When it comes to Sim-racing on PS5, it can be difficult to find a simulation wheel that is fully compatible with the latest PlayStation console. With big racing games like Gran Turismo 7 and F1 22 coming to PlayStation 5 in 2022, it’s the perfect time to upgrade to a PS5 steering wheel.
As Fanatec is one of the most recognized brands in the sim-racing market today, it stands to reason that you would want to turn to this manufacturer. But which Fanatec PS5 steering wheel should you choose?
In this article, we’ll present our selection of the best Fanatec steering wheels compatible with the PlayStation 5, followed by advice on the factors to consider before buying a Fanatec PS5 steering wheel.
The best Fanatec PS5 steering wheels at a glance
#1 : Fanatec GT DD PRO
⭐ Score : 9.9/10
✅ Best value for money
“We love it for its unbeatable offer and high-end quality.”
#2: Fanatec Clubsport Racing Wheel F1
⭐ Score : 9.8/10
✅ Designed for F1 pros
“We love its 15Nm torque and unrivalled precision”.
#3: Fanatec GT DD Extreme
⭐ Score : 9.8/10
✅ Ultimate GT immersion
“We love it for its ultra-realistic racing feel.”
Fanatec CSL Elite McLaren GT3 V2
This steering wheel is a full size replica of the McLaren 650S GT3 steering wheel and is officially licensed by McLaren.
The wheel is 30 cm in diameter with overmolded rubber grips and is equipped with two aluminum analog paddles.
This model also features an OLED screen, an LED indicator for Xbox Mode, as well as the QuickRelease system.
This Fanatec wheel is, of course, officially licensed for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S but it is also compatible with Windows, PlayStation 4 and of course PlayStation 5 platforms.
The Fanatec CSL Elite McLaren GT3 V2 steering wheel is a great choice if you’re looking for a model with high-end qualities, but without breaking the bank. We guarantee that you will not regret your investment!
Advantages
- Very good quality-price ratio.
- Top quality finish and design.
Disadvantages
- QuickRelease system incompatible with Fanatec DD bases.
Fanatec Clubsport Racing Wheel BMW GT2 V2
The Fanatec ClubSport BMW GT2 V2 wheel is the officially licensed version of the original wheel you can find on the BMW racing car of the same name.
The steering wheel and its handles are covered with genuine Italian Alcantara and it is equipped with two adjustable aluminum magnetic paddles for gear shifting.
This model also features an LED display to show telemetry functions (depending on the game) and RevLEDs to show engine speed (also depending on the game).
The ClubSport BMW GT2 V2 steering wheel from Fanatec is of course compatible with the PlayStation 5, but also with the PlayStation 4 and the PC.
It is equipped with the QuickRelease system and is compatible with all the accessories of the Fanatec ecosystem.
The ClubSport BMW GT2 V2 is an outstanding steering wheel in terms of quality, features and price and one of Fanatec’s flagship steering wheels.
Advantages
- High quality materials
- Offers very modern and valuable features
Disadvantages
- Not compatible with the Xbox One or Xbox Series X.
Fanatec Formula V2.5
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 PlayStation 5 of course, but also with the PC 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!
Advantages
- Its rotation angle is unlimited.
- Its OLED screen.
Disadvantages
- It can be a little difficult to get used to for beginners.
Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro
Designed with Gran Turismo Sport and in partnership with Polyphony Digital, the Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro is the first officially licensed Direct Drive wheel for PlayStation 5.
Sold as a bundle, you get the GT DD Pro base itself, the Gran Turismo steering wheel, a set of CSL clutchless pedals and the DD desk stand. So, unlike the CSL DD or other Fanatec bases, you don’t have to bother looking for compatible products. You get it all in one go from the start.
The Fanatec Gran Turismo DD bundle is available in 3 versions, the entry level pro version (5 Nm), the pro version (8 Nm) and the premium version.
The steering wheel is 28 cm in diameter, it is covered with synthetic leather and its grip is very easy. It has all the buttons of the PlayStation controller and even more, since it includes five funky switches (4+1), an LED strip for revolutions as well as a small OLED screen for gears or other information.
The Fanatec GT DD Pro steering wheel also features two plastic paddles with magnetic sensors, the Standard Tuning menu that allows beginners to get started quickly without having to worry about adjustments, and the QuickRelease system.
This package also includes the CSL 2-pedal crankset, made entirely of metal and offering good resistance. For those who prefer a more realistic clutch configuration, we recommend Sim Racing Nerd’s excellent guide to the best 3-pedal cranksets.
For GT fans, but not only, the Fanatec GT DD Pro is a remarkable wheel with a price/performance ratio that is virtually unbeatable.
Advantages
- Incredible sensations thanks to the Direct Drive.
- Very good quality materials.
- Fully customizable configuration.
Disadvantages
- The price of additional options remains high.
Fanatec Clubsport Racing Wheel F1
Fanatec’s Clubsport Racing Wheel F1 is a well-known model among Sim-racing enthusiasts. This is the second version of the first-ever Direct Drive Force Feedback system on consoles, and is officially authorized by Formula 1 as well as Sony for use on their latest consoles such as the PS4 and PS5.
The Clubsport Racing Wheel F1 has a diameter of 27 cm and features a forged blue carbon fiber front plate with perforated leather grips. It features two F1-type rotary paddles in black aluminum with fiber reinforcement at the rear.
The Fanatec Clubsport Racing Wheel F1 is equipped with a Direct Drive motorized force feedback system that is both extremely powerful (15Nm) and precise. Its angle of rotation is 2520°.
The Fanatec Clubsport 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 are excellent, as it offers a large number of real-time settings that can also be managed directly from the wheel, such as a 1-inch OLED screen that displays telemetric data such as speed.
This steering wheel is compatible with the PlayStation 5 , of course, but also the PlayStation 4, the PC and potentially also the Xbox One and Xbox Series, depending on the Fanatec steering wheel base you use for gaming.
The Fanatec Clubsport Racing Wheel F1 is an incredible steering wheel and, in our opinion, the best in terms of performance on the market today.
Advantages
- Direct Drive Steering Wheel.
- Best force feedback available.
- Excellent finish and ergonomics.
Disadvantages
- Its high price.
- Difficult to grasp for beginners.
Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Extreme
It’s Christmas at Fanatec, with the many product releases over the last few months. The German brand has long been absent from the world scene, or rather from certain sim-racing segments. As you probably know, Fanatec offered entry-level and high-end bases only. Its catalog included 4 bases developing 5, 8, 20 and 25 nm of torque respectively.
As far as I’m concerned, that’s just fine, because it satisfies the needs of amateur drivers, who will move straight on to the Top Fuel category with its Podium bases. Except that new players have appeared in the world of bases, and these have set their sights directly on a segment not covered by Fanatec – the 12 – 15 nm torque segment – and the German brand hasn’t taken it kindly. Inspired by the Thanos replica, Fanatec has secretly developed two new 12 and 15 nm torque bases, the ClubSport DD and DD+. As a bonus, we’ve won a new GT DD Extreme bundle for Gran Turismo fans on Playstation and PC.
This bundle uses the 15 nm constant torque base, which is simply thrilling to use in sim-racing. Some say it’s a more diluted Podium DD1, but I think it feels better, only less powerful. As for the steering wheel, it’s a new wheel inspired by the CSL GT version, this time with slightly more premium materials.
The new bundle is now available for purchase on the Fanatec website, in exchange for €1,300. It is fully compatible with Fanatec products, and will run on PC and Playstation (4 and 5).
Advantages
- High torque of 15 Nm for an immersive driving experience
- New, more affordable Direct Drive base than Podium DD1
- New premium steering wheel inspired by the CSL GT model
Disadvantages
- Quite high price
- Lightweight and compact
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Fanatec PS5 Steering Wheel
How to choose your PS5 Fanatec wheel?
If you’re looking for the perfect Fanatec PS5 steering wheel, there are a few key aspects to keep in mind as you browse through different options. These elements dictate the overall functionality of the steering wheel you purchase and can dramatically change your overall experience with it.
Size and angle of rotation
Many console steering wheels attempt to mimic the design and feel of a real wheel. Novice players may not take this into account. But, if you’re looking for an almost authentic racing experience, it’s best to opt for those that mimic the size and rotation of a real steering wheel.
As a general rule, the cheaper wheels are smaller and have a lower degree of rotation. The more expensive ones tend to have the same range of rotation as a real steering wheel. And, they are usually almost the same size as those used in real cars.
Keep in mind that smaller wheels require less rotation for a number of turns. On the other hand, larger steering wheels require more rotation with the same amount of steering.
The return of force
Force feedback is all the rage now. However, some steering wheels do not offer this technology. Force feedback will allow you to experience the bumps or smoothness of the terrain while driving and feel the changes in terrain through the steering wheel.
If you have the money to splurge, you can opt for steering wheels with a built-in motor. Or, better yet, you can opt for products with industrial motors. This type of engine closely mimics the real racing experience.
Construction and sustainability
The quality of construction of the steering wheel will determine its strength and durability. It is preferable to opt for products made of 100% metal. If the wheels are also surrounded by hand-stitched leather, it will also give you more durability. In addition, they make the steering wheel more elegant.
In addition to discerning the construction of the steering wheel, don’t forget to check the accessories as well. These include pedals and shifters. There are brands that put a lot of emphasis on the durability of the steering wheel, but not on the accessories.
The budget
This is another thing to consider when purchasing any type of product. If your budget is tight, you should opt for steering wheels that can perform the most basic tasks. But if you want the most realistic experience possible, you’ll have to pay more.
Certain factors tend to increase the purchase price of a steering wheel. These include build quality, force feedback and inclusion of accessories (e.g., clutch, pedals, shifter). The most expensive steering wheels tend to be replicas of real race cars.
Compatibility
Of course, you’re looking for a Fanatec steering wheel that is compatible with the PlayStation 5. But it’s always a good idea to have a model that is compatible with other platforms, especially if you have computers and multiple game consoles.
Of course, a steering wheel will not work on all platforms. For example, most officially licensed PlayStation wheels do not work with Xbox consoles. But many of them work with Windows 10.
Make sure that the Fanatec steering wheel you are interested in is compatible with all your accessories.
In brief – Conclusion
We know that it is not easy to choose a steering wheel from the wonderful catalog of the Fanatec brand, especially if it is compatible with the PlayStation 5.
We hope you find our tips useful and that you will apply them when making your purchase.
Whichever model of Fanatec PS5 steering wheel you choose from those we have selected for you, you can be sure that they have been tested and approved by us! So you shouldn’t have any unpleasant surprises.
Fanatec GT DD Pro
The best Fanatec steering wheel for PS5 in 2024
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