The 10 best steering wheel controllers, ranked

Driving games require quick reflexes and precise steering, both of which are easier to do with a steering wheel than with a controller or even a keyboard. If you’re serious about your driving games, you probably want to invest in a good steering wheel controller. There are hundreds of options to choose from, so knowing what to look for can be overwhelming. To help you, here are our top ten best steering wheel controller picks to help you drift to victory.

The best steering wheel controllers – our top ten picks

Whether you’re taking a leisurely ride through some tracks in Gran Turismo 7 or playing in one of the competitive modes, having a real steering wheel in your hands makes a huge difference to the gameplay. It’s not just racing games either. Many titles are simply better with a steering wheel. Depending on the platform you’re playing on, you can determine what options are available to you, but this list covers steering wheel controllers for most consoles and PCs.

10) Logitech G923

At the top of the list is one of the simpler steering wheel controls on this list. The Logitech G923 doesn’t glide quite as smoothly as other controllers here, but it does come at a lower price point than most others here. Cheap does not necessarily mean easy here. There are many features here that can satisfy most racing game enthusiasts. Best of all, this one is compatible with Xbox and PlayStation consoles as well as PC, making it perfect for those who want to switch between consoles on the fly.

9) Thrustmaster T128

Thrustmaster is one of the biggest names in steering wheel controls, with multiple entries on this list and even more options to buy. The T128 is their entry-level steering wheel controller with a lower price point and far fewer features. While basic, it offers decent feedback and can serve as a good beginner’s bike to help you get started in the hobby. You’ll probably have to buy a few add-ons to keep it usable in the long term, such as: a wheel grip or better pedals, but it can serve you well as an introduction to serious racing.

8) Thrustmaster TMX Force Feedback

The TMX Force Feedback is an evolution of the T128, but still a slimmed down controller in many ways. The pedals are slim and don’t feel like the sturdiest things in the world. The wheel has the absolute minimum number of buttons and functions you’ll need to operate it, so you’ll likely need a keyboard or other controller nearby to use between races. However, it still works well once you get used to the somewhat clunky setup and is expandable if you want to customize it further.

7) Thrustmaster T248

Another option for gamers on a budget is the Thrustmaster T248. It lacks some of the features of other Thrustmaster wheels on this wheel, but it’s still a great option for those who can’t make the entire investment. The T248 features a hybrid force feedback system that keeps costs down while still offering the smoother motion of a belt system. However, it won’t win any beauty pageants if it feels cheaper than it is. Also, it makes a lot of noise when gaming, which can be distracting or even annoying when you want to play games on stream.

Related: The best racing games for PC

6) Logitech G920 driving force

This smooth-action steering wheel controller offers some of the best off-road feedback you’ll find at this price point. It doesn’t break the bank like some of the direct-drive bikes, but still delivers plenty of power. The only problem is that some of the reviews indicate that the brakes can bind a bit in some units so you may need to make some adjustments if you get a set of pedals affected by this issue.

5) Thrustmaster T300 RS GT

This is a premium steering wheel controller for PlayStation consoles. It features dual metal pedals and perfectly smooth steering wheel rotation, as well as built-in PlayStation buttons so you can navigate menus without needing a DualShock controller nearby. It can also be used with your PC if that is your preferred racing platform. With the Thrustmaster T300 you can immerse yourself in the game of your choice. However, all this has its price, which is why it is also in the higher price range for a steering wheel controller.

4) Logitech G Pro racing wheel

If you don’t bother picking up a set of pedals for your steering wheel controller, either because you don’t want to use them or already have some, then the Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel is a great wheel-only pickup option. This is a good direct drive motor that offers excellent tactile feedback at every turn in the road. This is one of the best value gaming wheels you can buy.

3) Thrustmaster T-GT II

Belt-driven wheels offer smoother turns and better feedback than most controllers without costing as much as direct-drive units. One of the best belt-driven wheelset out there, the Thrustmaster T-GT II offers brilliant control and feedback off the road without breaking the bank. While it’s a bit noisy when gaming, there are enough features here that you’ll quickly overlook this shortcoming.

2) Fanatec GT DD Pro

This is one of the best direct drive steering wheel controllers on the market. Direct drive refers to how the wheel connects to the internal motor, with this setup offering better control and feedback. This means the wheel feels more like it is on a real road and offers realistic resistance as you attack those corners. As you might expect, this comes with a higher price tag. So be prepared to invest some extra cash in this setup. However, if you’re serious about your racing games, it’s worth the investment.

1) Thrustmaster TS-XW Racer

If you’re looking for a steering wheel that looks and feels like it came straight out of the cockpit of a race car, then this is it. This is the best steering wheel controller on the market with a near perfect replica of the road underneath your car. The standard three-pedal setup means you don’t need to buy add-ons to play almost any game, and the cooling system allows you to play for hours without worrying about overheating.