If you’re a fan of racing games like Gran Turismo 7, you might be missing out on the full experience if you’re only using a standard controller. While controllers are great for a lot of games, switching to a racing wheel can take your gameplay to a whole new level. The best racing wheels for PS5 offer a much more immersive and realistic experience, making you feel like you’re truly behind the wheel of a high-performance car.
TL;DR – The Best Racing Wheels for PS5 at a glance:
Fanatec GT DD Pro (Best Overall)Hori Racing Wheel Apex (Budget Option)Thrustmaster T248 Racing Wheel (Mid-Range)Thrustmaster T300 RS GT (High-End)Logitech G923 (Best for Beginners)
One of the biggest benefits of using a racing wheel is the sense of control and precision it provides. Unlike a controller, a racing wheel allows you to steer with more accuracy, giving you finer control over your car’s movements. This can be especially helpful in games where every millisecond counts, like F1 24, where nailing that perfect line through a corner can make all the difference. Plus, with force feedback technology, you can feel the road beneath your tires, the weight of the car, and even the resistance when taking tight turns. It adds a layer of realism that makes the racing experience much more thrilling and immersive.
If you’re in Microsoft’s camp, check out our guide to the best racing wheels for Xbox Series X/S.
1. Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro
The best racing wheel for PS5
If you’re big into racing, the Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro is an excellent PS5 racing wheel. Although it doesn’t look like much on the surface, the wheelbase is simply outstanding. For its price, it’s a powerful beast – expect tactile force feedback and plenty of oomph when steering into corners. And thanks to the GT DD Pro’s 2,250-degree rotation range and quick return to center, you’ll be flying around the track with ease.
Some racing wheels will simply do the job. But the GT DD Pro just does it all better, offering a lifelike driving experience, resulting in full immersion. While there’s a much higher price tag on this racing wheel compared to some others, you get what you pay for. It’s clear to see the premium quality across the wheel and pedals with the combination of steel and carbon fiber.
What really makes the Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro worth investing in is its direct drive motor and 8nm of force feedback. It’s the best racing wheel if you want to feel as close as possible to sitting in a real racecar. And it has the highest degree of rotation of any racing wheel on this list, making it our number one choice.
2. Hori Racing Wheel Apex
The best budget racing wheel for PS5
The Hori Racing Wheel Apex is a fantastic jumping-off point if you want a more realistic racing experience on a budget. The wheel also comes with a set of pedals and a clamp so that you can affix it to your desk and stop the peripheral from moving when dealing with troublesome chicanes.
If you’re a beginner, the 270-degree rotation range will be more than enough to get you started in sim racing games. The Hori Apex would also be perfect for game-savvy youngsters looking to get an idea of what driving is like before they can officially get on the road. While it doesn’t deliver the most accurate emulation of the driving experience, it is a solid, affordable option that will please casual players.
3. Thrustmaster T248 Racing Wheel
The best mid-range racing wheel for PS5
With regards to bang for your buck, the Thrustmaster T428 Racing Wheel is the driving peripheral that stands out on this list. You’ll be able to feel the highways and roads shift under your wheels courtesy of the T428’s powerful belt and gear hybrid motor. But if the haptics are too strong for you, you can also manipulate the intensity of the force feedback by switching between three distinct modes. The accompanying three-pedal set is also included in the price with the wheel and features four unique pressure modes you can toy with to match your needs.
The T248 is officially licensed with Playstation, so the buttons on the wheel match directly with the PS5 controller, which is great for navigating menus. This coordination also means switching up your accessories is simple and straightforward as you move from games like Final Fantasy VII Remake or Fortnite to Gran Turismo 7. The T248’s wheel also features a convenient digital display showing off your RPM and other in-game metrics, so key race information is always (literally) at your fingertips.
4. Thrustmaster T300 RS GT
The best high-end racing wheel for PS5
The Thrustmaster T300 is the best racing wheel around, and for good reason. The T300’s brushless force feedback motor adds a remarkable sense of presence through the wheel, bringing palpable drama to your drives. It’s also a very quiet experience, so you can enjoy the soundscape of the game instead of being bombarded with a mechanical buzzing noise during a race. As things ramp up in-game, the rubber grips on the T300’s wheel remain comfortable and firm, offering just enough texture to keep you in place when you’re tackling sharp corners while trying to smash out a time trial.
Like the Thrustmaster T248, the T300 RS GT is also officially licensed by PlayStation, so the buttons on the wheel face match your PS5 controller. At a cost, you can also configure the set to include additional pedals, a clutch, and an accelerator to flesh out your rig for a completely emulated driving experience.
5. Logitech G923
The best racing wheel on PS5 for beginners
The Logitech G923 is a great racing wheel for enthusiasts who want the bells and whistles of a high-end set-up without spending high-end dollars. The G923’s aluminum pedals look and feel top quality and match well with the leather cover on the wheel itself. Since a wheel and pedal set-up isn’t the smallest peripheral, the G923’s sleek, unobtrusive design will sit pretty next to your TV or monitor when it’s not being used.
The G923 also features the brand’s Trueforce technology that helps create greater immersion through impactful force feedback. In compatible games, the Trueforce tech will make you feel intense haptics as you screech into sharp corners or enjoy the subtle ambience of the engine as you’re waiting to start the race. You’ll also have a programmable dual-clutch at your fingertips to tweak your experience on the digital road. Not all features on the G932 apply to all games, so as we mentioned, it’s important to match your wheel to the games you play most often to avoid disappointment down the line.
How To Choose a PS5 Racing Wheel
Choosing a PS5 racing wheel ultimately comes down to what you want when playing a racing game. If you’re after a more realistic experience, you’ll want to find a wheel that has an internal motor with good force feedback – this makes it feel more like you’re in the driver’s seat. But, it also comes down to the type of race you are.
If you’re a beginner, you might want to think about a novice starter model with more intuitive accelerating and braking. These are often more affordable, but also tend to have less powerful force feedback. Some racing wheels are upgradeable, however, so that could be an option if you plan to build on your racing sim dreams later down the line.
For the more advanced racer, you’ll want to find something that’s a little more adjustable, allowing you to change the incline and sensitivity of the wheel and pedals to your own personal preference. This will result in a more lifelike road feel, but of course, does come with a higher price tag. Enthusiasts might also consider a racing wheel with more durable and luxe materials, heavier pedals, and more powerful force feedback. Be warned, though, you’ll need quite a bit of strength behind you to handle the racing wheel.
PS5 Racing Wheel FAQ
Is a racing wheel for PS5 worth the investment?
Just like the best fight sticks for fighting games, if you’re a racing and driving games enthusiast, a racing wheel is an absolute game-changer, immersing you further in the action. After a bit of practice, many will also find it easier to steer using an actual wheel compared to the joystick of your typical PS5 controller. But if you’re a more casual player of racing games, you might want to invest in one of the best PS5 accessories instead.
What are the best PS5 games to play using a racing wheel?
Gran Turismo 7 is an awesome racing sim released a couple of years ago that adds a touch of nostalgia, and F1 24 is also set to be released later in May. Open-world games like The Crew Motorfest or Need for Speed Unbound can also be fun with a wheel over a gamepad, and that’s just scratching the surface of some great PS5 games you can use a racing wheel with.
Do PS4 racing wheels work on PS5?
Most PS4 racing wheels will work on the PS5, especially officially licensed PlayStation racing wheels. This can be a great way to save money as older models are often cheaper. However, you should check the compatibility of a PS4 racing wheel with the PS5 to ensure it will work before purchasing one.
Sarah Thwaites is a freelance tech writer at IGN, with bylines at GameInformer, TrustedReviews, NME and more.
