Whether burning up the pavement Forza Horizon 5, Gran Turismo 7, F1 22, or another supremely popular racing game in 2022, every avid gamer knows how vital a proper steering wheel is to a driver's success. Between PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, racing simulators have become highly realistic and vividly immersive, with Thrustmaster leading the way with some of the most lifelike racing wheels that allow drivers to get a feel for the road and compete at the highest level.

From affordability to functionality to console-specific racing wheels and more, the best of the bunch in 2022 offers a little something for everyone.

Thrustmaster T248

A Thrustmaster T-248 racing wheel is displayed

When it comes to the most cost-effective racing wheel specifically tailored for PS5, the Thrustmaster T248 is the absolute top dog. While the wheel may seem a tad heavy and produce loud noises when shifting gears, the technical efficiency more than atones for such with its hyper-sensitive shift responders and powerful force feedback hybrid system that utilizes a gear connected to a belt.

The Hybrid Drive system of the T248 comes with three different feedback modes, allowing drivers to get a feel for the road before deciding which is optimal for each track and road surface. With a helpful data display situated at the center of the wheel and magnetic paddle shifters to increase activation times, the Thrustmaster T248 is an affordable option that offers a remarkable balance of power and response time that is perfect for the best non-kart racing games like F1 22 or Assetto Corsa: Competizione.

Thrustmaster T300 RS GT Edition

A Thrustmaster 300GT racing wheel is displayed

With its 1080-degree wheel rotation, powerfully responsive force feedback belt system, rubber grip placed over a solid metal finish, authentic 11-inch sizing, and top-notch three-pedal system, The Thrustmaster T300 GT Edition is arguably the most realistic-feeling racing wheel the brand has to offer.

While heavier (22.4 pounds) and pricier than the T248, the T300 RS GT makes up for such with its badass dual-belt system that channels a brushless force feedback engine to crank out up to 25 watts of electricity. The dual belt force feedback system boosts performance to allow players to hug the tightest corners and feel every twist and turn in the process, making for a wonderfully immersive racing experience. Equipped with a tri-pedal accelerator, brake, and clutch, the T300 RS GT is compatible with PS3, PS4, PS5, and PC.

Thrustmaster TMX Force Feedback

A Thrustmaster TMX racing wheel is displayed

For those looking for the most efficient racing wheel specifically geared for the Xbox Series X that won't break the bank, the Thrustmaster TMX Force Feedback is hard to beat. Comparable in look, diameter (11-inches), and smooth sound to the T300 at roughly half the weight (12.3 bs), the TMX utilizes a belt-pulley system and force feedback motor that allows a rotation range of 270-900 degrees, resulting in an ultra-realistic experience when speeding around any street or racetrack.

While it may feel basic with its two-pedal layout and plastic design, most racing wheels that cost roughly $150 do not come with the force feedback system, which allows drivers to push and pull to create friction while braking at top speeds. A perfect entry point for those who want to experience the force feedback system at an affordable price, the TMX is the most accessible of realistic racing wheels out there.

Thrustmaster T-GT II

A Thrustmaster-GT-II racing wheel is shown

When it solely comes to belt-based motors, the Thrustmaster T-GT II is the cream of the crop for mid-to-expert drivers alike. Thanks to its roaring 40-watt brushless force feedback motor system to create immense torque, 25 action buttons, quad-rotary selectors, leather wraps for extra-tight grip, three metal pedals, and near 30-pound weight, few wheels feel as authentic or complete when blazing across the biggest open-world racing games out there.

While some racers sneer at belt-driven motors for being less dynamic than gear-based or hybrid motors, the T-GT II restores the reputation due to its quick reaction wheelbase, durable aluminum shift paddles, powerful torque, and incredibly smooth handling that enables the most ardent race gamers to remain in control of the road at high speeds. At a whopping $800, it's Thrustmaster's answer to the mighty Fanatec GT DD Pro Wheel, often considered the best racing wheel on the market.

Thrustmaster T-150 Pro

A Thrustmaster T150 racing wheel is displayed

Compatible with PS3, PS4, and PC, the Thrustmaster T-150 is the best racing wheel for those yet to graduate to PS5 and the T248. Boasting a hybrid helical gear and belt force feedback motor to produce 1080 degrees of rotation, the T-150 is a perfect option for those torn between the high-end wheels and low-end introductory ones.

While the plastic hardware leaves something to be desired in terms of authenticity, the functionality of the T-150 is highly valuable for its price, enabling drivers to individually adjust the angle, spacing, and gas pedal. The lifelike 11-inch wheel also boasts a conical rubber brake modification that increases resistance when bending around sharp corners in games ranging from NASCAR, F1, Gran Turismo, and other all-time great racing video games.

Thrustmaster TS-WX Racer

A Thrustmaster Sparco wheel is shown

When it comes to the most functionally optimal racing wheels for PC, accept nothing other than the Thrustmaster TS-WX Racer. Those willing to invest in the heftier price will immediately see a return on their investment due to the wheel's insanely powerful 40-watt brushless force feedback motor and self-aligning torque that results in the smoothest and most authentic races imaginable.

With three metal pedals, an accurately-scaled replica of the Sparco P310 Competition wheel, and a self-calibrating system that can range in movement from 270 to 1080 degrees, the 29-pound wheel is sturdy, durable, and loaded with two paddle shifters, 14 buttons, and a D-pad controller to optimize driving performance regardless of the road surface players face in the most popular racing games in 2022. Without any upgrades or mods needed out of the box, the Thrustmaster TX-WX Racer is worth the price of $750.

Thrustmaster T-80 Ferrari 488 GTB Edition

A Thrustmaster Ferrari 488 racing wheel is shown

With the name Ferrari attached, it's no surprise that one of the most luxurious racing wheels Thrustmaster offers includes the T-80 Ferrari 488 GTB Edition. While the Ferrari Spider Racing Wheel is worth a mention, the 488 GTB was specifically created to mark the 70th anniversary of the Italian sports car brand, it couldn't be more refined or complete.

With a 9:10 replica of the real Ferrari 488 Challenge Wheel, a responsive and realistic brushless servo motor that cranks up to 40 watts, a smooth dual belt system, magnetic technology to increase lifespan and ensure optimization, and soft, breathable, sweat-resistant, hand-stitched leather finishing on the wheel itself, the Ferrari 488 GTB marries fashion and function to the highest degree to allow expert racers to reproduce the feeling of a powerful Ferrari engine.

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