Logitech G29 Review 2026: Best Budget Wheel for Assetto Corsa?
Verdict: Best Value Entry-Level Wheel
The Logitech G29 remains the gold standard for budget sim racing in 2026. Despite being released in 2015, its strong FFB, reliable build quality, and included 3-pedal set make it unbeatable at the $250 price point. While gear-driven FFB can't match belt-driven smoothness, the G29 delivers exceptional value for beginners and intermediate racers.
Quick Specs
Technical Specifications
What's Included
- G29 Steering Wheel
- 3-Pedal Set (Gas, Brake, Clutch)
- Desk Clamp Mount
- Power Supply
- USB Cable
- Shifter sold separately
Compatibility: PlayStation 3/4/5, PC (Windows, macOS via third-party tools)
Build Quality & Design
The G29 exudes solidity. The all-metal internal gearing and steel shaft give it a premium feel despite the plastic housing. At 2.2kg, it feels substantial in your hands—way better than toy-grade wheels like the Thrustmaster T80 or cheaper Hori options.
Wheel Construction
Hand-Stitched Leather Rim
The 260mm leather-wrapped rim is comfortable for hours of racing. The stitching has held up well over the years—no reports of unraveling even after 5+ years of use. The leather develops a nice patina over time.
Note: Some users prefer aftermarket suede wraps (~$30) for better grip, especially for drifting.
Button Layout
17 buttons on the wheel itself plus a D-pad. All PlayStation-labeled for console use but fully mappable on PC. The red dial is for fine adjustments (brake bias, traction control). Buttons are clicky and tactile—no mushiness.
Criticism: Button placement isn't ideal for racing games—you'll accidentally hit buttons during tight corners. Most PC users remap to keyboard for pit stops.
LED Rev Lights
5 LED indicators at the top alert you when to shift. These work natively in supported games (Gran Turismo, F1 series). On PC with Assetto Corsa, they require SimHub software (free) to function. When configured, they're incredibly useful for peripheral vision shift points.
Pedal Set
The included 3-pedal set is a huge selling point. Unlike the Thrustmaster T150/TMX which come with 2-pedal sets, the G29 gives you a clutch pedal for H-pattern manual driving and heel-toe downshifts.
Gas Pedal
Light spring, linear travel. Easy to modulate for trail braking. Some find it too light and add stiffer springs (cheap mod).
Brake Pedal
Progressive rubber cone for resistance. Not as good as load-cell but better than purely linear. Requires ~30kg force at 100%.
Clutch Pedal
Medium spring tension. Works great for H-pattern shifting and launches. Can be inverted with brake for left-foot braking.
Popular Pedal Mods
- Brake Spring Mod ($5-15): Add stiffer springs or foam behind brake pedal for more resistance. Makes braking more consistent.
- True Brake Mod (~$35): Replaces rubber cone with progressive springs. Massive improvement in brake feel and consistency.
- Foot Plate Addition: 3D-print or buy pedal faces for better grip. Prevents foot slipping during hard braking.
Force Feedback Quality
This is where opinions diverge. The G29 uses helical gear-driven FFB—the same system as the G27 and G920. Let's break down what that means:
Gear-Driven FFB: The Pros
Strong Force (2.1 Nm)
For a $250 wheel, the FFB is impressively strong. You'll feel curbs, bumps, and loss of traction clearly. Competitors at this price are much weaker.
Zero Maintenance
Gears never wear out or slip like belts. The G27 from 2010 still works perfectly. This thing is built to outlast you.
Detail in Heavy Forces
When FFB forces are strong (hitting curbs, losing grip), the G29 communicates this excellently. You'll feel every bump on Nordschleife.
Gear-Driven FFB: The Cons
Notchy/Grainy Feel
This is the big one. Gears create a "notchy" texture in FFB, especially in straights. It's not smooth like belt-driven wheels (T300, Fanatec). You'll feel the gears meshing.
Poor Low-Force Detail
Subtle weight shifts (transitioning from understeer to neutral) are muted. Belt-driven wheels communicate this better. You'll rely more on visual/audio cues.
Can Be Noisy
During aggressive FFB (drifting, rallying), the gears make a grinding/whirring noise. Not loud enough to bother most, but some find it distracting.
The Reality Check
Here's the truth: the notchy FFB is only obvious if you've already used belt-driven or direct drive wheels. If the G29 is your first wheel, you won't know what you're missing and the FFB will feel incredible compared to a controller.
For Assetto Corsa, the G29's strong forces work really well. AC's detailed physics shine through even with gear-driven FFB. You'll feel tire slip, weight transfer, and road texture clearly enough to be competitive and consistent.
Assetto Corsa Setup & Settings
Proper FFB settings are crucial for the G29. Out of the box, it can feel too strong or numb. Here's the optimal setup:
Logitech G Hub Settings (Before Launching AC)
- 1. Open Logitech G Hub software
- 2. Select G29 Driving Force Racing Wheel
- 3. Configure these settings:
Critical: Spring and Damper MUST be at 0%. These add artificial resistance that ruins FFB detail in simulations.
Content Manager FFB Settings
Navigate to: Settings → Assetto Corsa → Controls → Force Feedback
Overall FFB strength. Start at 100%. If you see constant red in the FFB clipping meter, lower to 90-95%.
Compensates for gear friction at low forces. This is KEY for the G29. Too low = wheel feels dead in straights. Too high = loses detail. 13% is the sweet spot for most.
Adds vibration when hitting curbs. Makes curb riding more obvious. Don't go above 50% or it feels artificial.
Simulates road surface bumps. Helps feel track detail. Combined with Kerb Effects, don't exceed 70% total or it's too busy.
Adds vibration when tires slip. Sounds good in theory but feels artificial and masks real FFB. Keep off.
Makes wheel go lighter when understeering. Helpful feedback for the G29 since subtle details are hard to feel.
Adds stability and prevents oscillation. The G29 needs this at 100% to avoid shaking at high speeds.
G29 vs G920: What's the Difference?
Internally, the G29 and G920 are identical. Same motors, same gears, same FFB. The differences are purely cosmetic and platform-based:
Logitech G29
- PlayStation 3, 4, 5 compatible
- PC compatible (Windows, macOS*)
- Black with blue accents
- LED rev lights included
- PlayStation logo buttons
*macOS support requires third-party tools like Enjoyable or ControllerMate
Logitech G920
- Xbox One, Series X/S compatible
- PC compatible (Windows)
- All black design
- No LED rev lights
- Xbox logo buttons
No native macOS support—Windows only for PC use
Which Should You Buy?
- PC only: Get whichever is cheaper. Check sales—they fluctuate. G29 usually has LED lights if that matters to you.
- PlayStation + PC: G29 is your only choice.
- Xbox + PC: G920 is your only choice.
- PC + macOS: G29 (third-party macOS tools exist for it).
Is the G29 Still Worth Buying in 2026?
The Competition
Thrustmaster T150 / TMX (~$200)
Pros: Slightly smoother hybrid belt/gear FFB
Cons: Only 2 pedals, weaker FFB (1.9 Nm), plastic construction, no clutch
Verdict: Save $50 more and get the G29. The clutch pedal alone is worth it.
Thrustmaster T248 (~$350)
Pros: Stronger FFB (2.5 Nm), magnetic pedals, built-in screen
Cons: Still gear-driven (notchy like G29), $100 more, mixed reviews
Verdict: Not worth $100 more over G29. Save that money toward a T300 instead.
Moza R3 Bundle (~$300)
Pros: Entry-level direct drive (3.9 Nm), smooth FFB, compact, large ecosystem (shifters, handbrakes, load cells)
Cons: Only 2 pedals in base bundle
Verdict: Interesting option if you can stretch budget $50. DD smoothness for almost entry price.
Final Verdict: YES, Still Worth It
Buy the G29 if:
- • You're new to sim racing and want a reliable first wheel
- • You have a $200-250 budget
- • You want H-pattern manual driving (clutch included)
- • You value proven reliability (10+ year track record)
- • You're okay with gear-driven FFB limitations
Skip the G29 if:
- • You can stretch to $400-500 for a Thrustmaster T300 (big quality jump)
- • You've already used belt-driven or DD wheels (downgrade in feel)
- • You primarily drift (smoother FFB helps a lot)
- • You want the absolute quietest operation
Our Rating: 8.5/10
Read More Wheel Reviews
Thrustmaster T300 Review
Is the T300 worth the upgrade? Belt-driven FFB deep dive and comparison to G29.
Budget Wheels Compared
G29 vs T150 vs T248 vs Moza R3. Which budget wheel is actually best?
Questions About the G29?
Thinking about buying or need setup help? Our community has years of G29 experience!