When choosing the best remote control car for your kid, pick one based on age appropriateness, battery type and life, and durability. To come up with the best picks, we looked for popular, high-quality remote control cars at the top of their respective categories and those with unique features that distinguish them in a crowded marketplace. Our list of the best remote control cars includes picks for every age, from toddlers to teens. Here are the best remote control cars for kids. Price at time of publication: $30 This Brio remote control car does require a lot of batteries (seven AA), but to help save energy, it is equipped with a sleep mode that turns the car off after five minutes of inactivity—a very helpful feature for little ones with short attention spans. Price at time of publication: $52 Price at time of publication: $31 Parents will also appreciate that the truck operates on a rechargeable battery, with a USB cord tucked into a compartment. The remote does require two AAA batteries that are not included but once powered, its range is up to 250 feet. Price at time of publication: $99 Price at time of publication: $142 According to the manufacturer, the motor has the power to perform 21.500 revolutions per minute, which may lead to overheating after long periods of strenuous use. The motor is equipped with a heat dissipation mechanism to prevent this, but allowing the truck to rest after 15 minutes of continuous play is recommended. Price at time of publication: $80 Price at time of publication: $49 Price at time of publication: $40 This car is compatible with 4-inch Batman action figures (not included) and is recommended for kids ages 4 and up. Use the 2.4GHz dual joystick controller to take it in any direction—from up to 100 feet away. Price at time of publication: $60 Price at time of publication: $21
What to Look for in a Remote Control Car
Age Appropriateness
Choose a remote control car that aligns with the child’s age. This isn’t just a matter of safety (for instance, small parts can be choking hazards for smaller kids) but a matter of enjoyment, too. Older kids may be bored by simpler toys geared to smaller tots, and intricate building kits or instructions are likely too advanced to entertain the littles. For a simple design that is durable, easy to use, and ideal for toddlers, our top recommendation is the Brio 30388 R/C Race Car. If your kiddo is older and a serious hobbyist, you might want to consider the DEERC RC Cars 9310 High-Speed Remote Control Car or the LEGO Technic Remote-Controlled Stunt Racer 42095 Building Kit.
Battery Type and Life
Consider that some of the remote control car kits on our list require as many as 10 batteries (which are usually not included). In some cases, cars come with rechargeable batteries, which will provide significant cost savings in the long term. Also, examine the battery life, which will determine the length of play before recharge or replacement. The NQD Remote Control Monster Truck is the standout in our list with the longest battery life—it includes two rechargeable batteries that provide 45 minutes of playtime each.
Durability
Consider durability when evaluating a potential purchase. You might be comfortable spending a lower price on a car for a younger child, even if you didn’t expect it to last. But if you’re splurging on an investment toy for an older kid, you should fairly expect it to last. We were able to test the Monster Jam Mega Megalodon and were impressed by its quality and durability.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Alesandra Dubin is a professional product reviewer in the parenting and lifestyle space. She’s also mom to boy-girl twins and has eight years of in-home, hands-on, kid-tested experience. She adds that using toys like remote control cars requires fine motor ability, “so incorporating them into play, in moderation like all things, could benefit this type of development.” And it’s a good idea to experiment; “it often becomes clear if a toy is developmentally appropriate and engaging after some time trying it out,” she says.
