Investing in the best racing wheel under $100 (or £100) is like scoring a great deal—you’re getting a product that usually costs more, but without sacrificing too much quality. The trouble is, finding a budget-friendly wheel that’s both affordable and well-built can be tricky, though this guide makes it easier by highlighting five top wheels under $100 that strike a solid balance between quality, feedback, and positive user reviews.
Cheap and cheerful is always a tough balance to achieve, but we believe these racing wheels hit all the right notes for anyone looking to build the best budget racing setup possible.
What is the Best Wheel Under $100?
Although the SUBSONIC Superdrive SV250 is one of the cheapest wheels you can buy, it's not the only budget-friendly wheel to consider...
- Best PlayStation wheel under $100 - Thrustmaster T80 RW Ferrari 488 GTB
- Best Xbox wheel under $100 - HORI Racing Wheel Overdrive
- Best PC wheel under $100 - PXN V3II
- Best Switch wheel under $100 - HORI Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe
- Best ultra-cheap racing wheel - SUBSONIC Superdrive SV250
Why we chose the Thrustmaster T80 RW Ferrari 488 GTB
The Thrustmaster T80 RW Ferrari 488 GTB is one of the best budget racing wheels available for PlayStation gamers. With official Ferrari styling and wide compatibility, it brings a solid, immersive experience, which is especially impressive seeing as you can often find it for under $100 (or under £100 in the UK, if you catch the right deal).
Key Features:
- Official Ferrari License: Styled after the Ferrari 488 GTB, adding authenticity to your setup.
- Realistic 28cm Wheel Design: Modeled for immersive and responsive driving.
- Adjustable Pedal Set: Offers progressive resistance for better control and feel.
- Comprehensive Controls: Includes 11 action buttons, a D-pad, and two paddle shifters for full game control.
- Stable Mounting: Central clamping system ensures stability on desks and tables.
- Broad Compatibility: Works seamlessly with PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC.
While it doesn't feature force feedback, the T80 still brings excellent value for entry-level racers looking for realism without the premium price tag. So, if you're looking for a solid, stylish racing wheel under $100, the T80 Ferrari 488 GTB is a top contender worth grabbing when it’s on sale.
Why we chose the HORI Racing Wheel Overdrive
The HORI Racing Wheel Overdrive is a top wheel for Xbox, offering a relatively high-quality racing experience at a wallet-friendly price. Officially licensed by Microsoft and packed with customization options, too, it offers serious value, especially when found on sale for under $100.
Key Features:
- 270-Degree Turn Radius: Adjustable to 180 degrees on the fly, with customizable output settings.
- Sturdy Pedal Set: Enhanced, stable pedals for better control and responsiveness.
- Secure Mounting System: Clamps help keep the wheel firmly in place, whether that's on a desk or attached to a top-tier racing cockpit.
- Advanced Customization: Tweak dead zones, pedal sensitivity, and more via the companion app.
- Wide Compatibility: Works with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows 10/11 PCs.
Again, there's no force feedback here, but the Overdrive makes up for it with its responsive controls, sturdy construction, and high-end feel—all at a budget-friendly price. Catch it on the right day, and you've got yourself a great racing wheel under $100.
Why we chose the PXN V3II
Although some of its more premium wheels, namely the V9 GEN2, miss the mark, PXN does have a good track record of producing budget-friendly gear—its P5 controller being a good example. The PXN V3II is another great showcase of what the brand can do when it's tasked with producing something that won't break the bank.
Key Features:
- 6-in-1 Compatibility: It works with Xbox Ones, Xbox Series X|S, PS3s, PS4s, and Nintendo Switches. However, the plug-and-play ability makes it stand out for PC racers.
- Manual Shifting Design: Paddle shifters simulate real driving for added immersion and control.
- Realistic Vibration Feedback: Dual-motor force provides dynamic feedback that adjusts to the driving scene.
- Ergonomic 10.24-Inch Wheel: Comfortable rubberized grip with anti-slip matte texture for long racing sessions.
- 180-Degree Rotation: Smooth and responsive turning range ideal for arcade-style and casual sim racers.
- Linear Pedals: Includes collapsible gas and brake pedals with throttle lock support for added realism.
In summary, the PXN V3II delivers solid performance and a surprising level of realism for the price. It’s a great choice for PC racers who want more than a gamepad, without draining their wallet.
Why we chose the HORI Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe
Anyone looking for a cheap but great wheel for their Nintendo Switch should keep the HORI Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe in mind. Officially licensed by Nintendo and packed with features for arcade-style fun, it’s one of the best racing wheels for Switch players under $100, and it's almost always available at that price.
Key Features:
- Full-Size Wheel: 280mm (1:1 scale) wheel with a realistic 270-degree rotation angle.
- Shift Paddles & Pedals: Includes responsive paddle shifters and analog foot pedals for immersive control.
- Programmable Buttons: Customize your layout for comfort and efficiency.
- Button Hold Function: Handy for holding items or drift boosts in Mario Kart.
- Textured Rubber Grip: Comfortable and secure for long gaming sessions.
- Dual Mounting Options: Use the clamp or suction cups for a stable setup on any surface.
Fun, responsive, and easy to use, the HORI's Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe is ideal for casual racers and families looking for a step up from Joy-Cons, without spending a fortune.
Why we chose the SUBSONIC Superdrive SV250
The SUBSONIC Superdrive SV250 is one of the most affordable racing wheels on the market—an ultra-budget option that can deliver a surprisingly fun and functional sim racing experience. If you're just getting started or want a casual setup without breaking the bank, the SV250 is hard to beat.
Key Features:
- Wide Compatibility: Works with Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, and PS3.
- 180-Degree Rotation: Offers a smooth and responsive steering range for arcade-style racing.
- Pedals & Paddle Shifters: Includes two pedals and +/- paddles for gear shifting.
- Adjustable Sensitivity: Three sensitivity modes to match your driving style.
- Vibration Feedback: Adds immersion across a variety of games.
- Simple Mounting: Suction cups secure the wheel to most flat surfaces.
It's not exactly the most premium-made wheel in the world, but that doesn't really matter, as the SV250 delivers excellent value for the price, often well under $100. For casual racers or younger players, it’s a perfect entry point into the world of sim racing.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Cheap Racing Wheel
- Platform Compatibility – Works with your PC or console.
- Force Feedback – Adds realism, but you're often limited to options here in the budget price range.
- Build Quality – Look for solid construction and secure mounting.
- Rotation Range – More degrees = better control; cheap wheels may be limited.
- Pedal Set – Includes pedals; check for durability and responsiveness.
- Mounting Options – Clamps tend to be better than suction cups.
- Brand & Reviews – Go with trusted brands and check user feedback.
- Value for Money – Compare features; don’t overpay.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Thinking about diving into sim racing or upgrading your setup? Our FAQs cover the essentials.
Are cheap racing wheels good?
Cheap racing wheels can be a decent starting point, but they come with compromises in realism and features.
Budget wheels, especially those under $100, often lack force feedback, have limited rotation, and use lighter, less durable materials. As a result, they tend to be best suited for casual players, kids, or those just beginning to explore sim racing.
Without force feedback, you won’t get a tactile connection to the car or road, meaning things like sliding tires or hitting a curb won’t physically register in your hands. That limits the overall immersion and precision of your driving experience.
Still, some cheap wheels can offer reasonable build quality, basic control layouts, and compatibility with major consoles or PCs. These are great for arcade racers or simpler driving games, but not ideal for competitive or realistic sim racing.
If you're just experimenting, a cheap wheel could be a smart, low-risk investment. But if you're planning to stick with it, spending more for a mid-range wheel with at least basic force feedback is well worth it.
What does force feedback mean for a racing wheel?
Force feedback simulates real driving sensations by applying resistance and motion to your wheel based on in-game physics.
This feature uses electric motors inside the wheel to replicate the feeling of the road, such as the jolt from hitting a curb, the pull of oversteer, or the tension when cornering hard. These effects help you feel more immersed and in control while driving.
The realism comes from a combination of well-coded game physics and hardware precision, translating your on-screen driving into real-time physical feedback. It’s a key feature for sim racers who want to understand and respond to their car’s behavior more intuitively.
Entry-level wheels often don’t include force feedback, which limits their usefulness in more demanding racing games. While some setups allow for future upgrades to add feedback via a new wheel base, that’s not always possible or cost-effective.
If you want a more authentic experience, or you’re serious about racing sims, investing in a wheel with force feedback is highly recommended.
Final Thoughts
There are some surprisingly solid racing wheels available for under $100. From casual Mario Kart fun to more immersive setups for PC, Xbox, and PlayStation, these budget-friendly picks prove you don't need to go premium to enjoy the ride.