9 best gaming wheels

*Review of the best according to the editors. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective, not an advertisement and is not a guide to purchase. A consultation with an expert is required before purchase.

Since the Japanese arcade game Speed Race produced by Taito in 1974, the car racing genre has been firmly established in the world of gamers. It is interesting that in the same year appeared and the first game steering wheel, which was developed by the famous company Atari. Over time, the capabilities of the accessory have expanded significantly, and today some models are not inferior in functionality to the real racing wheel. The Expertology team has prepared useful recommendations for choosing and rating 9 best models of this indispensable tool for connoisseurs of virtual racing.

How to choose a gaming wheel

The first thing to pay attention to is the technical points and equipment:

1. Compatibility. Almost every modern gaming wheel works on Windows PC (Mac hardware is harder to find). As for consoles, we should choose carefully. Of course, there are universal models that will fit both PlayStation and Xbox. But more often than not, well-known manufacturers produce different versions. We have taken this into account in the rating.
2. Recoil.The only way to truly feel like you’re in a race car is with the recoil function. Vibrating recoil is cheaper, but its effect is reduced to only periodic shaking of the game wheel. Advanced models feature power feedback that fully reflects the situation on the road. For example, steering wheel can jump out of your hands if you lose control of your car. You will also feel the turns, bumps, impacts, grip. Just like in reality.
3. Turning Angle. Another important characteristic that determines the “immersion” in the race. 180 degrees is enough for kids and beginners who prefer arcade games (low-cost models of the rating), rally fans are recommended steering wheels with an angle of about 570 degrees. And if you plan to practice in simulators, it should reach values from 900 to 1080 degrees, like in real cars. Note that the control will become more realistic and more complex at the same time.
4. Pedal box. In the budget gaming steering wheel installed 2 pedals of plastic, and in the advanced – 3 metal. Here the choice depends on the gamer’s preferences and goals: economy or closeness to reality and reliability. Note also the grip.
5. Gearbox. More often the gears are shifted by paddles – such system is cheaper and easier to implement. But many steering wheels support an external gearbox (comes with the kit or bought separately), which comes in two varieties – sequential and H-shaped. The first supports only sequentially increasing or decreasing gears, the second copies the classic mechanical gearbox and is available separately for the premium representatives of our rating.
6. Among the parameters that depend on individual preferences – appearance and design, ergonomics, button layout. It is important that the steering wheel should be pleasant to the touch and lie well in your hands. For this purpose, manufacturers cover gaming steering wheel with rubber or leather (models without braids are better to refuse). Expertology specialists recommend you to check the mount type. The most reliable fixation by means of clamps. For full immersion there are additional accessories: racks, panoramic screens, racing seats, handbrake unit, etc. d.

Best games steering wheel

Best inexpensive gaming steering wheels

SPEED

NK DRIFT O.Z. (SL-6695-BKOR)

Rating: 4.8

The problem of stability, typical for the first place of the rating, is solved here – besides suction cups Defender Forsage GTR has attachment with the help of clamps. In general, the game steering wheel quickly responds to changes in position, it is compatible with almost all PC racing games, it is very easy and quick to set up. It is pleasant to hold in your hands because of the soft rubberized coating, the manufacturer has achieved good ergonomics and easy location of the buttons (a total of 12 buttons here). Shift is made with a separate lever, and we note too loud clicking.

As it should be, the model Forsage GTR has paddle paddles, but they have only one available function – a duplication of the gas pedal and brake pedals. No reassignment possible. On the one hand it is a plus: if you don’t want to use the pedals, you can control the car with the paddles. But for the most part, this functionality sits idle. As for the pedal block, it is not well designed, even for the entry level: the pedals are “overhung”, the block slips on many surfaces. But these drawbacks do not prevent Forsage GTR from taking the silver rating.

Disadvantages

• easy setup;
• fast response;
• stable performance in any modern games;
• good vibration;
• The clamps in the kit;
• 12 functional buttons;
• Nice rubberized coating;
• gear lever.

Disadvantages

• 180 degree coverage angle;
• The throttle and brake paddles have a dual function;
• Uncomfortable pedals;
• loud gear shifting.

SVEN Speedy

Rating: 4.6

The cheapest representative of our rating. SVEN Speedy top three is determined by the fact that it is designed for children from 5 to 10 years old. This is what its main advantages and disadvantages are related to.

There are no extravagances: functionality is minimal, but sufficient. There is a vibration response, which responds well to different road situations. There are 10 programmable buttons and a nice 8-way joystick on the steering wheel. The package with the device includes a disc on which the user will find proprietary software. Settings are very simple and straightforward so even a child can understand them. It’s noteworthy that the steering wheel will work even with old computers with the Windows XP operating system installed. No gear stick, but there is a pedal unit, which is a big plus for such a cheap model.

It will be inconvenient for adult gamers to use the gaming steering wheel from the third place because of its tiny diameter – only 225 millimeters. Also, the rotation is limited to 90 degrees in one direction and the other side. But the available characteristics are enough for young racers.

Advantages

• low price;
• Availability of vibration response;
• 10 programmable buttons;
• 8-way joystick;
• pedal box;
• rubber inserts for a firm grip.

Disadvantages

• no gearshift box;
• Small steering wheel diameter (225 mm);
• the angle of rotation – 180 degrees;
• “toy” design.

The best game steering wheels in terms of price-quality ratio

Thrustmaster T150 Force Feedback

Rating: 4.9

It was Thrustmaster that brought the first gaming wheel for PC on the market (1994), so it is no wonder that the manufacturer’s model is located on the first line of the rating. T150 Force Feedback is for those who are not satisfied with budget steering wheel features anymore. Here the turning angle is increased up to 1080 degrees, there is perfectly realized feedback and 14 adjustable buttons, metal petal switches and other “chips” necessary for racers.

Expertology experts mark excellent quality of assembling and stylish design. Blue perforated rubber inserts do not only look good, but also prevent the steering wheel from slipping out of hands even during intensive gaming moments. Developers paid close attention to the mounts. The steering wheel is fixed with a clamp and screws, and the pedal unit has slots for connecting to any heavy base. Thrustmaster T150 Force Feedback is compatible with PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4 and PC. Players can fine-tune the game using the proprietary software.

The weakest link of the model is the pedal unit. It is the entry level and does not match the rudder in this respect. It does not have an external gear lever. These add-ons can be exchanged and purchased separately, but then the total cost of the device will significantly increase and will not allow the steering wheel to be in the first place in the ranking of value for money.

Advantages

• Compatible with Windows PC and PlayStation 3, 4;
• adjustable steering angle (up to 1080 degrees);
• reliable mounting;
• power feedback, vibration feedback;
• stylish design, prominent blue inserts;
• high-class build, long service life;
• metal paddle shifters;
• 14 buttons for different purposes;
• proprietary software for easy and fine-tuning.

Disadvantages

• The lack of a gearbox in the kit;
• Pedal box is not of the same quality as the steering wheel.

HORI Racing Wheel Apex

Rating: 4.8

Another gaming wheel, compatible with PC, PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4. The Japanese company has taken care of the quality of assembly and ergonomics of the wheel – it is really convenient to use the device from the second place of the rating. HORI Racing Wheel Apex works in two turning modes – 180 degrees (for kids and beginners) and 270 degrees (for experienced players). All available buttons and sensitivity can be reconfigured with maximum precision – in this the Japanese have surpassed all competitors. But there is also a “fly in the ointment” – many technical side of the settings will seem too complicated.

When connected to a PS4 there is a choice between two modes, PS4-S and PS4-N. First automatic, second manual. Unfortunately, PS4-S is not compatible with all races. Other reasons that prevented the HORI Racing Wheel Apex from being at the top of the ranking are the lack of power feedback, high power consumption, a strange decision about the location of the buttons R2 and L2. But there’s a signature feature – TouchSense vibration. It was introduced by Immersion, which invented the vibration technology.

Advantages

• case made of quality plastic, nice rubber braid
• Two modes of rotation – 180 and 270 degrees;
• The possibility of maximum fine-tuning;
• Universal mounting, suitable even for non-standard racks;
• TouchSense vibration technology;
• Work with PC, PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4;
• Impressive racing design.

Disadvantages

• technically difficult to set up;
• inconvenient location of some of the buttons;
• Increased power consumption in comparison with competitors;
• Lack of power feedback;
• Many games do not support PS4-S mode.

Artplays Street Racing Wheel Turbo C900

Rating: 4.8

Gaming steering wheel Street Racing Wheel Turbo C900 from Artplays can be called a truly universal representative of the rating, because it works with both personal computers on Windows, and all popular versions of consoles (PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One). Only need to consider that in the absence of the original gamepad you can not connect. Players have 15 buttons and a D-pad. It is interesting, on the front panel there is a sensitivity control, which you can use directly during the game.

In technical terms Street Racing Wheel Turbo C900 is no different from other representatives of its price segment: the maximum angle of rotation is 270 degrees, there is a vibration response (but no force feedback), easy setup. No additional modes are available, like in the ranking competitor from HORI. Features include a gear lever (no extra cost), a stable pedal box with retractable anti-slip system.

Advantages

• Compatible with all popular platforms (PC, PlayStation 3 and 4, Xbox 360 and One);
• comfortable and stable pedal box;
• Availability of a gearshift lever;
• 270 degree turning angle;
• two vibration motors;
• clip-on mounting;
• 15 buttons on the panel and D-pad;
• quick setup.

Disadvantages

• no force feedback;
• monotonous design;
• Connection to consoles only through the original controller.

Best gaming steering wheels in the premium segment

Thrustmaster T-GT

Rating: 5.0

T-GT is a solution for real professionals and competitors of the highest level. The Thrustmaster premium steering wheel was the crowning glory of the company and deservedly takes first place in the Expertology ranking. The first point worthy of attention is the unique servo base T-GT. The amount of technology implemented here is off the charts: linear feedback T-

N, T-40VE brushless motor, T-MCE proprietary cooling and more. Accuracy and record-low response time are guaranteed by the T-F optimization algorithm.O.C. and Hall Effect sensor system. External turbine unit is provided for uninterrupted power supply.

Removable steering wheel has 25 function buttons and two miniature joysticks. Maximum angle of rotation – 1080 degrees. Another unique “feature” – 4 regulators, with which you can adjust important characteristics (fuel injection scheme, brake balancing and others). Adjustable pedal box is top-of-the-line as well. But there is no gearshift lever, which is typical of all premium steering wheel ranking members.

A special gift from Thrustmaster for the fans of Gran Turismo Sport – TDFB technology. It takes the power feedback to a new level, you will not find analogues of competitors. The player will feel absolutely everything: wheel grip, suspension, different types of road surfaces, etc. d. Thanks to the T-DFB, the T-GT steering wheel has been dubbed the “real simulator”.

Advantages

• 25 function buttons;
• 2 customizable mini-joysticks;
• 1,080 degree turning angle;
• PC and PS4 compatibility;
• premium materials (durable plastic, metal, genuine leather);
• Removable steering wheel and exclusive T-GT servo base;
• 3 adjustable metal pedals;
• External power supply in the form of a turbine;
• linear feedback;
• patented cooling system;
• maximum precision thanks to T-F technology.O.C.

Disadvantages

• very high price;
• No external gearbox;
• T-DFB technology only works in GT Sport.

Thrustmaster TMX Pro

Rating: 4.8

If you are not willing to part with a lot of money for T-GT, TMX Pro gaming wheel is a great alternative from the same manufacturer. It costs less and doesn’t have the exclusive technologies mentioned above. Nevertheless, the model is great for beginners and professionals alike. It’s the “Pro” version, not just the “TMX” version, that’s in our ranking because it comes with a professional unit with three adjustable metal pedals. But there is predictably no gearshift lever.

The steering angle of the TMX Pro ranges from 270 to 900 degrees and the buttons have 15 different functions. The paddles deserve special attention: they are very wide, comfortable and made of metal. The shape of the steering wheel is realistic and ergonomic, but the braid is rubber, not leather. The accessory automatically connects to the Xbox One thanks to certified firmware.

Advantages

• 15 buttons (with paddles);
• adjustable rotation angle (from 270 to 900 degrees);
• T3PA professional pedal box included;
• wide metal petal switches;
• realistic shape, suitable for different types of races;
• proprietary force feedback (12 functions);
• The user friendly and intuitive PC software;
• auto-tuning when connected to Xbox One, certified firmware.

Disadvantages

• No gear shift (sold separately and very expensive);
• A simple rubber braid that doesn’t match the premium segment.

Logitech G920 Driving Force

Rating: 4.

Logitech G920 Driving Force and Thrustmaster TMX Pro gaming steering wheels are in the same price segment, but the first device has to settle for third place for several reasons. The main one is the pedal unit. It is not as high quality and thoughtful as the T3PA. First, the unit slips on many surfaces and in the heat of a tight race can simply go far under the table. Second, it has an unusually tight brake pedal. The problem can only be solved by increasing the sensitivity to the maximum or manually tweaking the design, which is not recommended.

Otherwise, the Logitech G920 Driving Force is a good choice for experienced players. Especially pleased with the appearance of the steering wheel (it is not completely round), leather braid, comfortable grip. The manufacturer has not spared metal – the design looks reliable. The angle of rotation is adjustable, there is force feedback. Also, the model is stable on Apple computers. G920 version is compatible with Xbox One (you need the G29 to play on PlayStation).

Advantages

• Stylish design, leather sheathing;
• comfortable grip;
• Large amount of aluminum and steel in the design;
• Compatible with PC (including Mac) and Xbox One;
• a turning angle of up to 900 degrees;
• power feedback, vibration feedback.

Disadvantages

• no external gear shifter;
• The lack of a power button;
• The need for additional pedal mounts;
• The brake pedal is very tight.

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