Logitech G920 vs. Thrustmaster T248 for budget racing
A force-feedback wheel can transform a racing game from a controller-friendly arcade experience into something far more involving. Steering becomes a physical action, braking requires pressure and consistency, and every curb, slide, and loss of grip travels through the rim. The Logitech G920 and Thrustmaster T248 are two of the most recognizable entry-level options for PC and console racers.
They target a similar audience, but they take different approaches. The G920 uses Logitech’s established dual-motor gear system and has a straightforward, durable design. The T248 combines gears and a belt mechanism, adds a built-in display, includes a three-pedal set, and offers more adjustment through its controls and software.
The right choice depends on your platform, the games you play, and whether you value simplicity or extra features. Price also changes frequently, so the best deal can shift between these two racing wheel bundles from week to week.
Core differences between the two wheels
The Logitech G920 is designed for Xbox consoles and Windows PCs. It works with Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and compatible PC racing games, while the closely related G29 is the PlayStation and PC version. The G920 and G29 are almost identical mechanically, so buyers should choose the model that matches their console rather than assuming one will work across every platform.
The Thrustmaster T248 is also sold in separate console versions. The standard T248 supports PlayStation consoles and PC, while the T248X supports Xbox consoles and PC. A PlayStation T248 will not replace an Xbox-compatible model, and the Xbox edition does not provide PlayStation compatibility. Checking the exact product name before buying is essential.
Both wheels offer up to 900 degrees of rotation, which is suitable for road cars, rally vehicles, and many truck or farming simulations. The G920 has a familiar circular rim with integrated buttons and paddle shifters. The T248 uses a slightly more compact, leather-wrapped rim with a display above it, giving the wheel a more modern appearance.
Force feedback and driving feel
The G920’s dual-motor force feedback is its strongest advantage. Its gear-driven system communicates steering weight, road texture, collisions, and slides clearly enough to make racing games feel dramatically more immersive than they do with a gamepad. The mechanism can sound mechanical, especially when the wheel moves quickly or reaches the end of its rotation, but many players appreciate its predictable response.
Its feedback is also relatively easy to understand. The wheel becomes heavier as front-end grip loads up, and countersteering during an oversteer moment feels natural once the game is configured correctly. It does not provide the detail or smoothness of a direct-drive wheel, but it remains a competent entry point for sim racing.
The T248 uses a hybrid force-feedback system that combines belt and gear elements. In practice, it generally feels smoother and more refined than the G920, with less obvious mechanical clattering during rapid steering movements. The difference is most noticeable in games with detailed physics, where small changes in grip and surface texture can come through more cleanly.
Thrustmaster also gives the T248 three force-feedback presets. These can alter the strength and character of the steering response without requiring a full trip into the game’s settings. The wheel can feel more polished, but its feedback may require additional tuning because the available presets and game-specific settings interact differently across titles.
Pedals, controls, and everyday usability
The G920 usually comes with Logitech’s basic two-pedal unit. It includes an accelerator and brake, but no clutch pedal. The brake uses progressive resistance rather than a fully load-cell design, so it becomes firmer as it travels. It works well for casual racing and can be upgraded with Logitech’s separate shifter or other accessories, although those additions increase the total cost.
The T248 includes a three-pedal set as standard. That gives drivers a clutch for manual starts, heel-and-toe practice, and vehicles that require a traditional manual transmission. The pedals are not equivalent to a high-end load-cell kit, but they provide more flexibility than the G920’s included set and make the Thrustmaster bundle feel more complete out of the box.
Pedal spacing and resistance are subjective. Some drivers find the T248 pedals more versatile, while others prefer the simple, familiar layout of Logitech’s set. Both pedal assemblies need to be placed on a stable floor or secured against a wall, particularly when using a desk chair that rolls backward under braking.
The G920’s controls are clearly arranged and easy to reach, with a directional pad, face buttons, shoulder controls, and paddles integrated into the wheel. The T248 adds a small dashboard display that can show selected telemetry or settings, depending on the game. Its paddle shifters are magnetic and feel sharper than the G920’s plastic paddles, making frequent manual shifting more satisfying.
| Feature | Logitech G920 | Thrustmaster T248 |
|---|---|---|
| Main platforms | Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC | PlayStation or Xbox version, plus PC |
| Rotation range | Up to 900 degrees | Up to 900 degrees |
| Force feedback | Dual-motor gear drive | Hybrid belt-and-gear drive |
| Included pedals | Two-pedal set | Three-pedal set |
| Clutch included | No | Yes |
| Wheel display | No | Yes, with game and setting information |
| Paddle shifters | Standard integrated paddles | Magnetic paddle shifters |
| Separate shifter support | Logitech Driving Force Shifter | Thrustmaster TH8A, TH8S, and compatible accessories |
| Main advantage | Proven design and straightforward setup | Smoother feedback and richer included features |
| Main drawback | Older-feeling mechanics and two pedals | More complicated software and model-specific compatibility |
PC and console compatibility
For console owners, platform compatibility should come before price or design. The G920 is the correct Logitech choice for Xbox, while the G29 is the PlayStation equivalent. Thrustmaster divides the T248 range in the same way, with the T248X for Xbox and the regular T248 for PlayStation. PC buyers have more flexibility, but the wheel still needs to match any console they may add later.
On Windows, both models work with major racing titles such as Assetto Corsa, American Truck Simulator, Euro Truck Simulator 2, DiRT Rally 2.0, F1 games, iRacing, and several Forza releases. Support can vary by game, particularly for button mapping, display functions, vibration effects, and advanced force-feedback options.
Logitech uses G Hub or Logitech Gaming Software depending on the wheel and operating system setup. Thrustmaster relies on its own driver and control panel. Neither platform is completely free of configuration work. A racing wheel may be detected immediately, yet still need rotation, sensitivity, dead-zone, and force-feedback adjustments inside the game.
Console setup is usually simpler because the wheel connects directly by USB and games provide established control profiles. However, a wheel stand or cockpit can make a larger difference than small specification changes. A desk-mounted wheel can work well, but the pedals may slide and the steering rim may sit too high unless the desk and chair are positioned carefully.
Build quality and long-term ownership
The G920 has been available for years, which gives it a well-understood reliability record and a large community of owners. Its rubberized rim, metal components in key areas, and sturdy pedal base make it suitable for regular use. The gear drive can become noisy, and the wheel’s age shows in its basic display-free design, but replacement cables, mounting advice, and troubleshooting information are easy to find.
The T248 feels more feature-rich, though its construction is more dependent on molded plastic around the internal mechanism. The rim has good grip and the display is useful, but the overall design does not feel like a premium racing simulator product. Its advantages are smoothness, information, and included accessories rather than luxury materials.
Neither wheel should be treated like a professional competition setup. Repeatedly forcing the wheel against its rotation limits can create unnecessary strain, and storing the pedals where they can be kicked or bent may lead to problems. Proper mounting, moderate force-feedback levels, and keeping the firmware and drivers current will help either model last longer.
Warranty coverage and retailer support matter when prices are close. A discounted wheel from an authorized seller is usually safer than a much cheaper used unit with unknown wear. With second-hand hardware, inspect the pedal cables, USB lead, wheel calibration, paddle operation, and whether the force feedback centers correctly.
Which wheel offers better value?
The G920 is often the better value when it is heavily discounted or sold as part of a bundle with Logitech’s shifter. Its biggest appeal is the low-friction ownership experience: familiar controls, broad game support, strong community knowledge, and a durable basic design. Xbox players who want a dependable first racing wheel will find little unnecessary complexity.
The T248 usually offers more hardware for the initial purchase. The three-pedal set, display, magnetic paddles, and smoother hybrid force feedback give it a meaningful feature advantage. For a driver who wants to explore manual transmission, rally games, racing simulations, or telemetry-supported titles, those additions can justify a higher price.
The G920’s two-pedal arrangement is less limiting in games that use paddle shifting or automatic transmission. It becomes a more noticeable compromise in simulation-focused titles, where a clutch and manual gear changes add involvement. The T248’s included clutch saves the buyer from purchasing a separate pedal or shifter immediately.
Pricing should be judged against the complete setup rather than the wheel alone. A G920 may look cheaper, but adding a shifter, wheel stand, or improved pedals can narrow the gap. The T248 may be the stronger package at normal retail pricing, while a large G920 sale can make Logitech the more sensible entry point.
Recommendations for different racing setups
- Choose the G920 for Xbox if you want a proven, uncomplicated wheel with reliable game support and a familiar control layout.
- Choose the T248X for Xbox when smoother force feedback, a clutch pedal, magnetic paddles, and an information display are worth paying extra for.
- Choose the PlayStation T248 for a more complete simulation bundle, especially if you plan to use a manual gearbox or titles that benefit from detailed wheel feedback.
- Choose the Logitech G29 rather than the G920 for PlayStation, since console compatibility is determined by the model and cannot be fixed through PC software.
- Look at a used or discounted G920 when your budget is tight, but compare the final cost against a T248 bundle before adding a shifter or replacement pedals.
For most new PC racers, the T248 is the more capable all-in-one package. Its hybrid drive feels smoother, its three-pedal set expands the types of cars you can drive realistically, and the display and magnetic paddles add useful polish. It is particularly appealing when its price is close to the G920.
The G920 remains a strong budget recommendation because its fundamentals are sound. It offers convincing force feedback, broad compatibility, and a design that has been tested by a large number of owners. Its limitations are easy to identify: louder gear operation, fewer included pedals, and fewer modern features.
The best budget racing wheel setup is therefore platform-specific. Xbox buyers should compare the G920 against the T248X, while PlayStation buyers should compare the G29 against the T248. PC-only users can focus on price, pedal requirements, game support, and whether the smoother feedback of the Thrustmaster model matters more than Logitech’s simpler ecosystem.
Check current bundle prices and game compatibility before ordering, then prioritize a secure mounting solution alongside the wheel itself. A stable stand, firm pedal placement, and correctly configured force feedback will have a larger impact on daily enjoyment than a small difference in headline specifications.