Top 3 – PS4 Steering Wheel and Pedals

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What is the best PlayStation 4 Steering Wheel

After a writing spree in May earlier this year …

… I was plain lazy, captured in a world between online racing and forging my real life future.

Without further artificial and irrelevant ado, what better time if not now, to discuss the Best PlayStation 4 Steering Wheel? Hell yeah.

Regular readers know that I tend to ignore lower priced racing gear. For good reason: If you ever want to be chase aliens (like Greger Huttu), a subpar wheel/pedal combo is no serious option. This site is tagged “PerfectSimracer.com” for good reason! Therefore, only quality wheels will be reviewed.

Note on Fanatec

Note that you sometimes have to take special care when using Fanatec gear (just google “fanatec ps4”). However, simulations like Project Cars support this premium class wheel without too much hassle. In my opinion, the quality you get from the not-so-cheap Fanatec stuff is worth (almost) any effort.

Yet, because it is not officially supported, this review doesn’t cover it. For Fanatec reviews, look here:

UPDATED Note on Fanatec:

Several Weeks ago, Fanatec have finally released their PS4 bred Fanatec CSL Elite for PS4. See below for more info!

Note on Thrustmaster T500

This wheel is not natively supported on PS4. Notwithstanding, you can use it, with some small usability glitches. E.g., you need to use the Joypad (instead of the T500 buttons) to navigate in-game menus.

If you are interested in the Thrustmaster T500, look here for a detailed review.

Note on Logitech G29

Yes, the Logitech G29 received a lot of FLAK with regards to the pricing tag. However, it is regularly discounted at <$300 on Amazon.com, Amazon.de etc.; the same pricing range as its predecessor.

Some call it a marketing trick. I call it valuable.

What will be reviewed (tl;dr)

Ready. Set. Go.

Disclaimer: This article was initially released on the 5th of December 2016. It has since been updated and maintained frequently. Last Update: 28th of July, 2017.


Fanatec CSL Elite Racing Wheel – Officially licensed for PS4

the best ps 4 racing wheels - winner - fanatec csl elite ps4 club sport

 

Quick Rating: As of our July 2017 update, the new Fanatec CSL Elite for PS4 is the clear winner of this bout.

Sure, the price tag may be out of scope if you are not used to top class racing hardware. But if you want to make sure to get the best raw material (a lot of metal if you go with the Club Sport V3 pedals, which are fully compatible), best and strongest force feedback, best and most realistic & adjustable brake pedal feeling, a degressive clutch and overally a highly customizable setup, this is the one true solution for PlayStation 4.

On top of being the best overall wheel in review, the Fanatec CSL Elite for PS4 is compatible to PC as is.

To lift things further: You can use this wheel on Xbox One, either by using an Xbox One compatible Fanatec Racing Wheel. Or by using Fanatec’s Universal Hub for Xbox One and then some wheel.

Force feedback is a little less strong than on the “normal” Fanatec CSL Elite Wheel Base; BUT it’s quicker. It’s so quick that I can barely believe what I am seeing upon starting the wheel, and then listening how silent this beast is, despite the quickness.

Personally, I never max out strength of force feedback, so given the choice between the original Fanatec CSL Wheel Base and the new Fanatec CSL for PS4 Wheel Base, I’d take the latter anytime. The euqation is easy: If two wheels have sufficient and high quality forcefeedback, use the quicker of them both.

(Warning: Personal opinion as a simracer and virtual truck driver) When I am on PS4 or XboxOne, there is no going back to other wheels currently on the market. On PC, the CSL Elite PS4 is only second to the ClubSport Wheel Base V2.5 or even more expensive hardware.

Bear in mind: The stuff is heavy, almost 10 kg (22 lbs) for the Base + Wheel. Another 8 kg (18 lbs) for Club Sport V3 pedals. So if you’re the kind of person who prefers soda streamers over beverage crates (hey, in Germany we have crates of 12×0.7 ltrs for water or soft drinks), you should be prepared for a small workout.

However, these masses totally add to the stability of your racing rig. Where with plastic devices, you fight against your table or racing simulator cockpit, with Fanatec, you fight (almost) just with the wheels. This is how it should be!

Features:

  • Degrees of Rotation: 1080° (=1.5 full turns in each direction; when racing, I personally only use 110°, which is just 0.33 turns in each direction; I use 1080° only when delivering cargo in American Truck Simulator)
  • Wheel Diameter: 30cm ≈ 12 in (real Formula 1 wheels are about 10 inches, road car wheels in the about 15 inches, so the Fanatec CSL PS4 steering wheel is a sportive compromise)
  • Grip: Real leather and synthetic leather
  • Shifter: Paddle Shifters with great feel for bite point.. If you want an H-Pattern shifter, that’s what you want to buy separately: Fanatec ClubSport Shifter SQ 1.5.

Pros:

  • Wheel grip: Quite good; works really well for performance driving as well as one-handed or foot- or elbow-controlled truck driving. However, I found the Xbox One variant of the wheel more grippy (it employs rubber instead of leather)
  • FFB: Ultra quick, and this is not just marketing blah by Fanatec, it’s ultra quick for real, and you can see it everytime the firmware boots up and self-configures the device with full turns in each direction, quicker than most eyes are capable of recognizing.
  • Heavy: Almost 20 kg (44 in) in total. And yes, this is a plus. It gives your rig noticably more inertia.

Cons:

  • Not quite cheap, but you totally get what you pay for: A metal monster with lighting fast force feedback, strong enough to give you proper muscle training.
  • Uhm, the ClubSport pedals have red colored metals instead of playstation’ish blue ones.  So if you are a hardcore blue person, consider not looking at the pedals while driving.

Console Compatibility:

  • PlayStation 4 (for some older games, like Dirt Rally, you need to use the purple mode)
  • PC
  • XboxOne, provided you use a Fanatec XboxOne wheel or the Fanatec Universal Hub for Xbox One (the latter enables you to basically use all Fanatec wheels as well as a huge number of real wheels, like available from Momo).

There is a separate and more detailed review about this device here: Fanatec CSL Elite Review (PlayStation 4, PC, XboxOne(*))


Thrustmaster T80 – Cheap, but meh.

thrustmaster-t80-playstation-4-steering-wheel

 

Quick Rating: Hmm, okay. Let’s say it’s the absolute minimum you should invest. My personal recommendation would be to save some more bucks. However, if you drift just a few laps once in while and see racing as more of a quick amusement, you may consider this wheel.

The Thrustmaster T80 steering wheel for PlayStation 4 (and compatibility to PS3 and PC) is an introductory class racing wheel. At less than $100, you get a 270 degrees of rotation with a nice wheel grip. There is no force feedback in this wheel. Instead, what Thrustmaster installed are “bungee cords” (not sure whether Thrustmaster’s just marketing or if there are real bungee cords). Everyone who has ever tried a Logitech G29 or even Fanatec ClubSport wheel (+ wheelbase) will agree that good and strong FFB is (or can be) a huge factor when it comes to immersion into the simulation.

Furthermore, good quality force feedback helps you in driving around the track consistently, so if performance driving is your target, lack of FFB might be a complete No-Go for you.

It suits you if you just do some fun laps every now and then, but be realistic: You get what you pay for.

Let me add a short anecdote: I started simracing on a simple PlayStation 2 controller, later on a PlayStation 1 (:D) Namco NeGCon controller. But it was with the Logitech G27 that I really became addicted to simulation racing. What absolutely hooked me for hours was its force feedback. Having never experienced FFB before, I had absolute trouble just holding a LeMans prototype straight on the Hunaudièrs straight at Le Mans. I was literally sweating, just for the physical effort of it.

Bear in mind: When you decide for the T80, you may not have that experience.

Features:

  • Degrees of Rotation: 270°
  • Wheel Diameter: 25cm / 10 inches (Formula 1 wheels are about 10 inches,  the Fanatec ClubSport Classic wheel is about 13 inches.
  • Grip: Rubber
  • Shifter: Paddle Shifters. No separate shifter included.

Pros:

  • Cheap, but you get what you pay for.
  • Wheel grip is quite okay.

Cons:

  • Cable from Wheelbase to Pedals too short. You won’t have much freedom with regards to wheel+pedal placement.
  • Table Clamp not too stable. Expect the wheel to sometimes not hold up to a hot race.
  • NO Force Feedback. Instead, just what Thrustmaster calls “Bungee Cords”. It feels nice as far as it goes, but no FFB is no FFB.

Console Compatibility:

  • PlayStation 3 (calibrated as standard controller)
  • PC (calibrated as standard controller)
  • PlayStation 4 (natively)

 


Thrustmaster T300 – Not bad!

thrustmaster-t300rs-ps4-steering-wheel

Quick Rating: Yes, it’s significantly more expensive than the T80. But if you love racing, this or the Logitech G29 should be your bare minimum. Regarding quality, I found the Thrustmaster T300 and Logitech G29 en par, with the T300 wheel having a slight edge on G29 if and only if you buy the brake mod (however: stock G29 is better than stock T300).

Before rushing to buy a T300, read on for a buyer’s guide below. Make sure you get the right set, because the packages are confusing.

Features:

  • Degrees of Rotation: 1080°
  • Removable Wheel
  • Wheel Diameter: 28cm / 11 inches (real Formula 1 wheels are about 10 inches,  the Fanatec ClubSport Classic wheel is about 13 inches)
  • Grip: Rubber
  • Shifter: Paddle Shifters. No separate shifter included.

 

Pros:

  • Wheel grip is very good.
  • Very responsive, strong and realistic Force Feedback.
  • The pedal-plate leans nicely against the wall. It also works good enough without carpet; especially if you go for the T3PA-PRO pedals, you’ll be open to many pedal mounting options.

Cons:

  • No Brake Mod included, there is no progressive feel in the brake pedal. Serious advice: Buy or make a brake mod to reveal your true brake mastery.
  • The available packages are confusing (buyer’s guide below!).

 

Console Compatibility:

  • PS3 (as standard controller)
  • PC (as standard controller)
  • PS 4 (natively)

t300-with-and-without-clutch

Buyer’s Guide

There are several T300 packages that contain the cheap T80-style pedals, and the Alcantara package that has the T3PA-pedals. You can tell them from just counting the pedals: 2 pedals = cheap pedals, 3 pedals = the pedals you should get.

 

To increase confusion, there are also two variants of the T3PA pedals: Thrustmaster T3PA, and Thrustmaster T3PA Pro. The pro version has fewer plastic parts, looks more racy, and can be mounted upside down.

So, these are the most popular variants:

1. Thrustmaster T300 RS (with cheaper pedals)
2. Thrustmaster T300 Ferrari GTE (with cheaper pedals)
3. Thrustmaster T300 Integral Alcantara Ferrari Edition (with T3PA).

Of those packages, none includes the T3PA PRO with clutch-pedal. If you lean towards a clutch and a separate shifter, my advice would be to get one of the cheaper packages and then buy T3PA PRO separately. Or, for the better bang for the buck, buy the Alcantara package; but remember that the T3PA (without “PRO”) cannot be mounted upside down and use more plastic.

ProTip: In some countries, you can also buy the T300 Racing Wheel Servo separately. Here’s a quick buyer’s guide:

  1. T300 Racing Wheel Servo
  2. T3PA– or T3PA-Pro pedals
  3. one (or more, of course) of the following wheel add-on’s of your choice:
  4. Optional: Thrustmaster TH8A Add-On Gearbox Shifter

Phew. Confusing packages seem to be the norm in this quality class and higher (Fanatec is a little less confusing confusing).

 

 


Logitech Driving Force G29 Race Wheel – Best Intro Wheel

ps4-steering-wheel-and-clutch-g29

Quick Rating: If you are new to PS4 steering wheels or if you looking for just a complete, ready-to-go package, then the Logitech G29 is the way to go. Like the other wheels in this review, it does not include a gearbox shifter (unlike its predecessors G25 + G27). Apart from that, the table clamps are really good and typically stable enough. The device sports a clutch pedal. Furthermore, the brake pedal has a progressive feeling like a real car’s pedal.

Features:

  • Degrees of Rotation: 900°
  • Wheel Diameter: 27cm / 10.5 inches (real Formula 1 wheels are about 10 inches,  the Fanatec ClubSport Classic wheel is about 13 inches)
  • Grip: Unlike Thrustmaster, the G29 has a leather coating. Rubber is nice. Leather is awesome.
  • Shifter: Paddle Shifters. No separate shifter included.

Pros:

  • Leather Wheel grip.
  • Very responsive, strong and realistic Force Feedback.
  • Realistic / Progressive Brake.
  • Nice carpet grip.

 

Cons:

  • Paddle Shifter feels a little bit slushy. One gets used to it, but a more definitive feeling with a final click-feel would be neat.
  • The Pedal Plate has a slightly round shape. What this means that it’s a bit more difficult to lean it against a wall. The alternative is to use a carpet, as the carpet grip is really nice. If you don’t have a fixed carpet, the best is to permanently mount it onto a cheap plate (it has proper screw threads), or even better, onto a rig.

Console Compatibility:

  • PS3
  • PS4
  • PC

Summary and Final Ranking

The Podium:

By means of raw quality, all pricing aside (click links to see current prices on Fanatec and Amazon):

  1. Fanatec CSL Elite, officially licensed for PS4 + Club Sport Pedals, V3
  2. Thrustmaster T300 (but see further above to buy proper package)
  3. Logitech G29

My recommendation:

If you seek the best stuff available, go all Fanatec. Buy a CSL Elite for PS4 package and either CSL Elite Pedals + Load Cell Kit, or go wild and order Club Sport Pedals, V3 (review here) straight. This is a make-no-prisoners solution if you want the best available on PS4. To top this even more, this setup is completely compatible with PC, as well as XboxOne if you additionally buy an Xbox One Fanatec Wheel or the Fanatec Universal Hub for Xbox One.

Go for Logitech G29 if you prefer a complete package or are simply not a Thrustmaster guy. Go for Thrustmaster T300 if you want to invest the extra bucks and are not subject to analysis paralysis, and make sure to make or buy a progressive brake mod. The G29 does not need an additional brake mod, as it has a progressive brake builtin.

Sony’s PlayStation 4 is really not oversaturated with steering wheels and pedals. However, with Logitech’s G29 Driving Force and Thrustmaster’s T300, you already have very decent options. There is also the T80 (by Thrustmaster, too), but if you’re a serious racer looking to prove oneself, save the money for a G29 or T300.

Regarding the T300, the marketing and purchasing experience on Amazon or other retailers is really confusing. Come back anytime for the buyer’s guide.

Of course, the PS4 is only in the mid of it’s life, so bookmark this page and come back any time for updates.


Article History:

  • originally published Oct 13, 2016
  • updated Dec 5, 2016
  • updated Jul 29, 2017
  • fixed typos Aug 19, 2017
  • fixed links Apr 16, 2019

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