12 Best Remote Control Cars Under $200

Just like you, I would expect much more than something typical if I were to fork out an RC car under 200 dollars.

For a start, I would want greater power and speed, an exceptional car rich in clever features, a ton of quality fun, and plenty of room for customization.

Now, the question you may be asking yourself is how to choose the best one?

Well, I've done that for you, here’s a complete overview of the Top 10 remote control cars and trucks under $200.

Image	Product
Best Choice	1:16 Laegendary Sonic RC Truck Run Time: 30 minutes+ Speed: 33 mph 2x 7.2V 1000maH LI-PO Batteries Check Price	Check Price
Popular	Redcat Racing Blackout SC 1/10 Scale Electric Short Course Truck with Waterproof Electronics Vehicle, Blue Charger included Speed: 22 mph 7.2V 3000mAh NiMH Battery Check Price	Check Price
Also Great	Laengendary RC Monster Truck Run Time: 30 minutes Speed: 30 mph 7.4V 1600mAh Li-ion Battery Check Price	Check Price
Very Durable	Redcat Racing Volcano EPX Monster Truck Run Time: 10-20 minutes Speed: 15-20 mph 7.2V 2000mAh NiMH Battery Check Price	Check Price
Bargain	Hosim Large Size Remote Control Truck 9125 Run Time: 10-15 minutes Speed: 30 mph 7.4V 1600mAH Li-ion-PO Battery Check Price	Check Price
Monster Truck	Redcat Racing Everest-10 Electric Rock Crawler 540 Brushed motor Waterproof electronics 7.2V NiMH Battery Check Price	Check Price
Fastest	Traxxas 1/10 Scale Rustler 2WD Stadium Truck Run Time: 15-30 minutes Speed: 35 mph 3000mAh NiMh Battery (not included) Check Price	Check Price
	Traxxas Stampede - Xl-5 Monster Truck Run Time: 20 minutes Speed: 30+ mph 7-Cell NiMH 3000mAh Traxxas iD Battery Check Price	Check Price
Expensive	Redcat Racing EPX Drift RC Car One of the best drifting rc cars Hard drift tires 7.2V 2000mAh Battery Check Price	Check Price
	1/14th Tacon Soar RC Buggy Run Time: 12 minutes Speed: 20-25 mph 7.2V 1100mAh NiMH Battery Check Price	Check Price
	Tamiya America Racing Fighter 2WD Off Road Buggy Lightweight and durable Speed: 15-20 mph Remote control and Battery not included Check Price	Check Price
	Exceed RC Electric DriftStar Drift Car Run Time: 15 minutes Speed: 30 mph 7.2V 1800maH Ni-MH Battery Check Price	Check Price

Laegendary Sonic 1/16 - the best choice

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The Laegendary Sonic is Triton’s bigger brother and it’s a different kind of beast.

For the price, you get a brushless motor, oil-filled shock absorbers, and foam-filled tires which all seem a nice upgrade to the car. Moreover, the independent wishbone suspension is excellent and pretty tough with ball bearings in the wheel hubs and metal dogbone shafts.

In case you want to fly with it, there are 2 LiPo 1000mAh batteries and even a LiPo fireproof bag.

The most outstanding characteristic of the truck is that it's fully waterproof. You can drive it in the rain, immerse into deep puddles and it will continue to race without a problem!

The Laegendary Sonic is a top-quality RC car that, with a bit of care, will last you for years. In my opinion, Sonic is the best RC car for a 200$ price you can buy in the 1/16 scale.

Top Features

• Product Dimension: 10.2 x 9.25 x 4.5 inches
• Weight: 4.39 pounds
• Vehicle Battery: 2 x Li-Po 7.4V, 1000 mAh
• Speed: 33 mph
• Run Time: 30 minutes
• Battery Required: 2 AA
• Age: 6+

Pros

• Oil-filled shocks
• Two batteries
• Good battery life
• Brushless motor

Cons

• Front bumper is a bit flimsy
• Plastic rims in the wheels

Redcat Racing Blackout - the best burgain 

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The Redcat Racing Blackout is an entry-level 1/10 RC truck with a brushed motor, a 3000 mAh NiMh battery, and a good price.

Still and all, it has a bunch of unique elements: aluminum caps, ball bearings, and all-metal gears. These pieces are extremely important in terms of bashing and racing.

The amazing feature this truck has is the servo savers behind each wheel, so as to prevent the servo from breaking easily. This tricky detail can save you a good deal of money spent on replacements.

I must warn you that unlike the previous car, this one is not fully waterproof, so the level of water should not reach the motor and electronics.

All in all, the Redcat Racing Blackout is a fine hobby-grade RC car which will save you a great deal of money, thanks to the manufacturer's smart design.

Top Features

• Product Dimension: 17.5 x 11 x 5.5 inches
• Weight: 8.25 pounds
• Vehicle Battery: NiMh 7.2V, 3000 mAh
• Speed: 22 mph
• Run Time: 10 minutes
• Battery Required: 8 AA

Pros

• Smart design
• Good suspension
• Very sturdy
• Interchangeable parts

Cons

• The steering servo is a bit weak
• Not very speedy

LÆGENDARY Off-Road Monster Truck - my personal favourite

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This 1:10 Laegendary car is a real Legend. It’s well-built, fast, durable, powerful, and completely able to maintain the true spirit of monster trucks.

What I love the most are its super-powerful 60 amp dual motors and dual oil-filled shocks. Thus, the car gives you an astonishing performance and withstands any hurdles you put it through.

The truck also has versatile heavy-duty tires made out of rubber compounds. They provide a superior grip off-road just as good performance on concrete or 2-3 cm snow!

In terms of speed, I must say that the speed levels on each different surface, but on flat ground it is likely to reach up to 30 mph.

Overall, this 1:10 scale LÆGENDARY Off-Road Monster Truck is an amazing RC car with a great price.

Top Features

• Product dimensions:17.5 x 12.4 x 6.5 inches
• Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Speed: up to 30mph
• Vehicle battery: 2 x LiPo 7.4V 1600mAh
• Run time: 30 mins
• Batteries required: 3 x 1,5AA batteries
• Age: 8+

Pros

• 2 brushed motors
• Dual shocks on each wheel
• Friendly service

Cons

• No waterproof capabilities
  

Redcat Racing Volcano EPX - 4WD Monster Truck - the sturdiest

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Off-road purists who’ve interacted with the Volcano EPX call it a capable daredevil.  It can smash into punishing obstacles, climb up rocky terrains, and speed through uneven terrains.

The high ground clearance will take all sorts of punishment without having its body harmed. This durability is reinforced further with a tough chassis, transmission cover, and sealed electronics casings which perform protective functions.

The uniqueness of the truck is its 8 oil-filled shock absorbers which do an excellent job of smoothing jumps and crashes.

The best feature of the truck is that the wheels are highly responsive and the remote control distance is very long. You will never have to run after it.

Fast, powerful, and fun to drive, the Volcano EPX ticks off all the boxes when it comes to The sturdiest RC Truck under $200.

Product specifications:

• Product dimensions: 15.75 x 12.25 x 7.5 inches
• Weight: 8.95 pounds
• Speed: 15-20 mph
• Vehicle battery:7.2V 2000mAh NiMH battery
• Run time:10-20 mins
• Batteries required: 4 x AA
• Age:8+

Pros

• Powerful structure
• Adjustable and upgradable

Cons

• Cheap charger
• Weak front bumper
• Included 2000mAH battery is too weak/should better be replaced

Hosim Electronic Monster Truck R/C RTR Hobby Grade Cross-country Car -  the most agile

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If I were you I would definitely put an eye on this Hosim Electronic Monster Truck.

This truck has anti-skid heavy-duty wheels that are soft and resistant to shocks. They also have the 45-degree climbing capability to take hilly surfaces with ease.

One of the most wonderful features of this RC beast is that it has a set of twin motors to supply enough power for overcoming any off-road obstacle.

On the other hand, many of the components are plastic (shock absorbers, the a-arms, the shock towers). Most of these aren't a big deal, but if you plan to be rough on the car, you will surely need replacements.

Hosim Monster Truck runs exceptionally well and handles great.  It's unquestionably the most agile car under 200$ on the market now!

Technical specifications:

• Product dimensions: 13.58 x 12.01 x 6.5 inches
• Weight: 5.44 pounds
• Speed: 30 mph
• Vehicle battery: 1 x 7.4N/1600mAH Li-ion-PO battery
• Run time: 15 mins
• Battery required: 3 AA
• Age: 8+

Pros

• A set of twin(2) motors
• A good shell for electronics
• 45 degree climbing capability

Cons

• Plastic spring shocks
• Weak battery life

Pros

• Super movable on rocks
• Long battery life
• Neat design

Cons

• Many plastic parts (should have better been replaced my metal ones)

Traxxas Rustler 2WD Stadium Truck - The Best Quality

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If you care about brand reputation, here’s a veteran who won’t betray your trust and expectations. Traxxas Rustler lives up to its name with its high-quality elements and racer-like structure.

There are high-quality oil-filled shocks and very strong coil springs that will immediately make you hooked. The car is exceptionally bouncy and responsive.

The most important feature of the truck is its 550 modified motor and XL-5 Electronic Speed Control which make the truck clock 35mph.

What I also love about it is that the Rustler is ready for over-the-top power without the costly upgrades. It already has all the high-quality elements that ensure sturdiness, rapidity, and agility.

All in all, I'm sure this is the best quality RC car for the budget of 200$ that you can buy now.

Top Features

• Product dimensions: 17.5 x 12.25 x 7 inches
• Weight: 6.3 pounds
• Speed: 35 mph
• Vehicle battery:3,000ma NiMH
• Run time: 30 mins
• Battery required: 4 AA
• Age: 10+

Pros

• Fancy design
• Super powerful motor
• High-quality elements

Cons

• Doesn't come with a charger
• Can't manifest its capabilities on uneven surface

Traxxas Stampede Monster Truck - the Best for Multiple Purposes

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The 1:10 scale Stampede Monster truck easily joggles the unique style, decent speed, and ability to withstand extreme situations.

It's packed with innovative features, like the racing-style Magnum 272™ transmission propel, fiber-composite chassis, and the advanced revo technology all of which contribute towards its superior performance in the race and off-road.

Thanks to the high ground clearance and ultra-tough suspensions, this truck is fully capable of maneuvering at decent speeds without flipping over all the time. However, it can't make sharp turns at high speeds.

Believe me, this 1:10 Traxxas Stampede Monster Truck will always satisfy your needs whether it's speed, crawling, or anther smash test. The truck is the Best Multipurpose RC Car under 200$ on the market now!

Technical specifications:

• Product dimensions: 16.25 x 12.75 x 9.5 inches
• Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Speed: 30mph
• Vehicle battery: 7-Cell NiMH 3000mAh Traxxas iD battery
• Run time: 20-30 mins
• Batteries required: 4 AA
• Age: 8+

Pros

• Waterproof electronics
• Lands upright
• Bouncy
• Good ground clearance

Cons

• Bad transition
• A cheap charger

Redcat Racing EPX Drift Car - the Best Drift Car

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When I think of drifting, there's only one thing in my mind: 1:10 scale Redcat Racing EPX.

I really like it that the adjustable ride height, toe, and camber angle give a user the freedom to choose their preferred driving style.

Additionally, the plastic lightweight chassis helps to recover quickly from drifts and change the direction without too much struggle.

I cannot but mention the drift-specific tires with foam inserts and aluminum-capped oil-filled shocks.

I can surely state, that this Redcat Racing EPX is the best drift car under 200$ you can ever find.

Top Features

• Product dimensions: 14.25 x 8 x 4.5 inches
• Weight: 6 pounds
• Speed: 20 mph
• Vehicle battery: 7.2V NIMH
• Run time: 15-20 mins
• Battery required: 4 AA

Pros

• Adjustable ride height, toe, and camber angle
• High quality tires and shocks
• Good transmission

Cons

• A rather weak battery
• A bit slow

Exceed-RC Tacon Soar Buggy - the Fastest

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What a fast buggy! This Exceed-RC Tacon Soar Buggy will leave everyone raving about how well-engineered and powerful it is.

The position, structure, landing, the fact, that shocks and links are fully adjustable makes it a very good replica of Schumacher's Formula 1 car.

Thanks to its super-powerful 4500 kV brushless motor this little RC car can reach 45-50 mph, and I bet you have never seen such a small car being so fast! Unfortunately, the truck is prone to flipping over.

There are aluminum-threaded shocks, thick aluminum chassis, steel bearings and dogbones. This must be the only car within this price range to be manufactured with so many metal inserts.

Still and all, with the Exceed-RC Tacon Soar Buggy, you get what you pay for. I' m sure this is the fastest RC car under 200$ now.

Top Features

• Product Dimensions: 11.97 x 7.95 x 4.33 inches
• Weight: 5.3 pounds
• Speed: 45 mph
• Vehicle battery: 7.2V 1100mAh NiMH battery
• Run time: 20 mins
• Battery required: 3 AA

Pros

• The fastest (45mph)
• Lots of metal elements

Cons

• Suspensions are rather stiff
• Easily flips over

Tamiya Racing Fighter 2WD Off-Road Buggy - the Best DIY Kit

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For those of you, who love to customize and put their trucks apart, there is the Tamiya Racing Fighter.

This is a DIY kit that requires only 3 things: a battery, a remote control, and a charger.

The kit contains plenty of things thoughtfully provided by a manufacturer. For instance, the speed controller compatible with a brushed or brushless motor, a built-in differential gear for smooth cornering, and a powerful steering servo.

The car has different tires: sturdy rear tires to give you a great grip on the road and smooth front tires to ensure the fastest speed this car can make.

This rc car can become the best present for advanced RC lovers or industrious enthusiasts. In my opinion, this Tamiya Racing Fighter is the best DIY kit under 200$.

Technical specifications

• Product dimensions: 19.09 x 9.06 x 5.91 inches
• Weight: 3.96 pounds
• Speed: 15-20 mph
• Vehicle battery: no
• Run time: 15-20 mins
• Items required: 2-channel radio, 7.2 battery, and charger

Pros

• Tough enough
• Easy and fun to build
• Thick gears

Cons

• Not completely upgradable
• You’ll have to purchase extra elements

Exceed RC -Powered Drift Car (Carbon Yellow) - the Best Value for Money

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Meet one of the fastest drift cars - the Exceed Driftstar! Be it indoors or outdoors, this speedster will drift with unseen determination.

First of all, it has slick wheels that make driving a breeze. Secondly, there's a large front bumper to protect the car against sudden impacts. Finally, there is an aluminum center driveshaft to ensure better navigation and steadiness.

Apart from this, there are wonderful drift setups: toe-in, front, and rear camber.

I may also note, that the steering of the car is exceptionally precise, enabling the car to make amazing smooth moves around the corners.

If you care about speed, performance, and versatility, then this RC car should be your choice. The Exceed RC Driftstar is the best value for money under 200$.

Technical specifications

• Product dimensions: 14.17 x 7.87 x 4.41 inches
• Weight: 5.7 pounds
• Speed: 35 mph
• Vehicle battery: 7.2V 1800maH NiMH
• Run time: 15-20 mins
• Battery required: 4 AA

Pros

• Tight and solid seal underneath
• Precise steering

Cons

• Quite bouncy

Things To Consider Before Buying RC Car for $200

Earlier on, I mentioned that with the relevant info, you are more likely to be guided into picking the perfect (or near-perfect) RC car. One that you’ll be proud of years to come and even live to cherish.

So, I’ll take you through each piece of information carefully:

Your Wants, Needs, & Expectations

Wants are those things you’d love to see the feature in your RC car, but even without them, you’d still consider the option in question.

It could be things like speed, battery life, availability of spare parts or room for upgrade, transmitter range, and so on.

Needs, on the other hand, are those aspects you can’t excuse, no matter what.

For example, if you want an RC car for the outdoors, you’ll definitely have to limit your choice to RC trucks, buggies, or truggies.

And if you want a speedster that’s light and a champ on flat soft surfaces, then you’ll have to go for racing sedans or specific drift cars.

As for expectations, these are the things you look forward to that will ensure all your needs are met and your wants satisfied.

It could be a well-rated RC truck or racer that doesn’t fall short of the manufacturer's promises. Or a hobby-grade RC car that’s capable of extreme action.

Now, if you lack such information, chances are you’ll not even know what RC car you or your younger ones deserve. And that could expose you to a poor decision.

Let’s take a quick look at some of the important features you’ll want to pay most attention to:

Motor Type

Two major types of motors you’ll run into are brushed and brushless.

Brushless motors are known to be more durable, faster and with longer battery life. Toy-grade cars tend to use them a lot. T usually denotes the motor’s rating. The lower the rating, the better the motor. The best performing motors range between 5t and 12t.

As for brushless RC cars under $200, their performance rating takes the form of KVs. A lower KV motor packs more torque and fewer revolutions per minute, and vice versa.

Here’s that explains a little bit more about brushed vs brushless motors:

Battery

As you’ve probably noticed in the reviews, RC cars mostly use NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) batteries.

But there’s an equally capable alternative as well- LiPo, mostly acquired as an upgrade. Both perform well but if you want an extended fun time, LiPo would be a better choice.

Durability

Chances are you won’t baby your RC car. Neither will your kid. Accidents are bound to happen. There will crushes, wall knocks, bumps, tough terrains, you name it.

To survive these events, your RC car will need to have a strong chassis, probably one made aluminum or hard plastic.

Internal components will need protection, which can be achieved through better suspensions, shocks, tires, and waterproof coverings.

Brand

Naturally, you’ll want to go for the top brands because they tend to be tried and tested. But don’t forget that they are also expensive and some might even disappoint you big time.

I would suggest you consider other capable brands with models that have demonstrated an equally great capacity to be winning RC cars.

Luckily for you, I’ve explored in detail the options on our list, just to be sure every aspect is covered and that you’ve got everything you need to make the right judgment.

If you find these cars from the list expensive - we'll be ready to share the article with the best RC cars under 100 dollars. Or maybe you want to save up the money for the more expensive ones?

Final Thoughts

Now you’ve got all the key info you’ll ever need to find your best remote control car under $200. Have you?

Clearly, there are plenty of options at your disposal. I hope you’ve found a car that fits you or your kid.

If not, don’t be discouraged. Keep looking. The list is huge and keeps in mind we’ve got an RC car for everyone, you included.

Meanwhile, the RC cars on our list would be a great option, to begin with for starters or to add to your existing collection.

As you’ve noticed, each has its unique qualities. Some, like the Exceed-RC Tacon Soar Buggy RC, are small, while the majority are huge.

Clearly, trucks dominate the list, but if you want something different, the buggies and drift cars have you covered.

Now, it’s time to make a decision!

Good luck!

FAQ