Are you into racing video games?
You have probably thought of buying yourself an Xbox One Steering Wheel with Clutch and Shifter.
The Xbox One is home for many exciting racing games like the Forza series, GRID or Need for Speed’s latest Heat.
Be it simulators or more arcade-style racers, the addition of a racing wheel with pedals and shifter will give the player another level of involvement in the game and introduce a whole new driving dynamic for the game.
So, if you have been looking for a steering wheel but don’t know what is what then look no further.
10 Best Xbox One Steering Wheel Reviews of 2020
1. Logitech G920 Racing Wheel & Pedal Set
- Wheel Rotation: 900º
- Button Count: 13
- Adjustable Pedals: Yes
Widely regarded as the best budget racing wheel, the Logitech G920 is a great choice both for newcomers and more advanced racers. The Logitech G920 is bespoke for the Xbox one. The steering wheel features 13 buttons, adjustable pedal height, dual-motor force feedback and 900º of wheel rotation lock to lock.
The wheel is wrapped in perforated leather and the pedals are made from metal. The wheel can be bought with a 6 speed H pattern solid steel shifter for full immersion, which is also wrapped in hand stitched leather. The Logitech G920 is a high quality steering wheel kit, ideal for people on a budget. To add to the package, the wheel is often seen on sale from various sellers, so keep an eye out.
Pros.
- Dual motors provide strong force feedback
- Wheel & Gearshift performance is stellar
- Overall best performing mid-tier entry to sim-racing
Cons.
- Button placement is not ideal
- Non linear brake pedal is finicky
- Relatively dated tech
2. Thrustmaster TX Leather Edition Racing Wheel and Pedals
- Wheel Rotation: 900º
- Button count: 13
- Adjustable Pedals: Yes
- Fully customizable set
When talking about racing wheels the name Thrustmaster always comes to mind and for good reason. Thrustmaster is a known brand in the market and has a wide array of steering wheels for every occasion, price and feel. The Thrustmaster TX is another excellent mid-range racing wheel.
The wheel is a comfortable 28cm or 11” and features a very important Force Feedback function. The steering wheel can be coupled with a fully adjustable 3 pedal set and H patter shifter.
Thrustmaster wheels are fully customizable, meaning that elements of the steering wheel like the face of the wheel, the pedals and the shifter are interchangeable.
The TH8A 6 speed H pattern gated shifter, that can be combined with the TX wheel, has a full metal body and HallEffect AccuRate Technology or HEART as Thrustmaster calls it. Although the steering wheel is fully customizable, there is no option for a handbrake add-on at the time of writing this article.
Pros:
- Comfortable button placement
- Driving feel is fantastically smooth
Cons:
- Steep price for what you get.
3. Fanatec Forza Motorsport Racing Wheel & Pedals
- Wheel Rotation: 1080º
- Button Count: 31
- Adjustable Pedals: Yes
Fanatec is another recognizable brand in the steering wheel market. Their ClubSport range of steering wheels is the top of the top, in terms of build quality, features list, customizability and of course price.
The high-price of the set-up gets you incredible build quality that will topple others and a level of customizability like no other, which all in all translates to an amazing gaming experience. So, if money is no object and you are ready to splurge on a complete racing wheel set-up for your gaming rig, than look no further.
Pros
- High-end feel, performance, and quality
- High level of customization
- Great degree of wheel rotation
Cons
- Extremely high priced.
- Racers reported problems with connectivity on PC
4. Hori Overdrive Racing Wheel
- Wheel Rotation: 180º – 270º
- Button Count: 13
- Adjustable Pedals: No
Going from the most expensive racing wheel in this list to one of the cheapest. The HORI Overdrive is an officially licensed product by Microsoft. The wheel comes with a 2 pedal set. The rubber wheel is 11” or 28cm in diameter and has adjustable dead zone function.
The pedals also have some level of adjustability, although the pedals themselves are not adjustable, the footrest is retractable. You also need to have in mind that the brake pedal input is not progressive, it rather acts like a button. For the price of $100 you are getting a Force Feedback function alternative, HORI calls rumble feedback.
Unfortunately, the HORI has no option for a separate shifter, instead, there are steering wheel-mounted paddles. The reason this steering wheel is on this list is that it’s great value for money. If you want something that’s easy on the wallet and the kids can use and have fun with, get this. But take into account that you get what you pay for. The quality is nothing to be amazed by, the plastic pedals are not adjustable and the brakes are not progressive. You get exactly what you pay for.
Pros.
- Thumb Button placement
- Good low budget option
Cons.
- No Force feedback or vibration
- Small and uncomfortable pedals
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5. Thrustmaster TX Racing Wheel Ferrari 458 Italia Edition
- Wheel Rotation: 900º
- Button Count: N/A
- Adjustable Pedals: No
As mentioned before, Thrustmaster is a known brand in the racing wheel market, so it is only logical that there are several of them in this list. The Ferrari 458 Italia edition racing wheel is the sister of the Leather Edition Thrustmaster TX a couple spaces above. Essentially, the 458 Italia edition is mostly the same racing wheel as the Leather Edition, only with Ferrari branding.
The main difference is the price. While the TX Leather Edition goes for around $470, the 458 Italia comes in around $100 bucks cheaper. But don’t worry, the essentials are still there, the racing wheel comes packed with Thrustmaster’s brushless motor, dual belt system and the H.E.A.R.T HallEffect AccuRate Technology.
The steering wheel also has swappable faces, letting you pop out the face of the Ferrari steering wheel and replace it with another one, in case the prancing horse isn’t to your liking. Where the price difference really shows is in the quality.
While the Thrustmaster TX Leather Edition is wrapped in hand stitched leather, the Ferrari Italia edition is straight from plastic town. The 2 set pedals of the Italia edition are quite plastic-ey and probably won’t last that long. But that’s the great thing about having a sister wheel, the pedals, the face of the steering wheel and the additional shifter can be interchanged to suit your personal needs.
Pros.
- Strong and smooth operating Force Feedback
- Does not require external power supply
- Good size pedals
Cons.
- Feels and looks cheap and plastic-ey
- Comes with only 2 pedals (no clutch)
- Non-progressive brakes.
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6. Thrustmaster VG Ferrari 458 Spider Racing Wheel & Pedals
- Wheel Rotation: 240º
- Button Count: 12
- Adjustable Pedals: No
The Thrustmaster VG Ferrari 458 Spider racing wheel is another budget oriented, Xbox one specific, low-end racing wheel from Thrustmaster. The racing wheel is a 7/10 replica of the real deal, just like the TX 458 Italia wheel above. Unlike the other budget racing wheel on this list, the Thrustmaster VG offer adjustable pedals with progressive feel. Since this is a quite inexpensive wheel, coming in under $100, don’t expect anything special out of it.
The racing wheel features a cheap alternative to the Force Feedback function, called the optimized “Bungee Chord” mechanism, which gives the player a sense of resistance from the steering wheel. The racing wheel sensitivity is adjustable, with 4 presets to suit different driving styles and games. The 2 pedal set that comes in the box, which is quite cheap and plastic-ey looking and feeling can be interchanged with something more sophisticated from the Thrustmaster eco-system.
While the Thrustmaster VG 458 Spider racing wheel is no match for a higher end Thrustmaster or Fanatec, it still deserves a place on this list. The Thrustmaster VG Ferrari 458 Spider wheel is another good option for gamers looking to level up from their gamepads and not break the bank.
Pros.
- Affordable
- Good rebound strength
Cons.
- No force feedback or vibration
- Feels cheap
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7. Fanatec CSL Elite Series Racing Wheels
- Wheel Rotation: N/A
- Button Count: 12
- Adjustable pedals: Depending on pedal choice
Fanatec is bringing two different racing wheels to the market. Unlike the Forza Motorsport bundle mentioned above, the CSL Elite series is totally customizable, as you buy all the parts separately.
Firstly, you choose a steering wheel, then a wheelbase and only the you pick out your pedals and shifter. Fanatec boasts the largest racing wheel eco-system on the market, allowing us gamers to pick and choose every element to their liking and budget.
Although, you can customize the racing wheel setup with high-end parts and an according high-end price, you still can get a great racing wheel for around $500 mark that will outperform most other racing wheels.
For about $500 you can pick out the CSL P1 steering wheel for Xbox One,CSL elite wheelbase and CSL Elite pedal kit. From there you also have the option to add a separate H pattern or a sequential shifter. Although this mid-range racing wheel is a relatively more expensive than other mid-tier options, the performance is stellar. Fanatec’s varied eco-system offers a highly customizable sim-racing experience, at a premium.
Pros.
- Great value for money
- High level of quality and performance
- Vast customizability
Cons.
- Premium price
8. Thrustmaster Ferrari F1 Racing Wheel
- Wheel Rotation: N/A
- Button Count: 25
- Adjustable pedals: N/A
The full-size real life replica Thrustmaster Ferrari Formula 1 racing wheel is the real deal. By now you already know that most mid/high range Thrustmaster racing wheels are sold separately and it is up to you to pick a wheel base, pedals and shifter for your rig.
It should be noted that this Formula 1 Racing Wheel is compatible with Thrustmaster’s T500RS, TX Racing Wheel and T300RS wheelbases, depends on where you play. Although, lacking a headphone jack, the Formula 1 steering wheel is a solid mid-range racing wheel offering 29 programmable functions, quick release function and sophisticated looks. As for the steering wheel itself it’s priced well in the mid-range, the rest is up to you.
Pros.
- High quality replica
- Praised in the sim racing community
- Comfortable and realistic
- Quick release system
Cons.
– Steering wheel mounted shifters can be tricky to use
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9. Subsonic SA5156 Racing Wheel and Shifter
- Wheel Rotation: 240º
- Button Count: 17
- Adjustable Pedals: No
The SubSonic SA5156 is yet another cheap entry to the world of steering wheel racing, because not everyone has hundreds of dollars to spare on a racing wheel. The kit comes with a sequential shifter mounted next to the steering wheel, metal paddles, pedals with footrest. customizable buttons to replace the Xbox controller and dual motors in the wheelbase.
The steering wheel has 3 modes that adjust the responsiveness of the wheel and vibration function. The SubSonic SA5156 wheel connects directly to your Xbox controller. Having any sort of steering wheel adds to the fun of playing a racing game, the exact one is suited for arcade style racers and not full simulators.
If it’s affordability that you’re after SubSonic is another solid entry from the low-end of the racing wheel spectrum.
Pros.
- Customizable steering sensitivity
- Vibration function
- Includes separate gearshift
Cons.
- Low degree of wheel rotation
- Not suitable for sim-racing
- Small and cheap pedals
10. SubSonic V900 Racing Wheel
- Wheel Rotation: 270º- 900º
- Button Count: 17
- Adjustable Pedals: No
The V900 is another entry from SubSonic. The SubSonic V900 is mostly similar to the aforementioned SA5156, except for a larger wheel rotation circle, 900º to be exact and lack of standalone shifter. It’s priced and specced similarly to the SA5156. You get the same pedals as you would with the SA5156, what you don’t get is the standalone sequential or up/down motion shifter, but you do get steering wheel mounted shift paddles. Like it’s brother it has customizable buttons, 3 different steering wheel sensitivity modes, vibration function and strangely for the price, headphone support.
Pros.
- Higher wheel rotation than the SA5156
- Vibration function
- Headphone support, uncommon for the price point
Cons.
- Lacks gearshift
- Shares a lot of parts with the cheaper SA5156
Buying Advice for Xbox One Steering Racing Wheels
Before you go and buy your new racing wheel for your Xbox, let me tell you a couple things. Essentially, your choice of steering wheel comes down to your personal preference, but be on the lookout for several things.
Size
It’s always best to try the wheel before you settle on buying it, if not look for the size of the racing wheel, make sure it’s comfortable. Steering wheels are not all standard in size, make sure you pick yours correctly.
Build quality
Most low-end racing wheels provide good fun, but are not made from the highest quality materials, always keep that in mind.
If you are looking for a full fledged driving simulator set up, look for around 900º of wheel rotation and Force Feedback.
Wheelbases
There are three main types of wheelbases, Gear drive, belt drive and direct drive.
Gear drive uses gears and cogs in the wheelbase to emulate a transmission type system to feed the steering wheel with force feedback. This tech is relatively old, but still performs well and allows for cheaper pricing.
The belt drive is similar to gear drive but instead of gears and cogs there is a, you guessed it, belt driving the steering wheel. Gear and belt drive are similar in one crucial way, there is a mediator between the wheelbase motor and the steering wheel itself.
This takes away certain elements from the wheel, like smoothness and force feedback level. But having gear drive or belt drive doesn’t mean that the wheels are subpar, some wheels like the Logitech mentioned above have gear drive and still perform great, for the price point.
Direct drive is another type of wheelbase, this one is held in high regards as it provides the most realistic driving feel, smoothest force feedback and range of wheel rotation. But since direct drive is more expensive to manufacture, it’s more expensive to buy. Good if you have the extra coin and good for market diversity.
Force Feedback
Technical mumbo-jumbo aside, basically this function adds resistance to the steering wheel to emulate driving a real car. Force Feedback gives you another level of immersion as it simulates changes in driving on different surfaces, bumps and alike. The trick is to look for the details on the motor in the wheelbase. One motor-good, two motors- better!
Clutch & Pedals
Some clutches act like buttons rather than like triggers. If you want the real deal make sure you get a set where the clutch, gas, and brake are progressive.
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