In this guide, we’ll take a look at the best RC trucks for the money. These remote control truck reviews should help you find the best truck for you.
We’ve compared speed, performance, durability, and cost
to give you our top recommendations.
What Is The Best RC Truck?
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What Is The Best RC Truck? More Detailed RC Truck Reviews
Altair High Speed Remote Control Monster Truck
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Altair High Speed Remote Control Monster Truck Review
The Altair High Speed Remote Control Monster Truck is one of the best RC trucks to hit the market. Searching for the best RC truck can take time and will often cause you to lose patience. Because of this, we have found a few that will be good for you!
It features speeds up to 30 mph, as well as 4-wheel-drive where each wheel has individually mounted independent suspension giving it the ability to easily cross terrain.
It’s 1:10 scale and is even built to withstand driving through water (as long as it doesn’t go over the level of the chassis).
It also features a dual-motor setup for extra power and all-metal sealed wheel bearings for enhanced durability.
Based in the US, Altair Aerial is becoming known for their responsive customer support and friendly reputation – something that’s often lacking in rival companies based in the far-east.
Lastly, we feel you get a lot of truck for your money. It’s competitively priced making it an ideal gift. Overall, it’s one of the best RC trucks that’s built to last. We definitely recommend you check it out!
Pros
- Quality build
- Excellent handling
- Nubbed wheels
Cons
- Limited color options
Hosim Large Size 1:10 Scale High-Speed 48KMH 4WD 2.4Ghz Remote Control Truck
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Hosim Large Size 1:10 Scale High-Speed 48KMH 4WD 2.4Ghz Remote Control Truck Review
Although this is a remote control car, this four-wheel drive is a powerful monster truck with rock climbing abilities and speed on its side. Its bouncing springs supports are noticeable and functional, giving the truck great control over rough terrain.
You will be surprised at how fast this truck can go! With a brilliant top speed of 48 KM/hour, you can take this truck to races and events.
The truck runs for approximately 30 minutes on a full charge, and the battery pack is equipped with special technology that prevents the battery from being charged overvoltage. Charging this truck is easy too, as you get a portable USB charging cable with your purchase.
This is a great family RC truck that is safe for children and adults. It has two speed modes. The half speed can be used for kids. Make sure your kids are supervised and responsible while playing with the truck.
Specifications:
- Two high capacity 1600mAH batteries
- 2.4Ghz accurate system
- Two-speed modes for safety
- Oil filled shocks
- 48 KM/h top speed
Pros
- Safe for adults and children
- Easy to use
- Two-speed modes
- Fast and functional
Cons
- Big and heavy
Redcat Racing Blackout XTE 1/10 Scale Electric Monster Truck
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Redcat Racing Blackout XTE 1/10 Scale Electric Monster Truck Review
If you are brave enough to play with this monster truck in the rain, you will be blown away by how brilliantly it performs in the rain and a few inches of sleet. You can do tricks like roster trails and other cool moves on full throttle too, which is cool.
It drives well on almost all surfaces, and its battery lasts for about 15 to 20 minutes. It is a great price for the features and certainly doesn’t disappoint. It makes a wonderful gift for adults and children too!
Specifications:
- 4WD Monster truck
- ‘Bashable’ chase
- Interchangeable components
- 16T brushed RC550 electric motor
- Waterproof 40A brushed ESC
- Waterproof high torque steering servo
- 2.4GHz radio system
Pros
- Waterproof
- Drives on all surfaces
- Components are interchangeable
Cons
- Poor battery life
- Battery deteriorates with every use
ARRMA RC Truck 1/7 Mojave 6S V2 4WD BLX Desert Truck
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ARRMA RC Truck 1/7 Mojave 6S V2 4WD BLX Desert Truck Review
This is one of the best RC trucks for inexperienced drivers on the market. It is really easy to drive and control, which is important for both your enjoyment and for the safety of people around you.
It is superb on off-road trails, although you will have to stand far away from it as it may fling back rocks and debris when fired at full throttle. Children shouldn’t play with it if it is set to 100% either, as it is very powerful.
You will be pleased to learn that the truck is very durable and it can withstand some bumps and scratches. You shouldn’t be scared to take it with you to fun off-road locations and give it a spin!
Specifications:
- 97 KM/h top speed
- EXB compatible front brace included
- Compatible with 4 cell or 6 cell LiPo battery of your choice
- Ready to run out of the box
Pros
- Easy to run
- Ready out of the box
- High top speed
Cons
- One of the more dangerous trucks on this list
- Very heavy
ALTAIR 1:10 Scale RC Truck
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ALTAIR 1:10 Scale RC Truck Review
Next, we have the ALTAIR 1:10 scale RC truck. Before I comment on the features and specifications, I must mention how striking and strong this truck looks. Not only does it look durable and sturdy, but it also has attractive decorations and patterns on the paintwork that make it dominant and attractive.
There are two-speed settings to choose from that allow you to practice your control at a lower speed before hitting the road on full power. This is a brilliant feature that makes this truck very inviting for children and inexperienced drivers.
Specifications:
- Drives on most terrain
- Up to 30 minutes battery life
- Safe for adults and children
- Two speed settings
Pros
- Before and after sale support
- Four-wheel drive
- Extra-long battery life
Cons
- Low top speed
- The wheels need tightening frequently
Soyee RC Cars 1:10 Scale RTR 46km/h High-Speed Remote Control Car
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Soyee RC Cars 1:10 Scale RTR 46km/h High-Speed Remote Control Car Review
This RC truck is powered by two powerful motors that have 2.2 KG high torque. This truck is appropriate for offroad bushing and mudding, and can be driven through all types of terrain with ease.
It is a super-fast truck that packs lots of power and has a very sturdy engine that can speed through mud and grit. The chase is both strong and flexible, great for avoiding dents and chips.
You can use three AAA batteries or rechargeable ones depending on what is more comfortable and convenient for you. Always take a few spare batteries on trips with you so that you can enjoy endless hours of truck racing fun.
Specifications:
- Dual motor power
- High-speed
- Off-road bush and mudding
- Professional RC car
- Reliable accessories
Pros
- Short charge time
- 15 minutes of playtime
- Strong motor
Cons
- Breaks easily
BEZGAR 17 Toy-Grade 1:14 Scale Remote Control Car
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BEZGAR 17 Toy-Grade 1:14 Scale Remote Control Car Review
This toy monster truck is made out of aluminum alloy, which is a very strong material, perfect for constructing items that are going to get bumped and scratched in use. You get two rechargeable batteries with the car too, making it economical and saves you having to buy batteries all of the time.
The light attachments are so much fun and make racing this car all the more interesting and enjoyable. You can drive this truck in the dark for added effect and show it off in front of all of your friends.
Specifications:
- Lights
- Made using durable material
- Convenient and safe
- Non-jamming performance
- 1:14 scale
Pros
- Great safety features
- Easy to use
- Affordable
Cons
- This car is not as robust as it looks
DEERC 9206E Remote Control Car 1:10 Scale Large RC Cars
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DEERC 9206E Remote Control Car 1:10 Scale Large RC Cars Review
Steering this bad boy is difficult at first due to the sheer power and acceleration speed that the truck has. The RC car has to be durable to withstand the knocks and bumps of outside obstacles at great speeds, and this truck sure does meet high expectations.
Children should be very careful around this RC truck and should be supervised by an adult at all times. This car can reach speeds as high as 48 KM/h, which is very fast for such a small car.
Specifications:
- 2.4GHz
- 4-wheels drive
- Metal Oil-filled Shock Absorbers
- Battery-powered
Pros
- Easy to use
- Brilliant for adults and children
- Great family game
- Robust
Cons
- Faulty LED headlights
DEERC RC Cars 9300 High-Speed Remote Control Car
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DEERC RC Cars 9300 High-Speed Remote Control Car Review
A reliable 380 high-speed motor powers this four-wheel remote control car. Users are always incredibly impressed with the proportional throttle to steering proportions that make the driving experience that much better.
All of the four wheels are equipped with metal springs that prevent damage to the car’s body while you drive it over rocks and bumpy roads. You get up to 40 minutes of play with this truck, and you can enjoy 20 minutes of drive time on each battery.
Specifications:
- High-speed remote control car
- Two rechargeable batteries
- Proportional throttle and steering
- A covered metal heat sink
- Shockproof resistance
Pros
- Brilliant battery life
- Shockproof protection
- Well protected components
Cons
- Small compared to the images online
DEERC RC Cars 9310 High Speed Remote Control Car
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DEERC RC Cars 9310 High Speed Remote Control Car Review
This large off-road cross-country RC truck is a wonderful truck for people that like to race their cars in dirt, mud, and other less than ideal areas. It is an affordable remote control car with up to 40 minutes of run time and a maximum speed limit of 40KM/h.
You will be surprised at how fast this car can go! Although the car is fast, the controller is responsive and easy to use. It’s a great kids RC truck and one that you don’t need to worry about whether it is safe enough for your teenager to play with.
Specifications:
- Four-wheel drive
- Teo batteries
- Strong motor
- Shockproof resistance
- 2.4GHz remote control
- Proportional throttle and steering
Pros
- It makes a brilliant gift
- Great specifications
- Appropriate for all terrain
- Easy to use off-road
Cons
- Breaks easily
Traxxas 36034-1 Bigfoot No.1 2WD 1/10 Scale RC Monster Truck
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Traxxas 36034-1 Bigfoot No.1 2WD 1/10 Scale RC Monster Truck Review
The ‘Original Monster Truck’, the Bigfoot started the monster truck phenomenon and transformed regular people into monster truck enthusiasts all over the globe.
The Bigfoot includes a 7-cell Ni-Mh battery, fast charger, and a waterproof receiver box to allow for all-weather fun. The radio system is great for all-day driving and the truck is both durable and, well, monstrous.
This is one of the best RC trucks for any terrain thanks to the Terra Groove tires and, while the max speed is only around 30mph, the Bigfoot is powerful and sturdy – with the ability to crush practically anything in its path.
Specifications
- DIY or Ready to Run: Ready to Run
- Weight: 8lbs
- Scale: 1/10
- Batteries Required? Yes
- Batteries Included? Yes
Pros
- Lovely finish and great colour
- Suitable for kids and adults alike thanks to the training mode
- Great value
- Durable – you won’t need to replace parts very often
Cons
- Tires aren’t built for huge speeds
Traxxas 1/10 Slash 4x4 Brushless Short Course RC Truck
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Traxxas 1/10 Slash 4x4 Brushless Short Course RC Truck Review
Next up we’ve got the Traxxas 1/10 Slash short course truck, which is pretty awesome! The high-power brushless motor means this little truck can reach over 60mph, making it one of the fastest on the list. Stock speed is 50mph (To get to 60mph, change the pinion gear on the brushless motor). If you want pure speed, this is the best RC truck for you.
It arrives fully assembled, however, you will still need to purchase a battery, and charger separately, which I know might put some people off. The TQi 2.4GHz transmitter is included.
Specifications
- DIY or Ready to Run: DIY
- Weight: 6lbs
- Scale: 1/10
- Batteries Required? Yes
- Batteries Included? No
Pros
- Extremely fast
- Stability management system
- Plenty of options for upgrades and making it your own
Cons
- Ensure you read what is included carefully, as many buyers have been caught out, thinking they are receiving more than they are
Traxxas X-Maxx Electric RC Monster Truck
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Traxxas X-Maxx Electric RC Monster Truck Review
Next up we’ve got the Traxxas X-Maxx, which I’m happy to admit to being the proud owner of. If you want to feel like a big kid with a serious piece of machinery, this is one of the best RC trucks for you. It’s big, powerful, yet relatively easy to drive and is sure to be the envy of all your RC buddies.
Features include Traxxas Stability Management (TSM) which enables you to intricately control wheel spin and steering around turns. It also has self-righting action meaning the X-Maxx will flip itself upright if it rolls. Two Li-Po 6700mAh batteries are required which can be purchased in a pack alongside a dual charger. While this certainly adds to the cost, in my opinion, this model is worth it.
This RC truck reaches up to around 50mph which is very fast for a monster truck, although if you wanted to make it faster you could adjust the gearing. It really is the best RC monster truck for bashing, racing, and having fun with!
Specifications:
- DIY or Ready to Run: Ready to Run
- Single speed transmissions
- Drive System: Shaft driven 4WD
- Weight: 19 lbs
- Scale: 1/5
- Batteries Required? Yes
- Batteries Included? No
Pros
- Powerful and fun
- High quality, reputable brand
- Will make you feel like a kid again!
Cons
- Batteries not included
- Not cheap!
What to Look for in an RC Truck
Without going into too much detail, there are a few decisions that need to be made before you start looking for the best RC truck – if only to make the shopping experience slightly easier!
Deciding what you want before you purchase anything will ensure you don’t spend money unnecessarily or, if you are a beginner, it’ll stop you from buying something that’s too much for you. Here’s an (albeit basic) rundown on what to look for in your RC truck – so you make sure you get the best RC truck for you!
Truck Type
Monster truck, stadium truck, or short-course truck are your three main options when it comes to RCs. Monster trucks have huge tires and suspension – often with the ability to take down anything in their path. They aren’t particularly fast, but they can certainly do some damage!
Stadium trucks are more like buggies than monster trucks. They will generally have good suspension and a truck-style body – essentially a combination of monster trucks and buggies. These are good all-rounders and will handle most terrains, albeit with some difficulty on the tougher ones.
Finally, we’ve got short course trucks. These are narrower than Stadium trucks and buggies, and will have smaller wheels with less suspension and ground clearance. These are great on pavement and flat surfaces but may struggle on tougher terrains. These can be powerful and fast so great if you want something adrenaline-boosting!
Battery
Ni-Mh or Li-Po are your two battery options when it comes to RCs. Ni-Mh is easier to use but less powerful. These are best used if you’re a beginner. Those with slightly more experience might opt for the Li-Po. These are expensive, harder to store but they will make a huge difference to the speed of your RC – proceed with caution!
Motor
All trucks on this list are with a brushless motor, although brushed is another option. Brushless motors are more efficient and will give your RC truck that extra boost of power.
Brand
While I don’t advocate solely looking at the label, buying from a reputable brand is your best bet. That’s why all the RCs on this list come from brands that I know and trust. That way, if something breaks or you require some help with your RC, you can be sure that the customer service is top-notch.
DIY or Ready-to-Run?
If you’re feeling lazy (not really), opt for a ready-to-run. This just means it arrives ready to go and you’ll need to do minimal in the way of preparation to get started. DIY will allow you to get stuck into the mechanics, although you will need to buy some more features which can add to the cost. It all depends on whether you’re after a fun project or just want to get driving.
2WD or 4WD?
2WD is cheaper, easier to maintain, and more durable, but they don’t offer as much in the way of speed. 4WDs are stable, grippy, and will be slightly more aggressive in style which, let’s face it, is why many of us get into RC trucks! Adrenaline junkies should go for a 4WD, but 2WD models can still provide hours of fun.
FAQ
Q: Do you need ground clearance for RC monster stadium trucks?
A: Most RC monster stadium trucks have ground clearance; however, some are better than others.
Q: Are RC monster stadium trucks four-wheel drives?
A: Some are four-wheel drives (front and rear) while others are rear-wheel drives. It depends on the model you are going for.
Q: What is the best hobby-grade remote control monster stadium truck?
A: The Altair Fast Remote Control Crawler is a very popular hobby-grade RC crawler.
Q: Do remote control monster stadium trucks have to have waterproof electronics?
A: They do not have to, but in order to know if the truck you are looking at is a high-quality truck, check if it has waterproof electronics.
Q: What are the best remote control RC truck kits?
A: The RC trucks listed in the above reviews are considered to be the best RC vehicles on the market by many users.
Q: Can RC trucks be used for off-road trucking?
A: Yes, most RC trucks can be used for off-road trucking.
Q: Can children drive monster stadium trucks?
A: That is up to the parent’s discretion. There is usually a minimum age recommendation clearly stated on the truck’s packaging, but some parents choose to ignore this and supervise their children playing with the truck instead.
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