Fanatec GT DD Pro vs Thrustmaster T598 vs Logitech G RS50: which one to buy?

Version française : Fanatec GT DD Pro vs Thrustmaster T598 vs Logitech G RS50

Fanatec, Thrustmaster, Logitech G: three brands that have been battling it out on the consumer market for three decades now. Each of them has a refreshed bundle compatible with PC, PlayStation and Xbox: the GT DD Pro, the T598 and the RS50 respectively. Time for Superchicane to compare what Fanatec, Thrustmaster and Logitech G have to offer, strengths and weaknesses included, to help you decide where to put your money.

Our short answer: none of the three wins on every front. The Thrustmaster T598 offers the best value for money. The Fanatec GT DD Pro keeps the most complete ecosystem and the best in-game integration. Finally, the Logitech G RS50 has the nicest rim, and it shines on PC as well as in Gran Turismo 7. On PS5, however, its force feedback remains average in games that are no longer updated.

Transparency: this page contains affiliate links to the Fanatec, Thrustmaster and Logitech G stores. If you buy through them, Superchicane may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes our verdicts. Prices move often, so check the current price on the store before ordering.

Foreword: the arms race

This comparison focuses on the consumer market. In other words, players who are discovering a passion for sim racing, may or may not have owned a belt or gear driven wheel, and now want to invest in a serious setup, ready to use on PC and consoles, at a reasonable price (to be clear: we are talking mid-range here, far from premium setups). Yes, that is a lot of criteria, but Fanatec, Thrustmaster and Logitech G know exactly how to meet them. Proof of that: they have been fighting for this audience for almost 30 years! But their weapons have changed. It is no longer the G29 against the T300. So let’s take stock of this new generation of products, now that all three brands have updated their line-ups.

Let’s be upfront: you won’t get a clear-cut answer to today’s question. Quite simply, no bundle is objectively better than the others on every point. And since none of them really lags behind either, you can’t fundamentally make a bad choice. When we say entry level, it is compared with the crazy hardware at the other end of the spectrum, but it still means the best technology. Either way, this is very good gear, the kind sim racers barely dared to dream of only a few years ago.

Each one has its strengths and weaknesses, though, which can make it more or less suited to your wishes, needs and constraints. The aim of this guide is therefore to detail, as factually as possible, the pros and cons of these three offers to help you choose.

What will you mount it on?

We are talking about moderate torque bases here, peaking at 8 to 10 Nm. These models strike a good balance between driving feel, budget and stability on their mount. All of them can be clamped to a desk, and each has a dedicated clamp system for that (included or sold separately), even if you can quickly hit the limits. Better still, buying a wheel stand is a good idea. Either way, make sure your seat back is firm and that the pedals can’t slide. And if you are lucky enough to own a cockpit, that will of course remain the ideal mount, for comfort and immersion. But you can get by without taking up too much space.

The compatibility rules

This guide covers models that can run on all three platforms: PC, Xbox One and Series, PS4 and PS5.

However, the compatibility rules are not exactly the same from one brand to another. What follows may seem tedious if you are new to this, but it really matters. Depending on the combination of platforms you own, mistakes are possible.

Fanatec

At Fanatec, Sony compatibility comes from the base and Microsoft compatibility from the wheel.

In practice, to play on PC, you can pick anything you like: compatibility is total.

On PS4 and PS5, your choice of base is limited to the DD Pro, and to the ClubSport DD+ (outside the scope of this guide). The choice of wheel is up to you, on the other hand. If you don’t own a Sony console, there is no need to take this model at all. Go for a CSL DD bundle instead. The base is equivalent in every way (so everything you read about the DD Pro applies), but the PC-only set with a similar wheel is much cheaper! Sony compatibility comes at an extra cost worth keeping in mind.

To play on Xbox, it is the other way round (otherwise it wouldn’t be fun!): you can buy any base, but you absolutely need a compatible wheel. They are easy to spot on the store, as they carry an Xbox badge. Here too, you save money by skipping PlayStation compatibility if you don’t need it: for example, depending on the rim you prefer, with this bundle or this one, together with a Boost Kit to reach 8 Nm.

Putting all this together, you’ll notice that a setup compatible with every platform is possible: with a GT DD Pro base and an Xbox compatible wheel. No bundle offers that combination in this range, though. You have to build it yourself, and it is the most expensive solution, but it is possible!

Logitech G

At Logitech G, it is broadly the same. The RS50 base and the wheel hub each come in two versions. To play on PlayStation, you need the compatible base. To play on Xbox, it is the choice of hub that counts.

Just like Fanatec, pairing the PlayStation base with the Xbox hub unlocks compatibility with every platform. For more details, see our Logitech G compatibility guide (in French).

Thrustmaster

In the end, Thrustmaster is the one doing things differently. The rules are simpler, but ultimately more restrictive. Compatibility comes from the base, full stop!

So on one side you have the T598 base compatible with PC and PlayStation, and on the other the T598 base compatible with PC and Xbox. Both at the same price, which is the good news. The catch, as you might expect: there is no way to get compatibility with all three platforms. If you want to play on both consoles, you can already rule Thrustmaster out. Or plan to buy both versions of the base if the brand is non-negotiable for you!

Now, let’s go through the three bundles in detail, with the strengths and weaknesses of each. Here are the three contenders, from cheapest to most expensive. None of them wins on every front, and that is precisely what this comparison is about:

• Thrustmaster T598: the best price positioning
• Logitech G RS50: the best rim
• Fanatec GT DD Pro: the most complete ecosystem

Fanatec GT DD Pro: the pioneer

Of the three bundles in this guide, the GT DD Pro was the first to arrive. It actually opened the category of affordable PlayStation compatible Direct Drive wheels. Released at the end of 2021, it can even take credit for the birth of Superchicane!

Our video review of the Fanatec GT DD Pro, in French.

The DD Pro is the Sony version of the CSL DD, famous for bringing Direct Drive technology to the masses. The bundle includes the DD Pro base in its 8 Nm version, the official Gran Turismo wheel (a licence previously held by Thrustmaster!) and the CSL Pedals throttle and brake set. In short, the essentials to get started. There is also an alternative set that swaps the wheel for the recent Porsche Vision GT rim, more distinctive, but also designed for Polyphony Digital’s game.

The benchmark for driving feel

Given its position, it is the one that sets the tone for force feedback on consoles. And that feel is excellent. With its release, sim racers discovered precise, responsive force feedback with no parasitic signal, thanks to Direct Drive. Its 8 Nm are enough to convey the essential information and suit the vast majority of sim racers.

That feel is further improved by the QR2, now standard on this base as on the whole Fanatec store. It is the best quick release system on offer, guaranteeing no play in the shaft, which could otherwise cause latency or unwelcome artefacts.

Our video review of the Fanatec QR2 and QR2 Pro, in French.

Compared with the other brands, Fanatec deliberately focuses the feel on what the tyres are doing, pushing road effects into the background. The result is clean, direct force feedback, which some may find a little short on sparkle. It comes down to different philosophies between brands and what players want.

A mature base

Something to consider: the GT DD Pro is a mature base, and its software development is probably coming to an end. The feel you discover today will most likely stay the same over time. Conversely, the more recent Thrustmaster and Logitech G bases still have integration issues in some games, but benefit from active development that can improve the experience with updates. Each approach has its advantages: proven stability on one side, room for improvement on the other.

Finally, the benefit of a DD Pro well established on the market is its in-game integration. Whatever the licence, whether the game is at the end of its post-launch support or about to come out, you will have no trouble with your hardware being recognised or with the mapping of your wheel’s functions. The only limits are those of your platform’s hardware and of the game itself.

A bundle that does the job…

On the GT DD Pro bundle menu: the Gran Turismo branded wheel. Naturally, it works best in Gran Turismo 7, through its four coloured D-pads dedicated to the main functions (which can still be mapped in other games). Apart from that, it remains a bundle wheel: decently built, but nothing remarkable. Rather plasticky, and with the weakest paddles in this comparison. The pedals are basic too, but they do the job very well for getting started. And you can later add a load cell brake and/or mod them very easily with third-party parts.

…and a complete ecosystem!

And if you feel like upgrading at some point, choosing Fanatec means entering an ecosystem that is as rich as it is varied. When it comes to wheels, there is simply an abundance! They number in the dozens, despite some overlap, with plenty of choice in shapes, sizes, grip materials and more. It goes all the way to replicas of real wheels found in GT cars!

On the pedal side, the store currently offers two more elaborate models. They are showing their age and starting to be outdone by the competition. But the brand has just returned to the field with the announcement of the Podium range, including the Podium Pedals Formula released in June 2026.

Fanatec is therefore the brand that can take you furthest if you decide to move up the range. Just look at the ClubSport DD and DD+ bases, currently the best you can get on consoles. And perhaps also the Podium DD, released in early 2026 with its 25 Nm of constant torque. One caveat, however: it does not have the PlayStation licence.

And if all these prospects were not enough, you could always turn to third-party brands, which offer console compatible products by plugging them directly into the Fanatec base.

The downside: the price

The price of this bundle, shown on the Fanatec store, is… fair. Until the competition arrived, buyers could not afford to be picky. The bill was non-negotiable for anyone who wanted a Direct Drive setup on PlayStation (the famous Sony compatibility premium). As the market evolved, its positioning fell a little out of step, especially against Thrustmaster. Its switch to the QR2 quick release at the same price put it back on track in terms of value for money. Nevertheless, Fanatec remains a brand for which you have to accept paying a certain price, even if the quality is undeniably there.

This matters less if you don’t own a PlayStation, thanks to the CSL DD sets mentioned in the introduction. And even then, you can look at refurbished products. With a bit of luck at the right moment, you can grab a bargain.

What about after-sales service?

Some of you may still have doubts before buying. No wonder, given how much ink the brand has spilled and how many forum threads it has fuelled, with various bugs and endless support ticket handling. If you haven’t followed the news, the brand’s bad days are behind it. Corsair took over and integrated it into its own logistics. In short, the American giant did what was needed to put things right. Order and claim tracking no longer suffer delays, and the warranty (which was never really the issue) has been extended to 3 years. We can vouch for it: the days of daily complaints on our Discord are over. So you can buy with peace of mind on that front.

Verdict

All in all, the GT DD Pro is the solution for anyone who wants high-quality, recognised, proven hardware with room to grow within a complete ecosystem. This bundle will particularly suit GT7 players for the integration of the wheel’s functions, but it will remain widely supported by every past and future game.

Fanatec

Gran Turismo DD Pro (8 Nm)

Our review (in French)

FANATEC UK STORE

Check the price

Thrustmaster T598: the challenger

2024: Fanatec is going through its darkest hours. Thrustmaster takes advantage of its rival being down to strike back with its « New Era ». And the brand has the perfect ammunition to win the market back: its new Direct Axial Drive technology.

The result is the T598 bundle: a 5 Nm base with overshoots up to 10 Nm, a round wheel that is as classic as it is versatile, and a two-pedal set whose name, « Long Term Evolution », says a lot about its ambitions. In short, a bundle similar in make-up to the GT DD Pro, but sold at a very aggressive price! Enough to challenge the German brand’s supremacy, and even to hurt Thrustmaster’s own existing products. The irony!

Besides this bundle, the T598 base also comes in sets with other iconic Thrustmaster wheels. It is then up to you to add the pedals.

Our video review of the Thrustmaster T598, in French.

From theory to practice

Harmony technology for extra high-frequency effects, overshoots that double the torque, Gear Jolt (vibrations on gear changes), zero cogging (no notchy feeling when the wheel turns)… Thrustmaster got console players fired up with its pre-release announcements. So, were the promises kept?

In a word, on PC, yes! The T598 is genuinely impressive given the amount of information it delivers for « only » 5 Nm of torque. And the DD Pro, although consistently a little more powerful, can’t match the highs this base offers. Especially since, unlike Fanatec, Thrustmaster goes all out on force feedback effects. Forget minimalism, let’s have a festival! The dynamics are there: you can even feel which side you are hitting the kerbs on!

Work in progress on consoles

On consoles, the result at launch was unfortunately more mixed, despite clearly visible potential. In particular, the spring effect (centring force) was too strong, and important information (such as the rear stepping out when grip is lost) was drowned in that mass of effects. And it was hard to tune the beast to filter the signal and refine the feel.

The cause: in-game integration was still pending at launch (the base was then treated as the old T-GT). The general public thus discovered how much software and communication with games matter to how a base feels. But Thrustmaster has well-established relationships with game studios. A year later, the inaccuracies have been fixed… in games that are still being patched! So GT7 is now fine! But in EA WRC and ACC, for example, don’t expect any improvement.

The starting point…

As I said, the bundle’s make-up is similar to the GT DD Pro’s, with some things better and some worse. The Sportcar wheel’s build quality is on a par with Fanatec’s. Its magnetic paddles are its strong point. The overall button layout is its weak point. The main culprit: the D-pads are replaced here by a directional cross that is really impractical for adjustments during a race (even more so in VR).

As for pedals, Thrustmaster introduces the Raceline Long Term Evolution set. Two pedals, well built, with a surprisingly wide range of adjustments for the price. And above all, the promise of a load cell kit, which took almost a year to materialise.

…and the finish line

As for the rest of the ecosystem, Thrustmaster holds its own very well in the first segment. There are plenty of wheels, for every discipline, including an F1 wheel with a dashboard. The upside: the brand is affordable for moderate budgets. The downside: it does not reach the finish quality of its rivals. Thrustmaster comes third on this criterion. Plastic largely dominates the store, which may put some buyers off. The exception is the recent Hypercar wheel, the brand’s latest release, worthy of a Fanatec ClubSport build! Let’s hope more premium products like this one follow.

Our video review of the Thrustmaster Hypercar Wheel Add-On, in French.

Upgrade prospects are more limited for the other components, however. A load cell brake? There is now a choice. The Raceline Pedals III LC come with a 100 kg sensor. And the LC Upgrade kit, announced at the SimRacing Expo, converts the Raceline LTE, as soon as it is back in stock. On the other hand, if you later want truly high-end pedals, nothing is on the horizon… Well, actually, 3DRap offers the NGASA pedals, compatible on paper with all three brands and every platform. But we have not tested them, so I can’t vouch for them.

What about bases?

The only other Direct Drive model, with more torque, is the T818. Even though it has just moved to a V2, it is PC only. A shame: we really believed in that upgrade path when Thrustmaster announced two new products for the end of the year. But they turned out to be the new version of the T248 and this T818. Will we one day see another DAD base? Likely, as Thrustmaster wants to capitalise on this technology. It is now done with the T-GT III, announced on 3 October 2026. Expected on 3 December on PS5, PS4 and PC, it adds load cell pedals as standard. Its torque, however, remains that of the T598, i.e. 5 Nm constant. On console, no Thrustmaster base therefore exceeds the T598’s torque.

We tested every Thrustmaster wheel: our video verdict on 10 models, in French.

An unbeatable price

As I said in the introduction, the T598 is sold at a very aggressive price. Imagine: a Direct Drive bundle compatible with PC and PlayStation OR (that « or » matters!) PC and Xbox, at a price well below its rivals! And for once, no trace of the Sony premium. Unbelievable, but true! The reason is simple: DAD technology requires less copper to manufacture. As a result, production costs are much lower. The message is clear: this bundle is currently the best value for money in this comparison. And, in my humble opinion, it won’t be dethroned any time soon!

Let me add two small caveats, which are not really flaws but things to bear in mind. First, the base gets hot during long sessions. Nothing serious: the structure is designed for passive heat dissipation and there is no loss of force feedback. Second, the DAD architecture itself means a tall motor. Watch your field of view depending on the mount you have in mind.

One last point: Thrustmaster is a French brand. For some of you, that may weigh in the decision.

Verdict

The T598 will particularly appeal to those who want to keep the budget down. It is by far the most affordable offer, without cutting corners on quality. It also depends on the games and platforms you play on, and on the upgrades you might want later, at the risk of having to switch brands.

Thrustmaster

T598 (PlayStation / PC)

Our review (in French)

THRUSTMASTER UK STORE

Check the price

Thrustmaster

T598 (Xbox / PC)

THRUSTMASTER UK STORE

Check the price

Logitech G RS50: the newcomer

Released in September 2025, here is the Logitech G RS50! For context, let’s start from scratch. After making its name with the G29 (a wheel our team loves to tease), Logitech G launched its first Direct Drive base in 2022, going straight for the mid-range with the G Pro Racing Wheel. It then took two long years for the matching ecosystem to arrive.

Then, in the summer of 2025, a mysterious little sister was revealed by accident (or was it a publicity stunt?). It now has a name: the RS50 base. And with it, a bundle. Well, almost… More on that later.

Our video review of the Logitech G RS50, in French.

The same old song

The RS50 base offers up to 8 Nm of torque. Like Thrustmaster, it aims to be a firework display in your hands. We already know this technology at Logitech G: it is TRUEFORCE, already found on the Pro Racing Wheel. In other words, extra vibration effects sent from the game through the audio channel. Its added value is debated, among Superchicane’s testers as well as among players. Some could no longer do without it, others call it a gimmick. Either way, TRUEFORCE has the advantage of being adjustable, and you can switch it off if you don’t like it.

And like Thrustmaster (I know, I’m repeating myself, on purpose!), it suffered from something of a false start. So it is the same story: on PC, it holds its own. Very well, in fact, given its price (more on that later too). On consoles, the potential is there, but it depends on the game. At least it is often recognised as the G Pro rather than the G29! You have to wait a little for the big franchises still in active development (and Logitech G inspires as much confidence as Thrustmaster on that front), but for finished games… well, they are finished! You know the tune by now! For Gran Turismo 7, the wait has paid off. Since update 1.72, the RS50’s force feedback has been reworked and the centring effect is gone. In Assetto Corsa Competizione, on the other hand, you need to switch it to PRO Racing Wheel mode, and that centring force can still be felt. We went through it all again in our review of the RS50 McLaren Racing Bundle (in French).

Two out of three

Let’s say it plainly: the RS50 bundle’s wheel is the best built of the three. It is the combination of the RS Wheel Hub and the RS Round Wheel rim. The faceplate swaps plastic for metal, and the faux leather feels very nice in the hands: the finish is remarkable at this level. Worth noting: the tactile feel of the buttons reminds you that this is a gaming peripheral rather than a racing car. It comes down to personal taste. And the bundle… well, that’s where it ends!

Don’t worry, a new set of pedals has indeed been released, called the RS Pedals. Sold in a two-pedal configuration (the clutch is optional, see the module), they come with a load cell sensor as standard. A good thing. They also seem decently built and in line with the competition overall. We have since tested them in their McLaren version (in French): precise, they just feel a little light compared with bigger pedal sets.

Did someone say ecosystem?

Beyond this bundle, the Logitech G ecosystem remains the big weak point compared with the other two brands. As I said, it took a while to arrive. And even today, there is no comparison with Fanatec or Thrustmaster. The rims are all built around the same RS Wheel Hub. The round rim is the bundle’s RS Round Wheel. There is a GT-style variant: the RS Track Wheel. That’s all from Logitech G…

Thanks to partnerships, the famous Italian manufacturer Momo Racing also offers two rims (round and GT). And the McLaren team also has its own GT/F1-style offering. That said, since the hub remains the central component, beyond finish and looks, these models remain similar to the originals.

As with pedals, the product that stands out comes from 3DRap, with the VOTA wheel. Ironically, this model caught Logitech G off guard by coming out before the famous ecosystem was even born!

Take a deep breath, it’s calculator time!

Logitech G’s pricing strategy deserves a closer look, as it hides a few traps depending on your setup.

On PC only, the offer is attractive: the base on its own is the most affordable entry point in this comparison.

For the complete bundles, called RS50 System, things get more complicated:

• PC and PlayStation bundle: RS50 System PS/PC (base, hub, rim and desk clamp)
• PC and Xbox bundle: RS50 System Xbox/PC, at the same price

At first glance, these prices seem consistent. But let’s look at what’s inside, bearing in mind that the hub costs more in its Xbox version.

On PlayStation:

• PS/PC base on its own
• RS Wheel Hub, PC version, since there is no PlayStation hub: the Sony chip is in the base
• RS Round Wheel rim
• Total when buying the parts separately: roughly the price of the bundle
• The bundle: RS50 System PS/PC

The desk clamp therefore costs next to nothing once Logitech G’s price cut is taken into account. The bundle is no bargain, but it no longer penalises you either.

On Xbox, the gap widens further:

• PC base on its own, sold separately, since on Xbox it is the hub that carries compatibility
• RS Wheel Hub, Xbox/PC version, more expensive than the PC version
• RS Round Wheel rim
• Total when buying the parts separately: well below the price of the bundle
• The bundle: still the RS50 System Xbox/PC

Do the maths: the extra cost becomes significant here, out of all proportion with the PlayStation bundle. On Xbox, building your own basket is therefore much more worthwhile.

On top of that, the RS Pedals are sold separately in both cases. The final bill speaks for itself:

• On PlayStation: almost the same total whether you build your own setup or buy the bundle
• On Xbox: much less when you build your own setup than with the bundle

In both cases, you stay a notch below the price of the GT DD Pro.

Our recommendation:

• On PC/PS: the bundle holds up since the price cut, and the gap with a self-built basket has become negligible. The pedals remain separate in both cases
• On PC/Xbox: avoid the bundle, it costs you much more than a basket built piece by piece
• For compatibility with all three platforms: as with Fanatec, you’ll need to combine the PlayStation base and the Xbox hub, but be careful, no bundle offers this configuration.

Verdict

Logitech G makes an offer to be taken very seriously on PC. But on consoles, we would advise you to wait and see. The notable exception is Gran Turismo 7, where it has become excellent since update 1.72. Price-wise, the bundles are not worth it: build your own basket instead. It remains attractive for anyone who likes the brand and/or wants a high-quality setup (the best of the three) without going down the path of collecting wheels.

Logitech G

RS50 System (PS / PC)

Our review (in French)

LOGITECH G UK STORE

Check the price

In summary

Here is a table summing up the strengths and weaknesses of the three bundles clearly and simply. It is up to you to decide which criteria matter most for your setup:

The three bundles at a glance

Base, pedals, platforms, strengths and limits: here are the essentials in plain words too. Current prices are on each brand’s store, through the buttons above.

The board is filling up

Let me stress once again that this comparison reflects the balance of power between Fanatec, Thrustmaster and Logitech G at the time of writing. The situation (prices, software…) can always change, particularly for the RS50, whose force feedback keeps improving with updates.

All the more so since the battle for the mainstream market no longer involves only these three historic brands. Left out of this comparison, for lack of PlayStation compatibility, are the Moza R3 bundle (which doesn’t play in the same category anyway) and the new Asetek Initium range (not yet tested by us). The latter still deserves a mention, as it comes from a brand usually focused on premium hardware that is now playing on this broader field. That is a sign.

Indeed, the market is currently booming. Other brands are joining the party: Turtle Beach, PXN, Revosim, Thermaltake. For now, their offers are for PC players only. And we have clearly understood the scale of the effort, especially financial, needed to break into consoles. But it is not impossible that these newcomers take the plunge and make their move in this sector. Revosim has in fact announced its ambitions for 2026 at the SimRacing Expo. And as always, Superchicane is ready to keep you posted!

Conclusion

Faced with this growing number of players, Fanatec, Thrustmaster and Logitech G keep a decisive advantage: console compatibility and a proven ecosystem. Each of the three bundles presented here is an excellent entry point into Direct Drive sim racing. It is now up to you to weigh the criteria that matter to you: budget, upgrade prospects, gaming platform, or simply your affinity with a brand. And with this comparison in hand, you have everything you need to make the right choice.