A middle ground between the cheaper entry-level options, and the premium hobbyist entries, the $200 price point is a great sweet spot between price and performance providing a great out of the box experience. With a wide range of sizes, styles, and skill ranges to choose from, here are the best ready-to-run models on the market in 2020.
- Best RC Cars Under $200
- Best RC Trucks Under $200
- Best RC Rock Crawlers Under $200
- Under $200 Buying Advice
Want to learn how to get started in RC? Check out An Introduction to Remote Control Cars in 2020 by Matt Benfield.
The Top-Rated (RTR) RC Cars Under $200 (2020)
| Scale | Vehicle Type | Model | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1:27 | Car | Kyosho MR-03 RS Mini-Z McLaren P1 GTR | 5 |
| 1:24 | Rock Crawler | Axial SCX24 1967 Chevrolet C10 | 5 |
| 1:10 | Truck | ECX AMP Monster Truck | 5 |
Best RTR RC Cars Under $200
1.Redcat Racing EPX Drift Car
Skill Level:
$150 | 1:10 scale | Drift Car
Vehicle Type: Drift Car
Scale: 1:10
Radio System: Steer wheel style, 2.4GHz
Motor: 19T 550-Brushed (Brushless ready)
Batteries: 7.2V 2000mAh NIMH (Included)
- The Pros: Fantastic entry into RC Drifting, with room to upgrade
- The Cons: Limited parts availability
For someone looking to get started in RC Drifting, the Redcat Racing EPX offers a great all in one package.
With a 1:10 scale chassis built with lightweight plastics and supported with an aluminum top plate, the Redcat Racing EPX is great at throwing its tail out while remaining tightly under control. Being fitted with oil-filled shocks that can be tweaked to your own needs, along with the camber and toe angles and ride height, means that no matter what the surface, you can tune the ride feel to suit.
The solid drift tires are great on a number of surfaces but are best kept to things like tarmacs, concrete, tiles, wood, and tiles. With its 550-size Brushed electric motor, there’s plenty of power, but if you want more, the ESC is Brushless ready.
Despite being ready-to-run, you may still find that out of the box you may need to fine-tune some of the ratios and do a few preliminary checks just to make sure everything works as intended, but when compared to the lengthier setups of a KIT, this is much more approachable for beginners to at least become familiar with RC Drift Cars before moving onto more hobby-grade models used by the pros. The good news is that while everything is included to get going out of the box, there’s nothing to stop you upgrading parts such as the battery, motor, or transmitter/receiver in the future.
2. MINI-Z Range
Since 1999, MINI-Z has become the standard for mini RC. Manufactured by the Kyosho Corporation, MINI-Z features a wide variety of chassis options emulating their real-world counterparts, such as front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, and 4×4 with hundreds of ultra-realistic, officially licensed bodies available. With endless technology packed inside the palm-top size body and parts available from both Kyosho and aftermarket suppliers, customization options are endless. Modified models can surpass 60 mph!
MINI-Z is a great way to get started in RC racing, and whether you want to drift, jump or race at home or join one of the many MINI-Z racing leagues around the world, there is a MINI-Z for you. Just open the box, install batteries (8xAAA’s) and you are ready to go!
Learn more about MINI-Z or check model availability at Amainhobbies.
MINI-Z Model Types
Best RTR RC Trucks Under $200
1.Losi Mini-T 2.0 Stadium Truck
Skill Level:
$140 | 1:18 Scale | Stadium Truck
Vehicle Type: Stadium Truck
Scale: 1:18
Radio System: Steer wheel style, 2.4GHz 3-Channel
Motor: 47T 280-Brushed (brushless ready)
Batteries: Dynamite® 7.4V 2S 650mAh 20C Li-Po (Included)
- The Pros: Fantastic off-road performance
- The Cons: Not the fastest with stock motor
Team Losi Racing’s Mini-T 2.0 is an update to the popular original from 2003 while borrowing from their new “TLR 22” buggy platform. Offering those same improvements, but without the cost of their full 1/10 scale, Losi has an alternative for those on a tighter budget.
Using the same excellent suspension design of the “TLR 22“, but fitted for a 1:18 scale chassis. Including updates such as a 2.4GHz radio, oil-filled shocks, and a wide range of upgrade options available, including changing the mid-chassis motor from its stock 280 size Brushed design to a Brushless model. The Losi Mini-T 2.0 is an amazing little Stadium Truck for a price that is affordable enough for any entry-level racing.
2.ECX AMP Monster Truck
Skill Level:
$140 | 1:10 Scale | Monster Truck
Vehicle Type: Monster Truck
Scale: 1:10
Radio System: Steer wheel style, 2.4GHz 2-Channel
Motor: 20T 540-Brushed
Batteries: Dynamite® 7.2V 1800 mAh NiMH (Included)
- The Pros: Fantastic off-road performance for a great price
- The Cons: Cheap feeling transmitter
A cheap but powerful monster truck with exceptional off-road performance, ECX’s AMP 1:10 scale monster truck offers high-quality parts as standard, but also provides a robust platform for future upgrades. It’s 540 Brushed motor provides impressive performance, and paired with the lightweight durable body is excellent for tackling all manner of off-road obstacles and jumps.
With independent oil-filled shocks, the AMP has a relatively smooth drive over most surfaces but can sometimes struggle over the bumpiest surfaces, in part to its relatively low ride height for a Monster Truck. Due to its rear-wheel-drive handling, it doesn’t offer the tightest of turns but is best for gravel tracks or more open areas. Overall, for a 1:10 scale Monster Truck at this price point, this is a hard offer to pass up!
3.Team Associated Reflex 14T Truggy
Skill Level:
$215 | 1:14 Scale | Truggy
Vehicle Type: Truggy
Scale: 1:14
Radio System: Steer wheel style, 2.4GHz 2-Channel
Motor: 280-Brushless
Batteries: 7.2V 2000mAh NiMh (Included)
- The Pros: Powerful Brushless performance
- The Cons: Lacks fine control
Team Associated brings another offering that just slightly pushes past the $200 mark, but so slightly that it was still worth including on this list. Another $15 to your budget can net you the Reflex 14T, a 1:14 scale Truggy that focuses on bringing an excellent ready-to-run package with parts not usually seen at this price point such as a 280 size Brushless motor capable of pushing the Reflex to 30mph! oil-filled shocks, and an included lipo battery.
The Team Associated Reflex feels great and snappy in the turns but lacks the accessibility of the Traxxas’s steering correction. If you’re a beginner, its jumpy turning may take some getting used to, but after a few hours of practice and tuning the many adjustable parts to get the ideal ride for your setting, you’ll have a blast seeing this in action.
4.Traxxas Slash Short Course Truck
Skill Level:
$190 | 1:10 Scale | Short Course Truck
Vehicle Type: Short Course Truck
Scale: 1:10
Radio System: TQ Steer wheel style, 2.4GHz 2-Channel
Motor: 12T 550-Brushed (brushless ready)
Batteries: 7.4V 2S LiPo or 7.2V 6-Cell NiMH or 8.4V 7-Cell NiMH Battery Pack (Required)
- The Pros: Great upgrade paths
- The Cons: Weight balance is slightly front heavy, ESC should require fan as standard
The Slash from Traxxas is a great 1:10 Short Course Truck that provides a great out of the box experience, but with plenty of upgrade paths. All of the electronics are waterproofed to Traxxas’s usual standard and features support for both NiMh and LiPo batteries.
Thanks to its low voltage detector, power delivery can be scaled to your liking, and the powerful included Titan 12T 550 size motor houses an internal cooling fan to keep temperatures down over long operation. The brushed motor can be replaced and upgraded to a brushless motor if desired, and along with the optional included 23-tooth Pinion gear, the Traxxas Slash 1:10 can push past 30mph!
The 2.4GHz remote is easy to connect and control with a decent operating range. The suspension and drivetrain are excellent, with the gearbox and clutch managing torque no matter what parts you have installed. There’re also options for both a brushless pro upgrade, as well as a 4WD model. However, these both come at increased initial costs. But if you’re interested in a starting platform with the option to upgrade later, this is perfect for someone wanting to spread costs.
5.Losi TENACITY SCT
Skill Level:
$200 | 1:10 Scale | Short Course Truck
Vehicle Type: Short Course Truck
Scale: 1:10
Radio System: Spektrum™ STX2®/SRX200 Steer wheel style, 2.4GHz 2-Channel
Motor: 12T 550-Brushed
Batteries: 2-Cell 30C+ Hardcase LiPo Battery, or 6 Cell NiMH Battery, with EC3 Connector (Required)
- The Pros: Great all in one package
- The Cons: Limited upgrade paths
Tenacity is the namesake of this RTR 4WD truck from Team Losi Racing. At 1:10, it’s a perfect balance of power and size, as well as cost. Built on its 10 Platform, but making cost and weight-saving measures. These include such changes as a composite resin body and increased stabilizing throughout the chassis, replacing the standard aluminum of the original 10.
Out of the box, the Tenacity can reach 20+ mph and is excellent for short course tracks at a beginner level. The internals are waterproofed and are adequately powered, but are mostly only suited for the Tenacity’s own 12T 550 Brushed motor, and ideally would require a new ESC.
Power is handled either by NiMh or LiPo, depending on which you decide, but either are easily swapped in and out thanks to it’s lower battery box, taking out the hassle of tricky battery removals from the chassis. Full ball bearings and oil-filled suspension make sure bumps and jumps are no problem, and its 4WD handling makes light work of hard turns on all surfaces too.
Best RTR RC Rock Crawlers Under $200
1.Axial SCX24 1967 Chevrolet C10
Skill Level:
$120 | 1:24 Scale | Rock Crawler
Vehicle Type: Rock Crawler
Scale: 1:24
Radio System: Axial AX-4 Steer wheel style, 2.4GHz 3-Channel
Motor: 88T 180-Brushed
Batteries: Dynamite® 7.4V 350mAh 30C LiPo (Included)
- The Pros: Fantastic entry-level rock crawler
- The Cons: Battery life is unexceptional
The SCX24 by Axial is a superb pick as an entry-level, beginner-friendly Rock Crawler, that, despite its tiny 1:24 scale build, packs an enormous amount of performance under the hood.
With everything from the ESC’s, motor, radio, and servos, as well as an included battery pack and charger included, you can get straight to the action! The included shell design is based on the Chevrolet C10, accurately replicating it’s 4WD drivetrain and suspension, with realistic handling when climbing up and over rocks, man-made obstacles, and other challenging terrains. With water-resistant electronics, even rain won’t stop the action!
2.Redcat Everest-10 Rock Crawler
Skill Level:
$160 | 1:10 Scale | Rock Crawler
Vehicle Type: Rock Crawler
Scale: 1:10
Radio System: Steer wheel style, 2.4GHz 2-Channel
Motor: N/A-Brushed
Batteries: 7.2V 2000mAh NiMh (Included)
- The Pros: Great introduction to Rock Crawling
- The Cons: Limited Adjustability
Redcat offers a 1:10 entry-level Rock Crawler for those that still want a sizeable truck, but for a price that doesn’t make your eyes water. It’s cheaper aluminum build still gives strong performance even without the extra cost of stainless steel, and when paired with oil-filled shocks, offers plenty of twists and flex for the suspension to handle all sorts of terrain.
Actual driving speed is relatively slow, even in the world of Rock Crawlers. However, the low top speed makes it great for learning how to control the steering and minuscule power adjustments required for a Rock Crawler. It handles falls and rolls effortlessly, which again is excellent for those just starting. The suspension is nice and soft, and its chunky tires are excellent for managing all sorts of inclines. While more experienced crawlers may desire more torque, better build quality, and more adjustability, for an introduction it’s a great starting package.
3.Redcat Everest Gen7 Rock Crawler
Skill Level:
$200 | 1:10 Scale | Rock Crawler
Vehicle Type: Rock Crawler
Scale: 1:10
Radio System: Steer wheel style, 2.4GHz 2-Channel
Motor: N/A-Brushed
Batteries: 2000mAh NiMH (Included)
- The Pros: Waterproof ESC
- The Cons: Plastic shocks
Redcat’s other budget crawler, the Everest Gen7, features similar designs to their Everest-10 model, but swaps in a host of upgrades that push it from an entry-level practice truck to a competent Rock Crawler. The powder-coated steel ladder chassis has undergone a slight redesign, with adjustments to the gear ratios, the inclusion of a waterproof ESC, and the metal steering servo offers a fast and powerful response even when the wheels are tightly jammed in mid-climb.
For people looking to spend a bit more, there is also a Pro upgrade available for an extra $50, with improvements to the body shell, mild improvements to the chassis, along with plastic shocks being replaced with metal.
Whether it’s the standard Sport model or the upgraded Pro, both offer excellent platforms for upgrades, and a great out of the box experience for all ages.
Budget RC Cars Buying Advice
Expandability
Looking to expand your RC collection? check out our Curated Buyers Guides.
Volume
Depending on if your kids will be playing in your vicinity, and how much noise you can tolerate, one thing to consider is the option of a mute button to allow your kids to play while also keeping yourself sane. While this might not be a problem if your child plays with their toys in their own room. If they are instead frequently playing in areas with other people, having a mute switch can be a lifesaver.
Run time & Batteries
With smaller sizes, come more humble performance. With some models containing rechargeable batteries that are powered from the remote, playtime may be as short as a few minutes burst at a time. However those with larger internal batteries, or models that use standard disposable batteries, run time can last much longer, but with a considerable wait for charging. It’s essential to be realistic about the amount of time you expect to run at one time. If longer, uninterrupted play sessions are important, you may wish to invest in a larger model.
Remote Control Types
Dual Stick
The most common remotes you will find come in 2 distinct styles. One is the more traditional “Dual stick” type transmitter, using a more familiar gamepad style layout, with steering and acceleration placed on individual sticks, with any extra functions placed around these.
Gun Style
The alternative is the more recent “Gun” style transmitter. With a trigger for acceleration and braking, and a steering wheel style dial for turning left and right.
App Control
Most camera-enabled RC Cars can be controlled using an included remote. However, you may find some include extra options when paired with a companion smartphone app.
Some may allow for things like Gyroscopic or Touch controlled steering via the app, which may or may not be more responsive than using the included remote.
Connectivity
Connectivity is an important factor to consider depending on your ideal use scenario.
Most radio-controlled models today tend to use 2.4GHz connections, which are much more user-friendly, enable more devices to be used simultaneously and are less prone to interference.
Another connection type that is becoming more common is Bluetooth remote control models, which can be controlled using a smartphone via an app often included with the car itself.
However, for camera-enabled cars, most will use an Ad-Hoc Connection to your device using WiFi. In some cases (See the SunFounder Pi enabled car) models can also be controlled via web servers for even greater range limited only by the connection to the car itself.
On limited occasions, you may find Infrared (IR) remotes being used, which can be limited by factors such as distance and line of sight.
In rare instances, controls may also be tethered to the device physically with a cable.
The control range is dependent on a lot of factors, ranging from the connection type, distance, obstructing objects or walls, and the strength of the antenna in your device or smartphone.
Channels
In most cases when talking about RC remote channels, most are referring to the number of channels you can assign each car and remote to. This is to prevent signals from one remote affecting an unintended car.
However within the context of RC products such as Excavators, and other such vehicles that are doing more than just turning and steering, the term “Channels” is referring to the individual signals, and therefore the individual commands that the transmitter can send and receive.
For example, an RC Car that only turns and accelerates, will typically only have 2-channels. One for each function. With an Excavator that has many functions that require additional motors, such as rotating the cab, these will all be assigned a different radio frequency channel. This allows it to control that function independently without affecting other parts of the excavator.
With this in mind, the number of “Channels”, is referring to the number of individual controls available to the user.
Frequency Numbers
The second thing to consider is the frequency numbers. If devices all use the same frequency, multiple vehicles will all receive the same signal from a single remote. This makes it impossible for multiple children to use different models at the same time.
Some models may have their radios linked to a specific vehicle itself, while others will have selectable channels on both the remote control and the model itself to allow users to pick and choose who controls which vehicle.
Some models may have their radios linked to a specific vehicle itself, while others will have selectable channels on both the remote control and the model itself to allow users to pick and choose who controls which vehicle.
MHz Crystal radios Vs 2.4GHz
A much more obsolete and now rarely seen with the advent of 2.4GHz transmitters are FM Crystal synced transmitters, which work by using the oscillating signal from a tiny quartz crystal.
These work by sending specific frequencies to a receiver set to listen for a signal from the same frequency. They are however prone to all sorts of interference, are limited in the number of available channels due to a set range within government-regulated standards, and require physically modifying the hardware to change signals between devices.
2.4GHz based devices are not limited by these setbacks as they are encoded to listen specifically for it’s set receiver and transmitter when paired together, Thus have widely overtaken the market for modern devices.
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