Thrustmaster T248 Racing Wheel + Magnetic Pedals (PS5/PC) Review — A highly capable but flawed entry-level contender that ages gracefully from an overpriced $400 launch into a compelling $250 budget champion

Thrustmaster’s T248 packs solid force feedback, but its paddle shifters are loud enough to wake the neighbors—and possibly the neighbors’ neighbors. If you’re looking to graduate from a controller to your first real sim racing setup, this wheel sits in a strange, noisy middle ground between entry-level plastic and serious enthusiast gear.

What you're actually getting

When you unbox the T248, you’re getting a hybrid belt-and-gear system that feels significantly punchier than the older T150. It’s a massive step up in terms of raw power, delivering about 3.5 Nm of torque. It’s not going to rip your wrists off like a direct-drive base, but it provides enough resistance to actually feel the weight of the car through a corner. The inclusion of the T3PM magnetic pedals is the real highlight here; they are sturdy, reliable, and a world away from the flimsy plastic pedals that usually come bundled with entry-level wheels.

However, the build quality is a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde situation. While the telemetry screen is a genuinely useful addition—giving you real-time data without needing to glance at a secondary monitor—the wheel rim itself feels cheap. As OC Racing bluntly put it, "It's almost like the plastic is there to constantly remind you that this is a toy." You’re stuck with that rim, too. There’s no quick-release system, so if you decide you want a D-shaped rim or a larger diameter wheel down the road, you’re out of luck.

The hybrid drive system is surprisingly quiet, which is great for late-night sessions, but that silence is immediately ruined by the paddle shifters. They are, without exaggeration, the loudest shifters on the market. As OC Racing noted, "These things are so loud that you can even hear them when you have headphones on." If you live in an apartment or share a room with someone, you’re going to hear about it.

Sound — what reviewers actually heard

While we aren't talking about audio fidelity, the "sound" of the T248 is a major part of the user experience. Here is how the performance breaks down:

Where it actually wins

The T248 shines brightest as a "bang for your buck" value proposition, especially now that it’s frequently found on sale near the $250 mark. At that price, you’re getting a complete ecosystem that works out of the box with PS5 and PC. The 25 mappable buttons are a godsend for console players who don't want to reach for their controller to navigate menus or adjust brake bias mid-race.

The force feedback, while not as refined as a high-end direct drive, is a massive improvement over the gear-driven wheels of the past. It’s smooth enough to keep you immersed, and the hybrid system stays remarkably cool even during long endurance sessions. If you’re a beginner who wants to get into iRacing or F1 24 without spending a mortgage payment, this wheel provides the necessary feedback to actually learn car control.

Where it falls short

The biggest strike against the T248 is its lack of modularity. In the sim racing world, the ability to swap out your wheel rim is a rite of passage, and the T248 denies you that entirely. You are locked into the 270mm plastic rim forever. Furthermore, the pedal set—while excellent in feel—lacks a standalone USB connection. You have to plug them into the wheelbase, which limits your ability to mix and match hardware if you decide to upgrade your pedals later.

Then there is the "snap-back" issue. If you’re into drifting or rally games where you need the wheel to return to center rapidly, you’re going to be frustrated. The internal resistance of the hybrid system makes the wheel feel sluggish when you let go, which can lead to over-correction and spinning out. If you’re a dedicated drifter, this wheel is simply not built for your discipline.

Should you buy it?

Buy if you

• Are a beginner looking for your first force-feedback wheel.
• Primarily play circuit racing games (F1, GT7) where the telemetry screen adds value.
• Can find it on sale for around $250.
• Use noise-canceling headphones that can drown out the click of the shifters.

Skip if you

• Are a dedicated drifter who needs fast wheel rotation.
• Want an upgrade path to swap out rims or pedals later.
• Share a room with others who will be driven insane by the sound of your gear shifts.

The T248 is a feature-rich beginner wheel that shines at its discounted price, but its toy-like plastic build and deafening paddle shifters hold it back.

Sources consulted

• OC Racing — The Thrustmaster T248 is Good. But is it Worth $400?! (Review)
• OC Racing — 5 Things to Know Before Buying the Thrustmaster T248 | Beginners Sim Racing Wheel
• aarava — NEW AFFORDABLE RACING WHEEL SETUP - Thrustmaster T248 Preview
• OC Racing — Is the Thrustmaster T248 Still Worth It in 2025? (Honest Review)

Synthesis combines independent reviews above. Verdicts and quotes attributed to original creators. Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases via Amazon links.