Thrustmaster T248R vs Thrustmaster T128
Thrustmaster T248R (#3) vs Thrustmaster T128 (#5, best budget): in our Racing Wheels scoring the Thrustmaster T248R totals 8.2/10 and the Thrustmaster T128 6.9/10, the Thrustmaster T248R leading on Force Feedback and Pedals and the Thrustmaster T128 on Value.
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TopsFive comparison scores
Side by side
| Thrustmaster T248R | Thrustmaster T128 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.99 | $199.99 |
| Torque | 3.1Nm T-HD Hybrid Drive | ~2Nm Hybrid Drive |
| Buttons | 25 action buttons incl. 2 dual-activation encoders | — |
| Display | Color LCD (20+ views), 4 status LEDs | — |
| Pedals | T3PM 3-pedal set, Hall-effect, 4 brake stiffness levels | T2PM magnetic 2-pedal set |
| Platform | PS5, PS4, PC | PS5, PS4, PC |
| Paddle Shifters | Mag-Shift magnetic | H.E.A.R.T magnetic |
| Rotation | — | 270-900 degrees adjustable |
| LED | — | 4-color RPM strip |
How they differ in real use
Built from our racing wheels scoring, each product's published specifications, and verified owner feedback — not hands-on testing.
Both the Thrustmaster T248R and the Thrustmaster T128 made our Top 5 Racing Wheels, at #3 and #5 (best budget). Thrustmaster's current-generation replacement for the T248: the same T3PM pedal set and LCD telemetry display now paired with Mag-Shift magnetic paddle shifters and 3 adjustable BOOST force-feedback levels, at a lower price than the outgoing model. Excellent mid-range option. The most affordable force feedback wheel worth buying. Magnetic pedals included with a compact desk-clamp design. An honest entry point into sim racing.
We score racing wheels on Force Feedback (35%), Build Quality (25%), Pedals (20%), Ecosystem (10%) and Value (10%). On that basis the Thrustmaster T248R totals 8.2 out of 10 and the Thrustmaster T128 6.9. The widest gap is Force Feedback, where the Thrustmaster T248R scores 8 against 6 for the Thrustmaster T128 — FFB quality and strength. Pedals also separates them: 8 for the Thrustmaster T248R versus 6 for the Thrustmaster T128. The Thrustmaster T128 claws back ground on Value.
On paper, the specifications that actually differ: Torque — 3.1Nm T-HD Hybrid Drive on the Thrustmaster T248R versus ~2Nm Hybrid Drive on the Thrustmaster T128; Pedals — T3PM 3-pedal set, Hall-effect, 4 brake stiffness levels on the Thrustmaster T248R versus T2PM magnetic 2-pedal set on the Thrustmaster T128; Paddle Shifters — Mag-Shift magnetic on the Thrustmaster T248R versus H.E.A.R.T magnetic on the Thrustmaster T128. They match on Platform.
Pricing as of September 2, 2026: $299.99 for the Thrustmaster T248R and $199.99 for the Thrustmaster T128, a $100 difference in the Thrustmaster T128's favor. Owners praise the Thrustmaster T248R for t-HD hybrid drive with 3 selectable BOOST FFB levels and T3PM 3-pedal set with 4-stage brake stiffness; the most common complaint is not true direct drive (hybrid belt+gear system). Owners praise the Thrustmaster T128 for most affordable quality force feedback wheel and hybrid Drive belt+gear system for smooth FFB; the most common complaint is limited force feedback power (~2Nm).
Thrustmaster T248R
- T-HD hybrid drive with 3 selectable BOOST FFB levels
- T3PM 3-pedal set with 4-stage brake stiffness
- Mag-Shift magnetic paddle shifters
- Color LCD with 20+ telemetry views
- Not true direct drive (hybrid belt+gear system)
- Non-removable wheel
- 3.1Nm torque still modest next to direct-drive wheels
Thrustmaster T128
- Most affordable quality force feedback wheel
- Hybrid Drive belt+gear system for smooth FFB
- Magnetic H.E.A.R.T paddle shifters
- T2PM magnetic pedal set included
- Limited force feedback power (~2Nm)
- Non-removable wheel
- Only 2 pedals included (no clutch)
Which should you buy?
The Thrustmaster T248R is the better fit for mid-budget sim racers and PS5 racing game fans — it is the higher-scoring pick here, chiefly for Force Feedback and Pedals. The Thrustmaster T128 is the better fit for first-time sim racers and budget-conscious buyers, and the stronger choice if Value matters more to you than the overall score. If the $100 saving matters more than Force Feedback, the Thrustmaster T128 is the better value. The Thrustmaster T248R is a poor fit for those wanting direct drive feel; the Thrustmaster T128 is a poor fit for experienced sim racers wanting more power.
Choose the Thrustmaster T248R if
- Mid-budget sim racers
- PS5 racing game fans
- Those wanting integrated telemetry display
Skip it if
- Those wanting direct drive feel
- Hardcore sim racers
Choose the Thrustmaster T128 if
- First-time sim racers
- Budget-conscious buyers
- Casual racing game fans
Skip it if
- Experienced sim racers wanting more power
- Those needing 3 pedals
Common questions
Is the Thrustmaster T248R better than the Thrustmaster T128?
In our Racing Wheels ranking the Thrustmaster T248R scores higher overall, 8.2 to 6.9, with the biggest advantage in Force Feedback. The Thrustmaster T128 is stronger on Value, so it is the better pick if that matters most to you.
How much more does the Thrustmaster T248R cost than the Thrustmaster T128?
$100 more as of September 2, 2026: $299.99 for the Thrustmaster T248R against $199.99 for the Thrustmaster T128. Prices move, so the merchant page shows the current figure. What the extra buys is mostly Force Feedback — 8 versus 6 in our scoring.
What is the main difference between the Thrustmaster T248R and the Thrustmaster T128?
The headline spec difference is Torque: 3.1Nm T-HD Hybrid Drive on the Thrustmaster T248R versus ~2Nm Hybrid Drive on the Thrustmaster T128. In use, the gap that matters most is Force Feedback (8 vs 6 in our scoring): FFB quality and strength.