gaming headsetIf you are a lover a racing games, then you know how annoying it can be to play with a regular controller. While it can be done, it is a much more pleasurable experience when you use a gaming wheel. But since you are looking for that top-notch experience why settle for just any wheel. With a little bit of research (that we’ve done for you) you can get the best gaming wheel. Your choices will depend on which gaming console or PC you use, but we’ve got the main ones covered.
When choosing the wheels below, a consideration was ‘price’. We have tried to balance user experience with price. Most of the wheels below, apart from the last option are not at the high-end ($,$$$) in terms of price, but they still provide a great gaming experience.
Xbox One Gaming Wheels
1. Thrustmaster TMX Force Feedback Racing Wheel
The Thrustmaster for the Xbox is a strong contender for this system. This 11 inch wheel ensures that all the controls are within easy reach so you don’t have to worry about moving your hands in the middle of your game. The set comes paired with 2 wide pedals that have three different position settings for you to find the setting that is just right for you. In addition to being the best gaming wheel for the Xbox this one is set to work for a PC as wheel, so long as your drivers are up to date. Additionally, you are able to pair it with other Thrustmaster accessories such as their gear shift and three pedal array.
- Realistic sized wheel with all controls within easy reach
- Turns all the way to 900 degrees
- Compatible with PC as well as Xbox
- Pedal set up tends to move around on the carpet
Xbox 360 Gaming Wheels
2. Mad Catz Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel
With today’s gaming consoles you don’t want to have a bunch of wires going everywhere. With that in mind Mad Catz has put out what is perhaps the best gaming wheel for the Xbox 360 in the Wireless Racing Wheel. Not only are you able to connect to you Xbox 360 wirelessly, you can run the controller on AAA batteries if you don’t have a convenient place to plug-in the AC adaptor. This set up comes with not only the racing wheel, but a changeable gear shift (can be positioned for either right or left-handed uses) as well as a 2 pedal set up that gives you the real feel of driving.
- Changeable gear shift and paddle shifting
- Completely Wireless
- Includes both desk and lap mount options
- Does not offer vibration or other force feedback
PS3 Gaming Wheels
3. Logitech Playstation Driving Force GT Racing Wheel
This gaming wheel from Logitech has been crafted to be as close to a real racecar’s steering wheel as a gaming wheel can be. It can make two and a half rotations before it locks, just as in many real cars. This set up has an integrated sequential gear shift and includes a two pedal set up. The Logitech allows numerous fine adjustments, covering everything from brake bias to TCS and beyond. With this outstanding level of control there is no doubt that this is a contender for the best gaming wheel for the Playstation.
- Works with PS3, PS2 or Windows 7
- Durably built
- Pedals have non-slip backing
- Paddle Shifters are somewhat hard to reach
PS4 Gaming Wheels
4. Logitech Dual Motor Driving Force G29 Racing Wheel
In another offering from Logitech you can find the G29 Racing Wheel for the PS4. This one ups the feedback with dual motors to give you increased rumble and response. And you can pick it up with pedals to have even more responsive control. All of the controls are within easy reach to include the paddle shifters to give you a high level of control at any point during play. Instead of just two pedal set up this option shows itself to be the best gaming wheel for the PS4 by including a three pedal system, just like a real gear shift racing car.
- Pedals won’t slide on carpet
- Very quiet wheel
- Works with PS4/PS3/ Windows 7 or 8
- Stick shifter not included
PC Gaming Wheels
5. Fanatec Forza Motorsport Racing Wheel
Of course, we can’t forget the computer gamers. While this is a category that can depend quite a bit on your personal set up, in our opinion the overall front-runner for the best gaming wheel for the PC is the Fanatec Forza Motorsport Racing Wheel. This one has quite the upscale feel. The rim is brushed aluminum with smooth leather for a better grip. The steering wheel even disconnects from the dash, just as in a real F1 race car. This bundle comes with a three pedal set up for the most realistic simulations or racing. To complete the package there are also a standalone gear shifter and hand brake.
- Crafted from high quality components
- Customizable button layout
- Works for the Xbox One and PC
- On the more expensive end
Wrap up
When you are hunting down the best gaming steering wheel you will obviously have to consider the system that you are using or that you plan to swap to. You’ll also want to consider the games that you are interested in playing as not all of them may work with wheels and even if they do they may not use all the features or buttons of a given model. Some models do double duty working with a gaming system and a computer, but that only really helps if you are looking to game on both set ups. You may also want to see how the wheel interacts with your gaming headset. At the end of the day there are a lot of great choices out there. We’d love to hear from you as to which option you went with.
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