Sim-racing has long shone on PCs, with increasingly realistic simulations. It has to be said that computers are still the best performing platform in terms of realism, and it’s impossible to compare a system costing between €3,000 and €4,000 to a console costing no more than €500. It makes no sense to do such a thing.
However, there’s no denying that consoles are more popular than PCs, if only in terms of price and user-friendliness. An Xbox One, for example, you buy it, plug in the connections (power and HDMI) and you’re good to go. A PC isn’t exactly the same thing.
On a computer, you have to choose the parts individually, assemble the computer, install the OS and all the drivers, see if the system is stable, and then finally enjoy yourself. But there are several steps involved, and that can be a deterrent for some.
For a long time, Microsoft’s console has been the most disadvantaged in terms of sim-racing peripherals, even though, in reality, it’s home to the finest video titles. Need For Speed, Forza and so on are all present on the Xbox One, yet sim-racing wheels worthy of the name are rare. But fortunately for sim-racers on Microsoft’s console, things have changed over time, and we now have a flurry of quality sim-racing wheels and other peripherals, with products from premium brands like Fanatec.
In this article, I’m going to introduce you to the best steering wheels available on the Xbox One, what the different steering wheel ranges are and, above all, what the most important things to look for on such a peripheral are.
The best entry-level Xbox One steering wheels
The Logitech G920

Advantages :
- Good value for money
- Complete bundle
- Good ergonomics
Disadvantages :
- Unclear force feedback
We start with a tried and tested product, the Logitech G920. This steering wheel shares many features with its brother, the G29, as they are in fact a single device with two versions designed for consoles (Xbox and Playstation).
The G920 is a very popular steering wheel among both sim-racing beginners and enthusiasts. Its design is sober, with a black coating and anodized aluminum. Frankly, I love it. The steering wheel’s ergonomics are very good, and it only takes a few moments to get the hang of it.
The dozen buttons are well placed, all around the wheel so you don’t have to do too much gymnastics to reach them. There are also two good-sized paddles at the rear for quick shifting.
As far as the G920‘s base is concerned, it uses two geared motors to provide force feedback. In the entry-level segment, this is the best there is in terms of base technology, even if it’s not often linear. Let me explain. The motors use two helical gears to provide smooth, silent steering – well, in theory. In practice, the steering is quite blurred. Sometimes it works well with the right dosage, and sometimes it’s completely off the mark. In fact, this is the only weak point I can find in this steering wheel.
All in all, the G920 is an excellent bundle for getting started in sim-racing on the cheap. Often priced at less than €300, this steering wheel remains a must-have in the discipline.
Read my full review of the Logitech G920.
The Thrustmaster TMX

Advantages :
- Good entry-level steering wheel
- Good grip
- High-quality force feedback
Disadvantages :
- Engine sometimes noisy
Thrustmaster is a major player in the simulation peripherals industry, with products for all disciplines, and the TMX represents the best value for money in the entry-level segment.
The TMX ‘s design is sober, with a wheel that’s 28 cm in diameter, buttons on it, a plastic base and pedals too. Overall, it’s not at all flashy, and I like that. What I don’t like so much, however, is the overall ergonomics of the product.
Admittedly, the steering wheel is easy to grip, but the buttons aren’t superbly placed for my taste. You even have some on the base, behind the steering wheel, which makes them difficult to press “on the fly”. However, the paddles are large and, above all, made of metal.
The base of the TMX uses a brushless motor and a belt to provide force feedback. The advantage of this technology is that you can control the power output, and therefore the force. The torque is linear, perfect for sim-racing, but the motor makes noise when it’s running. I therefore recommend noise-canceling headphones for your sim-racing sessions.
As for the pedalboard, it’s really cheap. If I were you, I’d get another one, especially considering that this bundle isn’t even €200.
Read my full review of the Thrusmaster TMX.
The Moza R3 Bundle

Announced with great fanfare a few months ago, the Moza R3 entry-level bundle, developed in partnership with Microsoft for Xbox Series X/S and PC, is finally being marketed by the Chinese brand!
The aim of this bundle was to compete with Fanatec and its dominance of consoles (Playstation and Xbox) with its CSL DD bases. As you know, manufacturers of sim-racing peripherals have to work closely with Sony and Microsoft to make their products compatible with consoles. Controllers (chips) need to be installed on sim-racing peripherals to enable communication between them and consoles.
Obviously, if you’re new to the industry, as is the case with Moza, a brand that has only been active in sim-racing since 2021, the task looks daunting, to say the least. But Moza, in partnership with Microsoft, is looking to change the game on Xbox.
The R3 bundle includes a 3.9 nm torque Direct Drive base, an Xbox-specific steering wheel (with console buttons) and the standard SR-P Lite pedalboard. The R3 base follows the design of its big sister, the R5, but in a more compact format. Moza also supplies a Table Clamp with its bundle, enabling the base to be installed on any furniture in your home.
In terms of feel, the R3 offers a good reproduction of the effects of the sim-racing track in front of you, far better than those produced by Logitech G923s and Thrustmaster TXs, and not too expensive either (€450). This bundle is available from authorized Moza Racing distributors in France.
The best mid-range Xbox One steering wheels
The Logitech G923 TrueForce

Advantages :
- Excellent value for money
- Good build quality
- Complete bundle
Disadvantages :
- Return of force sometimes unclear
Le G923 from Logitech is, in fact, a major evolution of the G29 and G920 wheels. Logitech noticed that these two wheels worked really well, so it decided to improve them instead of developing a brand new one. It’s not stupid, and it works.
So the G923 takes the design of its big brothers and adds its own touch. Honestly, it’s beautiful, ergonomic, sober and, above all, well made. The steering wheel is easy to grip, with all buttons within easy reach. The structure is made of metal, so there’s no need to worry about its solidity, and the entire rim is covered in leather to give it a more premium feel. The steering wheel also features RevLED and programmable Launch Control.
The base is the same as that of the G29/G920, but improved, and above all incorporates TrueForce technology developed by Logitech. This technology connects directly to the game engine to retrieve data and dose force feedback. In absolute terms, it works great and greatly improves the feel, but sometimes it’s a bit buggy. As this is a new technology, there are compatibility problems with titles, and I hope Logitech will be able to fine-tune its little baby with updates.
Last but not least, the crankset. It has three good-quality pedals, with a spring system on the brake to provide progressive and, above all, adjustable resistance. For the price (less than €500), this is an excellent bundle, both complete and above all perfect for amateurs and fans of sim-racing. In any case, I like it and highly recommend it.
Read my full review of the Logitech G923.
The Fanatec ClubSport Forza Motorsport

Advantages :
- Official Forza Motorsport license
- Excellent build quality
- Supercar-style button hub
Disadvantages :
- Premium prices
Visit ClubSport Forza Motorsport is an excellent mid-range steering wheel from Fanatec, albeit at a premium price.
Its design is sublime, with a wheel that’s 33 cm in diameter (a little big for my taste), a flat bottom, an aluminum structure and leather all around. It’s sublime and above all minimalist, and I love minimalism.
In terms of ergonomics, the ClubSport Forza Motorsport is very easy to get to grips with, despite its size, which is very similar to a car steering wheel. You’ve got a button hub with Porsche and AMG-style extensions to all the Xbox controller buttons, plus 16 buttons on top. Frankly, that’s more than enough for even professional sim-racing. What’s more, Fanatec has added a small screen above the Forza Motorsport ClubSport hub to display critical vehicle data.
The pallets are large, but only 2 in number. Honestly, I was expecting at least 4, given the price of the bundle. However, the paddles are magnetic, ensuring ultra-fast shifting and lightning-fast responsiveness.
Also, this steering wheel is equipped with a metal Quick Release, which is superb. You won’t have to worry about disconnections or dead centers. What’s more, this steering wheel is compatible with virtually all the German manufacturer’s bases, giving you a wide choice in this respect. You can take a CSL DD base or a ClubSport Wheel Base V2.5 for sim-racing at a low price (between €350 and €550), although in reality the final bill will be at least €850 with the wheel. As I said earlier, this is a premium-priced wheel, but I highly recommend it for Xbox One.
The best top-of-the-range Xbox One steering wheels
The Fanatec ClubSport Porsche 911 GT3 R V2

Advantages :
- Build quality worthy of Porsche
- Official Porsche license
- Metal hub and QR
Disadvantages :
- Premium prices
Another entry in this list, the Fanatec ClubSport Porsche 911 GT3 R V2. Admittedly, it’s part of the German manufacturer’s ClubSport range, which is technically mid-range, but given its price, it’s top-of-the-range in my book.
The ClubSport Porsche 911 GT3 R V2 is, as the name suggests, officially licensed by Porsche GT3. Long story short: it’s gorgeous. Aluminum frame, leather all around, Porsche logo in the center. It’s minimalist and sublime at the same time, and I love it.
The grip is excellent, with a wheel 32 cm in diameter and a flat bottom. This steering wheel doesn’t actually have any buttons, as these are part of a hub (the Podium Button Module Endurance), as are the paddles. The hubs are inspired by racing, and will therefore be confusing for sim-racing beginners. This steering wheel is clearly aimed at a specific audience: hardcore sim-racing fans and professional drivers.
Also present on the Podium Module is a large OLED display showing detailed data on modes, speed, RPM, gear engaged, etc. This is, by the way, the largest display Fanatec offers on its products, and I love it. In fact, it’s the largest screen Fanatec offers on its products, and I love it.
Like many other models from the German manufacturer, the ClubSport Porsche 911 GT3 R V2 features a metal Quick Release to ensure reliability and realism. This QR also enables you to attach this steering wheel to virtually any Fanatec base, provided it is compatible with Microsoft’s console.
Now for the price. Listed at €720 excluding special offers, this bundle is expensive. That’s to be expected, since you’re getting peripherals from Fanatec ‘s Podium catalog that make up a premium steering wheel. Don’t forget that you’ll need a Fanatec base to use this wheel.
As far as I’m concerned, it’s the ultimate all-round sim-racing wheel on the market. With it, you’ll be able to do loads of gaming sessions, whatever the discipline.
The Fanatec Podium Racing Wheel F1

Advantages :
- F1 premium steering wheel
- High-quality materials
- Complete bundle, with 20/25 nm DD base
Disadvantages :
- Difficult to handle
- High prices
I’ll finish with a superb wheel that’s not really for everyone, the Fanatec Podium Racing Wheel F1. As the name suggests, it’s a wheel primarily designed for F1 fans, and if you ask me, you’ll find it hard to do anything else with it. Borderline GT2, but it’s still a pretty niche wheel, as they say.
Design-wise, well, it’s beautiful, but you’ve got to love it. The steering wheel is carbon fiber, with Alcantara on the wrists to provide grip. You’ve got 11 buttons, switches, 6 paddles (including 2 analog ones) and an OLED screen. The colors are flashy, and it’s a wheel that won’t go unnoticed on your setup, I’m telling you. Wheel rotation can be set between 90° and 1080°, giving sim-racers plenty of options.
The bundle comes with the Podium Wheel Base DD2 with a maximum torque of 25 nm, which is simply enormous. You’ll be able to feel everything your car does, down to the smallest detail.
I’ve talked about the good things about this steering wheel, now it’s time for the bad. The first is its handling, which is not easy for amateurs or beginners in sim-racing, and this steering wheel is clearly not intended for such people. Even with my hundreds of hours of sim-racing, it took me some time to get used to this steering wheel.
And the second weak point is its price. At almost €1,800 excluding special offers, the official F1 license has to be paid for. But at the same time, you get a magnificent carbon fiber steering wheel and a DD base of 25 nm max. I say the price is justified, especially as the bundle is often on special offer at €1300.
Read my full review of the Fanatec Podium Racing Wheel F1.
The different steering wheel ranges on Xbox One
It’s worth noting that sim-racing is a lucrative market for the right players, and so you have several ranges of peripherals to target the maximum number of people. I have to say, there’s no point in selling products to a handful of fans when you can reach the entire spectrum of sim-racing enthusiasts.
Generally speaking, sim-racing peripherals are divided into three ranges: entry-level, mid-range and high-end. Each sim-racer is unique, which is why the products are so varied. Personally, I like to move up to the mid-range, because – and this remains my opinion – it’s the segment that offers the best value for money. You get good technology and, above all, all-round functionality for relatively low prices, because it’s very easy to go for a setup costing over €1,000 in the mid-range.
Entry-level
This range is characterized by products and peripherals that are primarily geared towards people wanting to get started in sim-racing. The leading brands in this segment are Logitech and Thrustmaster, and they often offer budget-friendly options at under €300 for a steering wheel, base and pedalboard.
With this range, options are limited, as are motor technologies and functionalities. For example, in sim-racing, force feedback is more realistic with a Direct Drive motor, which consists of connecting the steering wheel directly to a powerful motor. Except that this is not an option for this range, for price reasons. You’re not going to buy an entry-level steering wheel + base at over €600, are you?
The mid-range
In my opinion, the mid-range sim-racing range offers the best value for money. You get very well-made, quality products, with interesting features, and all without siphoning off your bank account.
On this range, at least on the top end, you have peripherals with technologies like Direct Drive motors, RevLEDs, OELD screens, both magnetic and analog paddles, leather on the steering wheel, and so on. Honestly, this is the range to buy if you’re an amateur or fan of sim-racing, or even a beginner driver. You’ll get excellent sensations, as well as a high level of immersion.
Top of the range
This is the place for the big players, with brands like Fanatec more or less dominating the market. This range is characterized by superbly crafted products, with an eye for detail. Typically, top-of-the-range steering wheels are made in partnership with brands such as BMW, McLaren, Porsche, or officially licensed for competitions such as GT3, F1, etc.
When it comes to technology, you’ve got all the bells and whistles. Direct Drive base, hubs, aluminum paddles, carbon fiber for the wheels, Alcantara, and more. Everything that’s beautiful, expensive and above all premium can be found on these steering wheels, with the price that goes with it.
Top-of-the-range steering wheels are luxury products, with prices easily exceeding €1300 and titillating €2000. If you haven’t already heard, sim-racing can be a very expensive passion.
What should you look for on an Xbox One steering wheel?
Let’s talk about the most important elements a steering wheel should have, whether on Xbox One or another platform. In what follows, I’d like to point out that these are purely personal preferences, as each sim-racer is looking for very specific elements.
- Ergonomics. Ergonomics is a subjective point, as each person is unique and therefore views ergonomics differently. In absolute terms, you should look for a steering wheel that is ergonomic and also feels good in the hand. What’s more, you need to feel comfortable using it, as sim-racing is a very demanding discipline, just like motor sports in general.
- Functionality. Not all sim-racing wheels on Xbox One are the same, and most differ in terms of functionality. Your best bet is to look for a steering wheel with the features you want, such as a RevLED, OLED screen, 4 paddles, etc. You need a device that ticks all the boxes you need in sim-racing.
- Build quality. I’m telling you straight out: don’t look for cheapskate brands, because you’ll end up with products made off the shelf. Concentrate on brand-name peripherals, made from quality materials. A steering wheel should keep you happy for many years, not just a few weeks before it explodes in a blaze of glory.
- The ecosystem. So, the ecosystem is specific to each brand, and each develops its own to work perfectly with its products. If you sign up with one brand, you’ll be locked into its ecosystem, unless you change all your peripherals. A Fanatec steering wheel, for example, will only work with a base and pedalboard from the same brand, especially on a console.
- Bundles. While I’m a fan of customizing peripherals, bundles are great for getting started with sim-racing on Xbox One, or any other platform for that matter. Look for bundles with steering wheel, base and pedalboard to get everything at once, without looking for compatible ones.
Which one to choose?
- The budget. First of all, you need to define a budget for your steering wheel, as well as for all other peripherals. If you’re just starting out in sim-racing, or want to do a few hours a week, a budget of €300 is sufficient for all peripherals. For intermediate fans, you’re looking at €500 or even €600. And if you’re a hardcore fan, there’s really no limit to setups.
- The degree of immersion. Related to the previous point, the degree of immersion differs from one person to another. The higher up the scale you go, the more you’ll feel, and the more immersed you’ll be.
- Availability. Brands like Logitech and Thrustmaster are available in stores, while others are not (Fanatec among others). If you’re the kind of person who wants to see and touch a product before you buy it, you won’t be able to do that for all steering wheels.
- Compatibility. I advise you to look for steering wheels that are both compatible with Xbox One, as well as the X and S Series. By doing so, you’ll have a product that can last a long time, and not just on the console you have.
- Bundles. This point is aimed at sim-racing enthusiasts and beginners: I recommend that you always choose bundles with steering wheel, base and pedals. You won’t have to go to the trouble of looking for products that are compatible with each other, and your wallet will be better off because bundle prices are often reduced.
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