There are multiple companies that produce racing simulator wheels and peripherals. You might want to pick and choose the products depending on what you’re looking for, or you might decide to pick a company and stick with it. Whatever your choice may be, we’ve compiled a short head to head between Logitech and Thrustmaster to give you the basic idea as to what you’re going to come across. The main focus will be on their steering wheels, but we’ll also briefly consider other peripherals too.
Build Quality
Thrustmaster’s build quality can vary greatly. More expensive but still relatively affordable models such as the T300 and the T-GT feel fantastic and are made with resilient products. Even the T80 is quite well made (considering its price tag that is). The same cannot be said for the T150 and the TMX. Both of these wheels are great in their own ways, but the build quality doesn’t hold up. Even so, it’s never bad. It can sometimes feel less authentic and not as immersive as you would like, but chances are it will still hold up quite well.
Logitech builds all sorts of things, both in the world of racing peripherals and not. These are wheels that are built to last. Take the G29/920. It’s a beginner wheel, but it’s ergonomically built and sturdy. We’re slightly less convinced on the shifter department. The G Driving Force shifter is very resistant, but it simply doesn’t have the same immersive qualities that Logitech wheels have.
Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro
All in all, it’s hard to decree a real winner. In terms of non-wheel peripherals, Thrustmaster has it won hands down. They simply produce too many high-quality products for Logitech to even slightly rival them. On the matter of wheels, it very much depends. The best Thrustmaster wheels feel better than the Logitech G29/920. On the other hand, the G29/920 feels miles better than the non-top-of-the-list Thrustmasters, so much so that it makes them feel like toys. The only result we can come to here is a tie.
Design
Thrustmaster’s design is usually top-notch. From the beautiful aforementioned wheels to the great shifters (TH8A and TSSH we’re looking at you) and Thrustmaster pedals like the T3PA and the T-LCM.
Thrustmaster T-LCM
Whether it mirrors the minimalist elegance of existing wheels or the more intense metallic aesthetic in its peripherals, you’re almost always going to be satisfied. As this is a topic that is inexorably linked with the build quality, the same caveat as above also stands here: lower budget wheels like the T150 aren’t as pretty as the ones like the T-GT.
Logitech’s design has always been important to the brand, and it’s clear to see that this has persisted in their racing sim products. The G29/920 is a well built and good looking wheel. It might not be the prettiest one out there, but it’s definitively elegant and a welcome sight to racing-deprived eyes. Returning to the G Driving Force, the design is certainly not lacking here either. It’s a smaller shifter, for sure, but it’s meant to replicate the look of something you’d find in an actual car. It delivers that.
Design-wise we’d maybe choose Thrustmaster over Logitech, though certainly not by much. Thrustmaster has the benefit of having more products on the market, so it’s easier to pick and choose the most pleasing to the eye. Either way, whichever brand you choose, you’ll have a good looking piece of the equipment.
Price
Thrustmaster’s wide array of products can vary massively in price. This counts both for wheels (the T-GT costs five times the T150) and for any other peripherals. When you’re looking at the best the brand has to offer you’re bound to spend a pretty penny. A set up with the best pedals, wheel, shifter, and handbrake will put you back considerably.
Logitech’s products tend to be on the cheaper side, especially peripherals. The G29/920 is more expensive than some other beginner sim racing wheels, but it still won’t break the bank. If you’re looking for a solid set of beginner items you don’t really want to upgrade from then Logitech’s middle of the ground approach might be what you’re looking for.
The real question on the matter of price should not be “which brand costs more on average” but “which brand has the best price-quality ratio”. We have to go with Thrustmaster in this case. Logitech may cost you more in the short run, but Thrustmaster products tend to be of a slightly higher quality and have a larger ecosystem, meaning that you’ll be able to use more products and not have to throw away any if you decide your wheel is no longer up to standards and needs an upgrade.
Other Considerations
Thrustmaster has a myriad of wonderful products you can take advantage of. We’ve mentioned some already, but it’s also worth noting the TX wheel, the TMX Pro (which is distinct from the TMX), and the vast majority of the peripherals, from shifters and handbrakes to pedals. If you use a PC it’s not really a big issue for you, but for console racing sim aficionados having a good racing sim ecosystem is important. You’ll be able to get high-quality products and upgrade them as time goes on without having to throw everything else away because your wheel suddenly doesn’t work with the rest of your products.
Logitech is a worldwide brand. That might seem obvious, but it comes with the advantage of having help available to you quickly and wherever you are. We’ve never encountered problems, but should your products not hold up it’ll be very easy to get someone to fix your product or get a new one.
Conclusion
All that can be said here is that these two brands are made to cater to two different types of consumers. If you find yourself to be more of someone who would rather buy a good wheel and a handful of peripherals and just stick with them, then maybe go for Logitech. Their products are good but don’t scale up well, making them ideal for people looking to have a fun experience.
Thrustmaster products are the opposite. They are built to scale upwards. You can start by purchasing a T80 and a handful of peripherals, and eventually keep upgrading until you reach some of the best all-round set-ups (that won’t put you back thousands of dollars). If you plan on playing for a long time and keep upgrading then Thrustmaster is the brand you should go for.
As an overall pick, we’d have to go with Thrustmaster, but that’s simply from the point of view of racing sim lovers. This more expensive company is made for those who want to spend a lot on time on racing sims, adjusting their every setting, constantly adding other features, and eventually reaching peak performance. This is not to detract from Logitech however, who likely aims for a different clientele.
Last Updated on April 16, 2021