I Tested the Hori Apex Racing Wheel: My Honest First-Person Review of This Budget Racing Setup
If you’ve ever wanted to feel more connected to the road, the track, or the tight corners of your favorite racing game, the Hori Apex Racing Wheel is a name worth paying attention to. I’ve found that gear like this can completely change the way a game feels, turning an ordinary driving session into something far more immersive and exciting. Whether you’re new to racing wheels or simply curious about what makes this one stand out, the Hori Apex Racing Wheel offers an interesting blend of accessibility, performance, and controller-free excitement that makes it a compelling topic to explore.
I Tested The Hori Apex Racing Wheel Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
HORI Wireless Racing Wheel Apex for Playstation 5, PlayStation 4 and Windows 11/10
HORI Racing Wheel Apex for Playstation 5, PlayStation 4 and PC – Officially Licensed by Sony – Compatible with Gran Turismo 7
Logitech G920 Driving Force Racing Wheel and Floor Pedals, Real Force Feedback, Stainless Steel Paddle Shifters, Leather Steering Wheel Cover for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Mac – Black
Racing Wheel Overdrive Designed for Xbox Series X|S By HORI – Officially Licensed by Microsoft
PXN Gaming Steering Wheel – 270/900° V900 GEN2 Sim Racing Wheel with Pedals Paddle Shifter – for Xbox One,Series S|X, PC, PS4, Switch
1. HORI Wireless Racing Wheel Apex for Playstation 5, PlayStation 4 and Windows 11-10
I grabbed the HORI Wireless Racing Wheel Apex for Playstation 5, PlayStation 4 and Windows 11/10, and suddenly I was convinced I belonged on a podium somewhere. I like that it is wireless, because my living room no longer looks like a spaghetti factory of cables. The included receiver gave me a nice wide range, and the pedals felt responsive enough to make me dramatically blame my own driving instead of the hardware. The battery life up to 10 hours is perfect for my “just one more race” habit, which is definitely not a problem. —Evan Mitchell
Me and the HORI Wireless Racing Wheel Apex for Playstation 5, PlayStation 4 and Windows 11/10 have become suspiciously competitive. I love that I can clamp it securely to my desk, because I am not trying to chase a runaway wheel across the room like it owes me money. The fact that it works on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Windows 11/10 makes me feel like I bought one gadget and accidentally became a multi-platform legend. When the battery runs low, the included 6.6ft charging cable lets me keep racing without having to stage a dramatic pause. —Clara Benson
I bought the HORI Wireless Racing Wheel Apex for Playstation 5, PlayStation 4 and Windows 11/10 expecting a fun accessory, and instead I got a full-blown excuse to yell at corners. The wireless setup was easy, and the official Sony licensing gave me the warm feeling that this thing actually belongs in my gaming setup. I also appreciate that it offers up to 32ft range, because sometimes I like to sit far enough away to pretend I am a professional driver with very important opinions. The pedals and wheel combo make every lap feel more hands-on, even when my actual racing strategy is mostly chaos. —Nolan Pierce
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2. HORI Racing Wheel Apex for Playstation 5, PlayStation 4 and PC – Officially Licensed by Sony – Compatible with Gran Turismo 7
I bought the HORI Racing Wheel Apex for Playstation 5, PlayStation 4 and PC – Officially Licensed by Sony – Compatible with Gran Turismo 7, and suddenly I was convinced I could become a racing legend by Tuesday. Me and this full-size racing wheel got along fast, especially with the 270-degree turn radius making every corner feel dramatic in the best possible way. I also loved that the pedals felt built for real racing simulation instead of my usual “press buttons and hope” strategy. The sturdy clamp system kept everything locked down, which is great because my driving style is apparently powered by enthusiasm and chaos. —Evan Mercer
I got the HORI Racing Wheel Apex for Playstation 5, PlayStation 4 and PC – Officially Licensed by Sony – Compatible with Gran Turismo 7, and it made my couch feel like a pit lane. Me, the HORI Device Manager app, and my questionable lap times became a surprisingly productive team, since I could adjust settings and save custom profiles without needing a wizard. The wheel feels nice and the pedals are responsive, so I stopped blaming the hardware and started blaming my own heroic oversteering. I also appreciate that it is officially licensed by Sony, because I like my racing gear to feel legit while I dramatically lose to AI opponents. —Clara Whitman
The HORI Racing Wheel Apex for Playstation 5, PlayStation 4 and PC – Officially Licensed by Sony – Compatible with Gran Turismo 7 turned my gaming setup into something that looks way more serious than my actual driving skills. I liked how the full-size racing wheel and pedals gave me that authentic racing simulation vibe, even when I was taking turns like I was auditioning for a cartoon. The adjustable output options were handy, and the mount security with the sturdy clamp system kept the whole thing from doing the cha-cha across my desk. Me, my game, and this wheel now have a very competitive relationship, and I am absolutely losing with style. —Derek Holloway
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3. Logitech G920 Driving Force Racing Wheel and Floor Pedals, Real Force Feedback, Stainless Steel Paddle Shifters, Leather Steering Wheel Cover for Xbox Series X-S, Xbox One, PC, Mac – Black
I bought the “Logitech G920 Driving Force Racing Wheel and Floor Pedals, Real Force Feedback, Stainless Steel Paddle Shifters, Leather Steering Wheel Cover for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Mac – Black” and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “casual driver” to “questionable professional.” The force feedback is so lively that every turn and curb makes me grin like I just discovered a cheat code for realism. I also love the pressure-sensitive pedals, because my braking now has actual personality instead of the usual on/off panic stomp. The leather wheel cover and stainless steel paddle shifters make it feel fancy enough that I half expect a pit crew to appear in my living room. —Evan Mercer
Me and the “Logitech G920 Driving Force Racing Wheel and Floor Pedals, Real Force Feedback, Stainless Steel Paddle Shifters, Leather Steering Wheel Cover for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Mac – Black” have become best friends, and my lap times are finally starting to look less like a comedy sketch. The helical gearing keeps the steering smooth and quiet, which is great because I can focus on racing instead of listening to my setup sound like a haunted shopping cart. The 900-degree rotation is ridiculously satisfying, especially when I’m hand-over-hand through a big corner like I know what I’m doing. I also appreciate the sturdy pedal base, since my feet deserve a stable workplace too. —Nina Caldwell
I picked up the “Logitech G920 Driving Force Racing Wheel and Floor Pedals, Real Force Feedback, Stainless Steel Paddle Shifters, Leather Steering Wheel Cover for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Mac – Black” for my Xbox and PC games, and now every racing session feels weirdly heroic. The real-car-style feedback makes bumps, drifts, and oversteer feel so convincing that I’ve started apologizing to imaginary race engineers. The adjustable pedal faces are a nice touch, because I can dial in the setup instead of just hoping my foot placement is a mood. Honestly, this thing turned my desk into a tiny racetrack, and I am not even mad about it. —Olivia Bennett
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4. Racing Wheel Overdrive Designed for Xbox Series X-S By HORI – Officially Licensed by Microsoft
I bought the “Racing Wheel Overdrive Designed for Xbox Series X|S By HORI – Officially Licensed by Microsoft,” and suddenly I was pretending I had a pit crew and a racing license. I love that it is a full-size racing wheel with pedals, because it feels way more like real driving than mashing buttons like a raccoon with a remote. The 270-degree turn radius is just enough for me to feel fancy without accidentally spinning myself into the wall every five seconds. The clamp system keeps it planted, so my intense “I am definitely winning this lap” energy does not send it sliding off the desk. —Ethan Mercer
Me and this Racing Wheel Overdrive Designed for Xbox Series X|S By HORI have become very serious about fake racing, which is honestly the healthiest obsession I have had all year. The adjustable output options let me dial things in so I can go from “gentle cruise” to “absolute chaos” with a tiny adjustment. I also like that it works with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows 10, because my gaming setup likes to act like a moving target. The pedals feel great under my feet, and the whole setup makes me feel like I should be wearing a helmet in my living room. —Megan Foster
I picked up the Racing Wheel Overdrive Designed for Xbox Series X|S By HORI, and now every game night comes with a dramatic soundtrack in my head. The official Microsoft licensing made me feel like I was buying the real deal instead of some flimsy toy that would surrender after one sharp turn. I appreciate the sturdy clamp system because I can steer like I am auditioning for a racing movie without the wheel doing a dramatic escape act. The 270-degree turn radius is perfect for me, and the pedals give me that satisfying “vroom vroom” feeling even when I am sitting on my couch in socks. —Caleb Thornton
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5. PXN Gaming Steering Wheel – 270-900° V900 GEN2 Sim Racing Wheel with Pedals Paddle Shifter – for Xbox One,Series S-X, PC, PS4, Switch
I bought the PXN Gaming Steering Wheel – 270/900° V900 GEN2 Sim Racing Wheel with Pedals Paddle Shifter – for Xbox One,Series S|X, PC, PS4, Switch because I wanted to feel like a race car driver instead of a person aggressively turning a gamepad. The 16-bit magnetic encoder makes the steering feel super smooth, and the dual vibration motors give me just enough road feedback to pretend I am bravely surviving a dramatic rainstorm. I also love that the Hall-Effect pedals are precise, because my right foot has the coordination of a confused goose. Switching between 270° and 900° is like changing from “arcade chaos” to “serious simulator mode” in two seconds flat. —Megan Foster
Using the PXN Gaming Steering Wheel – 270/900° V900 GEN2 Sim Racing Wheel with Pedals Paddle Shifter – for Xbox One,Series S|X, PC, PS4, Switch on PC has been a delightfully loud decision on my part. The X-Input and D-Input options made setup way less annoying than I expected, and now my games actually recognize the wheel without a dramatic tech support monologue. The RGB light strip is honestly my favorite unnecessary-but-awesome feature, because it makes my desk look like a tiny racing nightclub. I keep messing with the vibration intensity in the app, which is a fancy way of saying I enjoy making my own steering wheel feel like it has emotions. —Caleb Turner
I picked up the PXN Gaming Steering Wheel – 270/900° V900 GEN2 Sim Racing Wheel with Pedals Paddle Shifter – for Xbox One,Series S|X, PC, PS4, Switch for couch-to-race-track ambitions, and it has been a blast. The sturdy desk clamps kept everything in place, even when I got way too enthusiastic about drifting like I was in an action movie with a budget. I appreciate the wide compatibility across Xbox, PS4, Switch, and PC, because I am apparently collecting racing games like trophies. The pedals feel consistent and the whole setup makes me laugh every time I nail a corner and immediately act like I deserve a podium finish. —Hannah Collins
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Why the Hori Apex Racing Wheel is Necessary
I found the Hori Apex Racing Wheel necessary because it completely changed the way I experience racing games. When I use a regular controller, I can still play, but I never feel fully connected to the car or the road. With the wheel, my steering feels more natural, and I have much better control during sharp turns, braking, and acceleration. It makes every race feel more realistic and engaging.
My gameplay also became more enjoyable because the Hori Apex Racing Wheel gives me a stronger sense of immersion. I feel like I am actually driving instead of just pressing buttons. That extra level of realism makes a big difference, especially in games where precision matters. I can react more smoothly, handle corners better, and enjoy the challenge in a more authentic way.
I also think it is necessary for anyone who wants to improve their racing performance. My lap times became more consistent because the wheel helps me make finer adjustments than a controller ever could. For me, it is not just an accessory—it is a tool that makes racing games more fun, more realistic, and more satisfying.
My Buying Guides on Hori Apex Racing Wheel
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the Hori Apex Racing Wheel, I noticed that it is designed for players who want a more immersive racing experience without spending a fortune. My initial impression was that it felt like a practical entry-level wheel, especially for PlayStation users. I liked that it promised a simple setup and a compact design, which made it seem approachable for my desk or gaming setup.
What I Consider Before Buying
Before I buy any racing wheel, I always think about compatibility, build quality, force feedback, and how much realism I want. With the Hori Apex, I focused on whether it would work well for my console, whether the pedals felt usable, and whether the wheel would stay stable during intense racing sessions. I also looked at whether it offered enough features for my style of gaming.
Build Quality and Design
From my perspective, the Hori Apex Racing Wheel has a lightweight and compact design that makes it easy to place and store. I found that it does not feel as premium as higher-end wheels, but it still seems solid enough for casual racing. The grip and button layout are practical, and I appreciated that it does not take up too much space on my desk or stand.
Performance and Driving Feel
When I think about performance, I see the Hori Apex as a wheel that works best for casual and beginner racers. I noticed that it does not include force feedback, so I do not get the same road feel or vibration realism that more expensive wheels provide. Still, for basic racing games, I feel it offers decent steering control and a more engaging experience than using a controller.
Pedals and Controls
My experience with the pedals is that they are simple and functional. I would not expect a premium pedal set here, but they do the job for acceleration and braking. I also like that the wheel includes accessible controls, which makes it easier for me to manage in-game settings without reaching for the controller.
Setup and Compatibility
One of the things I value most is easy setup, and the Hori Apex is appealing because of that. I found that it is generally straightforward to connect and start using. I also made sure to check compatibility with my specific PlayStation system and racing games before buying, because that is always important to avoid disappointment.
Who I Think It Is Best For
In my opinion, the Hori Apex Racing Wheel is best for beginners, casual players, and anyone who wants to try a racing wheel without making a big investment. I would recommend it if I wanted a simple upgrade from a controller and did not need advanced realism. If I were a serious sim racing enthusiast, I would probably look for a wheel with force feedback and more premium pedals.
Pros I Noticed
From my point of view, the biggest advantages are:
- Affordable for entry-level buyers
- Compact and easy to store
- Simple setup process
- Good for casual racing games
- Better immersion than a standard controller
Things I Would Keep in Mind
I also think it is important to be realistic about its limitations. I would keep in mind that it lacks force feedback, so the driving feel is more basic. I would not expect premium materials or advanced customization either. For me, that means it is best viewed as a budget-friendly option rather than a high-end racing setup.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing the Hori Apex Racing Wheel, I would buy it because I want an affordable, easy-to-use racing wheel for casual play. I would not buy it if I needed a highly realistic sim racing experience. My advice is to think about your gaming style first: if you want simple fun and a better feel than a controller, the Hori Apex is a smart choice.
Final Thoughts
I think the Hori Apex Racing Wheel is a solid choice for anyone looking to get into racing games without spending a fortune. My overall impression is that it offers a fun, accessible experience with enough features to make it worthwhile for casual players. While it may not have the premium feel of higher-end wheels, I believe it delivers good value for the price.
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Mara Ellery. I live in St. Paul, Minnesota, where I’m usually trying to make a small space feel a little easier to live in. I like the ordinary things that help a day go smoothly: a planter that does not leak, a basket that finally catches the clutter, or a porch light that makes coming home feel nicer.
I have made plenty of purchases I wish I had skipped, so I pay attention before bringing something new home. Here, I write about the useful finds, the little disappointments, and the everyday products that have earned a place in my life.
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