Best RC Cars of 2019

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Are you looking to buy an RC car, but have no idea where to begin your search? Then you have come to the right place. In this best RC cars buying guide, we will show you the top buying considerations to make. You’ll be able to buy the RC car that matches your requirements – even if you’ve never bought one before.

There are a lot of different considerations to make, which include the scale, type of vehicle, and type of fuel. It can be overwhelming at first trying to decide on what category to choose from. By educating yourself a little first you can be confident about the purchase before pulling the trigger.

Remote control cars are a versatile product that can be bought as a Christmas present for a child or an adult if that’s their hobby. It’s a bonding activity that you can take part in with your kid. For newcomers to the hobby you’ll be surprised by the world of fun you’re about to explore.

Budget
best-budget-RC-cars
Novcolxya RC
4.4/5.0
Top Speed: 25mph
Running time: 20-25 mins
Light, durable and has a great off-road performance.
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Best Value
best-value-RC-cars
ARRMA AR106013
4.4/5.0
Top Speed: 70mph
Running time: 40 mins
Customizable and has waterproof protection.
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Top Pick
top-value-RC-cars
TRAXXAS XO-1
4.9/5.0
Top Speed: 100mph
Running time: 20 mins
Customizable and can reach a top speed of 100mph.
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Items by price:

Top 10 RC Cars Comparison Table

Make and ModelTop SpeedRunning TimeCheck Price
Novcolxya RC25mph20-25 minutesCheck Price
Distianert 9300 Monster 4WD30mph15-20 minutesCheck Price
Maisto 2014 Infiniti Red Bull RB1020mph15 minutesCheck Price
Holy Stone HS00720mph12 minutesCheck Price
TRAXXAS Slash LCG60mph30 minutesCheck Price
ARRMA AR10601370mph40 minutesCheck Price
Kyosho 33203B40mph40 minutesCheck Price
TRAXXAS XO-1100mph20 minutesCheck Price
Redcat Racing Rampage XB-E65mph20 minutesCheck Price
Kyosho EP Scorpion XXL50mph20 minutesCheck Price

Best RC Cars Under $100

To start off with we will look at some of the cheapest RC cars in the marketplace at under $100. You’ll see that even at this low price point there are some true gems that compete well with higher priced models. Starting off at the budget end is great for newcomers to the RC car hobby.

You’ll learn the basics of handling and maintaining the car. Once you’re comfortable with your first RC car you can invest more money in a high-end model for even more performance.

1. Novcolxya RC Electric Racing Car

Novcolxya RC Electric Racing CarView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5

The Novcolxya is an off-road vehicle that’s at a relatively small scale off 1/18. It’s a buggy that’s boasting an aggressive design and has a top speed of 25mph. For an off-road buggy it’s quite fast, and great value for money when you consider it’s priced at under $100.

Included is a bulky 850mAh battery, which has a 2S format. This essentially means the level of power supplied is going to be consistent. The quality of the battery allows the buggy to be explosive and have fast acceleration.

The all-terrain vehicle can go on mud, puddles, the open road, tile, carpet, and even grass. The versatility of this buggy means it’s a great buy for a first time RC car buyer. Also, the overheat protection means you can rely on this motor to last you for a long time to come.

It takes 120 minutes for the battery to charge and you get 20 to 25 minutes of driving time. This is a decent level of performance when you take into account the fast top speed and impactful acceleration. The battery should be removed from the car whilst charging to improve longevity.

The Conclusion

If you’re looking for an entry-level off-road buggy then the Novcolxya RC Electric Racing Car is an excellent choice. It also looks the part with the attractive visual design.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 2.4 pounds
Top Speed: 25mph
Battery: Lithium ion
Charging Time: 120 minutes
Control range: 75meters
Running time: 20 -25 minutes
The Pros
Top speed of 25mph
Light and durable
Great off-road performance
The Cons
Long charging time
Controller made from cheap plastics

2. Distianert 9300 Monster 4WD

Distianert 9300 Monster 4WDView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.2/5

For a 1/18 scale monster, off-road vehicle that’s competitively priced the Distianert 9300 is an excellent choice. The red and black design looks great and the relatively large size of the wheels means you’ll have no trouble driving over rough terrain.

The top speed of 30mph is a notable feature of the Distianert 9300 that will leave other similar RC cars behind in the rearview mirror. The combination of off-road capabilities over rough terrain and fast speed makes this one of the more enjoyable off-road buggies on the market.

The shockproof design of the suspension system means each wheel has that extra bounce. Also, the extra wide tires and 4WD design contributes towards the raw off-road power.

Worried that the Distianert 9300 will wear out from all the action? Don’t be, the durable and reliable materials ensure this buggy will stand the test of time. It’s also an electric RC car that comes with two rechargeable batteries. Therefore, you can enjoy two runs per trip outside.

Another feature that makes the ride enjoyable is the 2.4Ghz remote control that provides sensitive directional control. The accurate controls extend for up to a distance of 100 meters.

The Conclusion

Overall, the Distianert 9300 RC car is a reliable action-packed ride that’s perfect for beginners and seasoned RC car hobbyists.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 2.47 pounds
Top speed: 30mph
Battery: Lithium-ion
Charging Time: 120-180 minutes
Control range: 100 meters
Running time: 15 -20 minutes
The Pros
Top speed of 30mph
Durable and reliable
Great off-road performance
Long range sensitive controls
The Cons
Long charging time
Running time could be longer

3. Maisto 2014 Infiniti Red Bull RB10

Maisto 2014 Infiniti Red Bull RB10View on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5

For a Formula 1 car that looks like a great replica at a budget price point the Maisto 2014 Infiniti Red Bull RB10 is worthy of your consideration. It’s one of the better on-road RC cars on the market today for under $100.

It’s a relatively large scale at 1/14 and the presentation here is what sets it apart from most other RC cars in a similar price bracket. It looks so good that you can put it on a shelf to admire. However, performance is still important when purchasing an RC car.

The differential gearbox makes the Maisto 2014 Infiniti quick and agile on the road. The inclusion of the adjustable steering alignment helps to get an accurate feel of the car. Even if you’re a beginner you’ll love the small learning curve here.

However, you’ll be disappointed to know that no battery pack is included in the package. You’ll need two 4x AA batteries and 2x AAA batteries for the remote control. This can lead to expensive running costs, and it’s going to be a hassle having to constantly buy batteries.

The Conclusion

The Maisto 2014 Infiniti Red Bull RB10 is a great looking agile Formula 1 RC car that’s well-priced. You’ll struggle to find another on-road RC car that offers as much value. The only downside is the lack of a battery pack.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 1.1 pounds
Top speed: 20mph
Battery: 4x AA
Charging Time: Not applicable
Control range: 50 meters
Running time: 15 minutes
The Pros
Great visuals
Agile controls
Competitive price point
The Cons
Battery pack not included
Short control range

4. Holy Stone HS007

Holy Stone HS007View on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.0/5

Another excellent RC car under $100 that comes packed with excellent features for newcomers and experienced RC hobbyists alike. Visually it looks great bosting a black, red, and grey design.

The top speed of 20mph doesn’t make it the fastest off-road buggy on this list, but the powerful brush 380 motor means acceleration and change of pace is excellent. You’ll find the superb off-road capabilities of the Holy Stone HS007 won’t slow it down on rough terrain by much. You’ll also love the 4WD design, which allows it to get out of sticky spots without manual intervention.

The scale is 1/16 and included is a 2.4Ghz radio that works at a range of 80 meters. The controller has a standard pistol design that most other RC cars have. However, disappointingly the running time of the Holy Stone HS007 is only 10-15 minutes. This is on the low side compared to other entries on this list.

The Conclusion

Holy Stone HS007 is one of the better RC cars under $100. The combination of stable off-road features means you’ll have a blast in local parks and woodland areas. It’s an ideal purchase for the novice RC car driver.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 1.76 pounds
Top Speed: 20mph
Battery: Lithium-ion
Charging Time: 180-240 minutes
Control range: 80 meters
Running time: 12 minutes
The Pros
Great off-road performance
Agile controls
Durable materials
The Cons
Relatively short running time

Best RC cars under $500

RC cars under $500 offer a mix of high-end performance and prices that aren’t out of reach for the average hobbyist. In our list, you’ll find the best of what the RC cars marketplace has to offer in this price bracket.

The cars here are perfect if you’ve learned the ropes with a budget RC car and are ready for something more. If you’ve never driven an RC car under $500 then you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the amount of raw power available here.

5. TRAXXAS Slash LCG

TRAXXAS Slash LCGView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

For a budget of around $400, you cannot do any better than the TRAXXAS Slash LCG. The extreme brushless VXL power allows for speeds of up to 60mph to be reached. The high speed means beginners should be aware because you’ll need a bit of experience before unleashing the full power here.

The visual design is rather plain as a see-through hard plastic is used. This allows the inside of the body to be seen. The minimalist design might be appealing to some, especially if you mainly focus on the raw performance of the RC car.

There are 3 driving modes to choose between: sport, racing, and training. The training mode is great for newcomers because it caps the engine power at 50%. Another noteworthy design element is the low gravity center and shaft driven 4WD. This allows the stability of the TRAXXAS Slash LCG to remain while higher speeds are reached.

The Conclusion

The TRAXXAS Slash LCG is a superb choice for those who have around $400 to spend on a RC car. The combination of waterproof electronics, sealed differentials, and 3driving modes equates to a premium package. The attention to detail in the design makes this RC car a top performer.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 5 pounds
Top speed: 60mph
Battery: Lithium polymer
Charging Time: 180-204 minutes
Control range: 80-100 meters
Running time: 30 minutes
The Pros
Top speed of 60mph
3 driving modes
Waterproof electronics
The Cons
Premium price

6. ARRMA AR106013 TYPHOON 6S BLX

ARRMA AR106013 TYPHOON 6S BLXView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5

The ARRMA AR106013 has a black and red design with a big wing. It uses 6s LiPo batteries, which provides huge bursts of power when you need it most. The fast design allows it to reach speeds of 70mph. So you’ll need to know what you’re doing to handle this beast.

The aluminum mount means the design is relatively light at 7.36 pounds. The light design is part of the reason why the buggy can reach such fast speeds. Also, the combination of the aluminum mount and waterproof build means durability is not a problem.

The design allows room for upgrades such as the motor, tires, brushings, bearings, and battery. You can customize the ARRMA AR106013 to your own requirements. However, it means this buggy is not beginner friendly. There is no function that allows it to reduce engine power to learn the ropes.

The Conclusion

The ARRMA AR106013 is one of the Best RC cars for under $500. The top speed of 70mph is impressive, and the high degree of customizability makes this the perfect RC car for enthusiasts.

amazon

Tech Specs
Weight: 7.36 pounds
Top speed: 70mph
Battery: Lithium polymer
Charging Time: 180-240
Control range: 100 meters
Running time: 40 minutes
The Pros
Top speed of 70mph
Customizable
Waterproof protection
Aluminum build
The Cons
Not beginner friendly

7. Kyosho 33203B FW-06 Porsche 911 GT3 Nitro RC Car

Kyosho 33203B FW-06 Porsche 911 GT3 Nitro RC CarView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

For one of the best looking Porsche replica RC cars on the market, you can’t go wrong with the Kyosho 33203B. The white, blue, red design combined with the iconic 911 shell means this RC car is a looker.

It comes fully assembled with a 4WD shaft-drive system and 2-speed transmission. Also, the aluminum shock absorbers are oiled filled, which allows for a smoother ride. There are a number of options to adjust to get the feel of the Porsche RC car exactly how you want it.

The top speed of 40mph doesn’t compete with the other RC cars under $500 on this list, but it makes up for it in handling. Per fully charged battery you get a ride time of 25 minutes. This is to be expected in this RC car category.

The scale of the car is at 1/10, which is on the large side. You’ll need to consider how you will transport the RC car to your desired area of use. It’s also an on-road car, which means you need to find a suitable location to drive it.

The Conclusion

The Kyosho 33203B is a stunning looking RC car that’s not the fastest but offers great handling. It’s great for beginners looking for a premium experience. However, it’s also suitable for seasoned RC car hobbyists because of the customizability options.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 7.65 pounds
Top Speed: 40mph
Battery: Lithium polymer
Charging Time: 180-240
Control range: 100 meters
Running time: 40 minutes
The Pros
Great handling
Customizable
Looks impressive
The Cons
Top speed not competitive

Best RC cars under $1,000

Are you in the market for a premium priced RC car? Then in this section, you’ll learn which are the best RC cars under $1,000. There are some real gems in this section that would make any RC car hobbyist proud to own.

The RC cars we review here represent some of the best of what the marketplace has to offer. However, at this steep price point, the scrutiny in our reviews will be even higher. After all, the high price point must offer the premium features to match.

8. TRAXXAS XO-1

TRAXXAS XO-1View on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5

Are you a speed junkie RC car enthusiast that’s looking for one of the fastest models on the marketplace? The TRAXXAS XO-1 has a staggering top speed of 100mph, so you’ll need to be a seasoned RC driver to handle this beast. If you choose to invest in upgrades then you can push the top speed past the 100mph mark.

Visually it looks great with a blue/black design and the shell of a supercar. It’s an on-road car and has a small wing on the back. The overall design here is to maximize airflow and aerodynamics. This results in powerful downforce, which prevents the car from taking off at high speeds. Don’t expect to do much off-road driving with this RC car model.

The acceleration from 0 to 60mph is just 2 seconds, and the top speed is reached in less than 5 seconds. However, you cannot achieve that performance with the default factory batteries. You’ll need to invest in 6S LiPo batteries.

The Conclusion

The TRAXXAS XO-1 is the fastest RC car on our list. For those who value speed and acceleration above all else cannot go wrong with this purchase. However, at around $700-800 it’s an investment that’s higher than most other RC cars on our list.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 13.23 pounds
Top Speed: 100mph
Battery: Lithium polymer
Charging Time: 180-240
Control range: 100 meters
Running time: 20 minutes
The Pros
Top speed of 100mph
Customizable
Looks impressive
The Cons
Stock battery must be upgraded
Relatively short running time

9. Redcat Racing Rampage XB-E

Redcat Racing Rampage XB-EView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5

For a high-performance buggy that’s built to take a lot of pounding the Redcat Racing Rampage XB-E is a great deal. It’s one of the best buggy RC cars under $1,000. The combination of features here means it’s perfect for off-road driving at high speeds.

You can achieve a top speed of 65mph on terrain that other RC cars would find unforgiving. It comes with two 3600mAH LiPo 11.1v batteries, but they only provide a running time of 8 minutes. You must upgrade to two 6s 6000mAh LiPo batteries to achieve a running time of 20 minutes. This is more practical and in line with what other RC cars offer.

It’s a single speed transmission model that is powered by a 980KV brushless motor. Also, the 150A electronic speed controller is an element that most RC car buyers appreciate. The durability of the Redcat design comes from the 4mmm aluminum T6 chassis. It can take a lot of beating before becoming prone to wear and tear.

The Conclusion

The Redcat Racing Rampage XB-E is one of the faster off-road RC cars you can buy today. A battery upgrade is required to get the most out of this – consider this extra cost before purchase. The combination of a powerful motor and durable chassis makes the Redcat a premium design for RC car enthusiasts.

amazon

Tech Specs
Weight: 28 pounds
Top Speed: 65mph
Battery: Lithium polymer
Charging Time: 180-240
Control range: 100 meters
Running time: 20 minutes
The Pros
Top speed of 65mph
Great off-road performance
Durable
The Cons
Stock battery must be upgraded

10. Kyosho EP Scorpion XXL

Kyosho EP Scorpion XXLView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5

If you’re interested in a large model with a 1/10 scale then the Kyosho EP Scorpion XXL is a superb option. Kyoshoas a brand has created some top-performing RC cars over the years. They have taken advantage of the racing RC buggy craze by releasing the Kyosho EP Scorpion XXL.

Part of the reason behind the premium price point is the usage of high-quality parts for every design element. The 3mm main chassis is extremely durable, which is ideal for reliable off-road performance.

A powerful LiPo battery is included, which lasts for around 15 minutes. However, you can upgrade this battery to get even more running time per go. The Team Orion VORTEX 7 brushless motor is what gives the Scorpion its power. It achieves a top speed of 50mph, and that can be increased via a few modifications.

The Conclusion

The Kyosho EP Scorpion XXL is a great choice for the RC car enthusiast who needs an off-road racing option. It’s a top performer and with the ability to add upgrades you can make this RC car your own.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 8.82 pounds
Top Speed: 50mph
Battery: Lithium polymer
Charging Time: 180-240
Control range: 100 meters
Running time: 20 minutes
The Pros
Top speed of 50mph
Great off-road performance
Durable
High-quality parts
The Cons
Stock battery must be upgraded