Fanatec vs Thrustmaster steering wheels – Which is the best ?
Fanatec and Thrustmaster have been churning out award-winning steering wheels one after another in the last decade. And these two powerhouses’ aren’t showing signs of slowing down. Fanatec has recently released a racing wheel for Gran Turismo 7 on the PlayStation 4 and 5, while Thrustmaster has the T-GT II for the popular racing game franchise as well.
In this article, we’ve done the hard task for you by comparing which manufacturer is at their best right now. We will also be reviewing a couple of racing wheels straight from their website for you to decide which racing wheel is the best peripheral for your favorite racing games.
Factors to Consider
When getting a racing wheel for your favorite video games, one of the first things you should keep in mind is your budget and the available steering wheels that fit the bill. The brand you’ll get is actually highly dependent on your wallet as a lot of steering wheels on the market right now have different tiers depending on their make, model, and Force Feedback quality.
The 3 main Force Feedback effects that racing wheel manufacturers use are belt drive, gear drive, and direct drive Force Feedback effects. Fanatec, Thrustmaster, as well as other brands utilize these types of Force Feedback in their gaming peripherals but there are key differences that set them apart.
Thrustmaster steering wheels are more affordable than Fanatec gears but if you consider yourself a sim racing enthusiast or a seasoned racer, just about every high-end gear to invest in is Fanatec equipment if you’re in for the long grind simply because of its overall durability and quality.
Fanatec and Thrustmaster at a Glance
Fanatec has been providing gamers with racing wheels with Force Feedback functionalities to simulate real-life driving as early as 1997. Not only that, but the popular peripheral manufacturer also currently offers pedals, as well as a variety of racing wheels depending on your chosen platform. Fanatec racing wheels are usually more expensive when compared to other brands because they’re one of the few that have mastered the Direct Drive Force Feedback technology.
Thrustmaster, on the other hand, was founded in 1990 and was initially focused on providing gear for flight simulators before shifting specialty to racing games. Thrustmaster has since become one of the leading brands in racing peripherals alongside Fanatec, Logitech, and others due to its entry-level brands that are affordable for the first-time racer.
Differences between Fanatec and Thrustmaster Steering Wheels
When comparing the two brands, it’s evident that Thrustmaster is the more affordable option of the two. While Thrustmaster offers a couple of high-end brands, they’re known for entry-level options a lot of beginner sim racers are familiar with. Thrustmaster has steering wheels across all major platforms such as PlayStation, Xbox, and PC making it ideal for beginners with not a lot of budget to spare. Hearing the name Fanatec meanwhile screams major league as owning a Fanatec product means you’re serious about investing in a superb driving simulation racing experience.
Fanatec also offers a wide variety of racing wheels across all major platforms. Still, their peripherals are more catered to seasoned and even professional sim racers because Fanatec’s equipment is a tad expensive when compared to other brands. Fanatec steering wheels also require a dedicated wheelbase. While expensive, this allows for a wide range of customizations on your setup that achieving the realism you want in your racing games is definitely possible. This is because Fanatec utilizes Direct Drive Force Feedback system to make your gameplay experience as authentic as possible. In a nutshell, Fanatec is simply the best choice if budget is not an issue if you want the most realistic experience for your favorite simulation racing games.
Other Fanatec and Thrustmaster accessories you might need…
Aside from the steering wheels, you should also think about the pedals, as well as the racing cockpit to complete your racing setup. Thrustmaster pedals are reasonably priced and some are also bundled along with the wheels so you can start racing right away. Fanatec accessories, on the other hand, are made of high-quality materials and are highly compatible across all their products.
Fanatec pedals are more expensive than other brands but they do come with extra features like built-in pedal vibration, and other add-ons that offer a lot of customization options. Both brands also have an extensive list of available gear shifters as well as handbrake add-ons should you want to add them to your racing rig. Fanatec is still the more expensive among the two but Thrustmaster’s accessories aren’t the cheapest either as some cost about the same as the Fanatec products. This makes Fanatec accessories fare more appealing if you’re going for realism and customizations in mind.
Now that we all have the other essentials out of the way, it’s time we talk about what steering wheels Fanatec and Thrustmaster have to offer to us gamers. We’re reviewing 5 racing wheels from the two popular manufacturers to see which gaming peripheral works for you and your budget. Without further ado, here are the best wheels the two has to offer:
Fanatec Podium Racing Wheel F1
Check Price and More Details on Fanatec
The Podium F1 racing wheel by Fanatec is the first ever Direct Drive system to grace PlayStation consoles. For fans of racing sim games, this is definitely a must-have as Direct Drive beats just about any belt or gear-driven system that other steering wheels utilize to provide the most realistic Force Feedback system when playing your favorite games. The Direct Drive Force Feedback system means there are no USB cables cluttering your setup which can easily get damaged and even make it difficult for you to spin the racing wheel when drifting.
This racing wheel uses an outrunner-type motor that’s fully certified for plug-and-play specifically for use in sim racing games. The steering wheel is 27cm in diameter and features a wide array of controls, switches, and a paddle module only found in Fanatec peripherals so you’re always ahead of the pack. There are 11 buttons, 12-way multi-position switches, thumb encoders, rocker switches, as well as RevLEDs with 9 multi-color LEDs that can display motor RPM and optimal shifting point. There is also 2 flag LED bars with 3 multi-color LEDs to indicate tire slip, fuel level, or incoming radio for the ultimate immersion you need to keep your adrenaline pumping.
The paddle system meanwhile utilizes 2 magnetic shifters to provide a solid and positive feel to your every shift. The paddles are made with automotive grade quality in mind with real carbon fiber plates and an aluminum cage for long-lasting durability even during the most intense racing situations. The grips of the wheel, on the other hand, are made from genuine Italian made Alcantara that’s easy to clean while providing exceptional grip at the same time.
In addition, this racing wheel is officially licensed by Formula 1 giving it a stamp of approval every gamer look for when choosing the best peripheral for competitive play. The Podium racing wheel F1 is also heavily used in a lot of esports competitions on the PlayStation because of its unrivaled compatibility with all supported racing games. This gaming peripheral also works with PCs on all major racing games. Xbox owners meanwhile will still be able to use this racing wheel as long as you have an Xbox-licensed wheelbase.
The only real drawback you’ll find with this steering wheel is its very steep price point. It’s recommended for seasoned and professional sim racers as the expensive price tag will generally put off a lot of beginners. Nonetheless, it’s the best racing wheel you can find with the most authentic Force Feedback imaginable in racing games right now so if you want a truly immersive and authentic driving experience, then this one’s for you.
Fanatec CSL Elite Steering Wheel WRC
Check Price and More Details on Fanatec
The CSL Elite steering wheel WRC from Fanatec comes as a surprise for a lot of sim racing enthusiasts as it’s a really affordable peripheral for everyone to afford and enjoy their favorite games with. It’s also officially licensed by the World Rally Championship organization making it the perfect companion if you love to play racing games that have Rally tracks in their stages. This racing wheel is also used in a lot of WRC esports competitions so you can also get the wheels of pros in the comforts of your own home.
The CSL Elite WRC steering wheel is made with brushed aluminum spokes and is fitted with a genuine Alcantara grip with orange stitching to make sure your hands always stay on the wheel. The Rally-inspired design makes for a bold visual statement with a tire tread graphic as well as orange accents on the paddles along with the stitching. The 300mm diameter of the steering wheel works exceptionally well for a lot of vehicle types. The lightweight construction of the CSL Elite also makes it ideal for lightning-fast inputs required for competitive gaming.
It’s also equipped with detachable paddles that feature Snapdome activation for a satisfying click response whenever you’re using it. The steering wheel also has a nifty RevStripe and an integrated 3-digit LED screen to show you useful information in compatible games. The LED screen is capable of providing Tuning menu access so that you can tweak your settings during gameplay according to your needs. The steering wheel parts are fully exchangeable from the quick release adapter to the shifter paddles. The pre-installed Xbox style button caps can also be replaced with racing style caps if you’re playing on another platform such as PlayStation or PC.
While the CSL Elite steering wheel WRC becomes automatically compatible for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S due to its Xbox play anywhere mode, it will still work for other platforms such as PlayStation as long as you have a PlayStation licensed wheelbase. You shouldn’t encounter any issues while playing on PC meanwhile, as the compatibility of this steering wheel remains unchanged when gaming on the said platform.
Thrustmaster T248 Racing Wheel
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The T248 racing wheel by Thrustmaster is specifically made for all gamers looking for performance and immersion without breaking the bank. If you want to free yourselves from the confines of a keyboard, mouse, or even the console’s controllers, then this is an ideal starter wheel for beginners and first-timers who want to take their racing games to the next level. This racing wheel is equipped with up to 25 action buttons as well as 2 dual-position encoders so you can customize your setup however you want.
The T248 uses durable and genuine leather wrapping on the exterior making it look premium and durable at the same time. The upper portion of the T248 meanwhile is fitted with an interactive race dashboard with more than 20 different displays for real-time racing information such as speed, RPM, race position, best lap time, and more. You can also manually adjust the range of settings if you want to see other information like Force Feedback type, the wheel’s rotation angle, etc.
Speaking of Force Feedback, which you already understood by now when reading the article, the T248 features 3 types of Force Feedback that you can change on the fly depending on the game or your mood. They’re FFB1 for 100% Force Feedback proportional with the game, FFB2 for better skid control, and FFB3 for the ultimate feeling effects as it allows gamers to clearly experience curbs, skidding, off-track, and more. The motor that powers all these Force Feedback effects are largely due to the 70% more power output generated by the T248 than by older Thrustmaster wheels like the T150.
Going back to the numerous action buttons available on the T248, you basically have tons of choices when it comes to assigning whatever controls you have in mind. The extensive physical and virtual buttons available to you lets you control the pace in any type of game. Buying this product already includes magnetic paddle shifters and a magnetic pedal set making this an appealing choice for beginners. The paddle shifters give racers lightning-fast gear shifting with an unprecedented lifespan over the long term. This is the same with the pedal set with 4 pressure modes so that you’ll have versatility on your in-game reflexes.
Thrustmaster gives you the option to bundle up the Y Assault R6 gaming headset, TH8A Shifter, and the TSSH sequential handbrake if you have more money to spare. Most of the peripherals are sim racing games specific and you will not be able to use them on other games outside the genre.
Fanatec ClubSport Steering Wheel NASCAR V2
Check Price and More Details on Fanatec
The last steering wheel we’re reviewing on the list is this officially licensed NASCAR steering wheel for racers who want to experience the most realistic oval racing experience. The NASCAR V2 is a bundle of the ClubSport Universal Hub V2 for racers on Xbox as well as the Podium Wheel Rim NASCAR. This steering wheel is not as expensive as other Fanatec products making it highly appealing for fans of the brand as well as first-time racers that want to invest in a reliable racing peripheral.
Like other Fanatec wheels, the NASCAR V2 is also made from brushed, anodized aluminum and is covered in genuine Alcantara leather. There’s a 3-digt LED display as well for Tuning Menu functions and telemetry data from compatible games making it highly ideal for driving modern NASCAR vehicles not just for fans of the sport but also for sim racing enthusiasts.
The steering wheel is compatible with almost any Fanatec wheel base including other peripherals such as shifters, pedals, or handbrake. All of these combined provides you with a comprehensive array of buttons that are integrated into your hub as well to make you feel totally in control of the game. The pre-installed paddle module meanwhile gives crisp and rapid shifting especially when you need utmost control of your vehicle during intense racing situations. It’s also possible to adjust the button clusters wherever you feel like. Or if you’re looking for a minimalistic approach, you can simply remove everything for a clean and compact appearance.
There’s another multi-purpose input device which is the 7-way FunkySwitch with a d-pad, push button, and a rotary encoder. The NASCAR V2 can also be upgraded to the next-gen QR2 system by Fanatec when the time comes making it ready for the future should future upgrades happen along the way. While this steering wheel is highly recommended for Xbox users, gamers on PC can also enjoy the same benefits and should have no noticeable drawbacks. For sim racers on PlayStation meanwhile, the functionality may be limited and also game-dependent as the NASCAR V2 is subject to firmware and developer support.
Thrustmaster T-GT II Racing Wheel
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The T-GT II racing wheel from Thrustmaster features an all-new and improved electronic design that replicates the circuit boards of actual automotive industry internal components. Thrustmaster reworked the T-GT II into the modern gaming racing wheel we know today to meet the needs of most professional esports racers as real work tools at their disposal, especially during long hours of intense competitions. The T-GT II is leather wrapped and fitted with 25 programmable buttons, 1 push-button, as well as 4 rotary selectors for differential braking, traction control, fuel mapping, and torque management.
The Force Feedback effects on this steering wheel meanwhile are 100% proportional to the force determined in the game so your vehicle’s behavior and track conditions during gameplay are faithfully reproduced for an authentic level of detail. The effects are managed by a built-in processor in real time and work on all games both on consoles as well as PC.
The technology utilized by Thrustmaster allows every racer to enjoy their favorite racing games without any dead zones or latency issues. This is thanks to the racing wheel’s 40-watt motor so racers can anticipate and react efficiently when driving to beat lap times and win races, especially when competing online. The high-powered motor transmits faster and stronger responses to you in real time creating a realistic 3D perception of the environment. This improved driving experience adds a wide range of effects that are otherwise nonexistent to other steering wheels like tire adherence, understeering and oversteering, mass transfers, road textures, irregularities, suspension, and other parameters that are vehicle and circuit specific.
This steering wheel also employs real-time drift curve calculation to maintain the responsiveness of both your steering wheel and your in-game car under any circumstance. You’ll be able to focus more on the driving aspect such as making very precise movements as opposed to getting worried about the sensitivity of your steering wheel during actual gameplay. One of the advantages of getting the T-GT II instead of other steering wheels on the market today is its premium feel while still being affordable even for first-time sim racers.
However, there are a lot of reviews online where one of the primary complaints is setting up the steering wheel on consoles and PCs. It isn’t as user-friendly as other racing wheels on the market today, like the plug-and-play peripherals of Fanatec and others, but this shouldn’t be a deal breaker if you’re a racing enthusiast.
Final Thoughts
Starting with the Podium F1 racing wheel by Fanatec, it’s simply the best among all the peripherals we’ve reviewed thus far. Yes, it may be expensive, but the Direct Drive Force Feedback knocks everything out of the park. It’s basically the best investment you’ll ever indulge in if you’re serious on your sim racing journey. The 2 Thrustmaster steering wheels are more attuned for beginners and first-time gamers but once you get the hang of it and learn to love and appreciate the game more, Fanatec racing wheels start to outshine the rest due to their functionalities as well as unrivaled realism other brands cannot replicate.
This doesn’t mean that other brands aren’t good enough as almost all steering wheels available online nowadays are made by exceptional manufacturers playing racing games sometimes beat real driving itself.
