10 Best RC Cars in 2021

Who says remote-controlled cars are only for children? Yes, it is true, these are intended for children but remote-controlled cars are no longer the toys they were once before.

Todays RC cars do not any longer have just weak electric motors like before. Nowadays you will find remote controlled cars in all different sizes and shapes.

But which one is the best one to buy? Well, we did the hard work for you and tested them out to find out which one is the best to get overall. However one RC car doesn’t fit everyone, so we did also write a long buyer’s guide to help you to make your choice.

So without any delay, let’s go and take a look at the Best RC Car 2020 out there waiting for us!

To find out which RC car is the best one for you, check out our buyer’s guide at the bottom of the article by either scrolling down or click here.

Disclaimer – This article may contain affiliate links, this means that at no cost to you, we may receive a small commission for qualifying purchases.

Best Overall

Traxxas RTR Rustler RC Car

• Good build quality
• Waterproof steering servo
• Brushless motor installed

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Premium Choice

Traxxas XO-1 Performance RC Car

• Goes 0 to 60 in just 2.3 seconds
• Offers good control over slippery surfaces
• Chassis is well made and aerodynamic

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Best Truck

Traxxas 36034-1 2WD

• Durable and rugged
• Good choice of colors
• Batteries included

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1. Traxxas XO-1 Performance RC Car

Number one on our list is the Traxxas supercar! Yes, it looks like a sports car because it is a sports car. This is a popular car amongst enthusiasts which is undoubtedly a fast car. This thing can go over 100 miles per hour with just a pair of Lithium polymer batteries. Expect it to beat your favorite sports car in real life. This car can go from 0 to 60 in a mere 2.4 seconds. That is some serious power in a small machine.

Considering the specs, this car definitely isn’t for beginners and is going to need to training and practicing before one can handle this monster machine. All that power can be difficult to control if you aren’t familiar with how fast I can go. Coming to its features, this car features the so-called Traxxas stability management system which makes it easier to control the car on slippery surfaces and on dirt and ice in the winter. It has the ability to be connected with Traxxas Link app which can record car data in real-time as you drive it. It should contain all data containing about the RPM info, the temperature of the motor, battery power, the voltage, and the speed.

This car contains brushless motors which are quite large compared to motors fitted in other RC cars. The chassis is well made and is extremely aerodynamic. The tires which come with this thing are race tires. The car weighs about 9 pounds without the battery pack and is made on a scale of 1/7. This is one of the most expensive RC cars out there but also one of the best so think well before going for this beast.

2. Traxxas RTR Rustler RC Car

Here we have another Traxxas RC car model, the rustler. It isn’t the fastest in the series since it has a max speed of 35 miles per hour, but it does well in other aspects of a remote-controlled car. It is a reliable, well built and fun to play with RC car nonetheless. In terms of style, it comes in 4 different colors. Look wise, the rustler buggy looks tough which is added by its chrome wheels. With the star chrome wheels, the rustler stands out from the rest of the RC cars out there.

In terms of the price, considering its Traxxas, the price is reasonable when compared to its other RC models. Coming to its features, the rustler is waterproof so that your worries about getting water inside it and frying the internals are completely omitted. That doesn’t mean you can submerge it in water though! A powerful brushless motor is installed in this machine which allows greater control over the speed of the rustler. For the steering, it is equipped with a waterproof servo which is powerful and is not afraid of water splashes and wet mud. Thankfully, a battery is included with the rustler. It’s a nickel metal hydride battery of 8.4 volts which helps to get the rustler to reach its top speed.

For seasoned RC pilots, the battery can be without a hassle be interchanged with a lithium polymer battery but it is going to cost a little extra so for beginners, it is good to stick with the stock battery until an upgrade is wanted. An optional pinion gear is included with the rustler, which is of 28 teeth which will help you increase the steering performance of the car. The car weighs about 7 pounds.

3. Traxxas 36034-1 2WD Monster Truck RC Car

Also known as the Big Foot, this is definitely the monster truck you are looking for and the one you want. It looks mean and tough and backs it up by the raw power inside it. This monster truck by Traxxas is powered by a 7 cell nickel metal hydride battery. The receiver box in this thing is waterproof so you don’t have to worry about taking this machine into mud and puddles and splash some without damaging the internals. The tires that come with this RC car are terra groove tires which work well in every terrain and every weather. Take it off-roading, on pavements, on ice or wherever you want! Speed wise, it isn’t as fast as other Traxxas makes due to its underpowered battery. The truck can reach up to a max of 30 miles per hour with the batteries included in the box.

If you want more power, you will have to consider upgrading the stock batteries but at least it’s possible. Other than that, the truck is well made, looks good and comes in different colors. The choices are, blue and black which adds to the look. The overall weight of the truck is about 4 pounds and most importantly, its beginner friendly so if you are new to the world of RC cars, this truck from Traxxas can be a good start. It is made on a scale of 1/10 and contains brushless motors so don’t worry about the control over the truck as the truck offers great traction and control because of its brushless motors.

4. Exceed RC Sunfire RTR Buggy RC Car

Here we have the Sunfire RTR buggy that is an off-roader but is also built for speed. It is definitely fun to play with and can be run on multiple terrains without worrying about damaging it. The color combination is attractive containing a bright glowing green color. This machine is powered by a brushed motor which is run by a nickel metal hydride battery of 7.2 volts. The charger is included with the box so no need to worry about spending additional money on the battery and charger.

The buggy is designed in such a way that it handles the air flow quite good. The buggy tends to remain gipped and stable on the road even at high speeds. A great feature in this buggy is its adjustable suspensions. Both, the rear suspensions as well as the front suspensions can be easily and conveniently adjusted as per your requirement. This way, those new to modifications and adjustments can try out themselves how it is done so that they learn and are able to make modifications and upgrades themselves in the future. Another good thing about the buggy is that it is budget friendly and not too heavy on the wallet.

Its controller needs 4 additional AA batteries which can be bought from anywhere easily. Overall, the sunfire buggy is tough, well made and really fun to play with. Also, with its bright attractive colors, you are bound to provoke an RC car race or even an off-roading race but be sure to get a little more high performance batteries so you can prove your buggy to be worthy. The buggy weighs about 3.10 pounds and good enough for beginners to play with.

5. Tamiya 570 58570 RC Car

This particular remote-controlled car is simply great value for money. It is one of the high-quality RC cars there are in the market. A thing to note about this particular RC car is that this is really a do it yourself model. That means you are the one who builds it, using the parts of your choice. What comes included in the package is an unassembled chassis which you have to assemble yourself.

You can try and merge your own parts too if you like and if you have lying around and give your own look to it. If you are one of those people who love to build stuff themselves, this RC car would not be bad at all for you! Depending on you, if you call it a hassle or fun, many important parts aren’t included in the package as the maker makes it up to you to decide how you want this thing to turn out.

But the good in it is that you can install the motor of your choice. If you want to cut additional costs, you can get the brushed motor and install it in. If you prefer power and don’t mind spending a little extra, you can go for the brushless motors for additional power and control. You will also need to buy the batteries separately as well. The body of the car has some fine details which you don’t get to see in the lower budget and cheaper remote controlled cars out there. So overall, this car isn’t bad and great for hobbyists and those who like to do it themselves the upgrading and modifying of the car. The body included is made on a scale of 1/10.

6. GMAXT S913 RC Car

If you want to go for a meaner look and a tough remote controlled ride, then this truck might grab your attention well. You should know that this machine isn’t made for speed, rather it is made to go over rocks and rough terrain and be taken for off-roading. The speed of this machine is limited to 25 miles per hour but that is compensated by the torque it has. The truck has been designed to be extremely ergonomic and offers great control over it.

A lot of emphases has been made on its suspension and shocks so that it lives up to its claim and name. You can go through mud, sand, puddles and even dirty old wet mud and don’t worry about getting it wet. This truck is rated IPX4 which means it is waterproof. The truck is powered by an electric motor that is brushed type, 380. The transmission between the truck and its remote control is made in 2.4 GHz which is pretty standard so some interruptions might be experienced if you happen to use it under lots of radio interference. 20 minutes of play time can be expected on a single charge. This machine thankfully comes with a battery pack which is obviously rechargeable. Also, the charger is included too.

The tires in this truck are made of PVC and rubber. This allows for greater grip by the truck in various terrains and wet surfaces too. The truck can be controlled from a 400 feet distance, enough for most. A cool thing in this truck is the crawling feature which enables even more torque to be outputted by the wheels. Overall, the truck looks promising and offers great fun.

7. Exceed Drift Star 350 Drifting RC Car

Oh yes, you can actually drift with remote controlled cars! Here we have the Exceed drift RC. This machine has a sporty look to it and performs how it looks. While the max speed of this thing isn’t the greatest, it nonetheless still performs well enough. This RC car is fitted with a brushless motor offering a good sense of control and speed as compared to brushed motors in many other RC cars. Due to its very brushless motor, the car is able to drift well. One great thing to note here is that this machine runs on all 4 wheels. Yes, it’s a 4 wheel drive RC car so expect to have additional control over the car when drifting.

Coming to the steering, it becomes the most important aspects of drifting and since this is particularly a drifting car, the steering is highly responsive, smooth and performs extremely well during its operation and when drifting. Other than that, the tires are just too good. With its anti-skid making, the tires work well with the steering and the car’s speed, making the drifting seamless although drifting itself is something so don’t expect the car to drift itself. You will have to learn how to do it! Apart from the technical, let us come to the battery and other important factors.

The battery included with the car is Lithium polymer. Good thing is that its brushless motor is compatible with other types of batteries as well so no need to worry about modifications and upgrades on the battery pack. The car weighs about 3 pounds and can be used by beginner level RC pilots. The thing is made to a scale of 1/10. The top speed is limited to only 15 miles per hour which is a major drawback but hey, this thing is made for drifting and it does that well.

8. Traxxas Stampede Off-Road RC Car

The name says stampede and really, by the looks of this truck, it can tread on without stopping. We are back to Traxxas. Here we have Traxxas’ off-roading truck. Since it’s a Traxxas, you can expect many things from this remote controlled car. Although this mean machine runs on 2 wheels, it is more than powerful than many other 4 wheel drives out there so don’t worry about the statements. In terms of style, this monster truck comes in 6 attractive colors so you can get the one that suits your likes the most.

Unlike the previous Traxxas model we talked about, this one, in particular, isn’t as hard to handle. This truck offers great maneuverability and control which makes this truck good for beginners but if you are an experienced RC pilot, worry not as this truck will do you just as good. It is just simply easier to operate. The truck is included with a lithium polymer battery as a factory fit, but feel free to upgrade it if you require a little extra power in your machine.

The steering servo is of high quality with a rating of waterproofing which will let you take the truck into puddles of water, mud and other wet areas without worrying about the water getting into the servo and burning it out. Also worth noting is that an optional pinion gear is included in the package for increasing the top speed of the truck so you want to consider using that gear first before upgrading the battery. Price wise, it is indeed expensive than other monster trucks with special off-roading features but you can the surety of a good quality RC car which will be long-lasting. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced RC pilot, in either case, this truck will be a good choice for you. This truck weighs about 2 kg roughly and is made to a scale of 1/10. The motor inside it is a brushless one and its top speed is 35 miles per hour which isn’t too much for a truck.

9. Tamiya Porsche 911 RC Car

We are back again to Tamiya with another one of its do it yourself remote-controlled model. The reason we came back is simply that of the details the maker puts in the body. It just looks very attractive and appealing. This thing is another one of the RC cars which you will need to assemble and build yourself. The body that comes with the car is of a Porsche 911 Carrera which looks just good to the eyes with its fine details. Other than that, the vinyl stickers on the body are really very highly detailed as well. This machine comes with a brushed type 540 motor and allows for a 4 wheel drive which is another term for more power.

This RC car also contains speed controllers which are controlled electronically. The body can be compatible with a 380 motor but good thing that you can easily adjust the gear ratios to increase the speed and power of your RC car. Overall, it can be said that Tamiya really respects the Carrera 911 because of its attention given to finer details. Already a powerful car, this car can be further upgraded and modified as per your requirement and will, making it even more power and more fun to play with. Of course, this car is intended to be run on smooth surfaces so don’t expect it to go over rough terrains!

10. Redcat Racing Everest-10 Truck RC Car

Here is a monster truck, the Redcat Everest 10. This isn’t just a simple monster truck. It is really for the hard-hitting. It doesn’t hold itself back in style. It comes either in an electrifying blue color or a glowing red color. Simply, this truck is tough and well built. If you want to go on some wild adventures, this truck is for you. The motor installed inside is something to note. It is fitted with a brushless, powerful motor which gives great control over the truck itself. Since it’s a monster truck, special attention is given to the shocks and suspension.

The shocks are made up of aluminum and filled with oil for maximum dampening. Forward and reverse are possible with the transmission inside it. For those who like to take their RC cars on rocks and stone and lots of sand and mud, this truck will let you do all that without having you worry about breaking it. If in any case some parts of the truck get damaged, replacement parts can be easily found and bought.

Installing the parts on the truck isn’t too hard either since it has room to work with. The suspension of the truck lets the truck be high enough to have a good amount of ground clearance so that stones and pebbles don’t get stuck between the tires. Since the dampening of the truck is commendable, it should tread up without a lot of trouble.

RC Cars Buyer’s Guide

Technology has taken its toll and radio controlled cars have surpassed the stage of having small, weak electric motors they once used to come with. Now there are different types of these radio controlled cars. From electric motor to even gas, you will now will in the market RC cars which are more than just toys. These small machines are transformed in such a way that now they are not ideal just for the kids, but these have grabbed the attention of hobbyists, adults with an interest in powerful machines and those who simply have the budget to get one.

These small cars are now used to race other radio controlled cars, and now there are even events organized, such the popular “Mud Bog”, which is an event held by individuals who race their electric powered remote controlled trucks in the mud and other obstacles. Most of the participants in the event are adults. Do you feel like getting one for yourself too now after reading all this? Well, we have got this article just for the knowledge of remote controlled cars and trucks and a list of the best RC cars you can buy for yourself under your Budget!

That being said, there are thousands of different remote controlled cars on the internet and in the market with hundreds of different manufacturers. You can easily get confused about which one to get for your kid (if you have one) or even yourself! There are now RC cars made specifically for off-roading, racing and other general use. Depending on the type of fuel, the price differs. The gas powered RC cars are fitted with durable parts which can actually be upgraded and replaced. Besides that, you could even get a miniature version of your favorite car in real life!

Remote controlled cars come in different shapes, sizes, features, and models. You could get yourself a replica of an off-roader Jeep, or if you are into speed racing, you could have your dream come true (kind of) by getting a replica of the Bugatti Veyron! Unlike the electric powered remote controlled cars, the gas-powered cars are stronger in performance, as they contain actual metal parts, proper gears and need actual fuel to work. Think of these as a normal car, only a lot smaller than the real ones.

These gas-powered cars can turn out to be a little more expensive than the electric powered cars but that isn’t to say that electric cars aren’t good enough. There are many manufacturers which make electric powered remote controlled cars which are powerful enough to take on gas-powered cars. Think of these as Tesla cars. Also, it depends on your budget too. If you are looking for a powerful machine, it will surely cost you a little more than usual. That is, if you are into racing and fan of RC off-roading, it’s going to be worth spending the money on a quality machine!

Different types of RC Cars

If you aren’t at all familiar with RC cars, they are remote controlled, or radio controlled work with a remote as the name says. These cars contain either electric motors that are geared or actual mini gas engine, small enough to fit in a small car. With a little programming and circuitry, these cars are controlled with a remote control that you get with the car that sends signals depending on which button you select. Electric cars have two or multiple motors, for its forward/backward and left/right movements.

The gas-powered cars use a slightly different approach for the forward and backward. The left and right movement are controlled by an electric motor usually. Electric cars contain a battery which needs to be charged while gas-powered cars require actual fuel to run. There are now also nitro powered RC cars which use a mixture of different fuels and the main purpose for them is to be used for races. Here are the most common types of RC cars explained in detail:

Electric powered RC cars

Electric powered cars, as mentioned above rely on electric motors and a battery pack. These were quite common before the other types came into existence and still is the most common type of remote-controlled cars in the market. Since these cars rely on motors, they aren’t as powerful as other types of RC cars such as gas powered and nitro powered cars. Even though these are underpowered, they are a lot easier to maintain and a lot cheaper than the latter.

They do not require the hassle of fuel mixing and maintenance and are the easiest in operation. All you need to do is charge the battery and you are good to go. Most importantly, these types of cars are the quietest unlike nitro powered and gas powered remote controlled cars. Their bodies are rather light and can be damaged easily if hit during operation.

Gas powered RC cars

These remote controlled cars require actual gasoline as fuel to run. These can be thought of as miniature versions of a real car. These remote controlled cars require maintenance and need some up keeping. Unlike electric powered cars, these cars need to be started before operation either by pulling a string given, like a generator, or other means designated by the manufacturer. Gas powered cars a lot more powerful since they use actual fuel but are just as noisy, a toned down version of an electric lawn mower.

These are expensive than the former and bought by hobbyists and people who race their cars and the likes. These RC cars are equipped with a solid suspension and strong shock absorbers and an aerodynamic body since these RC cars go really fast. With the proper parts, these cars don’t tip over due to high speed and light body. This makes these type of RC cars heavier than the electric powered cars.

Nitro powered RC cars

As the name implies, these cars are actually powered by nitro fuel. These are similar to gas-powered cars, only these use a mixture of methanol, nitromethane, and oil to run. Some models require castor oil and synthetic oil. It really depends on the model. Since these are nitro powered cars, these are the fastest cars compared to other types of radio controlled cars.

These cars can be even louder and usually bought and used by RC racers and used in events and the likes. Nitro powered cars are more expensive than normal gas-powered cars and one has to bear the expenses of the fuel as well. These cars are modifiable and contain interchangeable parts. Since these are performance RC cars, their body is made a lot tougher than electric powered RC cars. These cars also have a proper suspension system and shocks so that high speed doesn’t tip them over. These cars are a little heavier similar to gas-powered cars.

Racing specific RC cars

These cars are made especially for racing. These may contain nitro engines or normal engines depending on the model and the maker. These racing cars may have particular shock absorbers and suspension systems which one may want for a specific type of race they may need to participate in. These cars contain chassis with a sporty look or replicate actual sports cars. These are made to be driven on smooth surfaces, pavements and clean terrains. Taking them off-roading is not a good idea just like a real car!.

Off-roading RC cars

These are made with large tires with a truck or Jeep chassis for the purpose of making them off-roading RC cars. You can take these on rough grounds, uneven surfaces and open fields which is where you’ll have the most fun with these little machines. These are equipped with appropriate suspensions and shocks to compensate for the rough terrains. These can come electric powered as well as gas powered, depending on which one you prefer to get. Their chassis are lighter to maneuver the terrain without much hassle. These take the shape of buggies, monster trucks, and rock climbers/crawlers. Also, the tires on these things are made out of good quality rubber and are soft.

All-terrain RC cars

Yes, there are now remote controlled cars which can run on both, water and land! Just joking. Yes, while you can run these through shallow puddles and some water splashes, submerging them completing is never a good idea. These are the types of remote cars which can be played within mud and dirt without the fear of getting them broken or burn out although a little bit of mud and dirt is advised! You don’t want your truck or car dripping mud out of the tires.

Types of electric motors in RC cars

As with so many different types of remote controlled cars out there, different cars contain a different type of motors and engines. In the case of electric powered cars, these come in either one of the two motors. One is the brushless motor and the other is a brushed motor.

Brushed motors

Brushed motors are more common and usually fitted in inexpensive, beginning level remote controlled cars. These are fast but not as fast as brushless motors. Once, these were the only motors that used to come with remote controlled cars. At the time, these were enough. Now with brushless motors, brushed motors are considered low powered and the RC cars are considered for beginner level users. Also, brushed motors take up more power which is why RC cars with brushed motors need frequent charging when compared to brushless motors.

Brushless motors

These motors are faster than brushed and contain more torque. These motors can run more efficiently, require less power, thus less frequent charging. Also, a thing to note is that brushless motors offer greater control over the speed than brushed motors. These are also more expensive than brushed motors. If you want a little speed and have a little extra to spend, it is better to go with RC cars with brushless motors. These motors provide greater control over the speed as there is little resistance when spinning, compared to brushed motors.

Sizes of RC cars

RC cars come in various shapes, prices and sizes. The usual cars are small but there are some remote controlled cars that are twice or thrice as large as the usual size. It depends on your preference, requirement, and choice. Larger RC cars can handle more than those smaller in size. Also, their parts are expensive but it is easier to work on them. Smaller cars are difficult to work with and would require screwdrivers that fit just right and are used for small screws and nuts. Also, RC cars larger in size, the parts of those would be more expensive.

Different types of tires

Different RC cars come with different types of tires. No longer now cars come with cheap plastic tires. The tires are now important because a lot of it now depends on them, whether a car can go off-roading or is meant for smooth pavements and intended for speed. Similar to real cars, you have choices of different tires for your radio controlled car or truck. You can upgrade or change your tires whenever you feel like so you don’t have to worry about them when buying your RC car.

There are ribbed by tires which are usually installed in the front set of wheels only. These are meant for off-roading and for greater grip. Some RC cars are all-wheel drive while some are an only front wheel or back wheel drive. These tires are installed on those drive wheels. The pin pattern tires, like on tractors, offer better grip in almost all types of terrain. These are for hard surfaces mostly and don’t work so well on sand as sand tends to stick in the gaps of the tread.

Then there is a slick type of tires that are constructed from rubber or foam. These tires are also intended for all types of terrain and provide higher traction on solid surfaces. Grooved tires similarly provide good traction but also speed and road grip due to frequent and deeper grooves in them.
The X-pin type tires are made for high-speed RC cars and perform poorly on hard and solid surfaces. Also, they aren’t intended for off-roading. The Paddle type tires perform similarly, only they wear quicker on hard and solid surfaces. Sandy surfaces also make them wear out quicker than off-roading tires. Cars which have exposed suspension can be fitted with larger tires for off-roading as there’s greater room to work in with such cars.

That being said, you can easily get the right tires for your RC car and as per your requirement. You now have the necessary knowledge which will help you get the right tires when going for an upgrade or even at the time of buying a new RC truck or car.

RC Car FAQ