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Best handbrake add-on for PC, Xbox and PS4/PS5:
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Best handbrake clamp compatible only for PC :
A sim racing setup is incomplete without a handbrake. For all the drifting fans out there, and especially for those interested in rally games like DiRT, a handbrake is a very essential accessory. Most people assign the handbrake function to a button on the wheel, which works fine for occasional engagement. It’s only when you’re making hairpin turns, and desperately need to be perfect, you realise that you need a handbrake solution; because every split second matters.
To find the right handbrake for your racing rig on PC, PS4 or Xbox One, there are a lot of compatibility guides you need to go through. The handbrake should be compatible with 1. Your racing wheel, 2. Your platform (PC/PS4/Xbox) and 3. The game you wish to play. Further, you will need to figure out the handbrake add-on connection, to connect it to the wheelbase/pedals or directly via USB. In some cases, a USB adapter is also needed to make things work.
If you’re looking to add a handbrake to your sim racing setup, you’re extremely lucky. We have done hours of research and brought together this extensive guide. This guide will help find the right handbrake for any racing wheel on the market, from Logitech, Thrustmaster or Fanatec running on any platform, PC, PS4 or Xbox One.
Analog vs Digital Handbrake
When buying a handbrake, most people prefer an analog handbrake over a digital one. An analog handbrake will apply the brakes in a gradual manner as you pull the lever, depending on the amount of force you apply. Whereas a digital handbrake includes just two options: on and off. A digital handbrake will lock the wheels as soon as you pull the lever and let go off the brakes completely as soon as you let it go.
Best USB Analog Handbrakes
Here’s a list of the best USB analog handbrakes that we think are best to compliment your sim racing setup:
Fanatec ClubSport Handbrake V1.5
Best selling sim racing handbrake
Pros:
- Great build quality – Made entirely from high quality metal, the Fanatec handbrake feels solid and looks like a real one pulled directly from a rally car.
- Comfortable mounting options – It can be mounted horizontally or vertically, whatever suits your racing style.
- Reasonably priced – It lives up to the price tag.
Cons:
- Package does not include USB wire. To use with non-fanatec wheels, a separate ClubSport USB adapter is required.
Thrustmaster TSS Handbrake Sparco Mod
2-in-1 Sequential shifter and handbrake
Pros:
- Sequential shifter mode – It doubles as a sequential shifter apart from being a handbrake.
- Adjustable lever – The handbrake lever can be adjusted by 90° for vertical or horizontal mode. The lever height can also be adjusted to your liking.
- USB wire is included in the box.
Cons:
- Very expensive – The Thrustmaster handbrake is almost double the price of other handbrakes.
Aiologs Sim Handbrake V3
Most premium built handbrake
Pros:
- Premium build quality – It is constructed from 3mm stainless steel and aluminium.
- Desk clamp included in box.
- Analog and digital mode – 2in1 handbrake, supports both analog and digital braking.
- LED Light – A light lies inside the case which can be seen through the transparent window. It can be customised using the Aiologs software.
- No drivers needed – Plug and play handbrake.
Cons:
- It’s manufactured in Russia and ships directly from there, so be prepared for longer shipping times than usual.
USB Handbrake Compatibility Guide
Handbrake compatiblity on PC:
Fanatec ClubSport Handbrake V1.5 | Thrustmaster TSS Handbrake | Aiologs Sim Handbrake V3 | |
---|---|---|---|
Fanatec Wheels | Yes¹ | Yes² | Yes² |
Thrustmaster Wheels | Yes³ | Yes¹ | Yes² |
Logitech Wheels | Yes³ | Yes² | Yes² |
1 – Connects diretly to wheelbase or pedals. Cable included.
2 – Connects via USB. Cable included.
3 – Connects via USB. Additional Fanatec USB adapter required.
Handbrake for Logitech G920/G29 on PC
All three handbrakes, Fanatec ClubSport, Thrustmaster TSS and Aiologs handbrake work perfectly with Logitech racing wheels on PC when connected via USB. You can use pretty much any USB handbrake with Logitech wheels on PC.
Handbrake for Thrustmaster Racing Wheels on PC
For all Thrustmaster racing wheels, you can use any USB handbrake like the Fanatec ClubSport, Thrustmaster TSS or Aiologs handbrake by connecting it to the USB port on PC.
Handbrake for Fanatec Racing Wheels on PC
For all Fanatec racing wheels, all USB handbrakes including the Fanatec ClubSport, Thrustmaster TSS and Aiologs handbrake, work with full compatibility when connected via USB on PC.
Handbrake Compatiblity on PS4:
Fanatec ClubSport Handbrake V1.5 | Thrustmaster TSS Handbrake | Aiologs Sim Handbrake V3 | |
---|---|---|---|
Fanatec Wheels | Yes¹ | Yes² | Yes² |
Thrustmaster T300, T-GT | Yes³ | Yes¹ | Yes² |
Thrustmaster T80, T150, T150 Pro | Yes³ | Yes² | Yes² |
Logitech G29 | Yes³ | Yes² | Yes² |
1 – Connects diretly to wheelbase or pedals. Cable included.
2 – Drivehub required to connect handbrake on consoles.
3 – Drivehub and additional Fanatec USB adapter required.
Note: In a handful of games that support USB input on PS4, ie. Assetto Corsa, Dirt Rally, DiRT 4, WRC 7 and SLRE, you can use any USB handbrake (Fanatec ClubSport, Thrustmaster TSS or Aiologs handbrake) via USB and map it as a standalone device.
Handbrake for Logitech G29 on PS4
Although Logitech does not make a handbrake for their racing wheels, you can use any of the three USB handbrakes, Fanatec ClubSport, Thrustmaster TSS or Aiologs handbrake with the DriveHub to make them work with Logitech G29 on PS4.
Handbrake for Thrustmaster T300 and T-GT on PS4
Thrustmaster TSS Handbrake Sparco Mod+ is fully compatible with Thrustmaster T300 and T-GT racing wheels on PS4. Alternatively, you can use the Fanatec or Aiologs handbrake with the help of DriveHub accesorry on PS4. The latter is a much cheaper and better option in my opinion.
Handbrake for Thrustmaster T80, T150, T150 Pro on PS4
For the Trustmaster wheels that do not support a handbrake natively, you can get the DriveHub to make any USB handbrake of the three, Fanatec ClubSport, Thrustmaster TSS or Aiologs handbrake work on PS4.
Handbrake for Fanatec Racing Wheels on PS4
For all Fanatec wheels, the Fanatec ClubSport Handbrake V1.5 works perfectly on PS4 when connected to Fanatec wheelbase/pedals with the included cable. Alternatively, you can use other handbrakes like Thrustmaster TSS or Aiologs handbrake with the help of DriveHub.
Handbrake Compatibility on Xbox One:
Fanatec ClubSport Handbrake V1.5 | Thrustmaster TSS Handbrake | Aiologs Sim Handbrake V3 | |
---|---|---|---|
Fanatec Wheels | Yes¹ | Yes² | Yes² |
Thrustmaster TX, TS-XW | Yes³ | Yes¹ | Yes² |
Thrustmaster TMX, TMX Pro, Ferrari 458 Spider | Yes³ | Yes² | Yes² |
Logitech G920 | Yes³ | Yes² | Yes² |
1 – Connects diretly to wheelbase or pedals. Cable included.
2 – Drivehub required to connect handbrake on consoles.
3 – Drivehub and additional Fanatec USB adapter required.
Handbrake for Logitech G920 on Xbox One
Although Logitech does not make a handbrake for their racing wheels, you can use any of the three USB handbrakes – Fanatec ClubSport, Thrustmaster TSS or Aiologs handbrake with the DriveHub to make them work with Logitech G920 on Xbox One.
Handbrake for Thrustmaster TX and TS-XW on Xbox One
Thrustmaster TSS Handbrake Sparco Mod+ is fully compatible with Thrustmaster TX and TS-XW racing wheels on Xbox One. Alternatively, you can use the Fanatec or Aiologs handbrake with the help of DriveHub accesorry on Xbox One. The latter is a much cheaper and better option in my opinion.
Handbrake for Thrustmaster TMX, TMX Pro and Ferrari 458 Spider on Xbox One
For the Trustmaster wheels that do not support a handbrake natively, you can get the DriveHub to make any USB handbrake of the three – Fanatec ClubSport, Thrustmaster TSS or Aiologs handbrake work on Xbox One.
Handbrake for Fanatec Racing Wheels on Xbox One
For all Fanatec wheels, the Fanatec ClubSport Handbrake V1.5 works perfectly on Xbox One when connected to Fanatec wheelbase/pedals with the included cable. Alternatively, you can use other handbrakes like Thrustmaster TSS or Aiologs handbrake with the help of DriveHub.