Choosing the best budget racing wheel can significantly enhance your racing simulation experience without breaking the bank. Our guide is here to help you navigate the options, focusing on affordability, user feedback, and unique features while not taking away from the fact that these are still great racing wheels capable of providing excellent performances on the track.
Most of our selections include force feedback technology, which adds a layer of realism typically hard to find in budget models. For those prioritizing cost over features, though, we also have several high-quality non-force feedback options if you want a great wheel but want to keep your outgoings to a minimum.
So, whether you seek heightened realism or a more cost-effective racing setup, our guide covers budget wheels for all consoles and platforms to help you find the perfect fit. Let's begin!
Quick List: Best Budget Racing Wheels
- Best budget racing wheel overall - Logitech G29
- Best budget racing wheel for PS4 - Thrustmaster T80 Ferrari 488 GTB Edition
- Best budget racing wheel for PS5 - Hori Racing Wheel Apex
- Best budget racing wheel for Xbox - Thrustmaster T128 X
- Best budget racing wheel for PC - Thrustmaster TMX
Why we chose the Logitech G29
The Logitech G29 is one of the best budget-friendly racing wheels available, combining premium materials with excellent performance. Designed for both console and PC players, it brings a realistic driving experience without breaking the bank.
Key Features:
- Dual-Motor Force Feedback: Simulates real driving conditions for added immersion.
- Helical Gearing System: Provides smooth, quiet, and responsive steering.
- 900° Rotation: Allows for precise control and a wide turning radius, great for simulation-style racing.
- Premium Build: Features anodized aluminum spokes, a steel steering shaft, and a hand-stitched leather-wrapped wheel.
- Wide Compatibility: Works seamlessly with major consoles and PCs.
With its solid construction and advanced force feedback system, the Logitech G29 delivers excellent value and performance. It’s an ideal choice for both newcomers and seasoned sim racers looking to upgrade their setup without spending a fortune.
Why we chose the Thrustmaster T80 Ferrari 488 GTB Edition
The Thrustmaster T80 Ferrari 488 GTB Edition is a standout option for sim racers on a budget. Despite its affordable price, it offers a surprisingly immersive experience with several features that enhance comfort, control, and realism.
Key Features:
- Bungee Cord Mechanism: Delivers consistent, linear resistance and automatic re-centering for improved precision.
- 240° Turning Radius: Offers responsive steering for arcade-style and casual simulation racing.
- 11 Action Buttons + D-Pad: Easy menu navigation and in-game control customization.
- Sequential Paddle Shifters: Metal-mounted for fast, smooth gear changes.
- 28cm Diameter Wheel: Textured rubber cladding enhances grip for long sessions.
With its responsive feedback and ergonomic design, the T80 is a great starter wheel for anyone looking to dive into sim racing without overspending, especially for casual players still rocking an old-gen PS4.
Why we chose the Hori Racing Wheel Apex
The Hori Racing Wheel Apex is one of the best budget-friendly racing wheels for PS5, officially licensed by Sony and loaded with features that punch well above its price point.
Key Features:
- 270° Adjustable Rotation: Customize dead zones and rotation settings via the companion app.
- 4 Profile Presets: Easily switch between control setups depending on the game.
- Paddle Shifters + D-Pad: Fast gear changes and easy menu navigation.
- Programmable Buttons: Remap controls to suit your gameplay style.
- Full-Size Pedal Set: Offers a realistic driving feel.
- Sturdy Clamping System: Ensures secure attachment to your desk or rig.
With its versatile software support and thoughtful hardware design, the Hori Apex is a great entry point for PS5 players. If you're on Xbox, the nearly identical Hori Overdrive is worth considering too.
Why we chose the Thrustmaster T128 X
The Thrustmaster T128 X is a standout choice for Xbox gamers, bringing a premium-level performance at a more accessible price, in our experience.
Key Features:
- HYBRID DRIVE Force Feedback: 20% more powerful than other Thrustmaster hybrid wheels, delivering immersive, reactive handling.
- 900° Rotation Angle: Allows for smooth, precise steering, especially useful in sim-style racers.
- H.E.A.R.T: Integrated into both pedals and paddle shifters for long-lasting precision and responsiveness.
- Magnetic Gear Shifters: Crisp, quick gear changes with minimal wear over time.
- Ergonomic Design: Optimized for comfort during long races, with adjustable pedals to suit your setup.
All in all, the T128 X offers fantastic value and performance, especially for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One players. There's also a PlayStation-compatible version if you're gaming on Sony’s platform instead.
Why we chose the Thrustmaster TMX
The Thrustmaster TMX is a strong budget-friendly option for PC racers, especially if you're diving into sim-focused titles like Assetto Corsa EVO. It delivers a solid racing experience with great precision and feedback at a wallet-friendly price.
Key Features:
- Adjustable Rotation (270°–900°): Allows for customizable handling to suit different racing styles and titles.
- Force Feedback System: Lets you feel road texture, grip loss, and collisions for immersive realism.
- 12-bit Optical Reading: Provides high-precision steering with 4,096 values on the steering axis.
- Durable Build: Features rubber-coated grips and metal paddle shifters for longevity and comfort.
- PC Compatibility: Ideal for sim racing setups on PC, with strong support across racing games.
With its combination of adjustability, tactile feedback, and sturdy construction, the Thrustmaster TMX stands out as a dependable entry-level racing wheel for PC users looking to up their game without overspending.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We've answered some of the most frequently asked questions to help you out when it comes to buying a budget racing wheel.
How much should you spend on a budget racing wheel?
Deciding on the best racing wheel for your setup largely depends on your budget and how much you’re willing to invest. With the numerous options available, identifying what constitutes a "budget" device can be challenging.
In our view, a budget racing wheel is typically priced at $250/£250 or less. If you're set on finding an affordable option, it’s wise to aim for something within this price range. Thankfully, there are many high-quality devices available that don’t sacrifice performance or features, as evidenced by our list.
Taking the time to explore your options is worthwhile, as there's undoubtedly an excellent budget racing wheel out there that will meet your needs.
Do all budget racing wheels come with force feedback?
While direct drive and the best direct drive wheels may be out of the question, force feedback remains a viable option on a budget. It should be noted, though, that not all budget wheels come equipped with standard force feedback technology, especially the most inexpensive ones available.
Nevertheless, our list demonstrates that there are still numerous reasonably priced wheels that offer force feedback to enhance your gaming experience. It's important to double-check the specs of the wheel you're planning to purchase though, just to ensure it features force feedback technology if that's what you're after.
Do you need a separate stand or mounting system for a racing wheel?
Buying a dedicated stand or mount for your sim racing wheel depends on personal preference and the needs of your setup. However, owning a stand or mount can offer several benefits, particularly when it comes to enhancing stability during intense gameplay or force feedback effects. Preventing excessive movement or vibration, a wheel stand contributes to a more immersive and realistic sim racing experience.
Moreover, a stand or mount allows you to adjust the wheel's position to a comfortable height and angle, reducing strain on your arms and wrists during long gaming sessions. Adjustable mounts provide flexibility in customizing the positioning according to your preferences.
Nevertheless, it's important to consider that purchasing a wheel stand or mount incurs additional costs and requires quite a bit of space. Consequently, you may want to mount your wheel directly to a desk or even create your own custom mount instead of buying a pre-made one.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy a stand or mount depends on your specific preferences, budget, and the level of immersion and stability you prioritize in your sim racing setup.
Are pedals and a shifter needed to complete a sim racing setup?
Pedals and a shifter are not strictly required to complete a sim racing setup, but they can greatly enhance the realism and immersion of the experience depending on the game you're playing.
Pedals are perhaps the more essential component of the two as they provide realistic control over the accelerator, brake, and clutch (if equipped). High-quality pedals often offer features like adjustable pedal resistance, load cell technology for more precise braking, and a more immersive feel. While you can technically use a controller, keyboard, or buttons on your wheel for throttle and brake inputs, a dedicated pedal set is highly recommended for a more authentic driving experience.
A shifter adds an extra layer of realism for certain gaming titles as they allow you to manually shift gears, simulating the experience of driving a real manual transmission vehicle. While many modern racing cars use paddle shifters on the steering wheel, some sim racing enthusiasts prefer the tactile feel of a physical shifter. Shifter setups are especially popular among fans of racing simulators that focus on vintage or classic cars, as well as certain genres of rally racing games.
So, while pedals and a shifter are not mandatory to start sim racing, they significantly enhance the overall experience and immersion. The choice to invest in pedals and a shifter depends on your preferences, the type of racing you enjoy, and your desire for a more realistic driving experience.
Can a racing wheel be used with a VR headset?
Yes, a racing wheel can be used with a top VR headset to enhance the immersive experience.
In virtual reality, driving in-game will feel far closer to real life with a racing wheel in your hand, especially compared to a controller. In fact, a controller can be quite tricky to use as you can't see what you're doing, whereas using a wheel has a familiarity to it as many of us drive a car every week already.
Ideally, you'll want to pair a VR headset with a wheel that features some sort of haptic feedback to simulate the feeling of the road surface, bumps, and other driving sensations. Without this, you won't quite get that same level of realism while wearing a VR headset.
Just keep in mind that not all racing wheels and VR headsets are compatible with all racing games and consoles. It's therefore essential to check the compatibility of your specific racing wheel and VR headset with the games you want to play. For more information, check out our guide on the best VR headsets for racing games.
Are racing wheels adjustable?
Racing wheels usually come with several adjustable settings to personalize things to your preferences. For example, you can sometimes alter steering sensitivity, determining how much your in-game wheel responds to your physical movements on the racing wheel. Certain wheels provide the option to modify the virtual steering wheel's rotation angle, too, influencing the degree of physical wheel turn required for a complete full turn in-game.
Models equipped with feedback settings typically allow for adjustments in feedback effects such as vibration, resistance, and movement intensity. These settings are usually adjustable, allowing you to create a more authentic and immersive experience to your specifications.
Adding to this, most racing wheels come with buttons and controls that can be customized to align with your preferences or mirror the controls of the game you're playing. However, the range of adjustability may vary among different models, so make sure you double-check what can be adjusted with the wheel you're eyeing before you buy.
Are sim racing wheels suitable for beginners?
Yes, sim racing wheels are great for beginners. A wheel can enhance the gaming experience and help improve driving skills by providing a more intuitive and immersive control compared to gamepads or keyboards. The wheel and pedal setup mimic real car controls, so they reduce the learning curve needed to get to grips with using them, seeing as many of us are used to using a wheel and pedals in real life.
Many sim racing wheels feature feedback technology as well, replicating real driving sensations and thus helping beginners develop a better sense of car control and understand traction loss or understeer/oversteer. A dedicated wheel is more precise and fluid than with a gamepad too, making it an excellent choice for newcomers.
If you do go for a wheel, choosing a budget one is probably a sensible choice as a beginner, as you don't have to break the bank on something you're not entirely familiar with as well.
Final Thoughts
With so many budget-friendly racing wheels available, finding the perfect one to suit your needs has never been easier. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced racer, these options provide an immersive and realistic racing experience without straining your wallet.