Racing is an exciting sport where you take driving to the limit, further proved by just how many racing games are available to gamers. With the wide array of RC vehicles available, you can unleash high-speed energy with a tactile experience indoors or out.
Whatever you prefer to drive, there's something for you here. From something fast at a great price to the highest quality vehicle, and everything for cool tricks or big outdoors. Even if you don't have a large space to practice your skills, there's a car for you with the smaller models available. Find your racing spirit and get behind the wheel of one of the gems on this list.
Updated on August 7, 2024, by Jacob Austin: We've come back to this speedy article to update it with some additional products for racing fun. The new stunt car lets you enjoy jumps and flips, and a two-pack of cars offers fun for you and a friend.
WLtoys 284131 1/28 2.4G 4WD Short Course Drift RC Car Vehicle Models With Light Two/Three Battery
Best Value Package See at AmazonTurbo Racing C73-Grey 1/76 2.4G RC Car
Best Mini Car See at AmazonDoDoeleph 1/24 RC Racing Car
Best Budget Car See at AmazonKyosho Mini-Z AWD Subaru Impreza 22B-STi Version White
Best For Drifting See at AmazonWLtoys 144001 1/14 2.4G 4WD High Speed Racing RC Car Vehicle Models 60km/h With 2 Batteries
Best For Outdoors See at Amazon- See More
DoDoeleph Gesture Controlled RC Stunt Car
Best Stunt Car See at AmazonTraxxas 1/16 E-Revo VXL RTR W/TSM
Best High-End Car See at AmazonDanchee RidgeRock 1/10 4WD Electric Rock Crawler RTR Blue
Best Crawler See at AmazonHaktoys RC Stunt Car Two Player Bundle
Best Way To Get Two Cars See at Amazon
The Best RC Cars You Can Get In 2024
Best Value PackageWLtoys 284131 1/28 2.4G 4WD Short Course Drift RC Car Vehicle Models With Light Two/Three Battery
Get everything you need for speed with one great price
This speedy race-truck-style car from WLtoys comes with the full package of everything you'll need for racing fun. With extra replacement parts and batteries, you'll be ready to go as soon as you open the box.
Pros & Cons- Best value for the price point
- Goes fast for its size
- Highly customizable
- Exposed section of the motor gets very hot
WLtoys supplies a surprisingly quality ride for the prices of their products. With the best value proposition in the market, you can pick up a high-speed ride with metal frame and fittings for half or less the price of similar RC cars.
This kit for 1/28 sized cars gets you everything a beginner needs to enter the hobby without a large investment. Even those experienced in the hobby find these a great buy for the price to have on hand for race day.
The highlighted car is a race truck with LED lighting and a solid build for rally racing. You can take this AWD truck and put on slippy tires for drifting or use compatible parts to further upgrade your dream racecar.
With multiple cars to pick from and the ability to use parts from the Mini-Z brand, you can find your ideal match for 28-scale fun. Driving well on carpet, tile, or any other flooring, you'll have a great chance to race and rumble even if space is limited. Overall, this is the best fit for a newcomer and the best value addition to a longtime collection.
Best Mini CarTurbo Racing C73-Grey 1/76 2.4G RC Car
Race right on your desk with a tiny speedster
While only about 2 inches long, these mini cars are not lacking in speed and control. With a wide selection of vehicles that have real steering and power, you can get your perfect fit for tabletop racing.
Pros & Cons- Amazing detail and lights
- Lots of vehicle choice
- Incredibly compact
- Turns are a bit wide
If you are truly limited on open space or just prefer the idea of racing from your gaming chair, this is the pick to make. These tiny cars can speed around a surface as small as an end table and happen to size up nicely with many train and terrain sets.
While the turning radius is a bit large, they have a great level of control and speed, especially considering the size of their electronics. With tons of choices for style and color, you can assemble an entire racing league on your dinner table.
RelatedBest Lego Car Sets Of 2024
You might not be able to drive them, but these cars are still worth having.
PostsFor a great 30 minutes of driving, these little cars last a good time on a charge and recharge quite quickly. The remote is comfortable yet compact and means you can leave your car ready to run anywhere and pick up for play in a moment's notice.
Those with a lot of collectibles or figurines will find out just how enjoyable it is to take these for a spin around your desk, weaving between Funko pops and your gaming monitor.
Best Budget CarDoDoeleph 1/24 RC Racing Car
Start racing without hitting your wallet
For a highly affordable car that won't break the first day you wipe out on the track. Designed to be sturdy and prevent damage to your car to ensure endless fun.
Pros & Cons- Excellent pricing for an entry car
- Great design with a traditional remote
- It's not the fastest or most durable car
To get into RC racing fast with a budget car this is a great choice. Most importantly for an entry-level car, it uses a more traditional remote than most RC cars. Budget cars with controller-like remotes don't provide practice for you if you later decide to upgrade or add to your collection.
The budget price of this car does mean it won't go at blistering speeds, but the motor and turning radius are worth your time. This performs better than the assorted $15-20 RC cars you can find in any given store.
Having a low entry price also means should something awful befall your car, or if you just want more to race with friends, the expense will be kept low. However, if a part breaks down on this car, it is not built for repair like many higher-priced models, so total replacement is the only option.
Best For DriftingKyosho Mini-Z AWD Subaru Impreza 22B-STi Version White
Pick up drifting skills with ease using Mini-Z
Sway and swerve right out of the box with one of the best drifters you'll ever race. Set up a course, or just let loose freestyle and experience wild twists and turns.
Pros & Cons- Fantastic drifting
- Huge part availability
- Great remote
- Battery changes are annoying
Moving back up in scale, we come to the premium 1/28 series of cars, Mini-Z. In terms of drifting, Mini-Z is the top performer at this racing scale. They have a huge part and chassis selection that offers you FWD, RWD, and AWD, depending on preference.
RelatedBest PC Racing Wheels Of 2024
Looking to go for a spin while sitting at your PC? These Racing wheels are just what you need?
PostsIf you're here to send it sideways, this is the car you want. Even beginners manage to drift when this little Subaru is put in their hands for a few minutes. It drives smoothly with perfect balance and weight. However, changing batteries in these can be annoying as they rely on AAAs and not lithium battery packs.
After a few times unclicking the shell and getting them out, it will become routine but you'll still be stuck with a ton of AAAs rolling around in a drawer somewhere. The first change you should make is to pick up some high-output rechargeables for your car, as it will keep you from buying constant replacements and increase the voltage for more speed.
Best For OutdoorsWLtoys 144001 1/14 2.4G 4WD High Speed Racing RC Car Vehicle Models 60km/h With 2 Batteries
Take some AWD power out for a spin
WLtoys brings another strong offer with a speedy car made for outdoor fun. This model can reach 30mph speeds letting you pop wheelies or make crazy jumps.
Pros & Cons- Snappy and fast car
- Metal parts in most of its build
- Does well on track and off
- Less customization than other cars
Enjoying your cars but want to take something out to the park or parking lot? Grab this solid buggy from WLtoys, and you'll have a blast in no time. Getting to larger cars, this is a 1/14 monster that can reach blistering quick speed.
This buggy can take off into a wheelie without trouble and make jumps with its high-power motor and wheel suspension. Able to take a beating as an affordable RC basher, keep in mind the power behind those four wheels so you don't leave a mark.
RelatedBest Hot Wheels Cars In 2024
These are the Hot Wheels cars that every collector must have.
PostsFor the scale and type of car, its pricing is unbeatable. The 144001 is capable of keeping up with rigs that cost four times as much. That said, it has downsides besides its awkward name. Customization will be limited compared to other brands, and it is not made with all metal parts.
At this price point, it's the best value you can get from a race buggy designed for outdoor play. The speed, durability, and quality of the car are incredible for the cost, you won't regret picking this up to try some RC bashing.
Best Stunt CarDoDoeleph Gesture Controlled RC Stunt Car
Do more than just race and up the ante
For an awesome-looking stunt car with a flexible center, Omni wheels, and a gesture-remote setting to ditch the controller.
Pros & Cons- Multiple ways to control the car
- Can drive in any situation
- If a wheel is damaged the entire car will need replacement
Not every joyride with your RC car has to be for high-speed racing. Stunt cars are unique to drive and bash with, such as up or down steps and across jumps. Many stunt cars boast the ability to drive sideways using omnidirectional wheels, and this one is no exception.
You can perform a lot of interesting tricks with this car besides moving sideways. Controlling it with the gesture remote feels exciting and high-tech. Falls or flips are no issue due to its ability to drive upside down, and its adjustable height gives it a lot of flexibility.
Best High-End CarTraxxas 1/16 E-Revo VXL RTR W/TSM
For those who want the best you can get
Take your racing to the top with Traxxas. Already reaching 30mph speeds, you can upgrade and customize further to push the limits.
Pros & Cons- Extreme quality and great control
- Trusted name with excellent support
- Demands a higher budget
When you need to pull out all the stops and go for the very best, Traxxas is here for you. With the option to pump the juice up for 50mph or higher speeds through upgrades and custom builds this buggy is beyond all others.
The motor and chassis are high-quality with everything needed to start driving included in the box. Those willing to put in the time and budget will find this to be the superior racing rig. Adding a battery and making adjustments to your liking will leave you with a premium car.
RelatedBest Remote Control Planes In 2024
These are great for the remote control plane enthusiasts!
PostsWhile requiring a higher cost and time investment from you, this monstrous ride will carry you through tough tracks indoors or outdoors. Jumps, uphill runs, and more are tackled with no problem by what is a finely-tuned driving machine.
Being such a longtime and trusted brand you can rest easy knowing Traxxas won't let you down in terms of available parts or speed. If you've already enjoyed previous cars or wish to gift yourself something phenomenal then you'll want to add this to your shelf.
Best CrawlerDanchee RidgeRock 1/10 4WD Electric Rock Crawler RTR Blue
Climb and overpower any obstacle you see
Want to really conquer the outdoors? Take on rocks, gravel, and ledges with ease using this 1/10 scale crawler. Use the right tool for the job with a car that's bigger and badder.
Pros & Cons- Good power and climbing height
- Can take a hit or fall
- Requires the right space for a good experience
When it comes to the outdoor experience, running over rocks and small hills is great fun, and this will let you do it all. Crawlers are a popular type of RC car due to their ability to jump boxes, reach over obstacles, and complete fantastic feats. While not as fast as other vehicles, this ride offers you a unique experience that's great to set up a course for or to take to your local park.
You may want to skip this Ridgerock offering, though, if you don't have a good space for a course or have limited terrain options. Without enough room and ample things to tackle and climb, the driving experience suffers.
However, if you have access to a yard with some interesting locales, or a large room and some boxes you can have plenty of fun with a crawler. Knocking things over, or climbing a set of makeshift stairs brings plenty of joy to driving every day.
Best Way To Get Two CarsHaktoys RC Stunt Car Two Player Bundle
For those wanting a face-off on the track
For some racing or tricking fun with a friend, this bundle from Haktoys has what you need.
Pros & Cons- Good speed and trick ability
- Can handle rough driving well
- Uses an uncomfortable remote style
Racing isn't nearly as fun without some friends, so if you want someone else to join a bundle of two cars is the perfect answer. While these stunt cars are not the fastest or flashiest choices, they are lots of fun and a great price if you want two cars.
Taking these outdoors for rougher driving shouldn't worry you, as they have large wheels with rotating bases. They can take drops, climb small mounds, and perform many other fun tricks. These work great as a simple all-around RC car that you can drive with friends.
FAQ
What is bashing with RC cars?
In the most basic sense, bashing simply means rough driving. To go bashing means having no limits and no care for damage, unlike what you'd expect in racing. A car that is said to be a good basher usually equates to it having high durability and stable driving when on difficult terrain.
Bashing could look like many things, such as something you enjoy alone or part of a race with others. Jumps, outdoor tricks, and hitting objects are all examples of what you could call bashing.
Will my RC car break down easily?
Durability can be a concern when purchasing budget car options. A few hard hits won't put most cars out of commission, and even the rare broken part can often be replaced quite easily without technical skills.
If well cared for cars like those from Mini-Z or picks from Traxxas should easily last the life of your hobby, but can be expensive to maintain. Cheaper cars can sometimes take a bad hit, but in the worst case, they can be replaced entirely for a low price. So long as you avoid high-risk driving, you won't need to worry no matter your choice.
What car should I get for my first RC?
For the complete beginner, the 1/28 scale cars from WLtoys or Mini-Z are often best. They do not require as much room or as many expensive parts, and they come in complete kits. The 28-size cars from WLtoys are an awesome choice if you wish to keep your opening investment low, as their kits hit a fantastic price point.
If you are a beginner wishing for the easiest time drifting or offroading, then you'll want Mini-Z or Traxxas, respectively, for the amazing quality. Many cars can perform awesome drifts such as the drift-built cars from WLtoys, however, Mini-Z drift cars are incredibly easy to learn on. They feel like driving a cloud around the track and have a balance that is hard to match anywhere else.
NextBest Hot Wheels Tracks In 2024
These are some of the best Hot Wheels tracks on the market.
Posts
