Top cheap RC cars
If you want to unleash your inner speed demon or crawl over rugged terrain without the cost and potential danger of doing it in real life, RC cars are the way to go. They are fun for children and adults alike and come in a variety of styles ranging from scale replicas of high-end luxury cars to rock-crawling monsters straight out of your imagination.
While there are many hobby-grade RC cars that cost several hundred dollars and more, there is no reason you or your children can’t have a bit of fun with a cheap, entry-level model. The Bezgar 7 is one such option. This rugged truck can reach speeds of nearly 25 miles per hour on both pavement and dirt, yet you won’t have to break open your piggy bank to buy it.
What to know before you buy a cheap RC car
Who it’s for
RC cars range greatly in their size and top speed, so it is important to match the vehicle’s capabilities with the skills of the driver. The younger the driver, the slower and smaller the RC car should be. This makes it easier to control and less likely to damage an object or hurt a person if it crashes into something or someone.
For elementary-aged school children, a car that tops out somewhere between 5 and 15 mph is usually ideal. Most teens can handle an RC car that goes between 20 and 30 mph. Anything in excess of that should be reserved for responsible adults.
You can learn more about what to look for in an RC car for kids by checking out the full buying guide on BestReviews.
Where you want to drive it
There are several types of RC cars, and they all excel in different areas. For example, cars or trucks with smooth tires and low ground clearance are best for racing on pavement, while buggies and trucks with aggressive tread and a medium ground clearance are great for off-roading. There are also some RC vehicles with 4WD and very high ground clearance that are designed specifically for crawling over rocks.
Cheap RC car features
Control range
The control range of an RC car determines how far away you can drive it. Budget-friendly kids’ models usually have a control range between 50 and 150 feet. Higher speed and slightly more expensive models intended for teens and adults have a control range between 150 and 400 feet. As you get into premium, hobby-grade RC cars, you can find models with control ranges of 1,000 feet or more.
Battery life
The majority of cheap RC cars use rechargeable batteries that are included with the purchase. These often last somewhere between 10 and 45 minutes and take between one and three hours to recharge. Often, the faster and more powerful the RC car, the shorter the battery life.
Scale
Most RC cars have a scale specification stated somewhere in the product description. This refers to the size of the RC car in relation to a full-size vehicle. For hobby-grade RC cars, the most common scales are 1:8, 1:10 and 1:12. Cheap RC cars tend to be smaller, with the most common scales ranging from 1:14 to 1:24. Outside of the most common scales, you can find RC vehicles as small as 1:64 or as large as 1:4.
2WD or 4WD
RC cars are available in 2WD and 4WD models. Unless you want to do drifting with your RC car, in which case you’ll want a 2WD model with smooth tires, it is best to choose a 4WD model. These perform the best on both pavement and off-road tracks.
Cheap RC car cost
The cost of RC cars varies greatly. You can find basic kids toys that cost as little as $10, as well as hobby-grade models that cost upwards of $1,000 or more. For a quality cheap RC car, expect to spend between $25 and $75.
Cheap RC car FAQ
Do RC cars come fully assembled?
A. RC cars fall into two categories: RTR and kit. The former stands for ready to run, which means they are ready to use right out of the box. The latter comes in pieces and need to be assembled. Nearly all cheap RC cars are RTR.
Do RC cars require any maintenance?
A. Cheap RC cars generally require little to no maintenance. You simply need to periodically clean the wheels, springs and other exposed components. Hobby-grade models are more involved and may require changing brake pads, lubricating components and more.
Which cheap RC car should I get?
Best of the best cheap RC car
Bezgar 7 Hobby Grade 1:16 Scale Remote Control Truck: available at Amazon
Our take: A good choice for adults or responsible teens, this truck can hit speeds in excess of 20 mph for racing and is suitable for both on- and off-road use.
What we like: It features a durable nylon chassis and rugged components that can stand up to a few crashes without coming out worse for the wear. Plus, it’s water-resistant, so blasting through the odd puddle or a bit of mud here and there won’t be an issue.
What we dislike: The battery takes nearly three hours to recharge.
Best bang for your buck cheap RC car
X Toyz High Speed Remote Control Cars: available at Amazon
Our take: This bundled pair of RC cars is affordably priced and allows children to race with siblings or friends.
What we like: Each car is a different color, so there is never any confusion over whose is whose between uses or during a race. At 1:22 scale and topping out at just under 9 mph, they are perfect for elementary school-aged children.
What we dislike: They aren’t suitable for use on dirt and other off-road terrain.
Honorable mention cheap RC car
SZJJX Remote Control Rock Crawler: available at Amazon
Our take: If your tastes lean more towards crawling over boulders than racing, this truck is a good entry-level option that can easily handle a few tumbles without breaking.
What we like: It’s equipped with an independent suspension system on each wheel and features aggressive tread on the tires for tackling all kinds of terrain.
What we dislike: Its battery life could be longer.
Brett Dvoretz is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
