Which racing wheel is best?
If you have a need for speed and a thirst for a high-octane gaming experience, make sure to purchase your own racing wheel.
It’s easy to feel fully immersed in games like “Forza” and “Need for Speed” when you sit behind a racing wheel. They do more than offer precision driving with an impressive turning radius — racing wheels deliver simulated experiences through realistic feedback every time drivers cut the wheel, drift or clip the bumper of a fellow driver’s racecar.
To help make your choice a simple one, read our buying guide. We’re covering everything you need to know about racing wheels, and we’re sharing a few recommendations. Our top choice, , earns praise for its realistic dual-motor feedback and responsive pedals.
What to know before you buy a racing wheel
Size
The average racing wheel measures between 10 to 13 inches in diameter. For perspective, the average steering wheel of an actual car is between 14 and 17 inches. As expected, the larger the racing wheel, the more realistic the driving experience feels.
Button layout
There’s some variation among racing wheels when it comes to button layout. While this can be a source of frustration to new users, keep in mind that most games allow players to reconfigure settings. For that reason, there’s a fairly small learning curve with most racing wheels.
Rotation angle
Rotation angle is a key indicator of how much control you have over the racing wheel in a game. Most entry-level racing wheels, for example, have a limited turning radius of only 270 degrees. Midrange racing wheels offer somewhere around 360 degrees, and premium racing wheels offer as much as 1,080 degrees.
What to look for in a quality racing wheel
Wireless operation
There are many wireless racing wheels on the market, and their cordless design affords players the luxury of sitting virtually anywhere in the room while they race. Battery life is a key feature to compare among wireless models, especially if you regularly race for a few hours at a time. On average, most wireless racing wheels offer up to six hours of gameplay per charge.
Force feedback
Force feedback is one of the most immersive attributes of racing wheels. This is achieved through engineered electric motors that shoot feedback to the wheel every time players hit speed bumps, drift, or crash into walls. It’s a prized feature, so it comes as no surprise that it’s an expensive one.
Pedal sets
Some racing wheels come with pedal sets, adding another realistic dimension to racing simulation. Some pedal sets only come with two pedals, though many gamers prefer three-pedal designs so they can realistically shift gears with a clutch.
Integrated gauges
Advanced racing wheels feature integrated gauges, such as tachometers and speedometers. These help drivers maintain tighter focus and better control over their vehicle, particularly during complex maneuvers or performance racing.
How much you can expect to spend on a racing wheel
Entry-level racing wheels with arcade-esque design cost $100 or less. Feature-rich racing wheels with far better construction run between $150 and $300. High-end racing wheels with highly responsive designs and plenty of bells and whistles cost $500 and above.
Racing wheel FAQ
Q. Where do I put the racing wheel while I’m using it?
A. Most players place the racing wheel on a desk or TV tray. Some racing wheels are equipped with suction cups to prevent them from sliding around while you maneuver the wheel.
Q. Are all Microsoft racing wheels compatible with PCs?
A. Unfortunately, they’re not. Many licensed Microsoft racing wheels are only compatible with Xbox One and Xbox 360.
What are the best racing wheels to buy?
Top racing wheel
What you need to know: This racing wheel boasts premium construction and realistic detail to deliver an immersive racing experience.
What you’ll love: The steering wheel and controls are responsive with dual-motor feedback. It’s compatible with PS5, PS4 and most PCs. Pedals are the perfect size to operate with shoes or barefoot.
What you should consider: The software and drivers need to be installed on PCs before use.
Worth checking out
What you need to know: This is a high-end comprehensive racing wheel suitable for competition or esports gaming.
What you’ll love: The lifelike controls include an impact feedback system from a mixed belt-pulley system. It has a wheel-mounted paddle shifter you can also purchase as an add-on, and it comes with a magnetic, two-pedal set.
What you should consider: Some users thought the wheel was too small.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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