What are the best remote control cars?
Remote control cars are also called radio control cars and RC cars. They’re called cars even though most of them are built to resemble trucks or off-road racing vehicles. All remote control vehicles are built to a scale that is expressed as a ratio. The larger the second number, the smaller the car. In the RC world, a ratio of 1:10 means every inch on the toy car equals 10 inches on the real car it is modeled after.
Car categories
The industry divides remote control cars into two categories called toy grade and hobby grade. Generally speaking, toy grade cars cost less because their materials, quality of assembly and performance are well below those of hobby grade RC cars.
Some remote control cars, meanwhile, are powered differently. They’re called nitro cars.
Toy grade remote control cars
This level of car is made for play, so you just turn it on and drive. This category appeals to younger kids.
Toy grade pros
Toy grade cons
Hobby grade remote control cars
These cars cars have complex features and advanced technologies because they are made to go racing. This category appeals to people who like to build things and tinker with them, too.
Hobby grade pros
Hobby grade cons
Nitro remote control cars
These cars are powered by internal combustion engines that burn nitromethane fuel.
Nitro pros
Nitro cons
Best toy grade remote control cars
[ Rastar 1:24 Remote Control Lamborghini Huracan ]
This officially licensed car emphasizes realism and detail over performance. It has a remote range of 82 feet, a top speed of 4 mph, runs on AA batteries and is made to be used on flat surfaces.
[ Jada “Fast & Furious” Chase Twin Pack ]
The chase is on with Dom’s Dodge Charger R/T and the Dodge Charger Hellcat Police Car, authentically detailed down to the door handles. Each car comes with its own remote and both are powered by lithium-ion batteries that recharge via USB cables.
[ Prextex 2-Pack Cartoon Remote Control Police and Race Car ]
The police car and race car each come with their own driver and remote control that looks like a steering wheel. Kids 2 and up love how the race car engine revs and honks its horn while the police car flashes its lights and sounds its siren.
Best hobby grade remote control cars
[ Deerc Brushless Four-Wheel Drive 1:18 Scale Monster Truck ]
The brushless motor powers this car to 37 mph as it takes all terrains in stride with its four-wheel drive and independent suspension. It comes with two lithium polymer batteries and a remote controller with a range of 328 feet.
[ Hosim Brushless 1:16 Scale Four-Wheel Drive Off-road ]
The tires and main body are waterproof and the independent suspension delivers traction in all conditions. It has a 40-minute run time and a responsive controller with a range of 262 feet.
[ Laegendary 1:10 Scale 4×4 Off-Road Hobby Grade RC Truck ]
This 1:10 scale all-terrain vehicle gets a 30 mph top speed and 40-minute run time from its brushed motor powered by two lithium polymer batteries. You get two USB chargers, a fireproof battery bag and a user manual.
[ Bezgar Hobby Grade 1:16 Scale Off-Road Truck ]
The remote controller has a 250-foot range, steering wheel, trigger throttle and reverse and trim buttons. This truck’s brushed motor is powered by two lithium-ion batteries that power the vehicle and illuminate the headlights.
Best nitro remote control car
[ Traxxas Revo 1:10 Scale 4WD Nitro-Powered Monster Truck ]
This powerful racing engine has a push-button starter and delivers torque to all four wheels to cover any terrain at speeds up to 45 mph. The stability system steers straight on even slippery surfaces without fishtailing or spinning out.
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