sim racing wheel on this list is the Moza R3 bundle. But, in this instance, the PC-only version.
We are impressed with its punchy performance; a noticeable step-up from non-direct-drive alternatives. With 3.9Nm of peak torque, it’s not massively more powerful, but the DD technology and well-developed software give it enhanced clarity, smoothness and detail.
The Xbox variant is £359/$359, putting it slightly out of range for true entry level, but there is also a PC-only bundle at £299/$299, the only difference other than compatibility being the lack of Xbox branding on the ES steering wheel.
Furthermore, an aluminium alloy frame with microfibre leather grips, aluminium shifters, LED shift lights and a plethora of buttons (albeit without any rotary encoders or dials), provides this wheel with a better-than-basic feel.
The steel SR-P lite pedals do lack crucial braking resistance, which can be rectified by a sub-£30 performance upgrade kit, and we would recommend this if your pedals are secure enough to cope with additional forces. But obviously, this takes the cost up further.
2. Thrustmaster T128
- £149.99 / $199.99
- PC, PS4 and PS5 or PC, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S
The Thrustmaster T128 has two variants – one is compatible with PC and PlayStation (both the PS4 and PS5), whilst the other variant is compatible with PC and Xbox (again, both the Xbox One and Series X|S).
These currently cost £149.99/$199.99, but that can be slightly cheaper in sales, so keep an eye out.
This 2Nm wheel features hybrid drive force-feedback, a combination of belt and gear-driven technology, and is bundled with the T2PM 2-pedal set. You also get 13 buttons, magnetic shifters, 900 degrees of rotation and four tiny LED rev lights for your money.
Given the low price point, however, it does feature clear compromises. Lots of hard plastic gives it a relatively cheap feel, whether that’s the buttons, central console or even the wheel rim itself, and this can get uncomfortable without gloves during a long stint. The pedals don’t have a lot of travel distance, meaning super precise braking, especially without ABS on, can be challenging.
But the force-feedback quality exceeded our expectations, the button placement is spot on, and some of the smaller details like the grooves underneath for cable management and having the ability to upgrade the pedals if you choose, make it fantastic value for money.
1. Logitech G29
- £199.99 / $229.99 (RRP £349.99/$329.99)
- PC, PS4 and PS5
Logitech is up there with Thrustmaster as a gold standard brand for budget sim racing gear. Its line of products from the original G25 through to the more recent G29 and G923, has achieved a cult-status of sorts within the niche.
Most members of the Traxion team have owned one or more of these wheels in the past, and even today, I can recommend this ancient model as an entry-level option.
This is because, despite first appearing over a decade ago, the 900-degree, 2.3Nm G29 can still be purchased new in sales for around £180/$230.
It still has a relatively premium feel to it, with a stitched leather wheel rim, stainless steel gearshift paddles, LED shift lights and three-pedals with steel faceplates. The basic plastic desk mounting clamps have a large bandwidth, and the buttons and dials are plentiful, with natural ergonomics. It all just makes sense.
One sticking point can be the pedals…. Sticking…. After a year or two of use and dust build-up, don’t be surprised if they need a clean to work properly; involving far too many tiny screws, and then spraying the potentiometers with contact cleaner. Another downside is the relatively noisy FFB rattle when compared with others in this list.
But if you play on PlayStation or PC, it’s still an obvious beginner choice.
Heading up market
Feeling flush? Got upwards of £500/$500 to spend on your first racing wheel? We’re jealous, but we have a video for that…
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