Entry-level direct drive racing wheel: Thrustmaster T598 wheel and pedal set

Logitech Racing Wheel vs Thrustmaster T248, T598 and MOZA R5: The Entry-Level Wheel Guide

For most first-time buyers, a geared Logitech racing wheel or the Thrustmaster T248R is a straightforward start: ProSimHQ lists the Logitech G29 (PlayStation/PC) and G920 (Xbox/PC) at $299.99, and the G923 and T248R at $349.99. For direct drive, step up to the Thrustmaster T598. Buy the version that matches your console.

Published: 2026-10-19 | Reading time: Approximately 10 minutes

Key Takeaways

  • Drive type is the real difference. Logitech lists the G29, G920 and G923 with helical gearing, Thrustmaster calls the T248R a hybrid drive, and the T598 and MOZA R5 are direct drive.
  • Platform decides the shortlist. Logitech sells the G29 for PlayStation/PC and the G920 for Xbox/PC; the G923, T248 and T598 also come in separate PlayStation and Xbox versions. MOZA lists its R5 bundle as PC only.
  • Pedals differ more than wheels. The T248R and T598 use Hall Effect (magnetic) sensors; the T598 ships with two pedals, not three.

Logitech Racing Wheel vs Thrustmaster vs MOZA: How Do They Compare?

These wheels split into two tiers: geared or hybrid wheels at $299.99 to $349.99, and direct drive. Specs are each maker's own; ProSimHQ prices are as listed in October 2026.

Logitech G29 / G920 Logitech G923 Thrustmaster T248R Thrustmaster T598 MOZA R5
Drive type, as stated Dual-motor force feedback, helical gearing with anti-backlash Dual-motor force feedback, helical gearing T-HD Hybrid Drive Direct Axial Drive (axial flux direct drive) Direct drive
Torque, as stated 2.3 Nm 2.3 Nm 3.1 N·m, 48 W constant power 5 Nm constant, +100% overshoot 5.5 Nm peak
Platforms, as each maker lists them G29: PS5, PS4, PS3, PC · G920: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC PS5, PS4, PS3, Windows 10/11 PS5, PS4, PC PS5, PS4, PC (Xbox/PC version also sold) MOZA: R5 bundle PC only (see platform section)
Pedals included 3 on the G29: throttle, brake, clutch 3: throttle, brake, clutch 3: T3PM, Hall Effect sensors 2: Raceline Pedals LTE, H.E.A.R.T. sensors MOZA's own R5 Bundle: 2 SR-P Lite pedals, Hall sensors
Rim Hand-stitched leather, stainless steel paddle shifters Hand-stitched leather 11.0″ / 28 cm Detachable 11.8″ / 30 cm Sportcar rim Quick release; see the note below
ProSimHQ price $299.99 each $349.99 $349.99 $599.99 (PS/PC) · $599.00 (Xbox/PC) Not quoted here; see the note below
MOZA R5 bundle contents. MOZA's own R5 Bundle includes the ES wheel; listings vary, so confirm exactly what is in the box before you order.

Sources: Logitech's G29 and G920/G29 pages, plus Logitech's G923 PlayStation/PC specification, Thrustmaster's T248R page, Thrustmaster's T598 page and MOZA's R5 support page.

Gear, Hybrid or Direct Drive: What Is the Difference?

Drive type is how the motor's force reaches your hands, and it shapes the feel more than any other spec here.

  • Gear drive means the motor turns the wheel through a set of gears. Logitech's specifications for the G923 and G29 list "dual-motor force feedback; helical gearing", and its G920/G29 page adds anti-backlash. Gear drives are typically compact and affordable; some gear texture can reach the rim.
  • Hybrid drive combines gears with a belt. Thrustmaster says its T248 hybrid system avoids the "friction problems commonly found in racing wheels without a belt drive component."
  • Direct drive means the wheel is mounted straight onto the motor shaft, with no gears or belts in between. The T598 and MOZA R5 both work this way.

None of these wheels is a pure belt drive. Our guide to direct drive, belt drive or gear drive covers how each mechanism feels; this article stays on the purchase decision.

Read torque figures carefully. Thrustmaster states the T598 delivers "5 Nm of constant torque" with an overshoot capability of +100%. MOZA states the R5 delivers "5.5 N·m of peak torque." Constant and peak are different measurements, so the 0.5 Nm gap on paper does not tell you which feels stronger.

Which Platforms Does Each Wheel Support?

Platform is the first filter, because these wheels come in console-specific versions that are not interchangeable.

  • Logitech G29 and G920: one design in two versions. Logitech lists the G29 for PS5, PS4, PS3 and PC, and the G920 for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC.
  • Logitech G923: sold in two versions. The PlayStation/PC version lists Windows 10 and 11 plus PlayStation 3, 4 and 5. Logitech lists a separate Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC version.
  • Thrustmaster T248 and T248R: the T248R is listed for PC, PS4 and PS5. The T248 (Xbox/PC) is officially licensed for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, and compatible with PC.
  • Thrustmaster T598: the PlayStation version lists PC, PS4 and PS5. A separate T598 Xbox/PC version lists PC and Xbox.
  • MOZA R5: MOZA's R5 support page lists the base's platform as "PC & Xbox ready via ESX", meaning Xbox requires MOZA's ESX steering wheel. The same page's FAQ states that "the R5 bundle is PC only (Windows 10/11)" and not compatible with Xbox or PlayStation. Neither page lists PlayStation.

Our PS5, Xbox or PC racing wheel compatibility guide explains why wheels are locked to one console family.

What Pedals Come in the Box?

Pedals matter as much as the wheel. A Hall Effect sensor reads pedal position with a magnet rather than a rubbing contact, so there is no rubbing contact to wear out. A load cell measures how hard you press rather than how far the pedal travels.

  • G29: three pedals (throttle, brake and clutch), per Logitech's specification.
  • G923: three pedals (throttle, brake and clutch), with what Logitech calls a pressure-sensitive brake system. Logitech's specification does not name the sensor type.
  • T248R: the three-pedal T3PM set, with Hall Effect (H.E.A.R.T.) sensors and four adjustable pressure levels on the brake.
  • T598: the two-pedal Raceline Pedals LTE, with H.E.A.R.T. sensors, interchangeable springs and three adjustment notches behind each pedal.
  • MOZA R5: MOZA's own R5 Bundle pairs the base with SR-P Lite pedals (Hall sensors, no clutch); confirm a listing's contents before you order.

If you drive manual-gearbox cars, the T598's two-pedal set has no clutch; the G29, G923 and T248R include one.

What Is the Best Budget Racing Wheel Under $500?

There is no single best budget racing wheel. Among the wheels in this guide, the under-$500 choice is the Logitech G29 or G920 at $299.99, or the Logitech G923 or Thrustmaster T248R at $349.99. The G29, G923 and T248R each include three pedals.

If you... Lean towards Why
Want the lowest-priced Logitech racing wheel here Logitech G29 (PlayStation/PC) or G920 (Xbox/PC) $299.99; Logitech lists 2.3 Nm, helical gearing and a Hall-effect steering sensor
Want the simplest first wheel for PlayStation or PC Logitech G923 Three pedals, a built-in desk clamp that extends up to 50 mm, and 900° of rotation per Logitech
Want more stated torque and magnetic pedals for the same price Thrustmaster T248R 3.1 N·m hybrid drive, Hall Effect pedals, a color LCD screen and 25 action buttons
Race on Xbox G920, G923 Xbox/PC or T248 Xbox/PC Buy the Xbox version; the PlayStation versions are separate products

The trade-off is mostly pedals and display, where the T248R leads on paper. The G923 costs $50 more than the G29 at ProSimHQ; its headline feature on Logitech's page is TRUEFORCE, which Logitech describes as connecting directly to in-game physics.

Is an Entry-Level Direct Drive Worth the Step Up?

An entry-level direct drive is worth it if you are sure about the hobby and race on PC or the console your chosen version supports. At ProSimHQ's October 2026 prices, the Thrustmaster T598 costs $250 more than the G923 and T248R, and $300 more than the G29.

Per the makers, the extra money buys a direct-drive motor, a detachable or quick-release rim and upgradeable pedals. The Thrustmaster T598 comes in PlayStation and Xbox versions. The MOZA R5 is PC only per MOZA's FAQ for its R5 bundle; confirm what a listing includes before you order. Our MOZA vs Fanatec vs Simagic ecosystem comparison covers where that path leads.

Plan the mounting before you buy

More torque puts more load on whatever the base is clamped to. Thrustmaster includes a clamping system with the T598. A light or wobbly desk can limit a direct-drive base before the motor does.

How Far Can Each One Be Upgraded?

Upgrade path is where the two tiers separate most clearly.

  • T248R: Thrustmaster's compatibility checker lists the TH8A and TH8S shifters, the TSS Handbrake, and the T-LCM and T3PA pedal sets. It lists no wheel add-ons for the T248R.
  • T598: the Sportcar rim can be replaced with Thrustmaster Wheel Add-On models in Formula, GT and rally styles. Thrustmaster notes that some add-ons may require an adapter. The pedal set can take a third Load Cell pedal through the Raceline Pedals Upgrade Kit, which Thrustmaster listed as "available soon" in October 2026.
  • MOZA R5: MOZA states the base is compatible with all MOZA steering wheels through its quick release. The SR-P Lite pedals accept an optional clutch pedal and a Performance Kit for adjustable brake feel.
  • G29, G920 and G923: Logitech offers wheel-and-shifter bundles on the G923 and G920/G29 pages. Its specifications do not describe a detachable rim.

Planning the Rest of Your Racing Simulator Setup

A racing simulator setup is a system, and the wheel is one part of it. Confirm three things before you order.

  1. Where it mounts. Check each maker's mounting options; a wheel stand or cockpit removes flex.
  2. What it plugs into. Console version, or a PC that runs your titles. Thrustmaster's My Thrustmaster Panel, for example, is PC software.
  3. What you will add later. If a load cell brake or a shifter is likely, buy the base that accepts it.

Our sim racing wheel and pedal combos guide covers bundles across every budget.

Entry-Level Racing Wheels at ProSimHQ

The Thrustmaster T248 (Xbox & PC) is also $349.99.

Common Mistakes

  • Buying the wrong console version. PlayStation and Xbox versions are separate products: G29 or G920, and two versions each of the G923, T248 and T598.
  • Assuming the MOZA R5 works on a console. MOZA lists the R5 bundle as PC only.
  • Comparing peak torque with constant torque. The T598 and R5 figures are measured differently.
  • Forgetting the clutch. The T598 comes with two pedals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Logitech racing wheel good for beginners?

Yes. Logitech's G29 (PS5, PS4, PS3 and PC), G920 (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC) and G923 all use dual-motor force feedback through helical gearing, and Logitech lists each at 2.3 Nm. At ProSimHQ's October 2026 prices the G29 and G920 are $299.99 and the G923 is $349.99. The main limit is the geared feel.

What is the best budget racing wheel for PS5?

Of the wheels compared in this guide, the PS5 options under $500 are the Logitech G29 at $299.99 and the Logitech G923 and Thrustmaster T248R at $349.99. The G29 and G923 use gear drive; the T248R uses a hybrid drive that Thrustmaster rates at 3.1 N·m, with Hall Effect pedals and a color screen. For direct drive on PS5, the Thrustmaster T598 PlayStation/PC version is $599.99.

What is the best racing wheel under $500?

At ProSimHQ's October 2026 prices, the wheels under $500 in this guide are the Logitech G29 and G920 at $299.99, and the Logitech G923 and Thrustmaster T248R or T248 at $349.99. Choose the version that matches your console. Pick the T248R for magnetic pedals and an on-wheel screen, the G923 for Logitech's TRUEFORCE feedback, or the G29 or G920 for the lowest price here; on Xbox, check Thrustmaster's T248 (Xbox & PC) page for its pedal and display specs.

Is entry-level direct drive worth it?

Yes, if you are committed to the hobby and can mount the base rigidly. The Thrustmaster T598 and MOZA R5 add a direct-drive motor and an upgrade path for rims and pedals. At ProSimHQ the T598 costs $250 more than the G923 and T248R and has two pedals. For the R5, confirm what is in the box before you order.

Does the MOZA R5 work on Xbox or PlayStation?

MOZA's R5 support page answers this directly: the R5 bundle is PC only, running on Windows 10 or 11, and is not compatible with Xbox or PlayStation consoles. The same page lists the R5 base as "PC & Xbox ready via ESX", which refers to pairing it with MOZA's ESX steering wheel. No MOZA page we read lists PlayStation support for the R5.

Match the Wheel to Your Platform

Tell us which console or PC you race on, where the wheel will mount, and whether you expect to upgrade. We will tell you which of these wheels fits, including when the $350 wheel is the right answer. Talk to us before you buy.

Complete Racing Wheel Systems Racing Simulator Wheels

Sources and Further Reading

ProSimHQ Editorial Note

ProSimHQ is an independent retailer of simulation equipment from multiple manufacturers. Specifications here are the manufacturers' published figures as retrieved in October 2026, not our testing. Platform support, bundle contents and prices change; confirm them for your exact version when you buy.

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