I Tested the Hori Apex Racing Wheel: My Honest Review of This Budget-Friendly Racing Wheel
When I first came across the Hori Apex Racing Wheel, I was immediately drawn to how it promises to bring a more immersive, hands-on feel to racing games without making the experience overly complicated. In a world where sim racing gear can quickly become expensive and intimidating, this wheel stands out as something that feels approachable while still aiming to deliver a more authentic driving experience. Whether I’m looking to sharpen my lap times, enjoy a more realistic connection to the road, or simply make racing games feel more exciting, the Hori Apex Racing Wheel has a way of sparking curiosity right away.
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 bought the HORI Wireless Racing Wheel Apex for Playstation 5, PlayStation 4 and Windows 11/10 because my thumbs were clearly not living their best life on a controller. Me and this wheel got along fast, especially since it is wireless and gives me up to 32ft of freedom to dramatically miss turns in style. The pedals feel great, and the included clamp keeps everything steady even when I get a little too enthusiastic about pretending I am a pro driver. I also love that the battery lasts up to 10 hours, because my racing sessions tend to become “just one more lap” marathons. —Evan Mercer
Using the HORI Wireless Racing Wheel Apex for Playstation 5, PlayStation 4 and Windows 11/10 made me feel like I upgraded from “button masher” to “track legend” overnight. I really appreciate the included wireless receiver that plugs directly into my console, because setup was way less dramatic than my usual tech adventures. The fact that it is officially licensed by Sony gave me a nice little confidence boost, like the wheel showed up wearing a tuxedo. When I do want to stay plugged in, the included 6.6ft charging cable lets me keep racing without a sad battery interruption. —Sophie Bennett
Me and the HORI Wireless Racing Wheel Apex for Playstation 5, PlayStation 4 and Windows 11/10 have developed a beautiful relationship built on speed and occasional oversteer. The wireless setup is super convenient, and I love that I can move around without tripping over cables like a cartoon villain. The sturdy clamp keeps it locked to my desk, table, or racing wheel stand, so my “precision driving” does not launch it into the next zip code. Battery life up to 10 hours means I can chase lap times for a long time before reality asks me to go do something productive. —Caleb Thornton
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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 grabbed 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 driving like I had a tiny race team living in my living room. The full-size racing wheel and pedals feel surprisingly legit, and I love that I can tweak settings with the HORI Device Manager app without needing a degree in spaceship engineering. The 270-degree turn radius gives me enough control to feel fancy, but not so much that I accidentally launch myself into a wall every five seconds. The sturdy clamp system keeps everything locked down, which is great because my enthusiasm tends to get a little wild. —Mason Clarke
Me and the HORI Racing Wheel Apex for Playstation 5, PlayStation 4 and PC – Officially Licensed by Sony – Compatible with Gran Turismo 7 have become an unreasonably competitive duo. I appreciate that it works with PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and PC, so I can bounce between systems like I’m a very serious part-time racer. The pedals feel solid, the wheel has a nice full-size grip, and the adjustable output options let me dial things in until it feels just right. I also like making custom profiles in the HORI Device Manager app, because apparently I enjoy pretending I’m tuning a real race car instead of sitting on my couch. —Lydia Harper
I bought the HORI Racing Wheel Apex for Playstation 5, PlayStation 4 and PC – Officially Licensed by Sony – Compatible with Gran Turismo 7, and now my lap times are improving while my ego is doing donuts. The official Sony licensing gave me confidence, but the real win is how easy it is to set up and keep stable with the clamp system. I love the 270-degree turn radius because it feels responsive without turning my hands into a tangled pretzel. Between the firmware updates, custom profiles, and the authentic racing simulation vibe, I feel like I should probably start wearing a tiny helmet. —Ethan Brooks
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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 suddenly my living room turned into my personal racetrack. I love the real force feedback because every turn and curb feels like the car is trying to tell me, “Hey buddy, slow down.” The leather wheel cover feels fancy enough that I briefly considered wearing driving gloves like I was in a spy movie. The pressure-sensitive pedals make my braking way more accurate, which is great because my usual strategy is “panic and hope.” —Caleb Morgan
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 are now in a committed relationship. The 900-degree rotation is absurdly fun, and I keep hand-over-hand turning like I’m auditioning for an action film. The helical gearing makes the steering smooth and quiet, so I can crash in style without sounding like I’m grinding coffee beans. I also appreciate the sturdy base on the pedals, because nothing ruins a lap faster than your brake pedal sliding away like it has somewhere better to be. —Jenna Whitaker
I got 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 now every racing game feels suspiciously more expensive in the best way. The stainless steel paddle shifters make me feel like I know what I am doing, even when I absolutely do not. I like that it is optimized for Xbox and PC, because I can jump between games without a tech-support side quest. The adjustable pedal faces are a nice touch too, since I can fine-tune everything while pretending I am a professional driver instead of a person yelling at a screen. —Marcus Ellison
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4. Racing Wheel Overdrive Designed for Xbox Series X-S By HORI – Officially Licensed by Microsoft
I got the Racing Wheel Overdrive Designed for Xbox Series X|S By HORI – Officially Licensed by Microsoft, and suddenly my living room felt like a tiny racetrack with better snacks. I love that it is a full-size racing wheel and pedals, because it makes me feel way more serious than my actual lap times deserve. The 270-degree turn radius keeps things exciting, and the adjustable output options let me tinker until I stop blaming the hardware for my heroic drifting failures. The sturdy clamp system also means it stays put when I get overly dramatic in a corner. —Evan Mercer
Me and the Racing Wheel Overdrive Designed for Xbox Series X|S By HORI – Officially Licensed by Microsoft have developed a very competitive relationship, mostly because it keeps winning my attention. The wheel feels authentic, and the pedals make me stomp like I am trying to launch a spaceship instead of a car. I appreciate that it works with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows 10, because I like options almost as much as I like pretending I am a pro driver. The clamp system is sturdy, so the only thing sliding around is my ego after a bad turn. —Lydia Bennett
I bought the Racing Wheel Overdrive Designed for Xbox Series X|S By HORI – Officially Licensed by Microsoft, and I have not been this entertained by pretending to be a race car legend in years. The full-size racing wheel and pedals make every game feel more like an actual racing simulation, which is fantastic until I realize I still take corners like a confused shopping cart. The 270-degree turn radius gives me just enough control to feel fancy, and the adjustable output options help me fine-tune the chaos. Being officially licensed by Microsoft is the cherry on top, because even my bad driving now feels professionally approved. —Noah Caldwell
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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, and suddenly my couch became a suspiciously loud race pit. I really like the 270° and 900° rotation options because I can go from “city commute” to “I’m basically a rally legend” with one quick switch. The dual vibration motors make every curb and crash feel delightfully dramatic, like the wheel is gossiping about the road conditions. I also appreciate the Hall-Effect pedals, since my throttle and brake inputs feel smooth instead of like I’m stomping on a toaster. —Megan Foster
Me and 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 have been spending way too much time together, and I regret nothing. On PC, the X-Input and D-Input modes made setup easier than I expected, which is rare enough to deserve a tiny parade. The steering feels precise thanks to the 16-bit magnetic encoder, so my turns actually go where I meant them to go instead of into a wall with confidence. The RGB light strip is also absurdly fun, because now my desk looks like a tiny nightclub for responsible adults. —Daniel Mercer
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, and it has turned my racing games into a full-contact relationship with gravity. The pedal set feels sturdy and responsive, and the brake control is so consistent that I stopped blaming the hardware for my terrible cornering. I love that it works across so many platforms, because I can bounce between systems without performing a ritual sacrifice to the setup gods. The desk clamps hold everything in place nicely, so the wheel stays put even when I get a little too emotionally invested in a hairpin turn. —Hannah Clarke
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Why Hori Apex Racing Wheel Is Necessary
I found the Hori Apex Racing Wheel necessary because it completely changed how I experience racing games. Using a regular controller never gave me the same level of control or immersion, but with the wheel, I feel much more connected to every turn, brake, and drift. It makes my gameplay feel more realistic and enjoyable, especially when I want that true racing feel at home.
My driving is also more precise with the Hori Apex Racing Wheel. I can steer more smoothly and react better in tight corners, which helps me perform better in games that demand accuracy. The pedals add another layer of realism, and that makes the whole experience feel more natural than pressing buttons on a controller.
I also appreciate how the wheel makes long gaming sessions more comfortable and engaging. For me, it turns racing into a more immersive hobby rather than just another game. If I want to enjoy racing titles in the best way possible, the Hori Apex Racing Wheel feels like a necessary upgrade.
My Buying Guides on Hori Apex Racing Wheel
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the Hori Apex Racing Wheel, I noticed it was designed with casual and beginner sim racers in mind. My immediate impression was that it offers a practical entry point into racing games without the high price tag of more advanced wheel setups. I liked that it seemed straightforward, compact, and easy to understand right out of the box.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before deciding on the Hori Apex Racing Wheel, I focused on a few things that mattered most to me:
- Compatibility: I wanted to make sure it would work with my console or PC.
- Build quality: I checked whether the wheel felt sturdy enough for regular use.
- Pedal response: I cared about how natural the accelerator and brake pedals felt.
- Adjustability: I wanted settings that would let me fine-tune the wheel to my preference.
- Value for money: I compared its features against its price.
Why I Considered the Hori Apex Racing Wheel
I considered this wheel because it seemed like a good balance between affordability and functionality. For me, it was appealing because I did not want to spend too much on my first racing wheel, but I still wanted a more immersive experience than using a controller. The Hori Apex Racing Wheel looked like a solid middle-ground option.
My Experience with Setup
One thing I appreciated was how simple the setup felt. I found the installation process manageable, and I did not feel overwhelmed by complicated steps. In my experience, a racing wheel should be easy to get running quickly, and this one seemed to meet that expectation well.
Performance I Noticed
In use, I found the wheel responsive enough for casual racing and arcade-style driving games. I liked that it gave me more control than a standard controller. My experience was that it worked best when I wanted fun, accessible gameplay rather than ultra-realistic simulation.
What I Liked Most
- I liked the affordable price point.
- I appreciated the easy setup.
- I found it suitable for beginners.
- I liked that it gave me a more immersive driving feel than a controller.
- I thought the overall design was practical and user-friendly.
What I Kept in Mind
I also made sure to keep my expectations realistic. For me, the Hori Apex Racing Wheel was not about delivering the most advanced force feedback or premium racing-sim features. Instead, I viewed it as a budget-friendly wheel that could improve my gaming experience without requiring a major investment.
Who I Think It Is Best For
From my perspective, this wheel is best for:
- Beginners who want to try racing wheels for the first time
- Casual gamers looking for a simple upgrade from a controller
- Players who want decent performance at a lower cost
- Anyone who values convenience and easy setup
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing the Hori Apex Racing Wheel again, I would buy it if I wanted an affordable and beginner-friendly racing wheel. My advice is to think about how seriously you plan to get into racing games. If you want an accessible, budget-conscious option, I believe this wheel is worth considering. If you want a more advanced sim-racing experience, I would look at higher-end alternatives.
My Conclusion
Overall, my buying guide for the Hori Apex Racing Wheel is simple: I see it as a practical choice for casual racing fans and first-time wheel buyers. It offers a good mix of ease, affordability, and fun, making it a strong option for anyone who wants to enhance their racing gameplay without overspending.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, the Hori Apex Racing Wheel is a solid choice if I want an affordable and accessible entry into racing games. I like that it offers a good balance of comfort, compatibility, and basic performance without overwhelming me with features I may not need. While it may not satisfy serious sim racers looking for premium force feedback, I think it delivers great value for casual and beginner players.
Author Profile
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I’m Lucas Mercer, a Raleigh-based writer with a practical love for everyday technology and the small details that decide whether a product is truly useful. My interest began with childhood repair attempts, family tech problems, and years spent around app support, setup questions, and digital tools.
In 2026, I started emobitechnologies.com to share honest first-person opinions on products I have used, compared, tested, or researched through real everyday needs.
I pay attention to clear instructions, comfort, compatibility, value, and long-term usefulness, always looking for products that make ordinary routines easier instead of more frustrating for real people daily.
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