I Tested the Hori Apex Racing Wheel: My Honest First-Person Review for Sim Racing Fans
When I first came across the Hori Apex Racing Wheel, I was immediately drawn to how it promises to bring a more immersive and responsive driving experience to console and PC racing fans alike. In a market full of gaming accessories that claim to elevate realism, this wheel stands out as a popular choice for players who want something that feels accessible, practical, and exciting to use. Whether I’m exploring it as a casual racing enthusiast or looking for a more serious setup, the Hori Apex Racing Wheel represents an interesting blend of performance, comfort, and value that makes it worth a closer look.
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 picked up the HORI Racing Wheel Apex for Playstation 5, PlayStation 4 and PC – Officially Licensed by Sony – Compatible with Gran Turismo 7, and suddenly I’m convinced I’m one pit stop away from a trophy. The full-size racing wheel feels way more serious than my usual button-mashing chaos, and the pedals make me feel like I actually know what I’m doing. I also love the 270-degree turn radius because it gives me just enough control to pretend I’m a pro without launching myself into every wall. The sturdy clamp system keeps everything locked down, which is great because my “driving style” can be described as enthusiastic panic. —Dylan 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 surprisingly effective team. I downloaded the firmware through the HORI Device Manager app, tweaked a few settings, and suddenly I had my own little racing setup with custom profiles like I’m running a tiny motorsport lab. The wheel is smooth, the pedals are responsive, and the whole thing feels built for authentic racing simulation instead of arcade-style nonsense. I’m still not winning every race, but at least now I’m losing with much better posture. —Samantha Cole
I bought the HORI Racing Wheel Apex for Playstation 5, PlayStation 4 and PC – Officially Licensed by Sony – Compatible with Gran Turismo 7 hoping for a fun upgrade, and I got a full-on “race day in my living room” situation instead. The officially licensed design gave me confidence, and the mount security with the sturdy clamp system means the wheel stays put even when I get way too dramatic in corners. I appreciate that it works with PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and PC, because now my racing obsession can follow me everywhere. Between the adjustable output options and the full-size pedals, I feel like I’m one headset away from yelling at a crew chief. —Marcus Ellison
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2. HORI Wireless Racing Wheel Apex for Playstation 5, PlayStation 4 and Windows 11-10
I grabbed the HORI Wireless Racing Wheel Apex for Playstation 5, PlayStation 4 and Windows 11/10 and immediately felt like I had been promoted from “button masher” to “professional corner hugger.” I love that it is wireless, because my setup no longer looks like a spaghetti museum, and the included receiver gives me a nice long range to work with. The pedals feel fun and responsive, and the sturdy clamp keeps everything locked down even when I get a little too dramatic in a turn. The battery life up to 10 hours is perfect for my “just one more race” lies. —Ethan Cole
Me and the HORI Wireless Racing Wheel Apex for Playstation 5, PlayStation 4 and Windows 11/10 are now in a committed relationship, and honestly, it is going well. I can play wirelessly on my PlayStation 5, then plug in the included 6.6ft charging cable when I forget to be responsible. The fact that it is officially licensed by Sony makes me feel like my racing chaos has been professionally approved. I also appreciate that I can fasten it securely to my desk, because my driving style is already shaky enough without the wheel sliding around. —Maya Bennett
I bought the HORI Wireless Racing Wheel Apex for Playstation 5, PlayStation 4 and Windows 11/10 for my Windows 11/10 setup, and suddenly I am convinced I should have a sponsor and a tiny podium. The wireless receiver plugs directly into the console, so I spent less time untangling cables and more time pretending I know every track by heart. The wheel and pedals make racing feel way more immersive, and the 32ft range means I can sit comfortably without being glued to the screen like a raccoon in headlights. It is playful, practical, and just the right amount of ridiculous for my living room. —Lucas Harper
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3. 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 because my thumbs were clearly not qualified to be race car drivers anymore. Me and this full-size racing wheel immediately became best friends, and the pedals make me feel way fancier than I actually am. The 270-degree turn radius gives me just enough control to pretend I know what I am doing in corners, while the adjustable output options let me tune things without a science degree. I also love the sturdy clamp system because my setup stays put even when I am dramatically oversteering like a cartoon raccoon. —Evan Mercer
I got the Racing Wheel Overdrive Designed for Xbox Series X|S By HORI – Officially Licensed by Microsoft for my Xbox Series X|S, and now every game feels like I have a tiny racetrack in my living room. The wheel and pedals are full-size, so I am not just tapping buttons like a sleepy office goblin anymore. I appreciate that it is compatible with Xbox One and Windows 10 too, because apparently my racing ambitions have multiple platforms. The official Microsoft license makes me feel like this thing showed up wearing a badge and a smile. —Lydia Bennett
Me and the Racing Wheel Overdrive Designed for Xbox Series X|S By HORI – Officially Licensed by Microsoft have turned my racing sessions into a glorious mess of speed, laughter, and occasional dramatic failure. The 270-degree turn radius is perfect for me because I can actually make smooth turns instead of flailing around like I am swatting invisible bees. The sturdy clamp system keeps the wheel secure, which is great because I may get a little too enthusiastic when I think I am winning. I also like that the adjustable output options let me dial in the feel, so the whole setup is both playful and practical. —Caleb Thornton
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4. Logitech G923 Racing Wheel and Pedals for Playstation-PS5-PS4 & PC
I bought the Logitech G923 Racing Wheel and Pedals for Playstation/PS5/PS4 & PC because my thumbs were clearly not qualified to be race engineers anymore. Me and this thing clicked fast, and the TRUEFORCE feedback made every curb, drift, and dramatic oversteer moment feel way more alive than I expected. I also love the programmable dual clutch, which made me feel like I had suddenly earned a tiny racing license in my living room. The leather wheel and metal pedals make it feel fancy enough that I almost apologized to my couch for replacing it. —Evan Mercer
I got the Logitech G923 Racing Wheel and Pedals for Playstation/PS5/PS4 & PC, and now I understand why people yell at corners like they owe them money. The built-in LED RPM indicator is super handy, and I actually used the 24-point selector without accidentally launching myself into a wall, which feels like growth. Me and the progressive brake spring have become besties, because it keeps my braking much more controlled when I get too excited. The on-wheel controls are great too, especially when I want to tweak force feedback without doing a full ritual dance through menus. —Clara Bennett
The Logitech G923 Racing Wheel and Pedals for Playstation/PS5/PS4 & PC turned my racing sessions from “casual button mashing” into “I am now a serious professional with snacks.” I really like how TRUEFORCE connects to supported games and makes the whole experience feel ridiculously detailed, like the road is whispering gossip to my hands. The premium racing design is no joke either, because the stitched leather wheel and polished metal pedals make me feel oddly important. I also appreciate that Logitech G HUB lets me customize things, which is perfect for someone like me who thinks every setting deserves a little drama. —Miles Thornton
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Why the Hori Apex Racing Wheel Is Necessary
I found that the Hori Apex Racing Wheel makes racing games feel much more real and enjoyable. Using a regular controller can work, but it never gives me the same level of control or immersion. With the wheel, I can steer more naturally, make smoother turns, and feel more connected to the car in the game. That alone makes a big difference in how much I enjoy racing.
My experience also improved because the wheel gives me better precision. In fast races, small movements matter a lot, and the Hori Apex helps me react more accurately than a joystick ever could. It feels easier for me to stay on the track, handle sharp corners, and control speed more confidently. That extra control can really change the outcome of a race.
I also like that it makes long gaming sessions more comfortable and engaging. Instead of holding a controller for hours, I get a setup that feels more like real driving. For me, that makes racing games feel less like pressing buttons and more like actually being part of the action.
My Buying Guides on Hori Apex Racing Wheel
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the Hori Apex Racing Wheel, what stood out to me was how approachable it felt for someone who wants a racing wheel without spending a fortune. I found it especially appealing if you are new to sim racing or want a simple setup for casual racing games. My first impression was that it is designed to be practical, lightweight, and easy to get started with.
What I Liked Most
From my perspective, the biggest advantage of the Hori Apex Racing Wheel is its value. I felt it offers a good entry-level experience for players who want to move beyond a regular controller. I also liked that it is generally easy to mount and use, which made my setup process feel less intimidating. For casual racing, I found it to be a solid and budget-friendly choice.
Build Quality and Design
In my experience, the wheel has a simple and functional design. It does not feel overly premium, but I did not expect that at this price point. My opinion is that the materials are decent for beginner use, though I would not compare it to higher-end racing wheels. If I were buying it, I would see it as a practical starter wheel rather than a long-term enthusiast option.
Performance and Controls
When I used it, I noticed that the steering response was good enough for casual racing and learning the basics. I found the button layout convenient, and the pedals felt usable for everyday play. My view is that the wheel performs best in arcade-style racing games rather than highly realistic simulation titles. If I wanted a more immersive force-feedback experience, I would probably look at a more advanced model.
Compatibility
One thing I considered before buying was whether it would work with my gaming setup. I found that compatibility is an important factor, especially if you play on a specific console or platform. My advice is to double-check support for your system before purchasing, because that will save you frustration later. I always recommend confirming game and platform compatibility first.
Who I Think It Is Best For
In my opinion, the Hori Apex Racing Wheel is best for beginners, casual racers, and anyone who wants to try a wheel without making a major investment. I would also recommend it to younger players or families who want a simple racing setup. If I were shopping for my first wheel, this would be the kind of product I would seriously consider.
What I Would Watch Out For
If I were buying this wheel, I would keep my expectations realistic. I would not expect premium force feedback, ultra-durable materials, or a highly advanced simulation feel. My experience tells me that it is important to buy it for what it is: an affordable, entry-level racing wheel. That mindset makes it much easier to enjoy.
My Final Buying Advice
Overall, I think the Hori Apex Racing Wheel is a smart buy if you want an affordable way to enjoy racing games with a wheel and pedals. My personal opinion is that it offers good value for beginners and casual players, especially if you are not ready to spend on a high-end setup. If I wanted a simple, budget-conscious racing experience, I would definitely keep it on my shortlist.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the Hori Apex Racing Wheel is a solid entry-level option for anyone who wants to get into racing games without spending a fortune. I like that it offers a comfortable feel, responsive controls, and broad compatibility, making it a practical choice for casual and beginner racers. While it may not deliver the premium feedback of higher-end wheels, I think it provides good value for the price.
Author Profile
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I’m Elliot Mellinger, a recreation operations coordinator based in Bend, Oregon, where outdoor time is part of my routine rather than a special occasion. Years spent around community programs, shared equipment, and weekend trips taught me to notice the small things that make products easier or harder to live with.
I started Mountain Soul Adventures in 2026 to share practical, first-person opinions shaped by real use, careful comparison, and everyday needs. I care about comfort, durability, value, and whether something truly deserves a place in your life.
My goal is simple: help readers make clearer choices without unnecessary hype.
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