The 5 Best Sim Racing Pedals For Xbox One & Series X/S

Pedals are one of the most important components of a sim racing rig, and they play a major part in improving your consistency and performance levels. This can leave many Xbox users wondering what the best pedal options are for the Xbox One and Series X/S.

The 5 best sim racing pedals for Xbox One and Series X/S 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

It’s not easy to find the right pedal set, as each sim racer will having different preferences and requirements. Console players also generally have fewer options than PC players, but in this article we take a closer look at the pedals above so that you can find the right ones for your setup.

What To Look For In Sim Racing Pedals For Xbox

When looking for a new set of sim racing pedals, it is important to do a good level of research to ensure you’re not disappointed. Unfortunately, finding a good set of pedals that are also compatible with Xbox consoles is difficult, due to hardware and software restrictions. However, it isn’t impossible, as there are plenty of good quality options on the market.

Compatibility

It is well documented that console users do not have the same level of freedom as PC users when it comes to sim racing hardware. Compatibility isn’t guaranteed, making it vital that you check whether the pedal set of your choosing will work on Xbox consoles. As well as general compatibility, it’s important you make sure the pedals you are choosing are compatible with the rest of your setup.

Due to consoles not having the same processing power and number of USB ports as PCs, it is difficult to mix and match the brands that you are using. For example, you won’t be able to use a Thrustmaster wheel with a Fanatec pedal set without the use of a third-party adapter. Even third-party adapters aren’t always reliable and may leave you having to race without fully functioning pedals.

Most sim racing hardware manufacturers will align their products with the PC market because of the consoles’ limited hardware capabilities, making it more difficult for console users to access the many great high-end load cell and hydraulic options available. Consoles also lack the software capabilities that PCs have, meaning console users often miss out on fine-tuning their sim racing products.

If you already have a wheel and you don’t plan on swapping it out for a new one, then you should search for a pedal set from the same brand. This is one of the unfortunate disadvantages of being a console sim racer as opposed to a PC sim racer.

Build Quality & Stability

When looking for sim racing pedals it is vital that you don’t underestimate the importance of solid build quality. Sim racing pedals face a constant battering throughout races with sharp braking and foot-to-the-floor acceleration. Metal pedal sets are far more durable than plastic ones and they can withstand more pressure over longer periods of time.

Adjustability

Adjustability is important with sim racing pedals, as it will help you get the best out of the set that you have purchased. Many sim racing pedal sets come with multiple sets of springs offering different resistance levels. Being able to find the right levels that feel comfortable will help with training your muscle memory, therefore improving your consistency around the track.

Other adjustability options include pedal positioning, where you can move the pedals closer together or further apart, depending on your preference. Some sets may even allow you to detach the clutch pedal for a more streamlined and space-efficient pedal set for games that don’t require it.

Mechanisms

There are four main types of mechanism used within sim racing pedals. These are potentiometers, Hall effect sensors, load cells and hydraulics.

Potentiometers

Sim racing pedals that use potentiometers are the cheapest and are often regarded as the beginner option. Potentiometer technology involves the use of a mechanical sensor to measure the distance the brake has been pushed in.

This detracts from the realism of the pedal set, as real-life car pedals work around the pressure that you apply to the pedal, rather than simply how far the pedal travels. Potentiometer pedals also have limited resistance compared to load cell pedals, as they tend to use small bits of rubber of varying hardness levels to provide some realism when pressure is applied.

Hall Effect Sensors

Hall effect technology is more consistent than potentiometer technology and is often used in clutch and accelerator pedals. They work in a similar manner to potentiometers, as they work in distances rather than in force applied. Rather than relying solely on mechanics, Hall effect pedals use magnets to convert electrical signals into inputs in the game, making for a more durable product.

Load Cell Pedals

Load cell pedals work in a similar way to real-life car pedals, measuring the force that you apply to the pedals rather than the distance you push them in, and translating that into the braking force in-game. This makes them feel natural and realistic, as well as highly accurate in-game. They also tend to have strong resistance, making them feel more immersive.

Unfortunately, this realism comes at a cost, with load cell pedals being the second most expensive of the four options. If you do have a decent sized budget, it would certainly be recommended that you choose a set with a load cell brake. Most load cell pedal sets will have Hall effect clutch and accelerator pedals, with only the brake using load cell technology.

Hydraulic Pedals

Hydraulic pedals are arguably the most immersive type of sim racing pedals, but none of the major sim racing brands currently produce hydraulic pedals for Xbox, meaning that load cell pedal sets are the way to go if you are looking for the highest level of immersion.

Price

Price is an understandable stumbling block for many sim racers. Sim racing equipment isn’t cheap, especially if you want a set of pedals with premium features such as load cell technology. So, it is important to know just how much you want to spend, as well as how lenient you are prepared to be with your budget.

Quick Note: If you want the absolute cheapest load cell option, check out the Fanatec CSL LC pedals

It is good to have a clear understanding of the features that you must have, as well as what you are prepared to compromise on. Having a higher budget will no doubt open more doors in terms of features and product quality, but some of the cheaper pedal sets are still excellent, especially for beginners.

KEY POINTS

• There aren’t that many sim racing pedal sets available for Xbox players

• Choosing the right set comes down to personal preference and budget

• If you can afford it, opt for a set with a load cell brake pedal

The 5 Best Sim Racing Pedals For Xbox

1. Fanatec ClubSport V3 Pedals

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

The Fanatec ClubSport V3 pedals are one of the most sought-after pedal sets on the market, and for good reason. As with most Fanatec products, you can trust the high level of craftsmanship that has gone into the manufacturing process, as well as the high-quality materials used to make a long-lasting product. The ClubSport V3s are a higher end set of pedals, ideal for experienced sim racers.

Mounting Requirements

As they are primarily designed for experienced sim racers, they will rely on you having some sort of rig or stand to keep them upright, as the resistance that they offer leaves them vulnerable to tipping over if not secured to your rig. You won’t necessarily need a full metal cockpit, but you will require some extra support to get the best out of the pedals.

Load Cell & Hall Sensors

The ClubSport V3s feature a mixture of load cell technology (in the brake pedal) and Hall effect sensor technology (in the clutch and accelerator pedals). The Hall effect technology has been refined from the ClubSport V2 with four times the resolution. This makes for a more accurate and reliable experience. The load cell pedal can take up to 90 kg (198 lbs) of force, making it feel realistic under hard braking.

One of the most impressive features of the ClubSport V3s is the ability to customize them to fit in with your racing style and preferences. Included in the box are two sets of pedal faces, with one set being flatter with a brushed metal surface and evenly cut out holes, and the other being a set of curved, race car style faces made of a strong, sturdy plastic. They both screw on with ease.

Great Features

As well as the aesthetic changes, you can also choose between two different springs, which will provide resistance when you apply pressure to the pedals. You have the option of a stronger set of springs as well as a softer set.

The pedals also have adjustable brake stiffness, which can be adjusted by tightening a metal ring behind the pedal. This doesn’t require any tools, meaning you can experiment with it quickly and easily until you achieve your desired level of resistance.

The pedals feature vibration motors, which will activate in certain situations, such as wheel lock ups. While this feature is welcomed and does add to the realism of the pedal set, the vibration is only subtle, and understandably won’t feel as strong as it would in real life. However, it is a feature you won’t find on most of the cheaper pedal sets.

Compatibility

The ClubSport V3 pedals can only be used on Xbox if you are using them alongside a Fanatec wheel/wheel base. The pedals will not work if they are connected directly via a USB connection or with a Fanatec ClubSport USB adapter.

Inverted Option

The ClubSport V3 Inverted is a set of pedals with the same technical specifications as the normal ClubSport V3 pedals, just with the clutch and brake pedals coming from the top of the setup rather than all the pedals being in line. The inverted design is inspired by real race cars, for an even more immersive sim racing experience.

The inverted edition of the ClubSport V3 pedals is a premium option, costing substantially more than the regular ClubSport V3 pedal set. The only real difference between the two – apart from pedal positioning – is that the brake pedal comes with the ClubSport Damper kit, which is available as a separate purchase with the regular ClubSport V3 pedals.

Overall, the Fanatec ClubSport V3s are a clear improvement on the previous V2s, offering fully adjustable resistance as well as allowing you to change the face plates to suit your driving style. While they are priced towards the higher end of the spectrum, they prove they’re worth it with their durability and adjustability, as well as their subtler features, such as pedal vibrations.

PROS:

• Great adjustability
• Vibrations in the pedals add realism and immersion
• Very durable construction

CONS:

• Quite expensive
• You need a sturdy rig to get the most out of them

2. Fanatec CSL Elite Pedals V2

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

Fanatec’s second instalment of their CSL Elite pedals may not look too dissimilar to the first edition of the product, but important performance changes have been made. For a start, the potentiometers used in the clutch and accelerator pedals have been replaced with Hall effect systems, with internal magnets adding consistency and reliability to their overall performance.

Enhanced Consistency

Fanatec have changed the positioning of the load cell on the brake pedal, moving it down from behind the arm of the pedal to the elastomer stack. This move was made to enhance consistency, as the braking force on the previous model would often be different depending on the positioning of your foot. This is one of the key factors that separates the elite model from the standard CSL pedals.

One of the biggest plus points with the CSL Elite V2 pedals is the ease with which you can configure the setup to your taste. You can swap the springs out for one of the three strength options included in the box, without the need for tools. This means you can change the braking force from a maximum of 90 kg (198 lbs) to a minimum of 10 kg (22 lbs) with ease.

It’s also possible to remove the clutch pedal if you don’t need it. You can also adjust the space between the pedals, which is arguably one of the set’s best features. This will allow you to fine tune your setup in order to adjust to the pedals as and when you need to.

Pedal Feeling

The pedals come out of the box with the softest set of springs pre-fitted. Even the softest springs provide adequate resistance, but there is no doubt that the experience is enhanced when you swap them out for the stiffer springs. The pedals become stiffer the further you push them in, rather than being stiff from the outset, replicating real life pedals.

The slightly curved metal pedal faces are comfortable to use, although we recommend that you either wear shoes or socks with some form of rubber grip on the sole to avoid slipping. You can’t change the pedal faces like you can with the ClubSport V3 pedals, but you can detach some rubber pads if you want a lower-friction surface.

Overall, the CSL Elite V2 pedals are not just a major upgrade from their previous model, but a serious rival to the more expensive Fanatec ClubSport V3s. The adjustability options and the ease of utilizing them make this pedal set great value for money. Most importantly, the pedals offer great resistance, but will need mounting to a cockpit or stand to prevent them slipping or tipping over.

PROS:

• Easy to adjust to your liking
• They come with three springs for different resistance options
• Clutch pedal is removable

CONS:

• Pedals may feel slippery without the right footwear

3. Thrustmaster T-LCM Pedals

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

The T-LCM pedals are Thrustmaster’s best offering when it comes to pedal sets. They have plenty of features considering their reasonably low price, starting with an excellent load cell brake pedal. The brake pedal is capable of handling 100 kg of force (220 lbs), which makes it one of the strongest brake pedals on the console market. It is combined with Hall effect clutch and accelerator pedals.

Plastic Casing

While the pedals themselves are made of metal, they are housed in a plastic mount, which makes them feel slightly less high-end, but also contributes to bringing down their overall price. Mounting the pedals is simple, with plenty of holes in place to attach the pedal set to a cockpit. There are rubber stoppers underneath in case you want to use them on the floor, although this isn’t recommended.

The set comes with an impressive array of spring options to help you customize the resistance of the pedals. You can mix and match the springs for complete customization, all without requiring the use of tools. As well as adjusting the resistance, you can also adjust the angle of the pedals to suit your seating position.

Durability & Stability

The pedals and their arms are made of metal, which makes them feel solid and durable, although they are prone to some slight lateral movement. This may be down to the plastic casing that they are housed in, but also because of the way they are put into place. This may not necessarily be an issue while racing, but it does cheapen the overall feel of the pedals.

There have also been cases of the pedals starting to creak after around a year of use. This won’t happen for everyone, but it is still worth noting, as it is not a problem for other pedal sets around a similar price range, such as the Fanatec CSL pedals. But it’s impressive how difficult it is to find negatives around the build quality of these pedals when you consider their price!

Compatibility

The T-LCM pedals are fully compatible with Xbox if used with any of Thrustmaster’s console-compatible wheels. The resolution of the pedals is 12 bits per pedal. Unfortunately, as is the case with consoles, you won’t be able to mix and match brands, but there are plenty of great quality Thrustmaster wheels to choose from.

Overall, the Thrustmaster T-LCM pedals are packed full of features for a price tag that undercuts many of their competitors. The pedals feel durable, and thanks to the calibration software, they also feel accurate in-game. They are a great option for those looking to upgrade from beginner’s pedals to a mid-range load cell pedal set.

PROS:

• Highly adjustable, with six springs and calibration software
• Reasonably priced
• Strong and accurate resistance

CONS:

• Slight side to side movements in the pedals
• Plastic parts of the construction can feel cheap

4. Logitech Pro Pedals

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

In the fall of 2022, Logitech introduced their impressive Pro lineup, which featured their first ever direct drive wheel and a high-quality set of pedals. The Logitech Pro pedals are more expensive than you would usually expect from Logitech, but for good reason, as they have included a 100 kg (220 lbs) adjustable load cell brake, along with Hall effect gas and clutch pedals.

Adjustability

The adjustability is one of the key features of this pedal set, as you can easily change out the springs for either a weaker, stronger, or middle ground option. You can also change the elastomers in the load cell and replace them with three different strength types depending on your preference. All of this can be done without the use of tools, meaning you can change the entire system in moments.

Currently, you can only use the Pro pedal set on Xbox if you own the Logitech G Pro wheel and wheel base. Unless you already have the G Pro wheel, this means that using this pedal set will set you back a substantial amount, even if you do purchase the Pro bundle from the Logitech website.

Other Logitech Offerings

Logitech are widely known for their popular G920 package, which comes with a set of pedals. The pedals included alongside the G920 wheel are ideal for beginners, lacking any complexity, allowing you to get on track as quickly as possible. However, you can only get the G920 pedals as part of a wheel/pedal bundle as they are not sold separately.

This makes the Pro pedals the only standalone option from Logitech at the moment, just in case you were wondering why we didn’t include the G920 pedals on this list!

Materials

Despite their heavy use of aluminum for the pedals and pedal casings, Logitech have opted to use a strong plastic for most of the Pro set’s baseplate. While this plastic is good quality, it will be vulnerable to scratching and long-term wear. Aside from this, the brushed metal used on the pedal faces feels great and has been smoothed out on the edges for a professional feel.

Unlike the Fanatec CSL pedals, there is very little noise to be heard from metal-to-metal contact when using the Pro pedals, which while not performance-enhancing is a nice bonus. The overall look and feel of the pedal set is that of high quality, as Logitech attempts to move away from simply being a beginner’s brand.

How They Feel To Use

The pedals feel smooth to use, if not a little weak at times. Although the brake pedal can take 100 kg (220 lbs) of force, it doesn’t feel as stiff as it perhaps should, even with the strongest elastomers installed. This doesn’t detract from the accuracy of the pedals, as they will work perfectly fine in game, but if you do like a stiffer pedal, these may not be the ones for you.

Overall, Logitech have created a decent product, considering this is their first foray into the more premium realms of sim racing. It feels like the Pro pedal set is catering for a wide range of users, as it is designed around simplicity, as well as containing some high-end features. These pedals can be used by those without a full sim rig just as easily as they can be used in a professional cockpit.

PROS:

• Great adjustability options
• High-quality aluminum construction
• Excellent pedal mechanisms

CONS:

• Only compatible with the G Pro wheel on Xbox
• Not the stiffest pedal set

5. Fanatec CSL Pedals LC

Set: 3 Pedals | Mechanism: Load Cell

While it is unlikely that you will be willing to settle with the Fanatec CSL LC pedals for your entire sim racing career, they will provide an accurate mid-level experience to keep you satisfied until you upgrade. They are sturdy, being made mostly from metal, aside from the plastic pedal faces. They have a professional silver finish to them, meaning they will be aesthetically pleasing when placed in your sim racing setup.

CSL Without Load Cell

You can purchase the CSL pedal set without the load cell brake for a cheaper price if you aren’t too fussed about having a stiffer, more realistic brake pedal. The original set doesn’t come with the clutch, with the brake then turning into a clutch pedal if you do decide to introduce the load cell brake later down the line.

Bear in mind that the Fanatec CSL pedals are only compatible with Xbox when paired with a Fanatec wheel and wheel base.

Pedal Performance

Accuracy is usually a given with Fanatec products, and these pedals are no exception. In game, they will perform well, and your inputs will register perfectly, as you would expect. However, the load cell brake does feel stiff, and unlike most other high-quality pedal sets, you can’t adjust this stiffness.

This lack of stiffness adjustability is unexpected and a little disappointing. The accelerator and clutch pedals are fairly realistic to use, but they lack the force and feeling you get from the CSL Elite pedals, although this is to be expected considering the reduction in price.

The lightness of the clutch and accelerator make it difficult to find true consistency, as it is difficult to work out exactly how far you have pushed the pedal in, due to a lack of progressive resistance. Third party mods are available if you do want to increase the resistance of the pedal, but obviously these will vary in terms of quality and reliability.

Positional Adjustability

While you can’t adjust the stiffness of the load cell brake, you can adjust the positioning of the pedals with ease. You can place the pedals as close or as far apart from each other as you like, with the added option of removing the clutch pedal.

One of the main issues with this pedal set is the metal-on-metal contact made when you press down on the clutch and accelerator pedals. There is nothing in the way of the two parts when you press the pedal down, creating a noticeable noise on impact. Once again, there are third party mods to prevent this, but we’d prefer to not have seen this issue in the first place.

Overall, despite their sturdy, professional feel, the CSL pedals are underwhelming compared to Fanatec’s other options. However, these pedals can be picked up for a reasonable price, and if you’re willing to forego the load cell brake, you can even get a two-pedal set for under $100.

PROS:

• Sturdy, metal feel
• Accurate in-game response
• Pedal positioning can be adjusted

CONS:

• Stiff, non-adjustable load cell
• Noisy when clutch and accelerator are pressed

The Cheapest Sim Racing Pedals For Xbox

Thrustmaster T3PM Pedals

The Thrustmaster T3PM pedals is the best of the cheap sets available for Xbox. The T3PM pedals use Thrustmaster’s patented H.E.A.R.T magnetic technology, which represents a step up from the potentiometer technology used in the previous T3PA pedal set. Considering they are a fraction of the price of top-end pedals, they offer a decent amount of resistance when pressed.

As well as being able to modify the angles of the pedals, there are four different pressure modes on the T3PM brake pedal, allowing you to customize the brake strength to your liking. This means that you will be able to use them comfortably if you don’t have a full sim racing cockpit to mount them on, making them a good option for those who are just starting out.

The Thrustmaster T3PM pedal set is designed for those at the beginning of their sim racing journey, but I wouldn’t recommend them to anyone who is planning on purchasing a pedal set for the long-term, as you’ll quickly want more from the brake pedal. In terms of compatibility, you can use these pedals on Xbox if you have a Thrustmaster T-Series wheel base.

Do You Really Need Sim Racing Pedals As An Xbox Player?

You don’t need sim racing pedals to enjoy racing on Xbox, but they will greatly add to your experience. Not only do they add to the immersion and realism of your experience, but they will also help you to improve lap times and become a more competitive driver.

With pedals, you will have greater control over braking and acceleration inputs. This control – especially realized when using high-end load cell pedals – will allow you to build up your muscle memory, allowing for greater consistency around the track.

Consistency is key in sim racing, and it is a lot easier to achieve when using pedals compared to triggers on a controller. Once you have built up your muscle memory, you can put even more focus into the racing line and other aspects of the drive.

Pedals do take a while to get used to, especially if you have only ever used a controller, but once you get to grips with them, you will notice that your lap times will start to improve. So, in terms of consistency, overall performance, immersion and realism, pedals are one of the most important additions to your sim racing setup!

Final Thoughts

While the options for sim racing pedals may be substantially reduced for Xbox users, there are still some highly effective options out there, offering the same features that PC users get to enjoy. The best sim racing pedals for Xbox players are the ClubSport V3 pedals from Fanatec, but the T-LCM pedals offer a decent experience at a lower price.