FEATURES & Types
In this section we'll cover common features and types of RC cars as they come in various sizes and scales, and can be designed for specific terrains such as off-road, on-road, or all-terrain.
Are you looking for a great RC car that won't break the bank? You're in luck - we've put together a list of 11 of the best RC cars under $100. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, something on this list is sure to be perfect for you.
Although brushless motors tend to be more expensive and therefore excluded from models under $100, there are some fast RC cars on this list that can get too fast to even control.
Some of the RC cars under $100 from this list can reach speeds up to 25 mph. Kids and adults alike can enjoy racing around with these budget-friendly options – you can even find hobby-grade quality at this price point if you shop around!
If you’re willing to go just a little bit over your budget you may be able to invest in a brushless motor like the MJX HyperGo. Brushless motors provide improved speed and accuracy, making it easier for experienced users to achieve better results during races or stunts.
Without further ado, let's get started with my top list updated for 2023:
The HBX 16889 Brushless RC Truck is one of the top cars among RC enthusiasts. I personally own a brushed version and what everyone says about this off-road rc car is true; it's incredibly fast, highly durable, and great fun to drive.
This truck is the best choice for those that want to go fast without paying a fortune. It comes with a 3800 KV brushless motor, 2in1 ESC, and micro servo chassis, so you have some necessary components already built-in.
An optional wheelie bar adds extra fun! To sweeten the deal even more, the box comes with spare accessories, like a transmission meter and a 1000 mAh 2S lipo battery pack. In my tests it reached an impressive 39 km/hour( 24 mph); that's a pretty good speed considering how small the truck is.
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I'm a huge fan of Pinecone Models. Their UDIRC/Eachine 1/16 scale RC car based on the original sg1603 was an instant classic when it was first released.
It has since spawned lots of different body shells, but my favorite is the Eachine EAT15 because of its retro look. The designers made sure to capture all the details from the Lancia Delta car and it really give me some Back to The Future vibes. And it has some really nice drift tires to top it off.
When it comes to specifications, there are two variants available - brushed and brushless motors.
I've seen some amazing performance with brushless models that can reach speeds up to 25mph, but brushed versions still perform superbly for their price and give you better control, particularly when drifting. All in all, these cars have something for everyone, no matter what kind of hobbyist you are!
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So there can only be one choice I would recommend at the number one spot, especially if you're on a tight budget and you want the most performance for the money, it has to be the MJX Hyper go Brushless. This car is so good it's on par with some of the popular(and way more expensive) Traxxas hobby-grade models.
This 1/16 truck offers excellent build quality with 4.5mm (at the slimmest point) drive shafts all around and mostly plastic construction making it durable against crashes and bumps during use. It drives and handles the best in its price area, has a great internal layout providing plenty of room for a higher capacity battery, and has an onboard GPS that is accurate and simple to use with the free downloadable App.
The price is on the high side but nothing breaks and the remote controller is excellent! Speed exceeds specifications at 41km/h with the stock battery, up to 48km/h with 3s 1000mah 70c Lipo. Overall, this is a great 1/16 truck well worth the money.
•The MJX Hypergo Brushless is the best RC mini truck for the money, offering great performance and speeds of up to 40 mph.
• The 4200 KV Brushless motor and 45 amp BSc help propel this tiny truck to its top speed.
• This truck is the result of lots of in-depth testing and feedback received by customers and RC YouTubers who reviewed the first brushed version.
• In the box, you've got everything you need to get you up and running, including a 2S or a 3s 1050 MiniAmp hour li-po, depending on which version you go for. A USB charger, a manual, plus some sphere accessories.
• Overall quality of this truck is excellent and it definitely shows offroad. Performance is fun and it feels good on 2S batteries.
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Everyone wants and affordable, high-performance RC car, and the Bezgar Hs101 may be just what you need. This all-terrain truck is built for speed and durability, with a powerful 380 motor, four-wheel drive system, and adjustable wheel alignment to tackle tough terrain. It comes with a 2.4GHz radio control system for responsive control over long distances, plus bright LED headlights and waterproof materials to withstand dust or rain.
This car exceeded my expectations in terms of performance and durability. It's equipped with a powerful 380 motor, a LiPo battery for better control, and a four-wheel shock suspension for better stability on harsh terrain. It can reach speeds of up to 50km/h and is built to be resistant to dust or rain, making it perfect for off-road races. Plus, its adjustable wheelbase means you can customize your vehicle according to the terrain you'll be racing on.
The remote control was easy to use, even over longer distances, and it also has bright LED headlights which come in handy when driving at night. The car itself is sturdy yet lightweight; it survived a crash I had while testing it out! Additionally, spare parts are included with the car in case any damage occurs during your race.
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If you're looking for an affordable, top-notch RC car, look no further than the Wltoys 144001! This ten-scale racer has four-wheel drive and comes in both brush and brushless models. Its fully metal drivetrain makes it super smooth to handle - perfect for tearing up those race tracks. Plus it jumps really well despite its small size making this a great choice if you want maximum performance on a budget.
It comes with a metal chassis, alloy big shock absorbers, and a powerful brushed 550 motor. You can leave it stock or convert it to a brushless drive; either way, you've got tons of power right out of the box. Also worth mentioning - thanks to adjustable camber, caster, and suspension settings plus great road-holding capabilities – this vehicle does what more expensive models do for less money!
Wltoys 144001 RC car has a nicely damped suspension and very good roadholding, making it definitely worth the money.
If you're looking for an RC car that can handle the most difficult of surfaces, try a sand buggy RC car. These cars are designed to handle off-road terrain like sand, mud, grass, puddles, and more. The BEZGAR 1:12 is an excellent choice for a beginner as it features 4WD rubber tires for better grip and driving performance. It comes with two powerful brushed motors for high torque output, an ergonomic 2.4GHz radio controller with an impressive control range of up to 260 feet.
It has LED headlights for low visibility driving, a shockproof design that makes it durable even when it flips or crashes on its side, off-road anti-skid tires for extra traction, a bonus 9V battery and USB charging cable as well as an extra set of wheels.
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The MIEBELY Mercedes Benz Pro RC Car is an impressive replica design with a bold front, a big grill, and a lightweight frame. It comes with a
7.4V 500mAh battery that allows it to reach up to 12km/h. For convenience and user-friendly control, the car features an adjustable controller for both left and right hand users and boasts a connection range of 50m. Other features include working lights, spare tire, rechargeable battery, and USB charger. This car is perfect for any car lover or child due to its affordable price and great value.
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LAEGENDARY 4x4 is one of the fastest and sturdy RC Monster Trucks you can find for under 100 USD . It is fast, durable, and capable of thrilling speeds for an exciting driving experience. The truck comes with two batteries that can provide up to 15-20 minutes of running time each and it can be recharged in under two hours. Bright LED lights make it easy to track when driving at night and extra pins make it easy to take off or put back on its shell. All in all, this product offers great value for money despite some minor flaws.
Features:
• Fast and capable in corners
• Durable construction can withstand crashing and flipping
• Two batteries with 15-20 minutes of running time each and recharges in less than 2 hours
• Has bright LED lights for night-time use
• Can handle rough terrain and wet conditions with no problems
• Customer service is kind and helpful, emails are answered quickly (talking about amazon experience here)
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This is quite a unique RC car with a double-side drive design that provides easy rollover and operation, as well as an impressive transformable experience with special bionic spine capabilities. It also boasts 4WD performance control for conquering any terrain and a waterproof car body for shallow water driving. Perfect for kids ages 6+ who are looking for family-friendly racing fun and for adults looking for a more unique RC crawler.
Features:
• Unique double-side drive design
• Transformable experience with special bionic spine
• 4WD performance control conquers any terrain, including grassland, sandy land, muddy grounds, and snow
• Waterproof car body for shallow water driving
• Perfect gift for kids 6+: family-friendly racing fun
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If you're looking to get into the RC hobby, WPL's crawler is the perfect RTR for under $100. It has a powerful 180 motor with plenty of torque, metal axle gears, upgraded drive shafts for durability and control, and fully proportional control. The amazing scale body provides space for a big battery in the middle of the car for perfect weight balance, and it even includes pull rings on the front bumper so you don't have to purchase them separately.
Pictures really don't do this truck any justice, in person, it's absolutely breathtaking! Out of the box, its performance is phenomenal, with plenty of draw current getting to the motor and a nice aspect of slow control. Perfect for hitting the trail! This came to the market as a surprise as it wasn't officially announced by WPL.
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This Military Truck Crawler Off Road RC Car has a unique metallic finish and great features. It has a front double fork single arm independent suspension, adjustable front, and rear wheel inclination and camber angle, large-angle steering, and rear straight axle drive. It is also very suitable for on-road use and is usually a children's favorite.
This car is prepared for any adventure with a 15-minute use time, 3-hour charging time, and more than 35-meter control distance. The packaging wasn't the best, but luckily it was undamaged when opened.
Also, it looks amazing lowered with 3D-printed drift wheels. It's not just for kids either; adults can have fun driving around with its fast speed, and amazing turning circle, and can be easily modded! Plus the big bed ensures that you can store the remote inside without worry.
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In this section we'll cover common features and types of RC cars as they come in various sizes and scales, and can be designed for specific terrains such as off-road, on-road, or all-terrain.
RC cars come in a variety of scales, including 1:6, 1:8, 1:10, and 1:
12. The most common scale is the 1:8 scale (or 1/8th scale), but most RC cars under $100 are found in the range of 1:12 to 1:18.
Depending on where you drive the RC, size matters - small ones are better indoors while larger ones (1:10 - 1:18) are more suitable for outdoor use across different surfaces. However, two vehicles of the same scale may differ greatly depending on the relative size of their full-size counterparts.
batteries
Most RC cars today run with electric motors, and you can't find other fuel types for under $100, as they usually tend to be more expensive.
RC cars typically run on electric motors and use either Nickel-metal hydride (NiMh) or Lithium polymer (LiPo) batteries. NiMH batteries are heavier but cost less, while LiPo batteries are lighter, more expensive, and offer higher mAh capacity, with voltage determining power output.
Two main drive options are available for most RC cars - 2WD(2 Wheel Drive) and 4WD (4 Wheel Drive), each with its unique advantages. For those looking for an affordable yet nimble choice when starting out, a 2WD is recommended as they possess fewer components, making them simpler to work on if need be.
On the other hand, more experienced drivers who prioritize speed might opt for the extra power of 4WDs, making them faster than their two-wheeled counterparts on the track.
RC cars under $100 can provide some great value for your dollar. All the cars in this list come with a 2.4GHz radio, reaching up to 300 feet when other conditions are considered. This is more than enough distance for races or just playing in your backyard; you'll have plenty of fun without forsaking quality.
The durability of RC cars depends on the quality of their materials. Generally, more elastic plastic is preferred over brittle plastic as it can better survive the inevitable crashes and bumps that come with owning an RC car. While some higher-end models come equipped with an aluminum frame to help protect their internal components, such as batteries and circuitry, this feature isn't typically found in cars within a budget range of under $100. These RCs must be treated with care as they tend to lack the durability of more expensive models.
When shopping for RC cars, don't just look at speed; focus on proportional steering and throttle control to give you gradual command of the vehicle. A wider build with a low center-of-gravity can provide better stability when taking those tight turns - two elements that are determinant in handling. Additionally, consider checking out camber angles and suspension oiling as they both play an important role in how your car will take corners!
For speed-seekers looking for quality, RC cars in this range offer a wide selection of speeds - from the slow and steady 6 mph crawl to an impressive 26mph. But don't forget about 2 or 4-wheel drive options that can make all difference when it comes time to throttle down on less grippy surfaces like offroad terrain!
Don't forget grip: it is important to how fast your vehicle can move if you're driving offroad versus smooth surfaces.
Monster trucks offer the perfect balance between playability, handling ease and robustness. This makes them an ideal RC choice for kids who are looking to explore what their cars can do - they won't get stuck on small obstacles or ramps.
The right lipo battery (usually 2s or 3s 5000mAh) is necessary for these bad boys; it ensures long life and reliable performance with its increased energy density and discharge rate. With bigger wheels that go beyond bumpers, this off-road vehicle will conquer any terrain - whether you're on grassy hills or sandy dunes, a monster truck has no match!
Small but mighty, short-course RC trucks deliver big stunts. With a 1:18 scale or smaller size, these cars are perfect for mastering dirt tracks with their impressive acceleration and speed capabilities - even if they do struggle in long grass or when crossing larger bumps. Get your adrenaline going as you take on any terrain!
Its shock absorbers are shorter than what you'd usually find on buggies, offering an edge when it comes to navigating uneven surfaces such as gravel or grass.
Buggies are the classic choice for off-road racing, with short course tires that tackle sand terrain like no other
They boast a narrow stance with exposed front shocks, giving them an unmistakable profile as they blaze down any racetrack!
Sand is the optimal terrain to take advantage of buggy tires.
Truggies offer the best of both worlds, combining the features and performance of a truck with that of a buggy. With larger wheels than short-course trucks, they have longer arms and chassis which provide increased stability over rough terrain. A truggy is faster on uneven surfaces compared to stadium trucks, yet slower on flat conditions - giving drivers an all-round powerhouse experience like no other!
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RC rock crawlers offer an exciting challenge for RC car hobbyists who enjoy an off-road experience. This type of vehicle requires skill and control rather than pure speed, featuring sophisticated suspension and big off-road tires that allow them to move over the toughest terrains with ease. High torque motors give drivers maximum control when maneuvering through obstacles at a slow pace, providing a precise and rewarding hobby session like no other.
Features:
No matter what type of RC car under $100 you’re looking for, there is an option out there that can meet your needs.
Monster trucks offer the perfect balance between playability and robustness while short-course trucks are ideal for mastering dirt tracks with their impressive acceleration and speed capabilities.
Buggies provide a classic off-road racing experience, whereas truggies combine the features and performance of both a truck and buggy in one vehicle. Finally, rock crawlers give hobbyists an exciting challenge as they maneuver through obstacles at slow speeds with precision control.
Whatever it is that you’re after from your RC car – speed, handling ease or just plain fun - make sure to take into account camber angles, suspension oiling and grip when making your purchase decision so you get exactly what you need!
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