Sim racing is growing faster than ever and manufacturers are playing that smartly. In 2025 you’ll find under €500 a surprisingly broad selection of steering wheels with force feedback, ranging from classic gear systems to affordable direct drive bases. In this guide we look at the best options for beginners and upgrading sim racers, with a focus on wheels you can buy separately or get as a compact bundle.
We concentrate on wheels that come standard with pedals or that are easy to combine with your existing pedals. So you can expand later without problems with load-cell pedals, shifters or new steering wheels.
Entry class: steering wheels up to €250
This category targets racers who are just starting or want a first serious upgrade. Expect gear or hybrid force feedback: less refined than the more expensive direct drive bases, but powerful enough to bring your favorite sims to life.
Logitech G29/G920 Driving Force – proven classic
The Logitech G29/G920 remains one of the best-selling entry wheels. The dual-motor gear drive delivers about 2.3 Nm torque and 900° rotation, sufficient for tight laps in Gran Turismo, F1 or Forza. Thanks to the metal core and leather covering, the wheel feels surprisingly premium and you get a standard 3-pedal set with clutch.
Advantages
- Very reliable; millions of users, huge community and lots of mod kits
- Works on consoles and PC (note: G29 for PlayStation, G920 for Xbox)
- Complete pedals included, immediately ready for H-pattern shifters
- Regularly on sale between €200 and €250
Disadvantages
- Gears make audible noise and feel less smooth than belt or direct drive systems
- Torque stalls at ~2.3 Nm, making heavy GT cars feel somewhat flat
- Old design without quick-release or display
Thrustmaster T128 – best price/quality
The Thrustmaster T128 is the modern answer to the Logitech classic. The Hybrid Drive system combines gears with a belt for 3.5 Nm torque and a much smoother feel. Magnetic shift paddles and pedals with Hall sensors ensure accurate inputs and longer lifespan.
Advantages
- 3.5 Nm hybrid force feedback: over 70% stronger than older entry models
- Magnetic shift paddles and pedals for consistent inputs
- Compact and light, ideal for desk or wheel stand
- Sharply priced (usually €150-€180) for both PlayStation and Xbox variants
Disadvantages
- Plastic housing feels less luxurious
- 900° steering angle, no full 1080°
- Two-pedal set (throttle/brake) – clutch requires optional upgrade
- No display or quick-release
Our tip: the T128 offers the best balance between price, power and modernity. If you want a clutch right away, the G29/G920 remains a solid alternative.
Mid-range: €250 – €500
With a larger budget you enter another world. Hybrid wheels get more features and this is the price range where direct drive steering wheels first appear. Direct drive places the wheel directly on the motor shaft for unfiltered feedback and maximum realism.
Logitech G923 TRUEFORCE – refined Logitech
Looking for something more modern in the Logitech ecosystem? The Logitech G923 delivers TRUEFORCE haptics that use high-frequency vibrations from games. That means extra details like ABS, engine vibrations and road texture, if your sim supports this. The wheel looks similar to the G29/G920 but feels more refined and works with the latest consoles.
MOZA R3 Bundle – cheapest direct drive
The MOZA R3 Bundle brings direct drive to the €300 zone. The compact base delivers 3.9 Nm peak torque and comes with wheel, pedals and desk clamp. Via the MOZA quick-release you can easily mount a different wheel later; the Pit House software offers many profiles and tuning options.
Note: console support is limited to the Xbox variant. PC racers have the most flexibility.
MOZA R5 Bundle – champion in this price range
For those with just a bit more budget, the MOZA R5 Bundle is the absolute eye-catcher. With 5.5 Nm direct drive torque, a more luxurious wheel and metal pedals, this package offers high-end performance for about €500. It feels tight, detailed and future-proof thanks to the rapidly growing MOZA ecosystem.
Thrustmaster T248 – hybrid all-rounder
Want to stay under €300 and still have extra features? The Thrustmaster T248 combines 3.5 Nm hybrid force feedback with a built-in dashboard. You get magnetic T3PM pedals (three pieces) and three on-the-fly FFB profiles, handy if you play different sims.
Thrustmaster T598 – direct drive for PlayStation
PlayStation racers get with the Thrustmaster T598 their first direct drive option within the Thrustmaster ecosystem. The motor delivers 5 Nm constant torque and the included wheel has a display for telemetry. Thanks to the new quick-release you quickly switch to other Thrustmaster rims.
Fanatec CSL DD / DD Pro – modular premium
For those who want to invest in an ecosystem, the Fanatec CSL DD (and the PlayStation-certified DD Pro) is the logical destination. The base delivers 5 Nm standard or 8 Nm with the boost kit and forms the core of the huge Fanatec range of wheels, pedals and accessories. Do count on some research; Fanatec often works with separate components and popular items can quickly be sold out.
Specifications at a glance
| Model (brand) | FFB type / power | Compatibility | Wheel material | Software / ecosystem | Price (indication) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Logitech G29/G920 | Gear (2.3 Nm) | PC, PS5/PS4 (G29), Xbox (G920) | Metal + leather | Logitech G HUB | €200-€250 |
| Logitech G923 | Gear + TRUEFORCE (~2.2 Nm) | PC, PS5/PS4 or Xbox (model) | Metal + leather | Logitech G HUB | €250-€300 |
| Thrustmaster T128 | Hybrid gear/belt 3.5 Nm | PC, PS5/PS4 (P) or Xbox (X) | Plastic | TM software | €150-€180 |
| Thrustmaster T248 | Hybrid 3.1-3.5 Nm | PC, PS5/PS4 (P) or Xbox (X) | Plastic + faux leather | TM Control Panel | €245-€270 |
| MOZA R3 Bundle | Direct drive 3.9 Nm | PC (Xbox edition optional) | Metal + rubber | MOZA Pit House | ~€299 |
| MOZA R5 Bundle | Direct drive 5.5 Nm | PC | Luxury foam/leather | MOZA Pit House | €479-€499 |
| Thrustmaster T598 | Direct drive 5 Nm | PC, PS5/PS4 | Plastic + leather, display | TM software | €499 |
| Fanatec CSL DD | Direct drive 5 Nm (8 Nm with boost) | PC, Xbox (with XB wheel), PS5 (DD Pro) | Depends on chosen rim | Fanatec Control Panel | €399-€499 |
FFB = force feedback, DD = direct drive, QR = quick release.
Recommended choices per budget
Up to €250
The Thrustmaster T128 is our favorite. The hybrid force feedback is stronger and smoother than Logitech’s gears and the magnetic hardware lasts long. If you want a clutch right away, choose the Logitech G29/G920.
€250 – €500
The MOZA R5 Bundle offers the most “bang for buck”: real direct drive feedback, sturdy pedals and a premium wheel. Alternatives:
- Fanatec CSL DD – ideal if you want console support or a modular ecosystem.
- Thrustmaster T248 – top choice if you want to stay around €250 and find a built-in display handy.
- Thrustmaster T598 – when you’re a PlayStation fan and looking for direct drive in one complete package.
Conclusion
The range in 2025 shows how mature sim racing has become. Even with a limited budget you can now enjoy strong force feedback and decent hardware. When making your choice, especially consider:
- Compatibility – do you work with PC, PlayStation or Xbox?
- Future upgrades – do you want to add other wheels or pedals later?
- Deals – check Dutch retailers and manufacturers for bundle deals.
Whether you choose an affordable hybrid like the Thrustmaster T128 or immediately dive into direct drive with the MOZA R5 or Fanatec CSL DD: the most important thing is that you start racing. Good luck with your choice and see you on the virtual circuits! 🏁