Although sim-racing made its debut on the PC, consoles have played an important role in its popularity. While PCs offer a more configurable and realistic environment, consoles make sim-racing much simpler.

Some elitist brands offer peripherals, such as steering wheels, that are only compatible with PCs, while others, even premium brands, are aimed at a much broader clientele, enabling them to develop numerous products that are compatible with consoles, such as the PS5.

I’m not telling you anything new, but for sim-racing you need a setup that includes a steering wheel, base and pedals, at the very least. Some brands offer these peripherals separately, i.e. the steering wheel alone, as well as the base (Fanatec for example), while others offer an all-in-one package(Logitech , for example). In reality, this is due to the brand’s vision. Fanatec, for example, prefers to offer its customers products that are 100% customizable and, above all, interoperable.

Brands such as Logitech prefer to offer ” budget-friendly ” solutions in the form of a steering wheel + base + pedalboard, enabling them to reduce R&D costs while passing on the savings in purchase price. But cheaper also means lower quality. Personally, I’m in favor of a low-cost solution for Sunday sim-racing sessions only. If you want to progress and invest time in this discipline, there’s nothing better than custom. At least as far as I’m concerned.

But before you start sim-racing, you first need to choose your peripherals. Yes, you can’t drive a racing car without a steering wheel! In this article, I’m going to introduce you to the best steering wheels compatible with the PS5, spread over 3 product ranges.

The best PS5 steering wheels at the top of the range

Let’s take a look at the top-of-the-range PS5 steering wheels. As far as I’m concerned, it doesn’t get any better than this.

The Fanatec Clubsport Racing Wheel F1

Advantages :

• Excellent sim-racing bundle (base + steering wheel)
• Use of blue forged carbon

Disadvantages :

• Very premium prices

I’m starting with a great bundle that will delight F1 fans, the Fanatec Clubsport Racing Wheel F1. Part of Fanatec’s top-of-the-range range, this bundle has all the options available in the catalog. Blue forged carbon, DD+ base developing 15Nm of torque, OLED screen, several paddles, lots of buttons, etc. It’s all there. It’s all here.

The design of the Clubsport Racing Wheel F1 is a replica of F1 steering wheels. So you either like it or you don’t. The blue forged carbon gives it lightness and strength. The buttons are well placed so you don’t have to take your hands off the wheel, just like in a race car. I often say that sim-racing isn’t just about doing laps on a virtual circuit. Immersion plays an important role in all this.

As for getting used to it, it can be a little tricky at first. It will take some time to get used to the Clubsport Racing Wheel F1, unless you already have a typical F1 setup. The force feedback is just enormous, with the engine’s 15 nm of torque, as is the immersion. Add a cockpit and curved screen, and you’ll be teleporting to the Monaco Grand Prix in no time.

If it weren’t for the €1,300 price tag on this bundle, I’d have no hesitation in recommending it to all sim-racers. But its high price and somewhat difficult handling mean that the Clubsport Racing Wheel F1 will only find takers among hardcore fans of the discipline.

The Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Extreme

Advantages :

• 15 nm of constant torque developed by the motor
• Excellent force feedback

Disadvantages :

• Poor button ergonomics

Fanatec’s catalog continues to grow with time, and Gran Turismo fans had the pleasure of discovering the GT DD Pro’s replacement, the GT DD Extreme. This bundle is based on Fanatec’s recently-released ClubSport DD+, which develops 15nm of constant torque and comes with a slightly reworked steering wheel from the previous bundle.

As for the wheel, we’ve gone from a flat-bottomed one to a completely round one, with a screen on top of the faceplate. Basically, these steering wheels are the same, but you can see, and feel, a slight upscale on the GT DD Extreme, which now uses vegan leather (imitation leather) around the wheel. Honestly, it’s quite a change from the old GT DD with its plastic and rubber, which really gave the impression of having a toy in your hands, and not a sim-racing setup.

As for the base, it’s the ClubSport DD+ with its 15 nm of torque, and in terms of feel and sensation, it’s really 2 notches above an 8 nm CSL DD. Details are finer, the base doesn’t clipping when you push it to its limits, and it’s also a well of sensations in sim-racing. Fanatec took its time developing this base, and it has paid off.

You can get this little gem for €1,300. Stocks are said to be good, with shipping between 4 and 7 days.

The Fanatec Podium Porsche 911 GT3 R

Advantages :

• Excellent build quality
• Premium materials
• Incredible driving sensations
• Official Porsche license

Disadvantages :

• Premium prices

So, the Fanatec Podium Porsche 911 GT3 R is part of the German manufacturer’s premium range. The name is well chosen, because with it, you’ll be in the top 3 of sim-racing, provided you apply yourself to the discipline of course.

The steering wheel consists of a 32 cm diameter aluminum wheel, a hub of buttons and paddles and a metal Quick Release, all for €650. I know, the price stings, but it’s German premium, so…

The grip is simply perfect. The steering wheel is top quality, both in feel and immersion. The wheel is minimalist, with just the Porsche logo in the middle, surrounded by suede leather and a headband at the top. It’s sublime.

In terms of functionality, there’s a hub that attaches to the back of the wheel and includes all the buttons you need, and more. I should point out that this steering wheel and its hub are typically GT3. As a result, you’ll have plenty of buttons to control everything on the vehicle, as well as a large screen to display essential information.

There are 6 paddles, 2 of which are analog. Magnetic sensors ensure ideal paddle operation, giving you light-speed responsiveness. As for the analog paddles, you’ll need them for Launch Control, etc.

As far as I’m concerned, the Podium Porsche 911 GT3 R is the best official replica steering wheel on the market. It’s simple, effective and, above all, immersive. Just put on a DD base of at least 20 nm if possible (like a Podium DD2), and you’ll be in sim-racing heaven.

The best PS5 mid-range steering wheels

I’ll now move on to the range I consider to be the best in terms of value for money. In what follows, I’m going to present a bundle (base + steering wheel) and a steering wheel on its own for the PS5.

The Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro

Advantages :

• Official Gran Turismo license
• Bundle with base, steering wheel and pedals
• Good build quality

Disadvantages :

• Steering wheel materials a bit cheap

The Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro is a steering wheel from the German brand that I really like because it’s a complete bundle. You won’t have to search for peripherals like the base or pedalboard, as everything is in the same box.

The basis for this flywheel is the 5 nm CSL DD, with an 8 nm option costing an additional €150. This base uses Direct Drive technology, which connects the motor directly to the flywheel, without any intermediary. This ensures maximum feel and sensation, since it’s a direct connection and the motor provides 5 nm of force feedback (torque). This technology is widespread in the Fanatec catalog, both in the mid-range and high-end sim-racing peripherals.

I like the steering wheel. The wheel is 28 cm in diameter and is very easy to grip. You can reach all the buttons with your thumbs, so there’s no need to move your hands. The paddles are also well placed, but small as far as I’m concerned. I’d have liked larger paddles, as the ones on the Gran Turismo DD Pro remind me of a Golf R or Audi S3.

On the steering wheel you have a RevLED and a small OLED display to provide you with essential information about the car. It’s a great addition if you ask me, especially for people who don’t like to take their eyes off the road. There was one thing I didn’t like about this steering wheel, and that was its Quick Release. The Gran Turismo DD Pro came with the plastic QR 1 Lite, and the latter was known to be decent at best. Now, the GT DD Pro is supplied with the metal QR1, which significantly improves solidity and reduces center play. This change corrects one of the most criticized shortcomings of the old versions, offering greater reliability and a more precise racing feel.

The final item in this bundle is the CSL crankset. It’s good quality, with good resistance on the pedals. Incidentally, you only get two, so there’s no option for sim-racing in manual mode. It’s a bit of a shame, but given the price (€700 in 5nm and €800 in 8nm) and, above all, the quality of the peripherals, it’s a perfectly understandable choice.

The Fanatec CSL Elite McLaren GT3 V2

Advantages :

• Excellent build quality
• Official McLaren license

Disadvantages :

• May lack grip with perspiration.

We’re off to a great start with a Fanatec steering wheel I love, the CSL Elite McLaren GT3 V2. If you’re a fan of the GT category, you’ll love this steering wheel.

The CSL Elite McLaren GT3 V2 is technically an entry-level steering wheel, at least according to Fanatec. But if we take into account its build quality, functionality and, above all, compatibility with the manufacturer’s other products, I can assure you that this little gem is a mid-range steering wheel.

I’ll say it right away: the CSL Elite McLaren GT3 V2 is sold on its own, with no other peripherals. No base, no pedals.

So, design-wise, the steering wheel is an official replica of the McLaren GT3 wheels. There are 4 aluminum rear paddles, buttons, a small OLED screen, a carbon fiber structure and a 30 cm diameter.

Handling is excellent, as is immersion. Behind the wheel, you’ll really feel like you’re in a GT3 from the British supercar manufacturer. The only drawback of the McLaren GT3 V2 is that its grips can become slippery if you get sweaty. But hey, you get yourself a pair of gloves, and the problem’s solved.

Although this steering wheel is officially licensed for Xbox, it is still compatible with the PS5, provided you have the right base.

As far as I’m concerned, the choice is quickly made: you take this steering wheel with a Fanatec DD base and you’re ready for high-level sim-racing, and above all at the relatively low price of the steering wheel (€220).

Read my full review of the Fanatec McLaren GT3 V2.

The Thrustmaster T598

Advantages :

• 5 nm of constant torque with overboost function for 100% more power
• Complete bundle at an attractive price
• Scalable crankset

Disadvantages :

• Average build quality, especially for the steering wheel
• Ergonomics that leave something to be desired

The latest axial-motor Direct Drive base from Thrustmaster T598 is proving its worth in a market largely dominated by two brands: Fanatec and Moza Racing. But how does this base measure up against direct competition from the CSL DD in 5 and 8 nm versions, and the R3 and R5? In a few words: it’s not easy, as there are many nuances in such a comparison.

The T598 is a new Thrustmaster base, announced and marketed some time ago. It’s part of a bundle including a round steering wheel and Thrustmaster’s new LTE pedalboard, which can accommodate upgrade kits.

In terms of design, it’s quite beautiful. The T598 features native compatibility with PCs and Playstations (PS4 and PS5), a feature previously only offered by Fanatec. Moza, with its R3, is compatible with Xbox and PC.

In terms of performance, the T598 develops 5 nm of torque, with an overboost function that doubles this value for short periods. In the face of competition from Fanatec or Moza, the T598 certainly performs well, but doesn’t offer the same degree of finesse in sensations. The effects produced by the T598 are blurred, showing a lack of experience in the electronic management of the Direct Drive motor.

The best entry-level PS5 steering wheels

Finally, I’d like to present 2 entry-level steering wheels compatible with the PS5. This range is characterized by low-cost peripherals, perfect for Sunday sim-racing sessions.

The Logitech G29

Advantages :

• Good value for money
• Good build quality
• Bundle with pedals

Disadvantages :

• Return of force sometimes unclear

I’m starting with a tried-and-tested steering wheel, the Logitech G29. Although this peripheral actually predates the PS5, it’s still compatible with it. The G29 is an inexpensive entry-level wheel, with a price tag in the €200 – €300 range depending on the retailer.

The G29 ‘s build quality is good, with the use of solid materials such as metal. If you think you’re going to blow this steering wheel away in 1 week, I can assure you that you won’t. The design of this steering wheel is also beautiful, remaining sober. The wheel is entirely black, with just a blue band at the top. Personally, I like it.

In terms of ergonomics, the wheel is easy to get to grips with, whatever your preferred style of play. The paddles are large and easily accessible, as are all the buttons on the wheel. Quite frankly, Logitech took their time to think through the layout of the buttons on this wheel, and I take my hat off to them.

The G29 is powered by two motors and a gear system to develop force feedback. In absolute terms, it’s fine when it works. But sometimes it’s a blur, I’ll tell you that right now. This technology is certainly reliable, but at the same time rather temperamental.

As I said above, the G29 comes with a pedalboard that’s decent, but nothing more. It consists of 3 metal pedals with a Load Cell to provide resistance. All in all, the G29 is a good bundle for sim-racing beginners.

Read my full review of the Logitech G29.

The Thrustmaster T248

Advantages :

• OLED display
• Very good build quality
• Bundle with pedals

Disadvantages :

• Hardly any

Thrustmaster is a brand known for offering quality peripherals, and the T248 is one of them. This steering wheel is fairly recent, having been developed for the PS5, which is a guarantee of longevity if you ask me.

The wheel is 28 cm in diameter, with a leather cover to protect it and give you a premium feel. Frankly, it’s great for sim-racing, especially for fans of flat-bottomed wheels. I liked the design.

There are plenty of buttons, as well as an OLED display and small paddles on the rear. This steering wheel is highly configurable and will enable you to manage your races, whatever the car discipline.

Let’s talk about the base. It’s a classic base with two brush motors to provide force feedback. Although this technology is quite simple, manufacturers of sim-racing peripherals often fail to master it, which is not the case with the T248. To be frank, the force feedback is very good for the price (less than €300 on special offers). It’s precise, dynamic and, above all, always there to let you feel what the car is doing.

The T248 is like the Logitech G29, sold as a bundle. Unlike the G29, Thrustmaster’s pedalboard is of good quality. It’s the T3PM which is precise, solid and provides a good driving feel.

Even though I’m still a fan of mid-range sim-racing, I have to admit that Thrustmaster has hit the nail on the head with the T248. It’s a very good entry-level steering wheel for the PS5 (PS4 and PC too) that could even overshadow some peripherals from more elitist brands in terms of quality-price. It’s a wheel I’d recommend to sim-racing beginners.

Read my full review of the Thrustmaster T248.

The different steering wheel ranges for PS5

Overall, manufacturers of sim-racing peripherals offer 3 product ranges: entry-level, mid-range and high-end. The aim is to have a device for everyone, even if some brands prefer to focus on one of the ranges.

• Entry-level. Products in this range are aimed primarily at sim racers who want to get started in this discipline and who don’t necessarily have a big budget for their setup. Players like Logitech and Thrustmaster have dominated this segment for a long time.
• The mid-range. Here, it’s all about quality products. Like any other peripheral, mid-range steering wheels are better in terms of quality, functionality and compatibility too. This range is aimed primarily at sim-racing fans, and even professional e-sports or racing drivers. In my opinion, Fanatec dominates this segment on all platforms.
• Top of the range. As with smartphones, there will always be high-end products, and the same goes for sim-racing. These peripherals are aimed at hardcore fans of the discipline and racing drivers who want to train in front of their screens.

How to choose a steering wheel for PS5

It’s no secret that every sim-racer has its own criteria for choosing a steering wheel. Some make sense, and others are rather personal. Like me, for example, I like to have a steering wheel that can accept a hub of buttons/paddles on the back, as this allows me to play Gran Turismo or just hang out on NFS. However, there are certain elements that a steering wheel must have, such as :

• Good force feedback. Depending on the range, the wheels, or rather the bases, have different force feedbacks, as do the technologies used. As far as I’m concerned, I prefer bases with Direct Drive, which is a more engaging technology and above all provides a better feel. But in the entry-level range, this just isn’t feasible, and you’ll have technos like geared or brushless motors.
• Good ergonomics. Ergonomics is a subjective notion. What I consider ergonomic may not be ergonomic for you, and that’s why I recommend that sim-raceurs try steering wheels before they buy them. For some brands, it’s easy enough to do this because their products are sold in stores. But for others it’s not so easy, like Fanatec, for example, which only sells its products on its online store.
• Compatibility. With a few exceptions, a PS4-compatible steering wheel will work on PS5. But this should never be an argument for buying this peripheral. You should opt for PS5-compatible steering wheels to benefit from the latest features.
• A definite budget. Sim-racing wheels can be expensive, with some tipping the €2000 mark. You need to set yourself a budget for your entire setup (steering wheel, base, crankset, monitor, etc.) and choose the steering wheel that suits you best in all that. Don’t buy a steering wheel costing over €1,000 only to pair it with a really cheap pedalboard because there was no money left in your bank account.
• Interesting features. I’m a big fan of Launch Control, which is why I always choose steering wheels with this feature, or with several paddles that can be configured. Based on the same principle, I always recommend choosing a steering wheel with as many features as possible, within budget of course.
• Availability. Brands like Logitech or Thrustmaster are available just about everywhere, which is not the case for Fanatec products. If you need to see and touch a steering wheel before you buy, consider its availability (in stores or online).
• The ecosystem. Each brand has its own ecosystem, and I strongly advise you to stick with one of them. You won’t be able to have a Fanatec base and a Thrustmaster steering wheel, for example. So remember to shop from a single manufacturer.