Best Sim Racing Wheels for PS5: From Budget to High-End

Best Sim Racing Wheels for PS5: From Budget to High-End

Hey there, fellow sim racers! Today, we're diving deep into the world of sim racing wheels for PS5. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, we've got options to suit every skill level and budget. Let's get into the nitty-gritty of each wheel and find the perfect match for your virtual racing needs!

1. Best Overall: Fanatec GT DD Pro

Key Features:

• Motor Type: Direct Drive

• Rotation Range: 2520 degrees

• Force Feedback: 5Nm (standard), upgradable to 8Nm with boost kit

• Gran Turismo licensed product

• Comes with steel two-pedal set

Pros:

• Powerful and precise direct drive force feedback

• Highly customizable within Fanatec ecosystem

• Gran Turismo optimized for seamless PS5 compatibility

• High-quality construction with premium materials

Cons:

• Premium price point

• Boost kit for 8Nm is sold separately

• May be overkill for casual racers

The Fanatec GT DD Pro stands at the forefront of sim racing technology for PS5 users. This wheel leverages direct drive technology to deliver an incredibly realistic and responsive racing experience. With a standard 5Nm of torque (upgradable to 8Nm with the boost kit), you'll feel every nuance of the track, from subtle bumps to major impacts. The GT DD Pro really shines when it comes to customization. Being part of Fanatec's lineup means you've got tons of options to swap out the wheel rim, including some sleek F1-style choices if that's your thing. And it doesn't stop there - the pedals are just as flexible. Sure, it comes with a solid two-pedal steel set out of the box, but if you're looking to step up your game, you can always upgrade to a load cell pedal set. That'll give you pinpoint control over your braking, which can make all the difference on the track.

The wheel's massive 2520-degree rotation range allows for incredible accuracy across all types of racing, from F1 to rally. Built with high-quality materials, the GT DD Pro feels as premium as its price tag suggests.

We'd recommend the Fanatec GT DD Pro for serious sim racers who want the most immersive experience possible on PS5. However, if you're just starting out or are a more casual racer, the power and price of this wheel might be more than you need.

2. Best Value: Logitech G923

Key Features:

• Motor Type: Gear-driven

• Rotation Range: 900 degrees

• Force Feedback: TrueForce technology

• Leather-wrapped wheel with metal paddle shifters

• Comes with metal three-pedal set

Pros:

• TrueForce technology provides immersive feedback

• High-quality construction for the price

• Versatile compatibility (PS5, PS4, PC)

• Excellent brake pedal feel for a non-load cell system

Cons:

• Limited customization options

• Not as powerful as direct drive wheels

The Logitech G923 hits a sweet spot between performance and affordability. At the heart of this wheel is Logitech's TrueForce technology, which uses game physics and audio to create vibrations that enhance immersion and provide a stronger connection to the virtual car.

The wheel itself is a pleasure to use, wrapped in high-quality leather with sturdy metal paddle shifters. While the buttons are plastic, they have a satisfying click and are well-positioned for easy access during races. The three-pedal set features metal pedals on a plastic base, with the brake pedal being a standout feature. It offers one of the best non-load cell brake feels on the market, with a progressive resistance that allows for precise control.

Where the G923 falls short is in customization. Unlike some competitors, there aren't many options to swap out components. You can add a gear shifter, but that's about it. However, for many users, the out-of-the-box experience is more than sufficient.

The G923 is an excellent choice for enthusiasts who want a high-quality wheel without breaking the bank. It's perfect for those transitioning from controller to wheel or upgrading from an entry-level setup. The versatile compatibility also means it's a great option if you switch between PS5 and PC.

3. Best Budget Option: Thrustmaster T150

Key Features:

• Motor Type: Belt-driven

• Rotation Range: 1080 degrees

• Force Feedback: Belt-pulley system

• Mixed rubber and plastic construction

• Comes with plastic three-pedal set

Pros:

• Good quality force feedback for the price

• Often available at discounted prices

• Compatible with PS5, PS4, and PC

• Customizable with Thrustmaster accessories

Cons:

• Older model with less refined materials

• Basic pedal set

• Less powerful feedback compared to newer models

The Thrustmaster T150 proves that you don't need to spend a fortune to get into sim racing. This belt-driven wheel offers a 1080-degree rotation range, providing ample precision for most racing scenarios. Despite its budget-friendly price, the T150 delivers surprisingly good force feedback thanks to its belt-pulley system.

The wheel's construction is a mix of rubber and plastic, which doesn't feel as premium as leather-wrapped wheels but gets the job done. The three-pedal set is entirely plastic, which is expected at this price point. However, one of the T150's strengths is its compatibility with Thrustmaster's ecosystem. You can upgrade various components later, including better pedals and add a gear shifter.

Being an older model has its advantages - the T150 is often available at discounted prices, making it an even better value proposition. While it may not have the latest and greatest features, it provides a solid entry point into the world of sim racing.

The Thrustmaster T150 is ideal for newcomers to sim racing or casual gamers who want to try a wheel without a significant investment. It's also a great option for younger racers just starting out. If you're unsure whether sim racing is for you, the T150 offers a low-risk way to test the waters.

4. Best Belt-Driven: Thrustmaster T248

Key Features:

• Motor Type: Hybrid drive (belt and gear)

• Rotation Range: 900 degrees

• Force Feedback: Improved belt-driven system

• Magnetic paddle shifters and pedals

• Interactive dashboard display

Pros:

• Strong and smooth hybrid drive force feedback

• Customizable display for telemetry and settings

• Magnetic components for improved durability

• 25 remappable action buttons

Cons:

• More expensive than entry-level options

• Plastic construction may feel less premium

The Thrustmaster T248 represents a significant step up from its T150 sibling. This wheel uses a hybrid drive system that combines belt and gear mechanisms to deliver stronger, more sophisticated force feedback. With 900 degrees of rotation, it offers precise control across various racing styles.

One of the standout features of the T248 is its magnetic technology. Both the paddle shifters and pedals use magnetic sensors, which not only improves durability but also allows for more precise inputs. The pedal set is particularly noteworthy, with adjustable brake sensitivity to suit different driving styles.

The interactive dashboard display on the wheel base is a game-changer, allowing you to view telemetry data and adjust settings on the fly. Combined with 25 remappable action buttons, the T248 offers a level of customization that's rare in this price range.

While the T248 does use plastic in its construction, the overall build quality is solid, and the magnetic components add a premium touch. The force feedback, while not as powerful as direct drive systems, is impressively smooth and detailed for a belt-driven wheel.

We'd recommend the Thrustmaster T248 for intermediate sim racers looking for an upgrade from entry-level wheels. It's also an excellent choice for beginners who want room to grow their skills without immediately investing in a high-end setup. The balance of performance, features, and price makes it a compelling option for a wide range of sim racers.

5. Best High-End: Logitech Pro Racing Wheel

Key Features:

• Motor Type: Direct Drive

• Rotation Range: Not specified (likely high)

• Force Feedback: 11Nm of torque with TrueForce technology

• All-metal construction with magnetic paddle shifters

• Dual clutch system

Pros:

• Extremely powerful and smooth direct drive force feedback

• Premium build quality with high-end materials

• Highly customizable with on-wheel controls

Cons:

• Very expensive

• Doesn't come with pedals

• May require a sturdy rig to handle the force output

The Logitech Pro Racing Wheel represents the pinnacle of sim racing technology for PS5 users. This direct drive wheel delivers an astounding 11Nm of torque, providing force feedback that's not just powerful, but incredibly detailed and responsive. It's the only wheel on the market that combines direct drive technology with Logitech's TrueForce system, creating an unparalleled level of immersion in games that support it.

Build quality is top-notch, with an all-metal construction that feels built to last. The magnetic gear shift paddles offer crisp, precise shifts, while the dual clutch paddles open up advanced techniques for race starts. On-wheel controls allow for extensive customization without taking your hands off the wheel, a crucial feature for competitive racing.

It's worth noting that despite the premium price, the Pro Racing Wheel doesn't come with pedals. This allows users to choose their preferred pedal set but does add to the overall cost of the setup.

The Logitech Pro Racing Wheel is for the most dedicated sim racers who demand the absolute best and have the budget to match. It's ideal for competitive racers or those who treat sim racing as a serious hobby. The extreme force feedback may require a sturdy racing rig to fully appreciate, making this an investment in a complete high-end setup rather than just a wheel upgrade.

Conclusion

From the budget-friendly Thrustmaster T150 to the premium Logitech Pro Racing Wheel, there's a sim racing wheel for every PS5 user. Consider your budget, skill level, and racing goals when making your choice. Remember, while a high-end wheel can enhance your experience, practice and skill development are what truly make a great racer. Happy racing, and may your lap times always be improving!