Thrustmaster T248 Review (2025): Best PS5 & PC Racing Wheel?
If you’re upgrading from a controller and want a real sim racing experience without jumping into expensive direct-drive setups, the Thrustmaster T248 is one of the most talked-about options in its class. But does its hybrid force feedback, built-in telemetry screen, and magnetic shifters actually live up to the hype in 2025—or is it just clever marketing?
| 8.5/10 Verdict | The Thrustmaster T248 remains one of the most well-rounded sim racing bundles in its price class. Its unique hybrid force feedback, built-in telemetry screen, and magnetic paddle shifters make it stand out from the competition — even in 2025. Best suited for PS4/PS5 and PC players stepping up from a gamepad. |
| Pro Tip If you’re on Xbox, look for the T248X variant — the hardware is identical but it carries official Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One licensing. |
Overview
Released in October 2021, the Thrustmaster T248 has earned a reputation as one of the most feature-packed entry-to-mid-range racing wheels available. For console sim racers — particularly those on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC — it represents a significant step up from pad gaming without requiring a multi-thousand-dollar sim rig investment.
It sits directly in the sights of the Logitech G923 and targets racers who want a wheel bundle (wheelbase + steering wheel + pedals) in the $200–$300 price range. In 2025, with the updated T248R now available, the original T248 can often be found at reduced prices — making it an even sharper value proposition.
Thrustmaster T248 Full Specifications
| Released | October 21, 2021 |
| Platforms | PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC (T248X for Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One) |
| Force Feedback | Hybrid Drive — combined belt and gear mechanism |
| Torque Output | ~3.5 Nm (Thrustmaster unconfirmed; community tested) |
| Rotation Range | Adjustable 270° to 1080° |
| Paddle Shifters | H.E.A.R.T magnetic technology — 30 ms response time |
| Display | Built-in interactive LCD — 20+ telemetry screens |
| Action Buttons | 25+ physical buttons / encoders on wheel |
| Pedal Set Included | T3PM 3-pedal set with 4 brake pressure modes + magnetic sensors |
| Wheel Diameter | Approx. 28 cm |
| Wheel Grip | Leather-wrapped outer rim |
| Connection | USB Type-C to USB Type-A cable (detachable) |
| Mounting | Table clamp included (rig/cockpit compatible) |
| Weight | ~3.9 kg (wheel + base) |
| FF Presets | 3 on-the-fly switchable presets (Normal, Enhanced, Boosted) |
| Successor | T248R (released September 17, 2025) — updated LCD, 3.1 Nm, faux-leather rim |
Design & Build Quality
The T248 has a modern, purposeful aesthetic. The steering wheel is circular rather than the flat-bottom D-shape common to higher-end rigs, which makes it a good fit across racing genres — F1, GT, rally, and open-world driving games alike.
The outer rim is leather-wrapped, giving grip and a degree of premium feel. The centre hub and internal chassis are primarily high-impact polymer — workmanlike rather than luxurious. The Logitech G923’s soft-touch perforated leather grip has an edge in tactile finish, but the T248 holds its own at its price point.
The wheel clamps securely to a desk edge via the included table clamp. It’s stable enough for moderate force feedback loads, though serious racers will eventually want a dedicated cockpit. Wheel rigs compatible with Thrustmaster attachment points — such as Playseat or Next Level Racing stands — are fully supported.
| Industry Insight The T248 deliberately uses a circular wheel design rather than a flat-bottom cut. This versatility means one wheel works equally well in an F1-style cockpit and a GT-style racing game — a smart choice for beginners unsure which category they’ll prefer. |
Force Feedback: How Does It Feel?
The Hybrid Drive System Explained
The T248 uses Thrustmaster’s Hybrid Drive system — a combination of belt-driven and gear-driven mechanisms. Pure gear-driven wheels (like the Logitech G29) deliver strong but sometimes ‘notchy’ feedback. Pure belt wheels (like the T300 RS) are smoother but cost more. The Hybrid Drive splits the difference: a belt smooths out the rawer gear vibrations while the gear component maintains responsiveness and torque.
In practice, the result is a wheel that feels fluid in light steering inputs, with feedback becoming notably stronger through corners and over kerbs. You’ll feel understeer, oversteer, and surface texture — the essentials of sim racing immersion — without the mechanical graininess of lower-end gear-only wheels.
Three Force Feedback Presets
Three switchable profiles can be toggled directly on the wheel without entering menus:
- FFB 1 — Standard: Proportional feedback directly from the game physics engine.
- FFB 2 — Enhanced: Amplifies skid and surface signals for sharper slide warnings.
- FFB 3 — Boosted: Maximum intensity — every kerb, pit lane bump, and rumble strip is felt clearly.
Being able to switch profiles mid-session is genuinely useful. Fast tracks favour FFB 1 for precision; bumpy street circuits benefit from FFB 3’s heightened sensitivity.
| Watch Out The T248’s hybrid system, while improved over the T150, isn’t quite as smooth as the all-belt T300 RS GT. If buttery-smooth rotation is your priority and budget allows, the T300 RS is a step up — but costs significantly more. |
The Built-In Telemetry Display
The T248’s defining visual feature is its centre-mounted LCD display. This screen cycles through 20+ configurable readouts, covering:
- Gear position and RPM bar (doubles as a rev limiter indicator)
- Lap time, best lap time, and sector times (in supported titles)
- Speed (km/h or mph)
- Force feedback type and intensity currently active
- Wheel rotation angle setting
- Current tyre data in select games
Game support for the live telemetry data varies. Titles with full integration include Gran Turismo 7, F1 series games, Project CARS 2, and Assetto Corsa Competizione. In unsupported games, the display shows static settings and wheel configuration — still useful but less immersive.
Critics who call the screen ‘gimmicky’ miss the point: in a properly integrated game, glancing at your rev bar without lifting your eyes from the road genuinely improves lap consistency. It’s a feature that punches above the T248’s price tier.
Magnetic Paddle Shifters (H.E.A.R.T Technology)
Thrustmaster’s H.E.A.R.T (Hall Effect AccuRate Technology) magnetic paddle shifters are one of the T248’s standout features. Traditional mechanical shifters rely on physical contact points that wear over time. Magnetic shifters use contactless Hall Effect sensors, resulting in:
- 30 ms actuation response time — fast enough to make heel-toe downshifts feel natural
- No mechanical wear — rated for millions of actuations
- Crisp, tactile click with defined travel
In daily use, these paddles are genuinely excellent. They’re among the most responsive at this price tier, and the lack of mechanical degradation is a meaningful long-term advantage over rivals using conventional mechanisms.
T3PM Pedal Set — A Genuine Upgrade
Thrustmaster bundles the T3PM three-pedal set with the T248 — and it’s a significant step up from the two-pedal sets that previously accompanied budget Thrustmaster wheels.
- Three pedals: throttle, brake, and clutch
- Magnetic sensors on all three pedals for contactless precision
- Four adjustable brake resistance modes (soft to firm)
- Heel rest adjustable front-to-back
- Pedal cap positions adjustable left-to-right
The adjustable brake resistance is the headline feature. Setting it to the firmest mode creates meaningful muscle memory for threshold braking — something a soft, travel-heavy brake simply can’t train. For absolute sim accuracy, a standalone load-cell pedal set remains the gold standard, but the T3PM is honest and capable for its tier.
| Watch Out The T3PM pedals connect via a Mini-DIN connector to the T248 wheelbase — they are NOT USB standalone. You cannot use them independently with another wheelbase. If you plan to upgrade wheels in future, factor in replacement pedal costs. |
Compatibility: What Can You Play?
Console Compatibility
The PlayStation version (T248) is officially licensed for PS5 and PS4. The Xbox version (T248X) carries official licensing for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. Both variants are fully compatible with PC via USB.
Supported Racing Games (Selection)
| Game | PS5 | PS4 | PC | Telemetry Display |
| Gran Turismo 7 | ✓ | ✓ | – | Full |
| F1 24 / F1 25 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Full |
| Assetto Corsa Competizione | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Full |
| Project CARS 2 / 3 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Full |
| WRC | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Partial |
| Dirt Rally 2.0 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Partial |
| iRacing | – | – | ✓ | Game-dependent |
| Forza Motorsport (Xbox) | – | – | ✓ | T248X only |
| Farming / Truck sims | ✓* | ✓* | ✓* | None |
*Some simulation titles offer partial compatibility — wheel steering works but force feedback may be limited. Check Thrustmaster’s official compatibility list for the most current game support details.
Pros & Cons at a Glance
| PROS | CONS |
| ✓ Hybrid Drive FFB — smoother than pure-gear competitors | ✗ Hybrid FFB less smooth than all-belt T300 RS |
| ✓ Built-in telemetry LCD — unique in its price class | ✗ Pedals are not USB-independent (wheelbase only) |
| ✓ Magnetic H.E.A.R.T paddle shifters with 30 ms response | ✗ Wheel rim feel less premium than Logitech G923’s leather |
| ✓ T3PM 3-pedal set with adjustable brake resistance | ✗ Telemetry display limited in unsupported games |
| ✓ 3 switchable FFB presets — no software required | ✗ Plastic construction shows age vs newer rivals |
| ✓ Officially licensed for PS5, PS4, and Xbox (T248X) | ✗ Non-detachable steering wheel (no quick-release upgrade path) |
| ✓ 1080° adjustable rotation range | ✗ Slightly higher noise level than pure-belt systems |
| ✓ Competitive pricing — often on sale below MSRP | ✗ T248R successor released Sept 2025 — check pricing before buying |
| ✓ Strong community & long-term driver support |
Thrustmaster T248 vs. The Competition
| Feature | T248 | Logitech G923 | Fanatec CSL DD* |
| Price (approx.) | ~$250 | ~$300 | ~$350+ (base only) |
| FF System | Hybrid (belt+gear) | Gear (TRUEFORCE) | Direct Drive |
| Torque | ~3.5 Nm | ~2.2 Nm | 5–8 Nm |
| Display | LCD (20+ screens) | None | None (base) |
| Paddle Shifters | Magnetic (H.E.A.R.T) | Mechanical | Magnetic |
| Pedals Included | T3PM (3-pedal) | LPST (3-pedal) | No (separate) |
| Platform (PS) | PS5 / PS4 | PS5 / PS4 | PS5 / PS4 |
| Platform (Xbox) | T248X version | G923 Xbox version | Yes |
| Rotation Range | 270°–1080° | 900° | Up to 2520° |
| Wheel Detachable | No | No | Yes (QR) |
| Best For | Console beginners | Beginners (any platform) | Serious sim racers |
*The Fanatec CSL DD is a direct-drive wheelbase sold without wheel or pedals — total cost of a comparable bundle is meaningfully higher. It represents a different tier of commitment.
| Industry Insight The Thrustmaster T248’s hybrid force feedback delivers a smoother, less ‘notchy’ feel than the Logitech G923’s pure gear-driven system. However, the G923’s TRUEFORCE technology processes audio and physics data simultaneously, creating a different kind of feedback texture that some drivers prefer for road car feel. |
Who Should Buy the Thrustmaster T248?
Buy It If:
- You play Gran Turismo 7, F1 series, or Assetto Corsa on PS4/PS5 and want the full telemetry display integration
- You’re moving from a gamepad and want a complete bundle (wheel + pedals) under $300
- You value magnetic paddle shifters and a 3-pedal set at this price tier
- You want adjustable force feedback profiles you can switch mid-race without software
- You’re happy on PlayStation or PC with no near-term plans to switch to Xbox
Consider an Alternative If:
- You primarily play on Xbox — the T248X works, but verify game compatibility
- Smooth, belt-only force feedback is a dealbreaker — consider the Thrustmaster T300 RS
- You intend to upgrade to a wheel rig with a direct-drive base — investing in a DD-compatible ecosystem from the start may be more economical
- Budget is tighter still — the Thrustmaster T128 is available at a lower entry price
- You want to buy the latest iteration — the T248R (September 2025) is now the current production model
| Pro Tip If you find the T248 on sale, it can represent outstanding value. The T248R launch in September 2025 has pushed T248 pricing down significantly in many markets — check Amazon, Best Buy, and Thrustmaster’s own site for current deals before purchasing. |
Setup & Software
Getting the T248 running is straightforward. On PlayStation, it’s plug-and-play — attach the wheel to the base, connect the pedals, plug the USB into your console, and calibrate in-game. Xbox users should download the Thrustmaster control panel to confirm firmware is current.
On PC, install Thrustmaster’s free drivers from their official website. The driver software (Thrustmaster Control Panel) lets you adjust dead zone, wheel rotation angle, and FFB intensity before launching a game. This is where you fine-tune the experience for specific simulators like iRacing, Assetto Corsa, or rFactor 2.
Firmware updates have been released periodically since 2021, indicating Thrustmaster continues to actively support the hardware — a reassuring sign for long-term usability.
T248 vs T248R: Should You Wait?
In September 2025, Thrustmaster launched the T248R — a refined version of the same core platform. The changes are evolutionary, not revolutionary:
| Feature | T248 (Original) | T248R (2025) |
| Display | LED screen | Upgraded LCD (sharper) |
| Peak Torque | ~3.5 Nm (unofficial) | 3.1 Nm (official) |
| Paddle Shifters | Magnetic | Magnetic (quieter) |
| Wheel Rim Material | Leather-look | Perforated faux-leather |
| Visual Design | Original | Refreshed facelift |
| Price (launch) | ~$250–300 | ~$250–280 |
| Availability | Discounted / clearance | Current production model |
The T248R is the better buy if you’re purchasing at similar prices. However, if the original T248 is available at a meaningful discount — $50 or more below the T248R — the core experience is close enough that the original remains excellent value.
- HYBRID DRIVE FORCE FEEDBACK – The T-HD (Hybrid Drive) system delivers 3.1 Nm of torque and detailed force feedback for a…
- ERGONOMIC WHEEL – Featuring a wheel rim with perforated leather grip, imitation carbon accents, and 25 action buttons, f…
- NEXT-GEN LCD & LED INTERFACE – Integrated color LCD screen with 20+ display modes and 4 status LEDs. Adjust force feedba…
$349.99
Final Verdict
| 8.5/10 Recommended | The Thrustmaster T248 remains a confident recommendation for PS4/PS5 and PC sim racers entering the hobby or upgrading from a gamepad. Its hybrid force feedback, magnetic paddle shifters, built-in telemetry screen, and three-pedal set collectively deliver more features per dollar than most rivals in its class. Its successor (T248R) is now the flagship, but the T248 itself — especially on sale — is still a smart buy. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Thrustmaster T248 compatible with PS5?
Yes. The T248 (PlayStation model) is officially licensed for both PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. It connects via USB and is recognised natively. Full force feedback and telemetry display are supported in PS5-native titles that integrate the wheel’s API, including Gran Turismo 7 and the F1 series.
What is the Thrustmaster T248’s force feedback torque?
Thrustmaster has not officially published a torque figure for the T248. Community testing and third-party bench results consistently place it in the 3.2–3.5 Nm range. The successor T248R lists an official 3.1 Nm rating. For reference, entry-level Logitech wheels produce approximately 2.2 Nm — the T248 is meaningfully stronger.
Is the T248 good for Gran Turismo 7?
It’s an excellent choice for GT7. Gran Turismo 7 on PS5 offers full Thrustmaster T248 integration, meaning the on-wheel telemetry display shows live RPM, gear, lap times, and speed data. Force feedback is calibrated well within GT7’s settings. Many GT7 players consider the T248 the best value wheel for the game.
Does the Thrustmaster T248 work on PC?
Yes. Both the PS-licensed T248 and the Xbox-licensed T248X work on PC via USB. You’ll need to install Thrustmaster’s free PC drivers, after which the wheel is compatible with the vast majority of PC racing titles including iRacing, Assetto Corsa, rFactor 2, and more.
What’s the difference between the T248 and T248R?
The T248R (released September 2025) is a refined version of the T248. It features a sharper LCD display, quieter magnetic paddle shifters, and a perforated faux-leather wheel rim. The core force feedback system (Hybrid Drive) is the same. The T248R is the current production model; the original T248 is available at reduced prices and remains an excellent buy.
Is the Thrustmaster T248 better than the Logitech G923?
It depends on priorities. The T248 offers a smoother hybrid force feedback system, a built-in telemetry screen, and magnetic paddle shifters that the G923 lacks. The G923 counters with TRUEFORCE haptics (real-time audio/physics processing), a more premium leather wheel finish, and arguably broader platform availability as a single SKU. For PS5 players, the T248 is frequently the preferred choice; for Xbox-primary users, the G923 can be more practical.
- TRUEFORCE: Next-gen TRUEFORCE technology connects to game engines for high-definition feedback; experience the ultimate …
- Programmable dual clutch: Get off the starting line cleaner and faster; a programmable dual clutch simulates real race c…
- Control your game: Fine-tune your speed with a built-in LED RPM indicator; integrated Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One or PC ga…
$299.99
Can I use the T248 pedals with a different wheelbase?
No. The T248’s T3PM pedals use a Mini-DIN connector that plugs directly into the T248 wheelbase — they cannot be connected standalone via USB. If you plan to upgrade your wheelbase in future, you would need to purchase separate USB-compatible pedals.
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