Sim-racing has become an increasingly popular discipline in recent years, particularly with the democratization of Direct Drive bases. Fanatec got the ball rolling with its 5nm and 8nm CSL DDs, the first affordable and, above all, accessible DD bases. At the time, not only did you need to have a good bank account to afford the astronomical sums required for a DD base, you also needed to have the technical knowledge, and shoulders too, to tame them.
Today’s market is full of competitors, if I may say so, with brands active in different segments. We have the entry-level with players like Cammus. The mid-range is populated by products from Logitech and Thrustmaster. In the mid-range, we find brands such as Simagic, Fanatec and Moza Racing. And of course, the very high-end, with players such as Simucube,
If you’re a virtual runner, you’re spoilt for choice, with prices to suit all pockets. Of course, you’ll always have different segments, as with any other product on the market. For this article, I’m going to list the 5 best Direct Drive bases currently available for all drivers. I’m not going to focus on the very top of the range, because if you’re shopping in that segment, the ones I’m going to present will almost certainly not interest you for obvious reasons.
The best Direct Drive bases at a glance 2025
#1 : Fanatec CSL DD
⭐ Rating: 9.7/10
✅ The benchmark for Direct Drive in 2025
“We love its incredible feel and Xbox compatibility.”
#2: MOZA R9
⭐ Rating: 9.7/10
✅ The best alternative on PC
“We love its excellent immersion on all current titles.”
#3: Fanatec Clubsport DD+
⭐ Rating: 9.8/10
✅ The best option if your budget allows
“We love it for its consistent 15nm torque and Playstation compatibility.”
#1 Fanatec CSL DD
Compatibility: PC, Xbox
We start with a staple of the segment, and a very popular base for racers wanting to embark on a sim-racing adventure: Fanatec‘s CSL DD, in its 5 and 8 nm torque versions.
The base has a simple, minimalist, all-black design, with a cylinder for the cabinet. At the rear, you’ll find all the connectors needed to plug in the various peripherals in the Fanatec range (crankset, shifter, handbrake, etc.), plus the USB socket for consoles (Xbox, PS) and PC. At the front, we have the QR1 for attaching Fanatec steering wheels, and CSL DDs are also compatible with the brand’s new QR2.
In terms of feel, the CSL DDs are the best in their segment, whether in terms of feel, force feedback, effects transcription, settings, etc. For beginners, I recommend the standard base, the one with 5 nm of torque. For beginners, I recommend the standard base model, with 5 nm of torque, as you’ll have plenty to do for a long time, given that its motor is more than sufficient for sim-racing at novice level.
For experienced Sunday drivers, the 8nm CSL represents the Go-To, with the perfect balance of power, feedback and immersion. Price: €350 for the 5nm base and €450 for the 8nm version. Alternatively, you can opt for a 5nm bundle from €400, or an 8nm bundle from €500, with steering wheel and pedals.
#2 Moza R9
Compatibility: PC
The Chinese brand MOZA Racing is rather young compared to Logitech, Fanatec or Thrustmaster. But passion is the driving force behind this company, and the peripherals they offer are truly high-performance.
The MOZA R9 is the brand’s mid-range base, with a torque of 9 nm. The device’s design is sober, with an all-matt black rectangular casing, and a drive shaft that is also black and largely inspired by motor racing.
In terms of performance, this base model has a lot going for it, if I may say so myself. The motor is not only powerful even in its leanest configuration, but also responsive and precise. The MOZA R9 is an excellent base for those looking for a device that’s not necessarily ultra-powerful, and relatively affordable at €419.
Compatibility is limited to the PC, but makes up for it with all sim-racing titles available on the market. Another small negative point, unfortunately, is the brand’s ecosystem, which is no match for that of other competitors, notably Fanatec. Nevertheless, the MOZA R9 remains an excellent choice for those looking for a high-performance base.
#3 Fanatec Clubsport DD+
Compatibility: PC, Playstation
Now we’re talking. The ClubSport DD+ is Fanatec’s latest addition to the German sim-racing giant’s catalog, and features a constant 15 nm of torque.
The design of the DD+ is very similar to that of its smaller siblings, the CSL DD: cylindrical overall, with a black body dotted with the Fanatec logo in white. As the brand’s latest base, it features the QR2, which will eventually replace the QR1 throughout the Fanatec range.
As far as sensations are concerned, it’s one of the best currently available, only dethroned by far more powerful bases. Feedback is excellent, with effects that are both light and heavy, exceptional responsiveness and foolproof heat management. The DD+ marks Fanatec’s return to the throne, even in its standard 12 nm torque version (DD).
As far as compatibility is concerned, the DD+ supports the entire current Fanatec ecosystem, and this also applies to steering wheels, provided you have the right QR, in this case 2. For the price, the DD+ will sell for €999.95, with a delivery time of between 4 and 7 days.
#4 Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel
Compatibility: PC, Xbox, Playstation
The first Direct Drive base in Logitech’s history, the G Pro Racing Wheel represents a stunning entry into the premium peripherals segment. The Swiss company has over 20 years’ experience in gaming, and incidentally in sim-racing, and this has enabled it to offer one of the best Direct Drive bases on the market.
The engine develops a constant 11 nm of torque, positioning it in the mid-range. Admittedly, this is a premium base, but the engine does let it down a little in the final sprint. Nonetheless, in terms of feel, it’s really not bad at all for a power output that’s limited compared with the competition.
The design of the G Pro is very premium, I must admit, with a striking base. The only difference with the other products in this ranking is that the G Pro is a bundle comprising either the base and steering wheel, or the base, steering wheel and pedals.
The sensations produced by this base are very good for a first attempt in the Direct Drive segment, with finesse, precision and good feedback. The only major shortcoming of this bundle is its price. Expect to pay at least €1,100 for it, and that’s not cheap for 11 nm of torque.
#5 Fanatec DD2
Compatibility: PC
Let’s end this little list with Fanatec’s flagship: the Podium DD2. This base is the German manufacturer’s top-of-the-line sim-racing peripheral. With 25 nm of peak torque, the DD2 is a powerhouse in both the literal and figurative sense.
Requiring numerous adjustments to achieve usable performance, especially in terms of power, this base will make the boundary between simulation and reality so fine, it’ll be hard to find your way around. Force feedback is precise and responsive, and can also be blistering when you want it to be. The Podium DD2 is truly an exceptional base, even if it is starting to show its age against the competition.
As far as compatibility is concerned, you’ll only get PC with this one, and that’s to be expected with this level of power. And when it comes to sim-racing titles, the list is not only long, but just as comprehensive, with AC, ACC, iRacing, rFactor and the list goes on.
If you’re planning to buy this little gem, you’ll be faced with a hefty bill: €1,500 on the manufacturer’s website. But the biggest problem with this base is availability: it’s regularly out of stock. What’s more, you’ll need a very strong cockpit to handle the 25 nm of torque. But as far as I’m concerned, the Podium DD2 remains the best Direct Drive base for sim-racing pilots like you and me. Of course, there are Simucube models which are better, but these are clearly aimed at a professional audience, notably racing drivers.
Fanatec CSL DD
The best Direct Drive base in 2025
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