We tested 13 PC steering wheels. The best for most gamers is the PXN V10 because it is well made and offers decent value for money. Further recommendations include the Logitech G29 Driving Force as an alternative to the test winner, the Moza R5 Racing Bundle for those with deeper wallets, and the PXN V9 as a price tip for beginners. Gaming mice and gaming keyboards are still the first choice for gaming for many PC and laptop gamers. No wonder, since this proven combination is suitable for almost all video games on the market and is available in all price categories. Controllers and gamepads for computers, game consoles or other platforms do even more and sometimes provide haptic feedback and other useful gimmicks. And yet: If you want to experience the full potential and maximum fun in racing simulations and similar games, sooner or later you will need a gaming steering wheel.
We have examined gaming mice, gaming keyboards, and controllers in other tests. Steering wheel gamers should be able to feel like a real Formula 1 racing driver, a professional trucker who travels to distant countries with his powerful machine or, if you just want to let off steam, a hooligan who drives daring street races. All types of driving simulations are covered. But even in cartoon-like fun racers, we can occasionally slip into the colorful bodies of our characters using a steering wheel controller, which can be nice for children and adults alike.
Depending on the scope of performance the PC steering wheel should have, racing wheels are available for just 35 euros. The 13 models we tested range between 37 and 680 euros and 12 steering wheels are currently still available. The test winner is the PXN V10 , a model in the mid-price segment that is aimed at racing sim beginners and professionals alike, depending on what they expect from their PC steering wheel. More expensive models usually enable numerous functions beyond just steering. We explain what these can be and which of them are suitable for which player in our detailed test article.
When it comes to driving wheels, the general rule is: that more is not necessarily better. Too many extras that are not necessary can quickly overload the layout and overwhelm users. In addition, the technology behind it is not always fully developed. Users should pay particular attention to the good quality and feel of the steering unit as well as to secure attachment.
Playing at the wheel: PC steering wheels put to the test
In our PC steering wheel test, we only had steering wheels that at least also offered a small footrest with two pedals on it. But more spartan versions also serve their purpose depending on the application.
Types of PC steering wheels
Depending on the amount of equipment, you can distinguish between three categories, which we explain in more detail here. What matters most is whether there are pedals and whether there is a gear stick or not.
Racing Wheels without accessories
Racing wheels that do not come with any accessories still have the right to exist. On the one hand, such models are more cost-effective. The shift paddles and levers are located directly on the handlebars and the design focuses on the essentials: the steering unit. On the other hand, these simple versions are usually best suited for complete beginners or children and are the easiest to store and take with you.
Steering wheels with pedals
The most popular variants are PC steering wheels with two to three-foot pedals. Like a real vehicle, one of them is for the brakes and one is for the accelerator. The optional third pedal is often used as a clutch or for other purposes. As a rule, these pedals are attached or integrated on a footrest, which is ideally placed under the table to which the steering unit is also attached. Depending on the document, there are a few things to consider here.
Large pedal pads usually hold better on the floor because they have more surface area and are heavier. However, they also take up more space. Small footrests save space but tend to slip more quickly. However, really good pedal pads should have a decent grip, regardless of size, and should not move on their own even when used. In a real cockpit, the brake pedal doesn’t act on its own when you brake hard and disappear into the hood or somewhere else.
Furthermore, the pedals are usually connected directly to the steering wheel via a cable, so depending on the height of the table, you should ensure in advance that the connection is long enough for your use. Children’s legs are usually too short to reach the brake and accelerator pedals, unless parents take care of smaller furniture and, more importantly, supervise their little one while playing, as some models require a lot of force to operate the pedals are necessary, which can lead to a risk of injury, especially for children.
Racing Wheels with gear sticks
Another optional gimmick is the gear lever and stick. They aren’t necessary, but they can be a lot of fun and provide additional immersion, after all, users can shift through the gears like in a real vehicle.
Fastening
At first, this point may seem irrelevant, but as soon as the entire steering module is suddenly lying on your lap or thundering next to the sofa while gaming in the next corner, it becomes clear why it is essential to evaluate a PC steering wheel.
Suction cups, adhesive, and attachment points
Suction cups and attachment points are only suitable for smooth and flat surfaces. These are mainly found on very cheap PC steering wheels and unfortunately, rarely fulfill their purpose. Some of them can’t even withstand the basic stresses of playing arcade sims, let alone larger ones.
However, they can be assembled and dismantled very quickly and are gentle on the table. Even children can quickly assemble such a steering wheel. Adhesive pads that permanently stick the racing wheel to the desk are rarely used anymore.
Vise and screw clamp
Mounting using vices and clamps is common and proven in practice. They are usually located behind and slightly below the steering unit. Like a vice, the tabletop is pushed between two clamping surfaces and locked using a rotating or screw wheel. However, there are also classic clamps that hold the plate in place using the resistance of the material (e.g. metal) or strong elastic bands. For both versions, it is worth taking a look under the tabletop to make sure that there is enough space for the clamps and that the table top is not too thick. It is also recommended to use anti-slip mats. Not only to make the holder even more stable but also to protect the tabletop.
Cockpit, racing sim seats, and thigh supports
If you like to be flexible and don’t just sit at the table, you can also buy a lap pad. However, these hardly offer any real support and very few players use them. There are also metal steering wheel stands for a lot of money. The perfectly coordinated luxury version is the self-configured cockpit into which the steering unit can be integrated. Except for individual hobbyists and extreme racing game enthusiasts with deep pockets, this type of attachment is rarely found in German gaming dens. This can be increased if a professional Sim Racing Seat is also purchased. This should not be confused with gaming chairs, which serve a completely different function. The shell-like design of the Sim Racing Seat enables a seating position that is leaned far back, similar to that in a real racing car.