Best RC Cars in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update November 1, 2024
Whether you're eight or forty-eight, if you love cars and enjoy tinkering, you go into raptures on buying an RC car. We have reviewed ...Read more
PROS
A large size of the car ensures a great racing experience. All gear parts are made of high-grade metal. A high-capacity battery delivers a long playing time.
CONS
The car's shell is fixed with wire locks that may disengage while bouncing or shocking.
OUR VERDICT
Owing to the stiff and durable structure, this RC car is ready for any race and challenge. Pick TOZO, surmount any terrain and make dazzling stunts!
detailed parameters
ENGINE TYPE
Electric
POWER
7.4V 1400 mAh battery for car, 3x AAA batteries for remote
TYPE OF VEHICLE
Off-road buggy
TYPE OF SURFACE
Rough terrain with medium-height springboards and obstacles
SCALE
1:12
CONTROL
2.4GHz radio control system
OPERATING RANGE

Up to 110 metres

SPEED

Up to 30 km/h

WARRANTY
Lifetime
PROS

The independent suspension helps the car overcome uneven parts of the road without damaging the body. The metal bearing enhances overall durability so that even small trampoline jumps are safe.

CONS

Not the most powerful battery.

OUR VERDICT

The model is fast enough to win RC car competitions, its maximum speed is 45 km/h. If you're looking for a fast off-road model, this one is one of the top options.

detailed parameters
ENGINE TYPE

Electric

POWER

7.4V / 700 mAh battery for car, 3 х АА for remote

TYPE OF VEHICLE

Off-Road Buggy

TYPE OF SURFACE

Rough terrain with medium-height springboards and obstacles

SCALE

1:22

CONTROL

2.4GHz Radio Control System

OPERATING RANGE

Up to 50 metres

SPEED

Up to 45 km/h

WARRANTY

Amazon's 30-day return policy

PROS
A high suspension allows the car overcoming big barriers whereas its deep-treaded wheels provide great traction on most road surfaces.
CONS
The car has moderate speed and mobility.
OUR VERDICT
Gizmos crawler is designed for riding through rocky terrain, sandy or stony ground rather than for fast racing. Both kids and adults will rejoice over such a great toy.
detailed parameters
ENGINE TYPE
Electric
POWER
5x AA batteries for car, 3x AA batteries for remote
TYPE OF VEHICLE
Off-road crawler
TYPE OF SURFACE
Rough terrain without springboards
SCALE
1:14
CONTROL
2.4GHz radio control system
OPERATING RANGE
Not specified
SPEED

Up to 12 km/h

WARRANTY
1 year
PROS
The kit doesn't need lots of batteries to work. The front wheels can be adjusted and aligned with the rear suspension for the perfect running.
CONS
The tyres may slip in off-road conditions.
OUR VERDICT
It's a medium-size RC car that won't make you seek a place for a ride. Being very easy-to-use, this model will be a great choice for getting started in RC toys.
detailed parameters
ENGINE TYPE
Electric
POWER
4x AA batteries
TYPE OF VEHICLE
Off-road buggy truggy
TYPE OF SURFACE
Plain surfaces, earth roads
SCALE
1:18
CONTROL
2.4GHz radio control system
OPERATING RANGE

Up to 100 metres

SPEED

Up to 12 km/h

WARRANTY
Amazon's 30-day return policy
PROS

The tyres are made from a material highly resistant to wearing off and, at the same time, they do not leave marks on floors even when the wheels skid so playing at home is safe, too.

CONS

The remote requires some time getting used to.

OUR VERDICT

This fairly cheap buggy has shown great results on asphalt as well as off-road. The model is not afraid of dust and grime, playing with it is pure joy.

detailed parameters
ENGINE TYPE

Electric

POWER

4.8V / 700 mAh battery for car, 2 х АА for remote

TYPE OF VEHICLE

Off-Road Buggy

TYPE OF SURFACE

Plain surfaces, earth roads

SCALE

1:18

CONTROL

2.4GHz Radio Control System

OPERATING RANGE

Up to 70 metres

SPEED

Up to 20 km/h

WARRANTY

Amazon's 30-day return policy

Durable Toy For Any Road

TOZO C5031 is a small copy of a buggy made on a scale of 1:12 with a four-wheel drive. This RC car will be suitable almost for any roads. The large wheels with a deep tread grip the road nicely even when the car moves fast. Hence, the car can race on grass, soil roads, sand, and bounce over medium-height barriers. Each wheel of TOZO has independent suspension and provides great roadability. We have no doubts that a toy like this will exhilarate any kid or beginning RC enthusiast. The car's shell is made of durable PVC and is fixed to the body with 4 wire locks. Also, the car is noticeable for all-metal transmission parts. This combo of the stiff body and metal gear will provide durability while jumps and sharp turns. In addition, we need to mention a convenient remote control working at the frequency of 2.4 GHz. The remote features essential controls and status LEDs and transmits in the range up to 100 m. The car is powered by a 7.4V 1400 mAh battery, while 3 х ААА batteries are required for the remote, so we recommend you to buy batteries right away. Concluding our story, we'd like to say that TOZO C5031 is one of the most robust radio-controlled cars that will please you with its cool riding performance.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B01LYRUJE7

VIDEO

Gotta Go Fast

Now, this is one of the best remote control car models if you are looking for something with speed. This all-terrain RC car can reach up to 45 km/h and it can easily handle off-road racing. Mud or gravel will not be a problem thanks to the rubber tyres with shock-proof gaskets. The tyres are also very durable, they will live for a long time and through numerous trials you will win with this car.

This is a four-wheel drive, created with racing in mind, that's why there are a powerful motor and an independent suspension shockproof system: the former provides the highest speeds while the latter protects this small vehicle from any damage. The metal bearings make for quiet yet high-quality steering.

The battery is quite average though not bad, it will allow you to race your car against your friends and rivals for about 15 minutes on a full charge. To balance that, the charging time is also not too long, you'll only have to rest for about 1.5 hours. The distance for the controller is about 50 metres and it has protection against the interference - once again, this is definitely a good RC car for racing against someone with a car of their own.

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B076F8MVFG

Designed for Trial Racing

Think Gizmos Rock Crawler is designed for people who are getting started with RC cars. They possess outstanding off-road capabilities thanks to its peculiar design. Its 4WD is a pledge for an utmost stability on the track. High shock dampers will absorb the shock from all kinds of road obstacles. Extra high clearance and treaded heavy-duty tyres deliver superb traction. The stylish-looking painted body of this car hides the powerful motor powered by 5 АА batteries whereas 3 АА batteries are required for the remote. Unlike pricey lithium-ion batteries, you can simply replace exhausted AA batteries with new ones and get plenty of racing time. Moreover, you can buy rechargeable batteries and save money! Let's return to the car, though. Gizmos crawler isn't of insane speed, yet it is super steady on any terrain. This radio controlled car will please those seeking a toy for climbing over stones, riding through sand or loose dirt, and the one which is ready to be used right out-of-the-box. The model is available in red and blue.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B015FQEEUK

VIDEO

No Waiting Till Batteries Recharge

Playtech radio-controlled truggy comes with the electric motor that's able to boost it up to 15 km/h. It is not the fastest car on the market but it is definitely fast enough for a rough terrain so this off-road vehicle wonderfully combines great cross-country capabilities and a high speed. The model is powered by АА batteries. Hence, you won't have to wait for hours until batteries get charged—just put the new batteries in and enjoy a bout of fascinating racing. And while we're at the topic of racing, a few words about the remote control. Its operating range is more than 100 metres, so you can use this RC car on distant tracks.

The scale of 1:18 allows you to easily take the car for races or competition. This model is shipped fully assembled (so you don't need to bother with screws or nuts), looks magnificent, and is fast and reliable. Buying this Playtech RC car, you get an opportunity to experience a hobby-class model without major expenses. You'll be able to use it right after buying, but don't forget to insert batteries into the car and its remote.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £19.49
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B01LZSWIVJ

Cheap Durable Car for All-Terrain racing

For a cheap but powerful all-terrain RC truck, look no more. At a pretty reasonable price, you will get a 1:18 scale race buggy able to climb 45-degree uphill slopes and reach the speed of up to 20 km/h (though, admittedly, not at the same time). The car has a full-metal shell for better durability and longer life, a characteristic valued in outdoor toys in general and off-road trucks specifically. Extra protection is provided by use of independent suspension shockproof system, the main purpose of this part is controlling and preventing damage caused by vibration. Furthermore, the front of the model is additionally reinforced so even if it bumps into something while speeding you can expect the car to be all right regardless.

The model is fitted with a rechargeable battery capable of running for up to 25 minutes after about 3 hours of charging. This is one of the longest running times for an RC car like this. The remote works at approximately 70 metres from the car and has an anti-interference feature to allow racing other cars without issues.

This is a good model for kids to run outdoors without fear of damaging an expensive toy as it is not expensive and is affordable in price.

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B075969BYL

What Is an RC Car?

Well, RC stands for Remote Control so they are the toy cars that can be controlled from the distance using a controller that works with radio waves. Simple as that.

Most people consider RC cars a child's toy. In actual fact, it is not so. Today, RC cars have become a common hobby for both children and adults of all ages. A wide range of racing and off-road RC cars exist today. They are capable of developing high speeds, jumping over springboards and responding to radio frequencies within a long range, sometimes over a hundred metres. A lot of RC cars are designed with accuracy to look like real vehicles, making them favourites for anyone who is fond of the original full-size models. Having acquired an RC car, you can entertain yourself and your children, or compete with your friends in racing.

We also advise you to check through our reviews of slot cars and toy robots.

What Features to Compare

Engine and Power

Before you buy an RC car, engine and power are the first things to explore. The engine plays a significant part here. RC cars are not just toys, but reduced copies of real cars with similar equipment and engines are among them. RC cars may be equipped with gas or electric engines. The gas-powered RC cars need care and regular maintenance, so tools, fuel canisters, and spare parts are required. Yet, gas-powered models are speedy and need no charging. Hence, they are suitable for outdoor use only. Electric RC cars are quiet, eco-friendly and emit no exhausts. They are powered by AA or AAA batteries or any other batteries included in a supply package. Electric RC cars are less vulnerable and can be used indoors. As a rule, they gather high speeds faster, too.

Scale, Type of Vehicle and Surface

Once you decide on an engine, proceed to learn a scale, type of vehicle and surface to ride. All RC cars are basically divided into on-road and off-road. The on-road models are great for roads with a smooth coating like asphalt. On-road models are able to ride at a high speed, they show good dynamics and are easy to control. The 1:14 scale on-road RC cars are large models for home use. They are often called office RC cars since they can race even over countertops. The 1:12 scale cars will be great for outdoor races on asphalt roads, and specially equipped tracks. If you are going to ride over earth roads or cross countries, you should pay attention to off-road RC cars. They are divided into subcategories, so let's consider each one. Short course trucks are versatile and dynamic and will behave well on both plain and rough terrains. Buggies refer to off-road RC cars. They are excellent for dirt roads and stable at high speeds. Crawlers are not capable of a high-speed racing, yet they have a very high torque that allows them to overcome any obstacles where other models fail. Monster trucks are primarily designed for the off-roading and can be used anywhere. Still, they have high centres of gravity, so they are difficult to control at high speeds. The drive and scale of RC cars are worth your consideration as well.

Control

When it comes to control, we should say that all RC cars of our review are controlled via transmitters. The operating range is the only thing all transmitters differ by. The wider it is, the longer distance your car can cover. The wide operating range will let you stay in place and control your toy without running behind it. The frequency range is also important for controlling. The radio transmitters of 27 MHz are more sensitive to interference and have a shorter response than transmitters of 2.4 GHz. The number of channels of a transmitter indicates the number of tasks a car can perform. 2 channels mean that a car can move forward/backwards, and left/right. The more channels a transmitter has, the more manoeuvres a model can do.

Sources:

1. Choosing A Remote Control Car - Beginners to Advanced, eBay. November 15, 2006.

2. How to Buy a Nitro Remote Control Vehicle, wikiHow.

3. Michael James How To Choose Radio Control Toys, About.

4. Radio-controlled car, Wikipedia. December 7, 2016.

Other reviews