The roar of the engines, the squeal of the tires, the yelp of the pet cat jumping out of the way. Remote control car races with friends can be just as thrilling as any full-size race if you’ve got the right cars and the imagination to create race tracks that make the Indy 500 look tame.
The good news is you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars to get great RC toys. We’ve found the best 15 remote control cars under $50, offering a range of features, from 4WD trucks to Super Mario Kart racers and toddler-friendly toys. You need to be able to trust that these cars won’t cut out mid-race, so we’ve filtered out all the fake online reviews only to recommend the toys that real people have tried, tested, and loved.
1. Growsland Remote Control Car (Best Budget Option)
The Growsland Remote Control Car is one of the best remote cars under $50 because it is a fully-functional RC car. It has a sleek and aerodynamic profile that operates with a 27MHz controller. The controller can move the car left, right, forward, and reverse and is designed to respond well to the remote control’s commands.
The controller has only two joysticks, which makes the car easy to use for kids of most ages, and it’s designed to go up to five miles per hour. The car is made from high-quality, non-toxic ABS plastic that is scratch-resistant and painted with a glossy exterior. Finally, these cars can be used indoors or outdoors, thanks to the quality of the wheels.
What We Love:
❤️ Capable of running over various flooring types
❤️ Has rounded edges to help protect furniture, walls, and kids
What We Don’t Love:
💔 Cars run on the same frequency, which can cause interference if operating two in the same area
2. RC Cars, NBPOWER 4WD 2.4GHz ON/Off-Road Remote Control Car Truck (Best Quality Option)
Due to its design, this is one of the best remote cars under $50, capable of both on-road and off-road control. Plus, unlike other RC cars, this one can drive on both sides, meaning it will continue to drive if it tumbles over while being driven. This car has durable oversized tires that make it capable of being driven across most terrain types, and it has a unibody construction to help ensure that it doesn’t break apart.
It was designed to provide an all-around drift, and it is capable of performing various types of stunts. The truck’s body is reinforced to help its stability, and it can reach between 15-20 km/h. It even has different lighting and sound effects that help to set it apart from other RC truck models available on the market.
What We Love:
❤️ Designed to be shatterproof and shockproof
❤️ It has two 4WD powerful motors
What We Don’t Love:
💔 The included batteries will only allow approximately 30 minutes of playtime before recharging
3. Nintendo Super Mario Kart 8 Mario Anti-Gravity Mini RC Racer 2.4Ghz
Nintendo Super Mario Kart has been a popular video game for many years, and now with this RC race car, kids can experience driving around their own Super Mario Racer in their homes. This car uses a 2.4GHz remote control and can travel at a larger range from the remote control than most other remote control cars. This car has two modes it can be driven in; anti-gravity mode and standard.
This RC car is designed to look like Mario’s race car from Super Mario 8, and it can do several types of tricks, like popping wheelies and doing 360-degree spins. The remote control provides full-function steering, easily maneuvered in most directions.
What We Love:
❤️ Up to six RC vehicles can be operated simultaneously without interference
❤️ It runs on AA batteries, which are easy to replace
What We Don’t Love:
💔 The Luigi version of this car is sold separately
4. QUN FENG RC Car 1:18 Lamborghini Aventador Radio Remote Control Cars
The QUN FENG RC car is designed to look like a Lamborghini Aventador and is designed to be bigger than most remote control cars, allowing for exquisite details. This car has everything in the box to run it, including a small screwdriver designed specifically to assemble this RC car. This car can be driven forward, in reverse, left, right, and stop, which makes it extremely easy to control the car.
It uses a 27 MHz frequency controller, which is different from most other RC cars, so there will be fewer chances for interference when running it with other cars. Finally, this car was designed with high-quality wheels made from rubber, allowing them to get substantial traction on the popular flooring surfaces.
What We Love:
❤️ It comes in various vibrant colors that look fierce and cool
❤️ It looks very similar to the real luxury car
What We Don’t Love:
💔 It is made from plastic and not designed for collisions
5. JOYIN Radio Control Toddler Cartoon Dino Race Car Toys
The JOYIN Radio control toddler cartoon dino racecar is a comprehensive set designed to look like a green dinosaur. It has a removable cowboy action figure that snaps onto the dinosaur car. It was designed with an easy-to-use controller, which makes it the perfect choice for toddlers and younger kids. The controller has simple buttons to help with easy-to-move functions, and it even makes music and sounds to help make the driving experience more fun.
The dinosaur’s spine has flashing lights, and this remote control car was designed to help mold kids’ social and imagination skills. This toy car and its controller are made for toddlers, and made from high-quality, non-toxic material that makes it safer than other RC cars. Finally, this RC car comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee to help provide people peace of mind on their purchase.
What We Love:
❤️ You can turn the music on or off while still driving the car
❤️ It has a special directional wheel underneath the car
What We Don’t Love:
💔 This RC car is not recommended for outside use
6. KidiRace Remote Control Police Car Toy with Lights and Sirens
For kids that enjoy playing cops and robbers, this will make the perfect gift. This remote control car is designed to look like a tricked-out police car. It has a beautifully sleek design, and it was designed to be kid-friendly and easy to use. This vehicle is designed to have a tight turning radius, and it comes with non-slip rubber wheels that allow it to grab onto the floor.
This remote control car uses 2.4 GHz technology, which is some of the latest remote technology on the market. Unlike most remote control cars, the battery for this model is built-in into the model, and it is rechargeable, which means that it can be easy to keep using the car without having to worry about constantly changing them. Finally, this car features realistic emergency lights and sounds that make it like a real police car.
What We Love:
❤️ Comes with a 100% money back guarantee
❤️ The battery lasts for approximately 30 minutes at full charge
What We Don’t Love:
💔 You can’t adjust the volume of the sounds in the car
7. Sinovan Mini RC Cars Stunt Car
This RC vehicle is designed to be the perfect stunt roller, and it has an adorable mini compact design that sets it apart from most RC vehicles. It comes with tough tires that are made from real rubber that makes this vehicle capable of rumbling and tumbling with ease. They also make it possible for this car to be driven across most types of terrain.
This remote car is equipped with 2.4 GHz technology that allows for the excellent handling of the car through the remote, and it makes completing various stunts and tricks with the car easier. It comes with an internal rechargeable battery that lasts for approximately 20 minutes with every 20 minutes of charge.
What We Love:
❤️ Comes with an easy directional remote control
❤️ Uses a USB charger for the internal rechargeable battery
What We Don’t Love:
💔 It can be challenging to control for smaller kids
8. Seckton Toys for 5-10-Year-Old Boys Amphibious RC Car
For kids that love to play with their remote control cars anywhere, this one will give them the capability of playing with it near water, unlike most cars that are not capable of getting wet. This vehicle comes with high-quality wheels that allow it to run across most types of terrain and water areas, which makes this vehicle waterproof. This vehicle has a double-sided special effect roll, which means that it will be able to drive even after it has been flipped over.
It will allow more advanced users to experience various types of complicated stunts, like back and front flips and even 360-degree spins. This vehicle also has speed control and it comes with a 2.4 GHz remote control that is designed to provide smoother rides.
What We Love:
❤️ Made from high-quality materials like ABS aviation plastic and high-grade rubber
❤️ Protected against wear and tear and vibrations
What We Don’t Love:
💔 The controller could be sturdier
9. Force1 Crawler 6 Remote Control Car for Kids – 6-Wheeled RC Car
For kids that enjoy different designed remote control cars, this one will definitely be enjoyable for them. Unlike most RC cars that come with just four wheels, this one has a total of six wheels, which allows it to maneuver in various types of conditions. This is classified as being a double-sided stunt car, which means if it flips over it will continue to drive without having to stop the fun.
It comes with tough all-terrain rubber tires that make it capable of driving and crawling over most types of flooring and terrain. It is capable of performing various types of stunts, like 360-degree flips and several other options. It uses a USB charging cable that helps to charge the internal battery. It will run for approximately three to four hours when it is fully charged.
What We Love:
❤️ Car and controller use a 2.4 GHz frequency
❤️ Quality of this crawler is assured
What We Don’t Love:
💔 It shouldn’t ever be run through or around bodies of water
10. Liberty Imports My First Cartoon RC Race Car Radio Remote Control Toy
All kids enjoy playing with remote control cars, but many cars are not toddler-friendly. This is where this remote car comes into play. It is designed specifically for toddlers and younger children. It has a cool design, and it will run just as fast as more advanced vehicles. These cars make various types of sounds, and they are equipped with lights that will allow kids to continue to follow their car, even if it goes into a dark area.
This car also comes with three different figures that can be placed into the driver’s seat of the car, which helps to promote creative play situations for kids to enjoy. The remote control has a simplistic design that will allow toddlers to control their cars with ease.
What We Love:
❤️ All of these cars and controllers are constructed from ABS plastic construction
❤️ Has a soft remote antenna for safety reasons
What We Don’t Love:
💔 It doesn’t have a long frequency range
11. Atlasonix Remote Control Car
The Atlasonix remote control car was designed to provide kids with an excellent stunt RC car that they can play with for hours. With this model, kids can perform various types of stunts and tricks, like flips and spins that other RC cars are not capable of performing. It is made from high-quality and non-toxic ABS plastic material that is built throughout the design to help ensure that it will stand up to the different types.
What We Love:
❤️ Uses a joystick style remote control that makes it easy to use
❤️ Comes with a 60-day money back guarantee
What We Don’t Love:
💔 It requires high-powered batteries to be able to play for longer than 5-10 minutes per use
12. Remote Control car,2.4GHz Electric Race Stunt Car
Racing RC cars can be a thrilling experience for any kid, and this vehicle is designed to be a double-sided vehicle. It has realistic LED headlights and it has 4WD that makes it a high-speed off-road vehicle. This is classified as being a stunt car, and the controller uses a 2.4 GHz frequency that makes it easy to control. The wheels are designed to shift around rather than being on a regular axis, which makes this stunt car different from others available.
It is capable of different stunts like 360-degree anticlockwise and clockwise rotations. When it is made in operation mode, it is designed to be easy to maneuver, and the controller has simplistic controls that make this stunt car easy to use even for those of beginner skill level.
What We Love:
❤️ Charged using a USB cable
❤️ Tires are made from rubber to provide an excellent grip
What We Don’t Love:
💔 The battery has to removed from the vehicle before it can be charged
13. RC Car, NQD Remote Control Monster Truck
For kids that love monster trucks, this will make an excellent addition to their RC trucks. It runs on two batteries, which helps to double its run time. It can also be purchased in two different color schemes. This truck has a 2.4 GHz frequency controller, which helps to improve its control. It even has the 4WD capability with dual motors that are located in the front and rear of the trucks.
The truck comes equipped with a suspension shock absorber system that helps to keep the truck from taking internal damage. The battery comes with a USB charging system, and it is capable of being driven across most types of terrain, but it should still not be driven directly through the water. These trucks can also be operated simultaneously without having to worry about remote confusion.
What We Love:
❤️ Suitable for adults and kids, alike, which makes it suitable for the entire family
❤️ Controller is designed to have an ultra-fast response to the truck
What We Don’t Love:
💔 The batteries that are included with this truck could be better quality
14. RASTAR RC Car | 1/14 Scale Ferrari LaFerrari
Not everyone can own an expensive Ferrari LaFerrari, but this remote control car will allow kids to enjoy this sports car anywhere they want. This car is made from high-quality ABS plastic material, and it is designed to be a replica of the Ferrari La Ferrari automobile. It even has butterfly doors that can be opened manually with working headlights and taillights.
It has exquisite detail inside the car and on the outside, right down to the authentic leather seats and stereo system. It uses rubber tires and beautifully detailed rims, and it also has a built-in spring suspension system, which allows the car to run smoothly. Finally, it can be operated on two different frequencies, which means that multiple cars can be run at the same time without having to worry about any sort of interference.
What We Love:
❤️ Comes factory assembled and ready to run
❤️ Has a remote range of up to 98feet
What We Don’t Love:
💔 It can run on carpet but not very well
15. RC Racing Car, 2.4Ghz High Speed Remote Control Car
This remote control car is designed to look like a racing car, and it comes with a 2.4 GHz controller that will provide them with a high-speed experience. It can be purchased in three different color schemes, and it has several functions that many other vehicles do not possess. For instance, it is a shockproof suspension that will allow it to maneuver over different terrain without breaking.
It uses an elastic body and tire system that helps to keep the car from being damaged on the off chance of a collision. This car comes with a 2.4 GHz controller that provides excellent frequency and allows for a smooth operation of the vehicle. Finally, it comes with a strong motor that will allow kids to enjoy the power behind the vehicle, and it will also allow it to move faster and be more responsive.
What We Love:
❤️ More than two of these RC vehicles can race without remote confusion
❤️ Every part is made from high-quality, non-toxic material and electronic elements
What We Don’t Love:
💔 The lithium battery that comes in this car can be difficult to replace
What to look for in an RC car under $50
While $50 is on the lower-end budget you can still find an RC car that children will enjoy if you consider the following:
- Ready-to-Run (RTR) Kits: Look for complete kits that include the car, controller, and batteries.
- Electric Powered: Electric RC cars are affordable, beginner-friendly, and come with rechargeable batteries. Avoid gas/nitro RC cars, as they often cost at least $200+.
- Scale: Smaller scales like 1:18 or 1:24 are more budget-friendly.
- Off-Road Capability: Choose RC cars designed for off-road use for versatility.
- Simple Design: Focus on performance rather than aesthetics.
- Brands and Reviews: Consider reputable brands like Maisto, SZJJX, and Hosim with positive reviews.
- Limited Speed: Lower-priced RC cars have lower maximum speeds, which benefits beginners.
Considering these factors, you can find an affordable RC car that provides an enjoyable experience.
