The best racing wheels to get started in simracing: which one’s right for you?

Tired of negotiating tight turns with your gamepad’s left stick? Why not switch to a racing wheel? If so, make sure to choose one that’s suited to your skill level and the immersion you seek.

We’ve selected three of our best racing wheels to discover simracing. Each one is part of our Thrustmaster lineup, developed by our teams. This selection—based on user level—reflects our internal recommendations based on the characteristics of our current product line.

Let’s take a deep dive into their features.

T98 Ferrari 296 GTB : The perfect gaming wheel for beginners

The T98 Ferrari 296 GTB / GTS is mainly intended for beginners and young players looking to get into simracing. Officially licensed by Ferrari, this gaming wheel elegantly simulates the handling of an Italian supercar. Its compact design and simple installation make it an obvious choice for those who want to learn without any hassle.

This racing wheel for console and PC uses bungee cord linear resistance technology—a motorless and elastic automatic re-centering system. It features a maximum rotation angle of 240°, which is higher than that of classic gamepads (180°). Perfect for beginners who value intuitive handling.

The racing wheel also features a manettino—the famous red selector inspired by Ferrari cars—that enables you to choose between three driving support profiles, from the most forgiving to the most realistic. This gives drivers room to grow, with the option to adjust the difficulty without changing their equipment.

The included T2PM pedal set features two pedals (brake and accelerator) with Hall-effect magnetic sensors, ensuring good accuracy and durability superior to a conventional potentiometer. The system is fully compatible with PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 consoles, as well as PCs running Windows 10 and 11.

What especially distinguishes the T98 is its ability to make simracing accessible—even in tight spaces—thanks to its compact size and quick clamping system. It’s an ideal choice for occasional players, families or users who want to experience a driving feel without an extensive setup. It’s one of the top choices for beginners.

Discover the T98 Ferrari 296 GTB

Discover the T98 Ferrari 296 GTS

T128 : Taking immersion up a notch

The T128 pushes that racing feel further thanks to dynamic force feedback and Hybrid Drive technology, for even deeper immersion. This ability to feel mass transfers, loss of grip or even track irregularities allows new drivers to better understand their car’s behavior, naturally improving their progression and enjoyment of the game.

Featuring magnetic paddle shifters, it enables smooth-as-silk gear changes thanks to an ultra-fast response time (30 ms).

A series of LEDs arranged on the faceplate lets you know the exact moment to shift gears, thereby boosting your reactivity!

This racing wheel also features the T2PM pedal set, with its compact design and unmatched precision at this price point, for well-balanced braking and responsive acceleration.

In short, the T128 is a great choice for taking things further in terms of driving feel, without blowing your budget.

Discover the T128 for Xbox and PC

Discover the T128 for PS5 and PC

T248 : A comprehensive racing wheel for racers looking for high performance

Now, let’s move on to the T248, one of the best simracing wheels for beginners, officially licensed for PlayStation® and PC compatible, designed for intermediate players who want to push their limits. This gaming wheel is intended for racers who have already experienced the fun of simracing and are looking for more precision, immersion and responsiveness.

The T248 also incorporates dynamic force feedback with Hybrid Drive technology. Its motor is 40% more powerful than that of the T128, for more precise force feedback and a more intense feel.

It also features an adjustable rotation angle to adapt it to various simracing types, such as rally, formula, GT, and so on. This flexibility allows racers to refine their driving style based on the type of race.

The T248’s Race Dash dashboard is another innovation that displays more than 20 different data in real time (e.g., speed, gears, engine speed, lap time). As this is built into the steering wheel, you can easily get key information at a glance.

In addition, the ultra-responsive magnetic paddle shifters featuring H.E.A.R.T. technology make changing gears a breeze. They offer fast, precise and durable return, avoiding the wear associated with classic mechanical contacts. The wheel rim’s synthetic leather covering gives it a premium look and a top-notch grip.

The included T3PM magnetic pedal set is yet another highlight of this model. Its three metal-head pedals (accelerator, brake, clutch), thousandth-of-a-second precision and four brake pedal pressure adjustment levels provide a very realistic feel. Its smooth operation ensures consistency in steering, a crucial element in honing your racing skills.

Discover the T248 for Xbox and PC

Discover the T248 for PS5 and PC

What’s the best simracing wheel for you?

Choosing the best simracing wheel for beginners depends above all on your level, expectations and gaming environment.

T98 Ferrari 296 GTB: a great introductory racing wheel

The T98 Ferrari 296 GTB is the perfect option for beginners and players looking for a simple, intuitive and immersive experience, without any hassle. Its officially licensed Ferrari design, plug-and-play features and console compatibility make it an excellent starting point. It’s the ideal setup to ditch your gamepad and familiarize yourself with a racing wheel.

The T128: pushing immersion further

The T128 is a racing wheel and pedal set package that will thrill players wishing to emphasize that driving feel, while keeping their setup simple. With its dynamic force feedback and precise controls, it offers an excellent balance between realism and ease of use.

The T248: for hardcore racers!

The T248 is intended for more experienced users looking to benefit from force feedback and a wide range of advanced features. It’s great for beginners or those with some races under their belt that want to push their driving experience further.

Whether you’re a novice or an expert, there’s a console or PC racing wheel for you! The important thing is choosing a model that will support your development, thereby providing lasting fun behind the wheel of your favorite racing games.

We’ve prepared a short questionnaire to offer a personalized recommendation based on your needs, the user’s age, or even your budget. >>Link

H2 : FAQ

Is force feedback essential?	The motorized force feedback feature significantly improves immersion and accuracy, but a mechanical system like that of the T98 is enough when starting out.
Do I need a lot of room to install a gaming wheel?	Not necessarily. The T98 and T128 are perfect for small spaces thanks to their compact size and quick mounting. On the other hand, the T248 requires a bit more room for its three-pedal set. All three options can be easily mounted on a table or desk.
What’s the best introductory simracing wheel?	The T98 Ferrari 296 GTB / GTS is one of the best choices for beginners. This gaming wheel combines simplicity, console compatibility and driving feel thanks to its bungee cord system. It is an excellent gateway into the world of simracing at a very attractive price.
Does every racing wheel come with a pedal set?	Yes and no; all the models we listed come with a pedal set. The T98 and T128 have a two-pedal set with magnetic sensors. The T248 offers a three-pedal set with adjustable pressure.
Is every gaming wheel suitable for all racing games?	Yes, the Thrustmaster gaming wheels are compatible with most racing games, such as Gran Turismo, F1, WRC, Assetto Corsa and iRacing. Each racing wheel offers a different experience depending on its technology.