17 Best Radio Controlled Cars

*Review of the best in the opinion of the editors. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective, not an advertisement and is not a guide to purchase. Before buying it is necessary to consult with a specialist.

Every boy and most girls dream of a radio-controlled car. Then they grow up, but their dreams remain… These people become collectors and connoisseurs. They spend a huge amount of money on radio-controlled cars, repair them on their own, improve them, arrange races and competitions, form communities and have fun together.

For a beginner in this subject it is difficult to choose a suitable car from a variety of models and their unknown characteristics, even if you buy it as a gift for a child, and the requirements for the toy are not very high. We have prepared for you a rating of the best radio-controlled cars, highlighted the main criteria that you should pay attention to.

How to choose the perfect car for the child

The first criterion is the age of the person who will use a radio-controlled car

1. For kids under 4 years oldYou should buy a toy that does not develop high speed, can be easily repaired on their own, equipped with a strong protective housing and frame. The baby is not yet coordinating his movements, the main runs are made around the house. Control of the car will be chaotic, with frequent “accidents” and collisions, which is why the speed should be limited. The appearance of the car also matters. Choose more child-friendly models with your child’s favorite cartoon characters.
2. Children from 4 to 10 years oldIf they are already more sensible, they can buy a faster car. Children of this age play outside, where there is not only asphalt, but also off-road. The wheels of the remote control car must be wide with a pronounced tread. Only in this case it will hold any coating well. Do not forget about the reliability of the body and the possibility of easy repair. As long as the child learns to drive clearly, he will repeatedly break it.
3. Teenagers aged 11-16 yearsWant a radio-controlled car that looks like a real car. Do not deny them that pleasure! When choosing a model, pay attention to the battery voltage and battery type. Battery-powered 2S machines reach speeds of up to 50 km/h. Quite suitable speed for a beginner. Machines with brushless motors, powered by
4. -Pol batteries, can reach speeds of up to 100 km / h.

When choosing a model for adults, pay attention to the scale of the car on the radio control. The 1:8 models look imposing on the street, are easy to control and allow you to do all kinds of tricks.

The second criterion is the type of radio-controlled car:

1. Buggy. These cars are made for high jumps and long flights over obstacles. They have a lowered center of gravity, and the chassis can withstand heavy loads. Their main features – maneuverability and speed, but in terms of cross-country ability buggies are inferior to other machines.
2. Monster trucks Are equipped with all-wheel drive, two shock absorbers on each wheel, high ground clearance and wide tires with tread. This type of radio-controlled cars was created for off-road and overcoming all kinds of obstacles. Monster trucks are equipped with internal combustion engines (ICE) or commutatorless electric motors which allows them to develop high speeds.
3. Traggies– In between the two previous types of car. Most traggies are designed with rear wheel drive which makes it possible to manoeuvre and maintain staggering speeds on dirt roads, sand, mud, snow and grass in all terrain.
4. Short Courseshave a solid, robust body which encloses the wheels and gives the car a rectangular shape. It acts as an impact protector, so you can jump and skate around and even challenge other machines to win without fearing for the integrity of the model.
5. Crawlers. The name of these models is translated from English as “Rock Crawler” which most accurately reflects their purpose. Wide-spaced wheels, soft tires, high ground clearance, a powerful engine and a reduction gear will not allow you to develop high speed, but crawlers are interesting to others. Externally, they resemble monster trucks, but feature independent suspension, which has a long stroke and allows you to overcome significant obstacles (logs, rocks, rocks, ravines, curbs and even walls, although in this case the crowler will simply become vertical). Often it is the crawlers become the “stars” of the video with the cars on radio control.
6. Radio-controlled Highway Cars– They are scaled-down copies of real sports cars. With their low ride height, ergonomic aerodynamics and high horsepower engines they can reach speeds in excess of 100km/h in a matter of seconds. Optimal surface for on-highway cars – flat asphalt and special racing tracks.
7. Radio-controlled cars for drifting. The hydraulic shock absorbers, special tires for traction, driveline transmission make it possible to effectively go into a skid, show your agility and dexterity. In competitions on these cars is not the goal to come first, it is important to enjoy the process and show your talent racer.

The third criterion is the type of engine:

1. Internal combustion engine (ICE)Or gasoline set in radio-controlled cars for adults. This is a full-fledged mini-copy of a real car and can reach speeds of 50 to 80 km/h. The main advantage of this machine is the duration of operation. You refill the gasoline in the tank and continue to drive the car (some models with electric motors take a long time to charge and don’t drive much at all). The disadvantages are the constant care of the engine, passing a kind of technical inspection and the mandatory presence of additional tools, canisters for gasoline and oil, a set of bearings and so on.
2. Electric. Characterized by a simple design, reasonable price and ease of self-repair. Another plus is the compact size, which allows you to install a collector motor on the model scale of 1:18. Cons: low speed, low engine speed and efficiency, overheats quickly and is very sensitive to dirt. 2.2. Collectorless. This engine is not afraid of dirt, dust and water. Its efficiency up to 95%, which means acceleration to high speeds in a shorter period of time. Collectorless motors last much longer, but if they break, it costs a pretty penny to repair them.

The fourth criterion – the type of battery.

1. Nickel-cadmium (NiCd)already quite outdated and considered dangerous for the environment and humans.
2. Metal hydride (Ni-MH)Are considered more environmentally friendly than NiCd and have greater capacity. The disadvantage is that they can not be recharged and fully discharged, as it reduces the “memory” of the battery, reduces its operating time, loses its power and Ni-MH battery fails.
3. Lithium Polymer (
4. -Pol) batteries are now installed in most radio controlled car models. They have a large capacity, low weight and are competitive with internal combustion engines.
5. -Pol batteries charge quickly and do not fear complete discharge/recharge, as they have no “memory. You can safely leave overnight to charge the lithium polymer batteries, and in the morning immediately start racing around the house.
6. Lithium-iron (
7. Fe)and lithium-iron-phosphate (
8. FePO4) combine the advantages of lithium polymer and the easy maintenance of other types of batteries. Their standard voltage is 3.3V, which is different from the 3.7V that most people are used to, so this type of battery is not so popular.
9. FePO4 batteries are used as onboard batteries for combustion engine models.

Fifth criterion – integrity of the antenna. Be sure to examine it before buying a remote control car. Bends and kinks significantly reduce the speed of the model’s response to the remote control signal.

The 17 best radio-controlled cars

The best radio controlled cars for circuit racing

Himoto RallyX E10XRL 1:10

Rating: 4.9

The Himoto RallyX E10XRL all-wheel drive model in 1:10 scale is made in the original bright design. Lexan case attaches with eight clips, it is lightweight and very flexible, but it holds shocks well. Electric motor with 3,210 RPM per volt allows you to reach speeds up to 60 km/h. 80A regulator is reliably protected against moisture, the switch is rubberized. You can do the race in the fog and after the rain.

Lithium polymer battery with a capacity of 2000 mAh fully charged in 150 minutes. It lasts for 15-20 minutes at medium speed. Oil shock absorbers, a powerful front bumper and a solid plastic platform are a guarantee of durability of this model. Three-channel remote control, clock frequency 2.4 GHz, 1.6 mW transmitter power, a range of about 150 meters. Responds quickly and sensitively to remote control commands, even when close to other machines.

Advantages

• Relatively low weight (about 1.5 kg);
• reliable protection against radio interference;
• Signal reception radius of 150 m;
• full waterproofing;
• plastic body.

Disadvantages

• not found.

MJX Ferrari Enzo 1:10

Rating: 4.8

This 10-times smaller copy of the Ferrari Enzo car is officially licensed by the “Ferrari S” brand.p.A.”. Bright red car body will not leave indifferent any collector. Head and tail light switches on during driving. It is 47 cm long, 23 cm wide and 11 cm high. This baby is capable of speeds up to 25 km/h thanks to its electric collector motor. Rear axle is a driving one, it has a differential, which prevents skidding in corners and gives more stability to the steering.

Metal hydride battery with a capacity of 700 mAh and a voltage of 7.2V. Full charge takes about 4 hours. Pistol type remote control operates on a frequency of 27.145 MHz, range of about 40 m. Battery for remote control – “Krone” type. On the joystick and on the car itself there are 3 signal channel controls (A, B, C). It is important to set the same values on both devices!

Advantages

• Realistic headlights and brake lights;
• The official licensing of the Ferrari S.p.A.;
• spring suspension;
• stylish design;
• reasonable price.

Disadvantages

• are not found.

The best radio-controlled cars for kids

Rastar Bugatti Grand Sport Vitesse (70400) 1:14 33 cm

Rating: 4.9

Every kid dreams of his cool car. Bugatti Grand Sport Vitesse from the brand Rastar is 14 times smaller copy of a real car. Available in three colors: white, orange, black. All details of the body is very carefully worked out, during the movement of the headlights are lit in white. Such a radio-controlled car will be a valuable gift not only for a child but also for an adult collector.

Weighs only 1190g, dimensions 33 × 13 × 12 cm. Complete with joystick-like wheel, which is easy for a child to master. It runs on battery “crown” 9 V at 27 MHz, a range of 30 m. Collector motor allows you to develop a speed of up to 12 km / h. The car itself is powered by 5 AA batteries. The 2WD drive makes the car maneuverable, it easily enters corners and turns. From the comments of a verified service user market.: “Beautiful, durable car. The child is satisfied.

Advantages

• made of high-strength materials;
• as close to the original;
• easy to master joystick;
• bright colors.

Disadvantages

• can not open the doors.

MJX Porsche Panamera 1:14

Rating: 4.8

Become the owner of a famous Porsche Panamera is a dream of every adult and child. Thanks to MJX brand the dream has become much closer. Radio-controlled car MJX Porsche Panamera in a scale of 1:14 is available in classic black and red colors. Rear wheels are driven, they have a differential, which makes the car maneuverable. Small ground clearance will not allow you to race on rough terrain, but at home and on smooth pavement, this toy will show all that it can do.

Comes with a three-channel joystick control pistol type. It is easy enough to learn, runs on a frequency of 2.4 GHz. Joystick power source – two AA batteries. Transmission range of about 25 meters. The machine has a collector electric motor. Powered by five AA batteries. Toy Porsche Panamera reaches speeds of up to 16 km/h. LED headlights illuminate while driving forward.

Advantages

• Rear differential prevents skidding in corners and flipping the car;
• LED illumination for racing at night;
• Highly durable hull;
• reasonable price.

Disadvantages

• not found.

Rastar Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG 1:24

Rating: 4.7

Brutal and badass Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG from Rastar is a 24x smaller exact copy of the famous Geelandwagen. Available in two colors: silver gray and classic black. The car can be operated by children from three years of age. The car is made of high quality plastic and metal. White headlights illuminate while driving forward, and red rear running lights illuminate while driving backward.

The car runs on 3 AA batteries, one set can ride for about 45 minutes. Collector motor allows you to reach speeds up to 7 km/h. This rear-wheel drive on-highway model is agile on flat surfaces, maneuverable and does not skid on turns. Joystick controls runs on two AA batteries. It is small in size and very comfortable for a child’s hand. Signal frequency 27 MHz, range – 30 m.

Advantages

• Long operating time from one set of AA batteries;
• An exact replica of the Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen;
• Compact, child-friendly joystick;
• stylish design;
• reasonable price.

Disadvantages

• not found.

Meizhi Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG 1:14

Rating: 4.7

This radio-controlled model is made under official license from Mercedes-Benz car manufacturer, it is exactly 14 times smaller than the original. The body and interior are well-detailed: realistic disc brakes, rubber rear-view mirrors (do not break in “accidents”), rear brake lights and clear headlights that light up white when driving forward. With Meizhi’s Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, you can race even in the dark.

The electric motor runs on three AA standard NiCD batteries with a capacity of 700 mAh. The car can reach speeds of about 10 km/h. The joystick is compact, runs on a 9V “Krone” battery. Signal range 35-40m. From a Yandex user comment.Market with the status of “Verified User” and experience of using the machine about a month: “The car is super, worth its money. Beautiful and fully complies with the picture. Baby loves it!”.

Advantages

• Easy to drive, the interwheel differential prevents skidding when turning;
• comes complete with a battery, charger and battery “krona”;
• Durable plastic withstands collisions even at maximum speed;
• Made under official license from Mercedes-Benz;
• The most accurate detailing of the body.

Disadvantages

• are not detected.

The best buggy radio controlled cars

Himoto Tanto E10XB 1:10

Rating: 4.9

All-wheel-drive model Himoto Tanto E10XB tops our list. Super lightweight chassis design, full protection of electronics from moisture and dust, streamlined body and embossed tire tread allow you to race in all weather conditions and in difficult terrain. Radio control of 2.4 GHz, a signal range of 200 meters. The car can reach speeds of up to 45 km / h.

Comes with a 2000 mAh battery that takes about 3 hours to charge. The driving time at an average speed – up to 20 minutes. This model gives you a chance to experiment. You can buy the parts with better characteristics and upgrade the buggy in specialized stores. Comment by a user with more than two years experience: “Unlike other Himoto models with the 540 type collector engine, the Tanto E10XB is the fastest and most maneuverable!”

Advantages

• The embossed tread provides good traction on any surface;
• There is an opportunity to experiment and improve the model;
• The body is made of impact-resistant plastic;
• streamlined body.

Disadvantages

• At high speeds the plastic drive gear rubs off.

HSP

DB
ophy1:18

Rating: 4.8

In third place in our ranking buggy WL-A959-A from WL Toys. The car is made in 1:18 scale, all-wheel drive, dynamic and highly controllable. The tire tread holds up well to any surface, the double wishbone suspension with active shock absorbers allows to overcome different road irregularities without loss of speed. Thanks to the full moisture protection it is possible to race in puddles and in the rain. The front axle is equipped with a servo to control the wheels.

Models are available in white-blue or red-black. Remote control works on frequency 2.4 GHz, transmits signals up to 100 meters away. The remote has an indicator light that glows green when the signal is set with the car and red when it is broken. Battery

-Pol capacity 1100 mAh, 7,4 V. It is enough for 10-15 minutes of intensive driving. Collector motor gives a top speed of 50 km/h.

Advantages

• availability of a communication indicator on the remote control with the machine;
• front axle servo;
• high handling;
• full water protection.

Disadvantages

• were not found.

Remo Hobby Dingo
ushed 1:16

Rating: 4.7

All-wheel drive brutal and slightly aggressive copy of the monster XMAX from Remo Hobby is on the first line of our rating of radio-controlled off-road vehicles. Made in 1:16 scale. This baby can reach speeds of up to 50 km/h. The engine is a collector, runs on

-Ion battery capacity of 1500 mAh, 7.4 V. Remote control can be switched to control with left hand. Transmitter transmits the signal on frequency 2.4 GHz, you can control the model at a distance of up to 150 m.

Fans of p/u models appreciate this car for the opportunity to experiment with it. From a user comment on Yandex.Market with “Verified User” status and more than a year of experience using the machine: “For a beginner, it’s a great model for the money. Somewhere there is a backlash, but to learn to drive and maintain the model – very good. The “adult” features are nice: wheels with foam, bearings, metal gears. Rubber clings perfectly on most surfaces.

Advantages

• Available independent repair and improvement of the model;
• Metal drives and gears in the differentials;
• optimal ratio of price and quality of the machine;
• Spur (idler gear) is tightly closed.

Disadvantages

• not found.

Traxxas LaTrax Teton 1:18

Rating: 4.8

Second place goes to the LaTrax Teton compact car from the brand

axxas. As the first radio-controlled model is suitable for children and adults. Dense lexan body is mounted on four clips. Under it is a collector motor, which runs on Ni-MH capacity of 1200 mAh. On a full charge, you can ride for 15-17 minutes and reach speeds of up to 30 km / h. 3 cm clearance allows you to arrange the race on any surface, to overcome drifts, potholes, hillocks and trampolines.

The model is fully assembled on bearings. A servo is responsible for the steering, and the servo installed helps keep the steering and servo longer. Suspension consists of 4 shock absorbers filled with oil, damping on impact. Large wheels with soft tread enhance the shock absorption effect. Tapered differentials front and rear axle of open type. They improve the handling of the machine. All electronics are waterproof.

Advantages

• The servo drive and the servosaver are available;
• open differentials;
• oil shock absorbers;
• Full water protection.

Disadvantages

• not found.

HSP
ontosaurus off road monsteruck Pro 1:10

Rating: 4.7

Monster Mastadon from Himoto takes the fourth place in our rating of the best remote control SUVs. Its compact size makes it easy to take with you everywhere, so you can race it at your leisure. Small size (scale of 1:18) does not prevent the machine easily overcome obstacles, climb hills and plow through potholes. Sturdy body can withstand full speed collisions and falls from heights up to 50 cm.

Rugged professional chassis, all-wheel drive, oil-filled shock absorbers and fully independent suspension make this off-road vehicle the king of off-roading. The model is equipped with uncompromising radio control at a frequency of 2.4GHz. Transmission range up to 150 meters.

-Pol battery 1500 mAh – this is 20-30 minutes of continuous driving at high speeds. Fully charged in 2 hours. The maximum speed of the car is 50 km/h.

Advantages

• Relatively long run time from a standard battery;
• professional chassis;
• compact size;
• sturdy chassis.

Disadvantages

• have not been detected.

Hiper Max Off Road

Rating: 4.7

Closes our rating of the best SUVs on radio-controlled car Max Off Road Chinese brand Hiper. It is made in bright colors and immediately attracts attention in races. 1:12 scale, length 33 cm, width 23.5 cm. Wide tire tread and intricate pattern make the car stable on any surface. Two-channel pistol type remote control operates on frequency 2.4 GHz. Radio range up to 30 m. The control wheel can be switched for left-handed people.

The car can reach speeds of up to 15 km/h, it is easy to operate and is a good training model for children. Ni-Cd battery capacity of just 500 mAh, but enough for 20 minutes of safe driving. From a service user comment : “The car is very frisky, picks up speed quickly, steering is easy enough. For us, 20 minutes of the machine is not enough. Decided to increase the battery at the expense of free space around the battery.”

Advantages

• Remote control switches for right and left-handers;
• optimal off-road vehicle for a child;
• Rugged body and chassis materials;
• easy control.

Disadvantages

• undetected.

The best radio controlled cars for drifting

HSP Flying Fish 1 12384 1:10

Rating: 4.9

The Flying Fish 1 12384 from HSP is the leader among the cars for drifting. It is made in 1:10 scale and can easily take part in serious races. The car has a top speed of up to 30 km / h, behaves confidently on the highway and skid steer. The model is all-wheel-drive due to the metal gimbal, the upper deck is aluminum – a guarantee of long life of parts.

The car has a smart light unit that includes the appropriate turn signals in addition to the front and rear lights. There is a camber adjustment on the front axle, which improves the car’s behavior on the track. Three-channel remote control operates within a radius of 100 meters. Diameter of wheels 65 mm, width 26 mm. Tire surface is absolutely smooth. Concrete parking lot surfaces, flat asphalt and specialized race tracks are suitable for driving and drifting.

Advantages

• Includes a spare parts card with articles, which is very convenient for current repairs and upgrades;
• Optimal price to quality ratio;
• front axle camber settings;
• tight lexan body;
• stylish design.

Disadvantages

• batteries for the joystick – 8 AA batteries.

Himoto DriftX E18DT 1:18

Rating: 4.8

In third place in the ranking of the best racer models for drifting machine Himoto DriftX E18DT. It is made in 1:18 scale – a big plus for easy transportation. All-wheel drive, slick wheel surface and comfortable steering allows you to race on rally tracks, perform steep skids and drifts. The model has a top speed of up to 40 km / h. Cooling radiator for the powerful 370-class collector motor extends its service life.

Powered by a NiMH battery capacity of 800 mAh, which lasts for 15-20 minutes of driving at medium speed. 2.4 GHz radio control, 150m signal range. It requires 4 AA batteries to work. Electronics are fully protected from moisture. Oil-filled shock absorbers cushion the movement. Ground clearance is only 3 mm, so you should only choose flat surfaces for riding. Sturdy lexan body withstands collisions at high speeds.

Advantages

• A convenient control system for controlled skidding;
• availability of a cooling radiator;
• full waterproof.

Flaws

• are not detected.