Best RC Cars Under $100: Ultimate Buying Guide & Reviews

As huge fans of RC cars, we all know how much fun it can be indoors or outdoors when having your own RC car. If your budget is limited to only $100, our list of 5 best RC Cars under $100 will certainly not make you disappointed.

There is not an age to become a hobby-grade RC car enthusiast or get interested in RC cars. Whether you are craving for a remote controlled vehicle for yourself or looking for a great one as a gift for your friends or your kids, there is a dizzying array of options for you to choose from.

However, in spite of the sheer number of RC car models available on the market, not all of which are well made and survive long to exceed or even live up to your expectation. Do you find it hard to make your buying decision, especially when you have a certain budget in mind? To help you find out the best ones, we have selected and reviewed the 5 best RC cars among an abundance of solid models that you can buy for less than $100.

Our suggestions on 5 best RC cars under $100

GPTOYS Remote Control Car

​If you are in search of the best choice on the RC cars market as a present for your kids, then this is the right place you should have come. Why? Well, because GPTOYS created their RC car to make you contented!

Moving forward, GPTOYS Remote Control Car has the 4WD highlight, four huge, texturized wheels with independent suspension spring as well as a sturdy body to ensure its off-road performance. Not only thanks to this, GPTOYS’ stunning and strong performance is also enhanced by its powerful brushed 390 electric motor allowing the achievable speed of up to 38 km per hour. Another thing that should not be underestimated is the innovative design helping this 1/12 jeep to run excellently and smoothly on all types of terrain, even the roughest ones. Even though it is likely that no one wants to put their RC cars to the test, save it for unpredicted events, then you will definitely be impressed.

This car is built with the scale of 1:12, so it is big enough to make your kids proud when being used outdoors, especially on a sunny day, something that smaller vehicles cannot always do.

Fun and sleek design are what all kids love, but the strong off-road performance and durability are what all adults and RC car enthusiasts look for. With that in mind, GPTOYS made their products with a combination of high-quality standards and splash-proof yet environmentally-friendly materials.  In addition to the excellent components making it possible to bring out the best performance ever in any weather condition, even the severe one, this all-weather RC car model is also loved by its 2 LED headlights and its S-Truck suspension technology. These features make it perfect for different specialized actions such as drifts, turns, and flips – even awesome as usual at night.

Intentionally designed and built to bring fun and passion to the world of modeling, The GPTOYS Remote Control Car is expected to make you feel happy at its most while playing this car with your active children!

Highlight features:

  • Operate on the incredible 2.4 GHz radio system
  • S-truck suspension technology;
  • The scale of 1:12 and the achievable speed of up to 38 km per hour perfect for outdoor racing;
  • The excellent ability to suffer from shocks and vibrations;

Pros:

  • Perfect to be controlled with other racers;
  • Wide remote control range as much as 100 meters;
  • All-weather component;
  • Durability;
  • Deliver excellent off-road performance;
  • Sleek design.

Cons:

  • Not run a whole into the water.

TOZO C1142 RC CAR SOMMON SWIFT

​On a quest of a remote vehicle that is ideally sized, and looks stylish yet still durable as well as simply excels at off-road racing? Or an easy-to-control model for your kids? TOZO C1142 Sommon Swift – which is considered as the swiftest of all - seems to be the best choice.

In terms of the aesthetics, you will love the Hi-Q rubber wheel of the TOZO C1142 Sommon Swift. Not to mention the huge versatility when it comes to terrain types it runs well on grassland, ground, and sand land. TOZO C1142 Sommon Swift can run on the 2.4GHz radio frequency and the top speed of as much as 30 mph. How can your kids enjoy the fun together outdoors without any interference or any trouble? Don’t worry! It is 2.4 GHz that lets them race several buggies together.

One huge advantage over the other cars, fortunately, is that it is a real 4WD RC car. For both children as well as adults alike, this excellent RC vehicle is always an excellent choice to have a blast with it. Powered by a 100M brushed powerful motor, it is a solid, durable remote vehicle that looks gorgeous both standing still and blasting over jumps.

The independent shockproof system is stout and allows you to take bumps with ease as well as effectively save it from any damage caused by the vibration. Meanwhile, the rubber wheels help to protect it from realistic slippery road cross and the tires work just as well indoors as out. Its ability to tolerate shocks and vibrations is also thanks to the proof PVC shell.

Easy-to-assemble with a screwdriver with all the parts solidly built with metal, this TOZO C1142 Sommon Swift cross-country vehicle is perfect to be controlled with other racers by any RC car enthusiast for a racing game as well as for seeking the excessive passion and excitement of remote vehicle racing.

Highlight features:

  • Incredible 2.4 GHz radio system
  • The excellent ability to suffer from shocks and vibrations;

Pros:

  • Properly keep its balance;
  • Excel at off-road racing;
  • Perfect to be controlled with other racers;
  • Wide remote control range as much as 100 meters;
  • Highly recommended for some types of surface like grassland, ground, and sand land;
  • Durability;
  • Great performance;
  • Sleek design

Cons:

  • Not work well in mud;
  • Pay attention to the high speed running to avoid hitting objects

GoStock 1/12 RC Drift Cars

​When it comes to the best RC car producers on the market, GoStock cannot be ignored. And among a lot of options available in the RC car world, we are going to help you with this pick - GoStock 1/12 RC Drift Cars. Speaking of the price, GoStock 1/12 RC Drift Car is not only our personal favorite. It is also widely thought to be top of the class for its price range (under $100).

When it comes to its achievable speed of up to 38km per hour, its scale of 1:18 scale as well as its performance as an all-terrain RC car, it can go toe-to-toe with the best around.

Why is GoStock said to excellently perform its all-terrain RC car duty? It is thanks to its awesome 4 wheels independent suspension system and independent metal-material rugged hollow rubber tires making it impossible for you to experience problem going through the roughest terrain including grassland, sand, ground, marshy land, puddle, and even wet mud. Speaking of the battery of this drifting beast, it sports a 9.6V 700mAh Lithium-ion battery giving it an ample speed.

In spite of all these stunning features, GoStock 1/12 RC Drift Cars still has its downsides. One of them is the battery – which will need 2-3 hours to be fully charged but will last only about 10 mins of playtime at the highest speed.

In any event, we do not have much left to say about GoStock 1/12 RC Drift Cars. Clearly, no comparison between GoStock 1/12 RC Drift Cars and the more expensive RC cars on the market is essential. However, with GoStock’s sleek design and solid specifications, there is no reason why those looking for 5 best RC Cars under $100 should not go for it! Want a lot of bang for your buck, go for GoStock!

Highlight features:

  • An all-terrain RC car;
  • Incredible 2.4 GHz radio system;
  • Easy-to-operate without any outside wireless interference;

Pros:

  • Such an ideal present for any children and toy hobbyist;
  • Excel at off-road racing;
  • Perfect to be controlled with other racers;
  • The achievable speed of up to 38km per hour;
  • Durability;
  • Quite helpful tech support;
  • Great performance;
  • Sleek design.

Cons:

  • The battery can last only about 10 minutes after 2 hours full charging;
  • Some faulty charger reports;
  • 2WD Remote Control Car – less favorable than a 4WD one.

Other excellent choices

SGOTA High-speed Remote Control Car

A long lasting service life, a durable, high-quality standard, and a reliable all-terrain RC Car with high sensitivity, speed control (above 70m), and accurate direction, SGOTA High-speed remote control car must be value for your money. If not, I’m wondering what can be!

SGOTA delivers a 4-axis independent horizontal shock suspension system and a 2.4GHZ hobby grade remote control, which allows controlling a lot of RC cars with no interference at the same time. A model shrunken down to 1:18 scale for your convenience, SGOTA High-speed remote control car is such a great choice for fun-seekers on rainy days. Don’t hesitate to have some fun with your kids indoors! When playing indoors, there is no need to worry about having to sometimes move towards your little fella to ensure a good connection. The 70-meter overall operating range seems to be designed for indoor use.

Another feature that makes SGOTA different from the other models at its same range is its serious battery power of 7.4v, 650Mah Li-ion battery with USB charger provided. Don’t let this miniature of 1/18 model fool you. Under the hood is some super power which can clock in at around 29 mph. However, it takes about 2 hours to be fully charged - a little longer charging time than what we have expected. Meanwhile, you can have fun with it within only 8 minutes.

SGOTA receive much recognition not only due to its powerful motor but also thanks to its stunning aerodynamics. Well designed and made with the high-quality PVC, it even sports the smaller coefficient friction, the higher transmission efficiency, shockproof design, high-temperature-proof design, and horizontal shock suspension system giving it such a longer endurance and durability than any average Remote Control car model.

Highlight features:

  • An all-terrain RC car;
  • 4WD Remote Control Car;
  • Incredible 2.4G full scale synchronous remote control system;
  • High-temperature protection;
  • An independent horizontal shock suspension system;

Pros:

  • Easy-to-charge;
  • Such an ideal present for any children and toy hobbyist;
  • Easy-to-operate without any outside wireless interference;
  • Excel at off-road racing;
  • The achievable speed of up to 29km per hour;
  • Durability;
  • Nippie and nimble;
  • The longer service life than that of other models at its same range;
  • Great performance;
  • Sleek design;

Cons: 

  • The battery can last only about 8 minutes after 2 hours full charging.

Hobby-Ace Rc Cars

The Hobby-Ace Remote Control Car does not run at speed as high as the other RC cars in this price range. But this also makes the Hobby-Ace 1/16 off-road Remote Control Car such a perfect and particular product for children.

Like SGOTA High-speed Remote Control Car, Hobby-Ace’s small size at the scale of 1/16 and top speed of only 15m per hour as well as its wide control range hovering 50 meters make it a born-to-be-for-indoor-use model. Hidden under the hood is also some serious power to make your kids excited all the time. The highest speed of approximately 15 mph might not be what attract speed lovers. But it is still good, especially if you are planning to present it to a kid under 6 years old.

With these similarities, you might mistake Hobby-Ace Remote Control Car for SGOTA High-speed Remote Control Car. Let me tell you some differences! The very first thing should be the playing time period. With the same charging time of about 120-180 minutes, the model of Hobby-Ace cab be driven around for much more than 10 minutes (15 on average) – double that of SGOTA.

All in all, Hobby-Ace Remote Control Car is likely to be a good all-time option - not only because of its nice appearance but also because of its durability and its excellent feature at off-road racing on any terrain whether it is sand ground, grass landscape, and concrete ground, etc. And besides those 3 things, there is not much to matter when it comes to our recommendations on 5 best RC cars under $100!

Highlight features:

  • 4WD Remote Control Car;
  • Incredible 2.4G full scale synchronous remote control system;
  • An independent horizontal shock suspension system;
  • A rechargeable Battery with provided USB Charge Cable;
  • Strong front and back bumper;
  • The battery can last about 15 minutes after 3 hours full charging;
  • Sensitive and responsive to any situation;

Pros:

  • Easy-to-charge;
  • Be able to be connected to the mobile phone for multiple angles;
  • Easy-to-control;
  • Such an ideal present for any children and toy hobbyist;
  • Easy-to-operate without any outside wireless interference;
  • Excel at off-road racing on any terrain;
  • Durability;
  • Great performance;
  • Sleek design.

Cons: 

  • The achievable speed of only 15km per hour;

Things to consider when you are finding an RC car under $100

Price is important, but a hefty price is not always the greatest 

Even though a cheap value often means low standard parts, a hefty price does not always come with high quality. What you want really depends on your budget, your personal hobby, or your friends – who will receive these RC cars as a gift.

Can an RC car offer the best value for money?

Yes, 100% yes. Especially if this is a present for your kids. Younger children seem more easy-going, when it comes to RC cars, than adults. To them, the priciest model is not a big deal. Let me rephrase that – the ones with brushless motors and easy-to-operate replaceable parts are always great but they even cannot be able to take advantage of the most out of a more expensive model.

However, a wide range of models with different styles, materials, scales, etc. means the existence of a bunch of low-quality ones. Thus, to find out which one is best suited, instead of going ahead and buying the very first RC car that pops up on Google search or the cheapest one in the “RC cars under $100” category that you can find on the market, my recommendation is to ask for a piece of advice from your RC car expert friends or the ones who have a lot of RC cars.

A solid set of wheels is essential

A solid set of wheels is typical to any good ATV. And the tiny remote control ones you are going to buy are not exceptional. Moreover, knobby tires which can perform excellently in the grass and dirt as well as work well on hardwood floors or pavement alike are a required part of the best RC car under $100.

On-Road versus Off-Road RC cars

An on-road RC car – which can superbly handle on buttery smooth sidewalks - is a model to consider if you are aiming at driving on smooth and open terrains. Besides, an on-road RC car – which delivers far tighter consistency and closer racing without not much frustration - are also a perfect choice if you want to slide around corners in magnificent style.

Contrariwise, a genuine off-road performance that thrives on mud-splashing, gas-guzzling adventure, an off-road RC car is all those who are looking for some concrete or rocky terrain driving or serious off-road terrain handling need. This monster truck promises to provide the versatility needed to get players over all these lumps and bumps. Let’s sacrifice on handling the challenging performance of your remote vehicle to reach the finish line in trails of glory!

Battery life

The brushed motor of an RC car is not to be underestimated. With less than $200, it is still possible to find some astonishingly speedy cars with good brushed motors that can live up to the saying incredibly well. However, taking it to the hobby grade is such a tough mission. If you are looking for an on-road/off-road RC car under the price of $100, it is likely that longer battery lives – the total charging time and playing time periods - are what you should pay attention to.

The bigger your RC cars are, the longer the battery lives are. For example: The one rated at 1/12 scale have much room for larger battery packs than that rated at 1/18. Note: the scale of 1/12 means that your RC car could be 1/12th the size of a real RC buggy.

Besides, there is also a difference in the RC car’s performance, whether it is on-road or off-road, between rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries. It is likely that the better your rechargeable batteries are, the faster and better your cars will be.

Durability, safety, and ease-to-use

Durability, safety, and ease of use are these important factors to take into consideration when choosing the best RC cars less than $100 for your small sweethearts. In this case, it is wise to get a waterproof chassis instead of models with unnecessary plastic bits and flashy designs. The top-notch speed does not play an important role in creating such a safe and beginner-friendly playing environment for your kids.

Conclusion

So, either you are an adult looking for yourself an efficient RC car to break into the hobby or you are looking for a good RC car as a present for your lovely children or someone you hold dear… but you do not know exactly which one can offer the best value for money. Take time to read our few reviews and see what is really a good option out of the 5 best RC cars under $100. We went ahead and had all the work done for you. Hope that you can find it an informative article regarding our personal favorites.

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