Best Cheap Sim Racing Wheel for Low Budget in 2025
If you are into sim racing, you’d know that the greatest sim racing wheel is more than just a wheel. It also includes a pair of excellent pedals and a wheelbase with impressive force feedback. To blast through those gears, you’ll need some snappy and speedy shifter paddles, too.
The greatest sim racing wheel is more than just a wheel. It also includes a pair of excellent pedals and a wheelbase with impressive force feedback. To blast through those gears, you’ll need some snappy and speedy shifter paddles, too. With so much to think about, it’s comforting to know that someone has your back and has already put the best racing wheels through the test.
Finding amazing things at a reasonable price is often difficult, particularly in sim racing! So, to relieve some of the stress and give you more time behind the wheel, we’ve produced a list of the best cheap sim racing wheels for every racer. What attributes should you seek when shopping for your own racing wheel? Let’s have a look at the various wheels and see how they compare.
Fanatec CSL Steering Wheel BMW
Check Price and More Details on Fanatec official store
Even if you’re a first-time Fanatec buyer, you can get a good setup for a reasonable price. With the release of the CSL Steering Wheel BMW, there is a BMW wheel for every budget. The CSL Steering Wheel BMW is a fully-featured wheel at an affordable price that does not sacrifice performance. It makes an excellent starter wheel for the CSL DD.
The CSL Steering Wheel BMW, which includes telemetry at the top of the rim, 12 buttons and a joystick, a tuning menu, and, of course, BMW-designed graphics on the center part of the wheel, is reasonably priced when compared to other Fanatec products on the market.
This officially licensed BMW wheel is designed to connect directly to an existing Fanatec setup, eliminating the need for a rim, hub, and wheel adapter. If you prefer the Fanatec Clubsport QR1 quick-release system, you can order it separately and install it yourself.
A one-of-a-kind BMW-designed graphic spans the front face and rim. The 300 mm diameter is appropriate for a wide range of vehicle types, and the lightweight design retains fine force feedback detail even at low torque settings. Because of the internal structure of the polymer casing, the wheel is strong and long-lasting. Even with sweaty hands, the rubberized grip provides just the right amount of friction and is comfortable to use for long sessions.
Fanatec CSL Elite Steering Wheel WRC
Check Price and More Details on Fanatec
This is another great value, versatile wheel for those looking for a cheaper Fanatec wheel. While there are some obvious cost-cutting measures, such as the plastic construction of the LED display at the top of the rim, they appear to have done an excellent job of maintaining a high-quality finish in the most important areas. We now have a newer quick-release system that eliminates much of the flex found in the previous system. We have a very nice Alcantara finish with quality stitching and all buttons have a quality feel to them. The metal shifters are solid and have a satisfying feel.
The wheel is very lightweight. As such, it can feel unimpressive in your hands. However, the lighter weight is a distinct advantage when used with a wheelbase such as the CSL Elite Wheel Base which has less power.
When it comes to versatility in car choices and wheelbase, the 300mm round wheel is ideal. A larger rim, for example, may not be well suited to the CSL Elite Wheel Base because the base will require more torque to offset the leverage of a larger rim. However, it is not so small that it creates an unrealistic feeling when driving a rally car or a GT3 car, for example.
When you consider the price and versatility of this wheel, it is an excellent choice for someone new to the Fanatec ecosystem who wants to drive a variety of cars without having to invest in multiple wheels.
Logitech G29/G920 Driving Force
[amazon box =” B00Z0UWWYC “]
The Logitech G29/G920 ranks high on our list of the best cheap sim racing wheels. This wheel provides incredible value, with a variety of features and a build quality that would generally be associated with a more costly wheel. The Logitech G29 is PC, PS3, and PS4 compatible, with the G920 version being available for the Xbox One. Both variants are offered with specially designed stainless steel pedals and a wheel made of steel and aluminum with a hand-stitched leather cover.
All materials are of the highest grade. The stitching, on the other hand, might sometimes rub against your thumb, which can be irritating after a while. Both force feedback and rumble are integrated to provide one of the most realistic driving sensations on the market, especially at this price point.
The wheel rotates 900 degrees lock-to-lock, giving you more control in the race. It also has flappy paddle gear shifters and, if you prefer a stick shifter, a clutch pedal in the pedal set – although no stick shifter is included in the box. Beautifully constructed in all-black leather and aluminum, it looks just like a steering wheel from a genuine race vehicle and fits perfectly in your hands to keep you in control when gaming.
Thrustmaster TMX Force Feedback Racing Wheel
[amazon box =” B01CI97DNM “]
Cheap racing wheels are simple to get; but, cheap racing wheels that are worth your money are not. Thankfully, we can turn to Thrustmaster for help here. That’s why it is included in this list of the best cheap sim racing wheels. The TMX isn’t as showy as others—you’re truly getting down to fundamentals here. The pedal set is fairly simple, with simply two uninteresting levers on a plastic base, and the wheel itself has just the most essential buttons you’ll need to control it in-game and nothing more. It’s been pared down to the fundamentals, but for this price, that’s exactly what we want.
There’s no denying that force feedback makes a major impact in how enjoyable a racing game is. When you crash or steer, the wheel pushes against your palms with varied degrees of resistance. However, since the technology is pricey, you must be serious before purchasing… or at least you did. Thrustmaster has created a reduced-in-size but still remarkable force feedback wheel as an entry-level buy, and it is very sought after. It’s not as robust as the other bases, but it gets the job done. If you’re on a limited budget, this device offers a real force feedback wheel with 900 degrees of rotation plus a pair of pedals for the price of one.
The provided pedals are plasticky and give little resistance, and there is no clutch pedal. They may, however, be replaced out for a more appropriate pair if you desire to update later. The steering wheel is equally low-cost, and nothing like as deluxe-feeling as the replaceable wheels seen in higher-end machines.
The TMX shares its belt-pulley mechanism with the popular T150. It’s a less powerful system than the other systems on our list, but it’s noticeable enough that you’ll be glad it’s there. With the TMX, you can be certain that you’re off to a solid start in your sim racing career, and if it ends up in a cupboard for most of the year, you won’t be too disappointed owing to its low price tag. It’s typically on par with the Logitech wheel, however, it does make some compromises in terms of build quality.
Thrustmaster T150 Ferrari Force Feedback Wheel
[amazon box =” B015CNQVZ2″]
While the TMX is built for Xbox One and PC compatibility, the T150 is available for PS3/4 and PC. Although it is not as visually appealing as the Logitech G29/920, it has many of the same functions. These wheels have excellent force feedback, and you won’t find anything better for the price. Rumble, 900 degrees lock-to-lock rotating, and pedals are also incorporated.
While there is a standard T150, the Ferrari-branded set features red rubber grips on the wheel that offer comfort and control. The paddle shifters behind the wheel means you can grip the wheel at either ‘3-9’ or a more controllable ’10-to-12′ position and still comfortably shift gear on manual transmission.
The pedals, on the other hand, only offer to brake and accelerate inputs, so if you want a stick shifter, you may need to buy a third-party add-on for a realistic clutch (alternatively you could map one of the wheel buttons to function as the clutch). The provided pedals are of poor quality, feel a touch plasticky, and provide little resistance. The wheel itself is made of steel and plastic and does not feel as well constructed as our top selection. It does, however, have a Ferrari design option for those that choose it. Flappy paddles are provided, and this model is ideal for racers who want the essentials and don’t want to spend too much money but yet want actual force feedback.
Hori Apex/Overdrive
[amazon box =” B09PX6GHJ7″]
Hori is the place to go for racers searching for a low-cost option to get behind the wheel. Hori Racing’s design team has created a stunning racing wheel, although one that lacks some of the higher-end capabilities.
The two wheels (Apex and Overdrive), like the others in this list, are intended to function with particular consoles. The Apex is compatible with PS3/4 and PC, while the Overdrive is compatible with Xbox One. The wheel itself has an excellent build quality, using materials that are similar to more costly wheels. It is USB powered, and the 2-pedal board that comes with it, although simple, performs well. The design is stunning, the ride is fantastic, and it comes with a slew of buttons and accessories that you won’t find on wheels in this price range.
The most serious problem with the wheel is the functionalities that are offered. The lack of force feedback is a major concern, albeit it does provide rumbling feedback. Furthermore, with just a 270-degree turning radius, it does not provide the optimum control. The pedals aren’t of the greatest quality, and there isn’t a clutch pedal included, so those who want one will have to purchase an add-on. Overall, it’s a terrific entry-level accessory for individuals who don’t want to spend a fortune.
Thrustmaster T248
[amazon box =” B08Z5CX6V2″]
With a plethora of extra features, easy-to-reach button placement, and superb force feedback, the Thrustmaster T248 has a lot to offer. It’s the company’s current flagship configuration, aimed for PC and PlayStation devices.
The specifications speak for themselves, with dual-encoder controls, magnetic paddle gear changes, and an LED telemetry display that can be utilized in a variety of ways by games like F1. There’s a lot of possibilities for personalization here. The brake pedal may be set to four different pressure settings, some of which we found a touch too firm for frequent use. You also receive 25 remappable buttons, and the LED display in the center may be customized to show a variety of metrics in compatible games, such as race position, lap time, and gear number.
Its force feedback is much more amazing than you would imagine, and it is quite precise. The T248 has a hybrid force feedback mechanism that combines a gear and a belt. That effectively eliminates the disadvantages of the geared system, which has been known to feel cumbersome at times while still providing all of the benefits of a belt system. Plus, it’s less expensive as a result.
However, the T248’s hybrid system seems to have come at the sacrifice of some of the finer details. The construction seems and feels poor. Similarly, it’s really noisy, particularly the shifter paddles. These, on the other hand, are extraordinarily responsive, unlike anything I’ve used previously. Is it a worthwhile trade-off? Yes, as long as you don’t need to keep the noise too low.
Overall, the sensation of realism provided by the Thrustmaster T248’s strong motor and resistance levels invigorates the whole experience. While some of the nicer features have yet to be taken up by certain games, there’s enough to delve into here, and while this is far from a cheap alternative, racing enthusiasts will undoubtedly feel a step up if they upgrade. The T248 does a lot of things right technically, and when it comes down to it, we prefer technical perfection above aesthetics any day. If you want to improve your racing skills and learn to corner consistently on a budget, this is the wheel for you.
Logitech G923 True Force
[amazon box =” B0937L4XQ7″]
The Logitech G923 True Force racing wheel provides an exceptional blend of control, feedback, and reaction. As a result, it’s well-suited to most racing games—it’s a racing wheel ideal for sim racing beginners and those searching for thrills who often switch between various and diverse simulators.
The G923 works flawlessly with just a few modifications to steering saturation and throttle linearity. Similarly, switching to GT Series racing is as straightforward as starting Assetto Corsa Competizione. Or, for that matter, any other driving game, including SnowRunner.
The G923 uses a gear-driven motor to provide force feedback, which is more fun to use but less strong and accurate-feeling than the belt-driven or direct-driven devices. The G923 has widespread support and a high-quality build, and it easily outperforms the Thrustmaster kit in terms of premium feel. However, the G920 is a very comparable wheel that is available for a lot less money currently, so it’s worth looking into whether it’s available for cheaper in your region.
Buying Guide
Price
This goes without saying, yet it is worth mentioning: Wheels are a gaming item. The game, console, and monitor must all be purchased initially, as well as any accessories such as chairs, gear stick shifters, and any downloadable content. The cost of everything may soon mount up. Budget wisely so that you don’t end yourself short of the $60 you planned to spend on the game!
However, price should never be the primary motivator for your selections. Use it as a deciding factor if there are two wheels that tick all your boxes and you can’t decide whether to pay for the cheaper or more costly one.
Rotation
Every sim racing game has a magic degree of rotation that determines how much the wheel has to be rotated. Anything less than 900 degrees of rotation needs you to spin the actual wheel more than the in-game sim wheel does. In short, you’ll be spending valuable time rotating much more than you need to!
Force Feedback
Simply said, this is the aspect that simulates real-world driving. A wheel with no or poor force feedback will not feel enjoyable to drive, and you will be at a disadvantage when determining how much wheel input is necessary. Force feedback is required for complete immersion!
Compatibility
Obviously, it is essential to get a wheel that is compatible with your system. Just remember that not all are, so double-check the requirements. However, if you have your heart set on a racing sim seat, be sure it will fit on the equipment you purchase.
Build Quality
Will it last a long time before you have to replace it, or does it become heated after extended durations of gaming? Because there is only so much we can do to care for things, ensuring that the firm has developed a high-quality wheel is critical. How does it appear? Does it resemble the wheel from your dreams? With sim racing becoming a large business, several firms are providing a variety of designs. There is really something to satisfy every taste.
The material is mostly determined by personal choice and experience. If you’ve driven a lot of vehicles with leather steering wheels, a leather-clad wheel will probably feel the most comfortable for you. A fabric-covered wheel, on the other hand, may give additional grip and enable you to race for longer periods of time without sweating hands interfering.
Design
Again, this is mostly a matter of personal choice. If you want a particular insignia to show in the center of your wheel, it might occasionally come at an extra cost, but otherwise, you can just shop for that McLaren logo! Typically, there are two sorts of wheels, with some having a racing appearance and others looking more like a conventional automobile wheel.
FAQs
How much does a good racing wheel cost?
A good racing wheel may be had for roughly $250, or even less if you’re prepared to purchase second hand. However, if you want anything more serious, such as what top sim racers use, you’ll be looking at upwards of $1,000.
Are racing wheels worth it?
If you’re serious about realism, a racing wheel is a must-have. When you play driving games with a steering wheel, you might begin to acquire abilities that will benefit you in real life. That is not possible with a standard controller. However, if you’re a casual racing game enthusiast who simply wants to relax and isn’t bothered with realism, a wheel may be overkill.
Why are racing wheels so expensive?
There are other things at work here, but racing wheels are complicated devices, owing mostly to the internal motors that provide force feedback. This makes the wheels lot more lifelike, but it also raises the price. You’ll also need fine sensors to detect all of the inputs, and those sensors must be robust since you’ll probably be using these devices a lot and not especially sensitively. Finally, they must be constructed of high-quality materials since clinging to a cheap, plastic wheel is no pleasure at all.
What is the best force feedback for sim racing?
Force feedback is typically present in racing wheels in three forms: gear-driven, belt-driven, and direct drive. Direct drive is by far the most precise and powerful, but it comes at a significant expense.
Direct drive is the greatest option since it is the most straightforward. To provide resistance and feedback via the wheel, every force feedback racing wheel has a motor, and in a direct drive system, the wheel is directly attached to this motor for optimal reaction.
However, don’t discount gear-driven or belt-driven systems. Belt-driven is a superior force feedback technology that connects the motor to the wheel through a belt. That configuration provides outstanding responsiveness with little sacrifice.
Gear-driven systems are the most common for lower-cost racing wheels, although their performance varies greatly depending on their design. A wheel like the Logitech G923 has a dual-motor gear-driven mechanism, which is remarkable and rather strong in operation. However, some less well-designed gear-driven PC steering wheels may leave you wishing for greater power and responsiveness from your drive.
What components do I need for a sim racing setup?
If you want to go all out with your sim racing setup, a basic wheel may not be enough. That’s when you’ll want to start looking at more separate pieces and building your own sim racing set up in your own unique style and preferences.
You should begin with the base. This is simply an axis that converts your wheel motions into a digital signal for your game, while also being the driving component in the input you’ll get from the game. It’s critical to choose the proper decision for your base, which includes picking between a direct drive and a belt-driven design.
The majority of the time, compatibility for bases differs between Xbox/PC and PlayStation/PC. It’s unusual to find compatibility for both consoles in one package, but it’s nearly always PC in any case.
Then you’ll need a steering wheel to attach to your base, commonly through a wheel to base hub or adaptor. This might be a more specialized wheel for a certain race, such as F1, or something more universal for GT racing, or a combination of the two. You may need to hunt for individual button and shifter add-ons to go with your wheel, or they may come as part of a package.
Moving on to the pedals, we normally suggest getting a set that has the accelerator, brake, and clutch pedals all in one. You may not be a manual driver anymore, or even require the clutch at your feet for an F1 setup, but it’s important to have for a variety of racing games.
You should also think about how you’ll install your sim racing setup to your desk or sim racing frame (if you’re serious). Usually, it’s as simple as purchasing the clamp that goes with your base from the same company, but you may want to explore a more adventurous configuration before checking out.
Conclusion
Racing wheels are the best method for gamers to really interact with racing simulations. It is critical to discover the proper product to really immerse us in the games. Wheels are also significantly superior to any pad device for controlling automobiles. It’s no surprise that racing aficionados want to purchase the greatest wheel they can to better both their gameplay and their overall experience.
Not all wheels are created equal, and everyone’s demands vary, so always consider what you want from a wheel before making a purchase. Hopefully, this list will assist you in making your decision and getting you behind the wheel of the finest vehicle for your needs.
