There are two main manufacturers that dominate the video game racing wheel market: Thrustmaster vs. Logitech. Both make some of the best and most affordable racing wheels you can buy. However, the companies offer vastly different products, which really cater to different markets. With that said, Thrustmaster and Logitech are both far from the most expensive.
The concept of a racing wheel is pretty simple, and it takes what is otherwise a very two-dimensional experience of pressing buttons on the controller and turns it into a three-dimensional one. Instead of just pressing buttons, you are given a steering wheel and pedals that recreate driving a car.
Thrustmaster vs. Logitech: Side-By-Side Comparison
| Thrustmaster | Logitech | |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility | Xbox, PlayStation, PC | Xbox, PlayStation, PC |
| Price Range (Bundle) | $130-$799 | $300-$1,350 |
| Swappable Wheels | Yes | No |
| Force-Feedback Options | Yes | Yes |
| Servo Wheels Available | Yes | No |
| Shifters Available | Yes | Yes |
- Force feedback so you can gauge speed, road surfaces, and obstacles
- Compatible with PlayStation 4 and 5, as well as PCs running Windows 10 and 11
- Interactive dashboard with more than 20 different displays
- Magnetic pedal set with 4 pressure modes on the brake
- 25 action buttons for more choices when assigning controls
Thrustmaster vs. Logitech: What’s the Difference?
The biggest difference between the Thrustmaster and Logitech brands of racing wheels is the number of offerings that they have. While Logitech has been adding higher-end racing wheels, Thrustmaster already has a wide variety of wheels. To more accurately compare what both companies have to offer, as well as their similarities, we will take a look at some of the different models and accessories from each.
Models
Logitech offers two very popular models of their signature racing wheel. This would be the G29 and G920, which are compatible with the PlayStation and Xbox ecosystems, respectively. These wheels usually start around $300 and offer great value. Although they are not the best racing wheels available, they’re perfect for people who are just getting started and offer a much better experience than toy wheels.
However, Logitech recently released some higher-end wheels, such as their G923, which is approximately $400 and has upgraded force feedback. Alternatively, their new pro model wheel and steering pedals offer some of the most realistic driving you can get out of the Logitech brand; however, it will cost you $1,350 for both the pedals and the wheels. All of the Logitech wheels also work on PC.
Thrustmaster, on the other hand, offers a much wider variety of products, from low-end toys all the way up to high-end servo steering systems. On the low end, you have wheels that cost around $130, such as the Ferrari 458 and 488 models. These are designed to work with the Xbox or PlayStation consoles, respectively. The four Ferrari 488 models work with PC.
Beyond those, there are a couple of other cheap options before getting to the T248 that is available for either PlayStation or Xbox consoles as well as PC. The T248 is very comparable to Logitech G29 and G920 models. From there, you get into the higher-end racing wheel and pedal combos as well as standalone servo wheels, which can easily exceed $500.
Accessories
One of the major differences between Thrustmaster and Logitech is the number of accessories available. For many years Logitech’s only accessory was an added shifter that worked with all of their racing wheel models. However, more recently, they’ve added the pro racing pedals as well as the G-Racing adapter, which you can use with any of their wheels.
Thrustmaster, in comparison, has a wide range of accessories which also include includes shifters and pedal combinations. Additionally, there are different clamping mechanisms and even an E brake available. But one of the most important accessories is the swappable wheels which are available for their servo bases.
Compatibility
A major consideration that you may not have thought about is the compatibility of the wheel. Most wheels are designed to work with either PlayStation or Xbox consoles. There are a few options that do allow cross-compatibility, though, and there is even a device called the Ras1ution which allows you to use any controller on a different machine than it was intended for.
Besides just a specific ecosystem, certain wheels, particularly in the Thrustmaster line, are only designed to work with specific consoles. For instance, one wheel may work with a PlayStation 4 and 5 console, while another wheel may only work with a PlayStation 3 and 4 console. You should carefully look at any wheel you’re considering to make sure it’ll work with the consoles you intend to use it with.
- Converts any racing wheel controller for cross-compatibility
- Supports PS5/PS4/PS3, Switch, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox 360, and Xbox One consoles
- Force feedback so you can feel the tires and the terrain
- OLED display
- Adjustable steering angle
Games
In addition to the compatibility of the wheel, it is also worth noting which games will work with the Logitech and Thrustmaster wheels. For example, the Forza Horizon and Motorsport games are only available on Xbox consoles. In contrast, Gran Turismo is only available on PlayStation consoles. Another thing worth mentioning is that many people want racing wheels to use with their PSVR headsets.
If you intend to use a racing wheel with the PSVR headset, be sure to purchase a wheel that works with the correct console. As for the games themselves, not everything will work with a racing wheel. However, most of the popular titles, such as Forza and Gran Turismo, will work without a problem. Additionally, certain games will work with the wheels but will not be capable of force-feedback.
Sim Racing vs. Arcade Racing
Before you go run out and buy the most expensive racing wheel available, you should really consider what your intentions for it are. While Thrustmaster makes high-end wheels, they’re best suited for SIM racing games like Forza Motorsport or Gran Turismo. However, if you just want to play an arcade racer like Cruisin’ Blast or Hot Wheels Unleashed, then a cheaper wheel will suffice.
If you aren’t familiar with the two types of racing games, a sim racing title delivers a realistic experience. this typically means that the cars are based on real-life vehicles and the physics replicate real-world driving. Arcade racers are the complete opposite and feature crazy action and over-the-top vehicles. Plus, the tracks are completely unrealistic versus the real tracks recreated in sim racers.
- Compatible with PlayStation 4 and 5, as well as PC gaming titles
- Force feedback simulates a real driving experience, letting you feel the tires and the terrain
- Adjustable floor pedals including throttle, pressure-sensitive brake, and clutch
- Wheel has 900-degree rotation like an F1 racing car
- Hand-stitched leather cover
Thrustmaster vs. Logitech: 5 Must-Know Facts
- Thrustmaster and Logitech make very similar racing wheels, but Thrustmaster has more options.
- Logitech’s G29 and G920 are longtime favorites and offer the best experience for the price.
- Thrustmaster makes servo wheels, while Logitech does not.
- Thrustmaster also makes cheaper options than Logitech, but you should avoid them if possible.
- Neither company makes a wheel that works with the Nintendo Switch console.
Thrustmaster vs. Logitech: Which One Is Better? Which One Should You Use?
Logitech and Thrustmaster make great steering wheels, but the choice of which is better will likely come down to which offers a wheel that fits your needs. Two of the most popular wheels on the market are the Logitech G29 and G920. These are actually the same wheels but designed to work with either the PlayStation or Xbox consoles.
The Logitech G29 and G920 are our favorite racing wheels for beginners. This is because they are very affordable and still offer some great features. Plus, you can use either wheel with a PC. However, if we had to choose the better brand, the answer would be Thrustmaster. The reason for this decision is easy because Thrustmaster has a lot more offerings, and their products tend to be of better quality.
That isn’t to say that Thrustmaster doesn’t have lower-quality wheels because they do. In fact, we recommend staying away from their wheels between $100-$150. These will feel more like toys designed for kids than something that will deliver a great driving experience. Instead, look at the mid-priced options and consider the servo wheels if you are deadset on the ultimate driving experience.
- $292.99Buy on Amazon
- Force feedback so you can gauge speed, road surfaces, and obstacles
- Compatible with PlayStation 4 and 5, as well as PCs running Windows 10 and 11
- Interactive dashboard with more than 20 different displays
- Magnetic pedal set with 4 pressure modes on the brake
- 25 action buttons for more choices when assigning controls
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11/27/2023 06:37 am GMT - $199.00Buy Now on Amazon
- Compatible with PlayStation 4 and 5, as well as PC gaming titles
- Force feedback simulates a real driving experience, letting you feel the tires and the terrain
- Adjustable floor pedals including throttle, pressure-sensitive brake, and clutch
- Wheel has 900-degree rotation like an F1 racing car
- Hand-stitched leather cover
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
11/27/2023 01:31 pm GMT - $105.00Buy Now
- Converts any racing wheel controller for cross-compatibility
- Supports PS5/PS4/PS3, Switch, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox 360, and Xbox One consoles
- Force feedback so you can feel the tires and the terrain
- OLED display
- Adjustable steering angle
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
11/27/2023 06:36 am GMT
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