RC Truck Reviews
The HAIBOXING 1:18 All Terrain RC Car 18859E is a versatile and durable RC car suitable for a range of terrains and a great choice if you’re on a budget. Available in a 1/18 scale, it’s compact enough for small areas and I was pleasantly surprised to discover that it’s also water resistant.
This RC has been equipped with a powerful brushed motor which delivers good speed and acceleration. The 4WD allows it to maneuver over rough terrain effortlessly, and it can reach an impressive top speed of 22 mph.
There’s an independent suspension system which also contributes to its impressive handling. The built-in shock absorbers soften the impact of tougher terrains, providing a smooth and stable drive.
For a budget model, it’s got a lot of great features, including an ESC that protects it against overheating, overcurrent, and blocking.
For beginners, it’s a great choice. It can be driven at a slower speed which allows beginners to practice using the controls.
It comes with two batteries included, although the run time leaves a lot to be desired. You’ve got around 10 minutes of run time for each, and to charge the batteries you need to remove the top of the car which is a bit frustrating.
Having said that, it’s great for the price. It’s water resistant so can be driven through large puddles and on wet tracks, although it shouldn’t be fully submerged.
For a budget model, this RC car certainly delivers. It’ll provide hours of fun for RC enthusiasts, and it’s surprisingly very beginner-friendly.
At a glance
- Scale
- 1:18
- Max. Speed
- 36 kph
- Body Material
- PVC
- Drive Type (2WD or 4WD)
- 4WD
The HAIBOXING 1:18 All Terrain RC Car 18859E is a versatile and durable RC car suitable for a range of terrains and a great choice if you’re on a budget. Available in a 1/18 scale, it’s compact enough for small areas and I was pleasantly surprised to discover that it’s also water resistant.
This RC has been equipped with a powerful brushed motor which delivers good speed and acceleration. The 4WD allows it to maneuver over rough terrain effortlessly, and it can reach an impressive top speed of 22 mph.
There’s an independent suspension system which also contributes to its impressive handling. The built-in shock absorbers soften the impact of tougher terrains, providing a smooth and stable drive.
For a budget model, it’s got a lot of great features, including an ESC that protects it against overheating, overcurrent, and blocking.
For beginners, it’s a great choice. It can be driven at a slower speed which allows beginners to practice using the controls.
It comes with two batteries included, although the run time leaves a lot to be desired. You’ve got around 10 minutes of run time for each, and to charge the batteries you need to remove the top of the car which is a bit frustrating.
Having said that, it’s great for the price. It’s water resistant so can be driven through large puddles and on wet tracks, although it shouldn’t be fully submerged.
For a budget model, this RC car certainly delivers. It’ll provide hours of fun for RC enthusiasts, and it’s surprisingly very beginner-friendly.
Pros
- Comes with two batteries included so you can switch them over when one runs out of juice
- Waterproof so can be taken through large puddles although it cannot be fully submerged
- Works well on most terrains including grass
- Has a slower feature that allows beginners to practice using the controls
Cons
- Shell is fairly thin and can crack easily
- Included batteries don’t have a long run time - around 15 minutes
- Charging the batteries is difficult as the top of the car needs removing
I am a big fan of the RIAARIO All Terrain High Speed 1:18 RC Car. Available in a 1/18 scale, it’s pretty compact yet it still offers an exciting driving experience for RC enthusiasts on a budget.
This model is equipped with a high-speed brushed motor. While it lacks the power of a brushless motor, this does mean it’s a good budget option for beginners. It can reach speeds of up to 22 mph, and there are LED headlights to ensure it can be used around the clock!
The bright green design is engaging and ensures it’s always easy to spot. The build quality is also very good. It’s made from anti-collision waterproof material, and it’s equipped with durable anti-skid rubber tires and an anti-vibration shock absorber.
It has an IPX4 waterproof level so, while it shouldn’t be submerged, it can be driven through puddles. It’s also dustproof, so can be used on dirt tracks with no worries.
The proportional throttle means beginners can get to grips with the controls at a slower speed, and overall I did find it very easy to control.
There are two batteries included, although these can be upgraded for extra speed. Each comes with a decent run time of around 20 minutes.
The only real downside is that the shocks are made from plastic and are fairly cheap. The rest of the vehicle is very good quality, but this is where you can tell it’s a budget model.
In conclusion, this model offers an exhilarating drive, although experienced users may find it lacks enough power to be truly thrilling. The high speeds, engaging design and easy controls will provide beginners with endless fun.
At a glance
- Scale
- 1:18
- Max. Speed
- 36 kph
- Charge Time
- 2.5 hours
- Run Time
- 40 mins
- Body Material
- ABS
- Drive Type (2WD or 4WD)
- 4WD
I am a big fan of the RIAARIO All Terrain High Speed 1:18 RC Car. Available in a 1/18 scale, it’s pretty compact yet it still offers an exciting driving experience for RC enthusiasts on a budget.
This model is equipped with a high-speed brushed motor. While it lacks the power of a brushless motor, this does mean it’s a good budget option for beginners. It can reach speeds of up to 22 mph, and there are LED headlights to ensure it can be used around the clock!
The bright green design is engaging and ensures it’s always easy to spot. The build quality is also very good. It’s made from anti-collision waterproof material, and it’s equipped with durable anti-skid rubber tires and an anti-vibration shock absorber.
It has an IPX4 waterproof level so, while it shouldn’t be submerged, it can be driven through puddles. It’s also dustproof, so can be used on dirt tracks with no worries.
The proportional throttle means beginners can get to grips with the controls at a slower speed, and overall I did find it very easy to control.
There are two batteries included, although these can be upgraded for extra speed. Each comes with a decent run time of around 20 minutes.
The only real downside is that the shocks are made from plastic and are fairly cheap. The rest of the vehicle is very good quality, but this is where you can tell it’s a budget model.
In conclusion, this model offers an exhilarating drive, although experienced users may find it lacks enough power to be truly thrilling. The high speeds, engaging design and easy controls will provide beginners with endless fun.
Pros
- 3 different speed options so beginners can get to grips with the control
- Due to the small size, you can reach impressive speeds in a fairly small amount of space
- A good option for those dipping their toe into the hobby thanks to the easy control and small size
- Attractive electric green body with sharp graphics
Cons
- Shocks are made from plastic and are fairly cheap, although these can be upgraded
- To charge the battery the entire top of the car needs to be removed and unscrewed
The BEZGAR TB141 1:14 High-Speed RC Truck is an impressive RC truck that offers a blend of value for money, durability and easy control. In a 1/14 size, this truck can be used in smaller spaces as well as large.
One notable aspect is its speed. Sporting a powerful brushed motor, it can reach speeds of up to 12 mph which isn’t bad for a budget truck of this size. The truck’s strong drivetrain system ensures smooth and efficient power transfer which makes it easy for anyone to drive.
Durability is another stand-out feature. It’s a good choice for beginners wanting to practice as it’s built from strong ABS plastic and aluminum alloy. It should stand up to the odd collision!
The battery life is decent. You’ve got two batteries included which isn’t always the case for budget trucks. The charge time is 2.5 hours which is about average, and each battery has a run time of around 20 minutes.
If you’re purchasing more than one of these trucks, they can be used without interference which allows multiple people to drive at the same time.
Of course, there are always limitations with budget trucks. While the off-road capabilities are decent given the price, it doesn’t have a huge amount of ground clearance which means it does struggle on bumpier surfaces. It’s 2WD, so it struggles slightly when faced with obstacles.
The controls are fairly limited, although this does make it easier to drive! Having said that, the steering can take a while to get used to, as it doesn’t return to the center very easily.
Overall, this RC delivers a fun experience offering beginners and younger children a good amount of speed without being difficult to handle. It’s a great choice for those wanting a smaller vehicle that can withstand rough driving!
At a glance
- Scale
- 1:14
- Max. Speed
- 20 kph
- Charge Time
- 2.5 hours
- Run Time
- 45 mins
- Body Material
- ABS
- Drive Type (2WD or 4WD)
- 2WD
The BEZGAR TB141 1:14 High-Speed RC Truck is an impressive RC truck that offers a blend of value for money, durability and easy control. In a 1/14 size, this truck can be used in smaller spaces as well as large.
One notable aspect is its speed. Sporting a powerful brushed motor, it can reach speeds of up to 12 mph which isn’t bad for a budget truck of this size. The truck’s strong drivetrain system ensures smooth and efficient power transfer which makes it easy for anyone to drive.
Durability is another stand-out feature. It’s a good choice for beginners wanting to practice as it’s built from strong ABS plastic and aluminum alloy. It should stand up to the odd collision!
The battery life is decent. You’ve got two batteries included which isn’t always the case for budget trucks. The charge time is 2.5 hours which is about average, and each battery has a run time of around 20 minutes.
If you’re purchasing more than one of these trucks, they can be used without interference which allows multiple people to drive at the same time.
Of course, there are always limitations with budget trucks. While the off-road capabilities are decent given the price, it doesn’t have a huge amount of ground clearance which means it does struggle on bumpier surfaces. It’s 2WD, so it struggles slightly when faced with obstacles.
The controls are fairly limited, although this does make it easier to drive! Having said that, the steering can take a while to get used to, as it doesn’t return to the center very easily.
Overall, this RC delivers a fun experience offering beginners and younger children a good amount of speed without being difficult to handle. It’s a great choice for those wanting a smaller vehicle that can withstand rough driving!
Pros
- Detailed design despite the smaller size
- Come with two batteries included which makes it better value for money
- Off-road capabilities are decent given the price
- Engaging front LED lights and brake lights
- Entry-level RC car is good for beginners
Cons
- Not a lot of ground clearance and it’s 2WD which means it struggles slightly on bumpier surfaces
- Controls are limited although you’d expect this for a budget truck - full speed forwards and backwards, hard left and hard right
- The steering doesn’t return to the center very well so the car does drift
The Rcjoyou 1:18 All-Terrain Remote Control Truck is a versatile and affordable option. This truck offers a mix of performance, durability and value for money.
I was impressed with its ability to tackle various terrains, although it fell short slightly on grass and thick rugs due to the ground clearance. Overall this is a good choice if you want to drive on gravel, dirt and even light sand. This is in part due to the suspension system which keeps it stable.
In terms of performance, you’ve got a top speed of around 12 mph, about average for the price point. It’s 4WD which allows it to tackle bumpier surfaces better than other models, while the precise steering control and responsive acceleration make it pretty easy for anyone to drive.
There are two batteries included, each with a charge time of 2 hours, but the battery life isn’t great. Depending on the speed, you may only get around 10 minutes of battery life from each battery.
It has an IPX7 waterproof rating which means puddles are no problem. One area where it does fall slightly short is its durability. While made from sturdy materials, it may not withstand heavy crashes or intense off-road use.
Another potential drawback is the limited range. This is around 50 meters, so you’ll need to stay fairly close to the truck for optimal control, making it not the best choice for long-distance races.
All things considered, I’d happily recommend this model as a budget-friendly option that offers decent performance and versatility. Perfect for beginners or casual drivers, it provides fun and excitement on a range of terrains.
At a glance
- Scale
- 1:18
- Max. Speed
- 20 kph
- Charge Time
- 1.5 hours
- Run Time
- 30 mins
- Body Material
- PVC
- Drive Type (2WD or 4WD)
- 2WD
The Rcjoyou 1:18 All-Terrain Remote Control Truck is a versatile and affordable option. This truck offers a mix of performance, durability and value for money.
I was impressed with its ability to tackle various terrains, although it fell short slightly on grass and thick rugs due to the ground clearance. Overall this is a good choice if you want to drive on gravel, dirt and even light sand. This is in part due to the suspension system which keeps it stable.
In terms of performance, you’ve got a top speed of around 12 mph, about average for the price point. It’s 4WD which allows it to tackle bumpier surfaces better than other models, while the precise steering control and responsive acceleration make it pretty easy for anyone to drive.
There are two batteries included, each with a charge time of 2 hours, but the battery life isn’t great. Depending on the speed, you may only get around 10 minutes of battery life from each battery.
It has an IPX7 waterproof rating which means puddles are no problem. One area where it does fall slightly short is its durability. While made from sturdy materials, it may not withstand heavy crashes or intense off-road use.
Another potential drawback is the limited range. This is around 50 meters, so you’ll need to stay fairly close to the truck for optimal control, making it not the best choice for long-distance races.
All things considered, I’d happily recommend this model as a budget-friendly option that offers decent performance and versatility. Perfect for beginners or casual drivers, it provides fun and excitement on a range of terrains.
Pros
- Fairly speedy given the budget price tag
- Very easy to drive and maneuver
- Good turning radius which makes controlling it easy
- The plastic shell and remote control are surprisingly durable
Cons
- Not enough ground clearance to work on either grass or thick rugs
- Battery life isn’t particularly good at 10 - 15 minutes
- Remote range isn’t particularly good
I couldn’t help but love the DEERC High Speed RC Remote Control Truck. This is in part due to its awesome authentic design. It has large tires and awesome graphics that set it apart from other trucks in this price range.
Reaching speeds of 30 mph, this is the fastest of the budget options I’ve recommended. This makes it a great choice for those wanting to step up from beginner-friendly trucks to something more advanced, but it remains very easy to drive. The speed-limiting feature means those with less experience can master the controls at lower speeds.
It’s been designed for all terrains, although it does struggle on very bumpy surfaces. It is 4WD though, so small stones and bumps aren’t too much of an issue.
It’s surprisingly durable, with a hub metal sheet that prevents damage after collisions. The chassis is made from nylon which is long-lasting, chemical resistant and insulative.
There are two batteries included, each with a run time of around 30 minutes. The batteries charge in 2 hours, so you don’t have too long to wait!
While the truck performs admirably on most terrains, it may struggle on extremely rough and uneven surfaces. Some users have reported difficulties with traction on loose gravel or sand.
Overall, this truck is a solid choice for those seeking speed, durability and control on a budget. It offers an impressive driving experience and a well-built product that can withstand rough handling.
At a glance
- Scale
- 1:20
- Max. Speed
- 25 kph
- Charge Time
- 2 hours
- Run Time
- 50 mins
- Body Material
- plastic
- Drive Type (2WD or 4WD)
- 4WD
I couldn’t help but love the DEERC High Speed RC Remote Control Truck. This is in part due to its awesome authentic design. It has large tires and awesome graphics that set it apart from other trucks in this price range.
Reaching speeds of 30 mph, this is the fastest of the budget options I’ve recommended. This makes it a great choice for those wanting to step up from beginner-friendly trucks to something more advanced, but it remains very easy to drive. The speed-limiting feature means those with less experience can master the controls at lower speeds.
It’s been designed for all terrains, although it does struggle on very bumpy surfaces. It is 4WD though, so small stones and bumps aren’t too much of an issue.
It’s surprisingly durable, with a hub metal sheet that prevents damage after collisions. The chassis is made from nylon which is long-lasting, chemical resistant and insulative.
There are two batteries included, each with a run time of around 30 minutes. The batteries charge in 2 hours, so you don’t have too long to wait!
While the truck performs admirably on most terrains, it may struggle on extremely rough and uneven surfaces. Some users have reported difficulties with traction on loose gravel or sand.
Overall, this truck is a solid choice for those seeking speed, durability and control on a budget. It offers an impressive driving experience and a well-built product that can withstand rough handling.
Pros
- A good introductory model for kids as the speed can be limited
- Battery life is decent at around 30 minutes, and charge time is 2 hours
- Fairly durable even if driving is very rough
- 2 headlights at the front are an engaging extra feature
- Comes with spare parts included such as wheel nuts, clips, pins and screws
Cons
- Struggles on tougher terrains such as short grass and rugs
Tips for Buying a Budget RC Truck
- Budget RC trucks can still be a lot of fun. Choose whether you want a buggy, monster truck or rock crawler.
- The size is very important. Those in a 1/10 scale or smaller are great for smaller areas, while you’ll need more space to drive an RC in a ⅛ scale at the top speeds.
- Most budget RCs are going to be battery–powered. The battery life can make a big difference to your enjoyment. Opt for a long battery life or purchase a spare battery (some RCs come with two batteries included)
- Consider the extra features. Working headlights, grippy tires and oil–filled shocks can all make the driving experience more enjoyable
- Evaluate whether you want 2WD or 4WD. 2WDs tend to be cheaper, easier to maintain and more durable. Most RC trucks will be 4WD.
FAQs
What is considered a budget-friendly price range for RC trucks?
Budget-friendly RC trucks typically range from around $50 to $150 depending on the brand, features and quality. They are often more basic in terms of performance and features, but will still provide a fun RC experience.
Are budget RC trucks suitable for beginners?
Yes, budget RC trucks can be a great option for beginners. They are unlikely to reach the very high speeds that high-end models reach, and they are more affordable so you won’t worry as much about crashing them!
They usually have simpler controls and are easier to operate, allowing beginners to get familiar with the controls before investing in a more expensive model.
What compromises should I expect to make with a budget RC truck?
With budget RC trucks, you’ll need to compromise on certain aspects.
These are likely to include build quality, materials used and overall speed and performance.
Budget trucks may have plastic parts instead of metal, lower torque motors and fewer options when it comes to customization.
Can I upgrade a budget RC truck?
Some budget RC trucks have very limited upgrade options, but those bought from reputable brands should still offer you some good opportunities to upgrade.
Upgrades like better tires, shocks and motors can improve the performance of your truck and make a budget truck seem more expensive.
