In this guide, we’ll look at the best RC tanks.
We’ve compared design, size, features, and cost
to give you our top recommendations.
What Are The Best RC Tanks?
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More Detailed RC Tank Reviews
Haktoys HT502 RC Fighting Battle Tanks - Set of 2
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Haktoys HT502 RC Fighting Battle Tanks - Set of 2 Review
If you’re after the perfect gift for the kids, look no further than the Haktoys HT502 Fighting Battle Tank which is the best RC tank on the market!
These are the best remote control tanks for family fun. It has both a cannon and machine gun turret, both of which can fire, and 4 LED indicators that you can use as ‘lives’ in your battle.
These tanks work on two different frequencies so there’s no interference, and you’ll be evenly matched against your opponent, with both models turning left and right with ease. Fighting distance is up to 20 feet and there are realistic lights and sounds for added excitement.
In case you get a little carried away in battle, these RC tanks are durable and made from high-quality plastic. Playtime is around 30-45 minutes and the tanks are 12” long.
These are some of the best remote control tanks even for big kids at heart!
Fisca USA Sherman M4A3 Main Battle Tank
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Fisca USA Sherman M4A3 Main Battle Tank Review
Another US Sherman Tank replica RC tank and we’ve got this model from Fisca. This tank has 3 different levels of accelerating speeds and can tackle gradients of up to 30 degrees. On a 1/20 scale, this model is a little smaller, but the design no less detailed.
Another remote control tank with a gun, this turret can rotate 180 degrees from left to right. It shoots 6mm BB pellets up to 9 feet, giving an exciting experience for anyone wanting to take on an enemy tank.
This tank is sturdy, well-made, and durable. The gun is deceptively powerful, and the life-like sounds make this tank even more exciting. If you are looking for the best RC tank with lots of exciting features this is definitely one of the best remote control tanks that has to be on your wish list!
WW2 Military British Challenger II Main Battle Tank
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WW2 Military British Challenger II Main Battle Tank Review
This 1:28 toy tank is extremely realistic. Once it is built, it looks striking out on display, and it will certainly be a conversation starter with guests!
If you want to take part in a little more challenging build, then this is the tank for you. Beginner tank builders may find this model overwhelming to put together, but if you are patient with it, you will feel very rewarded once it is complete.
Ok, ok, so maybe this isn’t actually a remote control tank, but it is just as fun to play with! Plus, you will be pleased to learn that the tank comes with lots of extra weapons and four mini figurines. Children and adult collectors will love this gift, that is for sure!
Liberty Imports RC Fighting Battle Tanks
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Liberty Imports RC Fighting Battle Tanks Review
These two packs of battle tanks come with remote controls that look like binoculars. This pack is great for people that like to battle with their tanks together!
RC tanks are notorious for being difficult to maneuver, but not these tanks. Move forward, backward, left, and right confidently with the caterpillar grip tires’ help to prevent any slipping and sliding.
The shooting sound is very realistic, and when you hit your opponent’s tank three times, the tank will automatically let off a destruction sound and effect. This is brilliant for RC tank enthusiasts that want to use their tanks in battle.
Heng Long US M4A3 German Tank
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Heng Long US M4A3 German Tank Review
Another in 1/16 scale and we’ve got this Heng Long German Tank. Like the previous model, this RC tank has a simulative motor start-up sound which the kids will love, and the turret will turn 360 degrees left or right.
This remote control tank has a maximum climbing gradient of 35 degrees, and it arrives ready to run. The design is highly detailed and control is easy.
The best thing about this RC tank is the gun. Firing BB pellets up to 25 meters away, this model is all you need to take out the enemy. If you are after a remote control tank with firing capabilities this is the best RC tank for you!
BlueFit German Tiger I Panzer Tank
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BlueFit German Tiger I Panzer Tank Review
For the best value RC tanks out there, the BlueFit German Tiger I Panzer Tank has to be the winner. It’s the perfect birthday gift, and on a 1/72 scale, it’s perfect for both kids and adults.
The design and attention to detail are exquisite, while it also moves brilliantly. It can go forwards, backward, left, or right with ease and the turret can also rotate and go up and down.
This remote control tank has a high and low-speed switch depending on who’s playing, and it weighs just 60g.
If you’re after the best RC tank that’s incredible value – this is the one for you!
JJRC RC Tank 1/30 Remote Control Military Battle Tank
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JJRC RC Tank 1/30 Remote Control Military Battle Tank Review
All of the sounds from the JJRC RC tank are realistic and loud. The motor startup sound, engine sound, and machine-gun sound are simulated automatically when the tank is operated.
As well as moving left, right, foreword, and backward, the tank can also spin. This makes it great for anyone looking to make a tank obstacle course or drive the tank on bumpy ground.
Finally, you get up to 15 minutes of playtime on a single charge. This is plenty of time, and it is in line with the average battery life of an RC tank.
Cheerwing German Tiger I Panzer Tank
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Cheerwing German Tiger I Panzer Tank Review
The Cheerwing German Tiger I Panzer Tank may be small, but boy is it mighty! On a scale of 1/72, it’s perfect for kids and has fantastic design detail.
This RC tank boasts a 360-degree rotating turret, and can easily move forward, left, right and backward. It has realistic lights and sounds.
This remote control tank is equipped with a mAh battery which can be charged by the remote. It has a high and low-speed switch, and it’s both fast and powerful when you consider the weight and size! Overall, one of the best RC tanks for its price range.
Mostop Remote Control Crawler High-Speed Tank
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Mostop Remote Control Crawler High-Speed Tank Review
Just by looking at this tank, you can see that it is modern, fierce, and ready for battle! With a high speed of 15 kilometers per hour, this tank is ready for tank racing wars.
It takes three to four hours to charge the tank, but don’t worry if you forget it in the charger as it has charging protection and overcharging protection. This helps the RC tank be more durable and long-lasting than other models.
You can even drive this tank on rocky ground as it has a climbing angle of 30 degrees and a control distance of 80 meters. The wheels have a self-adjusting track tightness feature that makes the RC tank easier to drive.
Tamiya Models MK.IV Male Motorized WWI British Tank
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Tamiya Models MK.IV Male Motorized WWI British Tank Review
Blast away the enemy with this incredible value WWI British Tank by Tamiya models. This beauty is 1/35 scale so a lot smaller than others on this list, but the detail is simply incredible.
For those of you interested in history, this RC tank is a fantastic replica of a WWI tank. The exterior is beautifully detailed, perfectly capturing the tank’s power, with over 300 parts and over 170 tread links.
This tank arrives in a build-your-own kit and it’s not for the faint-hearted. There are no shortcuts and building it requires patience and attention to detail. However, the result is more than worth it and you can paint it yourself.
This model is a lot less of a toy and more a collector’s piece. The perfect family activity but due to small parts, it’s not suitable for young children.
iPlay RC Battling Tanks
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iPlay RC Battling Tanks Review
Another set of 2 to make those battles extra fun, and we’ve got the iPlay RC Battling Tanks, complete with infrared power. These are controlled by a simple transmitter that lets you rotate the gun and fire a cannon. When the tanks are hit by the laser, they will start flashing to indicate damage.
Each of these tanks has a 4 hit lifespan per game. The main gun can shoot as a machine gun or in a large burst action. The smooth pivoting angle means you can shoot the enemy tank from whatever angle.
These RC tanks are realistic-looking and sounding. They’re seriously fun and offer around 15 minutes of run time. Another set of the best RC tanks for both adults and kids.
RC Tank Buyer’s Guide
We know there’s lots of options out there – but don’t worry, we’re here to help you find the best RC tank for you!
Virtually all the RC tanks I’ve recommended are suitable for children or beginners, but there’s still a few things to keep in mind when buying an RC tank for someone inexperienced. Ready-to-run tanks are usually better catered to beginners, but you can also get beginners’ build-your-own kits that aren’t too difficult to assemble.
Smaller models are the best RC tanks for beginners – think from 1/32 to 1/16 scale. Beginner tanks will have simpler controls and be less powerful, but they’ll also be a lot cheaper.
More powerful tanks will be more expensive and less suitable for beginners. They will require some experience and attention to detail to build, but once built they strongly resemble the real deal.
What To Expect At Different Price Points
RC tanks specifically designed for battles will be more expensive, while ‘toy-like’ micro tanks are great for zooming around the living room but unlikely to do much damage against bigger models.
Information About The Different brands
The most popular brand of RC tank is probably Tamiya, which sell units all over the world. Another which you’ll have seen pop up a lot on this list is Heng Long, a Chinese brand that produces high quality but good value RCs. Finally, there’s Cheerwing who create mainly mini tanks – great for kids and usually good value.
What Features Do You Want?
With such a range of prices for RC tanks, you need to consider what features are most important to you.
Size
Like other RC vehicles, tanks are made according to a scale, in comparison to a real-life tank. Scales can range from a tiny 1/72 to an enormous ¼. For beginners, 1/32 is ideal, but as you get more experience you could trade it for a larger model. Micro tanks are deceptively speedy and great fun for kids!
Power
RC tanks are fuel, electric, battery, or gas-powered. Battery-powered tanks will have less run time but they will cost less and are more suited for beginners. Gas or fuel-powered tanks are more suited to experienced hobbyists.
Mobility
The gun barrel of a tank will usually rotate, some even at 360 degrees. The gun barrel may also move up and down. The actual tank will be able to spin and climb gradients – usually up to 35 degrees.
Design
All of the best RC tanks are designed to replicate a specific real-life tank. Some will have great attention to detail with extra parts attached like shovels and soldiers, others will be more basic.
Ability To Fire
Tanks that can fire add a whole new level of fun. Rotating turrets mean you can shoot at the enemy from virtually any angle, and some even have automatic reload. Most shoot BB firing units. Other tanks will use infrared signals as their main firing capability.
Sound System
Most RC tanks will come with a sound system that imitates the noise of a real-life tank. This is a pretty cool feature and won’t add much to the cost.
Smoke System
Some RC tanks will have a smoke simulator for added fun. These are great if you’re battling with others, but if you’re more interested in the design and detail, they may be an unnecessary add-on.
Lighting Systems
Ideal for battling against other tanks. Some RC tanks will have LED lights that indicate how many lives you have left.
Final Thoughts
RC tanks require less experience and knowledge than other RC vehicles that can reach high speeds, but it’s still important to assess what’s most important to you to avoid wasting your money. Larger replicas of war tanks are great for historians, while smaller tanks that pick up a bit of speed are loved by kids. Don’t forget to check out online reviews to make sure you get the best RC tank for you!
FAQ:
Q: Can you get RC tanks that shoot?
A: Yes, RC tanks with the ability to shoot are available; however, they may not be legal in your area. Make sure you read the laws regarding driving RC tanks that shoot in public places where you live.
Q: Can children play with RC tanks?
A: Read the minimum age recommendation on the RC tank box that you are considering before purchasing it for a child.
Q: Are RC tanks worth it?
A: Yes, RC tanks are great fun for people who like to drive RC vehicles and planes.
Q: How long should an RC tank battery last?
A: You should have about 10 to 20 minutes of playtime on a single charge.
Q: How fast can RC tanks go?
A: RC tanks are very slow, but some can go as fast as 15 kilometers per hour.