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Best GT Sim Racing Steering Wheel: Recommended GT Wheels
Choosing the best GT steering wheel for sim racing can be tricky with so many shapes, sizes and brands. View our recommended sim racing steering wheels for GT racing, including budget and premium picks.
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What makes a GT sim racing steering wheel different to other wheels?
GT steering wheels come in various styles, but typically, a wheel designed for GT sim racing is D-shaped or rectangular, similar to a formula wheel. GT2 and GT3 cars often use rectangular formula-style steering wheels slightly larger in diameter (around 300mm) for more precise inputs. GT4 and other forms of GT racing will normally use a D-shaped or even a completely round wheel, depending on the car.
While choosing a formula wheel can be relatively straight forward as they normally all follow the same shape and style. Choosing a GT wheel for sim racing can be trickier.
GT sim racing steering wheels come in various shapes, and don’t all follow the same style and design philosophy. Commonly, a GT wheel will be D-shaped, however, rectangular formula-style GT wheels and completely round GT wheels are also an option.
In this buyer’s guide, I’m going to share my recommendation for the 5 best GT steering wheels for sim racing.
TL;DR: Top 5 GT steering wheels for sim racing
Before looking at what makes a good GT wheel or how to choose a GT sim racing wheel. I first want to share my recommended wheels. I’ve chosen wheels that I’ve used and think are worthy of a spot on this list, while trying to choose wheels at different price points to ensure there is an option for everyone and every budget.
| Steering wheel | Category | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Fanatec Porsche 911 GT3 R | Best D-Shaped GT Wheel | EU: €579 US: $579 |
 | Fanatec BMW M4 GT3 | Best Replica GT Wheel | EU: €1499 US: $1499 |
 | Simucube Valo GT-23 | Best High-End GT Wheel | EU: €899 US: $899 |
 | MOZA Vision GS | Most Unique GT Wheel | EU: €699 US: $699 |
 | SIMAGIC GT Neo | Best Budget GT Wheel | EU: €289 US: $289 |
What to look for when choosing a GT sim racing steering wheel
There are a few key things that identify a GT sim racing wheel. The larger diameter compared to formula wheels, the large number of inputs to give you maximum control over your car, and comfortable grip materials that prevent slipping or wear across long race durations.
You should also keep in mind the compatibility and budget when buying any sim racing steering wheel. These are features that could determine how you use your new GT wheel.
Here are all of the key features to consider when choosing the best GT steering wheel for sim racing:
- Wheel rim style: A GT steering wheel is normally D-shaped with a rounded or open top and a flat bottom. This has been commonplace within all forms of GT racing for many years. You will also find more rectangular steering wheels that are used in higher GT classes such as GT3 and GT2. These replicate a formula-style wheel a little more, however, normally always have a larger diameter of around 300mm.
- Wheel diameter: Typically, a GT sim racing steering wheel will measure around 300mm. However, they can range from 280mm up to 330mm, depending on the style of the wheel. A GT wheel is normally always larger in diameter than an F1 wheel. This is because there is less focus on the responsiveness of the wheel, and more focus on precise inputs.
- Grip material: Unlike many forms of open-wheeled racing, GT racing features extremely long endurance events such as the 12 hours of Bathurst, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. During such long events, comfort and grip can be big factors. Choosing a wheel with a grippy surface, such as rubber or textured leather are good options as these will remain comfortable during long-distance races.
- Screen or no screen: A GT steering wheel is unique because it doesn’t require an in-built screen. Almost all GT cars will have a display as part of the dash directly above or behind the steering wheel. This is why you rarely find a screen with a GT-style sim racing wheel. Despite this, some GT steering wheels do feature built-in screens. Wheels like the MOZA Vision GS have a unique rotating display, and both GSI and Cube Controls have GT wheels with screens.
- Inputs and features: With any GT wheel, you’ll want to maximise the number of inputs on the wheel. You can control many parts of a GT car from adjusting the ABS and TC settings, changing engine map and brake bias, to controlling lights, wipers and more. With so much to control, it can be tricky and cumbersome to navigate through multiple menus in game to find the setting you wish to change. Being able to use a rotary encoder to make adjustments, or quickly enable certain settings with a push of a button is a huge benefit.
- Price: Price is a big factor when buying any sim racing hardware. It is no secret that realistic and high-quality sim racing gear can be expensive, which also applies to GT steering wheels. Always try to stick to your budget and don’t overspend, as there are plenty of budget steering wheel options available.
- Compatibility: Depending on your sim racing platform, you’ll have different compatibility requirements. Your steering wheel needs to be compatible with your wheel base and must be mountable using a quick-release adapter. You should also ensure that your steering wheel will be compatible with your console of choice if you are racing on Xbox or PlayStation.
How are GT steering wheels different
GT sim racing steering wheels share a lot of features with both formula and traditional round wheel rims. The element that defines a GT wheel is the shape and size of the wheel. They sit in a middle ground between the smaller 280mm formula wheels, and larger 330mm+ circular wheels.
This middle ground, around 300mm, is the perfect size for a GT steering wheel. This diameter allows for precise inputs without feeling too overly large and cumbersome.
What is the best shape for a GT steering wheel when sim racing
Outside of the shape, the shape of a GT wheel rim can differ greatly. Some look very similar to a formula-style wheel, while others resemble more of a road car steering wheel. Below is a quick comparison of the three types of GT sim racing steering wheel.
 |  | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Butterfly GT wheels | Rectangular GT wheels | D-Shaped GT wheels | |
| Diameter | 300mm | 300mm | 300-330mm |
| In-built display? | No | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| GT discipline | GT3, GT2, GTE | GT4, GT3, GT2, GTE | GT4, GTE |
Butterfly-style GT steering wheels
You will often find butterfly-style wheel rims when choosing a GT steering wheel. This term is given to a wheel with a narrow center, and the sides of the wheel flaring out like butterfly wings. These wheels are commonplace within a variety of GT formats, including GT2 and GT3. The dip in the top of the wheel allows the driver to see over the wheel and look at the dash, which incorporates a display.
Formula-style GT wheels
In some GT cars, you may find the display being integrated into the wheel itself. This is an approach that many open-wheeled and formula-style steering wheels take. Due to the similarities between formula and GT steering wheels, these can be used for both forms of racing.
Although, you may want to find a formula-style wheel that is 300mm as opposed to the smaller 280mm that is common. This will give you more precise control over your car while sim racing.
D-shaped GT wheels
While most GT2 and GT3 cars use a more rectangular steering wheel, many GT cars still opt for a D-shaped steering wheel. These can be found in GT4 cars and other forms of GT and TC racing. These wheels can be easy to control mid-corner thanks to the larger surface area on the outer rim. And they can be found both with and without an in-built display.
Simucube Valo GT-23 technical specs
- Style: D-shaped
- Diameter: 320mm
- Grip material: Alcantara
- Inputs: 10x buttons, 4x encoders, 2x joysticks, 18 RGB LEDs, Dual clutch paddles
- Compatibility: All third-party wheel bases
- Connectivity: Wireless
- Price: EU: €899 / US: $899
Simucube is a brand known for producing some of the very best sim racing hardware. Its wheel bases are often seen as the best high-performance wheels, and they innovated the worlds first active pedal.
Its steering wheel lineup is no departure from this high quality, with a range of GT-style wheel options. The Valo GT-23 is Simucube’s more premium steering wheel, with the cheaper Tahko GT-21 not being as featured packed as the Valo GT-23.
This wheel is built using high-quality materials with real Alcantara hand grips for excellent grip and a CNC-milled aluminium chassis. This wheel is as sturdy as they come with zero flex no matter the strength of your force feedback.
Pros
- High build quality: The Valo GT-23 uses only the highest quality materials including CNC milled aluminium and real Alcantara.
- Universally compatible: This wheel can be mounted to any wheel base using a quick release adapter.
- Wireless connectivity: You can connect the Valo GT-23 to your PC using wireless connectivity via a Simucube Link Hub.
- Large number of inputs: The face of the wheel features a range of encoders, push buttons, joysticks and LED lights.
Cons
- Expensive: The high quality of this wheel does make it expensive compared to other options.
- Understated design: The design of the Valo GT-23 isn’t flashy, and could be considered safe or boring.
- Lack of customisation options: You cannot change the wheel grip material, colours, or any parts of the wheel when buying.
Best budget GT steering wheel
SIMAGIC GT Neo technical specs
- Style: Butterfly shaped
- Diameter: 300mm
- Grip material: Rubber
- Inputs: 10x buttons, 6x encoders, 2x joysticks, 18 RGB LEDs, Dual clutch paddles
- Compatibility: All third-party wheel bases
- Connectivity: Maglink
- Price: EU: €289 / US: $289
The GT Neo is one of the nicest looking budget sim racing steering wheels in any category. The rectangular, butterfly design shape, paired with an injection-molded carbon fibre composite body make this a really good looking steering wheel.
It is also uncompromising when it comes to features, offering just as much as more premium wheels. You get a range of push buttons that boast a 0.25mm short travel activation. Six encoders are split between four front-facing and two thumb encoders. Around the back is the signature SIMAGIC quick release and four shifter paddles.
If you’re racing the GT Neo with a SIMAGIC wheel base, all connectivity is handled via the quick release. However, you can also use the budget-friendly GT Neo with third-party wheel bases. The quick release can be removed and replaced with the SIMAGIC Maglink adapter, which provides a hard wired connection to your PC.
With a huge feature set, the SIMAGIC GT-Neo is one of the best GT sim racing steering wheels, and one of the best all-round budget wheels.
Pros
- Incredibly good value: The SIMAGIC GT Neo is a very well priced budget-friendly GT steering wheel at under £/$300.
- Large number of inputs: You get enough push buttons, encoders, joysticks and shifters for any form of sim racing.
- Fantastic design: The appearance of this steering wheel is very appealing. SIMAGIC have used a nice design language to make the wheel sleek and modern.
- Excellent compatibility: Thanks to the SIMAGIC Maglink adapter, the GT Neo can be used with almost any wheel base and brand.
Cons
- Rubber hand grips: Hand grip material is very personal and subjective, but rubber hand grips are my least favourite due to rubbing and pain when not using sim racing gloves.
- Composite build material: Carbon-fibre composite material isn’t universally loved, with some sim racers thinking it isn’t high-quality enough.
Steering wheel compatibility
Compatibility is a key part of any piece of sim racing hardware. With steering wheels, the compatibility factor is slightly more important. Not only do you need to ensure your steering wheel is compatible with your PC or console and the game you’re playing. You also need to make sure its compatible with your wheel base.
You can mix steering wheels from different brands with third-party wheel bases. You will need two things to do this. First is a quick release adapter. These let you physically mount your steering wheel to your wheel base. Thankfully, most sim racing brands have their own quick release adapter that allows for third-party wheels.
The next part of compatibility is to have a way of sending power and data to your wheel. If you are sticking within the same ecosystem for your wheel base and steering wheel, this is handled through the quick release.
However, if you mix your steering wheel with a different branded wheel base, you may need to rely on a hard-wired USB connection to your PC. Some steering wheels such as those by Cube Controls also offer wireless connectivity to your PC, making this part even easier.
How we tested these wheels
Testing GT sim racing steering wheels is best done in a sim title such as Assetto Corsa Competizione and iRacing, which both represent the GT displine well. ACC is a game solely focused on different forms of GT racing, so is our first stop when testing GT steering wheels.
A good GT wheel is comfortable across long race durations, is packed with inputs and features, and offers good value at its given price point. All of the five GT wheels that I’ve recommended fit this criteria, and offer the best experience while GT racing.
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Frequently asked questions
What steering wheel shape should be used for GT3 racing?
Most modern GT3 cars use butterfly or rectangular steering wheels. Although a flat bottomed D-shaped wheel rim can also be used with GT3 cars.
Do replica GT3 steering wheels exist?
Many brands, including Mercedes-AMG, Audi, Lamborghini and Porsche, have partnered with sim racing brands to create replica GT steering wheels. This means that you can represent your favourite car manufacturer with your steering wheel while sim racing.
How to choose the best GT Sim Racing Steering Wheel?
Features to look for when choosing the best GT steering wheel for sim racing include the shape and style of the wheel, from D-shaped to rectangular. The hand grip material is incredibly important, especially if endurance racing. Look for a wheel with a good number of inputs, including encoders, so you can easily make adjustments from behind the wheel. Finally, compatibility with your wheel base, and price are both important factors when choosing the right steering wheel for GT sim racing.
Article written by Rich
Rich is the founder, F1 car setup creator and content writer 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. Regularly writes for sim racing website SimRaceReviews.com
View all articles written by RichDisclaimer: Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links. We may earn commission from any sale after clicking a link. Read our affiliate policy.
