Figuring out which Xbox One steering wheel is best for you and your budget isn’t easy. There are more than 10 options available all varying in price, quality of performance, mounting options, and scalability. How do you decide?
Well today I am going to make it easy for you and I am going to break down the 5 top wheel options for gamers looking for a simulated racng experience on their Xbox One console. I’ll also take all of the confusion out of the optional driving peripherals you can get like shifters, add on rims, and pedal sets.
What to Expect When Purchasing a Racing Wheel for Xbox 1
If you are serious about racing on your console and are looking to get a wheel, your minimum budget should be around $350. While there are cheaper racing wheels for the Xbox, they are considered more for hobbyists and casual racers. This article will focus on the best options that come bundled with everything you need that will deliver a premium driving experience. The prices range between $350 and $1400.
Top 5 Steering Wheels for Racing Games on XBox
Here are the best 5 steering wheel bundles which we will review:
- Fanatec Clubsport Bundle
- ClubSport Wheel Base V2
- ClubSport Pedals V3
- Xbox One Universal Hub
- ClubSport Shifter SQ V 1.5
- Forza Motorsport Rim
- Thrustmaster TX Bundle
- TX Servo Base
- T3PA Pro Pedals
- TH8A Shifter
- 28 GT Leather Rim
- Fanatec CSL Elite Bundle
- CSL Elite Wheelbase
- CSL Elite Pedals with Loadcell Brake
- CSL P1 Steering Wheel Rim
- Thrustmaster TX Leather Edition
- TX Servo Base
- T3PA Wide Pedals
- 28 GT Leather Rim
- Logitech G920 Driving Force Race Wheel
- G920 Wheel and Pedal Set
Best Xbox One Steering Wheel Review
In this list of the best Xbox One Steering Wheels we will start from the top performing option, the Fanatec Club Sport, and work our way down to the best value option, the Logitech G920. If you are looking for a good product that splits the difference between performance and value, Thrustmaster is a great compromise.
Fanatec ClubSport for X Box One Review
Best Performance
Of course the most simulated experience comes at the most expensive price. If you are looking for the best available products for Xbox One racing and price isn’t an issue, then the Fanatec ClubSport line of products is what you are looking for. The Forza Motorsport bundle includes everything you need a wheelbase, 3 pedal set, universal hub, shifter, and a rim.
Here are the components:
ClubSport Wheelbase V2
One of the most important features is the brushless motor that distributes power efficiently and provides a smooth quick response for instant acceleration. The wheel base is covered in machined aluminum parts and has beautiful finish.
It also allows you to quickly change your steering wheel during the game within seconds via the quick release system.
ClubSport V3 Pedals
These pedals offer adjustments to adjust the angle of the pedal plate, the angle of the whole pedal arm, and the stiffness and travel of the brake pedal. The V3’s are constructed from machined aluminum with a strong steel axis.
Universal Hub for Xbox One
The Universal Hub is compatible with many car rims of famous brands like MOMO, SPARCO, and OMP, but you can choose from a wide variety of rims at the Fanatec website.
Another great feature is you can use the integrated buttons on top of the Hub or position additional buttons wherever you want them…its very customizable. Even the paddle shifters can be customized where you can remove them completely or you can also add small paddles for small rims or the big and super adjustable shifter paddles.
ClubSport Shifter
The ClubSport Shifter comes with 2 polished anodized knobs. The H-Knob is ideal for quick shifts and the taller sequential knob provides a better grip. If you aren’t a fan of either knob, you can change them out for a real automotive gear shift knob.
GT Forza Motorsport Rim
The GT Forza Motorpsort Rim is made in brushed and anodized Aluminum and covered in genuine leather with white stitching. It is full size diameter 33 cm rim like in a real race car. The Forza branding is done beautifully and the leather is soft to the touch. It translates the feel of the road and force feedback unlike any other wheel on the market.
Pros:
- 900 degrees of Rotation
- Ability to hard mount the wheel and pedals
- Adjustable Load cell brake
- All metal construction
- Strongest Force Feedback
- Customizable button layout
- H-Pattern and Sequential shifter options
- Quick Release System for changing rims
- Full size leather rim
- Works on Xbox One and PC
Cons:
- Highest priced
- Hard mount only (no table clamp)
How to Purchase
These parts and components can only be purchased on the Fanatec Website. The pieces can be purchased individually so you can customize your choices like choosing a different rim or you could save money and buy them bundled. You can also read a more detailed review here.
Thrustmaster TX Bundle Review
Top Choice for Value
Since today we are looking at the best racing wheel for Xbox One, this will focus on only there top level product; the Thrustmaster TX. The TX comes in several different option such as the 458 Italia Edition, the 28 GT Leather Edition (which is number 4 on our list), and the TX Bundle. The bundle includes everything you need a wheelbase, 3 pedal set, shifter, and a rim.
Here are the components:
TX Servo Wheel Base
Like the Fanatec ClubSport, it has a brushless motor that distributes power efficiently and provides a smooth quick response for instant acceleration. The wheel base is encased in a hard plastic shell and features the ability to adjust the degrees of rotation and sensitivity using the mode button featured on the front.
This wheel base also offers Thrustmaster’s Quick Release System, which allows you to change put your steering wheel rims.
T3PA Pro Pedals
The T3PA Pro’s come with 2 different removable brake mods; a conical brake mod and a spring brake mod. These mods allow you to set the progressive resistance on the brake pedal to best simulate braking pressure. There is also 3rd party hardware you can add to convert your brake pedal into a load cell.
TH8A Shifter
You can also customize the look of your TH8A shifter, by changing out the shifter knob for either the Thrustmaster sequential knob (sold separately) or for any automotive universal stick shift knob.
Leather 28 GT Wheel Add-On
The rim features a 2mm thick brushed black metal center column, two large metal wheel mounted paddle shifters, 9 action buttons, a d-pad, and a spring switch. The unit is very light weight and therefore translates force feedback and micro-vibrations very well through a well padded steel hoop.
Pros:
- 900 degrees of Rotation
- Strong Force Feedback
- Ability to hard mount the wheel and pedals
- Comes with an optional table clamp
- Quick Release System for changing rims
- Adjustable Pedals
- Pedals can be inverted
- 2 optional brake mods
- Hand stitched leather rim
- Multiple rims to choose from
- H-Pattern and Sequential shifter option
- Works on Xbox One and PC
Cons:
- Only a 1 year warranty
- Does not have a full size racing rim
- The pedals don’t come with a load cell brake
- The throw on the sifter is long without a 3rd party mod
How to Purchase
These products can be purchased as individual components or together as a bundle on Amazon which will save you money. All of the products are compatible with the Thrustmaster Eco-system so you can change out peripherals. The Thrustmaster TX bundle provides one of the best values for sim racing on your Xbox console.
Fanatec CSL Elite Review
This bundle comes with a wheelbase, steering wheel rim, and a 3 pedal set. It does not come with a shifter, but you can add on one later. Additionally you could add on certain rims compatible with the CSL Elite wheelbase. The wheelbase has ports available for two shifters, a handbrake, and a pedal set.
Here are the components:
ESL Elite Wheelbase
The wheel base features LED rev lights that activate with your RPMS, but not when in Xbox mode they only work on a PC. You also have two mounting options: table clamp or hard mount. The built-in quick release system allows you to quickly change steering wheels.
CSL Elite Pedals
Included with the pedals is an adjustable Loadcell Kit on the brake pedal. This allows you to apply a realistic and strong pressure and control the brake with tension as you would in a race car. Changing the loadcell pressure is really simple and you won’t even have to remove your pedals if you have them mounted.
Of all the options on this page this may be the best pedal set available in terms of performance.
P1 Steering Wheel Rim
The P1 rim has some great features, but is my least favorite rim on this page. The paddle shifters don’t make a engaging click sound and the material on the wheel rim makes your hands sweat. The good news is you can easily swap it our for other better rims offered by Fanatec.
Pros:
- 1080 degrees of Rotation
- Ability to hard mount the wheel and pedals
- Strong Force Feedback
- Quick Release System for changing rims
- Best pedal set for Xbox One
- Adjustable Load cell brake
- Modular pedal design
- Can change wheel settings using LED on wheel rim
- Works on Xbox One and PC
- Affordable Fanatec product
- Comes with a table clamp
Cons:
- Not a full size wheel rim
- Not a great material choice for wheel rim grip
- Paddle shifters don’t make a strong “click” sound
- Button placement on wheel rim is not ideal for racing
- Can’t adjust or change pedal face plates
How to Purchase
These parts and components can only be purchased on the Fanatec Website. The pieces can be purchased individually so you can customize your choices like choosing a different rim or you could save money and buy them bundled. You can also read a more detailed review here.
Thrustmaster TX Leather Edition Review
Here are the components:
TX Servo Wheel Base
It has a brushless motor for efficient power distribution and provides a smooth quick response for instant motor acceleration. The wheel base is in a hard plastic shell and has the ability to change the degrees of rotation and sensitivity via the mode button. The servo base also has Thrustmaster’s Quick Release System for changing your steering rim and it can be mounted via screws or a table clamp.
T3PA Wide Pedal Set
The T3PA Wide Set come with an adjustable conical brake mod that simulates brake pressure. This set is not invertable like the T3PA Pro set.
Leather 28 GT Wheel Add-On
While this is not the premiere rim offered in the Thrustamaster eco-system, it is servicable and offers a great feel for the road.
Pros:
- 900 degrees of Rotation
- Strong Force Feedback
- Ability to hard mount the wheel and pedals
- Comes with an optional table clamp
- Quick Release System for changing rims
- Adjustable Pedals
- Adjustable conical brake mod for progressive resistance
- Hand stitched leather rim
- Can add on optional shifter
- Multiple rims to choose from
- Works on Xbox One and PC
Cons:
- Only a 1 year warranty
- Does not have a full size racing rim
- The pedals don’t come with a load cell brake
How to Purchase
These products can be purchased as individual components or together as a bundle on Amazon which will save you money. All of the products are compatible with the Thrustmaster Eco-system so you can change out peripherals. The Thrustmaster TX Leather Edition provides one of the best values for sim racing on your Xbox One console. You can read a more detailed review here.
Logitech G920 Driving Force Feedback Review
What sets the Logitech G920 apart from the other options on this list is the price. This is the least expensive options of all the products on this list and would be my minimum recommendation if you were looking for the best Xbox racing wheel.
G920 Wheel base
The 920 wheelbase has 900 degrees of rotation, a Hall-effect steering sensor which uses magnetic fields to sense the position of the wheel, and an overheat safe guard. The wheel base can be hard mounted but also comes with a table clamp.
G920 Pedals
The brake pedal has built in progressive resistance, but you are not able to make fine tuning adjustments as you can with other pedal sets on this list. You also can not adjust the pedal heights and spacing.
While the G920 pedals can be hard mounted this set also has rubber feet for hard surfaces and a patented retractable carpet grip system to help your pedals stay in place. This pedal set is the most ideal if you are racing with a table clamp and don’t have a means to hard mount your pedals.
G920 Leather Rim
The center column incorporates the D-Pad and console buttons into the wheel for easy access while racing. Overall there are a total of 9 action buttons on the wheel including the Xbox home button. The two metal paddle shifter are wheel mounted and make a nice click sound when they are engaged.
Unlike other steering wheels on this list, this rim does not detach and can not be upgraded.
Pros:
- Can get a good racing experience for a low price
- 900 degrees of Rotation
- Decent Force Feedback
- Ability to hard mount the wheel and pedals
- Comes with an optional table clamp
- Brake has progressive resistamce
- Hand stitched leather rim
- Can add on optional shifter
- Works on Xbox One and PC
- Has a 2 year warranty
Cons:
- Does not have a full size racing rim
- The pedals don’t come with a load cell brake
- The brake pedal is very stiff and needs to be broken in
- Can’t change out the wheel rim
- Force feedback is not as strong, smooth, or quiet as more expensive options
How to Purchase
The Logitech G920 sells as one unit with the wheel base, leather rim, and 3 pedal set. This wheel is listed as a Best Seller on Amazon and is popular among casual racers because of its price and 2 year warranty. While you can find this wheel is retail stores like Best Buy, generally the best price can be found on Amazon. If you wanna know more about this product, you can read a more detailed review here.
5 Most Important Features of a Racing Wheel for Consoles
Buying a racing wheel can be overwhelming because there is a lot to understand regarding features and performance. In this section I will break down the 5 key features you should consider when buying a steering wheel if you are looking for the most simulated racing experience.
All of the options above meet these criteria, but you should be aware just in case you are looking at other choices.
Strong Force Feedback
Force feedback is the core of a simulated driving experience. It is what translates the feeling of the road, the tires, and the car body from the racing game into your hands. The more accurate and strong the force feedback is, the more immersion you will have with the game.
If I had to rate force feedback strength in order of motor type it would be: direct drive, single belt drive, dual belt drive, and then helical gearing. Currently there are no direct drive wheels made for the consoles.
900 Degrees of Adjustable Wheel Rotation
Having a wheel with 900 degrees of rotation (DOR) allows you the ability to experience the full range of motion from the wheel. Everybody has a different preference regarding DOR so it is important that you can change it. For example when playing F1 games I like my rotation at 360 degrees, fr GT style games like Forza I prefer 540, and for any game where I want to drift 900.
Pedal Set with a Progressive Brake
The feel of the brake is impactful on your lap times. A progressive brake simulates brake pressure to feel as it would in a real car. The feeling of brake pressure is important because it effects your braking distances and helps indicate to you when your brakes are locking.
Ability to Hard Mount
Hard mounting is a better option than using a table clamp. Whether you are using a sim racing seat or a wheel stand you will find more stability in hard mounting.
The problem with table clamps is that they constantly need to be re-tightened and they don’t provide a soltion to keep your pedals in place.
Upgrade Options
Once you get a racing wheel you will never race with a controller again. You want a steering wheel and pedal set that can grow with you overtime. All of the of the units above offer the ability to add on; the Fanatec and Thrustmaster options have optional wheel rims, pedal sets, and shifters, while the Logitech G920 offers an optional shifter.
Best Xbox One Racing Wheel Review – Wrap Up
If you are looking for the best wheel for your Xbox console it best to stick with a product from one of the big 3; Fanatec, Thrustmaster or Logitech. These 3 brands are well proven and have a long history of making great sim racing products for the consoles.
Outside of the big 3, you can find options from companies such as Hori, DreamMaker, and Mad Catz, but these products don’t deliver the same punch and quality. Of all all the companies Thrustmaster offers the most options on the market and have packages ranging from $100 up to $700, but in the racing peripheral market you “get what you pay for”.
Sim Racing Gear at Amazon
If you have any questions about steering wheels for racing feel free to leave a comment below.
