In order to help you find the best remote control car out there, we’ve tested out dozens of models, running them through their paces on a variety of surfaces, including gravel and grass. During testing, we were looking for cars that worked, right out of the box, with simple controls and safety forward features, such as a crash-proof design, high quality tires and some form of water resistance. We were also looking for an easy-to-use remote control, with a large distance range of at least 40 meters. If you want to check out more toys, go to our best RC toys giude.
Of the seven RC cars on this list, the JEYPOD Remote Control Car is the best remote control car, with a distance range of up to 80 meters, a max speed of 15 miles per hour and coming packed with anti-interference tech, meaning you can operate multiple cars in the same area without running into any problems with the remote. Keep reading to learn more about the JEYPOD Remote Control Car and the six other products on this list.
Top 7 Best Remote Control Cars Compared
#1 JEYPOD Remote Control Car
We’re sorry, this product is temporarily out of stock
Award: Top Pick
WHY WE LIKE IT: The JEYPOD Remote Control Car is packed to the gills with useful features, including a distance range of up to 80 meters, a max speed of 15 MPH and a well-designed remote, which makes traversing flat surfaces enjoyable and fun. The price is also on the lower side, considering that it comes with 2 rechargeable batteries, making this our top pick.
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- Best Battery
- Price on the lower side
- Includes 2 rechargeable batteries meaning 1 hour of play time
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- Charging requires removal of battery chassis
- Does not do well with gravel or rocky surfaces
- Remote not great for controlling multiple JEYPODs at once
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
The JEYPOD Remote Control Car is just a fantastic product. It’s simple to set up and the remote works great, allowing you to easily complete tight turns from up to 80 meters away. The RC car reaches a max speed of around 15 miles per hour, which is in the middle of the pact (but a great price nonetheless, even compared to the best RC trucks), and offers some light water-resistance, as well as other safety forward features. It also comes with four rechargeable batteries for the car, offering 1 whole hours of play time, and some garden variety AAs for the remote, further enhancing its value.
While the anti-interference tech works great if you are simultaneously controlling the JEYPOD in the same vicinity as cars made by other manufacturers, it does run into some trouble if you are using multiple JEYPOD products at once. Additionally, the design forces you to manually unscrew the chassis in order to remove the batteries in order to get them charged. That’s okay though, because RC geeks expect that and speaking of geeks, these cars make excellent gifts for geeks.
#2 LAEGENDARY All Terrain RC Car
Award: Honorable Mention
WHY WE LIKE IT: The LAEGENDARY All Terrain RC Car is one heck of a product, with blazing fast speeds of up to 18.5 miles per hour, a completely waterproof chassis, metal shocks that use real oil, four wheel drive and a connector that lets you plug two sets of batteries in at once, extending play time. This is just a fantastic product if you’re a speed demon looking for, essentially, a small version of an actual vehicle.
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- Blazing fast speed, up to 18.5 mph
- 2 speed mode for beginners and experts, respectively
- Water-resistant body
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- Price is on the higher end
- Power only lasts for 40 minutes, even with both sets of batteries
- Replacement parts are expensive
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
The LAEGENDARY All Terrain RC Car can be driven just about anywhere, thanks to its water-resistant design and oil-filled metal shocks. It excelled on sand, rocks, grass and just about any other location we brought it to, easily climbing steep inclines and reaching the promised maximum speed of 18.5 miles per hour. The remote offered easy control, allowing us to take tight turns even near the maximum speed.
While the ability to plug in two sets of rechargeable batteries at once is nice, we found that even with both sets plugged in, it still only remained operational for around 40 minutes, with each battery needing to charge for over two hours The price of this car is also on the higher end, three to four times more expensive than the cheaper models on this list, but, as they say, you get what you pay for. The best RC trucks for kids has some better-priced options.
#3 SPESXFUN RC Truck
We’re sorry, this product is temporarily out of stock
Award: Best Value
WHY WE LIKE IT: The SPESXFUN RC Truck features an extremely high build quality, despite its price being on the lower side, with anti-slip tires and shockproof springs, boasting a zippy motor that maxes out at 15 mph (middle of the pact) and coming packed with two rechargeable batteries, each allowing for around 25 minutes of play time.. The product also comes with two rechargeable battery packs, essentially doubling play time, making this the best value on the list.
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- Two batteries means double the play time; 40-60 minutes total
- Price is on the lower side
- Body is extremely sturdy and takes a licking
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- Takes five hours to reach a full charge for each battery
- Distance range only 40 meters
- Does not come with batteries for remote
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
The SPESXFUN RC Truck comes with two sets of rechargeable batteries, which can easily be installed in the product and charged via USB cable, allowing for a total of one hour of play time if you count both batteries. The speed maxes out at around 15 mph, which is decent, and the motor is peppy, letting us climb up some fairly steep inclines. We also took it through some crash tests and it always bounced back, ready for more punishment.
The maximum distance range for the remote control is around 40 meters, which is decent but on the lower end of the ranges offered by products on this list, the most being 80 meters. Additionally, the product does not come shipped with a pair of AA batteries for the remote, forcing you to supply your own. Even the best RC cars for kids do that, unfortunately.
#4 VCANNY Off Road Monster Truck
We’re sorry, this product is temporarily out of stock
Award: Best Handling
WHY WE LIKE IT: The VCANNY Off Road Monster Truck zips along at a max speed of 30 miles per hour, with a distance range of 80 meters, and comes with two rechargeable batteries, thus doubling your play time up to 60 minutes. The product also boasts S-Truck suspension technology, which makes steering the product a breeze, easily making this the best RC vehicle for superior handling and control.
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- Product handles very smoothly
- Max speed of 30 mph
- Cool monster truck design
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- Spare parts on the expensive side
- Remotes needs 3 AA batteries, which can add up
- Takes a 3 hours for a charge
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
The VCANNY Off Road Monster Truck is a looker, featuring a snazzy monster truck design and a powerful 390 brushed motor to match, which zips along at a max speed of 30 miles per hour, which ties our #2 pick The remote control’s distance range is 80 meters, which is on the higher end, and the truck features S-Truck suspension technology, which greatly increases its handling and steering capabilities. Speaking of capabilities, if you prefer flying toys, the best RC helicopters may be the way to go.
The truck also comes with two seperate rechargeable batteries, thereby doubling the amount of time (up to 60 minutes) you can use it before needing a charge. The remote operates via 3 AA batteries, which can add up, though they throw in a few to start you out. Another product with great control and handling is the FMT 9118 RC Truck, which has a 1/12 scale, RC distance of 100 meters, and 3.5 x 2.3 x 8.6 inch dimensions. If you love fun outdoor family activities, check out our review on the best nerf gun today.
#5 HBX All Terrain RC Car
Award: Best Tires
WHY WE LIKE IT: The HBX All Terrain RC Car boasts an extremely sturdy design, with high-precision ball bearings, front and rear independent suspension, a top speed of 30 MPH and a solid PVC body. The v-tread off-road tires also makes it easy to traverse just about any terrain imaginable, from beaches to grass and rocks.
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- Max speed of 30 mph
- V-tread off-road tires means it can go anywhere
- Distance range of 80-90 meters
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- Play time only 9 minutes on a charge (only 1 battery included)
- Not waterproof
- Spare parts are on the expensive side
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
The HBX All Terrain RC Car can drive anywhere, with a max speed of 30 mph, thanks to its astounding high-grip off-road tires. We tried it on a variety of surfaces and it just zipped along. The remote control’s distance range is on the higher end, maxing out at 80-90 meters, and the PVC body and high-precision ball bearings means you won’t have to worry about bumping into anything.
Though the product’s sturdy build quality and superior tires allow it to travel just about anywhere, the vehicle is not waterproof, so you will want to be careful while driving near puddles and the like. Additionally, the battery (only 1 included – other picks include 2) is only good for around nine minutes of play time before you’ll have to charge it up for 60-90 minutes or so. If you want some water action over land and check out some waterproof electronics, read about the best remote control boat for kids.
#6 Amicool Stunt Car Toy
Award: Best for Stunts
WHY WE LIKE IT: As the name suggests, the Amicool Stunt Car Toy is perfect for pulling off impressive stunts, thanks to its ABS plastic design and its capacity for 360 degrees of tumbling and flipping. The price is right, also, making this product the best value on the list.
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- Low price point
- ABS plastic design is virtually indestructible
- Huge tires allow for an impressive range of motion
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- Max speed up to 7.5 mph
- No batteries included
- Lasts 15 minutes on a charge
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
The Amicool Stunt Car Toy is, primarily, a vehicle designed to help you pull off amazing stunts. This functionality is aided by a virtually indestructible ABS plastic design and some huge, vacuum-designed, tires that allow for an all manner of flipping and tumbling, with a full 360-degree range of motion. To that end, the remote feels great as you pull off these stunts, with intuitive controls and a maximum distance range of around 60 meters.
The low price point does come with its share of limitations. No batteries are shipped with this product, for either the vehicle itself or for the remote, and you’ll only get around 15 minutes of play time on a single charge. The max speed is only 7.5 mph, lower than other items on this list, but the car isn’t really designed for speed. It’s designed for purposeful crashing. If this doesn’t sound fun to your child, you can always try the best robot toys for kids. And kids love to crash things, so it is no wonder it is one of the best RC toys. Another product to consider is the Redcat Racing Wendigo 1/10 Scale Brushless Electric RC Rock Racer. This true to scale RC truck has great features like a 1/10 scale design, 2.4Ghz radio system, brushless motor, and durable suspension system for stability during high speed, short course racing.
#7 Blexy RC Racing Car
We’re sorry, this product is temporarily out of stock
Award: Best for Water
WHY WE LIKE IT: The Blexy RC Racing Car features a high-quality PVC water-resistant body and four high tread tires, each featuring independent suspension, which makes racing across puddles or on slick surfaces at its top speed of 15 MPH a breeze. This is the perfect vehicle if you race during the rain or around large bodies of water.
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- Water-resistant design is extremely useful
- Comes with two rechargeable batteries
- Handles steep inclines very well
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- The company says 50 meters distance range, but actually less
- Batteries are sensitive to overcharging
- Top Speed only 15 MPH, half of some other picks
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
The Blexy RC Racing Car is one heck of a vehicle for racing in wet environments. The PVC body is highly water-resistant and splashproof and the high tread tires really cling to any available surface, making them perfect for racing along slick surfaces or through puddles, feats that could disable similar products. It maxes out at 15 mph, which is decent, and it can easily ascend steep inclines.
The company boasts that the remote features a maximum distance range of 50 meters, but we found it to be closer to 40, which is still adequate. Additionally, the included batteries are extremely sensitive to overcharging. Stick to the recommended 2.5 hours charge time and don’t leave them overnight.
How We Decided
To help you find the best RC Car for your family, we’ve tried out a bunch of different models, testing them out for maneuverability, high build quality and max speed. To that end, we chose vehicles that passed a minimum speed threshold of around 15 mph, unless they were manufactured with something else in mind, as is the case with the Amicool Stunt Car.
We also took a detailed look at each remote, choosing products that offered simple controls that could handle tight turns and manage steep inclines. All of the products on the above list reach a minimum threshold of around 40 meters of maximum distance range, meaning you’ll have no trouble racing around the neighborhood without fear of losing signal.
We also took a look at additional quality-of-life features, such as dual battery setups, crashproof designs and those manufactured with water-resistant materials. Finally, there was the item’s price to consider. We took care to populate the above list with a mix of products from a variety of price ranges, with enough cars to suit anyone’s budget.
RC Car Buying Guide
The Most Important Features to Consider
- Speed and Distance Range
If you are looking for speed, several vehicles on the above list can go 30 mph or more. RC cars can go even faster, with some models hitting 100 mph, but we were looking at a cost benefit analysis. The fastest commercial products available can be $1,000 or more, bringing this from a hobby into, well, something else. As far a distance range, you are going to want to make sure it can go 40 meters or more. That’s over 130 feet, which will ensure you can control it in a large open area and not have to worry about losing signal. - Cars, Trucks and Buggies
There are some stark contrasts between RC cars, RC trucks and RC buggies. Cars, on average, are made for speed, excelling on hard, flat surfaces and not typically intended for off-road use. Trucks, on the other hand, are great for inclines, off-road maneuvering and, just like their real-size cousins, perfect for getting covered in mud. Buggies are, more or less, great all-around vehicles, with a good combination of speed and maneuverability. Buggies typically also have long shock absorbers, meaning they can tackle uneven surfaces and dirt piles, and are ideal for loose surfaces, such as grass or gravel. - Safety Features
RC cars can be expensive. To that end, you are going to want to look into what kind of safety features are packed into the device. Look for water-resistant bodies and vehicles manufactured with PVC plastic or metal, both of which can take a licking and keep on ticking. Additionally, high-quality shocks can help with maneuverability, reducing the numbers of crashes and accidents you get into (even though that is part of the fun.)
