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Best Budget Sim Racing Wheels for Beginners

If you find yourself playing racing games but want to take things to the next level, a steering wheel will provide that missing immersion. But the myriad of options can be overwhelming.

Do you try a cheaper, unproven brand to test the water, or splash out on a pricier known quantity straight away? The choice is yours, but allow us to help you out.

What to Look For in a Sim Racing Wheel

Let's immediately set some ground rules. We are applying a soft price cap of £300 (or $350) to focus on entry-level gear, but it's worth noting that every single product we discuss is PC compatible, and can be mounted to a desk, or a beginner cockpit such as a Playseat.

We will also cover console compatibility throughout, as Xboxes and PlayStations can provide a more affordable route into sim racing. It's important to know which specific consoles are compatible. If you are looking to play the likes of F1 25 and upcoming titles like Project Motor Racing and NASCAR 25, you will need a PS5 or Xbox Series X/S and, therefore, a wheel that works with those.

Sim racing peripherals take the form of three important components:

• The wheelbase
• The steering wheel
• The pedals

On high-end equipment, these are interchangeable, but most entry-level offerings will have all three parts together as an all-in-one bundle.

For a truly immersive sim racing experience, a wheelbase with Force Feedback (known as FFB) is essential to feel a car's behaviour. This system, often gear or belt-driven at this price point, transmits crucial sensations through the steering wheel like the car's movements, grip levels and road surfaces.

Best Budget Sim Racing Wheels

1. Logitech G29 - £199.99/$229.99

Compatibility: PC, PS4 and PS5

The Logitech G29 remains the most obvious beginner choice for those playing on PlayStation or PC. Despite first appearing over a decade ago, this 900-degree, 2.3Nm wheel can still be purchased new in sales for around £180/$230.

Pros:

• Relatively premium feel with stitched leather wheel rim
• Stainless steel gearshift paddles and LED shift lights
• Three-pedals with steel faceplates
• Natural ergonomics and intuitive buttons

Cons:

• Pedals can accumulate dust and need cleaning after 1-2 years
• Relatively noisy FFB rattle
• PlayStation and PC only compatibility

2. Thrustmaster T128 - £149.99/$199.99

Compatibility: PC, PS4 and PS5 or PC, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S

The Thrustmaster T128 offers fantastic value for money. This 2Nm wheel features hybrid drive force-feedback, a combination of belt and gear-driven technology, and is bundled with the T2PM 2-pedal set.

Pros:

• Excellent value for money
• Force-feedback quality exceeded expectations
• Spot-on button placement
• Ability to upgrade pedals if desired

Cons:

• Lots of hard plastic gives relatively cheap feel
• Pedals don't have much travel distance
• Can be uncomfortable without gloves during long stints

3. Moza R3 Bundle - £299/$299

Compatibility: PC (PC-only version)

The only direct drive sim racing wheel on this list. The PC-only version costs £299/$299, while the Xbox variant is £359/$359. We are impressed with its punchy performance; a noticeable step-up from non-direct-drive alternatives.

Pros:

• Direct drive technology with 3.9Nm of peak torque
• Enhanced clarity, smoothness and detail
• Aluminium alloy frame with microfibre leather grips
• Aluminium shifters and LED shift lights

Cons:

• Steel pedals lack crucial braking resistance
• Performance upgrade kit needed (sub-£30 extra)
• PC-only for budget version

4. Logitech G920 - £199.99/$229.99

Compatibility: PC, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S

Essentially an Xbox-branded version of G29, but arguably a small downgrade. It lacks the +/- buttons, as well as a multi-point rotating selection dial. The shift lights also don't feature here, but the pedals and internals are identical to the G29.

5. Logitech G923 - £269.99/$369.99

Compatibility: PC, PS4 and PS5 or PC, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S

The most recent entry-level Logitech, arrived in August 2020. The main upgrade is Logitech's proprietary Trueforce technology adding additional force feedback details such as engine vibrations and road textures, albeit only for a smattering of compatible games.

Pros:

• FFB is generally quieter than predecessor
• More progressive brake pedal spring
• Available for both console ecosystems

Cons:

• Price difference hard to justify over G29
• Trueforce can feel more distracting than helpful

6. Thrustmaster T248 - £269.99/$329.99

Compatibility: PC, PS4 and PS5 or PC, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S

Compared to the T128, includes upgraded pedals, a screen, stronger and adjustable force feedback, two rocker switches, 25 buttons and leather wrapping on the wheel itself.

Pros:

• Screen allows FFB adjustments and driving information
• T3PM pedals with clutch and rubber pads
• Swappable brake pedal spring

Cons:

• Notably loud during operation
• Clunky shifters and scratchy hybrid FFB system
• Less value for money than T128

Honourable Mentions

PXN V99 - £199.99/$229.99

On paper, the PXN V99 is the best value sim racing wheel on the market. Three pedals, four paddles, H-Pattern shifter included, and removable wheel. However, it somehow manages to feel less accurate with slow responses.

Cammus C5 Bundle - $329

A unique direct-drive bundle, with a DD motor integrated within the steering wheel itself. Its ability to deliver constant torque at 5Nm makes it comfortably more powerful than belt and gear-driven alternatives, providing more detail in the process.

Used Market

Before diving into our recommended wheels, you could buy an older wheel, or a more mid-range wheel, for less, second-hand. If you go down this route, be aware of the drawbacks: reliability of used products cannot be guaranteed, some parts may be worn, and there could be certain things missing.

Logitech has several old models, the three main ones being the perennial G25, G27 and Driving Force GT. None are compatible with current consoles, but for those on PC, while this is older tech and likely well-worn by this point, they are affordable.

Meanwhile, Thrustmaster's belt-driven range from the past includes the ever-popular T150, and surprisingly, it still works with current consoles. Good condition ones can be available for under £100 too.

Conclusion

For beginners seeking their first sim racing wheel, the Logitech G29 remains the safest choice for PlayStation/PC users, while the Thrustmaster T128 offers the best overall value for money. If you have a slightly higher budget and want direct drive technology, the Moza R3 Bundle represents an excellent step-up.

Remember that any of these wheels will provide a far more immersive sim racing experience than a controller, and many users stick with them for years before considering an upgrade.

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