5 Best RC Cars of 2024 on Amazon

Welcome RC enthusiasts! We’re pumped to dive into the top remote control vehicles available on Amazon this year.

As avid RC fans here at RCHobbyLab, we’re always fine-tuning and testing out the latest model releases to separate the good from the great. This helps us curate the most reliable and affordable RC options for you.

Through hands-on testing and research, we’ve discovered the 5 best RC cars of 2024. Available on Amazon, these remote control cars represent the top tier options across various RC car types – from trucks and buggies to drift cars and monsters.

In this guide, you’ll discover:

• A breakdown of each of the top 5 vehicles with specs, features, and performance ability
• Hands-on test driving experiences and reviews
• RC beginner buying advice
• Upgradability and customization options
• The ideal RC car per individual driver skills and budget
• Direct links to check out each RC car model on Amazon

So buckle in and hold on tight – this is our definitive guide to the best RC cars available on Amazon in 2023!

How We Chose the Best RC Cars

With so many remote control car options out there, it can prove tricky deciding which one best suits your needs and budget.

To make things easier, we focused on 5 core criteria when selecting the top RC cars of 2023:

Performance & Speed Capabilities

RC cars are all about adrenaline-fuelled action – so high performance vehicles with intense speed capabilities understandably ranked highly in our selection process.

We made sure to include maximum speed data (scale miles per hour) for optimum driving conditions amongst our reviews. This gives you a quantified indicator of how much velocity you can expect!

Durability & Bash Ability

As most RC enthusiasts tend to drive their vehicles hard, durability ranked as an uber important factor too.

All the RC cars that made our top 5 list feature durable components and materials that allow them to withstand plenty of bashing about across different terrains.

Quality & Features for Price

We realize RC cars span a huge spectrum when it comes to pricing. So we made sure to select options that represent great all-round value at different budget levels.

The higher the price tag = the more high-tech features and quality components. But even the most affordable options still deliver plenty bang for buck!

Ideal for Beginners

Not everyone reading this will be RC pros with years of experience under their belt. Some may just be dipping their toes into the hobby.

So we made sure to highlight which cars in our top 5 line-up make suitable starters for complete beginners. Simple controls, easy assembly and durability ranked highly here.

Fun Factor & Coolness

Last but not least – RC cars need to be FUN! Sure they should perform well…but they also need to put a smile on your face.

We prioritized RC vehicles that deliver thrilling experiences at the controls through speed, power and versatility across different terrains.

Next up – the full reviews and buying advice for the 5 best RC cars of 2023 available on Amazon right now!

#1 Arrma RC Truck Granite 4X2 550 Brushed Monster Truck

Kicking off the top 5 rundown we have the Arrma 1/10 Granite 4X2 550 Monster Truck. This bad boy delivers fast pace RC action right out the box for new and seasoned drivers alike.

Quick Specs

• Scale: 1/10
• Type: Monster Truck
• Top Speed: 30+ mph (optimum conditions)
• Motor: 550 brushed
• Battery: 7.2V 3000mAh NiMH included
• Waterproof: Yes
• RTR or Kit: RTR

Thanks to the proven Arrma platform build, this robust and rugged monster truck really impressed during testing. It holds up incredibly well to reckless bashing around and can traverse bumpy off-road terrain with ease courtesy of the grippy tires and long travel suspension.

Despite being the most affordable RC vehicle in our top 5, it still manages to deliver blistering brushless power paired with easy control. Once you hit the throttle trigger, this monster truck rips into an intense burst of speed!

It’s no surprise this ready-to-run model makes an ideal starter truck for beginners. Everything comes pre-assembled and the electronic speed controller keeps acceleration smooth. Upgrading parts as skills progress proves a cinch too thanks to the modular chassis design.

We also appreciated extra touches like the built-in cooling fans on the motors and interior dust guards around the electronics bay. Another neat bonus comes with the spare parts bag with handy replacement items like a servo horn and wheel nuts.

For the price, you’ll struggle to find better value or performance potential from an RC monster truck right now. This is hands-down one of the best “bang for buck” options in the whole RC car space.

Check Price on Amazon

#2 Axial SCX10 III Base Camp RC Rock Crawler Kit

If rock crawling and scaling intense off-road terrain is your thing, then the SCX10 III Basecamp Kit by Axial needs to be on your radar. This highly capable rig delivers unparalleled traction and control across rocky surfaces.

Quick Specs

• Scale: 1/10
• Type: Rock Crawler
• Motor: 550 brushed
• Battery: 7.2V NiMH stick pack required (sold separately)
• Waterproof: Yes
• RTR or Kit: Kit

As a “scale trail” RC rock crawler, intricate attention to detail stands out across the entire model for ultra realistic visuals. From the external driver figures down to opening hoods and highly detailed chassis – it looks incredible.

Don’t mistake the slow rock crawling pace as boring either. The technical driving challenges as you scale obstacles makes for an equally thrilling experience compared to flat out bashing at speed. Careful throttle and steering inputs reward with immense satisfaction when you finally conquer that tricky climb!

A quality kit like this does require some assembly and additional purchases like batteries and a charger. But the end result leaves you with an highly capable rig that handles rugged terrain with ease.

The SCX10 III brings plenty of customization potential too for advanced RC fans. Tweak gear ratios, upgrade tires or fit weight plates to refine crawling performance. The ultra realistic aesthetic also lends itself nicely to scale accessories and driver figures to really personalize your rig.

Without doubt this rates as one of the best RC rock crawlers money can buy. Just get ready to have your driving skills challenged to the extreme!

Check Price on Amazon

#3 Redcat Racing Volcano EPX Electric RC Truck

Another awesome monster truck up next in the form of the Redcat Racing Volcano EPX. This easy to control, durable basher comes built to last while still being gentle on your wallet. Ideal RC truck for both kids and adult beginners.

Quick Specs

• Scale: 1/10
• Type: Monster Truck
• Top Speed: 25 mph
• Motor: brushed 27T
• Battery: 7.2V 1800mAh NiMH included
• Waterproof: No
• RTR or Kit: RTR

Straight out the box everything comes pre-assembled, so it’s just a case of charging the included battery and away you go. The Volcano sits on an impact resistant nylon composite chassis, encasing a dependable brushed electronic speed control system and motor.

It delivers surprising pace hitting around 25 mph at full tilt, while the big grippy tires conquer bumpy terrain with ease. Speaking of durability, it manages to withstand plenty of crashes and knocks during our testing thanks to the flexible plastic/nylon composite materials used in construction.

While it understandably doesn’t boast quite the same metal build quality or brushless motor performance as premium RC trucks, the price point accommodates. This remains one of the most affordable, ready to run scale RC trucks that still delivers plenty fun.

Ideal for younger drivers and beginners, it finds that sweet spot balancing sturdy enough build quality with easy controls.

Check Price on Amazon

#4 Team Associated RC10SC6.1 Short Course Truck

Now for some short course off-road racing action with Team Associated’s RC10SC6.1 truck! This RC vehicle set the benchmark upon release as a competitive, race winning short course basher.

Quick Specs

• Scale: 1/10
• Type: Short Course Truck
• Top Speed: 45 mph (requires engine tuning)
• Motor: brushless 3300kV 4-pole
• Battery: 7.4V 5000mAh 2S LiPo recommended (sold separately)
• Waterproof: Yes
• RTR or Kit: Kit

As a more advanced RC kit, expect to put in some assembly work with tools getting this short course up and running. Additionally you’ll need to buy your own batteries and charger. But once built, it delivers a pro-level, competitive racing truck ready for the track.

The low profile aerodynamic composite body sits snugly atop a lightweight aluminum chassis – drastically improving handling around corners and jumps at speed. Associated packed this stadium truck out with premium quality design. Metal geared differentials, oil filled Big Bore coilover shocks, strong dog bones/driveshafts and a tough front bumper. It’s built to withstand some hard racing.

While the stock brushed motor offers nippy acceleration and 30mph top speeds, the potential for upgrades makes this a hugely appealing RC truck for enthusiasts. Brushless systems, LiPo batteries and tuning tweaks help hit 45mph+ out the box in optimum conditions. Maybe not ideal for complete newcomers – but perfection for intermediate to advanced RC drivers.

Overall if you’re seeking a durable, race tuned short course basher that leaves room to grow into, this Associated build can’t be beaten.

Check Price on Amazon

#5 Arrma Typhon Race Spec Brushless RC Buggy

To round off our top 5 we have a sharp handling, brushless beast in the form of the Arrma Typhon Race Spec Buggy. Boasting 60mph maximum speeds, this lightweight bullet handles like a dream.

Quick Specs

• Scale: 1/8
• Type: Buggy
• Top Speed: 60 mph
• Motor: BLX brushless 4-pole 3800kV
• Battery: required – 11.1V 3S 5000mAh 50C LiPo recommended
• Waterproof: Yes
• RTR or Kit: Almost RTR

Arrma packed some premium performance parts into their Typhon race buggy, powering blistering pace from the high torque brushless motor. It rips from 0-60mph in under 5 seconds on 3S LiPo power! Expect vivid acceleration akin to the real life sensation of g-force propelling you back into the seat under throttle input.

The low sitting chassis and rear weight bias make this RC car extremely drivable. Smooth, sweeping lines around bends or getting sideways while drifting on looser surfaces – it handles beautifully. Oil filled shocks soak up bumps and jumps, keeping things stable across varied terrain.

Now it doesn’t come with a battery or charger so isn’t technically “ready” to run. However, minimal assembly work with basic tools makes this a nice step up from total beginner ready-to-run models. Consider it a perfect “almost RTR” option as an intermediate stepping stone.

While not the cheapest RC option for first timers, it delivers incredible brushless performance that will continue thrilling seasoned drivers for years to come.

Check Price on Amazon

Beginner RC Car Buying Advice

For those just plunging into RC cars as a hobby, the variety of options and specs can seem daunting initially. But it needn’t be! Here’s our quickfire guide to buying your first ever RC car or truck:

Types of RC Cars

On-road racers, rock crawlers, short course trucks, buggies, monster trucks, drift cars – there are many flavours of RC vehicles. We outlined the main types alongside our reviews above.

Consider what performance you expect and surfaces driven on before deciding. Faster on-road racing cars differ wildly to slow, hyper controlled rock crawlers for example.

Ready to Run vs Kits

Ready To Run (RTR) models come pre-built straight out the box. Often only basic assembly like attaching the body shell or inserting batteries is needed.

Kits provide the bundle of parts requiring assembly with tools first before driving. More time consuming but allows intricate customization.

For beginners, RTR options remove headaches so we focused on mostly RTR vehicles in our top 5.

Power Systems

RC cars are either powered by brushed or brushless motors. Brushed being more cost effective and better suited to beginners. Brushless motors are faster, more efficient and higher performance – but pricier.

Brushed systems still offer plenty zip though! Our top Arrma Granite Truck hits 30mph on brushed motor power.

Batteries

You’ll also need to purchase rechargeable battery packs and a suitable charger – unless they’re included with RTR bundles.

Common options are:

• Ni-MH battery packs – Affordable and better suited for brushed motor RC cars
• LiPO packs – Lightweight with faster discharge abilities. Ideal for brushless vehicles.

Always check your vehicle’s manual for recommended battery specifications too regarding voltage and capacity for optimum efficiency.

Where to Drive RC Cars

Finally – part of the fun with RC cars comes from testing handling and grip across different surfaces…

• Asphalt & Concrete – Smooth and consistent for high speed runs.
• Grass, dirt or loose gravel – Plenty traction for drifting and powersliding.
• Specialised RC tracks – Jumps, bumps and obstacles purpose built for RC use.
• Backyards, parks or wasteland – Natural obstacles and landscapes to traverse.

Get creative seeking thrilling terrain to tackle in your RC car – it’s half the fun!

We hope this beginner advice, accompanied by our top 5 RC car reviews aids the buying decision process for newcomers.

Final Thoughts

And that wraps up RCHobbyLabs definitive top 5 ranking for the best RC cars available to buy on Amazon right now in 2023.

Through first-hand testing and research we’re confident recommending all 5 options based on performance credentials versus price point. Each caters nicely for different driving styles and skill levels too.

We purposefully focused on ready-to-run and almost-RTR options that prove less intimidating for complete newcomers – while still offering growth potential. Yet the Axial SCX10 III Kit and Team Associated Stadium Truck still give experienced enthusiasts room to customize.

Remember – in the product links below you’ll find direct links to each RC car on Amazon for convenience.

As self proclaimed RC fanatics, we hope this breakdown helps you discover your perfect match whilst avoiding wasting cash on duds! Whether you crave pulse raising speed runs, super technical rock crawling or just casual backyard bashing, there’s an ideal option covered.

Still not sure or want to chat RC cars in more detail? Drop any questions in the comments section below and we’ll get back to you!