HORI Racing Wheel Apex Review: Budget-Friendly Verdict
Starting with a surprising pattern in user reports, the HORI Racing Wheel Apex for PlayStation 5, PS4, and PC earns a conditional 7.8/10. While marketed as a full-size, customizable, and affordable racing wheel, feedback reveals a split between casual gamers who find it “perfect for GT7” and sim racers who feel it lacks immersion due to missing force feedback. Across platforms, budget-conscious buyers praise its ease of setup and compatibility, but durability concerns and lightweight pedals temper enthusiasm.
Quick Verdict: Conditional
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy plug-and-play setup across PS5, PS4, and PC | No force feedback or vibration motor |
| Budget-friendly compared to Logitech/Thrustmaster | Pedals are lightweight and can slide on hard floors |
| Programmable buttons and adjustable sensitivity | Wheel flex and flimsy paddle shifters |
| Solid clamp mounting system | Durability concerns with pedals breaking within months |
| Compatible with popular titles like Gran Turismo 7 | Limited 270° rotation unsuitable for serious sim racing |
| Sturdy wheelbase with non-slip grips | Occasional connection issues reported on PC |
Claims vs Reality
One core marketing claim is “authentic racing simulation with a massive 270-degree turn ratio, adjustable to 180 degrees on the fly.” While casual players enjoy this flexibility, Reddit user feedback points out that “serious simmers” find the capped rotation limiting for titles like Assetto Corsa or Euro Truck Simulator 2. As TechRadar notes, “you lose a lot of that authentic racing feel here” compared to mid-range wheels with 900° rotation.
Another claim is “full-size pedals built to last.” Amazon buyers often initially agree, calling them “excellent” for smooth acceleration and braking. However, Trustpilot reviewers highlight early wear: “periodically the springs in the pedals start squeaking… light build makes them slide.” This contradiction suggests they meet casual durability needs but may falter under heavy use.
HORI also advertises “officially licensed by Sony, compatible with PS5, PS4, and Windows 11/10.” Cross-platform reports confirm plug-and-play functionality on PlayStation, but PC users sometimes face controller recognition issues. A Best Buy customer wrote: “it started having issues staying connected to my PC… mid-race the wheel would disconnect.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Ease of setup is the most consistent advantage. A verified Best Buy buyer shared: “easy to set up and use… works great.” For parents buying for younger gamers, this simplicity is crucial. One Amazon customer described buying it for their 7-year-old, who “has not stopped playing with it since Christmas.” The included clamp system is another point of praise—Reddit users note it “stays firmly in place during intense racing sessions,” avoiding the frustration of shifting hardware mid-race.
Budget value is repeatedly mentioned. Trustpilot feedback frames it as “ideal for starting sim racing without spending much.” TechRadar acknowledges it’s “as good as budget wheels get” for PS5 players unwilling to pay Logitech or Thrustmaster prices. This makes it attractive for casual racers who prioritize affordability over advanced realism.
Compatibility with key titles like Gran Turismo 7 is solid. Reddit and Quora reviews emphasize immediate functionality: “works immediately upon plugging into a PS5 or PS4.” For arcade-style games and lighter sim experiences, the Apex delivers a pleasant, responsive feel.
Common Complaints
The absence of force feedback is the single most cited drawback. As one Trustpilot reviewer put it, “feels toy-like compared to my Thrustmaster T300.” Without vibration or resistance, players miss subtle road feel and immersion.
Build quality of pedals and paddles is another sore point. Multiple users describe the paddle shifters as “flimsy plastic,” with a tendency to flex. Pedals can slide on smooth floors, and some have broken within months. TechRadar calls them “unsatisfyingly weightless.”
PC connectivity issues occasionally frustrate buyers. The Best Buy reviewer’s account of mid-race disconnections reveals a potential reliability gap for non-console setups.
Divisive Features
The 270° rotation is celebrated by casual users for quick responsiveness but criticized by sim racers for lack of realism. Similarly, programmable buttons and adjustable sensitivity are valued by tinkerers, but some find in-game remapping cumbersome—especially on PC where it’s detected as a gamepad.
Some see the light pedals as beneficial for portability and younger users, while others insist on heavier, more stable units for precision driving.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot reviews show mixed durability patterns. One long-term user logged “over 200 hours of gaming” without issue, while others report pedal squeaks and wheel flex within weeks. The squeaky springs fixable with WD-40 suggests minor maintenance can extend life, but it’s not maintenance-free.
Scam concerns are minimal—most verified purchases match advertised specs—but reliability on PC remains inconsistent. The disconnection issue appears sporadic rather than systemic, but it’s enough to warrant caution for competitive PC racing.
Alternatives
The Thrustmaster T248 emerges as a step-up option, offering basic force feedback and 900° rotation for more immersive sim play. The Logitech G923, often cited by TechRadar, is pricier but delivers “fantastic build quality and immersive force feedback.”
For strictly budget buyers, the HORI Apex competes primarily with itself—HORI’s Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe shares much of the chassis design but is limited to Switch compatibility.
Price & Value
The official retail price sits at $119.99, but eBay resale listings range from $50 to $110, depending on condition. European listings hover around €80-€100 used, making it a viable second-hand purchase.
Community buying tips include prioritizing clamp mounting over suction cups for stability, and checking pedal base stability if buying used. Avoid overpaying near $300 as seen in some inflated listings—at that point, mid-range models become better value.
FAQ
Q: Does the HORI Racing Wheel Apex work with all PS5 racing games?
A: It’s compatible with most, including Gran Turismo 7 and F1 titles, but some functions like hazard lights or touchpad features may be unavailable without remapping.
Q: Can I use it for serious sim racing on PC?
A: It can work via Xinput, but the 270° rotation and lack of force feedback make it less suitable for hardcore sims like iRacing or Assetto Corsa.
Q: Are the pedals adjustable?
A: Sensitivity can be adjusted via the HORI Device Manager app, but physical resistance is fixed and light.
Q: How stable is the wheel during gameplay?
A: The clamp system is highly stable; suction cups are less reliable, especially on textured surfaces.
Q: Does it support vibration feedback?
A: No, it lacks vibration motors and force feedback entirely.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a budget-conscious gamer, parent, or casual racer seeking easy setup and cross-platform compatibility. Avoid if you require immersive force feedback or plan heavy sim racing. Pro tip from the community: use the clamp for mounting, and consider small DIY fixes for pedal stability to maximize comfort.
