6 Best Remote Control Car Brands of 2025

The article discusses the top remote control (RC) car brands to consider in 2025. The brands are recommended based on thousands of positive customer reviews online.

Like all other remote control toys, RC cars often come in different sizes. The sizes often follow scales like 1:6, 1:8, 1:10, and 1:12. The most common scale of remote control cars is the 1:8 scale. This means that the car is 1/8th the size of an actual car.

Our Top 6 Picks

• Traxxas: Known for its advanced technology, high performance, and a wide range of models. The Traxxas XO-1 is highlighted as the fastest RC car, capable of reaching 100 mph in just 2.3 seconds.
• Arrma: Offers a variety of designs including trucks, buggies, and off-road vehicles. Known for great suspension and durability.
• Axial: Renowned for off-road and rock crawling models. They are also recognized for their presence at major events and have received awards for their engineered products.
• Team Associated: Focuses on competitive racing and is known for speed, power, and innovative designs.
• Redcat Racing: Emphasizes affordability without compromising on quality. Offers a diverse range of vehicles including off-road trucks and buggies.
• Losi: Offers a wide range of models from buggies to trucks, known for their impressive designs and graphics.

Making Your Choice

When choosing from the top RC car brands to buy, you first need to know what type of vehicle you are aiming for. This comes down to personal preference, your skill level, and what you will be doing with the vehicle itself.

Do you want to take it out for fun or are you hoping to race professionally? That is a good place to start. Second, consider what year the company was founded, how many models it has, and the number of reviews online.

This sample table shows you how in depth our research was! Not all of these even made the cut.

Brand	Founded	Models	Reviews
Traxxas	1986	Over 50	10,000+
Team Associated	1965	Over 30	1,000+
HPI Racing	1986	Over 20	500+
Losi	1980	Over 40	1,000+
Kyosho	1963	Over 50	1,000+

Serious racers, when in the market for the best RC cars, often look for vehicles that are of hobby grade. Hobby-grade vehicles like Traxxas can be upgraded if a part breaks or if you want to improve the performance. Some of the vehicles come ready assembled, while others require building from the ground up.

The Big 6 RC Car Brands

When it comes to RC cars, a few brands consistently stand out for their performance, durability, and fan loyalty. Whether you’re into high-speed bashing, technical crawling, or precision racing, these six manufacturers are at the top of the game.

1. Arrma

Arrma has some extremely durable models, making it one of the top RC car brands to buy. If you are looking to buy a serious piece of offroad RC and give it some punishment, then this is the brand for you. Their vehicles come in a range of speeds, from slower 25 miles per hour models to powerful 70 miles per hour ones.

RC cars from Arrma have great suspension, so are excellent for taking off flat surfaces. You can really hammer them through a range of obstacles and courses. And they always have new releases for your to buy when you are ready for a new model.

Arrma has a range of designs, including trucks, short course cars, buggies, and off-road vehicles. Each of these can come in two types of power systems, the brushed and brushless extreme.

Pros

• High-performance: Arrma RC cars are designed for speed and power, making them a popular choice among racing enthusiasts.
• Innovative designs: Arrma RC cars are known for their innovative designs, which add to their overall performance and look.
• Affordable: Arrma RC cars are relatively affordable compared to other high-performance RC cars on the market.
• Wide range of vehicles: Arrma offers a wide range of RC cars, including off-road vehicles, touring cars, and monster trucks, making them a versatile option for hobbyists.

Cons

• Quality control issues: Some customers have reported issues with quality control, including defective parts or faulty electronics.
• Technical difficulties: Some Arrma RC cars can be difficult to set up and maintain, which can be frustrating for beginners.
• Battery life: The battery life of some Arrma RC cars may be shorter than other RC cars on the market, according to reviews. Have you had this experience? Leave us a comment below!
• Difficult to repair: Some customers have reported that Arrma RC cars can be difficult to repair, which can be a challenge for hobbyists who like to tinker with their cars.

The brushless extreme system is designed to provide durable performance across all terrains. It comes as standard in all of the company’s BLX models. Several versions are available, all based on the size and type of RC cars that you wish to buy.

The brushed systems are the Mega two-wheel-drive version and the Mega 550 four-wheel-drive version. They are great for both seasoned RC racers and the newcomer. They are reliable, waterproof, and surprisingly affordable.

One small criticism often given to Arrma cars is the amount of time battery power takes to charge. Around 45 minutes of charging gives you 15 minutes of driving time. However, with so much power and durability, it is a small price to pay.

2. Axial

Axial machines are built for extreme racing, and may not be for the faint of heart. They can pretty much withstand anything you decide to throw at them, and they will do it with speed and agility. They produce serious RC cars for racers, most commonly in the 1/10th size.

Axial was founded in 2005 and quickly became a market leader. In 2018, it was purchased by Horizon Hobby, themselves experts in RC vehicles in everything from planes to boats. This brought them into a wider family, and the knowledge and expertise that came with it made them one of the best remote control car brands.

Here are some of the more popular products from the Axial brand:

• Axial SCX10 III
• Axial RR10 Bomber
• Axial Capra 1.9
• Axial Wraith 2.2
• Axial SMT10
• Axial Yeti XL

Axial is the go-to brand for plastic tubing chassis modifications. Many of their models also have waterproof receiver boxes, so no matter what body of water you drive them through, they will stay responsive.

They also have some very big features. Link points, sway bar mounts, and aluminum shocks all add to the excellent suspension in the models.

Designs are based on classic brands of trucks and automobiles. They have replicas of Jeep, Ford, Chevrolet, and a host of other branded vehicles. They also have numerous parts and kits for sale, making any vehicle you purchase easy to build from scratch or even upgrade should you wish.

Axial is regularly found at major events, both local and national. This has earned them numerous awards over their tenure. These have included best-engineered products and most innovative product awards.

3. Team Associated

Team Associated is one of the most respected names in RC racing, with a legacy that spans decades. Known for championship-winning platforms, this brand focuses on performance, precision engineering, and competition-ready builds. Their vehicles are consistently spotted at local tracks and international events, often at the front of the pack.

Team Associated offers a wide range of electric and nitro-powered vehicles for both beginners and seasoned racers. Their kits are designed to be tuned and upgraded, which makes them perfect for hobbyists who enjoy dialing in every detail. Whether you’re running a short course truck, a 1/8 scale buggy, or a 2WD stadium truck, their designs are lightweight, fast, and proven.

Types of Team Associated Vehicles:

• 1/10 Off-Road
• 1/8 Off-Road
• On-Road
• Competition Kits
• Ready-to-Run (RTR)
• Vintage Series

Motor Types:

• Electric
• Nitro

Common Accessories:

• Tires & Wheels
• Bodies
• Electronics
• Upgrade Parts
• Tools & Setup Gear

Team Associated’s RC cars are ideal for hobbyists looking to race or tinker. They offer both race kits for the hardcore crowd and RTR options for those who want to get on the track fast.

The aftermarket support is huge, with parts, hop-ups, and tutorials widely available. Some beginners might find the kits a bit technical to build, but the documentation is solid, and there’s a large community ready to help.

If you’re looking for a brand rooted in real racing with the track record to back it up, Team Associated is a top-tier choice.

4. Losi

In contrast to many of the high-powered, competition-winning brands on the list, Losi is probably the best for entry-level enthusiasts. They have ease of use and great features, along with good pricing and all the controls you need. Cars can be purchased ready to run right out of the box, and easily upgraded should you wish to adapt it or give more power.

Losi is an American company that was founded in 1984 and is best known for its remote control (RC) cars and trucks. The company was started by Gerald Losi, Sr. and was originally called Losi Engineering. It was started with the goal of providing hobbyists with high-quality and innovative RC products.

In the early years, Losi focused on producing high-performance RC racing cars and trucks, which quickly became popular among hobbyists. Over the years, the company has expanded its product line to include a wide range of vehicles, including off-road cars, touring cars, monster trucks, and more. Losi has also developed a reputation for innovation and quality, and is considered one of the top RC car brands in the world.

If you are starting out, be sure to check out the forum on their website. It can provide some excellent advice to those wanting help. It also has an excellent community of racers. They have many different categories and topics, which means you should educate yourself first before buying one.

The models available from Losi are wide and varied. They have everything from low buggies to four-wheel-drive trucks. All of them look extremely cool and have some awesome graphics on the chassis, so you can start off with a car that looks fantastic.

Your first Losi car will be a defining moment. It is a great way to get going, then tool it up until you have a competition-ready vehicle.

5. Traxxas

Traxxas is another brand that, like Losi, gives you some fantastic options straight out of the box. All of them look unbelievable and can be customized. This allows you to start with a great car and tailor it to suit your needs and specifications over time. The company has been trending in the right direction for years, and in 2023 is no exception. Traxxas RC cars are still one of the top rated brands around.

Traxxas is an American company that was founded in 1987 by Mike Gustafson and Jim Krier. The company was founded with the goal of providing hobbyists with high-quality remote control (RC) cars and trucks that were designed to meet the needs of both beginners and experienced racers.

Top-selling Traxxas models:

• Traxxas X-Maxx
• Traxxas Slash
• Traxxas Rustler
• Traxxas Stampede
• Traxxas TRX-4
• Traxxas E-Revo
• Traxxas Bandit
• Traxxas XO-1
• Traxxas Spartan

Traxxas started out by selling a small line of RC vehicles, but quickly gained popularity among hobbyists due to its innovative designs and high-performance products. The company’s commitment to quality and innovation helped it to grow quickly, and by the 1990s, Traxxas was one of the leading RC car brands in the world.

In fact, Traxxas has some of the best looking models you will see from an RC car brand. They have standard and monster trucks, which all come in four or two-wheel-drive models. If you want to take your racing off the ground, they also have boats and drones.

If you want to look the part when you are racing, then they also have a great apparel store. You can get kitted out in hoodies and t-shirts as you take on the big boys in the RC racing world.

6. Redcat Racing

Founded in 2005, Redcat Racing has become a premier name for Fast-Affordable-Fun ready-to-run, gas, nitro, and electric powered remote controlled surface vehicles. All Redcat Racing vehicles come fully assembled and ready to run right out of the box making it simple for anyone to get started in the R/C hobby.

What Makes Redcat Racing Stand Out?

Redcat Racing stands out for its commitment to affordability without sacrificing quality. The brand offers a wide range of vehicles to choose from, including off-road trucks, buggies, and crawlers, as well as on-road cars and trucks. This makes it a versatile choice for both beginners and experienced hobbyists.

Popular Models

One of the most popular models from Redcat Racing is the Gen8 Scout II. This 1/10 scale crawler comes with a host of features, including a portal axle, adjustable wheelbase, tunable suspension, and a realistic body design, making it a favorite among off-road R/C enthusiasts.

Another popular model is the Blackout XTE, a 1/10 scale electric monster truck. Known for its speed and power, the Blackout XTE is equipped with a powerful brushed electric motor, with heat sink, and forward/reverse ESC.

Price Range

Redcat Racing offers a wide price range to cater to different budgets. You can find entry-level models starting around $150, while more advanced models, especially those with more features or those designed for racing, can cost upwards of $300.

Is Redcat Racing Right For You?

If you’re looking for an affordable entry into the RC hobby without sacrificing quality and performance, Redcat Racing could be the right choice for you. With a wide range of vehicles to choose from, you’re likely to find a model that suits your preferences and level of experience.

How the 6 Brands Compare

As an RC car expert, I can say that each of these brands brings something unique to the table. Traxxas is known for its innovative designs and high-speed vehicles, while Arrma offers robust and durable models.

Axial excels in off-road and rock crawling models, and Tamiya is revered for its classic designs and kits. HPI Racing offers a diverse range of models, and Redcat Racing is a go-to for affordability without compromising on quality.

Here’s a quick summary of how the top 6 brands compare. We focused on their strengths and who should consider buying each one!

Brand	Strengths	Ideal For
Traxxas	Innovative designs, high-speed vehicles	Enthusiasts seeking speed and innovation
Arrma	Robust, durable models	Those needing durability, off-road enthusiasts
Axial	Off-road, rock crawling models	Off-road and rock crawling enthusiasts
Tamiya	Classic designs, model kits	Hobbyists interested in assembly and classic designs
HPI Racing	Diverse range of models	Those seeking variety and versatility
Redcat Racing	Affordable, quality models	Beginners and those seeking value for money

Vehicle Maintenance

Even if you opt for an electric model, a few items will make keeping an RC car much more enjoyable and easy. Do these 3 things to keep your new vehicle performing as well as possible.

1. Clean your car regularly: Dirt and debris can accumulate on the car and affect its performance. Clean it with a soft cloth and mild soap, and be careful not to damage any delicate parts.
2. Keep the battery charged: Make sure to charge the battery regularly, as well as after each use, to extend its life and maintain peak performance.
3. Lubricate moving parts: Lubricate the gears, bearings, and other moving parts on a regular basis to ensure smooth operation and reduce wear and tear.

Many companies offer tuning screws and smaller wrenches, specifically designed for working on RC vehicles. You may also wish to buy an RC vehicle stand, so you have something to hold your vehicle as you work on it.

2 Different Types of RC Cars

Most vehicles fall into two subcategories: nitro and electric vehicles. Both have pros and cons that you must consider when making a purchase.

1. Electric Cars

Electric vehicles run on battery-powered motors. These batteries come from nickel-metal hydride, nickel-cadmium, or lithium polymer. You will get around five to twenty minutes of operation on a fully charged battery, depending upon the brand of car you have.

The benefits of electric vehicles are that they are typically quieter than fuel-powered ones. Some models are even good for use indoors, as well as outside.

2. Nitro RC Cars

Nitro-powered vehicles get their fuel from nitromethane fuel. They will run longer and faster than electric vehicles. However, they are extremely noisy and if you plan to run them in areas where this may be an issue, opt for an electric model.

Nitro models are also generally more complex, as they use a small engine. Thus, if you know how to tune a carburetor, you will have the ability to increase the performance power and stop it from overheating. Although anyone can learn this, it is a tough job to get right and inexperienced mechanics may be better getting an electric model.

Finally, nitro versions require some maintenance. As they have fuel inside them, they need cleaning after use. Fuel should never remain in engine pipes and mufflers.

Frequently Asked Questions about RC Cars

There are so many questions that people ask before buying a remote control car. And if you want to know the best car, truck, or brand, it’s important to do your research.

Our team has years of experience driving, building, and modifying RC cars. Here are the most common questions we get asked! Unlike other websites that hire out inexperienced writers, our Founder Mike Tippitz is a respected name in the RC business.

What is the best RC car brand? Traxxas leads the RC car market with its advanced technology, high performance, and wide range of models catering to enthusiasts of all skill levels.

What is the most durable RC brand? HPI Racing boasts exceptional durability, making it perfect for beginners and off-road driving enthusiasts.

What is the best RC truck to buy? The Traxxas Slash 4X4 is the top RC truck in terms of review online, offering unparalleled performance, reliability, and ease of use.

What is the most powerful RC car? The Traxxas XO-1 is the most powerful, reaching 100+ mph with its brushless motor and advanced engineering. It is also considered the fastest RC in the world.

What scale RC car is most popular? 1/10 scale RC cars are the most popular due to their balance of size, performance, and affordability.

What is the fastest RC car? The fastest remote control car on record is the Traxxas XO-1, capable of hitting 100 mph in just 2.3 seconds.

Buy What’s Best For You

Once you know the best remote control car brands, you just need to browse the available vehicles and see what is best for you. From beginners to serious competitors, there’s a brand for you. With so many on offer, you are sure to find one you love. It is just a case of setting a budget and doing some shopping!

If you are looking for great RC cars, The Toyz should be your first stop. We have a wide range of the top RC car brands to buy to suit all your needs. Click here to see our selection, and drive away today with a brand new RC car today.