The 29 best kids' remote control car brands
Tamiya, Kid Galaxy and WLtoys lead our ranking of 29 kids' remote control car brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Kids' Remote Control Car brands, ranked
TSCentral is reader-supported: we may earn a commission when you shop through links on this page. It does not affect the ranking.
-
1
Tamiya
Japanese scale kit maker whose RC buggies and touring cars come as buildable kits with hobby-grade parts.
Website: tamiyausa.com |Brands like Tamiya
Popularity 10.0/10
-
2
Kid Galaxy
Animal-themed remote control vehicles for young kids, including amphibious models that run on land and water.
Website: kidgalaxy.com |Brands like Kid Galaxy
Popularity 6.1/10
-
3
WLtoys
Low-cost Chinese maker of small RC cars and buggies, popular for entry-level off-road and drift models.
Website: wltoys.eu |Brands like WLtoys
Popularity 4.8/10
-
4
Jada Toys
Die-cast and licensed vehicle maker that also sells RC cars aimed at younger kids.
Website: jadatoysinc.com |Brands like Jada Toys
Popularity 4.7/10
-
5
Rastar
Rastar began making licensed radio control cars modeled on BMW, Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Lamborghini. Its remote control cars are built as scale replicas for children and hobbyists. Licensed ride-on vehicles and spare parts complete the catalog.
Website: rastar.en.alibaba.com |Brands like Rastar
Popularity 4.6/10
-
6
ARRMA
Rugged, high-speed RC trucks and buggies built to take bashing and rough off-road use.
Website: arrma-rc.com |Brands like ARRMA
Popularity 3.7/10
-
7
Lamborghini
Licensed ride-on cars that carry the Lamborghini name, with a parent remote for young drivers.
Top products: Lamborghini STO
Website: lamborghinistore.com |Brands like Lamborghini
Popularity 3.6/10
-
8
Kyosho
Racing buggies, nitro Inferno models and MINI-Z mini cars for indoor track use.
Website: rc.kyosho.com |Brands like Kyosho
Popularity 3.6/10
-
9
Maisto
Collectible die-cast models with matching RC versions, aimed at display collectors.
Website: maisto.com |Brands like Maisto
Popularity 3.4/10
-
10
Carrera
Eyewear brand Carrera, from Italy, sells sunglasses, reading glasses and vintage sunglasses for women and men. Classic frame shapes appear in both everyday and retro styles. Sunglasses and reading glasses sit side by side in the range, so both product...
Popularity 3.4/10
-
11
JJRC
Affordable kids' RC cars and stunt vehicles sold in large ranges with simple controls.
Website: jjrc.com |Brands like JJRC
Popularity 3.4/10
-
12
Cheerwing
Inexpensive 1:10 scale RC cars made with factory partners and sold at low prices.
Website: cheerwing.com |Brands like Cheerwing
Popularity 3.1/10
-
13
Traxxas
Ready-to-run trucks and buggies with a TQi radio and a waterproof TQ receiver, so kids can drive them out of the box.
Website: traxxas.com |Brands like Traxxas
Popularity 3.0/10
-
14
Battat
Battat has produced toys for children since its founding, and its lines include dolls, stuffed animals, and wooden toys. The brand's girls' dolls and plush toys are aimed at pretend play. Its products often target early childhood education and imaginative...
Website: battatco.com |Brands like Battat
Popularity 2.9/10
-
15
Spin Master
Toronto-based Spin Master makes toys and games for children, including Paw Patrol figures, vehicles, and monster truck toys. Its board games sit alongside the character-based lines. The company also develops digital games for young audiences.
Website: spinmaster.com |Brands like Spin Master
Popularity 2.8/10
-
16
Force1
Entry-level kids' stunt cars with 2.4GHz radios and rechargeable packs in bright colours.
Top products: Tornado
Website: force1rc.com |Brands like Force1
Popularity 2.7/10
-
17
GoolRC
GoolRC builds radio-controlled vehicle parts, including brushless motors, RC servos and motors for RC cars. Its products are also sold alongside drones and RC chargers on the brand's own website. The parts are made for radio-controlled vehicles.
Website: goolrc.com |Brands like GoolRC
Popularity 2.7/10
-
18
Mattel
Hot Wheels RC cars sit alongside Mattel's wider toy line, mostly aimed at younger kids.
Website: shop.mattel.com |Brands like Mattel
Popularity 2.6/10
-
19
WowWee
Robotic toy maker whose RC and app-controlled vehicles lean on gadget-style features.
Website: wowwee.com |Brands like WowWee
Popularity 2.3/10
-
20
Team Associated
Race-focused RC cars and trucks with adjustable chassis setups for enthusiasts.
Website: associatedelectrics.com |Brands like Team Associated
Popularity 2.2/10
-
21
World Tech Toys
Vehicles and superheroes are one of the favorites of children. They have several cars in their home to play with them. Without the toys, their childhood is incomplete. World Tech Toys is a brand of toys for children. They manufacture...
Website: worldtechtoys.com |Brands like World Tech Toys
Popularity 2.1/10
-
22
Air Hogs
Stunt RC trucks that jump and flip, built as affordable kids' toys.
Website: airhogs.com |Brands like Air Hogs
Popularity 2.1/10
-
23
Axial
Scale crawlers and off-road trucks valued for realistic detail and tough build.
Website: axialracing.com |Brands like Axial
Popularity 2.1/10
-
24
Liberty Imports
Are you planning to move to the US from your destination and worried about your vehicle? Don't worry. Liberty Imports has got you covered. Liberty Imports provides users with a platform using which they make their vehicle ready to import...
Popularity 2.1/10
-
25
EpochAir
Epoch Air is a china-based brand that sells electronic devices at very affordable rates to almost half of the world. Epoch Air offers an extensive range of kid’s toys which are fun to play with, like the levitating ball, wall...
Popularity 2.0/10
-
26
Redcat Racing
Budget RC trucks and buggies, with the Everest line popular for off-road bashing.
Website: redcatracing.com |Brands like Redcat Racing
Popularity 2.0/10
-
27
Losi
American RC maker of racing trucks and buggies for both on-road and off-road use.
Website: losi.com |Brands like Losi
Popularity 2.0/10
-
28
HoBao
The HoBao racing e-shop is your destination for limited edition spare parts for your vehicles. The company has launched its indigenous trucks, which are now on sale. Looking for RC parts for every model is not tedious anymore; you will...
Website: shopatron.com |Brands like HoBao
Popularity 1.7/10
-
29
Nikko
Nikko builds radio control cars and trucks, including scale models, buggies, drift cars and off-road trucks. Many of its toys are sold as ready-to-run kits, and the brand has a long history in hobby RC vehicles. Its Pro Trucks line...
Popularity 1.7/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tamiya | tamiyausa.com | – | – | – | – |
| Kid Galaxy | kidgalaxy.com | – | – | – | – |
| WLtoys | wltoys.eu | – | – | – | – |
| Jada Toys | jadatoysinc.com | /JadaToys | jadatoys | @jadaclub | jadatoys2day |
| Rastar | rastar.en.alibaba.com | – | – | – | – |
| ARRMA | arrma-rc.com | /Arrma | arrmarc | @ARRMARC | ARRMARC |
| Lamborghini | lamborghinistore.com | – | – | – | – |
| Kyosho | rc.kyosho.com | /KyoshoCorpRC | kyosho_rc_models_official | – | kyoshomovie |
| Maisto | maisto.com | /MaistoToys | maistotoys | @maistotoys | MaistoDesign |
Kids Remote Control Cars Buying Guide
Remote control cars are an excellent way to keep your child entertained while also improving their motor skills and hand-eye coordination. They allow children to take control of a vehicle and drive it around, testing their reflexes while building up their confidence. Remote control cars come in all shapes and sizes with different features and functionalities. In this buying guide, we will go through some of the crucial factors to keep in mind when shopping for a remote control car for your child.
Age Range
The first thing to consider when shopping for a remote control car is your child’s age. Most cars have age recommendations, so it’s vital to check before buying. If you purchase a remote control car for an older child, they could find it too simplistic and boring. On the other hand, if you buy a car for a child who is too young, they may not be able to handle it correctly and become frustrated. Age ranges for remote control cars typically range from 2-3 years up to 14-16 years.
Control Type
Remote control cars usually have two types of control methods - radio-controlled (RC) or infrared remote-controlled (IR). IR cars tend to be cheaper and work better indoors as they require a direct line of sight between the remote and the car. In contrast, an RC car can be used outdoors and can be controlled from a much greater distance.
Power Source
Remote control cars can be powered by various power sources, including batteries, rechargeable batteries, and gas or nitro fuel. Battery-powered cars are often cheaper, but they will require frequent battery changes. Rechargeable batteries may cost more upfront, but they can save money in the long run, as they can be recharged and used repeatedly. Gas-powered cars tend to be more expensive and are typically used by more experienced users.
Speed and Control
The speed and control of a remote control car can vary significantly depending on the model. Some cars can go up to 25 mph, while others are slower. Consider the surroundings and the skill level of your child when selecting a car’s speed. It's essential to ensure that the car is not too fast for the child to handle, which can lead to accidents.
The control of the car should also be taken into consideration. Some remote control cars are more responsive than others. The responsiveness of the car may depend on factors such as the type of control mechanism and the quality of the components.
Size and Durability
The size of a remote control car can also affect its handling and durability. Larger vehicles can be tougher and more stable, but they can also be heavier and harder to control. Smaller remote control cars can be more agile and easier to handle but can be more fragile and prone to breaking.
Durability is essential when selecting a remote control car for a child. Look for materials that are tough and resistant to crashes and bumps. Some remote control cars have shock-absorbing materials that can minimize damage from collisions.
Design and Features
Finally, the design and features of a remote control car can also be essential factors to consider when shopping. Some cars may come in the form of a popular movie or cartoon character, which can appeal to younger children. Other features include LED lights, sound effects, and different movements such as drifting or stunts.
Conclusion
When shopping for a remote control car for your child, there are several factors to consider, including age range, control type, power source, speed and control, size and durability, and design and features. By keeping these in mind, you can find the perfect remote control car that your child will love and that promotes skill-building and fun.
Brand and Price
Brand and price are two additional factors to consider when shopping for a remote control car. Like any other product, reputable brands may offer better quality and after-sales support. However, they can be more expensive than lesser-known brands. It's essential to do your research and read reviews to find a balance between quality and price.
Type of Surface
Another factor to consider when selecting a remote control car is the type of surface it will be used on. Some cars are designed for off-road terrains, such as grass and dirt, while others are more suitable for smoother surfaces such as concrete or carpet. Select a car that matches the surface where it will be used to get the most enjoyment and performance.
Drivetrain
The drivetrain of a remote control car determines how the vehicle's power is distributed to the wheels. There are typically three types of drivetrain - front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive. Front-wheel drive vehicles tend to be more stable and easier to control, while rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive cars have more power and are better suited for off-road surfaces. It's important to consider the drivetrain when shopping for a remote control car to match your child's skill level and driving environment.
Accessories
Some remote control cars come with additional accessories or spare parts, such as additional batteries, chargers, or tires. These can be useful to have on hand and can save money in the long run. Make sure to check what accessories are included with the car and what additional items you may need to purchase separately.
Safety
Remote control cars, like any other toy, can pose potential safety hazards. It's essential to supervise your child while they are using the car and ensure they are using it in a safe environment. Also, be careful of small parts that can pose choking hazards to younger children.
Conclusion
To summarize, when purchasing a remote control car for your child, you should consider factors such as age range, control type, power source, speed and control, size and durability, design and features, brand and price, type of surface, drivetrain, accessories, and safety. By keeping these points in mind, you can find the perfect remote control car for your child that can provide hours of fun and skill-building while keeping them safe.
