Kids, young and old, love tanks. They look cool, they’re strong, and they blow things up. That’s why tanks have been favorite toys for almost as long as the real things have existed, combine that with the ability to control them remotely, and there’s a huge amount of fun to be had. A remote control tank offers realistic sounds and movement without destructive power.
Using only the most trustworthy intel from real online reviews and blasting away any toys with fake ones, we’ve created this shortlist of the twelve best remote control tanks that can take on any needed mission.
1. Cheerwing 1:72 German Tiger (Best Budget Option)
The Cheerwing 1:72 German Tiger features a high-quality design to resemble the real thing. It even has a 360° rotating turret and flexible tracks that work along hard surfaces, outdoors, and on carpeted areas. For visual effects, it has a fun recoil effect whenever the cannon artillery “fires”. There are also some cool firing sound effects so kids can fully immerse themselves.
What we love:
- Has good maneuverability to go over or around certain objects
- Designed with realistic features such as the rotating turret and the cool sound effects
We don’t like this as much:
- Some noises can overpower other sounds, so it can be difficult to hear everything at once
2. 5-in-1 Remote Control STEM Building Blocks Car Tank (Best Quality Option)
The STEM Building Blocks Car Tank is one of the 12 best remote control tanks with a versatile design. With 402 included pieces, this toy boasts 5 different model combinations so kids can create many different vehicles for a more diverse play experience. Controlling the vehicle is straightforward and intuitive, thanks to the car’s sensing ability.
What we love:
- The remote features a good battery life, so kids can play longer
- Well-designed and may drive well on flat and some uneven terrain outdoors
We don’t like this as much:
- Some pieces, such as the axel, may fit awkwardly with separate LEGO pieces.
3. Bo-Toys RC Shooting Tank
The Bo-Toys RC Shooting Tank includes 1,276 pieces so kids can construct the ultimate faux “Storm of the Desert” shooting tank. It is a great tool to encourage patience, communication, and hand-eye coordination in children as they carefully construct the impressive tank. Once the military vehicle is put together, it can serve well for mock battle simulations.
What we love:
- Features detailed, step-by-step instructions to guide kids through the setup process
- Includes reliable materials so that the result is sturdy to hold up against frequent play
We don’t like this as much:
- The tank may only work well indoors on hard, flat surfaces.
4. POCO DIVO Abrams vs. Terrorist Fort Combat Fight RC Tank
This RC tank is a cool replica of the Abrams vs. Terrorist Fort combat fight that uses a mock M1A2 Abrams USA Battle Tank. The tank and the fort are interactive for great immersion and pretend play. Start the tank; it features fun cannon and engine sounds. It also has a 300° rotating turret, and 4 LED indicator lights.
What we love:
- The tank features incredible turret rotation to make the battle more realistic and fun
- When struck, the tank is designed to simulate real damage by turning off certain functions
We don’t like this as much:
- If used indoors, there is a chance that certain rapid turns can cause the tank tracks to come off
5. Haktoys RC 12in. Fighting Battle Tanks
The Haktoys RC 12in. Fighting Battle Tanks are some of the best remote-control tanks that come in a pair so kids can instantly jump into simulated wars. Each tank comes with its remote control, each on different frequencies: 27MHz and 40MHz. This way, there should be no interference, so the tanks operate individually easily. The tanks also differ in design, as one is desert camo, and the other is woodland camo.
What we love:
- Features interactive firing effects using sounds and movements
- Fun separate designs on each tank to easily differentiate them
We don’t like this as much:
- You might have to readjust the wheel treads if the tanks are used on the carpet
6. Remote Control M4A3 Sherman IR Battle Tank
Designed after the US M4A3 Sherman battle tank, this full-scale RC tank includes fully functional transmitter controls allowing seven-way movement. This also features a high-gripping caterpillar design that lets the tank climb steep slopes up to 45°. Additional functions include the turret’s left and right turning and the gun’s up and down movement.
What we love:
- It can be used well on outdoor and indoor surfaces.
- Features wonderful sound effects and motions to simulate real battles
We don’t like this as much:
- The cannon has to be manually raised or lowered, as it can’t be done with the controller.
7. RC Tanks 1:28 M1A2 American Tank Army Tank Toys
The RC Tanks 1:28 M1A2 American Tank is one of the 12 best remote control tanks with hyper-realistic detailing. Modeled after the German Tiger Tank, it is designed so that it can be used as an RC toy just as well as set up as part of a collection. This tank moves in multiple directions: left, right, forward, and backward. The remote has a distance of 25 meters, and it also comes with an optional soldier to drive the tank.
What we love:
- It comes with a sturdy controller that is easy to navigate.
- Handles different terrain and obstacles well
We don’t like this as much:
- It can be a bit of a hassle to unscrew the compartment to recharge the battery
8. STEM Toys Remote Control Building Sets
With the STEM Toys Remote Control Building Sets, children can experience the joy of RC toys while gaining some lifelong skills. Using 353 pieces, this set allows for the creation of three different speedsters, all movable with the remote controller. This comes with two strong motors and textured tires, so the vehicles move well on various surfaces.
What we love:
- Quality tires allow it to work great for off-road driving
- Solid pieces that hold together well
We don’t like this as much:
- Both the controls and range of the controller are limited and basic in use.
9. Fisca Remote Control Tank
The Fisca Remote Control Tank is one of the best remote control tanks in a high-end design with 15 full-channel operations. It can perform the usual feats of moving forward, but it also goes backward/forward right, left spin/backward right, and left spin/center-rotate to the right. Through the controller, kids can also move it left and rotate the turret, move the muzzle up and down, and shoot out soft bullets.
What we love:
- Great recoil simulation when the bullets are fired
- Offers smooth control for indoor use
We don’t like this as much:
- The remote feels like it could be stronger
10. Mostop Remote Control Crawler High-Speed Tank
A robust type of tank, the Mostop Remote Control Crawler gives a high-speed race-like quality in a hefty design. Full-scale control allows the tank to move backward, forward, and turn left or right. It’s known to reach speeds greater than 9 mph, and it has a comfortable 80-meter range.
What we love:
- Tracks have a good shock-absorption system, and the car moves well on multiple terrain types
- Travels at fun high speeds that are easily controlled
We don’t like this as much:
- There’s a chance that the tracks can come off during sharp turns
What to look for when buying an RC tank toy:
Buying an RC (remote control) tank for a kid is an exciting gift, but several considerations are necessary to ensure it’s the right fit:
- Age Appropriateness: Check the manufacturer’s recommended age range. Some RC tanks have small parts or complex controls not suitable for younger kids.
- Durability: Kids can be tough on toys. Opt for a sturdy, high-quality plastic or metal model.
- Ease of Use: Select a tank with simple, intuitive controls to avoid frustration.
- Battery Life: Longer battery life equals more playtime and less charging or battery replacement.
- Safety: Ensure the tank has no sharp edges or small, breakable parts. Consider speed and power for younger kids.
- Features: RC tanks may have sound effects, lights, or harmless projectiles. Ensure these are safe and age-appropriate.
- Price: Consider your budget. RC tanks can range in price based on features, quality, and brand.
- Reviews and Ratings: Read reviews and check ratings for insight on the tank’s quality and suitability.
- Size: Different sizes and scales are available. Consider the child’s play space when choosing.
- Brand Reputation: Research brands for their reputation in producing quality, durable, and safe RC toys.
Above all, ensure the toy aligns with the child’s interests for continued engagement.
