15 Totally Awesome Remote Control Cars for Kids (or Adults!) of All Ages
Remote control and radio control cars have come a long way since we were kids. Those cumbersome, slow cars of yesterday are long gone. Instead of a single-speed car that needed new batteries every 20 minutes, modern remote control cars can hit some seriously impressive speeds while offering a much-needed update on those older designs.
With the holidays now right around the corner, finding the best remote control car is at top of mind for many. Whether you’re looking to buy an RC car as a Christmas gift for kids or adults, this list will give you a little of everything you need. If you’ve been searching the internet for the best remote control, or RC cars, but don’t quite know what’s what, we’re here to give you a quick breakdown.
The concept behind RC cars is pretty straightforward — these toy cars are operated remotely through radio waves transmitted from a controller to the car. Typically, these toys are much easier to operate than RC planes, which makes them an ideal gift for kids. Today, these cars do so much more than ever before. In addition to reaching higher speeds, many remote control cars are also designed to do stunts and flips. New remote control cars also offer smoother controls and rechargeable batteries, and many can be used off-road. In addition, some of the best remote control cars are designed to resemble real-life sports cars, so they’re great Christmas gifts for children going through a phase where they’re obsessed with all things cars and trucks.
Seriously, just look at how detailed and sophisticated these cars look now. From working lights to operating doors, detailed interiors, and tons of different driving modes, these remote control cars are sure to provide hours of fun for people of all ages.
We’ve put together a list of some really great options, including sleek luxury sports cars, stunt cars that climb walls, off-road vehicles that can handle any terrain, and even added a police car for those who enjoy the flashing lights.
Here’s a look at some of our favorite remote control car models to give as Christmas gifts this holiday season and beyond.
1. Traxxas Maxx RTR Monster Truck
BEST OVERALL
Designed to race at speeds up to 60 MPH, this remote control monster truck is the fastest on the list. Rugged in style, it offers a durable structure and waterproof electronic speed control. This device additionally comes with a 2.4GHz radio system, quick start guide, and high-quality maintenance tools so you can ensure it stays in tip-top shape.
Buy: Traxxas Maxx RTR Monster Truck $9.97
2. JLB Racing Cheetah
RUNNER UP
Got a need for speed? This is the RC car for you! Although it’s quite a splurge, this JLB Racing Cheetah is certainly top-tier when it comes to speed and performance, reaching whopping speeds of up to 50 mph. It features four-wheel drive with rugged tires and suspension on each for smooth off-road racing and great traction. The battery life on this vehicle is about 20 minutes with a full charging time of about 4-5 hours. It’s made with all waterproof electronics so you can run it in any weather or wet condition.
Buy: JLB Racing Cheetah $399.99
3. Sharper Image Remote Control RC Flip Stunt Vehicle
BUDGET BUY
Sharper Image is known for making nifty electronics, toys and gifts for people of all ages, and the brand’s RC stunt car is sure to provide hours of entertainment for kids and adults alike. The unique 2-in-1 car design is capable of barreling down steps and doing fun stunts such as 360-degree spins. There are also working headlights so the fun can keep going when the lights are out. For just $10, it’s a perfect gift for kids. You may just want to take it out of the box right away so you can have a turn. This RC car runs on batteries, which are not included.
Buy: Sharper Image Remote Control Flip Stunt Rally Car $9.97
4. LÆGENDARY Store 1/16 Brushless RC Car
LONGEST RUNNING BATTERY
This 1/16 scale high-speed RC car has the ability to run for 40 minutes on one full charge. It’s waterproof, features four-wheel drive, and comes fully assembled and ready to hit the road straight out of the box. This vehicle is one of the fastest on our list, reaching up to 38 mph. It can be raced on all terrains and comes with 2.4GHz radio remote control and an extra pair of off-road tires for added security and fun.
Buy: LÆGENDARY Store 1/16 Brushless RC Car $194.97
5. Carrera RC Mario Kart – Mach 8 Mario
FOR MARIO KART FANS
This RC car from Nintendo is perfect for Mario Kart fans, and who isn’t a Mario Kart fan? Buy matching cars featuring other characters such as Luigi and Yoshi to set up your Mario Kart-style races in your own backyard. The RC Mario Kart Mach 8 Mario “features a front and rear suspension along with pneumatic tires allowing you to race up to 5.6-mph on various courses across multiple terrains.” In addition, this RC car will tilt to the side as you turn, just like in the video game. The car itself will provide 20 minutes of racing time before it needs a recharge, and it features a rechargeable battery.
Buy: RC Mario Kart - Mach 8 Mario $39.99
Buy: RC Mario Kart - Mach 8 Luigi $39.99
6. New Bright 1:10 R/C Slidewinder USB
BEST FOR BIGGER KIDS
For slightly older kids who have a little practice with remote control cars already, we recommend this drifting R/C Slidewinder from toymaker New Bright. We recommend this toy for older kids because it has more sophisticated controls than other toy cars and can reach speeds of 6 miles per hour. In addition to the standard Forward/Reverse and Left/Right Steering, this car can drift sideways, spin in circles and the vehicle body can be raised and lowered, too. Like the best remote control cars, it also has working headlights. Instead of constantly replacing the AA batteries, this all-terrain RC car comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery charged via USB.
Buy: New Bright 1:10 R/C Slidewinder USB $39.99
7. QUN FENG Electric RC Car
BEST FOR SMOOTH SURFACES
A perfect imitation of the real car, this beautiful Lambo is a must-see for luxury car lovers. With glowing headlights and illuminating red taillights, this little car lights up when you pull forward or reverse. This car runs best on smooth surfaces like concrete, wood, or asphalt and comes with detailed rubber wheels that help approximate max speeds up to 10 mph. With this car, you also receive a remote control.
Buy: QUN FENG Electric RC Car-Lamborghini $24.99
8. DANCHEE RidgeRock
BEST ROCK CRAWLER
This rock crawling vehicle is fun on any terrain. It comes with four-wheel drive, a 2.4GHz radio transmitter, four-mode steering as well as tunable suspension, and adjustable ride height, and durable off-road tires. It comes assembled and ready to use and is packaged with a 7.4v 1500mAh Li-ion rechargeable battery and USB charger cable.
Buy: DANCHEE RidgeRock $119.99
9. Redcat Racing Volcano Monster Truck
BEST WATERPROOF
Designed with four-wheel drive and a 2.4GHz radio system, this monster truck is up for the occasion. It additionally features waterproof electronics and great stability to prevent flipping. This car comes with both controller and charger included.
Buy: Redcat Racing Volcano Monster Truck $169.99
10. EpochAir Stunt RC Car
BEST FOR STUNTS
This remote control stunt car offers dual modes of operation: floor and wall. With an infrared sensor and an impressive 360-degree rotation capability, this RC car can drive up walls, bounce off surfaces, do tricks, and more. It additionally features a highly intuitive steering mechanism that makes it even easier to control.
Buy: EpochAir Wall Climbing Remote Control Car $26.99
11. ARRMA RC Monster Truck
BEST FOR BEGINNERS
An excellent RC truck for beginners, this monster truck can handle a variety of terrains. It offers a wide stance that rolls easily over rocky grounding, 20+ MPH capability, and front and rear suspension for easy handling. This set comes with everything you need to get started: truck, 2.4GHz controller, NiMH Battery, and wall charger.
Buy: ARRMA RC Monster Truck $119.99
12. Rastar 1/14 Scale RC Ferrari
BEST LUXURY
One look at this cherry-red Ferrari and you’ll be smitten. Featuring working doors, lights, and an impressive independent spring suspension system, this RC car can hit max speeds up to 10 mph. More than that, it also offers fully adjustable left and right wheel alignment, a remote control styled in the fashion of a steering wheel, and one heck of a detailed interior.
Buy: 1/14 Scale Ferrari $39.49 (orig. $49.99) 21% OFF
13. Rcfunkid Remote Control Car
BEST STUNT CAR FOR CHILDREN
This RC stunt car is tons of fun for the whole family. It comes with double sides for racing, backward and forward moving, and 360-degree tumbling and spinning. Perfect for racing and tricks, it has a powerful battery that offers up to 30 minutes of run time and comes with a 2.4GHZ remote control.
Buy: Rcfunkid Remote Control Car $30.49
14. Rastar 1/14 Scale RC Bugatti Veyron
ALSO CONSIDER
With real working lights and a detailed interior and exterior, this beautiful Bugatti RC car is fully controllable and, like its real counterpart, is able to stop on a dime. Like the aforementioned Lambo, this copy of the Bugatti Veyron is impeccable. It comes with a steering wheel remote controller and offers a max speed of up to 15 mph for great handling and control.
Buy: Radio Remote Control 1/14 Bugatti Veyron $44.99 (orig. $59.99) 25% OFF
15. KidiRace Remote Control Police Car
A RC POLICE CAR FOR CHILDREN
With sleek non-slip tires and an extra tight turning radius, you’ll have no problem turning in those tight areas. And with realistic lights and sounds, you can connect up to six cars without interference and recreate your own high-speed police chase in the comfort of your own home. It offers kid-friendly controls and offers 30 minutes of driving time with each charge.
Buy: KidiRace RC Remote Control Police Car $49.99
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