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The best racing wheels for PC in 2024

From budget options to premium set ups, these are our picks for the best racing wheels for PC in 2024

(Image credit: gamesradar)

If you’re seeking for an authentic F1 experience, it makes sense that the best racing wheels for PCs are not inexpensive. It makes sense to know which wheels are best if you want to push yourself to record the fastest lap times. After all, you wouldn’t put one of the Drive to Survive stars behind the wheel of a Fiat 500 and expect spectacular results.

But racing is more than just picking a direction to go. Premium features like force feedback, which can increase immersion, are also present in the greatest racing wheels. Force feedback is the sensation of your car retaliating, especially in rough terrain. It’s similar to haptic feedback or rumble, but much more intense. This is something that can truly distinguish wheels from PC controllers with the greatest features.

Below is a list of all the PC racing wheels that we think are the best, compiled from our personal experience playing a variety of driving games. Furthermore, we’ve got you covered for every price range, listing the top budget and value models next to the newest and greatest. These are the top PC steering wheels to place on your desk or in front of your screen. Although many of these choices are also compatible with consoles, if you have a preference for one over the other, check out our recommendations for the Xbox and PS4 steering wheels.

QUICK LIST

  • BEST OVERALL: Thrustmaster T248
  • BEST PREMIUM: Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel
  • BEST MID-RANGE: Logitech G923
  • CHEAPEST LOGI WHEEL: Logitech G920
  • BEST BUDGET: Thrustmaster TMX Force Feedback

(Image credit: gtplanet)

1. Thrustmaster T248

The best PC racing wheel overall

SPECIFICATIONS

Rotation: 900°

Buttons: 25

Pedals: 3

Adjustable Pedals: Yes

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

The Thrustmaster T248 offers a plethora of extra features, convenient button positioning, and superior force feedback, making it a fantastic choice. Although it was first designed with PCs and PlayStations in mind, an Xbox version is now available.

Design:With twin encoder controls, magnetic paddle gear changes, and an LED telemetry display that titles like F1 can exploit in a variety of ways, the specs sheet speaks for itself in this case. This allows for a great deal of customisation.

Features:There are four pressure modes for the brake pedal, some of which we found to be a little too stiff for everyday use. In addition, there are 25 reprogrammable buttons, and the central LED display may be set up to show you various gaming statistics such as gear number, race position, and lap time. Beyond that, you get access to 900 degrees of rotation and incredibly well-balanced input, which gives any car you’re in a realistic sense.

Performance:Overall, the Thrustmaster T248’s strong motor and resistance settings add a sense of realism that enhances the entire experience. Racing aficionados will feel a step up if they upgrade, even though some of the nicer features are still to be taken up by some games. There is a lot to explore here, and this is by no means an inexpensive alternative.

Pros

  • Powerful force feedback
  • Premium build quality and design
  • Strong support from a range of titles

Cons

  • Stiff braking pedal
  • Occasional issues recentering
  • Poor grip for pedal base on hard floors

(Image credit: gtplanet)

2. Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel

The best premium racing wheel

SPECIFICATIONS

Rotation: 1080°

Buttons: 25

Pedals: 3

Adjustable Pedals: Yes

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

The Logitech G Pro, supported by Formula One driver Lando Norris, is the company’s first high-performance wheel, offering an exceptionally smooth and powerful driving experience. For home sim racing, this combination is about as excellent as it gets when paired with the G Pro Pedals.

Design: The Logitech G Pro racing wheel has a premium improvement throughout, but it still has the same DNA as earlier Logitech wheels. The magnetic gear shift paddles and brushed metal front plate lend a distinct sense of luxury, and the leather-wrapped steering wheel is incredibly comfortable.

Features:For the majority of home racers, the 11nm of torque hidden under the Logitech G Pro wheel base will be more than sufficient. Compared to more affordable belt- or gear-driven alternatives, the direct drive motor is Logitech’s first and provides smooth, continuous force feedback that feels far more natural. Many onboard configuration options, such as the ability to adjust the torque if necessary, are provided by a small OLED panel, which also has the ability to switch between different profiles. The design has an integrated USB connector in the back for connecting pedals and other peripherals, and an almost silent active cooling fan inside.

Performance: It’s amazing how much the Logitech G Pro improves on other, less expensive racing wheels when you race. A more intimate and detailed experience is provided by the direct-drive motor, which also increases your sense of connection to your virtual vehicle. Our reviewer’s lap times praised him for the hardware update, and the results speak for themselves.

When you race in Formula One 23, the aerodynamics of the vehicle vary as you navigate through different bends, and if you drop a wheel in the gravel, the 11nm of torque will punish you—and your wrists. This device also incorporates Logitech’s exclusive TrueForce technology, which provides an additional layer of force feedback and deftly simulates the sensation of various road surfaces to enhance immersion in compatible games.

Pros

  • Powerful 11nm force feedback
  • High-quality build and feel
  • Dual paddles offer nice accessibility
  • Highly customizable
  • Load cell brake pedal

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Largely plastic construction
  • Scratchy wheel stitching

(Image credit: ebay)

3. Thrustmaster TMX Force Feedback Racing Wheel

The best budget PC racing wheel

SPECIFICATIONS

Compatible with: Xbox One/PC

Connection type: USB

Weight: 0.998kg

Force Feedback: Yes

Rumble: Yes

Maximum rotation angle: 900 degrees

Pedals included: Yes

Clutch pedal: No

Expandable: Yes

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

If you’re on a tight budget, it can be difficult to locate anything with desirable qualities without really having to sell your car. Racing wheels can cost a small fortune. For that issue, the Thrustmaster TMX Force Feedback is an excellent fix.

Design:This wheel comes with cheap pedals that don’t have a clutch pedal and provide minimal resistance. Purchasing low-cost equipment inevitably leads to the discovery of shortcomings such as these. If you later desire to update, you can replace them with a more compatible pair. The steering wheel feels cheaply made, not quite as luxurious as the interchangeable wheels on the more expensive models.

Features:What about that force feedback? Although it’s not as powerful as the other bases, it still functions. This device is really dang fantastic if you’re on a limited budget because it offers a true-force feedback wheel with 900 degrees of rotation plus a set of pedals for your money.

Performance:Without a doubt, force feedback has a significant impact on how enjoyable a racing game is. It even brings back memories of arcade coin-op racing such as Daytona USA, with the wheel pressing against your palms with different degrees of pressure as you crash or manoeuvre the car over different road surfaces. This gives you a realistic sense of managing a vehicle. However, as the technology is pricey, most wheels need you to be a dedicated player in simulation racing before you can afford to purchase this feature. However, these are not most wheels. This is a very desirable entry-level force feedback wheel made by Thrustmaster that is simplified but yet quite outstanding.

Pros

  • Genuine force feedback
  • Won’t break the bank

Cons

  • Comparatively lightweight pedals
  • Feedback effect not as strong as the TX base

(Image credit: gamerant)

4. Logitech G923 steering wheel & pedals

The best mid-range PC steering wheel

SPECIFICATIONS

Rotation: 900°

Buttons: 16

Pedals: 3

Adjustable Pedals: No

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

Although the Logitech G923 and G29 may appear to be comparable at first glance, TrueForce gives this model a significant boost. This is without a doubt the greatest budget-friendly configuration available for PC gamers who also own a PlayStation.

Design:Since the G923’s growth has mostly taken place beneath the engine, its looks are very similar to those of its G29 and G920 Driving Force brothers. Its face may no longer have the colourful flashes, but the extensive range of inputs and the pleasingly textured leather steering wheel trim are still present.

Features:The main feature of the G923 is the launch of Logitech’s proprietary force feedback technology, known as TrueForce, which interfaces with the game engine directly to generate real-time, better realism answers. To put it another way, TrueForce provides force feedback that adds a higher degree of realism, making your racing experience feel more genuine. This is combined with an upgraded 2.1 nm torque twin motor to produce an incredibly amazing force feedback experience. The three pedal set that is provided connects straight into the base, requiring just one wire to connect to your PC or PlayStation. The onboard rev LEDs are also a fantastic feature.

Performance:You will have a hard time finding a steering wheel that feels as wonderful or immersive to drive with at the reasonable price point of the Logitech G923. Although the force feedback isn’t as robust as that of other, more costly wheels, it’s still significant enough to affect gameplay without requiring a specialised rig. TrueForce provides a fantastic added layer to games that support it, making the G923 more than just a toy and more like a simulation tool for driving games.

Pros

  • More affordable than direct competitors
  • TrueForce feels insane
  • G Hub Software is brilliant

Cons

  • TrueForce only compatible with four games
  • No handbrake input and stick shift not included

(Image credit: cnet)

5. Logitech G920 Driving Force

The most affordable Logitech wheel

SPECIFICATIONS

Compatible with: Xbox One/PC

Connection type: USB

Weight: 7.21kg

Force Feedback: Yes

Rumble: Yes

Maximum rotation angle: 1080 degrees

Pedals included: Yes

Clutch pedal: No

Expandable: Yes

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

In the racing wheel game, the Logitech G920 Driving Force is a cunning old skeleton. It’s the driver who everyone on the track admires and who can still occasionally be found standing on the podium. For Xbox and PC racers, it’s a fantastic entry-to-mid level alternative.

Design:The hand-stitched, perforated leather of the Logitech G920 Driving Force completely envelops the wheel, and the stainless steel gear paddles are hidden in back, defying in many ways the device’s midrange price point. The stainless steel pedal faceplates should last a lifetime, and the pedals’ small footprint makes them especially suitable for living rooms.

Features: With a torque of 2.1 nm, the dual-motor force feedback mechanism of the Logitech G920 Driving Force is exceptional. It provides remarkable resistance and tactile sensation while driving even though it is gear-based rather than direct drive. Every button on a typical Xbox controller is located across the face and is easily accessible without requiring you to take your hand off the wheel. With its separate clutch and non-linear brake pedal, this three-pedal combo provides more engaging braking. The G920’s included desk clamp is an especially noteworthy feature. It does a fantastic job of keeping the setup in place, even when it’s connected to an inexpensive flatpack coffee table in your living room.

Performance: Even while the Logitech G920 Driving Force isn’t as smooth as more costly direct drive options, racing with it is still a great experience, and it’s a great place for beginners to start sim racing. There’s enough force feedback power within to feel the impact of those high-G quick turns, and you’ll sense a difference as you drive on other types of roads. The paddle shifters respond quickly and provide a satisfying click sound even if they are not magnetic. You’ll have to work hard to get the most out of the non-linear brake pedal, but underneath, the pedals are not only included in the box, they also function effectively.

Pros

  • Wonderfully smooth steering action
  • Powerful force feedback

Cons

  • Brake pedal may be too stiff for some tastes
  • Games that require the hand brake are fiddly

Best racing wheel for PC: FAQs

Is a steering wheel for a PC worth it?

A steering wheel may be a fantastic control option for racing games, regardless of your level of experience or interest. It makes possible an incredibly immersive and one-of-a-kind experience that is not possible with a conventional controller. Force feedback is another feature that certain steering wheels have, which increases the sense of immersion. Because force feedback lets you feel resistance, especially when the terrain varies, it truly gives you the impression that you are operating a car. In order to achieve a fully immersive experience, using a steering wheel is the best option.

Which is the best steering wheel for PC

It may vary depending on the platform that you are using which steering wheel is ideal. We’ve compiled the top PC steering wheels here, and the Thrustmaster T248 is, in our opinion, the greatest choice all around. It is reasonably priced and has a good number of functions. But we discovered that the Thrustmaster TMX Force Feedback Racing Wheel is the greatest inexpensive choice. It still has pedals and gives force feedback immersion at a reduced price range. The Logitech G923 was the greatest steering wheel we could find for the money.This model’s ‘TrueForce’ force feedback was incredible, but it was limited to four games. For individuals who are new to the world of racing as well as die-hard fans, this is an excellent choice.

Is Thrustmaster or Logitech better?

The platform you are using may have an impact on this because of compatibility problems. We’ve discovered that the Thrustmaster T248 is the greatest steering wheel for PCs since it offers a lot of functions at an affordable price. But the Logitech G923, which cost less than its rivals for the same capabilities, was also a fantastic choice. The features that distinguish a brand from another differ, so it is up to you to decide which one best meets your needs.

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