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
The best racing wheels for PC have got some new competitors vying for podium position right now. It seems like we've gone for ages with next-to-no new racing wheels, and now we've heard news from some of our favorite peripheral makers that new products are coming. That list includes Logitech, by the way, who has long been one of the best wheel makers around. For now, though, it's a great time to shop. Black Friday is right around the corner, and some of our favorite existing wheels could go on offer.
There’s more to racing than steering one way or the other, however. Across the best racing wheels, you’ll also find premium features such as force feedback which can take immersion to the next level. Force feedback is when you can feel your car fighting back, particularly on tough terrain - sort of like haptic feedback or rumble on a much stronger level. This is something that can really set wheels apart from even the most feature-filled PC controllers.
We've collated a list of all our favorite PC racing wheels down below, based on hands-on experience with a range of driving games. Not only that, but we've kept you covered across the full price bracket, with the best value, and budget models listed alongside the latest and greatest. These are the best PC steering wheels to slap in front of your screen or on your desk. While many of these picks will work on consoles too, we have separate PS4 steering wheel and Xbox steering wheel guides if you prefer a certain platform.
The Quick List
Best overall
The best PC racing wheel overall
When you take into account price, features, and individual game support, it's not hard to see this wheel's potential. For now, this is our top pick.
Best premium
The best premium racing wheel
If price is no object, this is undoubtedly the best racing wheel up and down this list. We just wish it wasn't so dang pricey, or it'd be our top pick.
Best mid-range
The best mid-range PC steering wheel
A popular choice, and for good reason, the LogitechG923 is our favorite mid-range setup on this list. It has incredible TrueForce feedback too.
Best for feedback
The best racing wheel for strong feedback
If it's game feel you want first and foremost, the Thrustmaster T300 RS is such a good option it may even give your thumbs some pain.
Cheapest Logi wheel
The most affordable Logitech wheel
Since it's been succeeded by the G923 and the G Pro now, the G920 is the most affordable Logi setup you'll find these days. It hasn't aged a day though.
Best budget
The best budget racing wheel
There's no denying racing wheel setups are expensive. If you want a cheaper option without skimping on decent features, go for this.
Best for Mario Kart fans
The best racing wheel for Mario Kart lovers
If you spend a lot of time gliding around the tracks of Mario Kart but want something that will do more "serious" racing sims too, this is the one for you.
Best for beginners
The best racing wheel for beginners
If you're new to the world of racing sim gear, the Thrustmaster T128 is a cheaper option that isn't the best, but it will help you get started.
The best PC racing wheel overall
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
With a massive selection of additional features, easy-to-reach button placement, and excellent force feedback there's plenty to love about the Thrustmaster T248. It was originally geared towards PC and PlayStation, but now has an Xbox model available too.
✅ You want to balance value for money with features
✅ You want a great overall experience
✅ You take your virtual racing seriously
❌ You have the money to get a truly premium option
❌ You only want something basic
❌ You're new to racing wheel setups
Design: The spec sheet speaks for itself here, with dual-encoder controls, magnetic paddle gear changers and an LED telemetry display which can be used in a number of ways by titles like F1. There's plenty of room for customization in here.
Features: The brake pedal can be configured to four different pressure modes, and we did find some a little too stiff for regular play. You're also getting 25 remappable buttons and the LED display in the centre can be configured to show you a range of stats in supporting games, from race position to lap time to gear number. Beyond that, there's 900 degrees of rotation to make use of, and really well balanced feedback that brings a realistic feeling to whatever car you're sitting in.
Performance: All in all, the sense of realism created by the powerful motor and resistance settings in the Thrustmaster T248 invigorates the whole experience. While some of the fancier features are still to be picked up by some titles there's plenty to dive into here, and this is by no means a cheap option, racing fans will certainly feel a step up if they upgrade.
The best premium racing wheel for PC
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Backed by F1 driver Lando Norris, the Logitech G Pro is Logitech’s first high-performance wheel and it delivers an incredibly smooth, high-torque driving experience. When combined with the G Pro Pedals it’s about as good a pairing as you’ll find for home sim racing.
✅ You’re taking sim racing seriously
✅ You play on either a console or a PC
✅ You can afford to splash out
❌ You’re only a casual racing gamer
❌ You’re new to racing wheels
❌ You’re on a tight budget
Design: The Logitech G Pro racing wheel retains the same design DNA as past Logitech wheels but with a premium upgrade across the board. The leather-wrapped steering wheel is wonderfully soft while the brushed metal face plate and magnetic gear shift paddles both bring a noticeable touch of quality.
Features: There’s 11nm of torque tucked inside the Logitech G Pro wheel base and for most home racers that’s going to be more than enough. The direct drive motor is Logitech’s first and it delivers smooth, consistent force feedback which feels far more realistic than previous cheaper belt or gear-driven options. A small OLED screen offers loads of onboard configuration to help dial in your setup, including turning down the torque if needed, with the added bonus of switching between multiple profiles. There’s a near-silent active cooling fan inside the wheelbase and an integrated USB hub on the back for connecting pedals and other accessories.
Performance: The difference between racing with the Logitech G Pro and other, cheaper racing wheels is astonishing. The direct-drive motor delivers a detailed and immersive experience and lets you feel far more in tune with your digital car. The results speak for themselves, and our reviewer's lap times thanked him for the upgrade in hardware.
Racing in F1 23, you can feel the aerodynamics of the car change through different corners and the 11nm of torque will punish you (and your wrists) for dipping a wheel in the gravel. Logitech’s proprietary TrueForce technology is on board here too which adds an extra layer of force feedback, cleverly mimicking the feeling between different road surfaces to take the immersion up an extra notch in supported games.
The best mid-range racing wheel
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The Logitech G923 may look similar to the G29 on the surface, but the addition of TrueForce makes this a mighty upgrade. For PC gamers with a PlayStation too this is easily the best value for money setup on the market.
✅ You’re after an affordable option
✅ You want TrueForce
✅ You’re racing on PlayStation or PC
❌ You’re looking to race competitively
❌ You only play on Xbox
❌ You want direct drive force feedback
Design: The evolution of the G923 largely happens under the hood so the aesthetics closely mirror its G29 and G920 Driving Force siblings. The flashes of color across its face may be gone but the wide array of inputs remains, as does the pleasantly textured leather trim on the steering wheel.
Features: The G923’s headliner is the introduction of TrueForce, Logitech’s own force feedback tech that plugs directly into the game engine to produce higher fidelity, real-time responses. Put more simply, TrueForce makes your racing experience feel more realistic with force feedback that delivers a greater level of detail. This is layered on top of an updated 2.1nm torque dual motor to deliver a seriously impressive experience with force feedback that feels fantastic. The included three pedal set plugs directly into the base so it’s a single cable into your PC or PlayStation and it’s great to see onboard rev lights too.
Performance: At the Logitech G923’s achievable price point the simple truth is you’re going to struggle to find a wheel that feels quite this good or immersive to drive with. The force feedback may not be as strong as other more expensive wheels, but it’s powerful enough to have a real impact on gameplay yet not so intense that it needs a dedicated rig to use. In games that support it, TrueForce adds a wonderful extra dimension that enhances the driving experience and makes the G923 as much of a simulation tool as a toy.
The best racing wheel for strong feedback
4. Thrustmaster T300 RS
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
This is one of the best steering wheels on PC for the serious racing game enthusiast. If you're after the best force feedback out there without splashing out on one of the most premium options on the market, the Thrustmaster T300 RS might be the option to go for.
✅ You’re after great feedback
✅ You don't mind some fiddly button controls
✅ You don't want to go for a high-end premium option
❌ You have sensitive thumbs
❌ You don't like strong feedback
❌ You play a lot of rally games and don't have a separate gear shifter.
Design: This wheel incorporates high-quality force feedback so powerful, hitting a wall at the wrong angle could potentially hurt your thumbs. There is a downside to all this motorized resistance, and that’s the fan that ejects hot air from the top of the unit, right out the top of the unit, so after a while, you may smell the hot air which is a bit off-putting.
Features: It has direct compatibility with games like Project CARS 2, Gran Turismo, and F1, and in these games especially you can really feel the sensation of grip via the superb motorized feedback, and the speed of response to your inputs is superb. It’s precise, weighty, and really shakes when the game demands it, making a rally game like WRC 6 feel so much more engaging.
Performance: The only real problem the wheel has is that the handbrake is inevitably mapped to a button you access with your thumb, making rally games fiddly. You can buy a separate stick shift and use that as the handbrake with the paddles for changing gear, but that isn’t ideal since it adds a substantial amount to your purchase. The wheel is often upside-down during rally stages, so you’ll have to compromise between handbrake and stick shifting somewhere. Still, handbrake aside, this is arguably the perfect when for the serious gamer, and gets our recommendation.
The most affordable Logitech wheel
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The Logitech G920 Driving Force is a wily old veteran in the racing wheel game. It’s the driver everyone on track respects and who’s still capable of popping up on the podium from time to time. It’s a great entry-to-mid-level option for Xbox and PC racers.
✅ You’re racing on Xbox or PC
✅ You’re budget is limited
✅ You’re new to sim racing
❌ You’re after pro-level performance
❌ You want TrueForce
❌ Pedal quality is important
Design: In many areas, the Logitech G920 Driving Force’s design defies its middle-of-the-road price point with perforated, hand-stitched leather fully wrapping the wheel and stainless steel gear paddles tucked in behind. The compact footprint of the pedals is particularly living room friendly and the stainless steel pedal faceplates should stand the test of time.
Features: The Logitech G920 Driving Force features an excellent dual-motor force feedback system capable of 2.1nm of torque. Despite being gear-based rather than direct drive it still delivers impressive resistance and tactile feedback as you drive. You’ll find every standard Xbox controller button across the face and all are easily within reach without taking a hand off the wheel. It’s a three-pedal set with a dedicated clutch and non-linear brake pedal offering more immersive braking. A particularly impressive bonus is the G920’s built-in desk clamp which does a great job of holding the rig in place, even when bolted to a cheap flatpack coffee table in your lounge.
Performance: While not as smooth as more expensive direct drive options, racing with the Logitech G920 Driving Force is still a wonderful experience and it’s an excellent starting point for new sim racers. There’s enough force feedback power inside to really feel the effect of those high-G fast corners, with a noticeable difference as you move across different road surfaces too. The paddle shifters aren’t magnetic but fire off with fast actuation and a pleasant audible click too. Underfoot, not only are the pedals included in the box, they perform well and you’ll really need to push hard to get the most out of the non-linear brake pedal.
The best budget racing wheel
6. Thrustmaster TMX Force Feedback Racing Wheel
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Buying racing wheels can set you back a small fortune, so if you're working on a tight budget, it can be hard to find something that has desirable features without having to sell your car in real life. The Thrustmaster TMX Force Feedback is a great solution to that problem.
✅ You’re on the hunt for your first racing wheel
✅ You don't have a big budget to work with
✅ You don't mind cheaper materials
❌ You want an upgrade from another wheel
❌ You can afford better
❌ You want more than basic feedback
Design: The pedals included with this wheel are plasticky, offering little resistance, and don’t include a clutch pedal either. When you buy a budget bit of kit, it's only natural that you're going to come across drawbacks like these. However, they can be swapped out for a better compatible set if you decide to upgrade later on. The steering wheel has a similar low-cost feel and is nowhere near as deluxe-feeling as the high-end units’ interchangeable wheels.
Features: And that force feedback? It’s not as strong as the other bases, but it does work. If you’re on a tight budget, this product provides a true-force feedback wheel with 900 degrees of rotation and a set of pedals for your money, which is pretty darn awesome.
Performance: There’s absolutely no question that force feedback makes a huge difference to how fun a racing game is. Having the wheel push against your hands with varying degrees of resistance when you crash or steer the car over different road surfaces gives you a realistic sense of controlling a vehicle, and even evokes memories of arcade coin-op racers like Daytona USA. But the technology is expensive, meaning that for most wheels you need to be serious about your sim racing before buying into this feature. But this isn't most wheels. Thrustmaster has produced a cut-down, but still impressive force feedback wheel with an entry-level price tag here and it’s very desirable indeed.
The best racing wheel for MarioKart lovers
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Hori's Mario Kart racing wheel is certainly more Nintendo-fied than its wider PS5, Xbox, and PC collection. Its bright red plastic and looming M logo in the center immediately slot it onto your Switch shelf. No, it's not going to steal any aesthetic awards from the likes of more enthusiast-level brands but it's certainly a design that appeals to its fun-loving Ninty audience. Don't let that light-hearted exterior fool you, though, this is a well-built piece of kit.
Despite its $100/£100 price tag, the Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe still boasts a workable set of specs. That 270º rotation angle isn't going to threaten the 900º or 1000º+ options available further up the price range, but it's certainly more than enough for the more casual player. On Mario Kart's tighter courses, the option of shifting things down to 180º keeps things far more precise too.
It's easy to discount a cheaper racing wheel based on perceived value alone, but I was surprised by the performance of the Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe. No, there are no fancy direct-drive systems or force feedback fun here - there's just no room in the price. However, there's still a nice level of resistance behind each twist and turn and especially satisfying pedals. It's difficult to find any racing wheels at $100 / £100, let alone something that actually feels fun to play with. For casual racing sim fans who want a boost to their Mario Kart sessions, this might be one of the best racing wheels for PC.
The best racing wheel for beginners
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The Thrustmaster T128 cuts a few corners to keep costs down, but for beginners to sim-racing it’s a major improvement compared to using a controller.
✅ You’re new to sim racing
✅ Budget is a factor
✅ You don’t need a clutch pedal
❌ You’re after a high-quality finish
❌ You’ve used other wheels before
❌ You can save up a little longer
Design: Thrustmaster has kept things simple with the T128 and while the look is functional above all else it’s not without the odd flourish to add some character. There’s few flashes of red across the otherwise all black plastic construction and the whole unit maintains an impressively compact footprint.
Features: It may be our best entry level pick but you’re not missing out on much with the T128 and all the bases are covered, including force feedback. There’s an impressive array of inputs across the face of the wheel with plenty of spares to bind to your own actions. LED rev lights aren’t a given on cheaper wheels so it’s great to see them here and the same goes for the magnetic gear paddles on the rear. You do have to make a couple of concessions at this price though, the wheel itself is plastic with no leather or fabric trim and you’re limited to just a plastic gas and brake pedal too.
Performance: If you’re realistic with expectations coming in, the Thrustmaster T128 performs well as a beginner’s racing wheel. The strength and precision of the force feedback are fine, though the T128 can’t match the more expensive Logitech G923 for the more immersive details. It does give you enough to keep you informed though and will fight back against you through corners to make the experience far more enjoyable than racing with a controller. The one compromise here are the pedals which are where the T128 shows its entry-level credentials the most. They’re a little too small to be comfortable and lacking the build quality we’ve seen on other, albeit more expensive, racing wheels.
How we test the best racing wheels for PC
Why you can trust 12DOVE
In brief, every steering wheel that we have had our hands on is used in a series of different video games to accommodate for most genres. This means that we'll test the responsiveness of the sticks, face buttons, bumpers, triggers, pedals, and any other additional features found on the unit. If a wheel is wired or relies on rechargeable batteries, then the duration of the lifespan is tested, too. The same can be said for any specialist software, such as drivers, that may be included with the steering wheel as well.
For more on how we test controllers at 12DOVE check out our full article, and for something more representative of our holistic approach to the latest gear, check out our Hardware Policy.
How to choose the best racing wheel: Features glossary
Sim racing carries a lot of unique terms in its everyday language, which can make finding the best racing wheel for PC particularly difficult. If you're not sure exactly what it is you're buying, we're clearing up confusion - explaining what those common features mean and do.
Direct drive
A direct drive racing wheel doesn't utilize any belts or gears in its wheelbase, instead using a servo motor connected to the steering wheel itself. The result is a stronger sense of force feedback because there are fewer parts to run through. Direct drive wheels are far less common on the mainstream market, and can carry a considerable price tag.
Force feedback
Force feedback is the term applied to the whole system of immersion built into many of the best racing wheels. A series of electric feedback motors read input signals from the game itself to apply a certain level of resistance to the steering wheel in a rotational force, to match the on-screen action.
Hall sensor pedals
There are many different methods employed to make pedals do their thing. Hall sensor models measure the distance between a magnet and the pedal top that you push down on. This is then converted into an electric signal that relays the information to the game.
Deadzone
The phrase deadzone is used to refer to the rotation of a wheel or movement of a pedal that won't register any input to the game. This is both a blessing and a curse. For example, you can set your own deadzone on a pedal if it's particularly sensitive - to avoid accidental use while resting your foot. However, significant deadzones are particularly frustrating in both wheels and pedals.
Belt-driven
Usually used to refer to the wheelbase, a belt-driven racing wheel will use a belt and pulley to buff up a small motor within the base itself. That means a cheaper wheel can use a smaller motor, but using the force applied by the pulley to amplify the torque sensation. You will feel a smoother feedback in a belt-drive wheel than in a direct drive model, but some of the effect is lost.
Gear-driven
Many consumer wheels are gear-driven, like the Logitech G923, for example. This wheelbase method uses a small motor and a series of gears to produce stronger force feedback by amplifying torque. Again, these wheels are often cheaper because of the smaller motor required from them, but the gears are less smooth than other options.
Hydraulic pedals
Hydraulic pedals are far less common in the mainstream market, but function by measuring the force with which you are pushing the pedal to respond to braking inputs. It's far more accurate, but more expensive.
Potentiometer pedals
Potentiometer pedals are more similar to hall sensor pedals - measuring distance rather than force. However, instead of using magnets, these pedals rely on mechanical parts to register distance changes, making them more prone to failure and vulnerable to dust.
Loadcell pedals
Loadcell pedals function in a similar manner to hydraulic pedals, measuring force. However, models built with a loadcell system will be tracking the pressure placed on the pedal itself (ie, by you), rather than the force with which the pedals is being moved along the system.
Best racing wheel for PC: FAQs
Which is the best steering wheel for PC
The best steering wheel can be dependent on what platform you are using. Here we have rounded up the best steering wheel for PC and found that, in our opinion, the Thrustmaster T248 is the best option overall. It has a range of features available and does not break the bank. However, we found that the best budget option is the Thrustmaster TMX Force Feedback Racing Wheel. At its lower price point it still offers the immersion of force feedback and comes with pedals. The best value-for-money steering wheel we found to be was the Logitech G923. The 'TrueForce' force feedback on this model was insane but it was only compatible with 4 games. This is a great option for both hardcore racing gamers and people who are just looking to get started within the racing realm.
Is a steering wheel for a PC worth it?
Whether you are a hardcore racer or just someone looking to get started in racing games a steering wheel can be an amazing option for controls. It allows for a truly unique and immersive experience which cannot be obtained with a standard controller. Some steering wheels also offer force feedback which takes the immersion to a whole new level. Force feedback makes you really feel like you're behind the wheel of a car as it allows you to feel resistance particularly during terrain changes. If you are after an immersive experience then a steering wheel is the way forward.
Is Thrustmaster or Logitech better?
This can be dependent on what platform you are using due to compatibility issues. We have found that for PC, the best steering wheel is a Thrustmaster T248 as it provides a range of features without breaking the bank. However, the Logitech G923 was also a great option, with a price lower than competitor's for the same features. Features vary from brand to brand so which one is better suited to you depends on what exactly you are looking for.
For more accessories, don't forget to check out the best gaming keyboard and the best gaming mouse.
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Ever since playing Journey at the age of 15, I’ve been desperate to cover video games for a living. After graduating from Edinburgh Napier University with a degree in Journalism, I contributed to the Scottish Games Network and completed an Editorial Internship over at Expert Reviews. Besides that, I’ve been managing my own YouTube channel and Podcast for the last 7 years. It’s been a long road, but all that experience somehow landed me a dream job covering gaming hardware. I’m a self-confessing PlayStation fanboy, but my experience covering the larger business and developer side of the whole industry has given me a strong knowledge of all platforms. When I’m not testing out every peripheral I can get my hands on, I’m probably either playing tennis or dissecting game design for an upcoming video essay. Now, I better stop myself here before I get talking about my favourite games like HUNT: Showdown, Dishonored, and Towerfall Ascension. Location: UK Remote
- Rob Dwiar
- Tabitha BakerManaging Editor - Hardware