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16 Best Remote Control Cars Under $200

Remote Control Car Ford
Paul Allen
Written by
Paul Allen
Written by
Paul Allen
From train sets to Tamagotchis, Paul would spend hours as a kid playing with anything he could get his hands on. Nowadays, he researches the latest and greatest toys featured on TheToyZone, while dividing his free time between his Playstation and his Nintendo Switch.
James Booth
Edited by
James Booth
Edited by
James Booth
Managing Editor
James loved anything Star Wars related as a kid! These days he uses the force to make sure TheToyZone is consistently publishing articles our readers will trust and find real value in. On his off days, you'll find him in the woods searching for Ewoks.
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TheToyZone is an independent publication with no ties with companies mentioned on the site. We don’t accept free products in exchange for glowing reviews. Instead, we report our own findings to help you make an informed decision.

Remote control cars are thrilling toys for kids of all ages. For younger kids, there’s the joy of realizing that you can control the car without touching it, the thrill of seeing how fast you can get and the shock and (hopefully) laughter when you inevitably crash. 

RC cars are also great for cognitive development, as they give kids a chance to operate a machine for the first time and practice their fine motor skills. Bigger kids can try their hand at more advanced cars, even upgrading and customizing them for the ultimate speed and stunting ability.

However, finding the balance between affordability and quality when choosing an RC car can be tricky. Some top-of-the-line models can go for upwards of $400, while you can’t rely on all the cheaper options not to fall apart the second you take it out of the box. Luckily, several fantastic RC cars are out there for under $200 — and we have found them for you. 

Our picks are based on reading hundreds of testimonials from satisfied customers, always sorting the genuine from the fake. While each has pros and cons, they offer phenomenal performance, excellent build quality and impressive engine power. You can find the perfect ride whether you’re buying for a toddler or a teen — without breaking the bank. 

The Top 3 Remote Control Cars Under $200

💰 FOR TIGHT BUDGETS🧒🏻 FOR YOUNGER KIDS🧒🏼 FOR OLDER KIDS
Voltz Toys Licensed Ferrari F1 75 RC CarPlaymobil RC Porsche Mission EHYPER GO H16BM RC Car
12 Voltz Toys Licensed Ferrari F1 75 RC Car14 Playmobil RC Porsche Mission E1 HYPER GO H16BM RC Car
BEST AGE8 years and up5 years and up14 years and up
❤️ PROSGood replica of an F1 carPacked with realistic detailsIt can overcome almost any obstacle
💔 CONSRequires multiple AA batteriesThe wheels need to be adjusted frequentlyThe battery life is not the best
💵 PRICE$69.99$81.60$149.99

While those are all excellent options, there’s so much more ahead for you to peruse. So strap in, because we’re going on a journey through all the best budget-friendly RC cars currently on the market. You’ll soon find the perfect one for your little racer.

Best for Older Kids

1. HYPER GO H16BM RC Car (4-Wheel Drive)

There has never been a more appropriate name than “Hyper Go” – with its high torque motor, this little car will go go go. It can reach 43 km/h speeds with the stock battery and up to 67 km/h with an upgrade. Plus, it never stops whether you’re zooming across the street, beach, grass or gravel, or even popping wheelies and stunts. 

1 HYPER GO H16BM RC Car
Recommended age: 14 years and above 

High performance is achieved with quality components like oil-filled shock absorbers and an in-built cooling fan. But what sets this option apart is its phenomenal toughness, thanks to its metal components, brushless motor and dedicated test and design process.

What We Love:

❤️ It can do awesome stunts and overcome almost any obstacle
❤️ Practically indestructible no matter what you throw at it
❤️ Extremely fast and powerful little car

What We Don’t Love:

💔 The battery life is not the best
💔 Doesn’t come with all the batteries you need

💡 Want to push the speed boundaries even further? Upgrade this RC’s power supply with the Angry Snail battery and see speeds above 65 km/h.

2. FMS FCX24 Power Wagon Butcher RC Crawler (4-Wheel Drive)

If you’re more interested in tackling insane terrain than hitting high speeds, this Power Wagon RC Crawler could be perfect. With two gear speeds and an incredible strength-to-weight ratio, it can ascend the steepest climbs. And just like the best off-road trucks, it can plow through mud, water or sand without any issue, thanks to its chunky tires and high clearance.

2 FMS FCX24 Power Wagon Butcher RC Crawler
Recommended age: 14 years and above 

This is a hobby car, meaning it’s meant to be modified and customized to your liking. It boasts steel ball bearings to make replacements a breeze, and loads of awesome upgrades are available.

What We Love:

❤️ Features two speed modes and lots of elements you can adjust or control via the remote
❤️ All the parts can be upgraded or replaced if you want to modify it
❤️ Extremely detailed and realistic design

What We Don’t Love:

💔 Some of the parts are not very durable and may require mods quite soon
💔 The body is demanding to remove

💡 Pro Tip: If you’d prefer a more recognizable crawler RC, check out this Jeep from Axial.

3. AMORIL 1:14 Fast RC Off-Road Racing Buggy (4-Wheel Drive)

If you’re looking for a speed demon, the Amoril is perhaps the fastest RC on the market for under $200, capable of reaching speeds of up to 70+ km/h. With high torque motors and 4-wheel drive, you only have to plug in the battery, grab the remote and watch it fly. 

3 AMORIL Fast RC Car
Recommended age: 14 years and above 

This off-road racing buggy is the best of both worlds: super fast and built to conquer almost any terrain. Its key components can withstand countless crashes at full speed and if any minor elements break, no worries – you’ll find loads of spare parts in the package.

What We Love:

❤️ Insanely fast RC car that’s still easy for beginners to control
❤️ Great deal as it comes with lots of spare parts and a front bumper 
❤️ Sturdy construction with nice details

What We Don’t Love:

💔 Some of the parts break quite easily
💔 It can overheat if you run it on the 3S battery for too long

4. Losi LOS03022T2 RC Truck 1/10 22S (2-Wheel Drive)

Losi is one of the biggest names in RC racing and this truck features many of the hallmarks of the brand. These include highly-engineered suspension, power and steering so you can get a quick yet stable drive straight out of the box. This makes it a beginner-friendly truck, as no mods are necessary and the controls are a piece of cake.

4 Losi RC Truck
Recommended age: 14 years and above 

At a size ratio 1:10, this truck is a big boy. It’s also the perfect option for older kids new to RC cars, as it is super fast and agile but also challenging and easy to handle.

What We Love:

❤️ Nice big truck with great colors and attention to detail
❤️ A lightweight, agile truck that’s still impressively durable
❤️ Extremely user-friendly – ready to use out the box and easy to replace the battery

What We Don’t Love:

💔 More beginner focused so not that fun for RC pros
💔 It’s not all that fast, though it can be upgraded

5. GoolRC Wltoys XKS 144001 RC Car (4-Wheel Drive)

Another off-road racing buggy, this option promises tons of fun right out of the box. The benefit of buggies is that they can reach higher speeds due to being lightweight while still featuring all-terrain maneuverability and durability. And thanks to its 20000 RPM motor, oil-filled shocks and lightweight but strong aluminum alloy frame, this one is even more fast and furious than most.

5 GoolRC Wltoys XKS 144001 RC Car
Recommended age: 14 years and above 

Customers love how responsive the controls are on this one. It’s also perfect for setting up races with friends as it boasts a 100m control distance and anti-jamming capability to allow two cars to race simultaneously.

What We Love:

❤️ The speed is easily adjustable, but it can reach up to 60 km/h.
❤️ Lots of possibility for reasonably priced upgrades and mods
❤️ Super responsive RC and wheels that work on almost any terrain

What We Don’t Love:

💔 The battery life could be better
💔 The factory parts are mostly plastic, so will probably need to be upgraded soon

6. TAMIYA 1/10 1999 Subaru Impreza RC (4-Wheel Drive)

For those who live and breathe RC cars, modifying their racer exactly how they want it is par for the course. So why not take the next step and build everything from scratch? This option is a kit RC car, meaning that it comes with everything you need to build the car yourself, from installing the motors and suspension to painting the exterior.

6 TAMIYA 1 10 1999 Subaru Impreza RC
Recommended age: 14 years and above 

Once assembled, this little Subaru reaches impressive speeds thanks to its turbocharged boxer engine and drive-by-wire throttle. What’s more, it’s a super accurate model of the Subaru Impreza that rally fanatics are sure to love.

What We Love:

❤️ Perfect for engineering enthusiasts as you get to assemble the car yourself
❤️ Very good body, and there are lots of great mods available
❤️ Runs super fast and looks great too

What We Don’t Love:

💔 Some of the stock parts are plastic so less durable than metal
💔 The steering radius is not very tight

💡 Crazy about rally cars and love building them yourself? Check out the classic Audi Quattro and Volkswagen Beetle rally kits here.

7. Redcat Racing EPX RC Drift Car (4-Wheel Drive)

The Redcat Racer RC is another racing option offering high speeds and much more. Thanks to its specialist tires and high-powered 4-wheel drive motor, it can travel sideways and drift around corners. It’s bound to turn heads at the park or track too, with 5-star rims and an authentically detailed body.

7 Redcat Racing EPX RC Drift Car
Recommended age: 14 years and above 

This 1:10 scale RC is easy to control and ready to start drifting right out of the box. It also features tunable suspension and shocks plus adjustable ride height, toe angle and camber angle, so there’s lots for RC lovers to tinker with between races.

What We Love:

❤️ Great beginner drift car as it is easy to control
❤️ Provides fantastic drift and general performance for the price
❤️ Very fast RC car that’s ready to use right out the box

What We Don’t Love:

💔 Several elements are plastic. Still, these are replaceable with aluminum parts
💔 Doesn’t work very well on grass

8. Hosim X07 Brushless RC Car (4-Wheel Drive)

If you need speed, Hosim’s RC could be the one for you as it can hit top speeds of over 68 km/h while scrambling over all kinds of terrains. This is thanks to its powerful brushless motor that’s engineered for maximum energy conversion. But new drivers will be glad that speed can be capped until you get the hang of the controls.

8 Hosim Brushless RC Car
Recommended age: 14 years and above 

This RC also boasts a dual battery for an impressive playtime of up to 40 mins. Plus, it has a choice of chassis shells, so you can change the appearance whenever you like.

What We Love:

❤️ Extremely tough and durable thanks to the brushless motors and metal parts
❤️ It can reach impressive speeds and pull off incredible stunts
❤️ Battery life is much better than most RC cars

What We Don’t Love:

💔 You may want to install oil-filled shocks for a smoother ride
💔 Steering takes a while to get the hang of due to the acceleration and fast speeds

9. Axial Yeti Jr. Can-Am Maverick X3 RC Rock Racer (4-Wheel Drive)

Our last option for older kids is the Axial Yeti Jr., a hobby-grade RC that’s best for teens interested in engineering. With many high-quality components already included and more available, RC hobbyists can build their ideal car. The Yeti Jr. also looks the part, with an exquisitely detailed body and even driver figures inside.

9 Axial Yeti Jr. Can Am Maverick X3 RC Rock Racer
Recommended age: 15 years and above 

From the 37T 380 waterproof motor to the oil-filled shocks and metal gear servo, a lot of thought has gone into this all-terrain racer to give it top-of-the-line performance and durability. And it’s ready to race right out of the box.

What We Love:

❤️ Beautiful craftsmanship – the details and scale are spot on
❤️ Plenty of power and speed right out the box
❤️ Super durable and runs on almost any terrain

What We Don’t Love:

💔 The front axle isn’t as durable as the rest of the car, though it’s easily replaced
💔 It’s too low to drive well on grass

Best for Younger Kids

10. LAEGENDARY Legend 1:10 Scale RC Car (4-Wheel Drive)

Most high-speed RC cars are reserved for adults, teens and older kids, but LAEGENDARY has designed an option that allows kids as young as 8 to become racing legends. Capable of hitting nearly 50 km/h, this off-road racer is super stable and easy to control, enabling young kids to handle high speeds.

10 LAEGENDARY Fast RC Car
Recommended age: 8 years and above 

This robust monster truck also features off-road tires, phenomenal suspension and 4-wheel drive, allowing it to cover everything from sand to snow to rocky terrain. And with its giant wheels and authentic body design, it looks like the legend it is.

What We Love:

❤️ Drives on almost anything, including puddles and snow
❤️ Super stable and easy to control
❤️ Fast RC car with adjustable speed and fantastic suspension

What We Don’t Love:

💔 A little flimsy without some mods and reinforcements
💔 A few customers experienced issues with the car pairing with the remote

11. Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit

For kids as young as 3 and many years older, Mario Kart Live is a mind-blowingly fun experience where you can turn the virtual game into an (augmented) reality. With the included gates, you’ll control the kart through your Switch and design your circuits through your home. Best of all, you’ll see the track come to life in AR on your Switch screen.

11 Mario Kart Live Home Circuit
Recommended age: 3 years and above 

The most remarkable thing about Mario Kart Live is the way the kart and Switch interact with each other – you can boost, hit items and drift around the course and the Mario or Luigi kart will react.

What We Love:

❤️ Brings Mario Kart to live in your own home 
❤️ The AR feature is super cool, and the kart moves surprisingly fast
❤️ Super easy to set up on a track of your own design

What We Don’t Love:

💔 Doesn’t work very well on uneven floors 
💔 The control range is only about 15 feet

💡 If your little one would love to race with Mario but they don’t own a Switch, check out this awesome alternative.

12. Voltz Toys Licensed Ferrari F1 75 RC Car (4-Wheel Drive)

There’s no age restriction to being an F1 fan and with this awesome Ferrari RC, kids can recreate the action from the track right at home. This option is a licensed and highly accurate replica with authentic tires and rims, a review mirror, F1 decals and the Ferrari’s signature striking red colorway.

12 Voltz Toys Licensed Ferrari F1 75 RC Car
Recommended age: 8 years and above 

Thanks to its 4-wheel independent suspension system, shock absorption and differential mechanism, this car runs smoothly even during turns. It also features simple, intuitive controls that young kids will pick up quickly. Plus, you can race two of these simultaneously with no RC radio interference.

What We Love:

❤️ Large and super realistic replica of an F1 car
❤️ Features simple and responsive controls that are perfect for beginners
❤️ Glides smoothly on flat surfaces

What We Don’t Love:

💔 Requires a lot of AA batteries
💔 It isn’t very fast

💡 For those ready to put in the hours and build their own F1 car, this DIY kit from Rastar is the perfect option.

13. LEGO Technic Transformation RC Vehicle

This unique entry is the perfect option for RC enthusiasts who love LEGO, engineering or building things in general. With this LEGO Technic Transformation RC vehicle, kids can build their own RC car from scratch using 772 LEGO pieces. They can then control it via an app on a smartphone or tablet device and see all the incredible stunts it is capable of.

13 LEGO Technic Transformation RC Vehicle
Recommended age: 9 years and above 

Not only is this a stunt car, but it is essentially two cars in one. It can flip 180 degrees to switch between a tracked exploration vehicle to a racing car on the other side.

What We Love:

❤️ It is a super fun challenge to build
❤️ The app control is smooth and responsive 
❤️ It can perform flip over and maneuver around any obstacle

What We Don’t Love:

💔 The motor isn’t that strong so it’s a bit slow
💔 Some people like tactile RC controllers so it would be nice if that were an option

14. Playmobil RC Porsche Mission E

If you’re looking for something preschoolers and older kids can enjoy, this Porsche RC is ideal. Playmobil and Porsche have teamed up to create this super slick and easy-to-control RC that looks precisely like the Porsche Taycan, down to the pearlescent paint job and detailed rims. And if kids have seen the Playmobil Movie, they’ll recognize it as Dasher’s car.

14 Playmobil RC Porsche Mission E
Recommended age: 5 years and above 

Older kids who love sports cars will appreciate the accuracy of this model, while younger kids will have a blast with all the interactive features. These include working headlights, sound effects, a sunroof, a driver, and a realistic charging station.

What We Love:

❤️ Beautiful pearlescent mini Porsche packed with realistic details
❤️ Simple controls and easily adjustable speed
❤️ Comes with working headlights, a driver and a lifelike charging station

What We Don’t Love:

💔 Doesn’t function as well at high speeds
💔 The wheels need to be adjusted quite frequently 

15. Brio 30388 RC Race Car

For an RC car to be suitable for a toddler, it needs to be hardy, extremely stable and intuitive to control, and the Brio 30388 fits the bill. It’s a super safe toy made from impact-resistant plastic that’s been designed and tested for use among kids as young as 2. The controls are intuitive and don’t have to be pointing at the car to work.

15 Brio 30388 RC Race Car
Recommended age: 2 years and above 

Although the controls are easy to use, they will help develop spatial reasoning and motor skills significantly. Plus, kids will love the bright colors and classic race car design.

What We Love:

❤️ The controls are super easy for little ones to get the hang of
❤️ Sturdy enough to handle rough toddler play
❤️ It’s nice and big with a fun, colorful design

What We Don’t Love:

💔 Battery life isn’t the best
💔 Some kids may find it too slow, but this does make it easier to control

16. Hot Wheels RC Barbie Corvette

For kids who love all things pink, the Hot Wheels Barbie Corvette is the quintessence of posh. Drawing inspiration from Barbie The Movie, this remote-controlled 1956 Corvette Stingray has style, speed and the signature pink hue. The petite ‘Vette boasts a top speed of up to 5 mph, effortlessly maneuvered with a pink controller that perfectly matches the overall theme.

16 Hot Wheels RC Barbie Corvette
Recommended age: 4 years and above

The pastel-shaded, pink-on-pink Corvette glides seamlessly across various surfaces thanks to its rubberized wheels instead of plastic ones. The car’s two seats are perfect for accommodating Barbie and her companion on a stylish cruise around Barbie Land.

What We Love:

❤️ Plenty of details, such as seatbelts for the dolls and a functional trunk
❤️ The car fits a wide variety of dolls
❤️ Very responsive, straightforward control

What We Don’t Love:

💔 Unlike the Corvette from the movie, this version only has two seats
💔 It requires seven AA batteries to run the car and control


Frequently Asked Questions About Remote Control Cars

🙋 What are the benefits of playing with remote control cars?

There are lots of benefits to kids playing with remote control cars. For toddlers and young children, remote control cars promote their cognitive development by letting them practice hand-eye coordination and motor skills. 

It also fosters spatial reasoning by figuring out how the buttons on the remote correspond to the car’s movements. This is true for younger and older kids, provided the RC car they drive matches their skill level.

RC cars can promote engineering skills for older kids and teens as the more advanced models often allow you to modify and tinker with the car.

🙋 What are the types of remote control car?

The main types of remote control cars are touring cars, trucks, buggies, drag cars and truggies. For touring cars, the priority is speed. A touring RC could be a drag race car or a drifter or simply modeled on a high-octane sports car. Next, we have RC trucks, which are much slower but can usually handle highly rugged terrain. 

Buggies are an excellent choice if you’re unsure whether you want speed or all-terrain ability, as they are pretty speedy on the road and can handle off-road driving. And just to complicate things further, there’s also the truggy – an RC car with a buggy frame and monster truck tires.

🙋 What age can you use remote control cars?

You can use remote control cars at almost any age, but it depends significantly on the remote control car. The super fast and hobby-grade RC cars are mostly rated 14+ as the speeds and controls are difficult for younger kids to handle. However, there are RC cars out there for all ages – even toddlers.

At the same time, the age rating on RC cars is more of a suggestion, depending on your child’s experience level. Some 10-year-olds out there are RC fanatics who can handle advanced cars, while those new to remote control cars may be better off starting with a more straightforward opinion.

So… What Remote Control Car Should You Get?

Unfortunately, there’s no single answer to this question, as it depends on who you buy it for. If you’re shopping for a teen RC enthusiast, you could either opt for a car that prioritizes speed or one that can handle all terrains. For younger kids, elementary and middle schoolers will love building a LEGO Technic RC car, and the Brio 30388 is perfect for toddlers.

RC car lovers tend to feel strongly about their favorite vehicles. So if you know of a remote control car under $200 that should have made the list, give us a shout.

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