Speed varies depending on what the car is built to do.
You'll also often see the RC car's scale listed, which represents its size in relation to the real deal. The types of vehicles to choose from include off-road 4x4s and buggies, rock crawlers, and racing drift cars, so you’ll need to decide which you or your child will most enjoy.
There are hobby-grade RC cars and toy cars designed for kids, with the latter typically being less expensive, though there are toy cars that offer impressive performance and a low price point. Keep in mind that some cars are labeled RTR even though batteries are sold separately. While shopping, you may see the initials “RTR” in product descriptions, which stands for “ready to race.” This means you can start playing with it right out of the box or after charging, with no extra parts required to get it up and running. With that in mind, read on for our top recommendations, plus an RC car primer and essential advice to consider before you shop. The good news is that while there may be a bit of a learning curve, you can get a taste of the action no matter what your budget. And, with so many car types and features, it can be tough to figure out which options meet your criteria for style and price.
REMOTER CONTROL CAR PRO
If you’re new to the RC world - that's remote control, in pro lingo - shopping for a car (or RC airplane or truck, for that matter) can feel somewhat daunting at the start, as there a lot of technical details to wade through while you're comparing models, even for kid's toys.
REMOTER CONTROL CAR UPGRADE
Updated September 1, 2022: This piece was updated to reflect current pricing, including sales, and details specific to each remote control car.įrom monster trucks to speed demons that can clock 70 miles per hour, remote control cars deliver hours of fun, whether you're an experienced hobbyist looking to upgrade and splurge on a higher-end model or a parent searching for an activity to get your kid off the iPad.