The Best RC Cars for Kids, According to Experts

Air Hogs Flippin' Frenzy was picked for Good Housekeeping's 2022 Best Toy Awards, and it's clear why when you see what it offers. First off, it does tricks! It continues running even when flipped over, and it can pull off some gnarly spins. In testing, it was durable enough to race down a staircase or smash into cabinets without damage to the toy or home. It's ideal for indoors, as its big tires (as long as they remain clean) are unlikely to mark walls or scratch furniture, although it's just as happy outdoors as well.

It boasts a respectable 15 minutes of playtime from its rechargeable battery, although users have found that its rechargeable battery got weaker over time. Gradual depletion is expected with any rechargeable battery, and the fact that it endured enough playtime to see its batteries begin to degrade is a testament to how robust—and how fun—this RC vehicle is.

It's worth noting that while this care is rated for ages 4 and up, its remote control buttons are small and require some finger agility, which may make it more suitable for school-age kids, teens, and adults.

Naturally, this one was popular among those who are nostalgic about Mario and friends, or who never gave up playing Mario. Even if Mario wasn't one the biggest franchises of your generation, this RC offers an array of cool tricks from wheelies, spins, and drifts, to its "anti-gravity" mode, which makes it look as though the car is hovering.

Its remote has an impressive 100-foot range, and its durability also seems to be solid as parents reported it holding up well to being sent off ramps and smashed into walls.

One point that was noted in testing was that it comes with a cord connecting the car to the remote control and "demonstration batteries" (the ones that make it possible to try a toy in a store by pushing a button through the packaging). So be sure to disconnect the cord and replace the batteries with the required AA (not included) before use.

This one is great for giving your children an early taste of the joys of driving. With intuitive two-button controls, blinking headlights, sirens, simple songs, and remote controls that are shaped like steering wheels, these are the perfect first RC cars.

As a bonus, you get two cars (a race car and a police car), which is great for two children to play together, or for an adult to play along with a child. Speed isn't the goal with these preschooler-friendly RC cars, though they are fairly zippy. While it does require a total of 10 AA batteries (not included), the upside is that play can last for quite a long time.

The Bandit RC Buggy is a 1/10 hobby car (a remote-controlled car that's a one-tenth-size replica of a real race car). It offers a top speed of over 35 mph and the flexibility to modify it to your own specifications, making it ideal for the teen who's ready for more of a hobby RC car versus a toy RC car (or an adult who likes cool stuff).

Its high performance means it's probably more geared for outdoor use, which is not a problem as its delicate parts and wiring are well protected against puddles, rocks, mud, and whatever other obstacles you want to send it through.

The two-in-one Lego Technic Transformation Vehicle is something of an interactive puzzle. Assembling the 722-piece RC took a few light evenings of teamwork for a family or about a week for a tween or teen working it on their own for a few hours each day.

As with many LEGO kits, users reported the build to be a rewarding experience made even more so when you finally get to see it in action. While it's not the fastest, its ability to perform spins, traverse obstacles, flip, and just keep going makes it a joy to operate.

In terms of operation, it's controlled via an app on a tablet or smartphone, which is pretty neat. It runs on regular AA batteries (not included) that don't need to be recharged, so it can go for days before you need to switch the batteries out.

Based on the Monster Jam Megalodon shark-themed vehicle that folks may recognize from YouTube videos and monster truck events, this RC lives up to its namesake. It goes on land or through water and can somehow even travel through a swimming pool. In true monster-truck fashion, its lightweight body and wheels help it to bounce over obstacles, even occasionally catching a bit of air on rough terrain.

The remote uses two AAA batteries (not included), and the truck itself uses a rechargeable battery. The USB cord that's used for recharging is permanently attached to the truck and lives in a small waterproof door beneath it, which, while convenient, can require some assistance from an adult for younger children. Some users reported that the short cord meant that it needed to remain very close to a power source. This becomes a bit of an inconvenience when it has been doing monster-truck things and is covered in dirt.

Inspired by Paralympic motocross champion Aaron "Wheelz" Fotheringham, this RC was named to Good Housekeeping's 2022 Best Toy Awards. While it's not technically an RC "car," this remote control wheelchair can pull off some cool tricks. With a top speed of 30 mph, it can spin, jump, do wheelies, and even stand itself upright remotely in the event that it tips over.

It comes with a cardboard ramp you can use for jumps, a set of stickers, and, perhaps most importantly, a learning opportunity for our kids (and perhaps ourselves) about some of the amazing abilities of those with disabilities.

While many RC hobby cars come in at 1/10 scale, the Losi Stadium Truck is a more manageable 1/18 scale, making it ideal for inside or outdoors. While it's totally capable of being used outdoors, users did report that the tires wear down quickly when it's run on concrete and rock versus wooden floors or carpet.

Its size and price make it a great entry-level hobby RC, and its light weight gives it a noticeable responsiveness and the ability to pull off wheelies and jumps.

As a plus, it's rechargeable, requires no assembly out of the box, and even includes the remote control's AAA batteries.

If, like many of us born in the before–screen times, you remember seeing or playing with giant Tonka trucks, this one may pique your interest. This truck marks the 75th anniversary of the Tonka brand and is made from real steel, giving it an authentic construction-site feel.

While the remote control action allows the user to move in cardinal directions, spin, and release the cargo from the back of the truck, the front loader can be made to go up and down manually.

One of Good Housekeeping's Hottest Toys of 2019, Fisher-Price's Transforming Batmobile, is both a remote control car and a play set. Drive it around remotely or park it and transform it into Batman's base of operations.

It features a small Batman figure to ride along, light and sounds you can turn on with the remote, and it can shoot out yellow discs at pretend enemies when in "battle mode."

It's a great toy for a preschooler or an elementary-age child who likes to play imaginative superhero games, but it's also fun for big kids (or adults) who just want a cool Batmobile.