7 Best RC Cars Under $100
This guide looks at some of the favorite RC cars under $100. Keep reading if you’re overwhelmed by recent choices. Competition is good in that it keeps prices down and innovation alive. However, there’s far too much rivalry around nowadays. See, not all RC cars within the same price range are equal or even close. Indeed, there’s been a glut of poor quality models reaching the market of late.
One way to safeguard against the influx of unknown names is to stick with the brands. There may also be excellent choices from newer producers that haven’t yet established their brand. User reviews can help, but newer model cars may not have feedback, or very little. The key is to know what you want from your next RC car before you buy it. Keep reading as this introduction for guidance.
| Budget |
|---|
 |
| NQD RC Drift Car |
| 4.8/5.0 |
| Scale: 1/14 |
| Running Time: 15 minutes |
| Easy to operate, realistic tires, tough PVC shell, two colors available. |
| Check Amazon |
| Best Value |
|---|
 |
| Hosim 4WD RC Monster Buggy |
| 4.9/5.0 |
| Scale: 1/16 |
| Running Time: 15 minutes |
| Anti-collision, high-quality, adjustable tires, all-terrain capable, fast top speed. |
| Check Amazon |
| Top Pick |
|---|
 |
| Distianert RC Rock Crawler |
| 4.7/5.0 |
| Scale: 1/18 |
| Running Time: 20 minutes |
| Shockproof design, 2 shells, independent suspension, auto-stop feature. |
| Check Amazon |
The Electric RC Buyer’s Checklist
It doesn’t take long to make a list of your RC car wants and needs. Read a few of the reviews below if you’re not sure what yours are. You’ll soon get an idea of what the various models can offer. I’ve broken the checklist down into two parts. Feel free to add anything else that pertains to you.
#1 Decide the RC Car Type
#2 Decide the Model’s Specs
About My ‘RC Under 100 Dollars’ Guide
All the RC cars on this page are excellent choices for less than 100 dollars. There are others, but the ones here are among the favorites at the time of writing. These reviews are the result of personal research. I also took user feedback and the opinions of industry experts into consideration. The first three RC car reviews are Best Budget, Best Value, and the Top Pick.
The table below shows the RC cars under $100 in the order they appear on the page.
RC Cars Under 100 Dollars Comparison Table
| Make and Model | Scale | Running Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| NQD Radio Control RC High-Speed Drift Car | 1/14 | 15 minutes | Check Price |
| Hosim 4WD RC Luxury Monster Buggy | 1/16 | 15 minutes | Check Price |
| Distianert 4WD All-Terrain RC Rock Crawler | 1/18 | 20 minutes | Check Price |
| James Bond 007 RC Aston Martin Vanquish V12 | N/A | Depends on batteries | Check Price |
| GMAXT High Speed Off-Road RC Monster Racer | 1/16 | 30+ minutes | Check Price |
| VCANNY RC All-Terrain RC Monster Truck | 1/18 | 20+ minutes | Check Price |
| TOZO High Speed 2WD Off Road RC Buggy | 1/12 | 10+ minutes | Check Price |
1. NQD RC High-Speed 4WD Drift Car | Best Budget
Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5
The best budget pick goes to a fun and affordable high-speed drift racer by NQD. It’s fast for a model drift car too and can reach speeds of up to 15.5 mph (25 km/h).
- Best feature 1: Impressive drift control
- Best feature 2: High-speed (for an electric drift car)
- Plus points: Easy to operate, realistic tires, tough PVC shell, two colors available
- Minus points: Tires wear out fast, long charging time
NQD RC High-Speed Drift Car Highlights
RC drifting is now one of the fastest growing hobbies in radio control. Those who relish this style of racing should love NQD’s latest version. Realistic drifting is what it’s all about, and this model delivers plenty of that. Drift racing is more about skill and control than it is speed. Even so, its speed is a welcome feature among fans. The tires have excellent traction but are not without faults (see below).
There are two shells to choose from and swapping them over is quick and easy. The material used is a high-quality PVC plastic that’s robust and crash-resistant. The paint finish is moisture-proof and should never fade according to the manufactures.
The Not So Good
The tires on the NQD RC drift car have plenty of traction and do a great job. The problem is that they wear out fast. That wouldn’t be such an issue if replacements were easy to come by. Check that extra tires are available before choosing this RC model. The other downside is the long 3 hour charging time for 15 minutes of play. Consider extra batteries as well as a spare set of tires with the purchase.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Model type: 4WD RC Drift Racing Car |
| Model Scale: 1:14 |
| Dimensions: 13 x 5.5 x 3.9” |
| Product Weight: 2.45 lbs. |
| Battery: 7.4V 500mAh Li-ion |
| Running time: 15 minutes |
| Charging time: 3 hours |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Impressive drift control |
| High-speed (for a drift car) |
| Pistol grip controller |
| Calibration trim control |
| Realistic grip tires |
| Tough PVC detachable shell |
| Two colors options |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Tires wear out fast |
| Long charging |
2. Hosim 4WD RC Luxury Monster Buggy | Best Value
Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5
The Hosim 4WD RC Luxury Monster Buggy makes the Best Value slot. This is one of the most eye-catching RC vehicles around with a performance that lives up to its looks.
- Best feature 1: IPX5 water protection
- Best feature 2: Working shock absorbers
- Plus points: Anti-collision, high-quality, adjustable tires, all-terrain capable, fast top speed
- Minus points: Short running time, long charging
Hosim 4WD RC Monster Buggy Highlights
This beautiful truck is built for adventure and well-protected to boot. The IPX5 water protection is not fully waterproof, but it still allows driving in the wet. IPX5 means the vehicle can easily resist sustained low-pressure water spray. Few models endure a ‘sustained’ drenching, though. It’s also a tough buggy with a strong anti-collision structure.
Some of the components are made with metal parts like the shock absorbers. The strong shocks add stability to the truck when driving over rough terrain and at high speeds. And the adjustable, high-quality elasticated PVC tires let users adjust them for different surfaces. This model is also fast for a truck of its kind with a top speed up to 24 mph (38km/h).
The Not So Good
The battery life is about 15 minutes which is on the low side of average. The good news is the truck comes with a bonus battery pack (2 total). The long charging time is 2.5 hours, so it’s wise to invest in a third or fourth battery. Additional batteries cost somewhere around 12 dollars apiece.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Model type: 4WD Monster Truck Buggy |
| Model Scale: 1:16 |
| Dimensions: 15.9 x 9.5 x 5.8” |
| Shipping Weight: 3.6 lbs. |
| Max Range: 262 ft. (80 meters) |
| Battery: 3.7V/500mAh Lithium |
| Running time: 15 minutes |
| Charging time: 2.5 hours |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Eye-catching design |
| All-terrain capable |
| IPX5 water protection |
| Working shock absorbers |
| Metal components |
| Anti-collision structure |
| High-quality, adjustable tires |
| Fast top speed |
| Bonus battery included |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Short running time |
| Long charging time |
3. Distianert 4WD All-Terrain RC Rock Crawler | Top Pick
Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5
Our Top Pick goes to the incredible Distianert RC Rock Crawler. The vehicle is lightweight and super-fast, and reaches speeds up to 28 mph (45 km/h) in ideal conditions.
- Best feature 1: 390 high-speed motors
- Best feature 2: Long range
- Plus points: Shockproof design, 2 shells, independent suspension, auto-stop feature
- Minus points: Wheels prone to coming off, too fast for some users
Distianert 4WD RC Rock Crawler Highlights
Distianert’s RC Truck has a shockproof design and sturdy bumper to protect it from hard hits. It also comes with an extra shell—just in case. The independent suspension and tough tires keep the model stable across challenging terrains. Users can drive this mini-beast as far as 328 ft. (100 M) from the transmitter. The control distance is perfect for outdoor adventures within the line of sight (LOS).
Another neat feature is the auto-stopping whenever the truck encounters impossible obstacles. Refusing to climb the unclimbable prevents the motor from burning out prematurely. The running time on a single charge can last up to 20 minutes which is average for a fast model.
The Not So Good
This RC truck is multi-terrain capable but with limits. The wheels are prone to come off if driven too hard and too fast over bumpy terrain. It’s easy to reconnect them, but prevention is a better approach. Lastly, the high-speed potential of this model makes it unsuitable for first-time users.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Model type: 4WD Rock Crawler |
| Model Scale: 1:18 |
| Dimensions: 10.2 x 7.1 x 3.5” |
| Product Weight: 2.6 lbs. |
| Max Range: 328 ft. (100 meters) |
| Battery: 850mAh rechargeable |
| Running time: 20 minutes |
| Charging time: 2+ hours |
| The Pros |
|---|
| 390 high-speed motor |
| Long control range |
| Shockproof design |
| 2 shells included |
| Independent suspension |
| All-terrain capable |
| Pistol-grip controller |
| Auto-stop protection feature |
| Bonus battery |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Wheels prone to coming off |
| Too fast for some users |
4. James Bond 007 RC Aston Martin Vanquish V12
Editor’s Rating: 4.3/5
Younger James Bond 007 fans will love this RC Aston Martin Vanquish V12. The model is a replica of the DB5 automobile used in the famous Goldfinger movie.
- Best feature 1: Cool replica of 007’s Aston Martin DB5
- Best feature 2: RC gliding
- Plus points: Special sound and visual effects, 007 controller, plays iconic Bond theme
- Minus points: Limited appeal
RC Aston Martin Vanquish V12 Highlights
This model is a functional electric RC car with novelty appeal. It’s not a racer, and nor is it going to run across challenging terrains. The manufacturer recommended age is 6–15 years, but I think it’s a bit too toy-like for teens. It’s a fascinating car for younger fans, though. The tiny custom designed 007 controller is comfortable for smaller hands and easy to use. It also has special function buttons.
The car has a full RC gliding function, but it’s the special effects that appeal most. These include lights, concealed weapons that pop up, and an automatic rear bullet shield. The model even plays the iconic theme music used in the James Bond movies.
The Not So Good
Younger kids are sure to love this model, but it’s still a novelty when it comes to RC cars. It is a fun way to introduce pre-teens into radio-controlled toys. It has limited appeal with the over 10s.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Model type: Novelty RC Car |
| Model Scale: Not specified |
| Dimensions: 17.5 x 5.5 x 6.5” |
| Product Weight: 1 pound |
| Battery: 4 x AAs (included) |
| Running time: Depends on batteries |
| Charging time: N/A |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Cool replica of 007’s luxury Aston Martin DB5 |
| RC gliding |
| Concealed popup weapons |
| Colorful light effects |
| 007 remote controller (RC) |
| Plays the iconic Bond theme |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Limited appeal for older kids |
5. GMAXT High-Speed Off-Road RC Monster Racer
Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5
Meet the 5 GMAXT 1/16 scale off-road racer with a modern, streamlined design. It’s a high-speed 4WD truck with a powerful 390 brushed motor and explosive force.
- Best feature 1: Powerful 390 brushed motor
- Best feature 2: S-Truck super-strong suspension technology
- Plus points: Explosive force, modern, streamlined design, multi-terrain capable, fast top speed
- Minus points: Built-in batteries
GMAXT RC Monster Race Highlights
Consider the GMAXT RC off-road racer if you need a model that takes any surface head-on. Grass, stones, small rocks, and even steps are no obstacle for this mini-beast. Its secret is the explosive force and smooth movements—a combination of several things. They include the streamlined design, brushless motor, S-Truck super-strong suspension, and soft rubber tires.
The GMAXT 4WD off-road monster also has a fast top-end with speeds up to 22 mph (36 km/h). The playing time is around 30+ minutes thanks to the dual battery arrangement. Charging is also fast at only 60 minutes. The control range of the truck is about 328 ft. (80 M).
The Not So Good
The dual battery system is an excellent idea as it effectively doubles playing time. What’s not so good is that the batteries are built into the truck. Therefore, it’s not possible to buy extras and swap them over between charges. That’s not a major setback thanks to the fast one-hour charging. Plus, allowing time for the motor to cool down between charges helps to prolong its life.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Model type: RC 4WD Off-Road Monster |
| Model Scale: 1:16 |
| Dimensions: 14.6 x 10 x 5.9” |
| Product Weight: 3.33 lbs. |
| Max Range: 328 ft. (80 meters) |
| Battery: 2 x built-in Lithium rechargeable |
| Running time: 30+ minutes |
| Charging time: 1 hour |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Powerful 390 brushed motor |
| Dual battery arrangement |
| Over-discharge protection |
| S-Truck suspension technology |
| Modern, streamlined design |
| Multi-terrain capable |
| Explosive force |
| Fast top speed |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Built-in batteries |
6. VCANNY RC All-Terrain Monster Truck
Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5
The VCANNY RC all-terrain monster truck is a 1/18 scale model, but don’t let its tiny size put you off. This powerful little vehicle has a 390-brushed motor and can reach speeds up to 30 mph.
- Best feature 1: Multi-terrain capable
- Best feature 2: Anti-slide spike tires
- Plus points: High-speed, anti-shock suspension system, responsive controls, bonus battery
- Minus points: Mini size, long charging time
VCANNY All-Terrain RC Monster Truck Highlights
VCANNY’s Monster truck can adapt to a variety of terrains. They include sand, rocks, slopes, and asphalt. Anti-slide tires and anti-shock suspension keep the truck stable even on wet surfaces. The ergonomic controller has highly responsive throttle and steering control. The range is 260 ft., with breakneck speeds up to 30 mph (48 mph). It’s a powerful first-time model for the over 8s.
This electric truck runs for about 20+ minutes on a fully charged battery which is around average. It comes with an extra battery that effectively doubles the playing time. There are also three 1.5V AA batteries in the box for the transmitter which is an unexpected bonus.
The Not So Good
This model is a 1:18 scale. That means it’s a small monster truck and not as big as it looks in the ads. However, its small size is an attraction for informed buyers. It can also be a disappointment for those who expected something much bigger. Charging time is disappointing and takes up to 3 hours. VCANNY do include two batteries so that at least prolongs the playing time.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Model type: RC 4WD Monster Truck |
| Model Scale: 1:18 |
| Dimensions: 13 x 15 x 17” |
| Shipping Weight: 2.6 lbs. |
| Max Range: 262 ft. (80 meters) |
| Battery: 7.4V 850mAh |
| Running time: 20+ minutes |
| Charging time: 3 hours |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Multi-terrain capable |
| Powerful 390 brushed motor |
| Anti-slide spike tires |
| Responsive controls |
| High-speed |
| Anti-shock suspension system |
| Bonus battery included |
| Controller batteries included |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Mini size |
| Long charging time |
7. TOZO High Speed 2WD Off Road RC Buggy
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5
Last on the list is TOZO’s High-Speed 2WD RC Buggy—a off-road vehicle that’s fast and fun. It’s tough too and withstands the knocks and bumps of challenging terrains remarkably well.
- Best feature 1: Current overload protection
- Best feature 2: Independent suspension system
- Plus points: Durable build, numbered parts, wide control range, fast top speed
- Minus points: All plastic, short playing time
TOZO High-Speed 2WD RC Buggy Highlights
The buggy has a responsive independent suspension system. Each wheel has a helical spring that provides the car with effective damping and steadier drive experience. Surrounding each wheel are Hi-Q anti-skid rubber tires. It’s a model that’s easy to drive and steer over challenging terrains.
TOZO’s rock crawler has a durable build to protect it from unavoidable knocks. And if something does break, it’s easy to remove the numbered part and order a replacement. This 2WD RC buggy can reach an impressive top speed of 30 mph (48 km/h). It also has a wide 328 ft. (100 M) control range to give users plenty of room for outdoor adventures.
The Not So Good
This model sports a few pro-level features, but its all-plastic build isn’t part of that. Although it’s quite robust, some metal components would have made it even tougher. At least replacement parts are easy to get hold of if something breaks. The playing time is short at only 10 minutes on a full charge and recharging takes around 2.5 hours.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Model type: 2WD RC Off-Road Buggy |
| Model Scale: 1:12 |
| Dimensions: 9.7 x 3.7 x 6.9” |
| Product Weight: 3.31 lbs. |
| Max Range: 328 ft. (100 meters) |
| Battery: 7.4V 800mAh Li-ion |
| Running time: 10+ minutes |
| Charging time: 2.5 hours |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Current overload protection |
| Independent suspension system |
| Durable build |
| Multi-terrain capable |
| Wide control range |
| Fast top speed |
| Numbered parts |
| Easy parts removal/replacement |
| The Cons |
|---|
| All plastic build |
| Short playing time |
Contents
- The Electric RC Buyer’s Checklist
- #1 Decide the RC Car Type
- #2 Decide the Model’s Specs
- About My ‘RC Under 100 Dollars’ Guide
- RC Cars Under 100 Dollars Comparison Table
- 1. NQD RC High-Speed 4WD Drift Car | Best Budget
- NQD RC High-Speed Drift Car Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 2. Hosim 4WD RC Luxury Monster Buggy | Best Value
- Hosim 4WD RC Monster Buggy Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 3. Distianert 4WD All-Terrain RC Rock Crawler | Top Pick
- Distianert 4WD RC Rock Crawler Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 4. James Bond 007 RC Aston Martin Vanquish V12
- RC Aston Martin Vanquish V12 Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 5. GMAXT High-Speed Off-Road RC Monster Racer
- GMAXT RC Monster Race Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 6. VCANNY RC All-Terrain Monster Truck
- VCANNY All-Terrain RC Monster Truck Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 7. TOZO High Speed 2WD Off Road RC Buggy
- TOZO High-Speed 2WD RC Buggy Highlights
- The Not So Good