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Thrustmaster vs. Logitech: Who Makes the Better Racing Wheel?

Thrustmaster vs Logitech: The Ultimate Racing Wheel Showdown

When it comes to racing wheels for gaming, two names stand above the rest: Thrustmaster and Logitech. As a passionate digital tech expert, I‘ve tested wheels from both companies extensively. If you‘re in the market for a force feedback wheel to take your racing sims to the next level, choosing between these two heavyweight brands can be tough.

In this guide, I‘ll give you an in-depth comparison of what Thrustmaster and Logitech each bring to the table. By the end, you‘ll have a clear idea of which wheels are the best fit for your gaming setup and budget. Let‘s dive in and see how these two titans of immersive racing stack up!

Thrustmaster: High-End Sim Gear Specialists

Thrustmaster has been producing flight sim and racing gear since the early 1990s. Today, they offer one of the widest lineups of sim racing wheels, from entry-level to professional-grade equipment.

On the affordable end, there‘s the T150 and TMX wheels. Priced around $200, they provide decent force feedback and are compatible with PS4/PS5 and Xbox One/Series X respectively. These are great starter wheels if you‘re just getting into racing games.

Moving up the range, the popular T300RS and TX wheels ($400-500) deliver stronger, smoother force feedback and swappable wheels. High-end offerings like the TS-XW and upcoming T818 are direct drive wheels with incredible realism and fidelity, but cost upwards of $800.

One of Thrustmaster‘s biggest strengths is its wide ecosystem of sim gear. You can pair their wheels with dedicated shifters, handbrakes, and even load cell pedals. This modularity allows you to build out a complete rig piece by piece.

They also cater to fans of specific cars and racing series with official replica wheels. From Ferrari and Sparco to Formula 1, you can put the same wheel as your favorite team in your hands.

Logitech: The Old Faithful

Logitech is no stranger to racing wheels either, with over 20 years in the game. Their lineup is a bit more streamlined compared to Thrustmaster, focusing on a core range of reliable, well-rounded wheels.

The G29 and G920 are Logitech‘s bread and butter. Usually retailing for about $400, they work with PS4/PS5 and Xbox One/Series X respectively. These wheels hit the sweet spot of performance and value for many sim racers. You get quality hardware, smooth force feedback, a built-in shifter, and a 3-pedal set. It‘s pretty much everything you need to get serious about racing games.

The newer G923 model keeps the same great design but adds a unique dual-motor force feedback system called "TrueForce". It uses game audio to provide more subtle vibrations on top of the normal force feedback, adding an extra layer of immersion. The G923 is priced the same as the G29/G920.

At the top end, there‘s now the PRO Racing Wheel. Launched in 2022, this $1000 direct drive wheel shows Logitech is ready to compete with Thrustmaster for hardcore sim enthusiasts. Paired with the PRO load cell pedals, it‘s a serious bit of kit. However, it‘s still new and somewhat unproven compared to Thrustmaster‘s high-end wheels that have been market leaders for years.

Head-to-Head

So how do Thrustmaster and Logitech‘s wheels compare directly? Here‘s my take:

Build quality: Both brands make solid wheels with quality components and leather grips. Thrustmaster‘s higher-end wheels feel a bit more premium with metal construction. Edge: Thrustmaster

Force feedback: In the $200-$500 range, Logitech‘s wheels like the G29 offer smoother, stronger FFB in my experience. Thrustmaster‘s belt-driven wheels can be slightly notchy. However, Thrustmaster‘s direct drive wheels are the best on the market for ultimate realism. Edge: Logitech for $200-500 wheels, Thrustmaster for $500+ wheels.

Pedals: Logitech includes a good 3-pedal set with their wheels, but without a load cell brake. Thrustmaster offers load cell pedals as an optional upgrade, which is a huge improvement for consistent braking. Edge: Thrustmaster

Shifters/handbrakes: Logitech includes an H-pattern shifter with their wheels, while it‘s a separate purchase with Thrustmaster. However, Thrustmaster offers more shifter and handbrake options to choose from. Edge: Thrustmaster

Compatibility: Logitech wins for simplicity since each wheel works with just one console and PC. Thrustmaster‘s wheels are split between Xbox and PlayStation, with PC support for both. Some also only support older consoles. Edge: Logitech

Modularity: Logitech‘s wheel ecosystems are a take it or leave it package. Thrustmaster lets you swap rims, upgrade pedals, and add other accessories piece by piece. Edge: Thrustmaster

That covers the key factors, but which wheel is actually right for you? Here are my recommendations:

Best Entry-Level Wheel: Logitech G29/G920
With their sub-$300 prices, smooth force feedback, and included shifter and pedals, the G29 and G920 are the best all-arounder wheels for most beginners. Everything you need is in the box. Upgraded pedals would be nice, but not a dealbreaker.

Best Midrange All-in-One: Logitech G923
The G923 takes everything great about the G29/G920 and adds the immersive TrueForce vibration system. If having all the core components in one package is a priority and you like Logitech‘s FFB feel, the G923 is my pick around the $400 price point.

Best Midrange Modular Sim Setup: Thrustmaster T300 RS/TX with T3PA or T-LCM pedals
The T300 wheelbase and TX wheels give you strong force feedback and let you customize with swappable rims, shifters, and handbrakes. Pair them with the T3PA (around $100) or T-LCM load cell pedals ($200) and you have an ideal setup for under $1000 total that can grow with you over time.

Best High-End Setup: Thrustmaster TS-XW or T818 with Thrustmaster Pedals
If money is no object and you want the ultimate, no-compromises direct drive experience, I recommend Thrustmaster‘s TS-XW ($1200+) or forthcoming T818 wheels ($800+). Pair them with the T-LCM pedals for a professional level sim setup. Logitech‘s PRO wheel looks promising, but Thrustmaster still has the edge in this space for now.

The Verdict

So who makes the best wheels overall, Thrustmaster or Logitech? Honestly, both companies offer fantastic options depending on your priorities and budget. You can‘t go wrong either way.

That said, I have to give the edge to Thrustmaster. Their wider range of wheels, highly expandable ecosystem, and class-leading direct drive systems are a huge draw for serious sim racers. From starter wheels to professional-grade gear, Thrustmaster does it all.

Meanwhile, Logitech excels in the low-to-mid range with quality wheels that give you everything you need at an affordable price. For more casual racers, that simplicity and value is hard to beat, and the G29/G920 are still the benchmark for entry-level wheels.

The beauty is, you don‘t have to just take my word for it. Getting hands-on with wheels from both brands at a gaming store, racing event, or a friend‘s sim rig is the best way to feel the differences yourself.

No matter which brand you choose, strapping yourself into a Thrustmaster or Logitech wheel is your ticket to experiencing the thrill of racing like never before. With the pedal to the metal, force feedback cranked up, and your eyes glued to the apex of the next corner, you‘ll see why these two iconic companies are the last names you need to know in sim racing hardware.