Sim-racing has gained considerable momentum in recent years, especially with the advent of cockpit setups and the exploitation of this discipline by motor racing teams. Like airline and fighter pilots, racing drivers now train on simulators, usually using consumer peripherals. Yes, you read that right: F2, GT and other racing drivers train with steering wheels you can buy online. They don’t do it with Thrustmaster or Logitech, but with more immersive products.

I started sim-racing many years ago, and like you, I was lost in the choice of peripherals. Between steering wheels, pedals, basic technologies and gearshifts, everything is there to dissuade the most persevering, and I know what I’m talking about.

The world of sim-racing has recently become a sea of peripherals, and it’s very easy to get lost without a little help. In this article, I’m going to introduce you to the best sim-racing wheels on the market, trying to appeal to all pockets so as not to make anyone jealous.

Entry-level steering wheels

Let’s start with entry-level steering wheels. These steering wheels are most often sold as a bundle of base + steering wheel and pedals, and Logitech and Thrustmaster dominate this segment. I’m not going to talk about wheels alone, because you need a base to use it, and in this segment, it’s simply impossible to get a good sim-racing peripheral for less than €200.

The Thrustmaster Ferrari 458 Spider

Advantages :

• Excellent for beginners
• Very attractive price

Disadvantages :

• Quality not up to scratch
• Poor driving feel

The Thrustmaster Ferrari 458 Spider can be considered an entry-level or even low-end steering wheel. Its plastic construction allows it to have a purchase price of just €110. To make the comparison, you can get more expensive controllers than this Thrustmater, and that’s saying a lot.

In terms of build quality, it’s pretty much a children’s toy, to be honest. Nothing goes right on this wheel, and I wonder why the manufacturer even markets it. The wheel is pretty with its red and black and Ferrari logo in the middle, but that’s about it.

When designing this steering wheel, driving sensations were left out of the equation. Why not? For the simple reason that there’s no force feedback, that’s why. The steering wheel uses a spring system or something like that to reposition the wheel in the center, and this gives it a semblance of resistance.

Honestly, if you want to try sim-racing on the cheap, the Thrustmaster Ferrari 458 Spider is worth considering. But if I were you, I’d go for another steering wheel of much better quality than this one. And for those interested, it’s compatible with both PC and Xbox.

I’ve put it on this list purely for its price, which is often around €100, and because it’s a decent way to get into the discipline.

Read my full review of the Thrustmaster Ferrari 458 Spider.

The Thrustmaster T150 RS

Advantages :

• Good feel for beginners/amateurs
• Return of force
• Attractive price

Disadvantages :

• Fragile crankset

As far as I’m concerned, I’d choose the Thrustmaster T150 RS to get started in sim-racing. It’s an excellent wheel for the price, especially with what comes with it.

The bundle includes a steering wheel attached to a base and a crankset that is of half-doubtful quality. Unlike the Ferrari 458 Spider, the T150 RS has belt-and-gear power feedback. It’s not the best technology for feel and sensation, but it’s the best available in the €200 range.

This steering wheel is compatible with Sony consoles, uses a lot of plastic in its construction, and is a decent starter for sim-racing. The wheel is 28 cm in diameter, and the grip is good, even if the “leather” is a little too sticky for my taste.

The paddles are integrated, also in plastic, but that’s a plus for beginners. So you won’t have to buy a shifter to increase immersion. As for the crankset, it too is made of plastic and looks really cheap. Don’t try any heavy braking with it, or you’ll end up with only one working pedal. I don’t like it, and I’m afraid I’ll break it every time I use it.

In terms of feel and sensation, it’s okay, but nothing more. There’s some force feedback, some resistance, but not much. Again, for the price, that’s understandable, and forgivable too.

Read my full review of the Thrustmaster T150.

Mid-range steering wheels

We’re now moving on to mid-range steering wheels, with prices between €300 and €400, and sometimes €500 for certain models that are starting to reach the top end of the market. I know it’s a bit expensive for some people, but the mid-range of sim-racing wheels is made up of direct-drive or belt-drive bases, again, depending on your budget.

Fanatec CSL Elite

Advantages :

• Good force feedback and excellent sensations
• Superb build quality

Disadvantages :

• Hardly any

Fanatec is a brand known for offering top-quality products, and is considered by many, myself included, to be the best in sim-racing. With over 20 years’ experience in the game, the German manufacturer has always been a pioneer in the discipline’s technologies.

Fanatec ‘s flywheel catalog is just enormous, with products to suit all budgets and platforms. One of its peripherals, the CSL Eliteis considered the best for the money.

This steering wheel has a very attractive design and the wheel diameter is 30 cm, like most car steering wheels. A plus point for realism. Its aluminum construction gives it robustness and a premium look.

Gearshift fans will be delighted to learn that the CSL Elite incorporates two paddle shifters using Fanatec‘s Snapdome technology. Although the CSL range is, in reality, the German manufacturer’s entry-level model, it does – and this is what I like about it – incorporate technologies from much higher ranges, such as the Clubsport.

Thanks to this, you get a DirectForce servomotor that provides incredible driving sensations and force feedback worthy of a high-end base, without breaking the bank. Sim-racing fans know that Fanatec products are expensive, and the CSL Elite is no exception. Priced at almost €400, all you get is the base and the steering wheel, which can be easily replaced thanks to the Quick Release system. It’s not cheap, but at least you’ve got a quality product to keep you sim-racing for years to come.

The CLS Elite is a wheel I’d recommend for all sim-racing beginners, as well as for fans of the discipline.

The Logitech G923

Advantage :

• Bundle with pedals and steering wheel
• Good finish and build quality
• Correct feel

Disadvantages :

• Small dead zones

Le G923 is a very good flywheel + crankset bundle for €350 – €400 (depending on the retailer), at least for those who want to get started in the discipline. Based on the same mechanisms and the same sauce as the G29 and G920 steering wheels, i.e. gear-driven force feedback and a very attractive price, the G923 is well on the way to becoming Logitech’s bestseller, at least in the mid-range.

The finish is good, with leather and aluminum on the wheel, and steel on the steering column. For those who think this steering wheel isn’t solid, Logitech has proved otherwise with the materials used.

Unlike the CLS Elite, which is sold at virtually the same price, the G923 comes bundled with a high-quality crankset. The technology of this device is Load Cell, with sensitive springs to simulate the braking of a car. In reality, there are sensations, but it’s not at the same level as other braking systems like hydraulic, for example. But, don’t get me wrong, it’s quite correct for the price.

Logitech has done well to add a RevLED to this steering wheel, just above its center. It’s very handy for checking engine speed, especially if you’re a fan of manual shifting with paddles. Another positive point is the steering wheel’s compatibility. The G923 will work on all platforms, i.e. PC, Xbox One/Series, PS4/5. So if you’re looking for sim-racing, this is for you.

For just €400, frankly, it’s a good steering wheel, especially when you consider that it comes with a pedalset. Don’t expect to feel the sensations of a racing car, but it’s excellent for the price. I enjoyed using it, and indeed all Logitech products do. As far as I’m concerned, I recommend it for limited budgets.

Read my full review of the Logitech G923.

High-end steering wheels

Let’s move on to the top-of-the-range sim-racing wheels, the ones that will blur the line between simu and real racing. With the wheels I’m about to introduce, you won’t know whether you’re sim-racing or training on the Green Hell.

With this range of steering wheels, you won’t find a bundle with pedals. It will be wheels and bases only, because those who shop at this level are looking for premium, or even ultra premium, products.

The Fanatec Clubsport F1

Advantages :

• Official F1 license
• Blue forged carbon
• High force feedback

Disadvantages :

• High prices
• Handling a little difficult for beginners

The Fanatec Clubsport F1 is the German manufacturer’s top-of-the-range bundle. It’s the best of its range. The wheel diameter is 27 cm, as are racing wheels, adding an extra layer of realism.

The bundle comes with a DD+ base offering 15 nm torque, which isn’t bad at all for a sim-racing device aimed at the general public. It’s true that Simucube products can go higher, into the 25 nm range, but this brand’s peripherals are primarily intended for racing drivers, and their price is no exception.

On the Clubsport F1, you have a flurry of buttons and switches, allowing you to control everything with precision. From Launch Control to Traction Control to Dual Clutch, everything is done via the steering wheel or Fanatec’s software. It’s a very complete, high-performance ecosystem.

The Clubsport F1 paddles are magnetic, of course, and offer a high degree of intensity when sim-racing. The only weak points of this steering wheel, apart from the price of course, are its ergonomics and grip. The shape of the wheel is confusing for sim-racing beginners, as is its grip, especially with the buttons and switches.

It will take time to get used to, even if you have some sim-racing experience. Nevertheless, you’re certainly not going to buy this steering wheel if you’re looking for your first setup. Priced at almost €1,300, the Clubsport F1 is quite an expensive bundle. But if you can afford it and want the best, go for it.

Last but not least, compatibility. The Clubsport F1 works on PC and Playstation. Unfortunately, Xbox sim-racing fans won’t be able to use this magnificent steering wheel.

Fanatec Podium Racing Wheel Formula in 25 nm version

Advantages :

• Excellent feel and build quality
• 25 nm force feedback
• Bundle with wheel and base

Disadvantages :

• Ultra-premium pricing

Let’s move on to another premium product offered by Fanatec, the Podium Formula in 25 nm. As its name suggests, this steering wheel comes with a base that develops 25 nm of torque, which is even more immersive than the 20 nm of the Podium F1 we’ve just seen.

Technically, this bundle uses parts from the Fanatec catalog, namely the ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula V2.5 X, the Podium Advanced Paddle Module and the Podium Wheel Base DD2, and is priced at over €2,000. For those who can afford such a peripheral, I invite you to read on.

The wheel’s ergonomics are superb, and I’d say it’s easier to grip than the Podium F1. On the menu, carbon fiber for the construction and aluminum for the base and paddles. Speaking of paddles, there are 6 of them, including 2 analog ones. These allow you to control Launch Control, the clutch and a host of other parameters. This steering wheel is clearly designed for professional sim-racers.

The steering wheel has a small screen in the center to display essential car data and button settings. Above the display is the RevLED lap counter.

If the wheel isn’t to your liking, and you’d prefer a round or flat-bottomed one, you can change it thanks to Fanatec’s Quick Release. What’s more, the QR supplied with the Podium Formula is made entirely of metal, as you’d expect from a top-of-the-range model. So, no dead zones during use. It’s welded to the base.

As far as I’m concerned, it’s the ultimate sim-racing flywheel in this 25 nm torque configuration, and Fanatec has shown the competition, notably Simucube, that it’s still in the game, and that’s unlikely to change.

Read my full review of the Fanatec ClubSport Formula V2.5.

The components of a sim-racing steering wheel

Before I present the best steering wheels I consider for sim-racing, I must address an important subject: the components of a steering wheel. Depending on the range you’re aiming for, you’ll have peripherals with steering wheel + base forming a single piece, and you’ll also have separate steering wheels and bases.

One-piece steering wheel and base

This range of peripherals is very popular in sim-racing, especially for beginners who don’t want to invest a lot of money and time in a setup. To be honest, a base + steering wheel combo is adequate for console gamers with Forza or Gran Turismo, at least that’s what I think.

Typically, these combos, or bundles, are available at prices in the €100 to €200 range, with pedalboards included on some models. Obviously, the sensations are basic due to the motor technologies used for force feedback, and these wheels are only suitable for beginners wanting to spend a few hours a week sim-racing.

Steering wheel and separate base

As far as I’m concerned, this is where sim-racing begins, with the mid-range and high-end models. The principle is simple: you have a base with its motor (either direct drive or belt-driven) and a steering wheel that can be attached to it using a Quick Release system.

To give you a good idea of all the sim-racing wheels you can choose from, I’m going to present 3 product ranges in the discipline. In reality, there are 4 ranges of sim-racing peripherals, but the last one is essentially aimed at racing drivers (the top of the professional range).

Which one to choose?

Choosing a steering wheel for sim-racing depends on a number of factors:

• The platform. You need to choose a steering wheel that’s compatible with the platform you’re using. For example, at the very top end of the market, you’ll find wheels that only work on PCs, and this is one of the first factors to take into account.
• Budget. For sim-racing beginners, I recommend a budget of €300 to €400, and if possible a bundle with steering wheel, base and pedals. Bear in mind that the higher you go, the higher the price, while getting less bang for your buck.
• Availability. Fanatec and Simucube flywheels, for example, are only available on the stores of the two brands. There are no physical retailers for Fanatec, so you won’t be able to see the wheels, or try them out, before you buy. However, I would remind you that the products from these brands are excellent, so don’t take any chances.
• Ergonomics. Some wheels are not easy to handle, especially for beginners. We’re used to round wheels, and sim-racing on a rectangular one can be confusing for many people. That’s why you need to choose a wheel you feel comfortable with.
• The ecosystem. This point depends on how keen you are on sim-racing. If you want to break into this discipline, I advise you to stick to a single ecosystem (products from the same brand) to avoid compatibility problems. Having only Fanatec works better than having Logitech and Fanatec, for example.

Conclusion

Steering wheels are essential peripherals in any sim-racing setup. They connect you to the game, while giving you feedback on what your car is doing. Choosing one is an essential thing to do, especially for sim-racing beginners.

The first thing to consider is how much you want to invest in sim-racing. If you just want to run a few errands on a Sunday afternoon, you’re better off with an entry-level or even mid-range setup. But if you’re passionate about it, it’s best to move up to the top end over time.

Feel free to browse our rankings by platform, brand or type to make your choice:

The best wheels by platform

• PC Steering wheels
• Xbox Series X / S Steering Wheels
• Xbox One Steering Wheels
• PlayStation 4 Steering Wheels
• PlayStation 5 steering wheels

The best shuttlecocks by brand

• Fanatec flywheels
• Logitech Steering wheels
• Thrustmaster Steering Wheels

The best wheels by type

• F1 Steering wheels
• Direct Drive steering wheels