Want to take your virtual racing to the next level? Let’s help you get your hands on a racing wheel. It’s time to get you some starter gear that won’t break the bank. We’ve tested lots of options under $350 to help you get your first racing wheel.
What You Need to Know First
All the wheels listed here are compatible with a PC and can be mounted to a desk or a standard racing seat. Some wheels work with either Xbox or PlayStation, so check what you play on before you buy.
A good racing wheel typically consists of three main components:
1. The Wheelbase (the motor that creates resistance)
2. The steering wheel
3. The gas and brake pedals
Force feedback is essential. This tech should help you to feel the road, the car’s grip, and every bump through the wheel. Cheaper wheels without this feature are just not worth it. They only vibrate and spring back to center, with no real road feel.
Before you buy the pedals, you should make sure that they won’t slide away from you when you slam the brakes! Quality pedals should have rubber grips that work on hard surfaces or teeth that grip into carpet.
Top Budget Racing Wheels Ranked
6. Thrustmaster T248 ($330)
Compatible with Xbox and PlayStation (and PC), this wheel comes with:
- A digital screen for adjusting settings
- Decent force feedback at 3.5Nm
- Three pedals, including a clutch
- Leather wrapping
- 25 buttons and rocker switches
The disadvantage is that this wheel is very noisy! The shifters are loud and click when you use them, and the force feedback might even be a little rough. You most likely will be able to find better options at the same price.
5. Logitech G923 ($370)
This wheel features Logitech’s “Trueforce” technology, which adds additional vibrations to enhance engine feel and road texture. Some racers will love it; others might find it distracting.
The build quality is solid with:
- Nice leather wheel
- LED shift lights (on both PS and Xbox versions)
- Three-pedal set with improved brake feel
At its regular price, it’s hard to justify over cheaper options unless you find it on sale.
4. Logitech G920 (Xbox – $230)
This is basically the Xbox version of the G29, but it lacks some buttons and the shift lights. It’s solid but lacks features its PlayStation cousin offers at the same price. But still, it is great for Xbox racers on a budget!
3. Moza R3 Bundle (PC only – $299)
The only direct drive wheel on our list! Direct drive provides better, more detailed force feedback without gears or belts. At 3.9Nm, it delivers:
- Smoother, more detailed feedback
- Premium materials, including aluminum and microfiber
- LED shift lights
- Lots of buttons
The pedals are just okay, but can be upgraded later. For PC racers, this is an amazing value.
2. Thrustmaster T128 ($200)
A true budget champion available for both PlayStation and Xbox:
- Hybrid force feedback that feels better than expected
- Magnetic shifters
- 13 buttons and small LED lights
- Two-pedal set
Yes, there’s a lot of hard plastic, and the pedals are not great, but at this price? It’s a steal!
1. Logitech G29 (PlayStation – $230)
Despite being nearly a decade old, this remains the king of budget wheels:
- Leather wheel with nice stitching
- Steel paddle shifters
- LED shift lights
- Three-pedal set with metal faceplates
- Good button layout
- Strong 2.3Nm force feedback
The only real downsides are that the feedback can be a bit noisy and, in some cases, the pedals can get a little sticky with dust, but for PlayStation racers, it is the best value option.
These racing wheels are great for all types of racing games. Just pick one that suits your console and budget, and you will love it!