Best RC Cars under $100

Also known as RC trucks, remote-controlled trucks, have become popular with both young kids and adults. Usually, they’re one-foot long and may be used for racing or rock crawling. It’s not long before someone gets hooked on these toys, so here is a buying guide on the best RC trucks under 100 USD in December 2024 to help you find the best ones on the market.

If you're pressed for time, here's my top picks of the best rc cars under $100.

Table of contents:

• Best RC Cars Under $100 - Buyer’s Guide
• Best RC Cars Under $100 – TOP 7
• Best RC Cars Under $100 - Comparison
• Fast RC Cars Under $100
• Best Off Road RC Car Under $100
• Brushless RC Cars Under $100
• Best RC Crawlers Under $100
• Best RC Buggy Under $100
• Best RC Monster Truck Under $100
• Gas Powered RC Cars Under $100
• Traxxas RC Cars Under $100
• Frequently Asked Questions about Best RC Cars Under $100
• Best RC Cars Under $100: Conclusion

Best RC Cars Under $100 - Buyer’s Guide

Given the growing demand for radio-controlled cars, it is very important to understand what to look for when buying rc cars. Based on our experience, we offer several important factors to consider:

1:18 DEERC 9300 High Speed RC Monster Truck

Battery Life

There are two options in choosing the best radio-controlled trucks: Li-Po and Ni-Mh. Li-Po batteries are powerful and for experienced users, while the latter is easier to use and designed for beginners. Li-Po batteries produce more energy but are more expensive. Other brands of batteries only last for 15 minutes, while some run longer on a single charge.

Speed

They usually build the best RC trucks for speed. They make these truck vehicles to be fast and ride smoothly on race tracks. Also, one thing you should focus on is if the steering wheel and controls are easy to manage when at top speed. For example 1:18 DEERC 9300 with 40+ speed (km/h).

Durability

Surely, you’ll want your RC truck to last longer so you won’t have to spend much on replacing it. The best way in doing this is to choose a product which is made of high-quality parts. The best remote-controlled trucks will be firm with a strong chassis. You want to make sure that the internal parts stay protected so they don’t break if the toy, by any chance, flips over.

Control Range

This is where you measure how far you can drive the truck away from the transmitter before controlling it, which makes it more challenging. A control range of 30 meters should be ready. There’s no fun if you cannot control your vehicle from a certain distance.

Ease of Use

Distinct types of RC trucks will surely suit your needs. Whether you’d like the best 4WD RC truck or the best 1:10 scale one, there’s always something for everyone. However, some are easier to use than others. You should also check the age limit in the product description, so you can distinguish how advanced the toy car is.

Two-Wheel Drive vs. Four-Wheel Drive

Two-wheel drive RC trucks are much cheaper, more durable, and easier to maintain. Unfortunately, they’re not as fast as the best 4×4 RC vehicles. Four-wheel-drive RC vehicles are much faster, aggressive, and more robust. They are the most popular, but both types are fun to use.

Ground

When choosing your remote-controlled car or truck, think about where you’ll be using that vehicle. Will it pass on smooth grounds and even grass or pavements, or even gravel or sand? RC trucks could cover unfamiliar areas, but some truck vehicles are better on muddy grounds and rocky trails.

Nitro power or electric?

It is recommended that you use an electric truck or car first. They are less expensive, easier to maintain, much quieter, and require less maintenance compared to nitro power models. But if you prefer nothing else but real engine power, go for nitro. It is the best choice, and they design various types of cars and trucks for beginner-type drivers. With that being said, going nitro power will surely influence your decision between a kit and a Ready to Run (RTR) car.

1:16 Legendary Sonic

Tips Helping To Buy the Best RC Car

Now that you have decided about choosing whether off-road or on-road, kit or Ready to Run (RTR) car, and nitro-powered model or electric, now would be the time to narrow down your choices. You know what kind of vehicle you will get, but how will you choose? Consider:

Keep Your Budget in Mind

Buying an RC truck vehicle is more than to the RC itself – you’ll need support equipment. Make sure you have the complete breakdown of everything that you will need in completing and running your car. If you will buy a kit, make sure it has a full radio system, fuel, charged, and such, depending on the kit itself. For some RTR cars, you will only need a few AA batteries for the transmitter and fuel. For more information, you can also check on the “What You Need” checklist.

Look at What your Friends Have

If almost all of your friends run RC monster trucks and you’re the only one running a simple car, you may wish you had a monster truck as well. You may also consider buying the same model as most of your guy friends have. With this, you will all have the same performance. There’s no fun when someone else has a faster car than you, it will just look like a competition.

Check Local Shops on What They Sell

Even if you purchase your new RC truck vehicle via delivery, still try to consider what the local shops sell and what they support. Also, bringing the parts that you need to keep your truck vehicle from running, you’ll be able to contact the shop’s experience with your specific machine.

1:14 Bezgar 17

Best RC Cars Under $100 – TOP 7 

Discover my curated list of the best rc cars under $100, offering unmatched performance, durability, and unique features.

Best RC Cars Under $100 - Comparison

Now let's take a closer look at each of these models under $100.

1:18 DEERC 9300 High Speed RC Monster Truck Review

Editor's Choice

The DEERC 9300 High-Speed Radio Controlled Monster Truck in 1:18 scale is an impressive remote control vehicle that delivers exciting performance and fun for both beginners and advanced radio controlled truck enthusiasts.

One of the features of this radio-controlled truck is the presence of two 7.4V/850mAh batteries, which provides an impressive total runtime of about 40+ minutes (20+ minutes per battery). Such a long runtime means more fun to play without frequent battery changes. A chassis made of nylon adds to the machine's overall durability, making it a reliable and durable choice for radio controlled truck enthusiasts.

The DEERC 9300 RC is equipped with a 2.4 GHz remote control system that allows for precise and proportional throttle and speed control. Adjusting the speed switch clockwise increases the speed of movement, and counterclockwise reduces it. Steering allows you to precisely control the direction of the wheels. The indicator on the remote control confirms a successful connection between the remote control and the radio-controlled machine.

Equipped with a 380 rpm and 21500 rpm motor, this monster truck boasts an impressive top speed of 40+ km/h, providing thrilling acceleration and exciting driving dynamics. The metal radiator covering the engine ensures efficient heat dissipation, extending engine life for long-lasting enjoyment.

Summary: As indicated by my tests the DEERC 9300 High-Speed RC Monster Truck is a fantastic hobby car that offers both beginners and experienced racers an exciting and adventurous experience. With a powerful engine, sturdy construction and included accessories, this radio-controlled car promises endless hours of excitement and enjoyment on any terrain. 

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1:18 HAIBOXING All Terrain RC Car Review

Best Overall

This all-terrain off-road truck is the best choice to gift for boys. It runs up to 30mph, which operators find it marvelous and outgoing. It has a four-wheel-drive electric vehicle and is supported by designed steady suspensions. Because it is powerful, it can gain excellent performance, it allows it make quick battery access and of soft composite material. Whether you’re on the road, this best RC trucks under $100 won’t let you down.

The best part of this RC car is its high grip tires and firm suspension. To achieve high performance, its chassis is durable and speedy and is designed with classic ball bearings and solid gear differences. They also equip the car with two 7.4V rechargeable Li-ion batteries that can run up to thirty minutes. 

The HAIBOXING brushed RC car comes with a 2.4GHz transmitter and provides a control range of 100 meters. With 2.4GHz technology, you can rely on the brake and reverse as it won’t fail. You can easily control this car of up to 100 meters (328 feet). With its Slow/Fast speed switch feature, it allows beginners or experts to easily navigate the car.

This off-road, all-terrain RC toy car is made with classic ball bearings. Its spring coil shock has a front and rear independent suspension, and it also has high grip tires. This RC car is perfect for sand, mud, or mountain roads, and one of the best fast RC cars among not expensive.

Summary: My findings show that the 1:18 HAIBOXING All Terrain RC Car is a powerful and versatile off-road truck with a top speed of 30 mph and a stable suspension, it provides excellent performance on a variety of terrains. Equipped with high-grip tires, a sturdy chassis, and a 2.4GHz transmitter for reliable control up to 100 meters away.

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1:16 LAEGENDARY SONIC RC Off Road Monster Truck Review

Premium Choice

When you buy, this waterproof 4×4 off-road RC truck comes fully assembled and ready to use straight out of its box. No matter it’s just 1:20 scale it can run up to 30 km per hour (20 miles per hours). This 4WD RC monster truck is proud of its flawless operation, grip, and durability. And since it has the best oil-filled metal shocks and robust wheels, you can drive this RC car in all terrains such as sand, beach, concrete, or rock.

The Legendary RC off-road all-terrain monster truck also utilizes an easy-to-use-pistol-like radio remote controller at 2.4GHz, with two 2 speed modes. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, this RC monster truck is definitely a good choice where both kids and adults can easily control it within a range up to 200 feet, thus making it a perfect gift for your friends or family.

Summary: Based on my observations, the 1:16 LAEGENDARY SONIC RC Off Road Monster Truck is a fully assembled and waterproof 4x4 radio-controlled truck that reaches speeds of up to 30 km/h (20 mph) on any terrain. With its easy-to-use 2.4GHz radio control and two-speed modes, both beginners and experts can enjoy flawless handling, traction, and durability up to 200 feet away.

1:14 BEZGAR 17 RC Rock Crawler Review

Best Budget

With its metal panels, this car body is appealing and will help you send an impressive statement among your peers. The Bezgar 17 has very responsive steering and drive motors for easy terrain drive-starting for beginner RC users. It’s an impressively fast car that’s best suitable for bare surfaces such as the pavement. But if you love some fun in the grass, it does pretty okay too. When you receive the premium pack, you get 6v 800mAh batteries that can last you between 20-30 minutes on a full charge, depending on your speed. The sturdy scratch-resistant shell of this car’s body and the al-alloy frame offers its components optimum protection even on rough tracks.

Summary: The 1:14 BEZGAR 17 RC Rock Crawler is a bright and well-designed vehicle with metal panels that make a strong impression. It has responsive steering and drive motors, making it a great choice for beginners on different terrains. 

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1:16 HOSIM RC Monster Truck Review

Best for Teens

This 1:16 scale RC monster truck is rather fast. All four driving wheels, a strong, powerful motor and anti-collision structure make it possible to drive on any road condition without getting stuck on larger obstacles on the way. This RC car can run up to 36km/h, whether on-road environments, thanks to its oversize wheels with anti-throw abilities. All metal-sealed ball bearings are flexible and shockproof functioned to protect the body.

This RC car also has a high capacity battery, running at 500mAh. The Lithium battery is creatively designed for RC racing experience. When running at full speed, this RC monster truck is the perfect choice for young kids and adults who can run up to 15 minutes at full speed. It has rubber tires made of high-quality PVC material and elastic features. A radio system and all-terrain capability provide better protection of the components of this RC truck.