The Best Affordable Racing Wheels For These Top Games

If you want to get the best out of your racing wheels, then consider buying these affordable racing wheels!

07 Feb 2016

The Best Affordable Racing Wheels For These Top Games

1. GT 6

Thrustmaster T300RS/T500RS
Logitech G27

Being limited to PS3, there is only so much wheel selection. Both the G27 and the T300RS will give you enough control and customisation without breaking the bank.

2. Forza Motorsport 6

Logitech G920

Options are limited again for Forza 6, being an Xbox One exclusive game. You’re going to need to dish out the money, but you know it will be worth it. If you go with a Fanatec set-up, you will be spending over $1200 easily, so stick with Logitech on this one. The G920 is still a pricey wheel, but it can be used with other games including those on PC.

3. F1 2015

Logitech G27 on PC
Thrustmaster T500 on PS4/PC
Thrustmaster TX on Xbox One

Luckily, there are dozens of options for racing F1 2015 and other Codemasters games. PC and PS4 players will be able to use all supported wheels on those platforms. Xbox One players should already know that they will have to spend that extra fortune to add a wheel to their set-up with the TX unless they already have another compatible wheel.

4. iRacing

Logitech G27 or G29

If you compete in iRacing and haven’t yet spent your life savings on a Fanatec set-up, look for a reliable, moderately priced wheel like the G27 or G29 that will last you through the seasons.

5. Driveclub

Logitech G29

Limited to PS4 controllers, Driveclub is best played on the G29. The game has been knocked for its physics, but that’s no reason to come at it with an underwhelming wheel. Logitech support wasn’t available at launch, but early Driveclub racers with the Thrustmaster T300RS wheel will do just fine. Like the G29, it has plenty of options to adjust to each particular car and racing style as you see fit.

6. Project CARS

Thrustmaster T300RS on PS4/PC
Thrustmaster TX on Xbox One
Logitech G27/G29/G920 on PC

The wheel support for Project CARS seems endless. Considering the wide variety of cars and gameplay, you will need a wheel that can conform to your racing needs. For the cheapest options that will give you the force feedback and detailed customisation you need, stick with the G27 and the G29 (PC players). The T300RS will cost more, but it can be justified if you need it for another racing game.

7. Assetto Corsa

Logitech G27 PC
Thrustmaster T300RS on PS4
Thrustmaster TX on Xbox One

PC players who have already been working on Assetto Corsa are probably using the G27. The wheel has been available since the game launched, and it has kept up with all the demands Assetto Corsa has produced. For the game’s spring arrival on console, the T300RS is recommended for PS4 and the TX is recommended for Xbox One.

8. The Crew

Thrustmaster TX if on Xbox One
Thrustmaster T300RS on PS4
Logitech G27 on PC

You’re not out shopping for a new wheel just to race The Crew…unless you are some special kind of gamer. Chances are, you picked up The Crew because you thought it would be entertaining or you found it at a good price.

9. Need for Speed

Update:

After the list of PC wheels was released, we now have a few to consider. For this game, the best choice is not to put too much money into the setup. The good ole’ G27 will work fine, and it will last you an eternity. We’ll see if they add more choices with future updates.

10. WRC 5

Logitech G29 on PC/PS4/PS3
Thrustmaster T300 RS on PC/PS4
Logitech G920 on Xbox One

PC and PS3/4 players have plenty of decent options for wheels, but Xbox One players really only have these four from which to choose: the Logitech G920, Fanatec Clubsport Porsche 918 RSR, Thrustmaster TX and Thrustmaster Ferrari 458 Spider. The Ferrari 458 Spider wheel is the cheapest option (under $100), but the G920 will give the best performance and longevity for the price.

11. DiRT Rally

Logitech G27
Thrustmaster T500RS

If you’re a DiRT enthusiast, you know that a wheel that can take a beating is critical. All those hills, bumps and turns really put the force feedback to the test. The G27 may not be the newest wheel, but it can endure endless hours of rally racing. The T500RS is a notch above the G27, but be prepared to spend more, too. Either wheel would make a nice addition to your gaming gear as they can be used with several other games.

12. S.L.R.EVO

T300RS on PC/PS4
Fanatec Porche 911 Turbo on PC/PS4
Logitech G920 on Xbox One/PC

This rally racer was released this year, so the supported wheels are mostly next-gen, with the exception of the Fanatec Porsche 911 Turbo. The best choice, however, is to set yourself up with a trusted wheel that will keep up with the strain you’ll put on it. The G920 will give you the best performance for the price.

13. GRID: Autosport

Logitech G27 on PC/PS3
Thrustmaster T500RS on PC/PS3
Fanatec Porsche 911 Turbo on Xbox 360/PS3

The most important factor when setting up a sim rig for GRID is understanding the differences in the cars you will be racing. With such a wide variety of motorsports to race, GRID demands a wheel that can adapt to any driving environment. There is support for dozens more wheels on GRID. It’s just a matter of preference and budget.

Comments

How can you have an “affordable” wheel article and not mention the Logitech Drive Force GT once? Its a cut down G27 for half the price, more than enough for most sim beginers.

It does its job, but if you compare the pedals and the noise level caused by the gearing of the DFGT, you should better stick to a used G27 if budget is a concern.