The best wheels to get into iRacing with right now

Best Wheels for iRacing Windows Central 2020

iRacing is one of the best sim racing experiences on the planet and is enjoying serious attention in 2020. But to get involved, you’re going to want a good wheel, and whether you’re just starting or looking for something to take that next step, these great wheels are the ones to get.

Staff Pick

The T300 RS GT is a perfect place to start in iRacing, whether you’re a beginner or just looking to get a good wheel and keep the costs down. You get 1080-degree adjustable rotation with a frictionless dual belt-driven force feedback system, an accurate, high-resolution magnetic sensor, and swappable rims. You also have compatibility with a range of other accessories to make your overall experience that little bit more special.

$400 at Dell

Fanatec is the place to go for some high-end but not ridiculously priced sim racing equipment for PC. The base is universal, the buttons and paddles are customizable, the motors are brushless, you get an included LED display, and the performance is staggeringly good. The only downside is that due to current shortages, pre-orders are being accepted for shipping to begin in June, but with the right rim, this can also double up and race on Xbox One, too.

$850 at Fanatec

If you’re looking for a high-quality wheel to use for iRacing that doesn’t stretch into the thousands, then the TS-XW is a good choice. The wheel itself is modeled on the real-world Sparco P310 and trimmed in Alcantara, but can also be swapped out. It packs a 40-watt brushless force feedback system, internal cooling, a turbo power supply, two large paddle shifters, and a full 1,080 degrees of rotation.

$700 at Dell

The Logitech G920 is an excellent wheel for most levels of drivers. It’s got excellent build quality with a metal body and paddles trimmed in soft, comfy leather. It also has dual-motor force feedback for a good feel of the road, the included pedals are solid, and its mounting pattern is supported by any leading wheel stand or cockpit. You also get a realistic 900-degree rotation and a stripe so you can easily see your angle at a glance.

$390 at Dell

Direct Drive wheels like the podium are the pinnacle of iRacing experience, swapping belts and gears for a wheel directly attached to the motor for the most realistic feeling racing. Fanatec’s Podium is smooth and accurate, with a peak torque of 20nm, a built-in hub, and an OLED display for easy tuning. Fanatec’s ecosystem is at your disposal, and all you need is a set of pedals, and you’re on your way.

$1,800 at Fanatec

This is one of the best value Direct Drive wheel kits out there, but while the price is lower, the quality certainly isn’t. With a 13nm holding torque and a smooth, accurate experience, the Accuforce is suitable for those looking to take the next step. But the forces are also adjustable so that you can tone it down, too, and there are expansion ports as well as companion software to help you make your sim racing experience your own.

$999 at SimExperience

On the right track

The equipment is only part of the sim racing experience, but a good wheel will undoubtedly make your time in iRacing much more enjoyable. If you’re looking for something substantial that also doesn’t break the bank, you get a lot with the Thrustmaster T300 RS GT. It’s a great wheel at an attractive price that also includes a full three-pedal setup, so you just plug it all in and be on your way.

The Thrustmaster TS-XW is an excellent step up to the next level, especially with the value of the ecosystem behind it and the additional bonus of Xbox One support for the days you fancy something else. Ultimately, though, if you’re serious and you have the budget, Direct Drive is where you need to be headed, and Fanatec’s Podium is an absolutely amazing Direct Drive wheel.