As a mother of three I can testify: a remote control car or truck can be so much fun for kids. They’re definitely not made like they used to be. You know what I mean. Those old RC cars that only had a choice of two speeds: forward and reverse.
These days remote control cars can do tricks, go super fast, and so much more. Boys everywhere love these things. No age range is off-limits. Whether you have toddlers or a teenager, you’ll be able to watch your boys race each other all around the neighborhood and play games for hours on end. Who knows? It might turn into a great hobby for your boys later in life.
You have a choice with RC cars. Choose from age-appropriate cars, remote control cars that do stunts, ones that look like real car toys, or even cars that have settings to transform them into robots. In this article, I’m going to help you find the right one. Why? Because you want your toddlers or kids to be excited about playing with their new remote control car, right? If you buy the wrong one, it may be too advanced for your toddler, or worse yet, won’t live up to your older kid’s expectations. And no parent wants that. Here, we’ve taken the guesswork out of the equation and have researched the best remote control cars for kids so you don’t have to. You’re welcome.
Now, continue reading to see what we’ve determined as our top RC cars, or jump straight to our number #1 pick here.
Table of Contents
- What Should I Look for in a Remote Control Car?
- Here’s How We’ve Determined the Best Remote Control Car
- Our Top Picks for the Best Remote Control Car of 2021
- #1: BEZGAR 17 Toy-Grade 1:14 Scale Remote Control (Best Value)
- #2. ALTAIR 1:10 Scale RC Truck (Best Overall)
- #3: SainSmart Jr. Transform Car Robot (Best Transforming RC Car)
- #4: JEYPOD Remote Control Car (Best Low Cost)
- #5: Holy Stone RC Cartoon Race Car (Best for Toddlers Under 4)
- #6. QUN FENG RC Car 1:18 Lamborghini Aventador (Best Licensed RC Car)
- #7. Fisca RC Car Remote Control Stunt Car (Best for Stunts)
- What is the best age for a remote control car?
- What are the best RC cars for 3-5-year-olds?
- How fast can remote control cars go?
- What is the difference between remote control and radio control?
- Verdict: Your Best Remote Control Car
What Should I Look for in a Remote Control Car?
Before you make your remote control car purchase, there are a few things to consider. You want to find one that is going to be right for your children, regardless of whether they’re toddlers or eight-year-olds. Check out an online store like Amazon. They usually have the toy’s specifics so you can compare and contrast features and prices, and you’ll have more choices than, say, a local department store. I’ve provided the links to each of my choices as well.
Below we have a few criteria for you to think about when searching for the perfect toy remote control car or truck for your child, no matter where you decide to shop.
Criteria #1: Is it age-appropriate?
Most remote control car toys come with a specific age range, from toddlers to adults. This helps beginners and toddlers learn how to use a remote control car while giving the more experienced, older kids more advanced options. Some even have options with beginner or advanced settings. If your child is tech-savvy, you might even choose one that is operated with an app. There are also different remote control options for different ages. For example, RC car toys geared toward younger kids typically have a steering wheel-style remote control, while those for older kids have a pistol-style grip.
Criteria #2: Does it run on battery power?
RC cars are usually battery powered. While some will require battery packs, others will use chargers, and some use both. Also, consider battery life. You certainly don’t want to buy an RC car that will only last a few minutes. It’s also a great idea to have a few extra batteries on hand, just in case.
Criteria #3: Does it have good reviews?
Always read the product reviews. Parents don’t usually sugar-coat their reviews, especially if they’re bad. You can learn a lot about a remote control car just by reading what other users have experienced themselves. Follow the Amazon links and look near the bottom of the page for the review section. This is so helpful when deciding whether or not the product is worth it and lives up to its claims.
Here’s How We’ve Determined the Best Remote Control Car
I’ve determined the best remote control cars by reading and comparing the Amazon website reviews. Remember what I said about that above? I follow my own advice by looking at the specs of the product as well as the amount of complaints in the review sections. If there are complaints, I look to see how the company handled it. I also relate the features to the price, because I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to overpay for an RC car for my child.
Our Top Picks for the Best Remote Control Car of 2021
#1: BEZGAR 17 Toy-Grade 1:14 Scale Remote Control (Best Value)
Age Recommendation: 8 years and up
As far as RC cars for kids go, the BEZGAR 17 is where it’s at. These car toys are larger and faster than most and are basically crashproof, making it a great choice for children that are new to remote control cars.
Large Scale
The average remote control cars on the market today are around a 1:18 scale. The BEZGAR 17 is on a 1:14 scale, making it larger than most. This provides a more realistic looking race car your kids will love.
Fast
Another thing your child is sure to love about the BEZGAR 17 is the speed. That’s because this car reaches speeds up to 15 miles per hour. The powerful built-in motors make this car faster than its competition. Your children are going to love racing these cars.
Shockproof Body
The body of this RC car is made of alloy material, giving it a strong collision resistance. It has a shockproof body that won’t break in case it takes a tumble from heights. The front and rear crash-proof bumpers ensure that the car won’t get damaged if it crashes. And let’s be honest, our children are going to crash these things into everything and anything. It’s a kid thing.
USB Charging
The BEZGAR 17 comes with a USB charger. This makes charging the car not only convenient, but it also has overcharge protection and short circuit protection to help avoid battery fires. It comes with not only one, but two battery packs for even more fun.
Batteries
This comes with two 6V 800mAh Ni-MH Batteries, so it’s ready to roll out of the package. However, keep in mind that you may need to charge the batteries for a bit first.
Lights
The car now comes with lights, giving it an even more realistic look for the ultimate racing experience.
Wireless Control System
This system runs on a 2.4 GHz frequency, allowing for a stable signal with a non-jamming function. It also allows multiple cars to play for even more fun.
Reviews
Parents rave that this toy is great for beginners. It holds up to its claims of being a larger, faster remote control car that’s durable and mostly crashproof. The consensus is that it’s an awesome car for the price.
#2. ALTAIR 1:10 Scale RC Truck (Best Overall)
Age Recommendation: 14 years and up
If you have older children, consider the ALTAIR 1:10 Scale RC Truck. This 4×4 monster truck is extremely durable and built to play rough. A great all-terrain vehicle, it’s perfect for those who want to get down and dirty with their remote control monster truck.
30 Minutes of Run Time
This remote control monster truck comes with not one battery pack, but two that can run at the same time, giving your child even more playtime with their toy.
More Power
With double motors, you’re going to get more speed, durability, and power out of this monster truck than the average remote control car. It’ll be able to push through virtually any terrain with this much power at full speed.
Rubber Tires
Your child will be able to take on anything with the weather-resistant rubber tires with six metal springs that are individually mounted into the 4-wheel independent suspension.
Super Fast
While the BEZGAR 17 is fast, the ALTAIR monster truck is even faster. It can reach speeds up to 30 miles per hour. The ALTAIR even features two different speed settings for beginners or advanced drivers.
Great Support
ALTAIR offers before and after-sale support. They are also number one in service for RC products. So you can know that if anything happens to your remote control car, they’ve got your back.
Reviews
According to customers who’ve purchased this product, ALTAIR lives up to their promise of excellent customer service. Customers also say that these toys are durable and so fast. They agree that it’s an amazing buy for a monster truck.
#3: SainSmart Jr. Transform Car Robot (Best Transforming RC Car)
Age Recommendation: 13-18 years old
What child doesn’t love cars and robots? Well, SainSmart Jr. combined the love of these things into one transforming RC car. You can’t go wrong with these remote control cars for kids.
It Transforms
With one button on the remote control, your child can transform their car into a robot. How cool is that? Both have LED light features, and the robot makes sounds.
Fast Charge
Like the BEZGAR 17, the SainSmart Jr. Transform Car Robot comes with a USB charging cable. This makes it super convenient to easily charge anywhere and everywhere. Plus, you can get a full charge in about an hour with a run time of up to 30 minutes with the included lithium-polymer battery pack.
Strong Remote Control
The 2.4 GHz transmitter allows for a whopping 131 feet of distance control. Your children will have a blast zooming up and down the street as either a car or a robot.
Trusted Manufacturer
Like ALTAIR, SainSmart Jr. is committed to producing high-quality products that comply with international standards, so you can buy with confidence.
Reviews
Consumers say these are awesome toys and a good buy. One feature in particular that stands out is the battery case. It’s easy to open and close, unlike some models that require a screwdriver or another tool to get to the batteries.
#4: JEYPOD Remote Control Car (Best Low Cost)
Age Recommendation: 8 years and up
Don’t count this car out just because we have it as a low-cost product. JEYPOD has a great remote control car at an amazing price you won’t want to pass up.
Made with Raw Materials
JEYPOD’s newest RC car is made with non-toxic plastic and electronic elements, so you don’t have to worry about its safety with your children touching it all over.
Anti-Interference
This RC car will travel up to 12 miles per hour with its 2.4 GHz wireless receiver. The transmitter has a control distance of 262 feet. Your children will absolutely love racing this one up and down the sidewalk.
Pistol Grip Transmitter
The pistol grip-style transmitter is easy for beginners and more advanced children to use as they control their car. The controller allows for the car to go in forward, reverse, left, right, and to stop.
Comes with All the Batteries
Be ready to play straight out of the box with the included two rechargeable batteries for the car and two lithium-ion batteries for the remote control.
Reviews
Customers agree that this remote control car is impressive for the price. It goes fast, and the remote is easy enough for even younger children to get the hang of. It’s durable and perfect for outdoor fun.
#5: Holy Stone RC Cartoon Race Car (Best for Toddlers Under 4)
Age Recommendation: 18 months to 4 years old
So, you have a young toddler and want to get them started early for their racing career. Holy Stone has you covered with their RC Cartoon Race Car. That’s because this car is specifically designed for toddlers 18 months to four years old.
Easy to Control
The steering wheel-shaped controller comes with only two buttons for easy use and control. The two-channel remote control can go forward or in reverse.
Safely Designed
Made with non-toxic ABS plastic, soft edges, and sleek tires as well as a soft antenna, this car is made for safety and injury prevention. It’s been safety tested and approved by the CPC.
Fun Features
These remote control cars for toddlers feature honking sounds, music, and flashing lights that your little one can control by simply pressing the button 0n the RC car. You’ll be able to watch their little faces light up as they initiate each feature themselves.
Spaceman Themed
The RC car even comes with a spaceman driver figurine. They’ll be able to put their spaceman in the driver’s seat or play with it on its own for even more fun.
Reviews
Parents agree that this is a cute toy, perfect for the younger kids. It’s a huge hit with two and three-year-olds. Just keep in mind that this car doesn’t come with batteries, so you’ll need to purchase five AA batteries before your toddler can play with it.
#6. QUN FENG RC Car 1:18 Lamborghini Aventador (Best Licensed RC Car)
Age Recommendation: 8 years and up
The QUN FENG RC Lamborghini Aventador is perfect for those looking for remote control cars for kids that look like the real deal.
Officially Licensed
Do you have a kid that’s into luxury sports cars? Here it is. These RC car toys are an officially licensed Lamborghini Aventador . . . and it shows.
Bigger Size
Like the BEZGAR 17, this RC car is 1:18 scale, making it a larger size than most others. Your kids will love showing this one off to their friends.
High-Quality Rubber Tires
Made with high-quality rubber tires, this remote-controlled car can reach top speeds of up to 10 miles per hour with a remote distance of up to 131 feet.
Easy to Operate
The easy to operate car fully functions in forward, reverse, right, left, and stop.
Reviews
Customers say this is a fast car with controls that are easy enough for even younger kids to get the hang of. They say it’s perfection and a great starter RC car. Keep in mind that this RC car doesn’t come with batteries, so you’ll need to purchase a total of six AA batteries before you can use it.
#7. Fisca RC Car Remote Control Stunt Car (Best for Stunts)
Age Recommendation: 8-18 years old
Are your boys risk-takers? Before they get started in their stunt career, maybe a stunt car would be a good solution for that inclination. These types of cars can do all sorts of cool things.
Stunts
Since it’s considered a stunt car, it has to perform stunts, right? Well, the Fisca RC Car Remote Control Stunt Car does just that. Your child will be able to not only go forward, back, right and left, but also do 360-degree stunt flip rotations for hours of fun. Your kid is going to have fun learning new tricks and playing games with this toy car.
Long Distance Control
The 2.4 GHz high-frequency remote allows for long distance control with good anti-jamming capabilities. Your child will be able to play with more toy cars at the same time as long as they have the same mutual interference prevention.
High Speed
This remote control car not only does cool stunts, but it also goes fast and can make quick turns with its two powerful motors and four-wheel drive.
Batteries Included
Just like the BEZGAR 17, ALTAIR 1:10 Scale RC Truck, and the JEYPOD Remote Control Car, this one comes with all the batteries you need to get started. It also comes with a USB charger, so you can even charge from your phone. It takes about two hours to get a full charge for the Fisca RC Remote Control Stunt Car, so keep that in mind when setting it up for the first time.
Reviews
Parents say this one is an excellent purchase. It’s a nice car that provides a lot of fun for all who play with it. They agree that this product is a blast for kids of all ages.
What is the best age for a remote control car?
While you can get great remote control cars and trucks for kids as young as two to three years old, the best age is around eight. This is because they have the hand-eye coordination needed to control the car with the remote. Yes, they will crash their remote control car from time to time, it’s a given; however, they’re likely not to cause as much damage as a younger child would. Some of these RC cars can have sharp edges or small pieces that can also be dangerous for toddlers to get ahold of. Regardless of how old you start your children out with an RC car, they’re bound to have a blast racing each other up and down and all around the yard, driveway, sidewalk, or street.
What are the best RC cars for 3-5-year-olds?
The best RC cars for three to five-year-olds are going to be the cars that have soft edges and antennas as well as basic, simple, and easy to use controllers. Much like the Holy Stone RC Cartoon Race Car listed above, these cars are safer for toddlers and smaller children and are likely to be made of safe, non-toxic materials. They’re also perfect for small fingers, making them toddler-friendly.
You’ll want to weigh the pros and cons of getting an RC car for toddlers, though, as some can go pretty fast. You don’t want to get a toddler one that has a lot of settings or difficult controls to it, as it could cause them to get frustrated, or worse yet, crash the car into something breakable.
How fast can remote control cars go?
Most standard hobby RC cars typically travel about 70 miles per hour, while modified RC cars can reach top speeds of 100 miles per hour. But these types of cars are usually geared toward more experienced hobbyists and experts. The typical toy remote control car for kids runs around 25 miles per hour, while other toy RC cars go up to 60 miles per hour.
What is the difference between remote control and radio control?
The major difference between remote control and radio control cars is that remote controlled cars can have a tether attached to the toy, while the radio controlled car is always going to be wire-free.
Verdict: Your Best Remote Control Car
Just in case you don’t feel like reading the entire article, I’ve made you a cheat sheet. You’re welcome.
If you want the best value for your money, pick the BEZGAR 17 Toy-Grade 1:14 Scale Remote Control. This larger remote control car is great for beginners because it’s virtually crashproof.
If you’re looking for the best overall, choose the ALTAIR 1:10 Scale RC Truck. This truck has 30 minutes of run time and is super fast as well as great for off-road driving.
If you’re looking for something that transforms, pick the SainSmart Jr. Transform Car Robot. Perfect for kids that are into both cars and robots, this car brings the best of both worlds.
If you want to keep the spending under $30, pick the JEYPOD Remote Control Car. Yes, it’s the cheapest car on this list, but its durability makes it well worth the money.
If you want to find something for a toddler, choose the Holy Stone RC Cartoon Race Car. If you’re shopping for a toddler, this car will bring smiles and laughs each time they play with it.
If you want a licensed remote control car, choose the QUN FENG RC Car 1:18 Lamborghini Aventador. This licensed Lambo looks just like the real thing, so if your child is into sports cars, this is a great choice.
If you want a stunt car, pick the Fisca RC Car Remote Control Stunt Car This car does different tricks and turns, ensuring your kids will love playing with it for hours.
My advice is to follow the Amazon website links to find the best RC car for your child. As I said before, this will allow you to weigh the pros and cons of each product yourself. Read the reviews to find out what other parents and grandparents are saying about each remote control car. You’ll be able to get a feel of what it can and can’t do and determine whether or not it’s right for your kids. Compare prices and features of both name brands and off-brand products on Amazon. This will also give you an even bigger product selection than shopping at a basic department store.
Also, because some of these remote control cars for kids require batteries for either the car, remote control, or both, it’s a good idea to have an AA battery or two on hand at all times for longer battery life.
