Fanatec offer a wide range of direct drive wheels across a range of different budgets. Discover which wheel is best for you in our ultimate guide to the best Fanatec wheel in 2024.
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In 2024, Fanatec currently offers four individual wheel bases. The budget-friendly CSL DD is a great entry-level direct drive wheel that can be purchased for as little as $/€349.99 and comes with the new QR2 quick release. The more premium racing wheels include the newly released ClubSport DD and DD+ which are excellent premium racing wheels and among the best you can buy.
As sim racers, we know that Fanatec offers some of the most immersive sim racing wheels on the market. The German sim racing manufacturer has spent the last decade consistently producing stunning racing wheels across a wide range of price brackets.
But when it comes to buying a new racing wheel in 2024, which Fanatec wheel is best and which would I recommend buying?
In this sim racing buyers guide, I’ll review the best Fanatec racing wheels and wheel bases across several categories. I’ll show you the absolute best Fanatec wheel base and racing wheel you can buy, as well as the best mid-range and budget-friendly racing wheels.
Before I discuss our product recommendations for the best Fanatec wheels, I’ll briefly discuss the overall Fanatec ecosystem. Fanatec has several different product ranges, each reflecting a different level of performance and budget.
You have the CSL range, the ClubSport range and the Podium range.
The CSL product range is Fanatec’s entry point. The sim racing products included as part of the CSL range are the most budget-friendly products that Fanatec offer and are designed as any sim racer’s first step into the world of Fanatec.
The Clubsport range represents a step up in performance compared to the CSL range. Within this product lineup, you’ll find slightly more premium products, which are fantastic upgrade options over the CSL range.
Finally, Fanatec’s highest-performing and most premium products are in the Podium range. Here, you’ll find the most expensive products, such as high-powered direct-drive wheel bases and extremely realistic steering wheels.
CSL Range Budget-Friendly Products include:
| ClubSport Range Mid-Range Products include:
| Podium Range Premium Products include:
|
The great news is that due to Fanatec’s well-established ecosystem, all products work perfectly well with each other. This allows sim racers to mix and match products across each range. For example, you can use the Podium Paddle Module with a CSL DD wheel base.
There are no barriers to compatibility between each product range. The only compatibility that you need to keep an eye on is when it comes to console compatibility. You need to ensure that all products work with your specified console.
This means that you can use a steering wheel that is within the Podium range with a CSL wheel base, and you can pair a set of CSL pedals with a more premium ClubSport or Podium racing wheel.
Fanatec spent 2023 and the first half of 2024 developing new sim racing products, and these have had a big impact on the overall Fanatec ecosystem. In 2023, Fanatec launched its first wheel bases in many years, the ClubSport DD and DD+.
Both of these wheel bases sit in the mid-range ClubSport lineup, however, they offer new forms of force feedback technology capable of producing some of the most immersive feedback of any wheel. The ClubSport DD and DD+ both vary in overall strength resulting in different price points for both wheels.
Fanatec has also recently released a new CSL cockpit which is a first for Fanatec. Previously, the rather old RennSport cockpit was the only sim rig or cockpit available for sale from the German sim racing brand.
The CSL cockpit is an affordable solution for mounting your racing wheel, pedals, and monitor. It is an all-in-one cockpit. Fanatec developed this cockpit, which is directly compatible with all Fanatec wheel bases and capable of supporting the more powerful ClubSport DD racing wheel.
Below is an overview of the Fanatec wheels that I would recommend at each different price point for 2024. I have included a budget, a mid-range and a premium pick along with the reasons why I’d recommend each wheel. Continue reading to learn about each Fanatec wheel in much more detail.
| Wheel | Price | Pros | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | CSL DD | €/$349.95 | – Direct drive technology – Fantastic FFB detail |
| Mid-Range | ClubSport DD | €/$799.95 | – Next generation FFB – Console compatible |
| Premium | DD2 | €/$1499.95 | – Most powerful wheel – 25Nm peak torque |
I will start our product recommendations by looking at the best budget Fanatec wheel and the best budget wheel base. The best products here are all a part of the entry-level CSL product range. Despite being among the cheapest Fanatec wheels you can buy, they still provide great performance.
Our top recommendation for the best budget-friendly Fanatec wheel base is the CSL DD. This wheel base provides outstanding performance for its relatively low price point.
The CSL DD, in 5Nm form, costs €/$349.95. I mention the torque because you can also purchase a boost kit for the CSL DD, which improves its strength up to 8Nm while increasing the price by around €/$150.
During 2024, Fanatec has been running a promotion where you can cut the price of the CSL DD to just €/$199.95 when purchased alongside any steering wheel and pedal set. This price has now stopped after Fanatec added the QR2 quick release to all CSL DD wheels.
Even in its 5Nm form, the CSL DD is mightily impressive. The force feedback is generated via a direct drive motor allowing for incredibly detailed force feedback.
The direct drive motor removes the need for belts or gears, which are commonly found in racing wheels at this price point. It allows for a larger motor, producing more power and much crisper FFB compared to a belt-driven racing wheel.
New for 2024 – Fanatec has updated the CSL DD wheel to include the new QR2 quick release as standard.
Racing Wheel – Fanatec CSL DD
Compatibility – PC, Xbox Series X|S
Price – From €/$349.95
Where to buy –
Buy from Fanatec EU /
Buy from Fanatec US
Choosing a steering wheel to pair with the CSL DD wheel base is a relatively easy job, as there is a clear winner. The Fanatec McLaren GT3 V2 steering wheel provides a very good real-world replica steering wheel.
Like the CSL DD, the McLaren GT3 V2 is part of Fanatec’s CSL product range. It is actually Fanatec’s third-most affordable steering wheel, at under €/$200.
For that money, you get a racing wheel that is compatible with Xbox, PS5 and PC. It features a range of inputs, including push buttons, rotary encoders, magnetic shifters, a dual-clutch and an OLED display.
That is a pretty impressive range of features for a racing wheel at this price point. The McLaren GT3 V2 doesn’t feature heavy use of high-end materials, keeping costs down, but what you do get is a very responsive and nice to race with the GT or F1-style steering wheel.
Racing Wheel – Fanatec McLaren GT3 V2
Compatibility – PS4, PS5, PC, Xbox Series X|S
Price – £199.95/$199.95
Where to buy –
Buy from Fanatec EU /
Buy from Fanatec US
Despite us crowning the CSL DD and the McLaren GT3 V2 as the best budget Fanatec wheels, there are a few other products which could be considered the best budget options.
The GT DD Pro wheel base is right on the cusp of the best budget and mid-range Fanatec wheel base. It costs slightly more than the CSL DD, making it a more premium choice.
The increased cost is attributed to its wider range of compatibility with consoles. While the CSL DD wheel base is only compatible with Xbox and PC, the GT DD Pro is compatible with Xbox, PC, and PS5.
The GT DD Pro is only available to purchase individually at 8Nm and costs €/$599.95 in this form. That is €/$100 more than the 8Nm CSL DD. That extra cost shouldn’t be sniffed at but it allows you to use this Fanatec wheel base across all platforms rather than having two individual wheel bases or being restricted to just a single console.
If you are looking for the best all-round Fanatec wheel base under €/$600, the GT DD Pro is an excellent choice.
Racing Wheel – Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro
Compatibility – PS4, PS5, PC, Xbox Series X|S
Price – From €/$599.95
Where to buy –
Buy from Fanatec EU /
Buy from Fanatec US
Regarding alternate budget-friendly Fanatec steering wheels, the CSL P1 V2 is an extremely good choice. It is the absolute cheapest Fanatec steering wheel in 2024, at just €/$119.95.
For that price, you get a circular steering wheel with a range of face buttons and a directional stick. Around the back of the steering wheel are a set of metallic shifters, and on top of the wheel is a digital display. The CSL P1 V2 is a very good starter wheel suitable for various sim racing disciplines.
At the mid-range price point, your options for different Fanatec wheel bases and steering wheels open up considerably. The Fanatec ecosystem has extremely good steering wheels, with many falling into this category.
Previously, if you wanted to upgrade from the CSL DD or GT DD Pro wheels, you had to jump right up to the premium Podium range with the DD1 being the next available upgrade.
However, in 2023, Fanatec released the ClubSport DD and DD+ wheel bases. These two wheels sit in the mid-range ClubSport range and offer a more viable and affordable upgrade for those who have outgrown the CSL DD.
Both the Clubsport DD and DD+ utilise the latest force feedback technology including FullForce which is Fanatec’s term to describe additional feedback and vibration available in these two wheel bases.
The ClubSport DD is the cheaper of the two wheel bases and offers 12Nm of peak torque for €/$799.95. If you want to increase the power, the more premium DD+ boosts the strength of the force feedback to 15Nm for an increase in price to €/$999.95.
Both of these ClubSport wheel bases are among the very best that Fanatec has ever produced. The force feedback is more immersive than ever with new layers of feedback present. I have been using the more powerful DD+ wheel base for most of 2024, and it is my favourite wheel to date.
Racing Wheel – Fanatec ClubSport DD
Compatibility – PC, Xbox Series X|S
Price – From €/$799.95
Where to buy –
Buy from Fanatec EU /
Buy from Fanatec US
Fanatec excels at creating excellent steering wheels. The Formula V2.5X is a shining example. It is constructed of extremely high-quality materials and features enough inputs to land a fighter jet. (OK, that might be a little bit of an over-exaggeration.)
The Fanatec Formula V2.5X is easily one of the very best F1 steering wheels within this price range. It costs €/$389.95 which places it in a mid-range price range. In comparison to other F1 steering wheels from brands such as MOZA or Thrustmaster, it is fairly well-priced.
The steering wheel’s design is spot-on in terms of size and ergonomics, and it is one of my favourite steering wheels to race F1 24 with. It is 280mm across and constructed from high-quality materials, including metal and carbon fibre, making it feel light and agile in your hands.
The Formula V2.5X is also compatible with all consoles including Xbox, PS5 and PC, making it a very versatile Fanatec steering wheel.
Steering Wheel – Fanatec Formula V2.5X
Compatibility – PS4, PS5, PC, Xbox Series X|S
Price – €/$349.95
Where to buy –
Buy from Fanatec EU /
Buy from Fanatec US
Again, I would like to mention a few other wheel bases and steering wheels which didn’t quite win the mid-range Fanatec category.
If you are looking for an exceptional Fanatec steering wheel at a mid-range price point and would rather a round wheel rim, the BMW GT2 V2 should fit the bill nicely.
This steering wheel is another replica steering wheel, this time from a BMW GT2 car. It features an all-metal construction along with Alcantara hand grips, just like those found in real-world race cars.
This steering wheel is larger than the Formula V2.5X coming in at 320mm across, but this replicates the real-world size. The most recent version of this wheel, the V2 features magnetic paddle shifters and it comes with the Fanatec QR1 quick release, allowing it to be compatible with all current Fanatec wheel bases.
This steering wheel is a really solid choice, and it’s one of the best-looking round steering wheels available in 2024.
Steering Wheel – Fanatec BMW GT2 V2
Compatibility – PS4, PS5, PC
Price – €/$349.95
Where to buy –
Buy from Fanatec EU /
Buy from Fanatec US
If you are looking to choose a premium Fanatec wheel, you have a few options depending on the route you wish to go. The two wheel bases in the Podium range, the DD1 and DD2, are a good few years old, but still offer the most powerful force feedback.
Alternatively, the much newer and arguably more impressive ClubSport DD+ isn’t as powerful as the DD1 or DD2. However, the force feedback it produces is much more detailed and impressive, and the price is very similar to the older Podium wheel bases.
The Fanatec DD2 is currently the most powerful Fanatec wheel base, and would be my first recommendation for the best premium Fanatec wheel.
The DD2 produces a whopping 25Nm of torque, beating all other Fanatec wheel bases to date including the newer ClubSport DD wheel bases. This wheel is so powerful that it comes packaged with an emergency stop button just in case!
This range-topping wheel base produces some of the very best, strongest, and most detailed force feedback of any wheelbase and should certainly be considered if price is no object.
Racing Wheel – Fanatec DD2
Compatibility – PC, Xbox Series X|S
Price – From €/$1199.95
Where to buy –
Buy from Fanatec EU /
Buy from Fanatec US
One of the very best Fanatec steering wheels is the Porsche 911 GT3 R. Following the trend of replica steering wheels, this wheel is also a full-scale replica. It is the same wheel that is found in the Porsche 911 GT3 R race car.
It features a range of products, that when combined produce one of the best sim racing steering wheels. With this Fantastic steering wheel, you get;
The steering wheel rim is a really nice flat-bottomed suede or leather wheel rim. You can choose which hand grip material you prefer, leather or suede.
The button module gives you a range of different inputs, from buttons to encoders, which can all be used to control your car mid-race. It also features a range of LED rev lights and a customisable OLED display.
The paddle module gives you an authentic shifting experience. It includes six individual paddle shifters that can all be configured individually. Each shifter features a magnetic activation for the most authentic shifts.
Finally, the Podium Hub includes the QR1 quick release and the brains that ensure the wheel is recognised by your wheel base and works flawlessly.
As far as premium sim racing steering wheels go, this Fanatec Porsche 911 GT3 R wheel is up there with the very best.
Steering Wheel – Fanatec Porsche 911 GT3 R
Compatibility – PS4, PS5, PC, Xbox Series X|S
Price – From €/$549.95
Where to buy –
Buy from Fanatec EU /
Buy from Fanatec US
Like the other categories, there are a few premium Fanatec wheels that I have to mention. These products didn’t quite take the crown as the best premium Fanatec wheels, but they should certainly be carefully considered if you are looking at purchasing a racing wheel within this price range.
The Fanatec Podium F1 racing wheel bundle, definitely deserves mention as one of the best Fanatec wheels. However, it would probably be more accurate to describe the Podium F1 as one of the best Fanatec racing wheel bundles.
The Podium F1 is a combination of several different Fanatec products, which together create this bundle. The bundle includes a DD1 wheel base, a Formula V2.5 steering wheel, and a Podium Paddle Module.
The Best F1 24 Racing WheelsThese three items can all be purchased individually, although when purchased in this bundle, you save a little money and get a few added perks.
The first perk is that the whole bundle is PS5 compatible. This isn’t found on the regular DD1 or DD2 wheel bases. So, if you want a high-end Fanatec wheel base that is PS5 compatible, the Podium F1 is the only way to get one.
You will also notice a unique design on the steering wheel itself. The Formula V2.5X wheel included in this bundle features a blue colourway with the official Formula 1 logo across the front. This steering wheel isn’t available to purchase individually in this colour.
When you combine this bundle, you get one of the best Fanatec wheels you can buy in 2024. However, the stock levels for the Podium F1 are incredibly low in some regions thanks to this wheel being discontinued in favour of the Fanatec ClubSport Racing Wheel F1.
The performance is on par with the DD1, which produces 20Nm of peak torque and has force feedback that is just as detailed.
Racing Wheel – Fanatec Podium F1
Compatibility – PS4, PS5, PC
Price – €/$1499.95
Where to buy –
Buy from Fanatec EU /
Buy from Fanatec US
Now before I talk about the Fanatec BMW M4 GT3 wheel, I have to just say that we are currently looking at the very best Fanatec wheels, so we can expect the price to be pretty high.
In this category, the BMW M4 GT3 wheel takes the crown. This steering wheel isn’t just a 1:1 replica of the one found in the latest BMW M4 GT3 car; it is the exact one found in that car.
Fanatec worked alongside BMW to produce a steering wheel that can be used in a real-world GT3 car and a racing sim.
This steering wheel is as nearly identical to a real-world steering wheel as you can, and it even meets the FIA standards. But this level of prestige comes a pretty high price point. The Fanatec BMW M4 GT3 wheel costs an eye watering €/$1,499.95.
This is a sim racing steering wheel unlike any other, and is available to purchase today.
Steering Wheel – Fanatec BMW M4 GT3
Compatibility – PS4, PS5, PC
Price – €/$1449.95
Where to buy –
Buy from Fanatec EU /
Buy from Fanatec US
Fanatec has a huge range of steering wheels ensuring that sim racers who like to race different disciplines all have a wheel that suits. Below are som recommendations for steering wheels that are perfect for different disciplines such as rallying or drifting.
These steering wheel rims can all be used with any of the Fanatec wheel bases above using either the QR1 or QR2 quick release system.
| Wheel | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Fanatec rally wheel | CSL WRC wheel | €/$199.95 |
| Best Fanatec F1 wheel | Formula V2.5X | €/$349.95 |
| Best Fanatec GT3 wheel | Porsche 911 GT3 | €/$549.95 |
| Best Fanatec drift wheel | Drift V2 | €/$379.95 |
| Best all-purpose wheel | BMW GT2 V2 | €/$299.95 |
Now that we have covered the best Fanatec wheels within a range of different price ranges, it leads to the question of what wheel would we buy from everything that we have mentioned.
It is an easy choice for me. While premium Fanatec wheels such as the DD2 are technically fantastic, they come with a rather hefty price tag.
This leads me to question whether the extra cost leads to extra immersion and enjoyment. I would say you can have just as much fun and race equally as fast with one of the more budget-friendly Fanatec wheels.
If you race across Xbox and PS5 consoles, my recommendation is the Fanatec GT DD Pro which is compatible with both consoles and available for an affordable price. I would pair this with the Formula V2.5X or the BMW GT2 V2 wheel.
I would recommend this combination because the GT DD Pro offer fantastic levels of force feedback. When used with the boost kit, they can produce up to 8Nm of torque, which is right around the sweet spot.
I’ve raced for years with a more powerful wheel base, and I almost always had it turned down to produce around 10Nm of torque rather than the 20Nm+ that the high performance wheel bases are capable of.
Both the CSL DD and GT DD Pro have much smaller form factors, making them easier to mount to your sim rig, and the force feedback detail is brilliant.
For the steering wheel, my personal favourite has to be the Formula V2.5X, as it is just so perfectly designed. It is just the right size for racing formula or GT cars and features an amazing array of inputs.
If you prefer racing with a round wheel, then look at the BMW GT2 V2 wheel, which is my favourite circular Fanatec steering wheel. This combination gets almost everything just about right regarding immersion, enjoyment and budget management.
Racing Wheel – Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro
Compatibility – PS4, PS5, PC, Xbox Series X|S
Price – From €/$599.95
Where to buy –
Buy from Fanatec EU /
Buy from Fanatec US
Steering Wheel – Fanatec Formula V2.5X
Compatibility – PS4, PS5, PC, Xbox Series X|S
Price – €/$349.95
Where to buy –
Buy from Fanatec EU /
Buy from Fanatec US
One of the most commonly asked questions I get is whether a premium racing wheel will improve your lap times.
Well, you won’t instantly make lap time gains by simply by upgrading your wheel setup to a Fanatec direct drive wheel. Although over time, you may well become a better, and faster driver by using a direct drive wheel.
The force feedback in the DD1 and DD2 wheel bases are far superior to that in more budget-friendly wheel bases that Fanatec make.
The fact that you will be feeling more detailed force feedback means you can more accurately anticipate your car’s behaviour. In turn, you could use this added information to become a better driver.
But when you first start racing with a direct drive wheel, you will probably be slower for the first few laps/races. It will almost certainly take you some time to adapt to the different and stronger force feedback. And while you’re adjusting, you will probably lose a little overall lap time.
It is no secret that Fanatec has had a rocky end to 2023 and the start of 2024. There have been various problems regarding fulfilling orders, especially from Black Friday 2023. Alongside this, there have been significant changes to the structure within Fanatec, with long-term CEO and founder Thomas Jackermeier being dismissed.
The good news is that in 2024, Fanatec corrected many of the issues that plagued deliveries, which were caused by overselling products on Black Friday combined with a move in warehousing facilities. Fanatec aims to fulfil all orders within a few days, meaning now is a better time than ever to buy Fanatec products.
You can use the links below to shop for your favourite sim racing products, or for any products that we may have recommended. These links are affiliate links, and will earn us a small commission, with no additional cost for you.
Rich is the co-founder, and one of the main F1 setup creators and content writers for SimRacingSetups. With over a decade of experience as a graphic designer, marketing director, competitive sim racer and avid motorsport fan, Rich founded SimRacingSetup.com to share his passion and knowledge of sim racing and Formula 1 with other sim racers.
View all articles written by Rich
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