The PlayStation 5 has awide collection of amazing gamesfor gamers, including a wide library of racing simulators. And while there areplenty of PS5 controllersto choose from, nothing compares to the magic of a proper PS5 racing wheel. It gives the user full control over the steering, a satisfying jolt of shifting gears, coupled with the immersive rumble feedback.
Whether it’s a sweaty track inGran Turismoor a rally race inDiRT, the right steering wheel can make all the difference. From budget-friendly models that don’t skimp on quality to high-end setups that mimic the feel of a real race car, Game Rant has compiled the list of best PS5 racing wheels on the market. Not only will these steering wheels enhance control and precision, but they’ll also add a layer of realism that a standard controller just can’t match.
Game Rant’s Picks for the Best PS5 Racing Wheels in 2024
Logitech G923 Racing Wheel and Pedals
The Logitech G923 is the reigning champion when it comes to overall value and performance for PS5 racers. The racing wheel, coupled with the company’s Driving Force Shifter offers a realistic feel like no other.
The G923 builds upon the strengths of the G29 by offering an even more refined force feedback experience. It features TRUEFORCE technology, making the user feel more connected to the virtual car than ever before. This is because the G923 uses direct sensors to produce more detailed and realistic feedback from the game’s physics and audio.
Owing to its price tag, the G923 also boasts a high-quality build. The wheel cover is protected by high-quality leather that’s hand-stitched. Add to that, there’s a solid steel gear shaft coupled with polished metal pedals for an added premium feel.
As for the Driving Force Shifter, it offers a six-speed shifter coupled with a push-down reverse gear mode. And since it’s a separate accessory, the user can decide whether to place it on their left or right side while driving. Similar to the G923, the Shifter is also wrapped in high-quality, hand-stitched leather. Ideal for gamers who want the best combination of performance, quality, and immersive features, the G923 excels in virtually every aspect.
HORI Racing Wheel Apex for PlayStation 5
For budget-conscious gamers as well as beginners, the HORI Apex Racing Wheel is a solid recommendation. While it lacks the realistic feel along with the rumbling feedback of more expensive models, it acts as the perfect gateway for folks who have never experienced the feel of gaming with a racing wheel before.
For gamers who are just dipping their toes into the world of racing games on the PS5 and want a solid experience without burning too much cash, the HORI APEX Racing Wheel is a fantastic choice. It offers a smooth and responsive wheel that makes every turn and drift feel thrilling. The wheel itself also features 270 degrees of rotation with precise control. As for the setup, it works straight out of the box and is officially licensed by Sony.
Unlike the more expensive models, the HORI APEX doesn’t have force feedback. That said, it compensates for it with strong vibration features that provide a sense of the road and its conditions. It compensates for it with strong vibration features that provide a sense of the road and its conditions. For space-conscious users, the APEX once again shines due to its compact nature. It’s also quite lightweight, making it convenient to store and use, even in smaller spaces.
Logitech G29 Driving Force Racing Wheel
The Logitech G29 allows the user to take racing a step further. It introduces force feedback, which vibrates and shakes the wheel to simulate the feel of the road. Logitech is also one of the most reputed brands in the gaming scene, and it offers excellent reliability without costing a fortune either.
The Logitech G29 is a stellar pick for gamers who crave a more immersive racing experience at an accessible price point. What sets it apart is its force feedback system. It realistically simulates road vibrations and the resistance of the steering wheel during tight turns. It also can replicate the feeling of fighting to keep control of the car on tricky terrain.
The force feedback on the G29 is powered by dual-motor technology, offering a tactile response that significantly enhances gameplay. And compared to the HORI APEX, the G29 supports a 900-degree rotation. This means the user can turn the wheel around two and a half times, making it quite similar to an actual race car. However, one thing to note is that the wheel doesn’t self-center like a proper car.
Despite its comparatively budget pricing, Logitech hasn’t compromised on the aesthetics either. The G29 features a leather-wrapped steering wheel, along with durable stainless steel paddle shifters and pedals. For folks looking for a significant upgrade over a controller with the added benefit of force feedback, the Logitech G29 is a fantastic option.
Thrustmaster T248P
The THRUSTMASTER T248P perfectly balances affordability and features, making it a great choice for aspiring sim racers. It integrates a hybrid drive system that mixes belt and gear mechanisms. As a result, the user can experience a smoother and more responsive feel than gear-only systems.
The THRUSTMASTER T248P comes with a decent price tag and stands out with its magnetic paddle shifters. There’s also a dashboard display on the wheel itself, which shows real-time information like speed, gear, and RPM. This can significantly enhance a gamer’s racing strategy and immersion, letting them feel like they’re actually behind the wheel of a high-performance race car.
The highlight of the T248P is its hybrid drive system that combines smooth gear-driven forces with powerful magnetic effects. This hybrid approach delivers a force feedback that’s both powerful and nuanced. Simultaneously, the user will also experience subtle changes in the road surface and tire grip.
The THRUSTMASTER T248P offers a significant leap in features and performance compared to budget options. That said, folks who prefer a Dual Belt system as opposed to the hybrid drive system on the T248P, can opt for theThrustmaster T300 RS. It’s a high-end racing wheel with 1080-degree rotation but comes at a more premium price tag.
Thrustmaster T-GT II
For the die-hard Gran Turismo fan, look no further than the Thrustmaster T-GT 2. It’s an officially licensed wheel designed specifically for the world of Gran Turismo. As one would expect, it comes with a plethora of features that perfectly complement the game, with the highlight being its innovative T-DFB (Dynamic Force Feedback) technology.
The Thrustmaster TGT 2 is tailor-made for fans ofGran Turismo, which is one of the most iconic racing series for the PlayStation. The TGT 2 uses a brushless motor that offers incredibly smooth and responsive force feedback, allowing the racer to feel every aspect of the car’s behavior. Additionally, the 40-watt brushless motor also ensures the longevity of the machinery.
Further adding to the durability is its electronic design with AEC-Q-certified printed circuit boards. In layman’s terms, these are taken from the real-world automotive industry, to ensure a similar experience for professional racers who use simulation gear for practice. There’s also the company’s T-Turbo power technology, which is designed to handle the high-intensity demands of prolonged racing sessions.
The TGT 2 also includes a set of high-end pedals, with the brake pedal equipped with a load cell sensor for highly accurate pressure detection. There are also Alcántara grips and real leather to offer a premium and realistic racing feel. While the Thrustmaster T-GT 2 is definitely a costly investment, it’s the definitive choice for fans of Gran Turismo on the PS5.
Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro
For dedicated sim racers that demand the absolute best, the Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro is the pinnacle of PS5 racing wheels. Unlike traditional gear-driven systems, this Fanatec racing wheel comes with a direct drive system. This provides the most authentic and detailed force feedback available.
The Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro is a top-of-the-line racing wheel setup, which at its heart, has the Direct Drive motor. What it means is that the wheel is directly connected to the motor without any belts or gears. This translates to unmatched responsiveness and detail, letting the player feel the car’s every nuance.
The steering wheel comes with a white OLED display and diffused RevLED strip that offers useful visual information while driving. The sleek design also houses customizable buttons alongside the Gran Turismo logo and familiar PlayStation input buttons. As for the pedals, they feature precise and durable Hall sensors, along with adjustable pressure points that allow the player to tailor the braking experience to their preference.
Another area where the DD Pro stands out is customization. It’s compatible with a wide range of accessories, including Fanatec’s Tuning Kit for metal pedal faces and the Clutch Kit for fans of manual transmission. There’s also the Load Cell Kit, which offers a third pedal alongside an upgrade for both the brake and main electronics.
This steering wheel is the dream setup for anyone looking to invest in their racing hobby seriously. The Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro offers an unmatched experience for professional sim racers, and manages to justify its premium price tag.
FAQ
Q: Do I need a steering wheel with force feedback?
Force feedback is a game-changer for immersion, but not essential. For casual racers, a non-force feedback wheel like the HORI APEX can be a good starting point. That said, for a more realistic experience, force feedback is highly recommended.
Q: Can I use these wheels with games other than racing titles?
Ideally, racing wheels are designed specifically for racing games. While they might work with some other titles, the experience wouldn’t be satisfactory.
Q: How do I set up my PS5 racing wheel?
Setting up a PS5 racing wheel is quite easy. It generally involves mounting the wheel to a stable surface, connecting it to your console via USB, and calibrating it through the game’s settings. That said, some wheels might require additional steps, like calibrating the wheel or pedals, for which you should consult the wheel’s manual.
