The 5 Best Sim Racing Pedals For PlayStation (PS4 & PS5)

If you’re building your dream sim racing setup on PS4 or PS5, you’ll need a good set of pedals to go with your wheel. Unfortunately for PlayStation users, it’s hard to find compatible options, leaving many wondering what the best pedals for PS4 & PS5 are.

The 5 best sim racing pedals for PlayStation are:

1. Fanatec ClubSport V3 Pedals
2. Fanatec CSL Elite Pedals V2
3. Thrustmaster T-LCM Pedals
4. Logitech Pro Pedals
5. Fanatec CSL Pedals LC

Finding the right pedal set isn’t easy, as desired features will vary depending on who you ask. In this article, we will discuss the best options that are compatible with PlayStation 4 and 5, as well as giving you some ideas of what to look for when choosing your next set of sim racing pedals.

What To Look For In Sim Racing Pedals For PS4 & PS5

When purchasing a new set of pedals for the PlayStation, doing a good level of research is key. There are plenty of different factors that can make or break a decision, with one of the most important being compatibility with PlayStation consoles! Despite PlayStation’s relative compatibility difficulties compared to PC, there are still high-quality options available.

Compatibility

It is well known that console users don’t have the same level of freedom as PC users in terms of sim racing hardware compatibility. This makes it vital that you check whether your pedal set of choice will work with your PlayStation, and with the rest of your setup. All the products we name in this article will work with PlayStation if your wheel is part of the same ecosystem.

Licensing issues and the fact that consoles don’t have the same processing power or number of USB ports that you find on gaming PCs make it impossible to mix and match hardware brands on PlayStation. For example, you won’t be able to use a Fanatec pedal set with a Thrustmaster wheel without the use of a third-party adapter, which doesn’t always work.

If you already have a wheel and don’t want to change it, then it is important that the pedal set you eventually choose is part of the same ecosystem. This will avoid any compatibility issues and ensure that you can successfully integrate your new pedals into your setup.

Adjustability

Adjustability is a key feature in sim racing pedals. Most high-quality pedal sets will allow you to change the positioning of the individual pedals to suit you. You may even be able to remove the clutch pedal if you decide you don’t need it, or if you feel it is getting in the way. Another adjustability feature is the option to change out the springs and load cell elastomers.

Many sim racing pedal sets will come with two or three sets of springs and load cell elastomers, which will mean that you can make the resistance levels stronger or weaker depending on your preference. Every racer will have their own preference on how stiff they like their pedals to feel, which can sometimes be interchangeable depending on the racing discipline.

The ease of adjustability is also important. Some pedal sets will require tools to make adjustments, which is often frustrating and can’t be done between races. However, a lot of pedal sets will contain all you need in the box, making it simple and quick to adjust the configuration to your liking.

Build Quality & Stability

The importance of solid, durable build quality cannot be overstated. Sim racing pedals take more of a battering than any other piece of hardware, especially during races that require constant braking. Metal-based pedal sets are preferable over plastic ones, due to the increased durability of metal meaning it can withstand more pressure over long periods of time.

The stability of the pedal set is also important to bear in mind, especially if you haven’t got a full sim racing cockpit yet. Some pedals will offer too much resistance to not be hard mounted in some form, otherwise they will be prone to toppling over under braking. We always recommend hard mounting your pedals, as it’s the most secure method.

Mechanisms

Potentiometers

There are three mechanisms to look out for when buying a pedal set for PlayStation. These are potentiometers, Hall effect sensors, and load cells. Potentiometers are the cheapest option, often confined to entry-level pedal sets. Potentiometer technology involves the use of a mechanical sensor to measure the distance that the brake pedal has been pushed in.

This detracts from the realism of the pedal set, as real-life car pedals work around the pressure applied to the pedal rather than how far it has been pushed in. Potentiometer pedals also lack the same level of resistance experienced in load cell pedals, which rely on small elastomers to push back against the pressure you put on them.

Hall Effect Sensors

Hall effect technology works in a similar manner to potentiometers, measuring travel distance rather than force. However, Hall effect sensors work with magnets to convert electrical signals to in-game inputs. This makes them more accurate and consistent than potentiometers, and they don’t wear over time.

Load Cell Pedals

Load cell pedals are the most immersive and realistic option currently available to PlayStation users. They work around the force that you apply rather than the distance they have been pushed in. The internal elastomers offer a progressive resistance, meaning the pedal gets stiffer the further you push it in.

This realism comes with a price, and load cell brake pedals are the most expensive option out of the three. If you have a good-sized budget to spend, we recommend that you opt for a load cell brake pedal paired with Hall effect clutch and accelerator pedals. It is usually only the brake pedal that will have a load cell anyway.

Price

The price of the pedal set will be the most important factor for many, and for good reason, as building a sim racing setup is far from a cheap process. It’s important to know how much you want to spend on a pedal set, but it’s also important to know which features are essential to you. As you might expect, the better the features, the more expensive the pedals will be.

This is where upgradeability plays a role. If you have a small budget, you will sometimes be able to buy a two-pedal set with the option to integrate a load cell brake in the future, such is the case with the Fanatec CSL pedals. Having a higher budget will broaden your options, but that’s not to say that a cheaper pedal set won’t allow you to still have a great time racing.

Note: We’ve ordered our list in terms of quality and overall value. If you do want to check out the cheapest pedals for PS4 and PS5, see the 2-pedal CSL set.

The 5 Best Sim Racing Pedals For PlayStation

1. Fanatec ClubSport V3 Pedals

Set: 3 Pedals | Mechanism: Load Cell & Hall Effect

The Fanatec ClubSport V3 pedals are widely regarded as the best PlayStation compatible pedals on the market. They look and feel professional, with a sturdy, full-metal build. The black brushed look means they will be a fine addition to any sim racing rig. One of their best features is the vibration motors, which help to add even more immersion to your experience.

Pedal Feel

The ClubSport V3s contain Hall effect clutch and accelerator pedals along with a load cell brake, capable of handling up to 90 kg (198 lbs) of force. The Hall effect technology has been improved from the ClubSport V2s, with the upgraded pedals having four times the resolution of their predecessor. This makes for maximum in-game accuracy and consistency.

The pedals have a good level of stiffness to them, but not too much to the point that using them feels like a leg workout! There are two sets of springs included in the box, with one set being stiffer, while the other is softer and less resistant. You can adjust the stiffness of the brake by tightening a metal ring behind the pedal, which doesn’t require any tools or much of your time.

There are two sets of pedal faces included in the box. The original set are flat, metal faces while the other are curved plastic faces, which may not look as sharp, but feel very comfortable underfoot, especially if you race without shoes on. They both screw on and off with ease, meaning you can easily change them in between races.

Vibration Motors

The pedals feature vibration motors, which are arguably the ClubSport V3 pedals’ most exciting feature. These motors activate in certain situations, such as wheel lock ups (via the brake) or when your traction control kicks in (on the gas pedal). The vibration is subtle, but it adds an extra layer of realism and immersion to the game.

Inverted Edition & Add-Ons

The ClubSport V3 Inverted pedals are the sister product of the standard ClubSport V3s. They both have the same technical specifications, but the Inverted edition has the clutch and brake pedals coming from the top of the setup, rather than having all three pedals connected to the base plate. The inversion is inspired by real race cars, with the intention of pushing realism even further.

The inverted edition of the ClubSport V3 pedals is a premium option and will set you back a substantial amount more than the standard ClubSport V3s. The Inverted edition does come with the ClubSport Damper kit pre-installed, which is only available as a separate purchase for ClubSport V3 users. The damper kit is designed to make the brake feel like a hydraulic pedal.

Overall, the Fanatec ClubSport V3 pedals are expensive, but they provide PlayStation users with the most immersive pedal experience, which is helped by the quality of the load cell and the vibration motors installed in the system. They are compatible with PlayStation when paired with a Fanatec wheel base.

PROS:

• Professional look and feel
• Vibration motors add realism and immersion
• Has an inverted edition for added realism

CONS:

• Very expensive
• Damper kit has to be purchased separately

2. Fanatec CSL Elite Pedals V2

Set: 3 Pedals | Mechanism: Load Cell & Hall Effect

While not as revered as the ClubSport V3 pedals, the Fanatec CSL Elite V2s aren’t far away in terms of technical qualities and great features. Fanatec have made some major improvements to the CSL Elite V2s from their predecessors, such as swapping out potentiometers for Hall effect pedals for improved in-game consistency and reliability.

Pedal Experience

The first thing you notice when using the Elite V2s is the progressive resistance in the brake pedal. This means that the resistance gets stronger the further you push the pedal in, replicating a real-life race car’s brake pedal. The pedals come configured with the softest springs, which do provide decent resistance, but the pedals really start to shine when you swap them out for the stronger springs.

The pedal faces are curved, which makes them feel more natural and comfortable underfoot. They are made of strong aluminum and will work best if you wear some form of footwear with rubber grips on the soles. Due to the resistance levels provided by these pedals, you will have to hard mount them, otherwise they will topple over when pushed down on.

The issue of metal-to-metal thudding seen on the CSLs (see the last set on this list) has been resolved by Fanatec for the CSL Elite V2s, with rubber stoppers installed on the end of the pedals to soften the blow. Overall durability has been upgraded, meaning you may not ever feel the need to swap out the CSL Elite V2s for something else!

Enhanced Consistency

Fanatec also repositioned the load cell on the brake pedal, lowering it from behind the arm of the pedals to above the elastomer stack. This move was made to enhance the consistency of the braking force, as it could previously have been determined by the way your foot was positioned rather than the amount of force you put into it.

One of the best features of the CSL Elite V2s is the ease with which you can change around the setup to suit your liking. The springs are swappable for one of the three strength options that are included. You won’t need tools to change the springs, as everything required to make the switch is included in the box.

This means you can change the braking force from a minimum of 10 kg (22 lbs) to a maximum of 90 kg (198 lbs). This is slightly lower than some of the competition, but the brake pedal certainly doesn’t feel weak. The positioning of the pedals is also adjustable, and you can remove the clutch pedal entirely from the pedal board if you don’t need it. 

Overall, the Fanatec CSL Elite V2 pedals provide serious competition to the ClubSport V3s, and at a lower price. While they may not have changed a lot aesthetically, Fanatec have made improvements to a lot of the technical flaws seen in the first edition of the CSL Elite pedals, making these a great choice for beginners and more advanced racers alike.

PROS:

• Adjustable resistance
• Load cell positioning changed for enhanced consistency
• Rubber stoppers installed to reduced harsh metal-to-metal contact

CONS:

• Not as feature-rich as the ClubSport V3s

3. Thrustmaster T-LCM Pedals

Set: 3 Pedals | Mechanism: Load Cell & Hall Effect

The T-LCMs are Thrustmaster’s premium pedal offering, packed with great features considering their relatively low price. The set comes with Hall effect clutch and accelerator pedals, along with a strong load cell brake, which is capable of offering up to 100 kg (220 lbs) worth of resistance. The T-LCM pedals are a step above Thrustmaster’s T3PA and T3PM pedal sets.

Materials

While the pedal arms and faces are made of metal, they are cased in a strong plastic mount, making them feel less high-end, but also making them cheaper to buy. Thrustmaster have used rubber stoppers underneath the baseplate, which makes the pedals viable for use on hard flooring, although as always we recommend hard mounting them if you can.

Mounting the pedals is easy, with plenty of holes on the underside of the set for screws. The pedals also come with a variety of springs, allowing you to customize the resistance to your liking. As well as being able to adjust the pedals’ resistance, you can adjust their angle to suit your seating position.

Stability & Durability

While the aluminum pedals feel durable and solid, they are prone to some side-to-side movement. You may not feel this during a race, but it can get worse over time, cheapening the feel of the product as a whole. This could be due to their casing being made of plastic, or it could be an internal design flaw. Either way it is a slight downside to the T-LCM pedals.

There have also been cases of the pedals creaking after a year or so of use. This won’t be an issue that affects everyone, but it is worth pointing out as these are designed to be a set you can use for a long time. It must be said that, despite these two negatives, it is difficult to find too many issues with the T-LCM pedals.

The pedals are fully compatible with both PS4 and PS5, as long as you use them with one of Thrustmaster’s console compatible wheels. While it is a shame that you can’t mix the brands, Thrustmaster have a wide range of good-quality console compatible wheels to choose from, so you shouldn’t have a hard time trying to find a suitable partner to these pedals!

Overall, the Thrustmaster T-LCM pedals have an abundance of great features, and they retail for a lower cost than a lot of their competition. They come with good resistance adjustability, as well as the bonus of being able to change the angles of the pedals to suit your setup and racing style. The T-LCMs will provide a great step up from entry-level pedals.

PROS:

• Adjustable pedal angles
• Reasonably priced
• Multiple springs provided in the box

CONS:

• Some side-to-side movement in the pedals
• Heavy use of plastic

4. Logitech Pro Pedals

Set: 3 Pedals | Mechanism: Load Cell & Hall Effect

In 2022, Logitech announced the release of their Pro Series, which came with their first ever direct drive wheel and load cell pedal set. The Pro pedals are a huge step forward for Logitech, who have successfully dropped the tag of being the company that only produces entry-level sim racing equipment. However, higher quality inevitably comes at a higher price.

Pedal Experience

The Pro pedals feel smooth and accurate to use, although the preconfigured clutch and accelerator pedals feel a little weak. Thankfully, Logitech include three different spring resistances in the box, so you can adjust the strength of the pedals to your liking. This changeover can be achieved with the use of tools provided in the box.

The brake pedal is capable of taking 100 kg (220 lbs) worth of force when the strongest elastomers are installed. It offers a fairly realistic experience, and it’s definitely an upgrade over the pedals that come with the Logitech G29/G920 wheels.

Materials

The pedals and their casings are made of aluminum, which makes them durable and sturdy. The set has a professional look, with a brushed aluminum finish on the pedal faces. Logitech have opted to use plastic for the baseplate though, which does detract from the product’s overall look.

The plastic is strong and will last a long time without falling apart, but it is vulnerable to scratches depending on what footwear you use when racing. One benefit to using plastic is that there is no metal-to-metal contact when using these pedals, which keeps the noise down and the parts in good condition.

Despite the use of plastic, the Pro pedals do feel miles ahead of previous Logitech pedal sets in terms of their build quality, weight and overall feel. They are sturdy, stable and offer a decent amount of resistance.

Logitech G29/G920 Pedals

The G29/G920 wheel and pedal bundle is what Logitech have been most famous for within the sim racing community. The pedals included in this bundle are great for beginners and casual racers who just want to plug their equipment in and play straight away. However, you can only purchase these pedals alongside the wheel as they are not sold separately.

Overall, Logitech have created a good high-end product, considering they’re usually known for their beginner-level hardware. However, it does feel like the Pro pedals are catering towards a broad spectrum of players, rather than trying to firmly establish themselves in the higher-end market. However, keep in mind that you’ll also have to buy the Pro wheel to use the pedals on PlayStation.

PROS:

• Good range of adjustability
• High quality aluminum used for the pedals
• They look great

CONS:

• Plastic baseplate vulnerable to scratching
• Load cell pedal could be more resistant
• Only compatible with one wheel

5. Fanatec CSL Pedals LC

Set: 3 Pedals | Mechanism: Load Cell & Hall Effect

Finally, the CSL LCs are Fanatec’s entry-level load cell pedal set, which will provide you with an accurate and satisfying experience until you eventually decide to upgrade. They are sturdy and made almost entirely out of metal, with the exception of the plastic pedal faces. While they aren’t perfect, they allow users to experience load cell braking without spending a huge amount of money.

Pedal Performance & Resistance Adjustability

The Hall effect sensors in the clutch and accelerator pedals alongside the load cell brake provide brilliant accuracy, registering your inputs with precision, as is expected from Fanatec products. The issues with this pedal set are less around the job the pedals do, but rather how they feel to use.

The load cell brake pedal does feel stiff, but unlike the higher-end competition in this list, you can’t adjust this stiffness without third-party modifications. This is a strange contrast compared to the lightness of the clutch and accelerator pedals.

This lack of adjustability is disappointing and unexpected from Fanatec, considering the structure of the pedals wouldn’t make it impossible for users to easily change out the springs in the pedals if they were to come with spares. This is one of the main reasons that this pedal set feels like more of a stopgap option and an introduction into load cell pedals rather than a long-term solution.

Note: While these are the best beginner choice on our list, we actually recommend checking out the far cheaper, non-load cell version of these pedals if you’re buying your very first set.

Positional Adjustability

You may not be able to adjust the resistance provided by the pedals, but at least you can change their positioning on the pedal board. You can place them closer together or further apart, with the added option of removing the clutch pedal altogether.

You will notice that when you press the clutch and accelerator pedals to their maximum limits, there will be metal-to-metal contact with the pedal bases. This will create a thudding sound, as there is no stopper in the way of the two parts. You may not hear the sound if you are wearing headphones, but you will feel the contact when you push the pedals all the way down.

This can be resolved with either third-party mods or by attaching a piece of rubber to the stand. While it may be easily resolvable, it shouldn’t be up to the user to fix this issue, as it is something that should have been remedied by Fanatec themselves.

CSL Pedals Without The Load Cell Brake

It’s worth noting again that you can purchase the CSLs as a two-pedal set without the load cell brake for a cheaper price if you are on a tight budget. The load cell brake pedal is available as a separate addition further down the line, making this pedal set upgradeable. This will especially suit those who are new to sim racing and aren’t sure whether they need a load cell brake yet.

PROS:

• Accurate Hall effect sensors in the clutch and accelerator
• Can be bought without the load cell for a cheaper price
• Pedal positioning can be adjusted

CONS:

• Pedal resistances can’t be adjusted
• Thudding sound created by metal-to-metal contact

The 3 Cheapest Sim Racing Pedals For PlayStation

1. Fanatec CSL 2-Pedal Set

The Fanatec CSL 2-pedal set is the cheapest set of sim racing pedals you can currently get for PlayStation. They lack the load cell of the LC version discussed above, and they don’t feature a clutch, but they offer a great entry point into the world of virtual racing for absolute beginners.

2. Thrustmaster T3PA Pedals

The Thrustmaster T3PA pedals are the absolute cheapest choice for PlayStation players within the Thrustmaster ecosystem. They are a basic set of pedals, but they offer a reasonable experience for those that aren’t quite sure how serious they want to get about sim racing.

3. Thrustmaster T3PM Pedals

The Thrustmaster T3PM pedals are another cheap option for PlayStation players. They use Thrustmaster’s very own H.E.A.R.T technology, which is essentially Hall effect technology, just with an improved attention to detail on accuracy and the speed at which your inputs are represented in the game. However, they’re really only ideal for absolute beginners.

Do You Really Need Sim Racing Pedals?

Many sim racers argue that your pedals are even more important than your wheel in terms of consistency and being competitive in races. Pedals offer a greater level of control over braking and acceleration inputs than a controller can, and they are often recommended as the first part of your rig to upgrade when you have the budget for it.

The control that pedals offer will allow you to gain greater consistency around the track once your muscle memory has become used to inputting the right amount of force into braking and accelerating. This leads to better lap times and improved overall performance.

Pedals will take some time to get used to, especially if you have only ever used a controller, but after a while using them, your lap times will inevitably improve. Overall, in terms of consistency, immersion, realism, and overall race craft, you will soon realize that your pedals have become an indispensable part of your sim racing setup!

Final Thoughts

While compatibility with PlayStation may make finding the right set of pedals difficult, there are some excellent high-end options available, including the Fanatec ClubSport V3 pedals and the Fanatec CSL Elite V2 pedals.

Thrustmaster and Logitech do have very reliable options available in the T-LCMs and Pro pedals respectively, but they haven’t reached the levels of Fanatec in terms of features and quality.