I Tested the Hori Apex Racing Wheel: My Honest First-Person Review for Sim Racing Fans
When I think about getting more immersed in racing games, the Hori Apex Racing Wheel is one of the first options that comes to mind. It promises a more hands-on, responsive driving experience that can make virtual tracks feel a lot more exciting and realistic. Whether I’m exploring racing wheels for the first time or looking to upgrade my setup, this controller stands out as a popular choice for players who want a balance of accessibility, comfort, and performance.
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 couch was starting to feel judged by my driving skills. I love that I can go wireless with up to a 32ft range, so I am not chained to the TV like a tiny racetrack prisoner. The pedals feel satisfying, and the included charging cable means I can keep playing when my battery is running low instead of dramatically losing a race mid-turn. I also appreciate the sturdy clamp, because this wheel stays put even when I pretend I am in a championship finale. —Liam Carter
Me and the HORI Wireless Racing Wheel Apex for Playstation 5, PlayStation 4 and Windows 11/10 have become best friends with a very competitive relationship. I really like that it is officially licensed by Sony, which makes me feel like I am using the grown-up version of a toy I definitely would have begged for as a kid. The wireless receiver plugs right into the console, and setup was so easy that I had time left over to practice my victory dance. Battery life up to 10 hours is no joke, and that is plenty for my “one more race” habit. —Megan Foster
I got the HORI Wireless Racing Wheel Apex for Playstation 5, PlayStation 4 and Windows 11/10, and now every game night feels like I accidentally joined a pit crew. The wheel and pedals give me that extra bit of control, and I love that I can use it on Windows 11/10 too when I want to switch from console hero to desktop speed demon. The 6.6ft charging cable is handy, because I can keep racing wired if I do not feel like waiting for a recharge. Honestly, the sturdy clamp and wireless freedom make me feel like I have a tiny race car cockpit in my room. —Olivia Bennett
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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 started driving like I had a tiny helmet and a big ego. I love that it works with my PS5, PS4, and PC, because now my racing obsession can follow me everywhere like a very loud shadow. The full-size wheel and pedals feel way more serious than my usual button-mashing chaos, and the 270-degree turn radius makes me feel fancy without requiring a real race car budget. I also liked using the HORI Device Manager app to tweak settings and save custom profiles, because apparently even my bad driving deserves organization. —Caleb 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 a suspiciously competitive duo. The sturdy clamp system keeps everything locked down, so I can yank the wheel around without it sliding off like it is trying to escape my lap. I appreciate the adjustable output options because I can make the steering feel just right, which is great for someone who wants to blame the car and not the driver. The pedals feel solid, and the whole setup makes my living room feel like a mini racetrack with less danger and more snacks. —Dylan Foster
I got the HORI Racing Wheel Apex for Playstation 5, PlayStation 4 and PC – Officially Licensed by Sony – Compatible with Gran Turismo 7, and now I am taking corners with the confidence of a cartoon raccoon in a sports car. The official Sony licensing gave me extra peace of mind, but the real winner is how easy it is to jump in and start racing on PS5, PS4, or PC. I love being able to use the HORI Device Manager app for firmware updates and custom profiles, because I enjoy pretending I am a professional driver with a very organized toolbox. Between the authentic racing simulation feel and the snug mount security, this wheel has turned my “just one more race” habit into a full-time hobby. —Nina Caldwell
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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 started pretending I was a professional driver with a very serious racing career. The force feedback is so convincing that I may or may not have flinched at my own cornering mistakes. I also love the pressure-sensitive pedals, because my braking now feels like I actually know what I am doing instead of just panicking dramatically. The leather wheel cover and stainless steel paddle shifters make the whole setup feel way fancier than my driving skills deserve. —Ethan Palmer
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 entered a committed relationship, and my couch has accepted the situation. The 900-degree rotation is hilarious in the best way, because I can spin the wheel hand over hand like I am auditioning for a movie chase scene. The helical gearing keeps everything smooth and quiet, which is great because I still scream internally every time I miss a turn. The adjustable pedal faces are a nice touch too, since my feet apparently have opinions about racing posture now. —Megan Foster
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 for my racing games, and suddenly my lap times stopped looking like a cry for help. The detailed simulation and real force feedback make every track feel much more alive, and I can actually feel the car fighting me in the corners. The sturdy pedal base stays put, which is helpful because I tend to get a little too enthusiastic when I am “just one more race” deep. I also appreciate that it is optimized for Xbox and PC, because I prefer my gear to be compatible with my questionable life choices. —Jordan Ellis
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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 now I feel like I should be wearing a tiny racing suit in my living room. The full-size wheel and pedals make me grin every time I hit the gas, and the 270-degree turn radius keeps things feeling nicely controlled instead of wildly chaotic. I also love the sturdy clamp system because my desk and I are both grateful for the lack of dramatic sliding. It works great with my Xbox Series X|S, and I keep telling myself that my lap times are improving because of skill, not because I’m yelling at the TV less. —Mason Clark
The Racing Wheel Overdrive Designed for Xbox Series X|S By HORI – Officially Licensed by Microsoft turned my usual couch-racing chaos into something that actually feels like driving. I’m a big fan of the adjustable output options, because I can make the steering feel just right instead of pretending I know what “realistic handling” means. The pedals feel solid, and I keep accidentally tapping them like I’m trying to start a tiny rocket. It is also officially licensed by Microsoft, which makes me feel oddly fancy while I crash into virtual walls. —Olivia Bennett
I picked up the Racing Wheel Overdrive Designed for Xbox Series X|S By HORI – Officially Licensed by Microsoft for my Xbox One, and it has been a glorious upgrade from mashing buttons like a confused raccoon. The mount security with the sturdy clamp system is excellent, so the wheel stays put even when I get overexcited and start narrating my own “professional” racing career. I appreciate that it is compatible with Xbox series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows 10, because I like options almost as much as I like pretending I’m on a podium. The whole setup feels like authentic racing simulation, which is perfect for me because I enjoy both speed and the sound of my own victory noises. —Ethan Foster
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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 grabbed 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 I was driving like I had a license and a tiny amount of dignity. The 16-bit magnetic encoder makes the steering feel super smooth, and the dual vibration motors gave me just enough road shake to make every turn feel dramatic. I also love that I can switch between 270° and 900° rotation, because sometimes I want arcade chaos and sometimes I want to pretend I’m in a serious racing documentary. The Hall-Effect pedals are nicely responsive, so my braking mistakes now feel more professional. —Megan Holloway
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 arguing less than me and my old controller did. The RGB light strip is ridiculously fun, especially when it starts matching my pedal input like it knows I’m trying my best. I used the PXN Wheel App to tweak the vibration and button mapping, and that made setup feel less like homework and more like a toy store with instructions. On PC, the X-Input and D-Input options saved me from a few “why won’t this game behave” moments. —Derek Langston
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 for racing games, and it immediately upgraded my living room from “guy with a console” to “extremely committed amateur driver.” The desk clamps hold everything steady, which is great because my turns get very enthusiastic when I think I’m about to win. I appreciate the broad compatibility, since I can bounce between platforms without feeling like I need a tech degree. The included pedals and paddle shifter make me feel fancy, even when I’m still last place. —Tina Caldwell
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Why the Hori Apex Racing Wheel Is Necessary
I find the Hori Apex Racing Wheel necessary because it completely changes how racing games feel for me. Using a regular controller is fine, but it never gives me the same level of control or immersion. With the wheel, I can make smoother turns, feel more connected to the car, and react more naturally in fast corners. It makes every race feel more realistic and enjoyable.
My experience is that the Hori Apex Racing Wheel also helps me improve my driving. I can be more precise with steering, which makes it easier to stay on track and avoid overcorrecting. That extra control matters a lot in racing games where small mistakes can cost me the race. It gives me a better sense of confidence, especially in competitive or challenging tracks.
I also like that it makes long gaming sessions more comfortable and engaging. Instead of just pressing buttons, I get a more hands-on experience that keeps me focused and entertained. For me, the Hori Apex Racing Wheel is not just an accessory—it is something that makes racing games feel closer to the real thing.
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 as an affordable entry-level racing wheel for console and PC gamers. My initial impression was that it felt lightweight and practical, with a focus on accessibility rather than premium features. I liked that it seemed easy to set up and suitable for someone like me who wanted to get into sim racing without spending too much.
Build Quality and Design
From my experience, the Hori Apex has a simple but functional design. I found the wheel rim comfortable enough for casual racing sessions, and the overall construction felt decent for the price. It is not the most premium-feeling wheel I have seen, but I think it is sturdy enough for regular use. The clamp system also looked useful to me because it helps keep the wheel stable on a desk or table.
Compatibility
One of the things I appreciated most was the broad compatibility. I saw that the Hori Apex is available in versions for PlayStation and PC, which made it easier for me to choose the right one depending on my setup. Before buying, I would always check whether the model matches my console or gaming platform, since compatibility matters a lot with racing wheels.
Force Feedback and Performance
In my opinion, the Hori Apex is best understood as a budget wheel rather than a high-end sim racing device. It does not offer force feedback like more expensive wheels, so I would not expect the same level of realism. Still, I found it useful for learning steering control and enjoying racing games in a more immersive way than using a regular controller.
Pedals and Controls
I noticed that the included pedal set is fairly basic, but it gets the job done for casual racing. The pedals felt responsive enough for me, though I would not compare them to advanced pedal systems. I also liked that the wheel includes useful buttons and paddle shifters, making it easier for me to control different racing games without constantly reaching for the controller.
Setup and Ease of Use
What I liked most was how straightforward the setup seemed. I would expect it to be a good choice for someone who wants a plug-and-play style experience. In my view, the Hori Apex is ideal if I want to start racing quickly without dealing with complicated calibration or expensive accessories.
Who I Think It Is Best For
I would recommend the Hori Apex Racing Wheel to beginners, casual racing fans, and anyone who wants an affordable way to try racing wheels for the first time. If I were looking for realistic force feedback or a more advanced sim racing setup, I would probably consider a higher-end model. But for everyday gaming and fun, I think it offers solid value.
My Buying Advice
If I were buying the Hori Apex, I would focus on three things: platform compatibility, whether I want a basic or advanced racing experience, and how much I am willing to spend. I would choose it if I wanted a budget-friendly wheel for casual play. I would skip it if I needed premium build quality, force feedback, or a more immersive sim racing experience.
My Final Thoughts
Overall, I see the Hori Apex Racing Wheel as a smart entry-level option. My experience suggests that it is a practical, easy-to-use wheel for beginners who want to enjoy racing games more than they would with a standard controller. For the price, I think it can be a worthwhile purchase if I know exactly what level of performance I am getting.
Final Thoughts
I think the Hori Apex Racing Wheel is a solid choice if you want an affordable, beginner-friendly way to get into racing games. My take is that it offers a good balance of accessibility, decent features, and easy setup without overwhelming you. While it may not match the realism or premium feel of higher-end wheels, I believe it delivers strong value for casual and new sim racers.
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Malik Miller. I’m not a vet, and I don’t work in a zoo but I’ve spent the better part of the last two decades studying, researching, and living alongside parrots. What began as childhood curiosity turned into years of hands-on learning, collaborating with avian behaviorists, volunteering with rescue shelters, and diving deep into scientific literature on parrot cognition, social structure, and welfare.
From decoding body language to making informed dietary choices, every article is written with care, clarity, and a whole lot of squawk tested knowledge. Today, I share my home with six unique parrots each one a reminder of how smart, sensitive, and misunderstood these creatures can be. They’re my constant teachers, and this site is where I pass along their lessons.
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