Top 5 Formula Steering Wheels Under $600 in 2025
Formula-style steering wheels bring the cockpit of an F1 or prototype race car to your sim rig. With their compact diameter, abundant buttons, and racing-inspired design, they're perfect for open-wheel and prototype racing. But do you really need to spend $1,000+ for a quality formula wheel? Absolutely not.
We've tested and ranked the best formula steering wheels under $600 for 2025, proving that premium features don't require a premium price tag.
What Makes a Great Formula Steering Wheel?
Before diving into our top picks, here's what separates good formula wheels from great ones:
- Button Count: Minimum 15-20 buttons for managing complex race cars
- Rotary Encoders: Essential for adjusting brake bias, TC, and other parameters on the fly
- Build Quality: Carbon fiber or aluminum construction for rigidity and low weight
- Paddle Shifters: Magnetic or Hall effect sensors for instant, crisp shifts
- Quick Release: Tool-free wheel swaps for multi-discipline racing
- Grip Material: Carbon fiber, alcantara, or silicone for comfort and durability
- Diameter: 280-300mm for authentic F1/prototype feel
Top 5 Formula Steering Wheels Under $600
1. Simagic FX Formula Wheel - $322.99
Best Overall Value
The Simagic FX is our top pick for good reason. At $322.99, it delivers exceptional value with premium features:
- 290mm diameter—perfect for open-wheel racing
- Carbon fiber construction with soft-touch silicone grips
- S-ray RGB lighting strip (fully customizable)
- Dual clutch paddles plus Hall effect shifter module for precise shifts
- Simagic QR50 quick release included
- 1,500g weight—light enough to avoid fatigue
- USB 3.0 connectivity for low latency
The FX's silicone grip feels incredible during long stints, and the button layout is intuitive for managing complex modern F1 or LMP cars. Build quality rivals wheels costing twice as much.
Best for: Serious formula racers wanting premium quality without the premium price.
2. Simagic FX Pro Formula Wheel - $549.00
Best Premium Option Under $600
If you have a bit more budget, the Simagic FX Pro takes everything great about the FX and elevates it:
- 290mm carbon fiber construction
- ~1,700g weight for more premium feel
- Sumo S-ray RGB light strip (enhanced customization)
- 6 total paddle shifters—standard plus Hall effect modules
- Enhanced button quality and tactile feedback
- Professional-grade electronics
The extra shifter paddles allow advanced functions like dual-clutch launch control or customizable multi-function triggers. It's the go-to choice for serious iRacing and ACC competitors.
Best for: Competitive racers who want the best formula wheel under $600.
3. Simagic GT Neo - $269.00
Best for Multi-Discipline Racing
While technically a GT-style wheel, the Simagic GT Neo works brilliantly for formula cars and costs just $269. Here's why it made our list:
- Versatile design works for formula, GT, and prototype racing
- Modern button layout with rotary encoders
- Fully customizable RGB lighting
- Hall effect paddle shifters for crisp shifts
- Compatible with Simagic and third-party wheelbases
- Excellent value at under $270
If you race both open-wheel and GT cars, the GT Neo provides the best of both worlds without needing multiple wheels.
Best for: Racers who want one wheel for formula and GT disciplines.
4. Moza Racing KS Steering Wheel - $229.00
Best Budget Option
The Moza Racing KS proves you don't need to spend $500+ for a quality formula-style wheel. At just $229, it offers:
- Clean, functional button layout
- Quality Moza construction and materials
- Moza quick release compatibility
- Works with all Moza bases and third-party bases via hub
- Excellent software integration with Moza ecosystem
While it lacks RGB bling and premium carbon fiber, the KS focuses on what matters: reliable performance and ergonomic design. Perfect for racers on a budget who want authentic formula feel.
Best for: Budget-conscious racers upgrading from round wheels.
5. Aero Sim Racing Steering Wheel - $65.00
Best Ultra-Budget Entry
For beginners testing formula-style wheels, the Aero Sim Racing Steering Wheel at just $65 provides an affordable entry point. While lacking the features and build quality of more expensive options, it's perfect for discovering if you prefer formula or GT wheel shapes before committing serious budget.
Best for: Absolute beginners wanting to try formula wheels affordably.
What About GT-Style Wheels for Formula Racing?
Many formula racers also consider GT-style wheels. Here are two excellent alternatives:
- Simagic GTS ($259.99) - Modern GT design that works well for formula
- Simagic GT Pro R ($331.99) - Premium GT option with formula-friendly button layout
Pairing Your Formula Wheel with the Right Wheelbase
Formula wheels work best with responsive wheelbases. We recommend:
- Budget: Moza R9 V3 ($299)
- Mid-Range: Moza R12 V2 ($429) or Simagic Alpha 15Nm ($649)
- High-Performance: Simagic Alpha EVO Pro 18Nm ($699)
The Verdict
You don't need to spend $1,000+ for a premium formula steering wheel. The Simagic FX at $322.99 delivers exceptional value with professional-grade features, while the FX Pro at $549 represents the pinnacle of sub-$600 formula wheels.
For tighter budgets, the Moza KS ($229) focuses on performance over flashy features, making it perfect for serious racers who prioritize function over form.
Explore more steering wheels in our complete sim racing steering wheels catalog.