Thrustmaster T598 vs Fanatec DD Pro

In this article we will make a comparison of the Thrustmaster T598 vs Fanatec DD Pro steering wheels.

Comparison Table – Key Differences

The Thrustmaster T598 is the great novelty of the year 2024, the first direct drive wheel of the Thrustmaster brand has been released to compete with the Fanatec GT DD Pro. And everyone is asking the same question, which wheel is better?

If we look at the comparison table above, we can see that they have practically the same characteristics. Both are direct drive flywheels with a force of 5Nm.

Another feature they have in common is their compatibility with PS5, PS4 and PC.

But what are the differences?

Thrustmaster T598 vs Fanatec DD Pro

Our Verdict

As for the platforms on which each steering wheel works, both are compatible with Playstation and PC.

Here is a summary of the features:

1. Torque:
   • DD Pro: 5 N m extendable up to 8Nm with boost kit.
   • T598: 5 N m.
2. Feedback
   • CSL DD: Force feedback direct drive that transmits power directly to the flywheel without gears.
   • T598: Force feedback direct drive (DD).
3. Platforms:
   • CSL DD: PC, PS5 and PS4.
   • T598: PC, PS5 and PS4.
4. Price:
   • CSL DD: €699
   • T598: The price of the T598 is around 499€.

Thrustmaster T598 vs Fanatec GT DD Pro: Common Features

• Both: both include rim and pedals with a special edition for Gran Turismo. As a disadvantage I would say that the pedals do not have a clutch. Although in both models you can change the pedals and put better ones with clutch and gear shift.
• Both steering wheel bases are handbrake compatible.

Driving experience with both steering wheels

To start with we will talk about the Thrustmaster T598, which is a steering wheel that is optimized for Gran Turismo, so if you play this car simulation game, it is ideal.

Although the Fanatec GT DD Pro version is also designed for GT8 or GT7, it must be said that Fanatec works perfectly with all games such as iRacing, Forza Motorsport, F1 24, …

As for the force feedback, Fanatec’s force feedback is spectacular, it is very direct when turning and very aggressive, it lets you know what is happening on the track with great precision.

The FBB of the Thrustmaster T598 is very good too, but it lacks that extra that Fanatec’s 8 Nm gives you.

Although it must be said that if we configure the two flywheels with 5 Nm they have a very similar force (as expected).

Quality of construction

In terms of build quality of the components I like the Fanatec better, the steering wheel is awesome, while the Thrustmaster hoop is a bit more basic.

The durability of the T598 I can’t tell you because it has just been released and so far no one has reported any problems.

What I can tell you is that if you buy a Fanatec DD Pro you will have a steering wheel for many years. And you can also buy better rims and pedals to improve your set up.

But the T598 can also be upgraded and the rim and pedals can be changed. If you put some T-LCM with load cell you will notice a lot of difference.

Thrustmaster T598 vs Fanatec GT DD Pro: Rims

the hoop as you can see in the picture is more complete in Fanatec. The GT DD Pro has more buttons and has a rev led strip that looks pretty cool.

The T598 ring has the essential buttons, which is not bad. But what I like the most are the cams, which are very large and work like a charm.

Fanatec DD Pro vs Thrustmaster T598: Final Recommendation

Thrustmaster T598 vs Fanatec DD Pro? Our recommendation is to buy the Fanatec GT DD Pro, the FFB has more power and the pedals are better.

The 5 Nm of the T598 may not be enough after some time playing. When you are a pro, you will need at least 8-9 Nm. So the Fanatec DD Pro will last you more years.

Now if you want the cheapest direct drive steering wheel, you should buy the Thrustmaster T598 which is awesome. Also if you are a beginner you don’t need to spend so much money.

In case you decide to buy one or the other, it is important to choose well where to buy it. In the case of the Thrustmaster we would choose the Amazon website that offers a very good sales, warranty and return service. In addition you could read the opinion of all the users who have bought it.

If you opt for Fanatec, I regret to tell you that there are not many websites that sell these steering wheels, so you will have to go to the page Fanatec official website. But well I have bought in this page and I have not had problems. Do not panic if you see it in English, you can give the right mouse button and translate the site into Spanish.

Unfortunately there is no stock for the T598 at the moment (December 2024). You can buy it at Thrustmaster or El Corte Ingles but it is out of stock. You have to wait until they start selling it on Amazon to enjoy this simracing pack.