The 6 Best RC Cars for Beginners
Date Posted:10 April 2024
The 6 Best RC Cars for Beginners
Date Posted: 20th October 2026
Where should you start if you want to get into RC car driving and racing?
Have you watched an RC cars race, monster trucks bash, or know someone who is into the hobby and you thought it interesting? Whatever your reasons are, you likely wish to know where to start. We can help you out - this list will include the 6 best RC cars for beginners, taking into account factors such as affordability, availability, ease of use, and performance.
By the end, you will hopefully know which model will be your jumping-off point. However, before we get to that, let’s quickly discuss a few important concepts related to the hobby.
A Few Notes Before We Start
If you are just getting into the RC car hobby and racing and driving, you should first understand the different types of RC cars that exist. In the simplest of terms, you have:
- On-road cars - these are meant for driving on surfaces like concrete and asphalt. They are built for driving at high speeds, whether in the context of competitive racing on tracks or for recreational purposes.
- Off-road cars - off-road cars are meant for driving on dirt trails, gravel paths, etc. They are not built to reach the same speeds as on-road cars but can handle uneven surfaces and challenging terrain. Like their on-road counterparts, they are used for competitive off-road racing or for recreational purposes.
- Drift cars - drift RC cars are a subtype of on-road cars that are specifically designed for precision maneuvering, i.e., drifting. They have special suspension systems, tyres, and are generally very customisable to allow the owners to fine-tune them for drift competitions.
- Other RC vehicles - besides cars, you can also find RC monster trucks, firetrucks, haulers, and almost any other vehicle you can find in the real world. These types of vehicles are typically more niche and are used primarily by enthusiasts who are in love with one specific vehicle, as opposed to the hobby in general.
So, before you buy your first RC car, think of how and where you would prefer to use it as that will impact your enjoyment of the hobby. You should also know that the hobby is not only about driving - RC car maintenance and eventually customisation plays a big part, as most enthusiasts are their own ‘mechanics’, so to speak. Now that you know a bit more about the hobby, let’s talk about the best RC cars for beginners.
How the Cars Were Chosen
Because we are talking about the best RC cars for beginners, we should clarify how they were chosen. The cars were chosen based on a combination of the following criteria:
- Type of car - first, only off-road RC vehicles were mostly considered because these are widely available and driving and racing them is relatively beginner-friendly. They are built to withstand damage and you don’t need to search for dedicated indoor tracks. Additionally, the hobby community is largely based around them so it’s easy to find support and fellow enthusiasts to share your hobby with. Specialised vehicles like track cars or semi-trailers were not considered as they are more of a niche hobby and, thus, not truly beginner-friendly.
- Engine vs. motor – Most RC cars nowadays are electric, there are still Nitro engines but these are usually more used in racing and have a steep learning curve and need regular tuning and upkeep, which is part of the reason why people are drawn to nitro cars, however, that makes them unsuitable for beginners. Petrol options are also available however these are usually in the much larger scales. Thus, only RC cars with electric motors were chosen for our list.
- Availability - when it comes to RC cars, there is an abundance of models available but some are easier to find than others. Thus, the best RC cars for beginners must be readily available and you shouldn’t need to go to niche stores, wait for weeks or months, or have to have connections in the community to buy them. That also means that replacement parts are just as easy to find, which can have a significant impact on your enjoyment of the hobby.
- Scale - RC car scales go all the way from 1:5 (which means that the RC car is ⅕ of the size of the real-life car it is modelled on) to micro 1:48 models. For our list of the 6 best RC cars for beginners we have a range of sizes to suits everyone’s needs. From some smaller models that you can still use indoors to larger model ready to thrash around the back yard or your local park.
- Price - finally, we selected cars that wouldn’t break the bank. RC cars are not simple toys and the prices reflect that. Just as with regular cars, the prices can vary significantly based on the model you are getting. And just as you would get a reliable and affordable model for your starter car in real life, the same applies to your first RC car. After you’ve gotten some experience, you can always upgrade.
So, the six RC cars for beginners that you will find on our list are all have electric motors, are readily available on the market, primarily around the 1/10 scale and are reasonably priced. Now, let’s talk about the best cars that meet all the criteria, in no particular order.
Our Pick of the 6 Best RC Cars for Beginners
The Maverick Qbit Flux is a stellar choice for novice RC enthusiasts seeking thrills straight out of the box - the QBit is ready-to-run (RTR) so you don’t need to assemble it to drive it. The Flux comes with a 2s Brushless System and upgraded metal drive train components and shocks giving you durability to match the power of this little truck!
It has a 4-wheel drive (4WD) system equipped with two differentials with durable metal gears, ensuring superior performance and longevity. Its powerful brushless motor, accompanied by a cooling fan, propels the Qbit Flux to speeds easily of up to 45km/h! The included 7.4V 1600mah LiPo battery will give you a runtime of 10 to 15 minutes per charge and the 2.4GHz remote controller provides a commanding range of up to 150 meters.
Plus you can fit up to a 7.4v 2200mah SC Lipo to increase those run times to keep you bashing longer! all you need to do is grab four AA batteries for the remote and you're ready to unleash it on any terrain.
2. FTX Banzai 1/10
Get ready to slide through the streets with the FTX Banzai 1/10 4WD RC Drift Car! Combining Japanese-inspired drift styling with a capable four-wheel-drive chassis, the Banzai is a great introduction to RC drifting. Featuring an aggressive Nissan S15-style body, scale-finished wheels and hard-compound drift tyres, this models ready to go out of the box for plenty of sideways action on smooth surfaces.
The Banzai features a shaft-driven 4WD transmission with metal-geared front and rear differentials for reliable power delivery. The centre slipper system helps protect the drivetrain from sudden impacts, while the front CVA universal driveshafts, ball bearings and adjustable oil filled shocks contribute to smooth, efficient operation.
Powered by a brushed electric motor and a 2.4GHz radio system, the FTX Banzai is almost ready to drift straight out of the box. The waterproof receiver, steering servo and electronic speed controller mean you can slide rain or shine! While the included 7.2V 1800mAh NiMH battery and charger help get you started.
If you want to get a bit more power, increase your run times and decrease charge times just switch the ESC to Lipo Mode and add a 7.4v Lipo Battery, adaptor and Lipo Charger and keep linking those drifts!
PS: If you need a hand checking if you have the correct charge leads doesn’t hesitate to use our chat window on the bottom right and one of our friendly team members will be with you shortly!
The River Hobby VRX Cobra is a stellar choice for novice RC enthusiasts seeking thrills straight out of the box - the Cobra is ready-to-run (RTR) so you don’t need to assemble it to drive it. The first thing you’ll likely notice when you unpack the Cobra is that it’s large - 485mm long, 340mm wide, and 190mm high. Besides being big, it is strong, durable, and can overcome most obstacles.
It has a 4-wheel drive (4WD) system equipped with three differentials with durable metal gears, ensuring superior performance and longevity. Its powerful brushed motor, accompanied by a cooling fan, propels the Cobra to speeds easily ranging from 20 to 30 km/h. The included 8.4V NiMH batteries will give you a runtime of 10 to 15 minutes per charge and the 2.4GHz remote controller provides a commanding range of up to 150 meters.
Plus, with a simple upgrade to a 2S LiPo battery and Lipo Charger, you can push the upper-speed limit to around 40 km/h, although that may not be advisable when you are just starting out. Once you order the Cobra, all you need to do is grab eight AA batteries for the remote and you're ready to unleash it on any terrain.
PS: If you need a hand checking if you have the correct charge leads doesn’t hesitate to use our chat window on the bottom right and one of our friendly team members will be with you shortly!
4. Axial 1/24 SCX24 Jeep JT Gladiator 4X4
If you’re looking to tackle the toughest terrains, the Axial SCX24 Jeep Gladiator is a marvel of engineering designed for rock climbing enthusiasts. While the Gladiator is 1/24 in scale (and the only true mini RC vehicle on our list), it is by no means small with a length of 250mm, width of 122mm, and height of 106mm.
The attention to detail is even more impressive as the body is loaded with scale details with a tub cage, roof top tent, sand tracks and jerry cans lending an authentic touch to your off-road adventures. It even has working lights on the front bumper!
Most importantly, the Axial SCX24 Jeep Gladiator is specifically designed for rugged terrain and features a ladder-frame chassis, four-link suspension, and highly responsive shocks, ensuring exceptional stability and traction for rock crawling. A brushed motor and a 7.4V LiPo battery power this model.
And it has four-wheel drive and two-wheel steering capabilities, allowing you to navigate through obstacles with precision and finesse. Like the first three entries, the SCX24 Platforms come ready to run with everything included.. One additional thing that sets the Gladiator apart is that it is suitable for indoor driving, where it can crawl over obstacles in a similar manner as it can over rocks.
- Arrma 1/10 QUAKE 223S
The Arrma Quakes makes 2wd Monster Truck fun easy for everyone! motor and equipped with a 3s Lipo Battery capable of reaching speeds up to 80KM/h! Speeds like this may sound intimidating to a beginner but Arrma has already thought of that. Set your top speed to 50%, 75%, or 100% with a flick of the switch on the radio letting you hone your skills with the truck and once your comfortable you can switch it up for another whole new level of fun! This beast is built to bash anywhere with its oversize tyres and high ground clearance your capable of blistering speed no matter where you’re driving! Parking lots, dirt trails or the back yard its wide stance and long-arm suspension give it a planted feel that carves through corners and flies straight and true. Perfect for new drivers, but wild enough for seasoned senders.
Worried a 2wd truck may be a little harder to bash around without spinning out? Spektrum’s Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) has your back. Integrated into the QUAKE's Water Proof Spektrum electronics, DSC helps correct your steering input in real time, giving you more traction, more control, and a whole lot less crashing. Choose from multiple levels of assistance or turn it off completely once you're driving like a pro!
Measuring 465mm in length and 345mm in width, the 1/10 Quake definitely has an imposing presence on the trail. Items that are not included in this kit are batteries and a charger. However, that also leaves you room for customisation right off the bat. This versatile monster truck can accommodate 2-3S (7.4V-11.1V) 5000mAh LiPo batteries, giving it power and endurance that is hard to match. A great easy way to start is with the Spektrum 2s Power Bundle and Adaptor.
This will give you the ease of the Smart Batteries no programming charges and once you’re comfortable with the car on 2s you can get a 3s battery and unlock that 80km/h top speed!
ARRMA Typhon Grom Buggy 1/18
The last entry on our list is the second-smallest vehicle, coming in right after the Axial Jeep Gladiator. Yet, that does not mean that the ARRMA Typhon Grom buggy has no power under the hood - despite its small size, it doesn't compromise on speed or durability, making it the perfect companion for enthusiasts on the go.
The 1/18 Typhon Grom is the smaller version of the hugely popular 1/8 Typhon model, made with affordability in mind to let people get into the hobby for the first time without the hefty price tag. Yet, again, it doesn’t skimp on power due to the smaller size. This compact powerhouse features a potent 28T brushed motor and a 2S LiPo battery and can reach speeds of over 30 km/h.
It is also equipped with a metal gear 4WD drivetrain to drive over all terrains with ease, showcasing toughness and agility on any surface. Measuring at 296mm in length, 188mm in width, and 96mm in height, the Typhon Grom strikes the perfect balance between compactness and performance and lets you carry it with you wherever you go.
Looking for Other RC Vehicles?
We have selected what we believe are the 6 best RC cars for beginners and explained why we believe them to be a good choice for someone new to the hobby, however, the choice is ultimately subjective. You may use different criteria and feel other cars would be more appropriate.
Even if that’s the case, we can still help you out. At RCMA, you will find the model you need. Our collection of RC cars includes many models of off-road RC cars, but also on-road and drift cars, and RC trucks. So find the model you like best, order it online, and we will deliver it right to your address.