Toys are very popular among kids and some can be bought at a hefty price. When RC cars came to existence, it has broken the rules that toys are just for children. The sleek look and thrill of playing RC cars have taken no age boundaries. It provides almost the same excitement when you are personally racing with other car racers.

Do you find the prices of RC cars expensive? It’s a great thing you came to our place as we have researched different brands of this toy which falls under the price of $100. Today, you will know how to choose the best RC cars below $100 for 2020. Likewise, we included a comparison chart and an in-depth product review for our top 10 best RC cars under $100 for 2020.

Just follow through the whole section of the article. Enjoy!

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Best RC Car Under $100 (January 2022) – Top 10 Picks & Reviews

MODEL	PRICE	OVERALL
Hosim 9112-Blue	check price
SPESXFUN 2019 blue	check price
Distianert WJL00015	check price
IMDEN SG_B07B4C3BYC_US	check price
VCANNY	check price
Exercise N Play	check price
XIXOV	check price
Bestamber	check price
DeXop	check price
GMAXT	check price

KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR The Best RC Car Under $100

Do not buy your RC cars yet if you have not read through this whole section. We have discussed in here the essential things you need to look for an excellent RC car.

1. Power Source – Electricity vs Gas-fueled

In the market, you can have two types of toy based on its source of power. Both types have their corresponding pros and cons.

For gas-fueled types, they have greater power and speed compared to electric-driven units. The setbacks for gas-fueled types are its heavyweight which makes them prone to cracks when dropping from high altitude or crashing from very hard surfaces. Likewise, they have higher retail prices compared to electric-driven ones.

On the other, electric-driven units are much cheaper and lightweight. They have lesser power and speed compared to gas-fueled. For beginners, we suggest you start with an electric or battery-driven RC car. They are easier to maintain and more versatile than gas-fueled types.

2. RC Car Types

There are generally two types of RC cars in the market – off- and on-road RC cars. The former is more suitable for rough, muddy, and rocky surfaces while the latter is best for paved road surfaces.

Both types have 4WD mechanism but the off-road type is better for stunts or tricks because of their stronger suspension and shock absorption system. Likewise, their larger wheels complement such daredevil actions.

3. Size or Scale

The common scale or sizes of these toys are 1/16th, 1/10th, 1/8th, and 1/5th. Among these scales, the smallest size of an RC car is 1/16th or 1/32nd. The rule of thumb, the bigger the size of your RC car, the more expensive will be it’s upfront and operating cost because its parts are larger.

4. Durability

When you have an RC car, you can never avoid doing tricks where your unit falls or bumps into various surfaces. It is best to choose a unit that has a solid housing and internal construction. The typical parts of this toy are made from hard plastic, rubber, and some metal alloy or aluminum.

5. Remote Control

Upon buying your RC car, it is also good to check on its remote control and how long it can maneuver the toy. The typical range of any RC remote control is around 300 feet. You also need to check if the frequency is strong enough to main strong connection despite several obstacles.

6. Battery

This one refers to the battery life of your unit. The average battery life of an RC car unit is around 10 to 20 minutes. For units with longer battery life and fast-charging feature, it would have a hefty price.

Top 10 Best RC Car Under $100 for 2020 reviews

1. Hosim All Terrain RC Car 9112

 

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FEATURES

 

 

• Scale- 1/12

• Motor-390 brush motor

• Speed- 38kph

• Range- 260 ft

• Playing time- 10-12 mins

pros	cons
• Excellent customer service	• Nothing to gripe about so far
• Top-notch features with unbeatable price	?
• Durable housing construction and material	?

Best for Overall

Among hundreds of top RC car models for 2020, this one is our top pick for such unbeatable price and excellent features. It may not have parallel features with the most expensive ones, but for the price under $100, nothing can beat this model.

We love the 2WD radio frequency remote control system of this RC car for there is no delay in its maneuvering. Its speed is good and there is superb climbing with its rubber grooved off-road tires. You can never worry from crashing on any surfaces because its housing is built from solid top-notch nylon material.

The four suspension systems for this unit works perfect and able to help the car maintain balance in rocky surfaces. The playing time for this RC car is just right for the price, not to mention it is fast-charging. Overall, we love this model and is our top pick for the year.

2. RC Car SPESXFUN RC Car

 

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FEATURES

 

 

• Scale- 1/16

• Motor- 2 built-in motors

• Speed- 15-25 kph

• Range- 40-50 m

• Playing time- 20-30 mins

pros	cons
• Best RC car unit for the scale of 1/16th	• Everything is impressive so far
• Suspension and tire system is great	?
• The remote control can be manipulated with ease and no delays	?

Best for 1/16th RC Car

On our second spot, we chose this RC car model from SPESXFUN as the best unit for the scale of 1/16th. Looking at its price and features, it is a great trade-off for a nice toy for adults and children.

The combination of the speed, suspension system, tires, and a vertical clearance of this RC car can satisfactorily pass through various terrains and live up to its claim as an off-road. It has no problem of getting stuck up when passing tall grasses. Moreover, it can smoothly pass through with ease on surfaces that has small and large tree roots, gravel, and leaves.

Its remote control device is simple and straightforward to use. No delays. Then its USB charger has an LED light indicator which turns off when the battery is fully charged. Likewise, customer service is very accommodating.

We are satisfied with all the features and specs of this RC car.

3. Distianert 4WD RTR RC Car

 

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FEATURES

 

 

• Scale- 1/12

• Motor- 390 brushless motor

• Speed- max 25 mph

• Range- 250 feet

• Playing time- max to 30 mins

pros	cons
• The suspension system is fairly solid and reliable	• Replacing parts if broken can be challenging because the manual does not provide enough details
• Cost-efficient RC car unit	?
• RTR	?

Best Runner Up

Looking back to our top pick, this RC car model from Distianert is an excellent runner up for best for overall RC car model for the scale of 1/12.

The overall housing construction of this unit is fairly reliable and solid which shows decent resistance for crashing and bumping. In its suspension system, there are metal threaded parts which are great for that means it won’t easily be broken. Majority of its parts and components are made from plastic with a decent level of toughness for an off-road unit.

Looking at its remote control, the RC car is highly responsive to all maneuvering, though the motor lacks slight power compared to other expensive units. The remote control has trims where you can use to manipulate its throttle orientation and steering. Likewise, we like its turning radius.

If ever there’s a need for parts replacement, its manual does not provide vivid details about it.

4. IMDEN RC Car Off-Road

 

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FEATURES

 

 

• Scale- 1/18

• Motor- 390 brushed motor

• Speed- 30 mph

• Range- 260-feet

• Playing time- 20-30mins

pros	cons
• Affordable price	• Overall quality is excellent for the price
• The excellent remote control system	?
• Decent and reliable off-road performance	?

Best for 1/18th RC Car

For numerous 1/18th scale RC car models in the market, we find this unit from IMDEN as our top-notch model for the scale. The smallest size you can get for an RC car is around 1/32, so 1/18 scale is the second smallest.

For the price between $75 to $100, this unit from IMDEN got so much performance and features to brag. Its remote control has five buttons (reverse steering, steering trim, throttle, steer rate, and throttle reverse) that is straightforward to operate. It is lightweight to the hand which is great for children. There is a very unnoticed delay as its transmitter and receiving systems are excellent.

So far, its tire thread and suspension is decent for its off-road performance. It can fairly maneuver over rough and bumpy surfaces while maintaining balance. The charging time of the batteries is around 4 hours and it can last for about 20 to 30 mins average playtime.

For adults, this scale is quite small so you would look for a larger size but would cost higher.

5. VCANNY RC Car Off-Road

 

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FEATURES

 

 

• Scale- 1/18

• Motor- 390 brushed motor

• Speed- 30mph

• Range- 260 feet

• Playing time- 20-30 mins

pros	cons
• Excellent design and material for off-road tires	• The price is right for its quality features and specs
• Dependable suspension system	?
• Responsive remote control system	?

Best for Off-road Tires

One of the main feature for superb off-road performance is having the perfect off-road tires to handle the harsh texture of off-road surfaces. Among the 1/18 scale RC car, this one from VCanny has the best grooves and features of an off-road tire.

Choosing an RC car unit is almost similar to choosing a real-life car unit. You need to check on the important parts such as the suspension system, speed, steering abilities, tire designs and material, and motor power. The best feature we admire from this unit is its off-road tires. It has aggressive grooves and sipes. Likewise, the rubber material has a decent toughness to resist fast wearing.

All other features of this RC car unit met our expectations such as responsive remote control, motor strength, functional suspension system, and durability of parts. There are no worries with all bumps and drops as its housing construction is fairly dependable.

Overall, good quality and performance is cost-efficient for the price.

6. Exercise N Play RC Car Off-Road

 

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FEATURES

 

 

• Scale- 1/18

• Motor- DC motor

• Speed- 30 kph

• Range- —-

• Playing time- 15 mins

pros	cons
• An excellent choice for birthday and Christmas gifts	• Works as expected
• Above standard quality	?
• User-friendly and cost-efficient	?

This RC car model from Exercise N Play is a neat choice for Christmas or Birthday present for your children. It has a rewarding price offer and features suitable for the optimal fun time and bonding with your kids.

There are no worries with its parts and functions as it is suitable for children ages 5 and older. Maneuvering the RC car comes pretty straightforward and easy. The design is sleek and professional. Moreover, other features worth noting works as expected.

Creating a memorable and fun time with your kids playing RC cars is more worthwhile than leaving them alone with their phone and other gadgets.

7. XIXOV RC Car Off-Road Hobby Crawler

 

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FEATURES

 

 

• Scale- 1/14

• Motor- brushed motor

• Speed- max at 25 mph

• Range- 80 yards

• Playing time-15-25 mins

pros	cons
• Excellent design and specs for a 1/14 RC car model	• Nothing so far
• Professional design	?
• Decent housing construction and parts	?

Best for 1/14th RC Car

The typical RC car you can see in the market are on the scale of 1/18. This tends to be of smaller size. If you want a larger one, this model from XIXOV is the best 1/14th RC car unit we have seen in the market.

For a price between $50 to $70, you get more than just RC car toy. Its size and design are more comparable to the real-life off-road cars you want to drive. Maneuvering and steering this unit is very easy and the remote control is surprisingly responsive. We notice a very little decrease in responsiveness for longer remote controlling.

Other features of this RC car model work perfectly fine and has met our expectations. This is a good option for those starting with RC car gaming.

8. Bestamber RC Car Electronic Hobby Car

 

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FEATURES

 

 

• Scale- 1/18

• Motor- brushed motor

• Speed- 20 kph

• Range- 50-80 m

• Playing time- 15-20 mins

pros	cons
• Very affordable price	• Not enough off-road features
• Decent battery life	?
• An efficient remote control system	?

Best for Budget

For amateurs and those on tight budgets, this 1/18th RC car model from Bestamber has the best budget-friendly price which does not compromise quality. It can serve as a great option as a gift for your children as well.

For a price between $30 to $60, you can never be wrong from buying this one as a starter unit for your fun-filled RC car racing escapade with your friends and kids. The range of its remote control is good for the price and its sensitivity does not greatly decrease with distance.

The tire design and material of this RC car are better for on-road surfaces, though it can still ride over rough surfaces. The spring system of this unit is also better fitted for paved roads. Overall, it is the best unit we see that offers very affordable cost.

Not enough features to withstand the full off-road ride.

9. DeXop RC Car

 

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FEATURES

 

 

• Scale- 1/16

• Motor- brushed motor

• Speed- 20kph

• Range- 80 m

• Playing time- 15-20 mins

pros	cons
• Wifi-ready to connect with HD wifi cam and iPhone	• Cannot effectively ride over tall grasses
• Professional car design	?
• Solid construction	?

Best for HD Wifi Camera

This RC car unit came to us as a surprise because of its wifi capability in using its HD wifi camera that can transmit real-time data for a distance between 35 to 40 meters. There are several benefits to this wifi-able HD camera. You can use it for documentation purposes.

If you try looking for other models with parallel features, you can never see anything more budget-friendly as this one. Pairing it with an iPhone is very feasible and easy. Controlling this RC car can be done using the remote control or through your iPhone. Make sure to fully charge its batteries to enjoy its 20 minutes playtime.

Its vertical clearance, spring system, and tires can superbly ride on paved and muddy surfaces. However, there is a difficulty when driving over tall grasses.

It does not have enough power to effectively ride over tall grasses.

10. GMAXT RC Car 9300

 

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FEATURES

 

 

• Scale- 1/18

• Motor- 380 brushed motor

• Speed- 100 mph

• Range- 80m

• Playing time-18-20 mins

pros	cons
• Outstanding off-road features	• Product packaging needs improvement
• Professional looking	?
• Decent solid parts and housing construction	?

The tenth spot in our list is an RC car from GMAXT. It has the typically small size RC car available in the market. For the price between $70 to $100, this unit can be an excellent choice as a present for birthdays and Christmas occasion.

The overall features and specifications of this unit are standard and present with all other RC car units. Looking at its remote control capabilities, there is good responsiveness and very slight decrease as distance grow farther.

The spring system of this unit is fairly solid and functional in reducing shocks for sudden drops from riding over rough and bumpy surfaces. The design and tread patterns of its tire are suitable for an all-out off-road ride. We find this RC car an outstanding present to paint a smile on the face of your kid.

The packaging of this RC car unit is not that appealing but it does not affect the overall quality of the product.