Best Racing Wheels of 2024: Enjoy the Thrill of Speed

For a realistic racing feeling and experience, we recommend the Logitech G920. It is comfortable and features feedback technology for extreme racing realism. However, if you are on a budget, the Thrustmaster T80 is the gadget for you. It still works great at bringing the experience of racing indoors.

One of the biggest differentiators between racing wheels has to do with the “Force Feedback” system (FFB) that they use. FFB refers to how effectively a racing wheel can simulate that “real world” feeling of driving a car since you aren’t actually in a car. There are three main types of force feedback systems. 

This is the oldest FFB option on the market and is a motor that’s connected to the steering wheel’s shaft by way of gears. These models tend to be the noisiest and often are not very precise. Compared to the other FFB systems available, this type is viewed by the gaming industry as the least ideal option. 

Belt drive force feedback racing wheels rely on a belt to simulate a racing experience. These models are quieter and are far more precise than gear drive racing wheels. However, because this style typically relies on a rubber belt, with extended use the belt can stretch or wear out easily. And often the belt can absorb the force, creating a loss in accuracy. 

This is considered the best option, especially for competitive gaming racers. The steering wheel is directly mounted on to the motor, reducing any risk of losing force or creating inaccuracies in communication. However, these higher-end models are also the priciest, often starting at $1,000, so you may not have the budget to buy one.

Founded in 1984, Thrustmaster is a U.S.-based brand that focuses almost exclusively on creating accessories for the interactive entertainment market. It specifically creates aftermarket gaming accessories for PC and consoles. In addition to our Best Value Thrustmaster T80 and Honorable Mention Thrustmaster TMX choices, Thrustmaster also creates a range of popular PC flight sticks. 

Logitech is a multinational firm that began in Switzerland in 1981. But thanks to cross-border collaboration, the brand has expanded into the Silicon Valley to focus on innovation. Logitech is a robust computer accessories brand that also creates solid gaming accessories. Along with our Best Overall choice, the Logitech G920, Logitech is best known for traditional computer accessories like wireless mice and keyboards. 

Size is an important consideration because it can impact game play. While a smaller wheel can be ideal for use in a smaller space, these options might be made from inferior materials. For example, if the wheel is made from plastic, it can feel more like a toy instead of giving you the realistic experience you were hoping to feel. 

Next, focus on how much customization you can control with your racing wheel. A quality racing wheel will give you the freedom to independently program all of the face buttons as well as the pedals. And it will feature a wheel where you can customize the degrees of rotation between 180 and 270 degrees. This is important as some games offer a better experience, depending on the degree rotation you select. 

Your pedals are important as they’ll help to create that immersive experience you need for more authentic gameplay. Good pedals should offer resistance, but you should also focus on options featuring triggers that act like paddles on racing cars to help you brake or accelerate. 

If you’re attempting to create the most authentic racing experience, your racing wheel should come with leather grips. Just like with a real steering wheel, leather grips help you hold the wheel more securely. As for gaming, this added feature—as opposed to rubber grips—helps to make the entire experience feel more realistic as opposed to simply using a basic plastic model.