TOP 5: the best steering wheels for car simulators

ThrustMaster Ferrari 458 Italia

Xbox 360 or PC owners should definitely check out this model. The device looks amazing. If only because it is an exact copy of the steering wheel of the Ferrari 458 Italia and has a diameter of 28 cm, which is 7/10 of the original! Together with the steering wheel, behind which the paddle shifter is located, there is a pedal set with realistic resistance.

In its arsenal, the device has seven control buttons and feedback in the form of vibration. Not the most advanced solution, but in this price category — not bad at all. The device is connected via USB. A single supporting structure, as in the case of ThrustMaster Ferrari Wireless GT Cockpit 430 Scuderia Edition is not, which, however, can also be seen from the illustrations of the model to the left of this text. The steering wheel and pedal set will have to be installed at the table, which is perfect for PC owners, but console players will not like this option too much.

The rubberized steering wheel cover allows you to comfortably and securely hold it in your hands, even in the most hot battles, and the angle of rotation of 270 °, although not a record, is still sufficient to plunge into the race headlong.

Nevertheless, the device can be classified as a mid-range solution, so you should expect miracles from him. The wheel just does its job, for beginner riders it's the best.

ThrustMaster T80 Racing Wheel Price from 4 953 up to 6 649 ₴ →

An exclusive device for PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 consoles. It won't work for PC users, but owners of Sony game consoles it's definitely worth checking out.

First of all, it's the first steering wheel with console support Sony PlayStation 4 . It has a full set of buttons necessary for a comfortable game, including options and share, which are located on the gamepad. The steering wheel comes complete with gas and brake pedals, they are also not designed into a single cockpit, which, in particular, made it possible to reduce the cost of the device. The gearbox is not a separate unit, but is located on the steering wheel in the form of two petals. Rubberized coating allows you to comfortably and securely hold the steering wheel. Force feedback and a brake pedal with progressive resistance will allow you to immerse yourself in the gameplay as much as possible.

Wired USB connection allows you not to worry about dead batteries at the most inopportune moment, and a three-metre cable allows you to install the steering wheel at a convenient distance from the TV. But due to the lack of a cockpit, the device is dependent on the table, which serves as a "holder".

The steering wheel diameter is 25 cm, which is more than enough. The rotation angle is not very pleasing — only 180 °, but it is quite enough for a comfortable game, the main thing is not to overdo it. Small steering angle is compensated by good feedback — thanks to ThrustMaster Bungee Cord technology, the steering wheel provides excellent and realistic resistance, and the pedal set has a wide footrest.

Logitech Driving Force GT

If you're looking for a great steering wheel for your console from Sony, be sure to check out this solution. The device has full support for PlayStation 2 and Sony PlayStation 3 Super Slim . But as practice shows, if you play a little with the drivers, then the device can be connected to a PC.

It has a rubberized steering wheel with a diameter of 28 cm, which allows you to fully experience driving on the track. Thanks to the 900° steering angle (yes, that's right, that's not a typo!) and excellent power feedback, the race will become even more realistic.

The gearbox is located directly next to the steering wheel, all this the design is attached to the table in a single block, which saves space. For mounting, clamps are used that are adjustable for any table, making the installation of the device quick and comfortable. Below is a pedal block with gas and brake pedals. The block has special legs for carpet, which fix the manipulator tightly.

If we talk about assembly materials, then there is nothing special. This steering wheel is a device of the middle price range, although at the same time it has outstanding technical characteristics. Execution material — plastic and rubber sheath. Unfortunately, the feedback mechanism is also made of plastic, which makes it not very durable when the recoil is set too high. Also, the disadvantages include the loud sound of the motor inside the device, according to users, it can be heard very well during intensive taxiing.

In general, this is a good steering wheel that has advanced technical characteristics and inexpensive performance.

Logitech G27 Racing Wheel

One of the most advanced and popular solutions on the market. The device is compatible with PC, PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3. The main features of the manipulator are the assembly material, including stainless steel and leather. For example, users report that the 28 cm leather-wrapped steering wheel feels great in the palm of your hand.

Supplied with a separate pedal unit and gearbox unit. The disadvantage is the lack of a single supporting structure, because this means that you won’t be able to play comfortably on the couch — the device needs a table for installation and a decent space under it to place the gearbox. But at the same time, the box itself is duplicated by petals located directly on the device, which allows you to do without it. However, you can purchase the cockpit separately, along with a complete racing chair, for a mind-blowing immersion in the game.

The pedal set has a full set of three pedals made of stainless steel, and the steering wheel has a 900° steering angle! Logitech G27 also has excellent force feedback and vibration, which allow you to transfer the track as realistic as possible. There are 16 buttons for control and navigation, including a D-pad. The digital indicator informs the rider about the engine speed and the time when it is worth changing gear.

ThrustMaster Ferrari Wireless GT Cockpit 430 Scuderia Edition

Our list ends with heavy artillery. This steering wheel is designed to completely immerse even the most sophisticated gamer in the gameplay. The model is a cockpit with its own installation mechanism that does not require a table or any other surface for mounting. Thanks to the high-quality plastic, rubber and metal construction, the steering wheel can be installed anywhere.

has a wireless bluetooth connection interface. Among the supported platforms, there is also a PC, but this device requires a lot of space for placement, so playing at a computer desk and monitor will most likely not be very convenient. But no one bothers to connect the computer to the plasma and enjoy the gameplay on the big screen.

The manipulator is an exact copy of the Ferrari F430 steering wheel, but its diameter, of course, is reduced to 28 cm. The steering wheel has a rubberized lining, which makes it pleasant to the touch and prevents it from slipping out of your hands during intense races. The steering wheel is turned by 270 °, which cannot be called a record figure for a device in this price segment. Pleased with the presence of feedback in the form of resistance and vibration. The pedals are metal, while the brake pedal has magnetic resistance for the most realistic feeling. The device also has 10 buttons for control and navigation and an additional gearbox made in the form of petals. The steering wheel is “powered” by 4 AA batteries, the battery life is up to 15 hours.

For reliable installation, a heavy (10.5 kg) base is used, which firmly fixes the device on the floor. As for the shortcomings, some users complain about the periodic loss of communication with the console. Judging by the feedback, the connection is lost at the most inopportune moments.