The PlayStation 5 has a lot to offer sim racers. In addition to console ports of some of the best sim racing titles out there such as Assetto Corsa Competizione, it also boasts exceptional exclusive titles such as Gran Turismo 7.
However, unlike with computer gaming, there isn’t the same kind of variety when it comes to equipment that you can use on a PlayStation.
In this article, we’ll dive into some of the best solutions out there to help you sim race on a PlayStation 5. From budget solutions to top-of-the-line technology, these wheels will help you turn that extra lap and find that next tenth of a second.
What Should I Look For?
The first thing to look out for is if the manufacturer recommends their wheelbase for use with PlayStation systems. Manufacturers such as Fanatec and Logitech have a variety of products that work on Playstaion.
Whilst this guide is for Playstation 5, most of the wheels will still work on Playstation 4 if that is still your console of choice. Because of the way in which compatibility is measured, you don’t need to look out for which wheels are the most compatible, you only need to look out for if it is compatible or not in the first place.
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What Do I Need To Consider?
Perhaps the most important element to consider when buying a PS5 wheel, compared to simply buying one for a PC, is that you are investing in a particular ecosystem. On a computer, you can typically run a wheelbase, pedals and even peripheral from separate manufacturers with little issue as you can assign different inputs to different devices plugging them into USB ports.
However, on a PS5, this is not possible as it requires every input to come from a single device. As a result, if you are looking at purchasing a wheel, the upgrades available in that brand’s ecosystem must also be considered. Likewise, you can only purchase upgrades from whichever brand you have originally purchased from. EG, Thrustmaster pedals and wheels, Fanatec pedals, wheels and peripherals.
Our Top Picks
| Product | Range | Pros | Cons |
| Thrustmaster T598 | Entry-Level | Reliable product from an iconic brand with a robust build | Only comes with 2 pedals by default. Load cells are only available as upgrades |
| Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro | Entry-Level | Affordable Direct-Drive technology. Massively-customisable ecosystem | Lengthy wait times for products |
| Logitech G PRO Racing Wheel | Mid-Budget | Top-end 11Nm direct drive force feedback. Dual-clutch, magnetic gear-shift paddles | The ecosystem is limited compared to competitors |
| Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Extreme | High-End | Developed in conjunction with Polyphony Digital. Recently received a power boost | Upgrades can be expensive. Does not include pedals |
Thrustmaster T598
Thrustmaster is a tried-and-tested brand on the sim racing market, with decades of experience helping them make the jump into the Direct Drive market. The T598 is the first Thrustmaster release with console technology in mind, being built to be used on PS5 as well as both PC and the Xbox Series.
The T598 brings 5Nm of torque, which is enough for your average sim racer, as well as a vast ecosystem that allows you to seamlessly change between different wheel rims if you wish to swap between formula cars and rally cars in an instant. It is also an affordable solution, which can be upgraded with the Raceline LC Upgrade kit to provide you with a load cell pedal for a three-pedal solution.
The T598 also features a dashboard screen on the wheelbase, the only offering on this list to feature such an item. This can be customised to include any of 10 different pieces of information, from typical dashboard metrics such as speed and lap time to position and even the flags active on the race track.
Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro
The Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro is a means of bringing a relatively-affordable Direct Drive wheel to PlayStation platforms. Whilst the Podium Racing Wheel F1 is also an option, its price of €1,799.95 could deter even the most ardent sim racer from picking it up. The Gran Turismo DD Pro is a PlayStation-compatible version of the ever-popular CSL DD.
Also available in boosted to 8Nm of peak torque, the biggest difference between this and the other options on this list is the Direct Drive functionality. This gives seamless and instant force feedback at a higher strength than its rivals and, with the Fanatec CSL 2-pedal set as standard, you can expand on your initial investment in several ways.
One can be by adding a Load Cell pedal for your braking, either by purchasing the CSL Load Cell Kit or by upgrading to the ClubSport V3 pedals that feature vibration motors on the brake. Another can be by changing the rim to one of many options available within the Fanatec ecosystem, which you can find out more about in our article on The Best Fanatec Wheels. The world really is your oyster in this case.
Logitech G PRO Racing Wheel
The PRO direct-drive wheel is the most advanced and top-end piece of sim racing gear offered by Logitech.
The steering wheel is classic Logitech – a 30 cm D-shaped aluminium wheel with partially perforated and smooth leather. Those who have used a Logitech wheel before will certainly recognise the style. The magnetic shifters feel good, but not exceptional, and while the rotating encoders are decent, they too don’t stand out.
The wheelbase generates a respectable 11 Nm of torque, which is at the higher end for sim racing. It also features a quick-release system made entirely of metal, which is easy to use and seems resistant to wear and tear.
Another notable feature is the TrueForce technology, which converts game telemetry and sound into haptic feedback. This was introduced with the Logitech G923, but it suffered a bit due to the older gear-driven technology of that wheelbase. Now, with direct drive, the TrueForce shines. However, be careful not to set the TrueForce too high, or you’ll lose the feedback details in the noise.
The big downside is that the ecosystem is limited, with only a racing adapter for older pedals and a shifter. There are no other steering wheels, shifters, or pedals available, which is disappointing.
Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Extreme
The new Fanatec Clubsport DD+ wheelbase is the next-generation version of direct drive wheelbases that offers up to 18 Nm torque and improved performance, targeting the high-end segment of sim racing enthusiasts.
Currently, it is the most advanced Direct Drive system officially licensed for PlayStation 5, with the highest consistent power output and excellent responsiveness and dynamics. The wheelbase is compatible with most Fanatec wheels and pedals. This feature is the usual strong selling point of the Fanatec ecosystem that allows sim racers to upgrade only the selected parts of their set.
Fanatec also offers a Gran Turismo DD Extreme bundle designed specifically for Gran Turismo. It includes the Clubsport DD+ Wheelbase and Gran Turismo wheel, recently upgraded by Fanatec from 15Nm to 18Nm with a software update. The wheel includes 19 RGB LEDs and a 2.7-inch OLED display, which can show various telemetry readouts depending on the game. This display is designed to work seamlessly with Gran Turismo 7 and other PS5 sim racing titles.
The Fanatec ClubSport DD Plus and Gran Turismo DD Extreme bundle are expensive but deliver a premium sim racing experience. If you’re looking for a top-tier racing experience on both PC and PlayStation, the DD+ is worth considering. The DD+ offers more power and precision, but whether you notice the difference depends on your experience.
Our Recommendation
Fanatec is the top choice for serious PlayStation sim racers, offering the most robust ecosystem of wheel bases, wheels, pedals and peripherals. Their Direct Drive wheelbases, ranging from 5 Nm to 25 Nm, provide superior force feedback for a highly immersive experience.
Fanatec’s ecosystem is also unmatched in terms of customisation and upgrade potential with a wide variety of wheel options, three main pedal choices and additional peripherals like handbrakes and shifters. If you are committed to sim racing on Playstation 5, investing in Fanatec’s gear will ensure you are equipped with the best tools.
