Best racing wheel for Need for Speed Unbound

Once you get your hands on a copy of the game one of the first things you’ll want is the best racing wheel for Need for Speed Unbound.

The new NFS Unbound is here, arriving in style and at speed. It has proved to be a hit, despite the bold decision to include non-photorealistic comic book-like effects in the game.

Regardless of your preference for realism in racing game graphics, we can all agree that realism in terms of driving is essential. You want to feel like you are actually in control of your vehicle, feel every turn, overtake, and impact. A racing wheel is essential for this.

There are endless things to consider when gaming. You want the most precise gaming mouse, the best monitor, and a the best gaming chair to use them on. One thing that many gamers don’t consider buying however is a racing wheelset.

This can be an oversight as they totally change how you play racing games, providing maximum immersion. Having the best flight stick for Microsoft Flight Simulator means you can actually experience the technology pilots use and it’s the same with NFS. I’ve certainly never seen a racing driver control their car with a mouse and keyboard.

Our guide for the best racing wheel for Need for Speed Unbound features all the big players in the racing game peripheral scene like Logitech, Thrustmaster and Hori. Let’s get into it.

Best overall racing wheel for Need for Speed Unbound – The Logitech G923

The Logitech G923 is the best racing wheel for Need for Speed Unbound. Logitech has gone for maximum quality, ability, and performance in all aspects of this gaming wheel, and that is also reflected in the price.

The wheel is hand-stitched leather and the pedals are made from cold rolled steel. This not only creates a hyper-realistic feel to the racing wheel, but also makes it incredibly durable. The 900 degrees of rotation are also vital in creating a realistic feeling driving experience. You’d be amazed at how annoying it can be to not even get a full rotation out of your racing wheel and just how much it takes away from the immersion.

If you are serious about using your racing wheel, and think you will be using it for Need for Speed Rebound and many games after it, the Logitech G923 is the one you should go for. Not only is it the best wheel available in terms of realism and performance, you can also count on it working reliably for years. The Logitech G923 is also compatible with Xbox, PlayStation and PC.

Best racing wheel for Xbox – Logitech G920

The Logitech G920 is pretty similar to the G923, however, it is not compatible with any PlayStation console. Like the G923 it has state-of-the-art force feedback, thanks to helical gears with individual motors. This means the wheel gives realistic levels of resistance as you turn it, resistance that changes based on the speed you’re going and the surface you are on.

The wheel-mounted controls are also well picked on this wheel, meaning you don’t have to faff about switching to a controller when you need to navigate through menus or begin races on NFS Rebound.

Best racing wheel for PC and PS5 NFS Unbound – Logitech G29 Driving Force Racing Wheel

Apart from the G923, which pips every other racing wheel to the post on our list, the best racing wheel for the PC and PS5 is the Logitech G920. It is essentially identical to the G920 but is compatible with the PS5 and PS4 rather than Xbox One and Xbox Series X/ S.

This means it too comes made from high-quality, durable materials, 900 degrees of rotation, and hyper-realistic force feedback. The reason it’s our pick for PC is that it has just a few extra programmable wheel-mounted controls than its Xbox-compatible counterpart.

Best Thrustmaster racing wheel for NFS Rebound – T248P Racing Wheel

Thrustmaster is the other big name, along with Logitech, in the racing wheel world, and for good reason.

The Thrustmaster T248 is slick and nice to look at, and it backs up this quality look with a quality and sturdy build. The 25 wheel buttons have you covered for all the other controls you might need, while the pedals are heavy-duty and responsive.

Read more: Need for Speed Unbound Car List

The reason the T248 is our pick for the best racing wheel is its balance. It is a high-grade racing wheel, with 900 degrees of revolution and a focus on realism, but does not reach the price heights of the insanely realistic Thrustmaster TS-XW. At the same time, it outperforms the cheaper Thrustmaster TMX, making it a lovely goldilocks zone racing wheel.

Best budget racing wheel for Need For Speed Unbound – Hori Racing Wheel Apex

The Hori Racing Wheel Apex is the best budget racing wheel for NFS Unbound, offering a great entry to wheel sims. Though it may not reach the realistic heights of the other wheels on this list, it is far from a piece of a cheap gimmick. It still allows for a more enjoyable and immersive driving experience in Need For Speed Unbound.

While the 270 degree maximum rotation pales in comparison to the 900 we’ve seen so far, it is enough to allow for the racing wheel experience. An experience that is far superior to playing with a controller.

The rubber grip is comfortable and the brakes are sensitive, which lets you adjust your speed with realistic precision. Overall this is a fantastic wheel for casual gamers, looking to enhance their experience playing Need For Speed Unbound.

Features to consider when looking for the best racing wheel for NFS Unbound

There are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind when looking for the best racing wheel for Need For Speed Unbound. They are rotation, and placement.

Rotation

The steering wheels on real racing cars are able to rotate up to 900 degrees, and so you’ll ideally want this for your racing wheel.

The same amount of rotation is standard on all cars in fact, so it will feel intuitively more realistic when you driving in Need For Speed Unbound if your wheel doesn’t block you from turning too early.

Having a racing wheel that can rotate the full 900 will set you back more money, though will also allow for a more realistic experience and lessen the likely hood of your immersion being compromised.

Placement

One thing worth considering if you are new to racing wheels is where you put the thing. You’d be surprised just how much these wheels need to be clamped down securely.

If you thought you could simply balance it on your lap then think again. While all wheels will come with the equipment necessary to install them and keep them still, you still need to make sure you have a suitable sturdy desk.

Need for Speed Unbound Racing Wheel FAQs?

Does Need for Speed Unbound have wheel support?

EA has confirmed that Need for Speed Unbound will support racing wheels. You can read their full list of compatible wheels here.

Can I play Need for Speed Unbound with Logitech G29?

Yes Logitech’s G29 racing wheel will be compatible with Need For Speed Unbound.

Is Logitech G920 compatible with need for speed?

Yes, you will be able to use your Logitech G920 for racing on Need for Speed, though it is not compatible with PlayStation consoles.

Is a steering wheel for racing games worth it?

If one of your favourite things about Need for Speed is realism, then you should definitely invest in a racing wheel since it allows you to begin developing skills you can use in the real world (something you can’t do with a normal controller).

Can I play NFS Most Wanted with the steering wheel?

It’s a tricky one – steering wheels can be used, though the game doesn’t support them so there’s no proper force feedback.

Can you play Forza with a racing wheel?

Forza Horizon 5 on PC supports wheels from Logitech, Thrustmaster, and Fanatec and the same robust controller support as seen in Forza Horizon 4.

Is the Logitech G29 worth it?

The Logitech G29 has to be one of the best racing wheels out there. If you enjoy gaming on a variety of platforms, the Logitech G29 is compatible with PS5, PS4 and PC, making it a very versatile racing wheel. Its standout feature is force feedback that helps immerse you into your race that pad gamers cannot compete with.

Do racing wheels make you faster?

If you’re new to racing wheels, be prepared that there will be a learning curve where they make you slower, but in the long term, a racing wheel will take you beyond your current level.

Can you play NFS Heat with a steering wheel?

Yes, a game update in 2020 has meant users can play NFS Heat with a steering wheel.