Best budget sim racing wheel for PS5 in Australia
If you play Gran Turismo 7, F1 or Assetto Corsa Competizione on a PlayStation 5, a wheel and pedals is the single biggest upgrade you can make. The catch is that console wheels are licensed per platform. A wheel sold as "Xbox/PC" will not work on a PS5, even if it looks identical to the PlayStation version on the shelf. This guide sticks to wheels that the manufacturer lists as PS5-compatible, explains what you get for your money, and flags the details Australian buyers trip over.
We don't list prices because they move week to week, especially around sales. Use the "check current price" links and compare with local retailers before you buy.
The short answer
- Cheapest sensible PS5 wheel: Logitech G923 (PlayStation/PC). Gear-driven, 2.3 Nm per Logitech, comes with three pedals and its TrueForce feature.
- Smoother entry wheel: Thrustmaster T248 (PlayStation/PC). A hybrid belt-and-gear drive with magnetic paddles, a small screen and a three-pedal set.
- Stretch pick if you can save a bit longer: Thrustmaster T598 or the Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro, both direct drive and both listed for PS5, PS4 and PC.
Comparison table
| Wheel | Drive | Platforms (maker's listing) | Pedals in box | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Logitech G923 (PS/PC) | Gear | PS5PS4PC | 3 pedals | First wheel, tight budget |
| Thrustmaster T248 (PS/PC) | Hybrid belt/gear | PS5PS4PC | T3PM 3 pedals (magnetic) | First wheel, smoother feel |
| Thrustmaster T598 (PS/PC) | Direct axial drive5 Nm constant | PS5PS4PC | Raceline Pedals LTE (2 pedals) | Cheapest route to direct drive on PS |
| Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro | Direct drive5 Nm / 8 Nm | PS5PS4PC | 2-pedal set in bundles | GT7 fans, long-term upgrades |
Logitech G923: the default first wheel
The G923 is the wheel most people start with because it is widely stocked in Australia and simple to set up. Logitech lists it at 2.3 Nm of force feedback, driven through gears. Gears are cheap and reliable but they add a slightly notchy, "ratchety" feel when the wheel is working hard. TrueForce is Logitech's extra layer of high-frequency vibration in supported games; it adds texture rather than strength.
The included three-pedal set (throttle, brake, clutch) is fine to start with. The brake works on travel rather than pressure, which is the main thing people upgrade later (see our budget pedal upgrades guide). Make sure the box says PlayStation/PC. The Xbox/PC version is a different product.
Thrustmaster T248: smoother for not much more
The T248 uses what Thrustmaster calls a hybrid drive: part belt, part gears. Belts smooth out the force feedback, so it tends to feel less notchy than an all-gear design. Thrustmaster does not publish a torque figure for it, so be wary of any article that quotes one as fact. You get magnetic paddle shifters, a small display for telemetry in supported games, and the T3PM magnetic pedals.
One tip: Thrustmaster has released a revised T248R. If you see both listed, read the product page carefully so you know which one you're paying for. The Xbox equivalent is the T248X.
Is direct drive worth the stretch?
Direct drive bases put the wheel straight onto the motor shaft, with no belts or gears in between. The result is more detailed, more immediate feedback. That's why so many forum threads say "skip the gear wheel if you can". On PS5 the realistic entry points are:
- Thrustmaster T598. Thrustmaster's "Direct Axial Drive" motor, rated at 5 Nm constant torque with short overshoot boosts, according to Thrustmaster. The bundle includes a 30 cm rim and Raceline Pedals LTE (throttle and brake).
- Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro. Officially licensed for PS5 and PS4 and also works on PC. Fanatec says the standard 90 W supply gives 5 Nm and the Boost Kit 180 raises it to 8 Nm; the standalone base ships with the Boost Kit. Because the PlayStation licence lives in the base, any compatible Fanatec rim works on PS5, according to Fanatec support.
Direct drive needs a solid mount. A wobbly desk that's fine for a G923 can flex badly under a direct drive base. Budget for a wheel stand or cockpit if you go this way. If you're not sure how the drive types differ, read belt vs gear vs direct drive explained.
Buying tips for Australia
- Check the platform on the box. PS and Xbox versions of the G923, T248 and Logitech G PRO are different SKUs. Grey imports sometimes mislabel them.
- Buy from a seller who honours Australian warranty. Your rights under Australian Consumer Law are easiest to use with a local retailer or Amazon AU listings sold by an Australian seller.
- Power plugs. Local stock comes with an Australian plug or adapter. Overseas stock may not.
- Game support. Gran Turismo 7 is PlayStation only. iRacing is PC only, so if you might move to PC later, a wheel that also lists PC support keeps your options open. All four wheels above do.
- Sales timing. Wheels are often discounted in the big sales periods. Prices change, so check the current price rather than trusting an old article (including this one).
Which one should you buy?
If you're curious about sim racing but not yet sure you'll stick with it, the G923 or T248 is enough. Pick the T248 if you want smoother feedback, and the G923 if you find it cheaper on the day. If you already know you love it, especially if you play GT7 a lot, saving for the T598 or GT DD Pro usually beats buying twice. Not sure? Our setup quiz matches your budget, platform and space to Good, Better and Best picks.
Not sure which fits you? Answer five quick questions.
Find my sim rigFrequently asked questions
Will an Xbox racing wheel work on PS5?
Usually not. Console wheels are licensed per platform, so the Xbox/PC versions of the Logitech G923 or Thrustmaster T248 (T248X) don't work on PlayStation. Buy the PlayStation/PC version.
Is the Logitech G923 or Thrustmaster T248 better for a beginner?
Both are listed for PS5, PS4 and PC and include three pedals. The G923 is gear-driven (2.3 Nm per Logitech). The T248 uses a hybrid belt and gear drive that tends to feel smoother. Pick on current price and feel.
What is the cheapest direct drive wheel for PS5?
Among wheels listed for PS5, the Thrustmaster T598 and the Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro are the usual entry points. Check current prices, as they change often.
Can I clamp a racing wheel to my desk?
Yes. Entry wheels include a desk clamp. Direct drive bases are stronger, so a sturdy desk, wheel stand or cockpit is recommended.
Do I need a wheel to play Gran Turismo 7?
No, but a wheel and pedals make throttle and brake control far easier and more fun. GT7 supports officially licensed PlayStation wheels.
Sources
- Logitech G: racing wheels range (G923 2.3 Nm, RS50 8 Nm)
- Thrustmaster: T248 (PlayStation/PC)
- Thrustmaster support: racing wheel platform compatibility
- Thrustmaster: T598 (PlayStation/PC)
- Fanatec: Gran Turismo DD Pro wheel base
- Fanatec support: PlayStation compatibility FAQ
- Fanatec: Boost Kit 180 (5 Nm to 8 Nm)
Checked 16 October 2026. Specs and compatibility can change with new hardware revisions and firmware; confirm on the retailer or manufacturer page before buying.