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Updated Nov. 1, 2022: This piece was updated to reflect current pricing, including sales, and details specific to each remote control truck.
You probably have a remote control car or two (and you may even have a remote control plane), but for a next-level off-road experience, pony up for a remote control truck. Monster trucks are badass and will give your hours pleasure speeding on sand and scaling rocks, whether you’re a newbie or an experienced master of the road. And luckily, you don’t have to drop a ton of cash to get a piece of the action (though if you're in the market for splurge, we have you covered).
If this is your first lap in the RC world—that's remote control, in pro lingo—it's easy to get lost in technical specs when you're comparing models, even for kids’ toys. There are remote control trucks for beginners, and more advanced hobby-grade options if this isn't your first rodeo. That's why we rounded up a selection of our fave remote control trucks for your consideration, no matter what your skill level and budget may be. Read on for our recommendations, plus some things to consider before buying.
Best Remote Control Trucks
1
2
Best High-Speed Buggy
Bezgar High-Speed 1/10 Scale Remote Control Truck
Read more
3
Best Under $100
Bezgar Hobby-Grade 1/16 Scale 4WD Remote Control Truck
Read more
4
Best Upgrade
Laegendary Off-Road Monster RC Truck
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What to Consider
There are a few acronyms to know before you shop. RC is (you guessed it!) “remote control” and “RTR” stands for “ready to race,” which means you don’t need additional parts to start your engine. There’s also “scale” listed in the description, such as 1:10 or 1:12, a ratio that represents the RC truck’s scale in relation to the actual full-size vehicle. Most RC trucks have pistol-style remote control, as opposed to a two-button remote that comes with some remote control cars.
In terms of style, there's everything from high-speed all-terrain buggies that go 38 mph to a Land Rover Defender “scale and trail crawler” with tons of muscle but top out at 10 mph. As mentioned above, there are remote control trucks for different skill levels, from beginner to advanced hobby-grade options. If you’re buying a high-end model, you’ll definitely want to make sure replacement parts and upgrades are easy to get.
How We Selected
All of the remote control trucks in our selection have an average customer rating of at least 4 stars, and the majority are given ratings of 4.5 stars and up. We cover a variety of different vehicle types from top brands including Traxxas, Laegendary, Bezgar, and Axial, with prices starting at $50 or less and capping off at about $400.
Looking for more fun toys for gifts? Check out or stories on the best robot toys, the best science toys, and the best drones.
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Best Overall
Haiboxing All-Terrain 1/18 Scale RC Monster Truck
1
Best Overall
Haiboxing All-Terrain 1/18 Scale RC Monster Truck
Now 39% Off
Pros
- Solid top speed and rugged build
- High-grip tires for off-road adventures
- 4WD chassis and Independent suspension
- Great range
Cons
- Runtime is slower than some competition
This badass monster remote control truck takes our top spot for a solid top speed and a rugged build. It can hit 22 mph and has working headlights, plus it’s waterproof, so it can tackle terrain in tough weather conditions.
The body is made of flexible PVC and there are high-grip off-road tires, plus a four-wheel-drive chassis, metal drive shafts, and front and rear differentials. Other features include independent suspension, classic ball bearings, and a remote with a 280-foot range.
There are also two included rechargeable batteries deliver a total runtime of about 40 minutes.
Key Specs
Dimensions | 9.7 x 7.8 x 4.1 inches |
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Scale | 1:18 |
Top Speed | ~22 mph |
Battery | (2) Li-Po 7.4V, 850mAh |
2
Best High-Speed Buggy
Bezgar High-Speed 1/10 Scale Remote Control Truck
2
Best High-Speed Buggy
Bezgar High-Speed 1/10 Scale Remote Control Truck
Pros
- Scales up to 45 degrees
- Awesome range
- Piston-style remote
- Solid top speed and runtime
Cons
- Pricey
With a powerful 540 brushed modified motor, lightweight nylon frame, and 14,000 rpm, this four-wheel-drive remote control truck can burn rubber up to 25 mph, with an average 25-minute runtime.
It's capable of climbing slopes up to 45 degrees, with heavy-duty tires and an oil-filled metal shocks. The RC truck is also splashproof to handle all kinds of terrain, and the piston-style remote operates at a distance of 263 feet.
Key Specs
Dimensions | 14.4 x 11.0 x 7.2 inches |
---|---|
Scale | 1:10 |
Top Speed | ~30 mph |
Battery | 7.4V 1800mAh LiPo |
3
Best Under $100
Bezgar Hobby-Grade 1/16 Scale 4WD Remote Control Truck
3
Best Under $100
Bezgar Hobby-Grade 1/16 Scale 4WD Remote Control Truck
Pros
- Value-packed with excellent features
- Clear shell for DIY design
- Working headlights and oil-filled metal shocks
- 390 brushless motor
Cons
Here's another top-notch hobby grade remote control truck from Bezgar loaded with excellent features, and this one includes an additional clear shell to spray paint with your own design.
It also has working headlights, a durable lightweight nylon chassis, and nylon-reinforced frame to protect it in collisions, plus four oil-filled metal shocks and a 390 brushed motor. The truck comes with two rechargeable batteries, with each giving you roughly a 20-minute runtime.
Key Specs
Dimensions | 10.2 x 9.1 x 5.2 inches |
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Scale | 1:16 |
Top Speed | ~25 mph |
Battery | (2) Li-Po 7.4V 800mAh |
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Pros
- Solid and solid range
- Can handle 45-degree inclines
- Two batteries and fireproof charging bag
Cons
- Runtime could be longer
Laegendary's 1:16 scale off-road monster truck can power through everything from sand and rocks with a solid top speed of about 25 miles per hour. It can also handle inclines up to 45 degrees.
The RC truck comes with two batteries—and a fireproof bag for charging them—that'll keep the action going for a total of 40 minutes, plus two USB chargers.
Its piston-style remote has a solid range of 250 feet, and other highlights include foam-filled tires with anti-skid treads and a water-resistant body to perform all kinds of weather. There are also several color options to choose from.
Key Specs
Dimensions | 10.2 x 9.2 x 5.9 inches |
---|---|
Scale | 1:16 |
Top Speed | ~25 mph |
Battery | (2) Li-Po 7.4V 1000mAh |
Rachel Klein
Senior Commerce Editor
Rachel Klein is a Senior Commerce Editor for Popular Mechanics, where she writes about everything from garden hose reels and patio furniture to mesh wifi systems and robot vacuums. She started her career as a daily newspaper reporter and was a travel editor for more than a decade before she started testing and reviewing luggage, noise-cancelling headphones, and other travel-related products. Fast-forward another five years and her area of expertise includes home decor, appliances, tech, and outdoor adventure gear. In her spare time, you'll find her planning her next trip, reading historical fiction, and seeing as much art as she can squeeze into a weekend.