If you’re a gamer, we don’t need to tell you about the importance of having the right gear to improve your overall experience. Sim racing wheels can be a great addition to the setup of anyone who loves racing games, but with so many options available, which one should you go for? Check out our buying guide below to find a great sim racing wheel in 2023:
To pick the right sim racing wheel, you should consider the following factors:
Sim racing wheels can be expensive, which is why you need to think about how much money you’re willing to invest in one. Basic models are usually pretty affordable, whereas premium ones are on the more expensive side. Premium sim racing wheels are often used by professionals to train or compete in events.
To achieve peak performance, you must choose a sim racing wheel that’s made from high-quality materials. If you’re used to driving cars with leather steering wheels, then it would be a good idea to go for a leather-clad sim racing wheel.
Fabric-covered wheels, on the other hand, are known for providing a better grip and stopping your palms from sweating while holding the wheel, something that’s quite common with other types of materials.
It all comes down to choosing a material that doesn’t feel cheap and tacky in your hands. Regardless of whether you choose leather or fabric, make sure that your sim racing wheel is high-quality and feels comfortable to hold.
If you’re all about realism and immersion while gaming, then force feedback is one feature your sim racing wheel should have. This technology allows you to feel some vibrations and force when gaming, which can elevate your gaming experience, giving it a more lifelike feeling. An example of force feedback would be your sim racing wheel vibrating when you crash or experiencing a stopping force when you hit the brakes.
The programmable buttons on each sim racing wheel differ according to the functions of the game being played. To find the most suitable one, check how many buttons you’ll need — you might not need a lot of buttons for driving a racing car, but driving a truck or excavator may require more buttons for specialized functions.
A sim steering wheel’s compatibility with the platform you’re using is one of the most important factors to consider. Keep in mind that not all models are compatible with all systems — some video games only work with particular steering wheel models, like Project Cars. Other games are compatible with various sim racing wheels, even if they’re not designed for a specific type of video game, as their controls can be configured and adapted.
Realism can have a huge effect on your gaming experience. Realism features can differ with each sim racing wheel, and they can vary from sophisticated rumble controls to easily reachable buttons and magnetic paddles. No matter what they may be, if there are extra features on a sim racing wheel that promise another layer of realism, you should definitely consider trying them out.
Every sim racing wheel has a degree of rotation that determines the range it can be turned. If the degree of rotation is less than 900 degrees, you’ll probably have to rotate the physical wheel more than what’s required in the game — this may feel more like playing an arcade game than driving an actual car and can lower immersion.
If you’re looking for a racing wheel that’s designed for the latest racing titles on Xbox One and Series X consoles, then consider getting your hands on the Logitech G920 Sim Racing Wheel. Along with Xbox consoles, this sim racing wheel is also compatible with certain PC titles, and it’s designed with dual-motor force feedback to help you feel like you’re actually behind the wheel, tearing around the track as you race for the finish.
This sim racing wheel’s anti-backlash tensioning offers you maximum control of your virtual vehicle, and the high-quality design of its wheel and pedals can help you stay ahead of the pack — not just in this race, but in many races to come. This sim racing wheel is our top choice thanks to its impressive design that helps gamers feel like they’re actually in the driver’s seat.
Next up is the Thrustmaster T300 RS, another high-end sim racing wheel that features 1080-degree force feedback for a realistic gaming experience. It boasts a sturdy build and features three metal pedals and a responsive, detachable wheel that allows you to make adjustments to your virtual racing setup as you go along.
Unlike many sim racing wheels, this model allows you to control your system when you’re not racing thanks to its included PlayStation buttons, rather than having to juggle between a controller and the wheel. For maximum friction and durability, this sim racing wheel has a rugged surface that’s topped off with rubber, and its brushless motor means it won’t be too noisy when you’re racing around the track. Not only is this sim racing wheel compatible with PlayStation 4 and 5 consoles, but you can also hook it up to your PC as well.
The PXN Sim Racing Wheel is a 6-in-1 racing wheel that’s compatible with a number of gaming consoles, including the Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series S and X, Xbox One, PS3, PS4, and PC. Its ergonomic rubber design is made to feel comfortable in your hand and allows you to turn the wheel 180 degrees, providing you maximum control around the track.
Designed to simulate real-life driving, this sim racing wheel features dual-motor feedback that will automatically adjust its vibration levels to whatever terrain you find yourself on. Asphalt? No problem. Offroading? Yup, it can do that too. This sim racing wheel features a strong connection system and can be just what you need to make sure you cross the finish line first.
Made from high-quality materials, the Hori Sim Racing Wheel can be a great addition to your PC, Playstation 3, or Playstation 4 gaming setup. This wheel features a rubberized grip for a comfortable, non-slip feel and maximum control while steering, and it also allows you to adjust its input sensitivity to seven levels to customize your driving.
This stylish sim racing wheel is fully programmable, which means you can personalize the button, pedal, and paddle inputs to make your gaming experience your own. Since this sim racing wheel is made from plastic, it’s a lot easier to carry around than some other models available, and this can make installation much easier as well.
Last but not least, the Superdrive Sim Racing Wheel comes with a 180-degree rotation axis and three sensitivity levels — low, medium, and high. With a fully customizable design, you can easily program its buttons, pedals, and paddles, both on the steering wheel itself and in the menu of your game.
The four suction pads that come included make it easy to secure this sim racing wheel to surfaces, and unlike most steering wheels that can be a hassle to connect to your system and controller, this one offers easy connectivity for nearly all consoles. It can be a great choice for any number of games, letting you rule the road behind this sim racing wheel.
A: The lifespan of a sim racing wheel depends on various factors, such as the quality of materials it’s made from and how roughly it’s used over time. A good sim racing wheel will last for at least three to four years before it will need to be replaced.
A: Yes, force feedback provides increased realism while gaming. For an immersive experience, consider opting for direct drive wheels, as these have high-quality force feedback.
A: While this is largely a question of personal preference, racing games can definitely provide a better experience with sim racing wheels as these devices are more realistic and offer enhanced performance.