Key takeaways
- Desk clamps: Fine for belt and gear wheels at moderate force. Direct-drive bases can flex a desk, so a solid table or rig is safer.
- Wheel stands and rigs: Foldable stands are a middle path for living-room play. A full aluminium or steel rig gives the best consistency and lets you set the seat, pedal and screen distances properly.
- Pedals: Pedals that slide are the most common complaint on entry-level kits. A pedal tray or a non-slip mat helps.
- Cable length and console distance: Make sure the USB and power cables reach your console and a wall outlet comfortably before settling on a position.
- Power: Direct-drive bases ship with their own power supplies. Plug them into a surge-protected outlet and follow the manual.
For most PlayStation 5 owners who want a first wheel, the Logitech G923 or the Thrustmaster T248 is the sensible starting point, while drivers who already know they love sim racing should look at a direct-drive base such as the Thrustmaster T598 or a Fanatec PlayStation-compatible base. The right pick depends on how much desk or rig space you have, how much force feedback you want, and whether you plan to upgrade pedals and shifters later.
Racing Wheels for PS5 at a Glance
| Wheel | Drive type | Best for | Key stated detail | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Logitech G923 (PlayStation version) | Gear-driven with TRUEFORCE | First wheel, budget to mid-range | Reviewers list about 2.2 Nm peak torque; the maker lists TRUEFORCE game-based force feedback | Gear feel is less smooth than belt or direct drive |
| Thrustmaster T248 | Hybrid belt system | Step up from entry level, compact setup | Hybrid drive; on-rim buttons and a display on the wheel | Smaller rim; not a true direct-drive feel |
| Thrustmaster T300 RS GT | Belt drive | Players who want proven feedback and an upgrade path | Reviewers cite roughly 3.9 Nm peak | Older design with fewer modern conveniences |
| Thrustmaster T598 | Direct drive | Entry into direct drive on PlayStation | Reviewers describe it as the lower-cost direct-drive route for PS5 | Costs more than belt wheels; needs a sturdy mount |
| Fanatec GT DD Pro / CSL DD | Direct drive | Serious sim racers who want to grow the setup | Maker lists 5 Nm, or 8 Nm with the optional boost kit, on the CSL DD | Modular parts add up; needs a rig or very solid desk |
| Fanatec ClubSport DD+ | Direct drive | High-end PlayStation setups | Reviewers report 18 Nm and native PS5 support | Premium tier; more than casual play needs |
| Logitech G RS50 | Direct drive | Logitech users upgrading from the G923 | Positioned by the maker as the step above the G923 | Buy the console variant that matches your system |
Why Wheel Compatibility Matters on PS5
Not every wheel that works on a PC works on a PlayStation 5. Console wheels are generally licensed and authenticate with the system, and some bases are sold in separate PlayStation and Xbox versions. The Logitech G923, for example, is sold as a PlayStation and PC edition and as a separate Xbox and PC edition, so buying the wrong one is an avoidable mistake. Several roundups note that certain direct-drive bundles, including the Moza R5 Pro bundle, are listed as PC-only, which makes them a poor fit for a console buyer.
Also look at which games you play. Gran Turismo 7 supports a defined list of wheels, and the game maker publishes which models it recognises. Other titles such as the F1 series and EA Sports WRC have their own supported lists. A wheel that is not on a game’s list may still connect, but force feedback or button mapping can be limited. Reading the support list for your favourite game is the single best way to avoid disappointment.
Budget and Entry Tier
Logitech G923
The G923 shows up as the top or near-top pick in several 2026 PS5 roundups, including TechRadar and Gamingreviewguide, largely because it is easy to set up and works across a wide range of games. The maker highlights TRUEFORCE, which feeds in-game audio and physics data into the force feedback signal in supported titles. Reviewers put the peak torque at about 2.2 Nm, which is modest, but the wheel is a well-known starter choice. It uses a gear drive, so some reviewers describe the feedback as a little notchy compared with belt systems. The pedal set is lightweight and may slide on carpet or hard floors without a stand or a pedal mat, so plan for that.
Thrustmaster T248
The T248 is a hybrid system that uses a belt-driven mechanism, and TechRadar lists it among its overall picks for PlayStation. Reviewers like the on-wheel display and the simple mounting clamps. It suits players who want a bit more smoothness than a gear-driven wheel without moving to a full rig. The trade-offs are a smaller rim than a premium wheel and pedals that feel more basic than the wheel itself. Thrustmaster sells upgraded pedal sets separately for players who want better brake feel.
Mid-Range Tier
Thrustmaster T300 RS GT
The T300 has been a staple of PlayStation racing for years, and reviewers continue to list it as a belt-driven alternative. The Thrustmaster system is modular, so the rim and pedals can usually be swapped, which provides an upgrade path. Reviewers cite about 3.9 Nm of peak force. Because it is an older design, some buyers prefer the newer T248 for its display and interface, but others value the T300’s reputation for solid, consistent feedback. The GT edition was designed with Gran Turismo in mind.
Thrustmaster T598
The T598 is described in one racing-setup guide as the direct-drive option for PS5 buyers who want to stay near the mid-range. Direct drive removes belts and gears, so the motor connects straight to the wheel shaft. Reviewers say this produces cleaner, faster force feedback with finer detail over kerbs and loss of traction. It needs a very firm mount, because the forces can move a flimsy desk.
Premium Tier
Fanatec GT DD Pro and CSL DD
Fanatec runs the most developed direct-drive ecosystem for PlayStation. According to one sim-racing outlet, the GT DD Pro is the PS5-compatible equivalent of the CSL DD base, with the maker listing 5 Nm as standard and 8 Nm with the optional boost kit. The advantage is the large range of rims, pedals, shifters and handbrakes that can be added over time. The disadvantage is cost creep, since the base is only one part of a full setup. Buyers should map out the full set of parts before starting.
Fanatec ClubSport DD+
One outlet reports that the ClubSport DD at 15 Nm is limited to PC and Xbox, while the DD+ at 18 Nm adds native PS5 support. This is serious hardware best paired with a dedicated rig. Strong direct-drive bases can produce enough force to cause injury if hands are caught in a spinning wheel, so follow the maker’s safety guidance, use the quick-release as intended, and keep children and pets clear while the base is powered.
Logitech G RS50
The G RS50 is the direct-drive option from Logitech and is presented as an upgrade route from the G923. It suits players who like Logitech’s software and want something simpler than a modular system. Look closely at which console variant you are buying before ordering.
Mounting, Space and Comfort
- Desk clamps: Fine for belt and gear wheels at moderate force. Direct-drive bases can flex a desk, so a solid table or rig is safer.
- Wheel stands and rigs: Foldable stands are a middle path for living-room play. A full aluminium or steel rig gives the best consistency and lets you set the seat, pedal and screen distances properly.
- Pedals: Pedals that slide are the most common complaint on entry-level kits. A pedal tray or a non-slip mat helps.
- Cable length and console distance: Make sure the USB and power cables reach your console and a wall outlet comfortably before settling on a position.
- Power: Direct-drive bases ship with their own power supplies. Plug them into a surge-protected outlet and follow the manual.
Pick X If You Want Y
| If you … | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Want an easy first wheel | Logitech G923 | Widely supported and simple to set up |
| Want smoother feel without a rig | Thrustmaster T248 | Hybrid belt feedback with a compact footprint |
| Want a modular belt setup | Thrustmaster T300 RS GT | Swappable rim and pedals |
| Want entry-level direct drive | Thrustmaster T598 | Direct-drive feel on PlayStation |
| Plan a long-term sim setup | Fanatec GT DD Pro or CSL DD | Large ecosystem of accessories |
| Want maximum torque | Fanatec ClubSport DD+ | Highest torque listed for PS5 here |
Alternatives and Things to Avoid
If a full wheel is too much, the DualSense controller with adaptive triggers is a legitimate starting point for casual racing, and some players add a clamp-on shifter later. Used older wheels can be tempting, but confirm that the specific model is still recognised by the games you play. Wheels aimed at PC only, including the Moza R5 Pro bundle noted above, are better skipped on console. Finally, third-party rims that claim PS5 support should be matched to the exact base model the maker names, since rim and base connectors differ between brands and generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a racing wheel worth it on PS5?
A wheel changes how a racing game feels, because steering, pedal pressure and force feedback give more precise control than a gamepad. Casual players may be happy with a controller, but those who play racing titles regularly often find a wheel more engaging. Start with an entry-level model before spending on a premium base.
Can I use a PC wheel on PS5?
Often not. Console wheels need to be licensed and authenticate with the system, so a PC-only wheel will usually not work. Always buy the version the maker lists for PlayStation.
What is the difference between belt and direct drive?
Gear and belt wheels pass the motor force through mechanical parts, while direct drive connects the motor straight to the wheel shaft. Reviewers say direct drive gives faster, more detailed feedback, but it costs more and needs a stronger mount.
Do I need a rig?
Not for entry-level wheels, which can clamp to a sturdy desk. Direct-drive bases and heavier pedals put more force through the mounting, so a rig or heavy table is the safer choice.
Will the wheel work with PS4 games?
Many PS5 wheels also work with PS4 titles, but support depends on the model and the game. Read the maker’s compatibility list for your specific games before buying.
Which games work best with a wheel?
Gran Turismo 7, the F1 series, EA Sports WRC and other driving games publish supported wheel lists. Reading the list for your preferred game is the best way to confirm full force feedback support.
