You don’t need to spend thousands to experience the thrill of sim racing. Whether you’re just starting out or building your first rig, the right budget-friendly wheel can completely transform your virtual driving experience.

In this guide, we’ve ranked the top 5 sim racing wheels under $500 for 2025—based on performance, features, build quality, and community feedback. These picks are perfect for beginners or anyone upgrading from a controller.

What Makes a “Budget” Racing Wheel Worth It?

Not all low-cost wheels are created equal. A great budget wheel should offer:

• Reliable force feedback (for immersion and control)

• Decent pedal set (especially brake feel)

• Cross-platform compatibility (PC, Xbox, PS5, etc.)

• Strong community support (mods, troubleshooting, accessories)

• Upgrade path (swappable rims, pedal improvements, etc.)

The Best Budget Sim Racing Wheels of 2025

1. Logitech G923 (Best Overall for Beginners)Price: ~$399
Platform: PC / Xbox / PlayStation
Force Feedback: TRUEFORCE (gear-driven)
Pedals: 3-pedal set included

Why It’s Great:
The Logitech G923 continues to dominate the entry-level space in 2025. It’s incredibly easy to set up, durable, and compatible with most major racing titles. The TRUEFORCE force feedback adds a subtle layer of immersion that mimics real engine vibration and surface texture—impressive for a gear-driven system.

Pros:

• Plug-and-play simplicity

• Great software support (Logitech G Hub)

• Strong build quality

Cons:

• Gear drive feels not as smooth as belt/direct drive

• No load cell brake (brake pedal is stiff, but lacks realism)

Best For: Total beginners who want the most reliable start without complications.

2. Thrustmaster T248 (Best Force Feedback Under $500)

Price: ~$399
Platform: PC / PlayStation (T248X for Xbox)
Force Feedback: Hybrid (belt + gear)
Pedals: T3PM magnetic 3-pedal set

Why It’s Great:
The T248 delivers punchy, accurate force feedback that feels closer to belt-driven realism than the G923. The built-in screen displays telemetry data like speed, RPM, or gear—plus, the magnetic pedals are far more responsive than standard entry-level sets.

Pros:

• Excellent FFB detail for the price

• Adjustable pedal pressure

• On-wheel telemetry display

Cons:

• No Xbox/PlayStation universal version—you must pick one

• Some plasticky components

Best For: Racers who want stronger, smoother feedback and more adjustability.

3. Hori Force Feedback Racing Wheel DLX (Best Entry-Level Option)

Price: ~$299
Platform: Xbox / PC
Force Feedback: Gear-driven
Pedals: 2-pedal set included

Why It’s Great:
Hori’s DLX model offers a surprising amount of value for the price. The FFB is modest but functional, and the ergonomics are better than most competitors in this range. This wheel is great for casual racers or those still deciding how deep they want to go.

Pros:

• Extremely affordable

• Compact and beginner-friendly

• Built-in clamp for desks

Cons:

• No clutch pedal

• Minimal FFB realism

• No upgrade path

Best For: Budget-conscious beginners or console players looking for an easy entry point.

4. Thrustmaster T150 / TMX (Best for Console Racers)

Price: ~$229–$269
Platform: T150 (PlayStation), TMX (Xbox)
Force Feedback: Belt-assisted
Pedals: 2-pedal set included

Why It’s Great:
While these models are a bit older, they’re still widely recommended for console sim racers. They strike a nice balance between affordability and real driving feel, with smoother motion than gear-only wheels. They also support upgrades like better pedals and shifters.

Pros:

• Affordable and reliable

• Upgradeable

• Decent force feedback

Cons:

• Basic pedal set

• Dated look and feel

Best For: Console players who want a more immersive feel without investing in a new system.

5. Moza R3 Bundle (Best Entry-Level Direct Drive)

Price: ~$399
Platform: Xbox / PC
Force Feedback: Direct Drive (3.9Nm torque)
Pedals: 2-pedal set included

Why It’s Great:
Moza’s R3 is the first direct drive wheel in this price bracket that works on console. While it’s not as powerful as Fanatec’s CSL DD, it offers a huge leap in detail and smoothness over belt or gear-driven wheels. The design is sleek, and Moza’s software is top-tier.

Pros:

• Direct drive at a low price

• Premium build and design

• Xbox & PC compatibility

Cons:

• Currently not available for PlayStation

• Pedals are functional, but basic

Best For: Gamers looking for high-end feel on a mid-range budget.

Comparison Table

Which One Should You Choose?

• On a tight budget? Go with the Thrustmaster TMX or Hori DLX.

• Want the easiest plug-and-play setup? Choose the Logitech G923.

• Looking for realism without breaking $500? Get the Thrustmaster T248.

• Want to future-proof your setup with direct drive? Invest in the Moza R3.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right wheel is your first big step into sim racing—and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Each of these options offers a great balance of performance and price, especially for beginners. Whichever you choose, the key is to just start driving. You can always upgrade later.