There is nothing quite like the adrenaline rush of nailing a perfect apex at Kyalami in Assetto Corsa Competizione. But sim racing can be an expensive hobby. If you want to ditch the gamepad without spending a fortune on direct drive systems, the battle for the Best Budget Racing Wheel in 2025 comes down to two heavyweights: the Logitech G923 and the Thrustmaster T248. Let’s see which one deserves a spot on your desk.

The Force Feedback Fight: TrueForce vs Hybrid Drive

When looking for an entry-level wheel, force feedback (FFB) is the most critical spec. It is how the wheel communicates traction loss and road texture to your hands.

The Logitech G923 relies on its proprietary TrueForce technology. It connects directly to game physics to deliver high-definition vibrations. You can feel the engine hum and the rumble strips distinctly. However, the underlying gear-driven mechanism hasn't changed much from older generations... it can be a bit noisy (the infamous "Logitech rattle") during intense rallies.

On the other side, the Thrustmaster T248 uses a hybrid belt-and-gear system. This generally provides smoother, stronger force feedback than the Logitech. It feels slightly less "notchy" when turning against resistance. While you wrestle with the wheel, you’ll want total immersion, so pairing your setup with noise-cancelling headphone headsets is essential to block out the click-clack of gear shifts and focus purely on the engine note.

Pedals and Build Quality 🔧

Here is where the two diverge significantly. The Logitech G923 features a premium leather-wrapped rim and aluminium spokes that feel incredibly durable. It screams quality.

The Thrustmaster T248 feels a bit more "toy-like" with its plastic rim, though the magnetic paddle shifters feel snappy. However, Thrustmaster wins on the floor... the T3PM magnetic pedal set included with the T248 is superior to Logitech's potentiometer-based pedals. They offer better long-term reliability and pressure precision.

Of course, a racing rig takes up space. If you are racing at your main desk, you'll need to manage your peripherals. A compact, tenkeyless gaming keyboard is great for mapping pit limiter macros without cluttering your racing space, while a lightweight gaming mouse makes navigating complex sim menus a breeze between races.

TIP

Braking Performance Tip ⚡

If you choose the Logitech G923, the brake pedal uses a progressive spring that is notoriously stiff out of the box. Secure your pedals against a wall or use a carpet gripper to stop them from sliding away when you stamp on the brakes at Turn 1.

Performance and Compatibility

Both wheels are compatible with PC and major consoles (check the specific version for PlayStation or Xbox). For South African gamers looking to get into competitive sim racing, PC is usually the place to be due to modding communities.

Speaking of mods, titles like Assetto Corsa with content manager mods require fast storage to load high-res textures and massive track maps instantly. Upgrading your solid state drives ensures you aren't stuck in the loading screen while the qualifying session starts.

Visuals are equally important. To truly judge your braking points, a high-refresh-rate ultrawide screen is ideal. Check out our range of PC monitors to expand your field of view... seeing the side mirrors without turning the camera makes a massive difference in close racing.

Which Wheel Takes the Chequered Flag? 🏁

If you prioritize premium materials and that classic leather feel, the Logitech G923 remains a fantastic choice and is often frequently on special in SA.

However, if you prioritize performance and pedal feel over aesthetics, the Thrustmaster T248 edges it out as the best budget racing wheel for pure driving physics in 2025.

Not ready to commit to a full wheel setup yet? That's okay. Modern gaming controllers have come a long way with haptic feedback and are still a valid way to enjoy arcade racers like Forza Horizon 5.

Sharing Your Laps

Sim racing has a massive audience online. If you plan on broadcasting your rookie season or your pro-league wins, you will need more than just a wheel. Investing in streaming essentials like capture cards and lighting will make your stream look professional.

Don't forget clear communication. Whether you are talking to your Twitch chat or coordinating with teammates in an endurance race, standalone microphones ensure you sound crisp and clear over the roar of the virtual engines.

Start Your Engines Today! Whether you need the precision of a racing wheel or the raw power of a new GPU to run the latest sims at 4K, Evetech has you covered. Shop our full range of gaming controllers and wheels and take your driving skills from the couch to the podium.