Best RC Cars for Cool Leisure

Review & Comparison, Last Update February 4, 2024
Whether you’re eight or forty-eight, if you love cars and enjoy tinkering, you go into raptures on buying an RC car. We have reviewed 5 best RC cars for you to choose the right vehicle. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
ENGINE TYPE
POWER
TYPE OF VEHICLE
TYPE OF SURFACE
SCALE
CONTROL
OPERATING RANGE
SPEED
Warranty
 
PROS

Huge anti-skid shockproof wheels provide excellent cross-country ability even on a bumpy surface with the ability to ride up to 45 degrees. A capacious battery makes it possible to enjoy racing 10-15 mins at a maximum speed of 30 mph.

CONS

Battery cover has a shaky mount.

OUR VERDICT

The Hosim RC Car, a real off-road monster with an IPX4 Waterproof Level, will be an excellent solution for people who want the model to comfortably and clearly move over rough terrain. And thanks to a scale of 1/10, even adults will be delighted with it.

detailed parameters
ENGINE TYPE

Electric

POWER

7.4V 1600 mAH Li-ion-PO battery

TYPE OF VEHICLE

Off-road Truck

TYPE OF SURFACE

For off-road courses with jumps and obstacles

SCALE

1/10

CONTROL

2.4 Ghz RC car transmitter

OPERATING RANGE

up to 262 ft

SPEED

30 mph

Warranty

30-Day Money Back Guarantee 

90 days Replacement Warranty

PROS

The cooling fan ensures a longer motor performance. Thanks to excellent waterproof performance, this car is suitable for outdoor use application in any weather conditions. 

CONS

The truck may slip in sand.

OUR VERDICT

The combo of stable riding behavior, high speed and power engine will come to liking to any model car collector and bring joy to consumers of all ages. 

detailed parameters
ENGINE TYPE

Electric

POWER

Ni-MH 8,4 V, 3000 mAh

TYPE OF VEHICLE

Off-road Short Course Truck

TYPE OF SURFACE

Flat roads and broken country with springboards

SCALE

1/10

CONTROL

2.4GHz 2-channel transmitter Traxxas TQ

OPERATING RANGE

~ 100 m

SPEED

30+ MPH

Warranty

Amazon's 30-day return policy

PROS

The articulated suspensions provide better cross-country capabilities. Two motors generate sufficient power to push the car even over a loose terrain like sand, etc.

CONS

As the turning radius of the car is quite big, riding it on narrow roads might be less convenient.

OUR VERDICT

Looking for your first RC car? The Maisto can be your best choice. Praised by both kids and adults, it will give you a pleasure watching it crawl over mud, stony slopes and through the sand. 

detailed parameters
ENGINE TYPE

Electric

POWER

6 AA batteries 

TYPE OF VEHICLE

Off-road Crawler

TYPE OF SURFACE

Broken country without high springboards

SCALE

1/14

CONTROL

27 MHz Tri-Channel transmitter (2 AAA batteries)

OPERATING RANGE

Not specified

SPEED

~ 4-5 MPH

Warranty

Amazon's 30-day return policy

PROS

The included strong shock absorbers protect your car from damage, even if you regularly overcome bumps and ski jumps.

CONS

The controller feels flimsy.

OUR VERDICT

This model will undoubtedly appeal to both true professionals and amateurs who are able to appreciate the high quality of materials and the reliability of the model design. Suitable for obstacle courses, sand and rocky roads. As a bonus, it comes with two batteries for longer playtime.

detailed parameters
ENGINE TYPE

Electric

POWER

Ni-MH batteries, 6V, 700 mAh

TYPE OF VEHICLE

Off Road Truck

TYPE OF SURFACE

For off-road courses with low jumps and obstacles

SCALE

1/16

CONTROL

2.4 GHz radio control system

OPERATING RANGE

up to 164 ft

SPEED

15.5 mph

Warranty

Amazon's 30-day return policy

PROS

The machine is equipped with believable light and sound signals, with which you can warn about the need to stop potential violators of the law.

CONS

Tires wear off quite quickly on paved surfaces.

OUR VERDICT

The Kidirace RC Police Car is made as detailed and realistic as possible. It can be given even to the smallest child of 3 years or older. Managing such a model will help improve the child’s coordination, reaction rate and spatial orientation. The model has a convenient charging process from the USB port and half-hour autonomy.

detailed parameters
ENGINE TYPE

Electric

POWER

Ni-MH rechargeable battery

TYPE OF VEHICLE

Police Car

TYPE OF SURFACE

Flat floors and outdoor surfaces

SCALE

1/16

CONTROL

2.4 GHz radio control system

OPERATING RANGE

~ 100 ft

SPEED

9.3 mph

Warranty

100% money back guarantee

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Hosim 9125-Red

True Off Road Monster

For those who tend towards RC cars specifically made for off-road purposes and capable of performing some kind of stunts as well as traversing over as a wide range of surfaces as possible, we couldn't recommend the Hosim 9125-Red High-Speed Remote Control Truck highly enough. 

The Hosim RC car gives people exactly what they want in an off-road RC car. This large RC vehicle is shaped like a real off-road monster truck, just like the ones that are often featured at monster truck derbies. The huge anti-skid shockproof wheels provide excellent cross-country ability even on a bumpy surface with the ability to ride up to 45 degrees, allowing for ample clearance on rough patches of ground as well as the ability to make use of ramps and hills.

The capacious battery makes it possible to enjoy racing between 10-15 mins at a maximum speed of 30 mph, so even the biggest RC off-road enthusiasts will find its performance to be stellar.

Review of Hosim 9125-Red High Speed Remote Control Truc

Drive Anywhere

As you can see from its capabilities stated above, this monster truck RC vehicle can be driven just about anywhere.

To add to its flexibility in use, the vehicle is controlled by a 2.4 GHz radio signal from the controller, with a working range of up to 262 feet, making it one of the longer-ranged RC vehicles out there. This lets you drive it over a wide area without the need of repositioning yourself in order to prevent it from driving out of range.

The controller for this vehicle is pretty unique, featuring a pistol grip that allows for easy handling with one hand while using the other to control the vehicle. Steering is handled by a tire-shaped wheel that gives you pinpoint control, with acceleration and braking handled by the trigger. Overall, control of the vehicle is quite simple, to where even young children should be able to easily control it without too much trouble.

The Hosim RC Car, a real off-road monster with an IPX4 Waterproof Level that adds to its overall flexibility and off-road use, will be an excellent solution for people who want the model to comfortably and clearly move over rough terrain. And thanks to a scale of 1/10, even adults will be delighted with it. Those looking for a realistic monster truck off-road experience will find this model to be one of the best RC cars out there.

Hosim 9125-Red High Speed Remote Control Truc in the use
Last updated price $129.98
Stock In stock
ASIN B07867TVGB

 

Traxxas 58034-1

Small Copy of Known Racers

Large RC cars tend to get the most attention, and also provide more fun for the user as the larger the vehicle, the more true to real life it will seem. This is all essentially true of the Traxxas 58034-1 Short Course Racing Truck. The Traxxas Slash RC car has a scale of 1/10 and it's a tiny replica of real Traxxas, Chet Huffman Motorsports, and Amsoil race cars. This model is even painted exactly like its full-size vehicle used in short-course races. The toy is fitted with a powerful 550 Titan 12T motor and special speed control bosses for dynamics and speed. The motor is powered by the Ni-Mh battery of 8.4 V 3000 mAh that gets charged with a peak-detecting charger and the adapter for charging the toy from a cigarette lighter. The package also includes the 3-channel receiver working on 2.4 GHz frequency and providing a high-quality signal protected against disturbances. The controller is powered by 4 АА batteries. Play anywhere and anytime without delays. With no shade of a doubt, the Traxxas truck can impress you with its controlling and riding capabilities, bringing you maximum pleasure from your little rides.

Review of Traxxas 58034-1 Short Course Racing Truck

Protection for Races in Any Wheather

Well-protected electronics is the main advantage of this model as it allows riding it under any weather conditions. Just like it is on all Traxxas products, the wiring here is dust and water-proof. As the car has been fitted with silicon pads, you can ride it through mud and puddles safely, knowing that it won't hurt the vehicle. To enhance performance of the car, the manufacturer used an all-metal transmission and a chassis designed from the composite plastics, so you can perform different stuns and be confident that your car will neither get damaged nor will it crack. The steel pinions have a long duty cycle. All the above-mentioned features make the Traxxas model one of the best in its class for cross country, earth roads, sand, and trails with multiple barriers. The speed of the car makes 30 MPH the maximum.

Traxxas 58034-1 Short Course Racing Truck in the use

Piece of Advice

You shouldn't give this RC car as a present to a kid who hasn't ever ridden an RC car or you should at least spend a couple of weeks with a little one teaching him/her how to control the car's behavior on a terrain. Tell him/her not to ride it at high speed settings right away. Controlling the track of the car might take some time of getting used to. 

Even thought the Traxxas RC car is protected from water, dust and mud, you still should maintain it properly to prolong its operating life. Make sure to wipe all components clean after each ride in the mud, removing the dirt that may clog the wheels. 

Detailed review of Traxxas 58034-1 Short Course Racing Truck

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $365.40
Stock In stock
ASIN B00745SIEE

 

Maisto 83022

Rides Everywhere

RC crawlers are designed specifically for riding through different types of tough terrain, such as soil, sand, and stones, and are meant to do so without too much difficulty. Unfortunately, many of the models that claim to be off-road vehicles really aren't well suited for much more than a flat path with few bumps. Getting an off-road RC vehicle stuck seems to be par for the course with most models, often requiring frequent user intervention in order to get them unstuck.

The Maisto 83022 R/C Rock Crawler Radio Control Vehicle, however, is able to traverse all kinds of terrain without the help of the driver.  This four-wheel drive crawler by Maisto is a wonderful example of off-road RC toys. This model has everything for cross-country adventures. It's quite different from most other RC cars in that it has two motors installed on both the front and rear axles for greater traction. The car comes fully assembled and ready for use. It is equipped with 2 swiveling suspensions, ensuring the ultimate passing ability. A high clearance helps the car overcome hummocks. What is more, the Maisto Crawler has deep-tread tires for a better road grip. Generally, this RC car is designed for complex reliefs such as massive stones and mounds. If you never give up in front of hurdles, this model is the premium choice!

Review of Maisto 83022 R/C Rock Crawler Radio Control Vehicle

Control With Ease

Generally, crawlers are not meant for high speeds. Yet, some models are able to drive at speeds of up to 25 MPH. As for this Maistro car, it can go as fast as 4-5 MPH. Although it is much slower than many other models, this speed is not its drawback but an advantage since it allows the car to crawl better. It also makes it a better toy for kids who've never ridden a sports car and have only just learned how to control the vehicle. The package includes a convenient controller powered by 2 easy-to-replace АА batteries. The transmitter employs 3 channels for the stable signal transmission. Such reliable communication allows playing with other Maistro toys without any control issues from radio interference. So, you can compete with your relatives and friends on tracks or a broken country without fuss and interruptions. The Crawler from Maistro is a simple yet reliable all-terrain car that will amuse and amaze your kids.

Maisto 83022 R/C Rock Crawler Radio Control Vehicle in the use

More Products to Consider

Running RC cars can be a good family lesure activity, seeing that you can get a different car for each of your family member, depending on the age. Another toys that gain more and more popularity with the yongsters are RC helicopters and quadcopters. If your son's or daughter's birthday's coming, hopefully, now, you know what to buy. 

Detailed review of Maisto 83022 R/C Rock Crawler Radio Control Vehicle
Last updated price $26.33
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B00Y53XH9O

 

SPESXFUN 1/16 Scale

Well Protected Vehicle

Anyone who has had an off-road RC vehicle before knows just how rough the off-road terrain can get. There are very few RC car owners who haven't experienced some kind of break-down with their vehicle before. This even applies to those who typically don't take their vehicles off-road. It seems that no matter how well the vehicle is made for off-road use, such RC cars can never be sufficiently protected against the terrain and obstacles.

Thankfully, there is one model that is extremely well-protected and not prone to breaking down frequently. The SPESXFUN 1/16 Scale High Speed Remote Control Car has been built from the ground up with strong, high-quality materials that truly gives it the strength and stability to handle off-road use. As an example, the included strong shock absorbers protect your car from damage, even if you regularly overcome bumps and ski jumps, letting you cruise around and over such obstacles without worry of your car sustaining damage. The overall build quality of this vehicle shows that the manufacturer has taken care to provide an RC car that will last you for a while.

Review of SPESXFUN 1/16 Scale High Speed Remote Control Car

Real All-Terrain Capabilities

This model will undoubtedly appeal to both true professionals and amateurs who are able to appreciate the high quality of materials and the reliability of the model design. As this vehicle was designed to handle virtually any type of terrain, it is suitable for use on obstacle courses, sand and rocky roads. As a bonus, it comes with two batteries for longer playtime.

Speaking of the batteries, what's under the hood is just as impressive as its outside characteristics. The unit is powered by an electric engine that gives you a top speed of up to 15.5 MPH. While this is far from being the fastest RC car on the market, this speed is fast enough for those who want good performance from their vehicle. The 700 mAh Ni-MH batteries give you enough power for 20 to 30 minutes of racing time each, so with the extra battery included, you can have up to an hour of continuous driving time.

Control of the unit is similar to many of the other models out there, featuring a pistol grip controller with a wheel for steering and trigger for acceleration and braking. Unfortunately, the flimsy feeling of the controller doesn't seem to match the overall build quality of the vehicle itself, but the controls are accurate enough to give you good control over the vehicle, even at top speed. If you are wanting a true all-terrain RC car that can really withstand the various obstacles it will encounter, this model is probably your best bet.

SPESXFUN 1/16 Scale High Speed Remote Control Car in the use
Last updated price $25.49
Stock In stock
ASIN B07NQ42HGD

 

KidiRace Police

Police Your Neighborhood

If you want to give your children an RC car that will surely fascinate them, you can't go wrong with the KidiRace Police Car.

This RC car is modeled after real police cars, right down to the sights and sounds they produce. The machine is equipped with believable light and sound signals, with which you can warn about the need to stop potential violators of the law. Younger children may find this to be quite fun, especially if other children are driving around their own RC cars as well, letting your own pretend to be a police officer who is keeping the neighborhood safe.

Made as detailed and realistic as possible, it can be given even to the smallest child of 3 years or older. Managing such a model will help improve the child’s coordination, reaction rate, and spatial orientation, helping them develop their motor skills while still having loads of fun.

The model has a convenient charging process from the USB port and half-hour autonomy, allowing for lengthy play sessions without the need of constantly recharging the unit, or worse, needing to constantly replace expensive batteries. This last bit will be especially appreciated by parents who often find such types of toys to be an expensive proposition for their children.

Review of KidiRace Police Remote Control Car

Easy to Control

If your children are used to video game controllers, then they should have no trouble controlling this RC car. The controller is shaped just like a standard game controller, providing separate left-right and forward-reverse control sticks that allow for precision control. The 2.4 GHz radio signal allows for control from as far away as 100 ft, giving the vehicle a wide roaming area without it being too far away for your children to retrieve. Whether your children are on the younger or older side, this realistic police car from KidiRace will provide them with an enjoyable experience.

KidiRace Police Remote Control Car in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $39.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B01KU58SMQ

 

Infographics

Comparison of RC Cars for Cool Leisure

What Is an RC Car?

Many people consider RC cars to be toys for children. The truth is, adults are just as likely as children to enjoy the experience of these vehicles. RC cars have become a common hobby for people of all ages, both children and adults. The appeal of an RC car is simply not limited to age, as even adults will enjoy racing such a vehicle around for long periods of time. In fact, RC cars have become a common way for parents to spend some quality time with their children, providing fun for the whole family. A wide range of race and off-road RC cars exists today. They are capable of traveling at surprisingly high speeds, jumping over springboards and responding to radio frequencies within a long range. A lot of RC cars are designed with precision to look like real vehicles. So, having acquired an RC car, you can entertain yourself and your children, or compete with your friends in racing. No matter what you like to do with an RC car, there is sure to be a model out there that is directly suited to your tastes.

If you are fond of radio-controlled models, we advise you to check through our RC helicopters and also the review of toy robots for high-tech entertainment.

Best RC Cars

What Features to Compare

Engine and Power

Before you buy an RC car, engine and power are the first things to explore. The engine plays a significant part here. RC cars are not just toys, but reduced copies of real cars with similar equipment and engines are among them. RC cars may be equipped with gas or electric engines. The gas-powered RC cars need care and regular maintenance, so tools, fuel canisters, and spare parts are required. Yet, gas-powered models are speedy and need no charging. Hence, they are suitable for outdoor use only. Electric RC cars are quiet, eco-friendly and emit no exhausts. They are powered by АА or ААА batteries or any other batteries included in a supply package. Electric RC cars are less vulnerable and can be used indoors. As a rule, they gather high speeds faster, too.

Scale, Type of Vehicle and Surface

Once you decide on an engine, proceed to learning a scale, type of vehicle and surface to ride. All RC cars are basically divided into on-road and off-road. The on-road models are great for roads with a smooth coating like asphalt. On-road models are able to ride at a high speed, they show good dynamics and are easy to control. The 1/14 scale on-road RC cars are large models for home use. They are often called office RC cars since they can race even over countertops. The 1/12 scale cars will be great for outdoor races on asphalt roads, and specially equipped tracks. If you are going to ride over earth roads or cross countries, you should pay attention to off-road RC cars. They are divided into subcategories, so let's consider each one. Short course trucks are versatile and dynamic, and will behave well on both plain and rough terrains. Buggies refer to off-road RC cars. They are excellent for dirt roads and stable at high speeds. Crawlers are not capable of a high-speed racing, yet they have a very high torque that allows them to overcome any obstacles where other models fail. Monster trucks are primarily designed for the off-roading and can be used anywhere. Still, they have high centers of gravity, so they are difficult to control at high speeds. The drive and scale of RC cars are worth your consideration as well.

Control

When it comes to control, we should say that all RC cars of our review are controlled via transmitters. The operating range is the only thing all transmitters differ by. The wider it is, the longer distance your car can cover. The wide operating range will let you stay in place and control your toy without running behind it. The frequency range is also important for controlling. The radio transmitters of 27 MHz are more sensitive to interference and have shorter response than transmitters of 2.4 GHz. The number of channels of a transmitter indicates the number of tasks a car can perform. 2 channels mean that a car can move forward/backwards, and left/right. The more channels a transmitter has, the more maneuvers a model can do.

FAQ:

Q: How fast can RC cars go?
A: Around 10 - 15 mph. Basic upgrades increase the speed to approximately 30 mph. Racing models run at the speed of 40 mph to 70 mph depending on a track. For the straight line runs, the 167 mph is the highest speed so far.

Q: What’s the battery life of electric RC cars?
A: Most RC car manufacturers specify 7 to 10 minutes as the maximum battery life for electric cars that allows operating them before the recharging. However, there are batteries that can boost the operation time up to over 10 min.

Q: What are the differences between electric, gas and nitro RC cars?
A: If you want to use your RC car both indoors and outdoors, pick an electric-powered model. Most beginners are aiming at models of this type owing to their easy assembly and control. The gas-powered RC cars have become widespread because of the fuel material used for their engines. Nitro RC cars feature the fuel additive called nitromethane. This substance enables RC car engines to produce more power and show better performance, making nitro models a better option for lovers of speed.

Q: What's the difference between on-road and off-road cars?
A: There are several aspects that differentiate on-road RC cars from off-road cars (often called buggies or truggies) but basically they all come down to the suspension used. On-road models just don't have enough suspension elements to safely handle broken terrains like soil tracks or rocky cliffs. Off-road models are also equipped with treaded tires, that are especially handy for broken terrain applications. However, the main advantages of on-road cars are that they in most cases are faster and can run on just any smooth surface.

Q: What are the basic parts of an RC car?
A: There are four main units/parts of an RC vehicle.
1) Transmitter: This is the control to be held in your hand, usually powered by a 9V battery. The transmitter sends control commands to the car receiver by means of radio transmission.
2) Receiver: the receiver consists of two major blocks - an antenna and a circuit board inside the car. The radio signals sent by the transmitter are picked up by the receiver and forwarded to corresponding elements of the car.
3) Motor(s): RC cars feature many engines with a various complexity of the design and power. The motor is often considered the heart of an RC car and is arguably the most complex and sophisticated part when building your own RC model.
4) Power Source. Of course, an adequate power supply is important for RC car acceleration, control and overall engine performance. In addition to the 9V battery used in the transmitter, remotely controlled car models use a built-in energy source, which parameters depend on the type of an RC car. Electric cars use rechargeable, replaceable batteries, while nitro cars use a fuel mixture.

Q: Does an RC car need any maintenance?
A: Yes, it does. The oil in shock absorbers should be changed approximately once every 5 driving hours. Also, RC car motor needs to be cleaned from time to time. Dirt or small stones may get inside a car and cause a premature wearing of its components. Thus, a remotely controlled car needs to be periodically disassembled and inspected for damage and pollutants.

Sources:

1. Radio-controlled car, Wikipedia. November 1, 2016.

2. Jacob Anderson Getting Started With Remote Control Cars And Trucks, HobbyTron.com.

3. How to Buy a Nitro Remote Control Vehicle, wikiHow.

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