To get straight to the point, the Thrustmaster T150 still holds its position as the cheapest force feedback-equipped model as of 2026, but its place in the market has become difficult because of the successor T18 and T300RS sale prices in the ¥30,000 range. At around ¥32,000 at retail, it still serves as an entry point to force feedback for those stepping up from the HORI Racing Wheel Apex (no force feedback; around ¥16,000). However, whether you can expect a T300RS sale at a similar price has a major impact on the buying decision.
In this article, I organize what I have covered across 11 Picar Channel videos on the T150. It is mainly aimed at beginners looking for the next step after the HORI Racing Wheel Apex, and those who want to get into force feedback in the ¥30,000 range. I cover its price-tier position, its relationship with the successor T18, and how it compares when the T300RS is on sale.
- 1. My verdict in 30 seconds
- 2. What is the Thrustmaster T150? The cheapest wheel with force feedback
- 3. The natural next step from the HORI Racing Wheel Apex without force feedback
- 4. Real-world use and feel: organizing my impressions across 11 videos
- 5. Where it sits against the competition
- 6. Who I recommend it for—and who I do not
- 7. Related videos
- 8. Frequently asked questions
- 9. Read next
My verdict in 30 seconds
My conclusion from the Picar Channel's coverage across 11 videos is that the Thrustmaster T150 still works as the cheapest force feedback-equipped option, but sits awkwardly between the successor T18 in the ¥20,000 range and T300RS sales in the ¥30,000 range. The T150 is a strong candidate if you need force feedback right away, cannot wait for a T300RS sale, or want an established classic. But if you have time before making a new purchase, it is smarter to try the T18 or wait for a T300RS sale.
What is the Thrustmaster T150? The cheapest wheel with force feedback
The T150 is Thrustmaster's entry-level force feedback model. For a long time, it has been a standard choice as the cheapest way into force feedback.
To explore the wider range of options, also see my Thrustmaster T598 review: DD + high-frequency vibration, official GT7 support, and T300RS compatibility tested across seven videos and Thrustmaster T-GT II review: Is this ultimate belt-drive wheel, faster than the DD1 in GT7, still worth buying?.
Thrustmaster T150: The cheapest force feedback-equipped model positioned above HORI racing wheels is Thrustmaster's T150. It has force feedback and comes with two pedals. At around ¥32,000, it costs more than twice as much as a HORI racing wheel. It is an option for those who want to experience force feedback while keeping their budget down. However, the Thrustmaster T300RS mentioned later can sometimes fall into the ¥30,000 range during sales, so if you can get them at a similar price, I overwhelmingly recommend the T300RS.
— From Picar Channel's “[Gran Turismo 7] I review all nine compatible racing wheels”
That strong assessment—“if you can get them at a similar price, I overwhelmingly recommend the T300RS”—is an unavoidable fact when discussing the T150. The question of whether you can wait for a T300RS sale always hangs over the decision to buy a T150.
Core specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Thrustmaster |
| Series | T150 Pro / T150 (base model) |
| Drive system | Belt drive |
| Force feedback | Yes (entry level) |
| Included pedals | 2 pedals |
| Wheel price | Approx. ¥32,000 |
| Supported platforms | PlayStation 5 / PlayStation 4 / PC |
| Successor | T18 (launched in the ¥20,000 range) |
The natural next step from the HORI Racing Wheel Apex without force feedback
The T150's biggest reason for existing is its position between the HORI Racing Wheel Apex (no force feedback; around ¥16,000) and the T300RS (strong force feedback; around ¥50,000).
Want to try a racing wheel as cheaply as possible? HORI's PS5-compatible racing wheel (around ¥12,000): for those who first want to experience racing-wheel controls, even without force feedback. Want force feedback but need to keep the budget down? Thrustmaster T150 (around ¥32,000): the cheapest model with force feedback. However, compare it with the T300RS when it is on sale.
— From Picar Channel's “GT7-compatible racing wheel review: nine models”
For users who say, “I want force feedback, but I need to keep the budget down,” the T150 is a clear answer. Paying twice the price of a HORI Racing Wheel Apex to gain force feedback is a significant investment, but it is also a major qualitative step forward in the racing-wheel experience.
Real-world use and feel: organizing my impressions across 11 videos
Its relationship with the successor T18: launched in the ¥20,000 range
From 2024 onward, the T150 gained a successor in the T18, launched at the lower price of the ¥20,000 range. This has made the T150's purpose even less clear.
The best choice in the ¥20,000 range! Thrustmaster T18 vs. T150: which is the ultimate beginner racing wheel? An in-depth comparison review. This time, based on a video thoroughly comparing Thrustmaster's newly released racing wheel, the T18, with the T150, long a standard entry-level wheel, I take a closer look at which is the ultimate beginner racing wheel. I have reviewed many racing wheels and have particularly rated the Thrustmaster T300 highly, but this time I focus on the capability and appeal of the T18 and T150, both available in the ¥20,000 range.
— From Picar Channel's “This is the definitive best racing wheel you can buy in the ¥20,000 range!”
If the T18 is available in the ¥20,000 range, the T150 at ¥32,000 will increasingly look expensive. That said, the differences in features and durability between the T18 and T150 have not yet been fully settled. If you are choosing based on a proven track record, the case for the T150 remains valid.
An aging USB cable design
One aspect of the T150's long-running status is apparent in its older hardware design.
When connecting the T18 to a PC, it may not initially be set to PC mode. In that case, you can make the PC recognize it by holding down the mode button and performing a specific operation. The T150 feels a little dated in areas such as its non-removable USB cable, while the T18, as a current product, also considers ease of use. As for the pedals, the T18 pedals need to be secured with long screws (around M6), but no screws were included at the time of filming, so I temporarily secured them with masking tape for my test drive. Thrustmaster pedals use a common standard and are compatible with other models, making upgrades easy.
— From the same video
The “non-removable USB cable” design means a greater risk of failure over long-term use and poorer repairability. The T18 may improve on this point, making it the safer view for a new purchase.
Thrustmaster's common pedal standard: an upgrade path for the future
One advantage of the T150 is Thrustmaster's ecosystem-wide pedal standard.
Thrustmaster pedals use a common standard and are compatible with other models, making upgrades easy.
— From the same video
This means that when you upgrade to a T300RS, T-GT II, T598, or similar model in the future, you can continue using your pedals and shifter. As an entry point into the Thrustmaster ecosystem, peripherals you invest in for the T150 will not go to waste.
The difficulty of an era of higher prices
What complicates the T150's assessment is the gap between its past and current price.
Thrustmaster T150: It was once a hidden gem—very affordable and compatible with a range of shifters—but its price has now risen, putting the T300 in the better value-for-money position. If it were sold in the upper ¥20,000 range, I could highly recommend it. Looking at things overall, Fanatec's lineup can be said to offer the best balance for the ultimate Gran Turismo simulator at this point.
— From Picar Channel's “[GT7] This is now the world's ultimate simulator”
The conditional assessment that it would be highly recommended in the upper ¥20,000 range shows how the T150 has changed over time. At its current ¥32,000 price, you could argue that the successor T18, in the ¥20,000 range, has inherited the T150's former position.
Where it sits against the competition
| Product | Price | Force feedback | Positioning |
|---|---|---|---|
| HORI Racing Wheel Apex | Approx. ¥12,000–¥16,000 | No | Cheapest option without force feedback |
| Thrustmaster T18 | Approx. ¥20,000 range | Yes | T150 successor; current entry-level model |
| Thrustmaster T150 | Approx. ¥32,000 | Yes | The subject of this article |
| Logitech G29 / G923 | Approx. ¥40,000–¥50,000 | Yes | Established mid-range options |
| Thrustmaster T300RS | Approx. ¥50,000 (¥30,000 range on sale) | Yes (strong) | The standard wheel in the ¥50,000 range |
Who I recommend it for—and who I do not
✅ I recommend it for
- People who want to move from the HORI Racing Wheel Apex, which has no force feedback, into a force feedback experience
- People who want to get into force feedback in the ¥30,000 range but would rather choose an established standard than the newer T18 in the ¥20,000 range
- People who want to reuse their T150 pedals or shifter when upgrading to a T300RS, T-GT II, or similar wheel in the future, within the Thrustmaster ecosystem
- People who need force feedback soon, at a time when a T300RS sale in the ¥30,000 range is unlikely in the near term
❌ It is not for
- People who can choose the successor T18 in the upper ¥20,000 range → The T18 is a strong modern equivalent of the T150
- People who can wait for a T300RS sale price in the ¥30,000 range → The T300RS is significantly ahead in expandability
- People who prioritize serviceability, including USB cable replaceability (the T150 has a non-removable USB cable)
- People who do not want to deal with heat fade during long-term use → Consider a direct-drive racing wheel such as the CSL DD
Related videos
- [Gran Turismo 7] I review all nine compatible racing wheels
- This is the definitive best racing wheel you can buy in the ¥20,000 range!
- [GT7] This is now the world's ultimate simulator
Frequently asked questions
Q1. Should I choose the T150 or T18?
A. The T18 is a strong option for a new purchase. It costs around ¥10,000 less and improves usability in areas such as USB cable replaceability. However, the T18 is a new product without much of a long-term track record yet, so the T150 remains a valid choice if you prefer an established standard.
Q2. What if the T300RS is on sale compared with the T150?
A. If the T300RS is on sale in the ¥30,000 range, choose the T300RS without hesitation. Its force feedback strength, included three pedals, and wheel-swapping potential all put it substantially ahead of the T150. As I clearly said in the video, “if you can get them at a similar price, I overwhelmingly recommend the T300RS.”
Q3. Is it worth upgrading from the HORI Racing Wheel Apex to the T150?
A. It is worth it if you want the force feedback experience. Moving from the HORI Racing Wheel Apex (¥16,000) to the T150 (¥32,000) is a ¥16,000 difference. In return for that force feedback feature, you get a qualitative step forward in the simulator experience, making it an investment that makes sense.
Q4. Can I continue using the T150 pedals in the future?
A. Yes. Thrustmaster pedals use a common standard, so you can reuse them when upgrading to higher-end models such as the T300RS, T-GT II, and T598. This is a major strength of the Thrustmaster ecosystem.
Q5. Does it work on PS5?
A. Yes. The T150 supports PS5, PS4, and PC. It is also officially supported in GT7.
