There are many, many simulation racing wheels on the market, but which one is better? Do not miss our advice when buying a steering wheel or our selection for PC, Xbox One and PlayStation 4.
Racing video games have continued to improve in recent years, as evidenced by the incredibly realistic Project Cars 2 or Forza Motorsport 7, which includes a fantastic collection of cars.
However, the player will not experience a fully immersive experience if he uses a console controller or the keyboard and mouse of a computer. It is in this context that racing simulation steering wheels come into the picture.
The steering wheels will eliminate the barrier between you and the game and will make you feel like you are really sitting in the driver’s seat. You will be able to feel how the car begins to revolutionize and vibrate with the engine.
After trying to play with a steering wheel, you no longer want to know anything about the standard controller. Now, the supply in the market is enormous. If you don’t know which one to choose, don’t miss our buying guide as well as the ranking of our favorite flyers.
Comparison: What is the best racing wheel of 2020?
Logitech Driving Force G920
- $ 399
The Logitech Driving Force G920 proves that you don’t necessarily have to spend a pasture to have a quality driving experience. It is compatible with Xbox One and PC. PS4 users should get a Logitech G29.
If you look at the design, this hand-stitched leather-covered steering wheel has pretty standard dimensions. By driving it you will feel that you are driving a high-end sports car.
Inside the steering wheel we find a force feedback system with two engines. That will allow you to feel any bumps you encounter on the road or any bumps or skids you experience. You must learn to control the steering wheel.
It is true that the 900 degrees of rotation it offers do not match the rotation of Thrustmaster steering wheels, but at this price they seem enough. The pedal unit adds more realism to the experience.
Basic Specifications
- Platform: Xbox One, PC and Mac
- Turn: 900 degree
- Steering wheel with force feedback system with two motors
- Non-linear brake pedal
- Dimensions: 270 x 260 x 278 mm (steering wheel) | 167 x 428.5 x 311 mm (pedals)
- Weight: 2.25 kg (steering wheel) | 3.1 kg (pedals)
Thrustmaster T-GT
- $ 799.99
Not many will be willing to spend € 800 on a racing sim wheel – most mortals will settle for a more discreet and cheaper one – but for those on a budget, the Thrustmaster T-GT is a very good option.
It has been expressly designed to be used with the Gran Turismo Sport game on the PS4, but luckily it is also compatible with other games and PC. Of course, to make the most of it you must use it with the Sony video game.
The T-GT includes the right technology to make sure you take home the most powerful and dynamic force feedback system on the market. With the GT Sport you will feel every vibration, every revolution of the engine.
We also like the leather finishes, which make this steering wheel a very comfortable device, although we are not entirely convinced by the aluminum part. The steering wheel includes pedal unit, but you’ll need to purchase the gear shift separately.
Basic Specifications
- Platform: PS4 and PC
- Rotation: 270-1080 degrees
- Steering wheel with force feedback system
- Brake pedal with progressive resistance
- Dimensions: TBC
- Weight: TBC
Thrustmaster TS-XW Racer
- $ 715
The Thrustmaster TS-XW Racer is priced slightly below the company’s flagship product, and it really offers quite a different setup. Keep in mind that this is a collaboration between Thrustmaster and Sparco.
That makes it have very interesting internal hardware. It has a 40 watt motor that continues to offer a high level experience despite having used it for a long time. You will experience a completely realistic driving sensation.
This steering wheel includes a pedal unit consisting of a plastic plate with three fully adjustable pedals. They respond quite well to your commands, but perhaps not as well as the Logitech G920.
As for its design, it is a replica of the Sparco P310 competition wheel, so it makes its size and design somewhat different from the others on the list. It is ergonomic, so it will not be uncomfortable to use for hours and hours.
Basic Specifications
- Platform: Xbox One and PC
- Rotation: 1080 degree
- Wheel with force feedback brushless
- Dimensions: TBC
- Weight: TBC
Racing Simulation Steering Wheel Buying Guide
For those just entering the exciting world of PC and game console racing wheels, the process of finding the right one can be a bit overwhelming, especially with all the technical concepts.
Do not worry. Below, you can find a very practical guide to know all the necessary information that you should keep in mind before deciding on a steering wheel or another, from concepts such as rotation to platform compatibility.
1. Vibration and force feedback system
In most current generation racing wheels today, we find what is known as a force feedback system. This will allow you to experience the same as in real life: lumps on roads, slippery surfaces, the presence of other cars …
It is here that the concepts of force feedback and vibration meet. Both aim to give you a realistic feeling that makes you believe that you are driving a real car. All of this improves the driving experience.
In the field of immersion, there is nothing better than a steering wheel with a force feedback motor, although they are more common in premium devices. For an even better experience, you should bet on a steering wheel with two engines, although they are expensive.
2. Steering wheel size and rotation
It is common to think that racing sim wheels are the same size as real life ones, but this is not always the case. In fact, these steering wheels are designed to recreate the feeling of driving several different car models.
On average, racing wheels usually measure about 11 inches in diameter, but obviously you can also find bigger wheels and smaller wheels. It will be up to you to decide which one is most comfortable for you.
As for rotation, the more expensive steering wheels offer greater rotation – some even reach 1,080 degrees – and will allow you to experience a more realistic feeling. By paying something less, you will have less turnover and perhaps you feel somewhat limited.
3. Pedals and other accessories
If you were thinking of buying a racing wheel without pedals, don’t do it. For a truly realistic experience, the best steering wheels include a pedal unit so that your driving is more precise and you have more control.
To live the experience to the fullest, you can also purchase a manual gear shift. There’s nothing more satisfying for a driver than hearing the gears change and the roar of the engine. Of course, this modality will complicate the game a bit.
4. Platform compatibility
Last but not least, you must make sure that the wheel you are going to buy is compatible with the platform you want to play. Generally, you will find flyers compatible with PS4, Xbox One or PC.
While the controls designed for a console are usually also compatible with a computer, they are not usually compatible with other game consoles. Thus, a PS4 wheel may also work with a PC, but you cannot use it with an Xbox One.