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The Best Steering Wheels for PC

Sim Racer

E-sport driver & Sim Racing enthusiast, I decided to share my passion on this website.

For any gamer or fan of video games, it is essential to have an experience that resembles reality as much as possible. And even more so if it’s about sim-racing games, because let’s face it, even the best PC keyboard can’t beat the precision of a dedicated racing wheel, especially in more simulation-oriented titles that are often almost unplayable on a standard gamepad.

Choosing the right model for you can be confusing, with such a wide range of features and price points to choose from. That’s why in this article we’ll tell you everything you need to know to make the right choice and buy the best PC steering wheel. First, we’ll tell you what you need to consider when making your purchase, then present our selection of the best PC steering wheels by range.

The best PC steering wheels at a glance

 

Things to consider when buying a PC steering wheel

For a truly realistic gaming experience, we recommend you keepthe following recommendations in mindwhen choosing your PC steering wheel.

The return of force

This is one of the most important aspects of a PC steering wheel, but not all models have it. With force feedback, you’ll feel every bump in the road, notice when your vehicle loses traction in the curves, and study every section of the track to optimize your competition driving. Force feedback is the element that will give you the most realistic and immersive gaming experience.

The size of the steering wheel

There is a big difference between the size of the cheapest steering wheels on the market and those in the mid-high range. The most basic shuttlecocks are generally smaller, which in the long run will affect both your game and your postural comfort.

If you have the budget, we recommend that you choose a steering wheel with dimensions similar to those of a real steering wheel. If you want to enjoy your favorite games to the fullest, make sure the diameter of the steering wheel is at least 27 cm.

The angle of rotation

Do you like to skid into corners and exit with the full benefit of the engine’s acceleration? The angle of rotation of the steering wheel can help you scrape off several tenths with each turn. PC handwheels can include rotation angles from 180 to 1080 degrees. For the most realistic experience, we recommend a steering wheel with a rotation angle of 900 degrees or more, which will allow you to make more than two turns and sneak into the most inaccessible gaps to overtake your competitors.

The materials

The adrenaline generated during the race can cause your steering wheel to bang or break down in games that require more aggressive driving.

This is the main reason why you should choose a PC wheel made of durable materials like aluminum or stainless steel.

For more comfort, ergonomics and realism, the ideal is to opt for a leather-wrapped steering wheel. As much as possible, you should avoid plastic components, although it is true that there are more and more quality PC steering wheels made of very strong and durable plastic.

Compatibility

It is essential to look at the compatibility of the steering wheel with the PC, but also with the games you will use. Look at the specifications of the device to make sure it is compatible with the video games you use, or if you can connect it, in addition to your PC, to your PlayStation or Xbox console.

The price

It is important to determine what your maximum budget for your steering wheel will be so that you know what model range you can go for. Depending on your needs and the features you are looking for, it is not necessarily necessary to buy the most expensive steering wheel model.

The best cheap PC steering wheels (entry level)

Here we have selected three of our favorite PC steering wheels in theentry-level category.

The Hori Racing Wheel Apex

hori racing wheel apex

The Hori Apex steering wheel has long been one of the cheapest models on the market. It is also one of the best value for money, as it is officially licensed by Sony.

The biggest advantage of this model is that it’s wireless, which is very convenient if you want to forget about cables altogether or if you don’t have a fixed place to play on your PC. After each game, you can put it away without the cables getting tangled.

In terms of autonomy, on each charge, it is able to offer up to 15 hours of play. There is another version with cable in case you don’t want to worry about the battery.

It has vibrations with TouchSense technology, which allows you to feel a very realistic sensation while driving. Its rotation angle ranges from 180 to 270°.

The Hori Apex steering wheel also includes a two-pedal foot pedal with folding footrests to minimize space requirements when not in use.

The steering wheel has all the buttons you’ll find on the PlayStation and it also has paddles to manage the gear shift. The wheel is covered with rubber which allows a very good grip and its diameter is 28 cm.

It is important to keep in mind that the steering wheel mounting system combines suction cups and clamps so that it has the maximum possible stability and you only have to focus on driving.

Finally, you should know that it is compatible with the PC but also with the PlayStation 3 and 4 consoles.

Its Advantages

  • Quality/price ratio.
  • Nice design.
  • Good fastening system.

Its Disadvantages

  • Lightweight crankset.
  • Works only on Windows 7, 8 and 8.1.

The Thrustmaster T150 – TMX Pro

THRUSTMASTER T150 TMX

The Thrustmaster T150 – TMX Force Feedback is probably the best entry-level wheel you can find on the market today.

The TMX is designed to be compatible with Xbox One and PC while the T150 is available for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3 and PC.

This is a model that is perfect for beginners but is also great for more regular players.

The Thrustmaster TMX-T150 steering wheel has a diameter of 28 cm with a rotation and turning range of 270° to 900° and features large all-metal sequential paddles.

This model is equipped with a force feedback with a brushless motor that offers many power settings. It also features a unique belt pulley system that channels engine sounds while providing a smooth feel.

It also includes a large two-pedal pedal set with three adjustable pedal angles.

The Thrustmaster TMX-T150 is convincing on both PC and console and promises to deliver incredible sensations during racing and long game sessions.

Its Advantages

  • Its price.
  • His return of strength performing.
  • The steering wheel is very realistic.

Its Disadvantages

  • The wheel is not removable
  • The engine is a bit noisy

The Logitech G29 – G920

LOGITECH G29 G920

The Logitech Driving Force G290-G29 steering wheel is, without a doubt, an excellent model and very popular among beginners.

It’s made of anodized aluminum and features paddle shifters and a pedal board that is both sturdy and comfortable for a more complete simulation experience. It also uses a simple gearing system that does not incorporate belts of any kind to simplify its use.

The Logitech G920-G29 features a dual-motor force feedback and helical gearing system for smooth, quiet steering and the most realistic driving experience. This allows you to feel the tires at every turn and simulates the effects of vibration in a very realistic way so you can react accurately.

Besides, its rotation angle is 900 degrees and it has a 14-button panel, optimizing its function specifically for PlayStation for the G29 and for Xbox for the G920.

The Logitech G920-G29 continues to be the model that we feel offers one of the best value for money, with features that guarantee a very realistic driving feel.

Its Advantages

  • Good value for money.
  • Successful design and ergonomics.
  • Very good pedalboard included.

Its Disadvantages

  • Good value for money.
  • Successful design and ergonomics.
  • Very good pedalboard included.

The best mid-range PC steering wheels

Here we present three models that we believe are the best mid-range PC steering wheels.

The Fanatec Formula V2.5

fanatec clubsport formula v 2 5

The ClubSport Formula V2. 5 steering wheel has a diameter of 27 cm and is covered with a 5 mm carbon fiber plate. It has two adjustable magnetic metal paddles for shifting gears.

It also features two vibration motors built into the handles, which are controllable through the wheel setup menu (SHO) or in-game via Fanatec SDK, as well as an OLED display, a tachometer with 9 central LEDs for telemetry and two LED bars.

The Fanatec Formula V2.5 steering wheel is equipped with the QuickRelease system and is compatible with the PC of course, but also with the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. The Fanatec brand offers an almost identical version, the Formula V2.5x for Xbox compatibility.

This steering wheel model from Fanatec’s ClubSport line offers many customization options and is made of high quality materials that can last a lifetime of sim racing. While it may be a bit too much for young beginners, we found the Fanatec Formula V2. 5 to be a really great wheel that offers an incredible playing feel.

And if you’re a true F1 fan, the Fanatec ClubSport Formula V2.5 wheel is definitely what you need, so don’t hesitate!

Its Advantages

  • Its rotation angle is unlimited.
  • Its OLED screen.

Its Disadvantages

  • It can be a little difficult to get used to for beginners.

The Logitech G923

logitech g923

The Logitech G923 Trueforce is Logitech’s latest steering wheel, with greater compatibility than previous models and a new feedback system that provides greater fidelity and realism in simulation.

The Logitech G923 steering wheel has a diameter of 28 cm and is made of polished metal covered with leather. It has two rotating steel paddles at the rear of the wheel for shifting gears.

The Logitech G923’s rotation angle is 900°, the equivalent of two and a half turns, which allows for better control of the vehicle.

This steering wheel is equipped with Trueforce, the next generation force feedback system. This new forced feedback system improves the feedback rate and connects directly to the game’s physics and simulation engines to improve fidelity and increase the level of realism of the simulation over previous generations.

It has a closed-loop motor control that, thanks to a new firmware, makes the motor torque more accurate. In this way, the engine more precisely adjusts the voltage to match the physics emitted by the video game, ensuring millimeter precision.

The Logitech G923 includes a 3-pedal pedal system, which includes a throttle, clutch, and brake with a progressive spring system for a more realistic racing feel. The height and spacing of the metal plates can be adjusted.

This model also offers a dual clutch programmed directly from the steering wheel with the Launch Control feature, available with compatible games.

This steering wheel model also has a built-in LED indicator. It is accessible directly from our point of view so that we can quickly see when we are reaching the right rpm point and use the gear shift more efficiently.

The Logitech G923 steering wheel has an ergonomic design with accessible controls. No matter what gaming platform you use it on, you have all the controls you need, easily accessible on a small steering wheel like its predecessors but with a very good feel. It includes a rotary selector with which to fine-tune all settings and adjustments.

Its Advantages

  • Equipped with advanced technologies.
  • Made from high quality materials.
  • Equipped with a 3-pedal crankset with improved braking system.

Its Disadvantages

  • TrueForce is not compatible with all games.
  • No gearshift included.

The Thrustmaster T300RS GT

thrustmaster-t300rs-gt-avis

The Thrustmaster T300RS GT steering wheel features a 28 cm detachable wheel with an adjustable rotation angle from 270° to 1080°.

It is equipped with a force feedback that is precise and powerful, thanks to its brushless motor and its double belt system. The sensations felt during the race are incredibly realistic.

In terms of construction and design there is almost nothing to complain about, the steering wheel is mainly made of black metal and the finish work is really clean.

The Thrustmaster T300RS GT steering wheel is very versatile and you can use it for rally, GT or even F1 racing.

It also has the advantage of being equipped with H.E.A.R.T (Halleffect Accurate Technology) and a quick and easy steering wheel change system.

In addition to being PC compatible, this model also has the advantage of being PlayStation licensed and therefore compatible with the PlayStation 4 and work with PlayStation 5 games.

With the Thrustmaster T300RS GT, you have the best steering wheel in its class at a price that is certainly very reasonable.

Its Advantages

  • Incredible responsive and powerful force feedback.
  • Quality construction and materials.
  • Beautiful design and finishes.

Its Disadvantages

  • The handbrake works with a button.
  • The engine heats up a bit.

The best high-end PC steering wheels

For the more expert among you, we have selected three models of high-end PC steering wheels, all three of which are real gems.

The Thrustmaster T-GT 2

THRUSTMASTER T GT 2

The Thrustmaster T-GT II has been specially designed for lovers of the Gran Turismo saga, doing everything possible to make it one of the most realistic Sim-Racing wheels to date.

The product has been manufactured taking into account all the data collected from the best eSports players participating in the GT World Series.

Designed and inspired entirely by the automotive industry, it features innovative technologies such as T-Turbo Power, T-LIN, T-40VE, T-M.C.E and T-DFB, providing unique and realistic sensations in driving simulators.

The new generation Brushless II motor makes the performance of the motor even faster and gives you even more feeling, making you feel every curve and every edge of the track.

The force feedback of this wheel is in real time and without dead zones. This translates into unparalleled driving efficiency.

The quality of the materials and the “AEC-Q” qualification technologies it uses ensure great robustness and durability for the most demanding players who want to do very long sessions or competitions.

The crankset is the T3PA GT II, which has a more precise and durable brake spring than the T3PAGT.

The steering wheel is covered with leather and is of very high quality, it looks like you are using a professional steering wheel from a real car. Like all Thrustmaster steering wheels,the wheel is interchangeable, so you can change it at your convenience.

In short, this PC-compatible steering wheel is exceptional andone of the best in our guide.

Its Advantages

  • Includes T-DFB technology.
  • Powerful and precise return of force.

Its Disadvantages

  • The pedals could be all metal, although they are of high quality.

The Thrustmaster TS-PC Racer

thrustmaster ts pc racer

The Thrustmaster TS-PC RACER has everything it takes to become the best PC steering wheel by providing an ideal driving experience for F1 games thanks to the style of the wheel.

This model is a Proto type steering wheel with a metal base and two large suede-covered grips for comfort during long play sessions. It also features 2 sequential metal and polished brushed aluminum paddles.

The Thrustmaster TS-PC RACER features an industrial-grade (40 watt FFB), 2ᵉ generation brushless motor, rotation up to 1080 degrees, and the use of H.E.A.R.T (HallEffect AccuRate Technology) which offers 16-bit resolution.

This model also incorporates an external TURBO power supply with which it delivers maximum power peaks to the flywheel, as well as a patented MCE (Motor Cooling Embedded) system.

This steering wheel is robust, of high quality construction and offers both comfort and great ergonomics that allow an incredibly realistic immersion in the race.

If you can afford this little Sim-Racing gem, don’t hesitate and buy the Thrustmaster TS-PC RACER steering wheel, you won’t be disappointed.

Its Advantages

  • Powerful, flexible and responsive force feedback.
  • Great quality of manufacture.
  • Comfort and ergonomics at the top.

Its Disadvantages

  • Sold without pedals.
  • Compatible only with Windows.

The Fanatec Podium Racing Wheel F1

Fanatec Podium Racing Wheel F1

Inspired by Formula 1 wheels and created in collaboration with Sony, the Podium Racing Wheel F1 has a diameter of 27 cm and is made of metal and carbon fiber. It features two F1 type aluminum rotating paddles with a fiber reinforcement at the rear.

The Fanatec Podium Racing Wheel F1 is equipped with a Direct Drive motorized force feedback system that is both powerful and precise. Its rotation angle is from 90° to 1080°.

The Fanatec Podium Racing Wheel F1 features 11 buttons with ultra-reliable switches, two toggle switches, two 12-way multi-position switches with rotary encoder functionality and an analog joystick for looking around in the cockpit or mapping with any other axis.

The ergonomics of this model is excellent since it offers a large amount of adjustments, in real time and which can also be managed directly from the wheel, such as a 2.7-inch OLED screen that allows you to receive feedback during the game.

This wheel is obviously compatible with the PC but also with the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and potentially also with the Xbox One and Xbox Series, depending on the Fanatec wheel base you use for the game.

In our opinion, the Fanatec Podium Racing Wheel F1 is by far our favorite wheel design and we believe it is the best performing wheel on the market today.

Its Advantages

  • Very efficient motor and force feedback.
  • Wide compatibility.

Its Disadvantages

  • Its high price.

In brief / Conclusion

It is important that you choose a wheel that you see yourself playing with for many years, not just a few months. Evaluate what you want for the next few years and choose the best PC steering wheel model for you.

Buying a mid-range or high-end model is most likely the most logical option for intermediate players. And if you’re an expert in sim-racing, we recommend that you opt for a high-end steering wheel.

We hope that this article has been useful to you and that this guide to the best PC steering wheels will help you choose the model that best suits your tastes and budget.

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