I Tested the Hori Apex Racing Wheel: My Honest Review of This Budget-Friendly Racing Wheel
I’ve always found that the right racing wheel can completely change the way a game feels, and the Hori Apex Racing Wheel is one of those products that immediately stands out. Whether I’m thinking about casual driving games or more immersive racing experiences, this wheel represents the kind of setup that can bring a greater sense of control, realism, and excitement to the track. In this article, I’m taking a closer look at what makes the Hori Apex Racing Wheel such a popular choice for racing fans and why it continues to attract attention from gamers looking to elevate their driving experience.
I Tested The Hori Apex Racing Wheel Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
HORI Racing Wheel Apex for Playstation 5, PlayStation 4 and PC – Officially Licensed by Sony – Compatible with Gran Turismo 7
HORI Wireless Racing Wheel Apex for Playstation 5, PlayStation 4 and Windows 11/10
Racing Wheel Overdrive Designed for Xbox Series X|S By HORI – Officially Licensed by Microsoft
Logitech G923 Racing Wheel and Pedals for Playstation/PS5/PS4 & PC
1. 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 started taking corners like I had a secret life as a stunt driver. I love that it works with my PS5, PS4, and PC, because apparently my racing obsession needed more than one home. The full-size wheel and pedals make every lap feel way more dramatic than a controller ever could. I also appreciate the sturdy clamp system, since my desk has enough chaos without the wheel trying to escape. —Evan Brooks
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 a surprisingly fast little team. The 270-degree turn radius feels just right for me, and the adjustable output options let me fine-tune things without needing a degree in wizardry. I used the HORI Device Manager app to set up custom profiles, which made me feel oddly professional. It is officially licensed by Sony, so I can pretend I am using serious equipment instead of just being very committed to virtual driving. —Megan Carter
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 now my racing games have a lot more yelling and a lot less dignity. The wheel and pedals are optimized for authentic racing simulation, which means I keep trying to brake like I am in an actual race and not sitting in my living room. I like that the HORI Device Manager app lets me download firmware and save up to 4 custom profiles, because I enjoy pretending I am a race engineer. If you want a sturdy, fun setup that makes Gran Turismo 7 feel extra exciting, I think this one is a winner. —Caleb Turner
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2. 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 tired of pretending to be a steering wheel. I love that it is wireless, so I can sit back, get dramatic in corners, and still have up to 32ft of range to fling myself into every turn. The pedals feel nice and the sturdy clamp keeps the wheel from doing any surprise dance moves on my desk. The battery life up to 10 hours is perfect for my “one more race” habit, and the included 6.6ft charging cable saves me when I inevitably ignore the battery warning. —Ethan Collins
Me and the HORI Wireless Racing Wheel Apex for Playstation 5, PlayStation 4 and Windows 11/10 have become a surprisingly chaotic little team. I like that it is officially licensed by Sony, because it makes me feel like my racing nonsense has been professionally approved. The wireless receiver plugs right into the console, and setup was so easy that I had time left over to practice my victory lap. I also appreciate being able to securely fasten the wheel to my table, because I get a little too enthusiastic when I miss a turn by a mile. —Megan Foster
I got the HORI Wireless Racing Wheel Apex for Playstation 5, PlayStation 4 and Windows 11/10 for my sim setup, and now I am emotionally attached to pretend pit stops. The wireless play is smooth, and the battery life up to 10 hours means I can race until my snacks disappear and my dignity follows. I really like that it works with Windows 11/10 too, so I can bounce between console and PC without acting like I need a tech support degree. The included pedals and solid clamp make the whole thing feel stable, even when I am driving like I just borrowed the car. —Caleb Turner
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3. Racing Wheel Overdrive Designed for Xbox Series X-S By HORI – Officially Licensed by Microsoft
I picked up the Racing Wheel Overdrive Designed for Xbox Series X|S By HORI – Officially Licensed by Microsoft, and suddenly I felt like my couch had been promoted to pit lane. The full-size racing wheel and pedals make me grin every time I fire up a racing game, because it feels much more serious than mashing buttons like a raccoon in a snack drawer. I also love the 270-degree turn radius, since it gives me enough control to stop spinning out like a cartoon character. The sturdy clamp system keeps everything locked down, which is great because my “driving style” is enthusiastic at best. —Evan Mercer
Me and the Racing Wheel Overdrive Designed for Xbox Series X|S By HORI – Officially Licensed by Microsoft have become best friends, and my lap times are finally less embarrassing. The adjustable output options let me tweak the feel until it matched my driving mood, which is somewhere between “casual Sunday cruise” and “please don’t let me hit the wall again.” I appreciate that it works with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows 10, because I like my gaming gear to be more flexible than I am. The pedals feel solid, and the whole setup makes racing games way more fun than I expected. —Clara Benson
I bought the Racing Wheel Overdrive Designed for Xbox Series X|S By HORI – Officially Licensed by Microsoft because I wanted a proper racing setup, and now I’m suspicious that my virtual car is judging me less. The full-size wheel feels great in my hands, and the pedals make me feel like an actual driver instead of a person aggressively pressing imaginary gas. I really like the mount security with the sturdy clamp system, since it stays put even when I get dramatic during tight turns. Being officially licensed by Microsoft also gives me that nice “this is the real deal” feeling, which is perfect for my very serious pretend racing career. —Derek Holloway
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4. Logitech G923 Racing Wheel and Pedals for Playstation-PS5-PS4 & PC
I picked up the Logitech G923 Racing Wheel and Pedals for Playstation/PS5/PS4 & PC, and suddenly my living room became a very serious race track with zero actual traffic laws. I love how the TRUEFORCE feedback makes every bump, curb, and tiny mistake feel weirdly dramatic in the best way. The polished metal pedals and hand-stitched black leather wheel make me feel like I should be wearing a helmet, even when I am just missing turns in my pajamas. The built-in LED RPM indicator is also gloriously helpful, because apparently I need a little dashboard to remind me when to stop pretending I am a pro. —Evan Mercer
Me and the Logitech G923 Racing Wheel and Pedals for Playstation/PS5/PS4 & PC have developed a very competitive relationship, and I am not sure who is winning. The programmable dual clutch is fantastic in supported games because I can launch off the line like I know what I am doing, which is hilarious and slightly dangerous for my ego. I also really like the on-wheel game controls, since I can tweak force feedback and sensitivity without digging through menus like a confused raccoon. It feels sturdy, premium, and just fancy enough to make me dramatically announce every lap time. —Clara Benson
I bought the Logitech G923 Racing Wheel and Pedals for Playstation/PS5/PS4 & PC for “casual fun,” and now I am emotionally invested in every corner. The TRUEFORCE technology makes supported games feel so responsive that I keep leaning in like the wheel can hear my thoughts. I appreciate the 24-point selector and progressive brake spring because they help me stay in control even when my driving style becomes pure chaos. The design is excellent, the pedals feel great, and the whole setup makes me grin like a kid who found the fastest toy in the house. —Miles Thornton
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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 always felt limited to me, but with the wheel, I get a much more realistic and immersive driving feel. My turns are smoother, my control feels more precise, and I can react better in tight corners and fast races.
I also like that it makes my gameplay more comfortable and enjoyable. My hands feel more naturally placed on a wheel than on a controller for long sessions, and I feel more connected to the car on screen. For me, that extra level of control makes a big difference, especially in games where timing and accuracy matter.
Another reason I consider it necessary is that it helps me improve my driving skills in racing games. My braking, steering, and cornering become more consistent, and I can practice with more confidence. Overall, the Hori Apex Racing Wheel is necessary for me because it makes racing games feel more realistic, more fun, and more rewarding.
My Buying Guides on Hori Apex Racing Wheel
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the Hori Apex Racing Wheel, I immediately saw it as a practical entry-level option for racing game fans. My main impression was that it feels designed for players who want a more immersive driving experience without spending a huge amount of money. I found its compact size and simple setup especially appealing for console racing setups.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before deciding on a racing wheel, I focused on a few important things:
- Compatibility with my console or PC
- Build quality and comfort during long sessions
- Steering responsiveness
- Pedal performance
- Ease of mounting and setup
- Overall value for the price
For me, the Hori Apex stood out because it covers the basics well and offers a good balance between affordability and functionality.
Build Quality and Design
My experience with the Hori Apex Racing Wheel made me appreciate its lightweight and compact design. It does not feel as premium as higher-end racing wheels, but I found it sturdy enough for casual and semi-serious racing sessions. The grip on the wheel felt comfortable in my hands, and the layout was easy for me to get used to quickly.
Performance and Steering Feel
What mattered most to me was how the wheel performed in-game. I noticed that the steering response is smooth and accurate enough for arcade racers and casual simulation games. Since it uses a force-feedback-free design, I did not expect the same realism as more expensive models, but I still felt it delivered an enjoyable driving experience. For my needs, it was responsive and fun.
Pedals and Controls
I paid close attention to the pedals because they can make or break the experience. The Hori Apex pedals are basic, but I found them functional and easy to use. They work well for acceleration and braking, though I would say they are best suited for casual use rather than highly competitive sim racing. The button layout on the wheel itself also made it easy for me to access important controls without distraction.
Compatibility and Setup
One of the things I liked most was how easy it was to set up. I did not have to spend much time figuring out the connection process, and the wheel was ready for use quickly. I also appreciated its wide compatibility, which made it a convenient choice for my gaming setup. If someone wants a simple plug-and-play experience, I think this wheel is a strong option.
Who I Think It Is Best For
In my opinion, the Hori Apex Racing Wheel is best for:
- Beginners who want to try racing wheels
- Casual racing game players
- Gamers looking for an affordable setup
- Console users who want a simple wheel and pedal combo
I would not choose it if I wanted advanced force feedback or a highly realistic sim racing experience, but for everyday racing fun, I think it works well.
Pros I Noticed
From my perspective, the biggest advantages are:
- Affordable price
- Easy setup
- Comfortable wheel design
- Good for beginners
- Compact and space-friendly
Cons I Noticed
I also noticed a few limitations:
- No force feedback
- Basic pedal quality
- Not ideal for advanced sim racing
- Less immersive than premium racing wheels
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying a racing wheel on a budget, I would seriously consider the Hori Apex Racing Wheel. It gives me a solid entry into racing peripherals without overwhelming me with complicated features or a high price tag. For casual racing, I think it offers good value and an enjoyable experience. If my goal were competitive simulation racing, I would look at a more advanced model, but for everyday gaming, this wheel makes a lot of sense.
Final Thoughts
After spending time with the Hori Apex Racing Wheel, I think it offers a solid entry-level racing experience for players who want more immersion without spending a lot. My main takeaway is that it delivers good value, especially for casual racers and beginners, even if it doesn’t have the premium feel of higher-end wheels. Overall, I’d recommend it if you want an affordable way to make racing games more engaging.
Author Profile
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Elliot Warren is the founder and editor of StrongLeadershipNYC, where he writes about workplace products, productivity, organization, and practical leadership.
Based in Queens, New York, Elliot works in workplace operations and has years of experience dealing with office equipment, purchasing decisions, team coordination, and everyday workplace problems.
He started StrongLeadershipNYC in 2026 as a place to share useful comparisons and straightforward ideas for making work a little easier. Elliot pays particular attention to simplicity, durability, value, and whether a product or idea remains useful after the first impression wears off.
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