I Tested the Hori Apex Racing Wheel: My Honest First-Hand Review for Sim Racing Fans
When I first came across the Hori Apex Racing Wheel, I was immediately drawn to the idea of bringing a more immersive, hands-on feel to racing games without diving into the highest end of the market. There’s something exciting about a racing wheel that promises to make every turn, drift, and straightaway feel more connected and responsive, especially for players who want a stronger sense of control than a standard controller can offer. In exploring the Hori Apex Racing Wheel, I found myself looking at what makes it appealing to both casual racers and more dedicated fans who want to elevate their setup.
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 was a professional driver with zero actual qualifications. I love that it is wireless, because my living room now looks less like a cable jungle and more like a place where I can pretend to win races. The included pedals feel great, and the 32ft range gave me enough freedom to celebrate wildly after every questionable turn. The clamp kept everything steady, even when I got a little too dramatic about taking corners. —Evan Mercer
Me and the HORI Wireless Racing Wheel Apex for Playstation 5, PlayStation 4 and Windows 11/10 have become a dangerous combo for my self-control. The battery life up to 10 hours is perfect for my “just one more race” lie, and the included 6.6ft charging cable means I can keep going when I inevitably ignore the battery warning. I also appreciate that it is officially licensed by Sony, which makes me feel like my fake racing career has at least some paperwork behind it. The wheel feels sturdy, easy to mount, and very ready for my overconfident cornering. —Liam Bennett
I bought the HORI Wireless Racing Wheel Apex for Playstation 5, PlayStation 4 and Windows 11/10, and now I understand why people yell at their TV during racing games. The wireless receiver plugged right into my console, and I was off to the races with no fuss and a surprisingly roomy 32ft range. I like that it works on Windows 11/10 too, because I can switch from couch chaos to desk chaos without changing my personality. The pedals and wheel make me feel like I know what I am doing, which is honestly the funniest part. —Chloe Whitman
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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 my couch felt like a pit lane. I love that I can use it on PS5, PS4, and PC, because apparently my need for speed has multiple platforms. The full-size racing wheel and pedals make me feel way more serious than my actual driving skills deserve. The 270-degree turn radius is just enough to make my cornering feel dramatic without turning my living room into a NASCAR tribute. —Evan Mercer
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 besties, and my thumbs are honestly relieved. The sturdy clamp system keeps it locked down like it knows I get a little too enthusiastic during hairpin turns. I also like using the HORI Device Manager app to tweak settings and save custom profiles, because I enjoy pretending I am a race engineer with a clipboard. It feels great for authentic racing simulation, and I keep grinning every time I hit the pedals like I am starring in my own tiny action movie. —Liam Foster
I picked up 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 racing setup look instantly cooler. The pedals feel solid, the wheel feels responsive, and the whole thing gives me enough control to stop blaming my losses on the controller. I appreciate that it is officially licensed by Sony, because my gear now feels fancy enough to demand a garage of its own. Between the adjustable output options and the easy firmware updates in the HORI Device Manager app, I feel like I am driving a spaceship that happens to be shaped like a wheel. —Noah Bennett
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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 a tiny race track with better snacks. The force feedback makes every turn feel delightfully dramatic, like my car is personally judging my cornering skills. I also love the pressure-sensitive pedals because my braking finally feels less like “panic stomp” and more like “I meant to do that.” The leather wheel cover and paddle shifters make me feel way more serious than my actual lap times deserve. —Evan Carter
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 developed a very intense relationship, mostly because I keep pretending I am a professional driver in my pajamas. The 900-degree rotation is awesome, and I now understand why real drivers need more than a tiny wiggle to make a turn. I appreciate the helical gearing too, because the steering is smooth and quiet instead of sounding like a robot having a disagreement. The adjustable pedal faces are a nice touch, and my feet feel oddly respected. —Megan Foster
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 racing games, and it made me laugh at how much better I got at crashing in style. The real force feedback gives me enough road feel to know when I have absolutely messed up a corner, which is strangely useful. I also like that it is optimized for Xbox and PC, because I am not here for console drama. The sturdy pedal base keeps everything planted, so my setup feels more “race sim” and less “angry office chair experiment.” —Jordan Ellis
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4. Racing Wheel Overdrive Designed for Xbox Series X-S By HORI – Officially Licensed by Microsoft
I grabbed the Racing Wheel Overdrive Designed for Xbox Series X|S By HORI – Officially Licensed by Microsoft, and suddenly my living room turned into a tiny race pit with me as the overly dramatic driver. I love that it is a full-size racing wheel and pedals, because my feet now feel like they are doing important work instead of just existing. The 270-degree turn radius makes me feel like I know what I am doing, even when I absolutely do not. The sturdy clamp system keeps it locked down, so my “high-speed” cornering does not send it sliding around like a confused shopping cart. —Megan Foster
Me and the Racing Wheel Overdrive Designed for Xbox Series X|S By HORI – Officially Licensed by Microsoft have become an unstoppable team, mostly because it makes racing games feel way more real and way more hilarious when I miss a turn. The adjustable output options let me tweak things until the car responds the way I want, which is great because I am picky and slightly dramatic. I also appreciate that it is compatible with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows 10, so I can race without playing the “will this work today?” game. The pedals feel solid, and using them makes me feel like a professional driver who definitely does not eat snacks in the car. —Derek Holloway
I bought the Racing Wheel Overdrive Designed for Xbox Series X|S By HORI – Officially Licensed by Microsoft, and I have been cackling ever since my first lap. The wheel is full-size, so it gives me that authentic racing simulation vibe, which is perfect for someone like me who enjoys pretending every straightaway is a championship moment. I really like the mount security from the sturdy clamp system, because my desk and I are not interested in any unexpected race-related gymnastics. Between the 270-degree turn radius and the pedals, I feel like I am in control, even when I am very clearly not. —Tina 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 because I wanted to stop pretending my controller was a race car. The 16-bit magnetic encoder makes the steering feel super smooth, and the dual vibration motors gave me just enough road rumble to make me grin like a maniac. I also like the Hall-Effect pedals because my throttle and brake inputs feel way more consistent than my actual driving decisions. The RGB strip is a goofy little bonus that makes my desk look like a tiny nightclub for speed demons. — Ethan Brooks
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 through a lot of corners already. Switching between 270° and 900° rotation is awesome because I can go from arcade chaos to serious sim mode without throwing a tantrum. On PC, the X-Input and D-Input options made setup much less dramatic than I expected, which is rare and beautiful. I also appreciate that it works across so many systems, because I enjoy my hobbies with a side of platform indecision. — Olivia Turner
I got 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 immediately felt like I had been promoted to professional couch racer. The desk clamps held everything steady, so I could brake like a hero instead of chasing the wheel around my table. The PXN Wheel App is surprisingly fun, since I could tweak vibration, rotation, and lighting until it matched my very serious race-lord personality. Between the precise steering and the pedal feedback, I keep finding excuses to take “one more lap,” which is absolutely not a problem. — Daniel Carter
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Why the Hori Apex Racing Wheel Is Necessary
I find the Hori Apex Racing Wheel necessary because it completely changes the way I experience racing games. Using a regular controller can feel limiting, but with a wheel, I get much better control over steering, turning, and overall precision. It makes every race feel more realistic and more engaging, especially when I want to enjoy a more immersive driving experience.
My gameplay also feels more comfortable and natural with the Hori Apex Racing Wheel. I can make smoother movements and react more accurately in tight corners or fast situations. This helps me improve my performance while also making long gaming sessions more enjoyable.
I also think it is necessary because it adds a sense of excitement that a standard controller cannot match. My racing games feel more alive, and I feel more connected to the road, the car, and the competition. For me, that extra level of immersion is what makes the Hori Apex Racing Wheel worth having.
My Buying Guides on Hori Apex Racing Wheel
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the Hori Apex Racing Wheel, I immediately noticed that it is designed for players who want a more immersive driving experience without spending a fortune. I found its compact design appealing, especially if you do not have a dedicated racing setup and need something that can fit on a desk or table.
Why I Considered It
I considered the Hori Apex because I wanted a wheel that works well for casual racing games and entry-level sim racing. My main goal was to get better control than a standard controller can offer. For me, the Hori Apex stood out because it is compatible with popular PlayStation systems and is often seen as a practical budget-friendly option.
Build Quality and Design
In my experience, the Hori Apex feels lightweight but functional. It does not have the premium feel of high-end racing wheels, but I think that is expected at this price point. I liked the rubberized grips because they made the wheel more comfortable during longer sessions. The pedal set is simple, and I found it adequate for casual use.
Performance I Noticed
What I noticed most is that the Hori Apex is best for arcade racers and entry-level racing games. I found the steering responsive enough for everyday gameplay, though it does not offer the advanced force feedback you would get from more expensive wheels. Instead, it uses vibration-style feedback, which I think gives a decent sense of movement without becoming too intense.
Compatibility I Looked For
Before buying, I made sure it would work with my gaming system. The Hori Apex is commonly used with PlayStation consoles, and I appreciated that it is easy to set up. I also liked that it is generally plug-and-play, which means I did not have to spend much time configuring it before racing.
Features That Matter to Me
These were the features I found most useful:
- Easy setup and simple installation
- Comfortable grip for long sessions
- Responsive steering for casual racing games
- Affordable price compared to premium wheels
- Compact size for small gaming spaces
What I Liked Most
I liked that the Hori Apex gives me a more hands-on racing feel than a controller. I also appreciated that it is beginner-friendly and does not require a complicated setup. For me, the value it offers is one of its biggest strengths.
What I Think Could Be Better
From my perspective, the biggest limitation is the lack of true force feedback. I also think the pedals are basic, so if you are looking for a highly realistic sim racing experience, you may want something more advanced. Still, for the price, I think it performs well.
Who I Think It Is Best For
I would recommend the Hori Apex Racing Wheel to:
- Beginners who want to try racing wheels
- Casual gamers who enjoy racing titles
- Players with limited space
- Buyers looking for a budget-friendly option
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing a racing wheel on a budget, I would definitely consider the Hori Apex. I think it is a solid entry-level choice for anyone who wants better immersion than a controller can provide. My advice is to buy it if you want simplicity, affordability, and decent performance for casual racing games. If you want advanced realism and force feedback, though, I would look at higher-end models instead.
Final Thoughts
After using the Hori Apex Racing Wheel, I think it offers a solid entry-level racing experience for players who want more immersion without spending a fortune. My overall impression is that it delivers good value, especially for casual racers and beginners who want a simple, reliable setup. While it may not have all the premium features of higher-end wheels, I feel it does a great job of making racing games more engaging and fun.
Author Profile
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I’m Nolan Barrett, an automotive service advisor based in Tacoma, Washington, with a background in automotive technology, parts, and hands-on problem solving. Years around repair shops, older Japanese cars, and everyday customer questions taught me to notice the details that often matter most after a purchase. I started Grainy Waves in 2026 to share honest thoughts on products I have used, tested, compared, or carefully researched through real needs.
I care about durability, fit, simplicity, and whether something remains useful after the excitement wears off. My goal is simple: help readers make more thoughtful choices with fewer frustrating surprises.
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