Driving RC cars was once an expensive hobby just for adults. The vehicles were expensive to buy and often complicated to drive. That’s not the best combination for a child’s toy.
Fortunately, this has changed. Multiple companies now make RC cars for kids of all ages.
However, this increase in options creates another problem. How do you know which is the best RC car for your kids? Let us help you.
- Chargeable via usb
- Runs on & off-road
- Good speed
- All-terrain vehicle
- Water-resistant design
- Additional batteries available
- Easy-to-learn controls
- Flexible rubber tires
- 45 mph speed
- Simple controls
- Sturdy design & construction
- Adjustable frequency
- Tri-channel transmitter
- Great suspension system
- Sturdy built
- Can climb on 45-degree slope
- Suitable for rough play
- Comes with 2 rechargeable batteries
- Gesture sensing
- Runs up to 25 miles per hour
- All-round drift
- Full ER experience
- Everything you need in a box
- Available as a firetruck
- Realistic lamborghini replica
- Small size
- Limited to 5 mph
- 30 minute battery time
- Includes four-lamp light bar
- Sturdy construction
The Best Kids RC Cars of 2024
We’ve found the 10 best RC cars for kids.
Jeypod High Speed Remote Control Car
Best Beginner RC Car
If you are looking for a kids’ RC car that appeals to the tween in your life, the Jeypod high-speed car might be the right fit. It’s a good mid-point between child-friendly and designed for adults.
It’s available in different colors, each of which has its own controller frequency. This means you can buy different colors for each kid in your life and they will be able to race against each other, without the remotes interfering with each other.
The manufacturer’s recommended age range is from 8 years and up.
Pros
- You don’t need to buy a charger for the battery pack. It is charged via USB.
- The car can be used on a variety of surfaces including both hard surfaces and off-road.
- Speedy enough for kids to enjoy, but not so speedy it can cause breakages or injuries.
Cons
- The car is powered by a special rechargeable battery pack that lasts from 20 to 30 minutes and takes 90 minutes to recharge.
Product Specs
| Included in the box | The car, transmitter, two 3.7-volt rechargeable batteries, two AA batteries, one screwdriver, one USB, and the user manual |
| Battery – Car | Rechargeable battery pack |
| Battery – Controller | 2 AA |
| Controller | Pistol-grip style |
| Dimensions | 5.1 x 7.9 x 3 inches |
Our Ratings
Altair Fast Remote Control Truck 4x4
Best RC Car For Speed
If speed is what you are looking for, this one might suit your needs. Capable of speeds of up to 30 mph, it comes with two-speed settings.
This allows you to limit the speed while your child first learns to use the car. Then, when they have more experience controlling the vehicle, you can allow them to go faster.
Pros
- This all-terrain vehicle drives well on grass, asphalt, sand, rocks, and other surfaces.
- The water-resistant design means you can drive through puddles without damage.
- Additional batteries are available so you can have a charged back-up.
Cons
- Some reviewers have reported they find the battery hard to take out for charging. However, other reviewers have no such problems so it could be a personal skill level issue.
Product Specs
| Included in the box | Car, controller, USB charger, and one rechargeable 7.4-volt battery |
| Battery – Car | 7.4V 1600 mAh |
| Battery – Controller | 3 AA |
| Controller | Pistol-grip style |
| Dimensions | 13.5 x 12 x 6.5 inches |
Our Ratings
Fisca Remote Control Stunt Car
Best RC Car For Stunts
This Fisca stunt car has a non-traditional design.
Instead of wheels attached to one axle at the front of the car and one at the back, the Fisca has the wheels on each side. The wheels are attached to a bar, mounted on a pivot point.
This allows the Fisca to perform multiple, high-speed, on the spot, spins. This little stunt car can perform backflips and forward flips.
Pros
- Easy-to-learn controls mean kids can be performing stunts quickly.
- Flexible rubber tires make this car suitable for on- and off-road surfaces.
- The 4.5 mph speed is fast enough for fun, yet safe for younger children.
Cons
- It only runs for 12 to 15 minutes on a single charge. This, obviously, can cause some frustrations for kids.
Product Specs
| Included in the box | The car, controller, 2 AA batteries, one 3.7-volt battery, and one USB cable for charging |
| Battery – Car | 3.7-volt lithium-ion |
| Battery – Controller | 2 AA |
| Controller | Games system style controller |
| Dimensions | 6.3 x 6.1 x 2 inches |
Our Ratings
My First Remote Control Cartoon Car
Best RC Car for Toddlers
This car is a fun introduction to the world of RC for the smallest of kiddos. A robust, brightly colored car is piloted by a chunky cartoon character that can be removed for additional play opportunities.
It’s controlled by a simple steering wheel design controller, with two buttons. One button makes the car go forward, and the second makes the car go backward and turns the car. The controller is not designed to work like an actual steering wheel, so it’s simple for a toddler to get the hang of.
Flashing lights and sirens can be turned on or off via a switch on the car, and the drive is also accompanied by music.
Pros
- Simple controls are easy for a toddler to master.
- The sturdy design and construction mean this RC car stands up to bumping into walls and furniture.
- The frequency can be changed so you can have two cars in the house and they will not interfere with each other.
Cons
- Some parents found the music too loud or annoying after a while.
Product Specs
| Included in the box | The car, a figure, and the remote |
| Battery – Car | 3 AA |
| Battery – Controller | 2 AA |
| Controller | Steering wheel-shaped controller with two buttons |
| Dimensions | 11.1 x 7.1 x 4.5 inches |
Our Ratings
Maisto 3-Channel Rock Crawler Extreme
Best RC Car for Grass
This Maisto car is specifically designed for rocks, rugged, off-road action on grass, and gravel. It is a more sophisticated RC car for those who want to enjoy more than just racing up and down the driveway or around the yard.
Rear and front articulated suspension, low gearing, and three motors, coupled with a lightweight body, make this car ideal for climbing over all manner of rough terrain. Since it’s designed for crawling over rougher landscapes, the vehicle does not go fast. The manufacturers estimate the speed to be 2 to 3 mph, but that is an average for these rc rock crawler type trucks.
Pros
- The tri-channel transmitter allows for three other people to play simultaneously with their own Maisto radio control vehicles.
- Great suspension system for both front and rear portion.
- Sturdy thermoplastic elastomers built.
Cons
- Requires plenty of batteries.
- Make sure you get rechargeable batteries instead of regulars, or your kid’s driving habits may cost you a small fortune.
Product Specs
| Included in the box | The car and controller |
| Battery – Car | 6 AA |
| Battery – Controller | 2 AAA |
| Controller | Pistol-grip style |
| Dimensions | 11 x 7.9 x 6.3 inches |
Our Ratings
Double E 1/12 Scale RC Monster Truck
Best RC Monster Truck
With two motors, one for driving and one for climbing, independent suspension, and four-wheel drive, this RC monster truck is an excellent all-rounder. It can cope well with slopes and slow approach obstacles. However, it is not a true off-road vehicle as it cannot move especially quickly on rugged, uneven surfaces.
While some kids’ RC cars are designed for speed or for off-road, the Double E is a well-thought-out hybrid of the two.
Pros
- Will climb a slope of up to a 45-degree angle.
- The large scale makes this truck sturdy and suitable for rough play.
- It comes with two rechargeable battery packs which combined give you up to an hour of play.
Cons
- It can do a little bit of everything, but it’s not especially good for “hard-core” off-road play, nor is it especially fast.
Product Specs
| Included in the box | One car, controller, and two rechargeable battery packs. |
| Battery – Car | Ni-MH battery pack |
| Battery – Controller | 2 AA |
| Controller | Pistol-grip style |
| Dimensions | 15.4 x 9 x 7.5 inches |
Our Ratings
NQD 1:10 Remote Control Car
Best RC Car for 8-Year-Olds
This car is the only vehicle on this list that may have as much energy as your kids.
While it’s best on flat or slightly sloped surfaces, it will cope with some smaller stones, gravel, and dirt. The flip side of this minimal capacity for uneven surfaces is that the NQD is especially good on smooth surfaces.
Do note that it is not amphibious and the components could erode if left wet therefore, you should dry the car thoroughly when you have finished playing.
Pros
- Gesture sensing.
- Runs up to 25 miles per hour.
- All-round drift.
Cons
- Some reviewers mentioned that the wheels have the tendency to fell off.
Product Specs
| Included in the box | One car, controller, 1200mAh rechargeable battery, watch USB charging cable, body battery charging cable and remote watch |
| Battery – Car | One rechargeable 1200mAh battery |
| Battery – Controller | USB cable |
| Controller | USB cable |
| Dimensions | 15.5 x 10 x 5.5 inches |
Our Ratings
Kidirace RC - Remote Control Police Car
Best RC Car for 5-Year-Olds
With this kids’ RC police vehicle, Kidirace manages to hit the sweet spot. It’s suitable for a 5-year-old without appearing too babyish.
It uses a simple, rechargeable battery, which means there’s no need to keep buying replacement batteries. That’s a bonus if you have two or three of these at home.
And you can have two or three cars since they can work on different frequencies. That means no more kiddos fighting over who gets the one vehicle.
Pros
- Lights, sirens, and zippy handling make this a full emergency response experience for little ones.
- Everything you need to get started is in the box — no need to buy any other accessories.
- Also available as a firetruck.
Cons
- A lack of volume control on the sirens, which could drive parents crazy after a while.
Product Specs
| Included in the box | One car, one rechargeable battery pack, one mini USB cable, one wall charger, one screwdriver, and two AA batteries |
| Battery – Car | One rechargeable pack |
| Battery – Controller | 2 AA |
| Controller | Games controller style |
| Dimensions | 14.8 x 7.6 x 6.5 inches |
Our Ratings
1:24 Scale, Licensed RC Lamborghini Veneno
Best Licensed RC Car
With working white headlights, red rear lights, and a carbon patterned chassis and spoiler, this RC Lamborghini is perhaps as close as many of us will get to owning a supercar.
The car itself is on the smaller side, so although it is listed as being suitable for children 3 years and older, some smaller kids may be too rough for the Lamborghini’s modest dimensions. Personally speaking, I would put this in the seven years and older category, unless your child was closely supervised.
Pros
- Realistic Lamborghini replica will appeal to supercar fans.
- The smaller size makes this RC car suitable for use in even the smallest of homes.
- Limited to 5 mph, so it’s safe for use inside and out.
Cons
- Not the sturdiest of RC cars for kids, so it’s not suitable for younger kids or those who like to play rough.
Product Specs
| Included in the box | One car and one controller |
| Battery – Car | Three AA |
| Battery – Controller | Two AA |
| Controller | Game system controller style |
| Dimensions | 8 x 3.2 x 2 inches |
Our Ratings
Bezgar Speed Legend Remote Control Car
Best RC Car For The Money
It can be tricky to find a remote control car that is affordable, yet durable enough to stand up to some rough and ready play.
The Speed Legend from Bezgar fills this gap in the market. It’s a rugged, big-bumpered RC car that is tough enough to play with in the dirt without being too expensive to worry about getting dirty.
Pros
- The car will run for up to 30 minutes on a single battery pack charge, so you get approximately an hour’s worth of play at a time.
- The four-lamp light bar makes this fun to play with at night.
- Sturdy construction makes this a good choice for kids who like to crash.
Cons
- Some users have said the tires have a tendency to pop off from time to time. However, they also say that by gluing them onto the rims this problem was solved.
Product Specs
| Included in the box | The car, two battery packs, one remote control, two USB charging cables, one screwdriver, and four spare screws |
| Battery – Car | One rechargeable pack |
| Battery – Controller | 3 AA |
| Controller | Pistol-grip style |
| Dimensions | 7.2 x 5.5 x 7.2 inches |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Battery (Car) | Battery (Controller) | Controller | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeypod High-Speed RC Car | Beginner | Rechargeable battery | 2 AA | Pistol-grip style | 5.1 x 7.9 x 3″ |
| Altair Fast RC Truck 4×4 | Speed | 7.4V 1600 mAh | 3 AA | Pistol-grip style | 13.5 x 12 x 6.5″ |
| Fisca RC Stunt Car | Stunts | 3.7-volt lithium-ion | 2 AA | Game system style controller | 6.3 x 6.1 x 2″ |
| My First RC Cartoon Car | Toddlers | 3 AA | 2 AA | Steering wheel-shaped controller | 11.1 x 7.1 x 4.5″ |
| Maisto 3-Channel Rock Crawler Extreme | Grass | 6 AA | 2 AAA | Pistol-grip style | 11 x 7.9 x 6.3″ |
| Double E 1/12 Scale RC Monster Truck | Monster Truck | Ni-MH battery pack | 2 AA | Pistol-grip style | 15.4 x 9 x 7.5″ |
| NQD RC Car | 8-Year-Olds | 1200mAh battery | USB cable | Game controller style | 15.5 x 10 x 5.5″ |
| Kidirace RC – RC Police Car | 5-Year-Olds | Rechargeable pack | 2 AA | Game controller style | 14.8 x 7.6 x 6.5″ |
| Licensed RC Lamborghini Veneno | Licensed RC Car | Three AA | 2 AA | Game system controller style | 8 x 3.2 x 2″ |
| Bezgar Speed Legend RC Car | For The Money | Rechargeable pack | 3 AA | Pistol-grip style | 7.2 x 5.5 x 7.2″ |
Are RC Cars Safe for Kids?
The question of the safety of RC cars for kids can be a complex one. But, the short answer is yes, RC cars are safe for kids — as long as you buy an age-appropriate car and observe good safety practices.
And when your child is playing outside, make sure they know basic safety rules (1).
Just as with other toys, RC cars for kids are subject to a range of safety rules, tests, and standards. If you buy an RC car that is:
- From a reputable manufacturer.
- Rated as being safe for children of your child’s age.
- Suitable for your child’s stage of development.
If you ensure the RC car is used as it should be, then you can be confident that an RC car is safe for your child.
How Fast Do RC Cars Go?
RC cars for kids don’t go as fast as the ones for adults, so you can be confident your little one’s toy will not be clocking 70 miles per hour (mph). The speed of the top RC cars will depend on the age range for which the car is made.
This can be anywhere from 2 to 5 mph for toddler toys, and for older kids, up to speeds of 30 mph for the fastest, best kids’ RC cars.
The majority of these kids’ cars can achieve speed in the 5 to 15 mph range. Usually, the older the recommended age range of the car, the faster it will be able to go.
How Do I Choose the Best RC Car?
To choose the best RC car you have to consider:
- Your child’s age.
- Your child’s abilities.
- The manufacturer’s recommended age range for a particular RC car.
- How much space you have for your child to drive the RC car.
- The power source of the RC car and the remote.
- Any extra features you may want it to have, such as being suitable for use on hard surfaces, off-road, or both, or performing stunts, racing, or use in water.
Are You All Revved Up?
Kids’ RC cars range from basic, sturdy, cartoon-like toddlers’ cars to high-end, customizable RC cars for teens and adults.
Choosing the best RC cars for kids depends on their age, their level of experience with RC cars, and where you will be driving your vehicle.
Once you have found the right one, you and your child can have a lot of fun and some bonding moments.
