In this guide we’ll take a look at the best fast RC cars.
We’ve compared speed, performance, durability and cost
to give you our top recommendations.
What Are The Best Fast RC Cars?
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More Detailed RC Car Reviews
Altair High Speed Car
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Altair High Speed Car Review
This Altair RC car boasts rubber all-terrain wheels with metal springs and an impressive suspension system that lets this car zoom through mud, sand, rocks, and gravel. On a 1:10 scale, 45 cm long, and 4 pounds, it’s a total monster, a larger model that is one of the best RC cars for adults.
The two included batteries can be paired to power the car for 30 minutes of continuous driving. Capable of speeds of 46+ kilometers per hour, this car is also fast. To put that in perspective, it’s faster than a human can sprint (and faster than most dogs). But rest assured that there are two speed settings if you’re just learning the ropes and aren’t a speed demon yet. The slower setting is perfect for beginners or anyone driving in tighter quarters.
Finally, this Altair RC car features excellent build quality with a tough metal body and protective plastic shell. Not only is it durable, but it’s also a very responsive vehicle that’s a joy to drive. And the off-road ability is superb: You definitely won’t have to limit your fun to paved surfaces, since this car can handle rocks, sand, vegetation, curbs, ramps, and more.
Specifications
- DIY or Ready to Run: Ready to Run
- Weight: 4 pounds
- Scale: 1/10
- Batteries Required? Yes
- Batteries Included? Yes (2)
- Motor: Brushed double motor
- Top Speed: 46+ kph
Laegendary 1:10 Scale RC Car
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Laegendary 1:10 Scale RC Car Review
The powerful brushed motor makes this Laegendary RC car super fast: With a high speed of 48 kph, you won’t be able to keep up on foot! Two speed modes, one slower and one faster, give you the control you need as you learn the ropes. Low speed is perfect for learning the ropes and enjoying your car in a smaller area, while high speed is an absolute blast! The two included batteries provide a combined run time of 40 minutes.
I love this car because it’s agile and easy to maneuver despite the larger size. The oil-filled metal shocks are an awesome feature; plus, the heavy-duty foam-filled wheels let this car tackle an impressive array of terrain and climb up 45o inclines. This car performs great on the road, but it really shines off the pavement, tackling sandy beaches and gravel tracks with finesse. Laegendary combines high quality, durability, and excellent customer service to make this one of the best RC cars on the market.
Specifications
- DIY or Ready to Run: Ready to Run
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
- Scale: 1/10
- Batteries Required? Yes
- Batteries Included? Yes (2)
- Motor: Brushed electronic double motor
- Top Speed: 48 kph
Bezgar Hobbyist Grade 1:12 Scale RC Car
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Bezgar Hobbyist Grade 1:12 Scale RC Car Review
This Bezgar 1:12 scale RC car is definitely worth a look thanks to its thoughtful design features and overall quality. Its brushed motor powers the car to top speeds of 42 kph, while the reinforced body lets it take a beating and keep running.
This car handles super smoothly. Oil-filled aluminum damper shock absorbers can be adjusted to suit your preferences and improve the car’s handling of rough terrain. The thick rubber tires have great traction. You can also modify the ground clearance according to your needs!
The Bezgar’s LED headlight is a nice touch that makes your car more visible and can help you distinguish which way it’s heading if it’s a long way off. This model also comes with some spare parts to patch up your car after an especially rough collision. Bottom line: this Bezgar model is a wonderful introduction to the world of hobbyist RC cars and has got to be one of the best RC cars for adults.
Specifications
- DIY or Ready to Run: Ready to Run
- Weight: 4.4 pounds
- Scale: 1/12
- Batteries Required? Yes
- Batteries Included? Yes (2)
- Motor: Brushed motor
- Top Speed: 42 kph
Kidomo 1:18 Scale Electric RC Car
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Kidomo 1:18 Scale Electric RC Car Review
On a scale of 1:18, this Kidomo Brushless RC car is smaller than some others on this list—but it’s super fast. The springy suspension and durable body can handle challenges, whether running over gravel, speeding along the beach, or jumping off a curb.
It features a brushed motor and can reach speeds of around 60 kph within an 70-meter control range. This model comes with two batteries, which each provide 35 minutes of run time. So, you get great battery life and can enjoy driving longer. It takes 3 hours to charge the battery. This great RC car checks all the boxes: It’s fast, competitively priced, and capable of off-roading. This makes a fabulous gift and is the perfect first RC car for anyone, whether kid or adult.
Specifications
- DIY or Ready to Run: Ready to Run
- Weight: 2.45 pounds
- Scale: 1/18
- Batteries Required? Yes
- Batteries Included? Yes (2)
- Motor: Brushed motor
- Top Speed: 60 kph
DEERC 9300 1:18 RC Car
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DEERC 9300 1:18 RC Car Review
This 1:18 scale DEERC 9310 RC car comes packed with lots of features. It’s definitely one of the best RC cars for the money, combining solid quality with real value.
This RC car has newly designed tires and and hub sheet metal to increase accidental collision strength and durable wheels that enable it to survive the inevitable sudden drops and bumps you’ll be putting it through. It has a brushed motor and can reach a top speed of 40 kph—so, like the other RC cars on this list, it’s super fast. In addition, you can drive it within a 260 foot range.
This DEERC model comes complete with both car batteries (2) and control batteries (3 x 1.5V AA). Each car battery powers approximately 20 minutes of run time. All in all, if you’re looking for an RC car that handles well, has good battery life, and is durable, this one deserves consideration.
Specifications
- DIY or Ready to Run: Ready to Run
- Weight: 2.6 pounds
- Scale: 1/18
- Batteries Required? Yes
- Batteries Included? Yes (2)
- Motor: Brushed motor
- Top Speed: 40 kph
Haiboxing 1:18 Scale RC Car
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Haiboxing 1:18 Scale RC Car Review
Don’t be fooled by the compact design and lightweight of this Haiboxing 1:18 model: This RC car handles great and is more than capable of toughing it out in off-road conditions.
Whether you’re sending it off a ramp, splashing through a puddle, crawling over obstacles, or speeding along the beach, this car holds up incredibly well. It can handle grass, sand, and other challenging surfaces. The truck body is made of PVC, a sturdy yet flexible material that lets this truck take a hit and survive to keep driving.
Its top speed is 36 kph—fast enough to be exciting, but not as fast as some others on this list. That said, it’s a solid option for new hobbyists thanks to its ease of operation, tough build, and overall value.
The smaller size makes it easier to pack along on a family vacation, a day at the beach, or picnic.
Specifications
- DIY or Ready to Run: Ready to Run
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
- Scale: 1/18
- Batteries Required? Yes
- Batteries Included? Yes (2)
- Motor: Brushed motor
- Top Speed: 36 kph
Bwine C11 1:10 Scale RC Car
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Bwine C11 1:10 Scale RC Car Review
This is no regular RC car, this is a monster rock crawler with 2.4Ghz radio control and 4WD radio transmission. This is a very robust car that has a water swimming feature, so you can enjoy it on dry land or in water.
The battery tank is fitted with waterproof rubber, and the car is sealed well and ready to use wherever you like. The shock absorbers also cushion any impact on rough terrain which also adds to its ease of use and durability.
Specifications
- Comes with two rechargeable batteries
- 4WD transform
- Fast starting speed
- can reach 20~25 km/h
- Four shock-absorbing springs
Hosim 1:16 Scale RC Car
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Hosim 1:16 Scale RC Car Review
Good shock absorbers and rubber tires let this rugged car crawl over all manner of obstacles with a range of up to 80 meters. This Hosim RC Car has a powerful brushless motor and comes with one battery included, which provides 10 to 15 minutes of high-speed run time.
There are two speed modes: Use the slower mode (23 kph) when you’re learning how to operate the car. Not to mention, the lower speed option is super useful for younger kids who are learning how to drive an RC car for the first time. With a top speed of 52 kph, however, this is a seriously fast RC car.
I like the design on this Hosim model, with its LED lights and rugged build. As you gain more advanced skills, you can hone skills like drifting, flipping, and tackling steep hills. I’m still getting the hang of it honestly, but that’s one of the best things about RC cars; there’s always another challenge. Overall, this is one of the best RC cars for the money: it’s fast, durable, and of great value.
Specifications
- DIY or Ready to Run: Ready to Run
- Weight: 3.5 pounds
- Scale: 1/16
- Batteries Required? Yes
- Batteries Included? Yes (1)
- Motor: Brushless motor
- Top Speed: 52 kph
How to Choose The Best RC Car For You
Whether you’re a seasoned RC racer or just dipping your toes in the water, an RC vehicle that you’re proud of is something of an essential. We know there’s lots of options out there – but don’t worry, we’re here to help you find the best RC car for you!
When it comes to RC vehicles, anything goes. From the off-road RC monster trucks which wreak havoc on anything in their path, to the speedy race cars which may not be tough, but boy do they come into their own around the racetrack – there is fun to be had no matter what vehicle you decide to go for.
That’s not to say that shopping for an RC is an easy task, however. With such a huge number of sizes, colors, specifications, and types of vehicles out there, you’d be forgiven for throwing in the towel altogether. I’ve tried and tested a whole bundle of RC vehicles and selected my top 25 to help you find the right RC for you. These top 25 will suit an array of budgets, preferences, and levels of experience, so you’re bound to find something that suits you.
What to Look for in an RC Car?
I won’t go into too much detail here, as my ultimate guide to RC Cars should tell you virtually everything you need to know about purchasing an RC vehicle, but it’s still worth deciding what you want to get out of your vehicle before you take the plunge and purchase your own car. There are RC cars available which are cheap but fast.
Here’s an (albeit basic) rundown of what to look for when it comes to RCs.
Type
Car, truck, or buggy are the most common types, but of course, there’s also variations within these types. Cars are great for racing on hard, flat surfaces but may struggle on tougher terrain.
Trucks are great if you’re a closet adrenaline junkie – powerful, heavy, and great for, well, destroying stuff. And buggies are a great middle man – durable, tough, and deceptively speedy in the right hands.
Battery
Ni-Mh or Li-Po may not mean a lot to you if you’re yet to get clued up on RC lingo – but it’s actually an important decision. Ni-Mh batteries are less powerful but easier to use and generally best for beginners.
Li-Po packs are more expensive, harder to store and charge, but have the ability to transform your RC into an adrenaline-spiked pocket-rocket.
Motor
Next up is the motor. Brushed motors are good for beginners but less powerful. Brushless is more efficient – meaning your RC will travel faster and with more power. They are also more durable but, of course, more expensive.
Brand
While I don’t base our RC-buying decisions solely on the label, there is certainly some emphasis to be placed on the brand of your RC. All the RCs on this list are from reputable and reliable brands which, if you’re spending large amounts of money on a product, is certainly a safer choice.
DIY or Ready to Run?
Those of you eager to get going will want a ready-to-run vehicle. These will require very little effort to get them started and generally come with all parts included.
If you fancy putting your DIY hat on and diving into the nitty-gritty of RCs, a DIY vehicle is your best bet.
These are great if you want to understand the mechanics of your vehicle, and get that feeling of reward that comes from building something yourself!
2WD or 4WD
Finally, we’ve got 2WD vs 4WD. 2WDs are generally cheaper, easier to maintain, and more durable. However, they do move a little slower.
4WDs are stable, with great grip, and may seem slightly more aggressive in style. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, 4WD drive models are your best bet, providing more of that ‘out of control’ thrill.
Remote Control Car FAQ
What is a good cheap RC car?
The Altair High-Speed remote control car is very fun to drive and comes at a reasonable price. Its suspension system and four-wheel drive features make it easy to maneuver over rocky terrain. You certainly would guess that it is a cheap RC car from its features.
What is the most durable RC car?
The best RC cars for the money have got to be durable and reliable. Traxxas models are well known for their durability and resilience when pushed to the maximum.
What is better, an RC car with an electric motor and a charger, or an RC car powered by batteries?
Neither of them is better; they are just different from one another. Rechargeable RC cars have a shorter battery life than other RC cars, so if you plan on taking them on a long trip, you may be disappointed in their performance.
What is the best entry-level RC car?
If you are new to RC car racing and maneuvering, the 37054-1 Rustler is a brilliant car to go for.
What is the best RC car for under 100?
The Wind Speed buggy is by far the best RC car for under $100. If you are looking for a budget RC experience look into these cars now.
How much do RC cars cost?
The RC cars on this list cost between $60 and $200. This is a reasonable range for many hobbyists.
If you’re looking to join the exciting world of RC cars or in search of the perfect kids’ gift, then you might opt for a car at the $60-100 end of things. If you’re looking to upgrade to a car with some extra power, you might select a car in the $100-200 range. And if you really fall in love with RC cars, then you may eventually seek out top-of-the-line RC cars at a higher price point.
For this list, however, I’ve focused on RC cars that are perfect for new and intermediate hobbyists, as well as teens and families.
How fast do RC cars go?
On this list, top speeds range from around 36 kilometers per hour to 52 kilometers per hour. These cars also generally have two speed modes so that you can set them to slower speeds when necessary.
What about the fastest RC car in the world? RC cars have been clocked at speeds exceeding 300 kph! Which is absolutely astonishing—but probably not recommended for most hobbyists.
How do RC cars work?
Interested in learning more about how your RC car works? These cars are actually quite impressive pieces of technology. There are 4 main components:
- Transmitter (this is the remote control that you hold in your hands).
- Receiver (antenna and circuit board to receive signals from the transmitter).
- Motor(s).
- Power source (e.g. battery).
Basically, RC cars respond to radio waves transmitted from your remote control. You use the remote control to send out electrical pulses. The car’s motor comes to life when it receives those signals, and the circuit board helps it determine which action to take in response (Forward? Backward? To the left, or right?).
If you want to know more, there are plenty of videos out there giving you a look inside the body of your RC car and explaining all the details about different frequencies and so on.
If you end up getting really into the RC car world, you may eventually look into building your own car or experimenting with swapping in different parts to customize your model.
Where’s the best place to buy an RC car?
Amazon is a convenient place to browse a wide variety of RC cars and discover the right car for you at a good price.
Big box stores like Walmart typically also carry an array of RC cars. Or, if you find a brand you like, you can check the brand website directly.
What does the scale number mean (e.g. 1:10)?
The scale number indicates how the RC car compares in size to the actual, equivalent car that would sit in your garage.
If the scale is 1:10, then every 1 cm of length on the RC car would translate into 10 cm on the real full-size car. In other words, a full-size car is ten times bigger than a 1:10 scale RC car.
Once you’ve seen a few different scales, you’ll get an eye for how big each one is. On this list, the 1:10 scale RC cars are the largest, then the 1:16 scale model, then the 1:18 scale cars.
Conclusion
I love my RC cars and have spent many awesome times racing with my friends, exploring the backyard, or seeing if my cars can handle a new ramp set-up. Somehow this hobby never gets old. Whether you’re looking for a fast RC car or just the best RC car for the money, I hope this guide has helped point you toward some good options.
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