8 Best RC Car Brands in 2025: Expert Picks for Performance, Durability, and Design

Looking for the best RC car brands in 2025? We tested over 90 RC brands to find the seven top RC companies to buy from.

Finding an RC car that lasts takes more than picking a well-known brand. At EuroRC, we tested over 90 brands, driving their models in different terrains to see how good they hold up and where they're good at. We narrowed this list to seven RC brands so you don't have to read and watch different articles and reviews. 

Every brand in this list passed our hands-on testing. You won't waste your money on low-quality and overpriced stuff. Let’s break down the best RC brands in 2025.

8 Top RC Car Brands to Buy From in 2025

RC Brands	Best For	Popular Model	Price Range
Tekno RC	Overall Performance and Durability	EB8 2.2	$$$
HPI Racing	Versatile RC Options	RS4 Sport 3 1:10 Drift	$$-$$$
Traxxas	Beginners and Ready-to-Run (RTR) Models	Sledge 6S	$$$-$$$$
Xray	High-End Racing Performance	Xray XT8E '24	$$$ - $$$$
Tamiya	Kit Builders and Collectors	Super Hotshot	$$-$$$
Team Corally	High-Speed Racing and Bashing	Team Corally Kagama XP 6S	$$$
Maverick	Budget-Friendly Option Off-Road RCs	Maverick QuantumR Flux 4S	$$
BlackZon	Affordable RC Cars for Fun and Stunts	BlackZon Smyter	$$

Below is a more detailed look at each of the brands. Read them to learn about the following: 

• What they’re good at
• A quick background 
• Some of their best models 
• The pros and cons of each brand 

1. Tekno RC 

Tekno RC	Scores and Description
Durability	5/5
Performance	5/5
Design	5/5
Ease of Use	3/5
What We Like	Its kit cars are fun to build  Top-tier resilience and performance  Offer great customer support
What to Consider	More expensive than some competitors Not newbie-friendly as it offers kit cars

Tekno RC is a crowd-favorite because of its products' performance, durability, and innovation. It produces kit cars that are great for both bashing and racing. 

Daniel Lewis built this brand in 2005. His love for cars allowed him and his team to make a well-known quality brand. Not surprising that by 2009, Tekno RC had already championed the race circuit and secured wins at ROAR Nationals, the Dirt Nitro Challenge, and Silver State.

Quick fun fact: Just last year (2024), one of its cars became the "Grand Champion" at the annual U.S. Open Fuel Championships.

Twenty-five years have passed, but it still stands among popular RC car brands. Honestly, we don't get that many complaints about Tekno RCs. You'll also find more compliments and positive reviews on this brand than negative ones. That speaks volumes. 

Popular Tekno RC Models

• EB48 2.2. This latest 1/8-scale race buggy is built for speed and durability.
• MT410. A 1/10-scale monster truck kit based on the ET48 platform.
• NT48 2.0. Tekno's fastest and strongest nitro truggy to date.

2. HPI Racing

HPI Racing	Scores and Description
Durability	4/5
Performance	5/5
Design	4/5
Ease of Use	5/5
What We Like	Offers something for different skill levels and ages Has some affordable options than Traxxas and Tekno RC Some RTR RC cars come with a charger
What to Consider	Replacement parts can be a bit hard to find outside Europe Older models may lack aftermarket support compared to newer releases

HPI (Hobby Products International) adds fun to high-quality RC cars. It has a great portfolio of well-designed cars that kids and adults will love. You can also choose from flexible options of off-road, on-road, drift cars, RTR, and kit car models.

Tatsuro Watanabe launched HPI in 1986 in Southern California. The company started by making aftermarket parts. But HPI gained recognition as a powerful brand after its Uno motor won a World Championship in 1987.

HPI grew fast in the UK but hit some challenges, such as bankruptcy in 2017. The company didn't give up and returned stronger by securing new distribution channels in the US and Canada. 

Well-Known HPI Racing Models 

• Jumpshot V2. Big-tire monster truck built for off-road action with aggressive styling and solid performance.
• WR8. Realistic rally RC car for experienced drivers who want precision control on on-road and rally tracks.
• RS4 Sport 3 1:10. Beginner-friendly 4WD touring car with a sealed drivetrain, oil-filled shocks, and waterproof electronics for all-weather driving. 

3. Traxxas

Traxxas	Scores and Description
Durability	4/5
Performance	4/5
Design	5/5
Ease of Use	5/5
What We Like	Great for beginners who want a ready-to-run RC Parts are more accessible in local shops Offer some decent budget entry cars
What to Consider	Some users complain about terrible customer service Not suitable for competitive racing

Traxxas is the best RC car brand for RC crawlers and bashers. We consider Traxxas a household name in RC, like Tom Cruise in action movies. Both made their name in 1986 and continue to draw attention decades later.

David Katz and Jim Jenkins founded Traxxas in 1986 in McKinney, Texas. They introduced Ready-To-Race (RTR) models and let RC enthusiasts skip complicated assembly and start driving right out of the box. Mike Jenkins later took over and grew the brand's lineup and market reach.

Some of the best RC brands push their products for serious remote-controlled car racing. But Traxxas has a different plan. It opts for ease of use and multi-terrain durability. The cars are good enough to handle jumps, trails, and backyard bashing. 

Best Traxxas Models to Try 

• Maxx Slash. Ever seen a short-course truck hit 112 km/h and stay in control? This beast delivers brutal 6S power, a low center of gravity, and belted tires that grip like nothing else.
• TRX-4M. TRX-4’s little brother but just as capable. This 1/18-scale crawler handles trails, living rooms, and backyards with steel frame rails, oil-filled shocks, and real crawling power.
• Sledge 6S. This truck laughs in the face of rough terrain with a bombproof drivetrain, 6S ferocity, and waterproof electronics.

4. Xray 

Xray	Scores and Description
Durability	6/5
Performance	6/5
Design	5/5
Ease of Use	3/5
What We Like	High-quality materials built for speed and handling Championed many races in different RC categories Provides reliable support in over 30 countries worldwide
What to Consider	Expensive compared to other brands Not ideal for casual RC drivers or beginners

Xray is the Lamborghini of the RC car race world - both on-road and off-road. People love it for its speed and premium build. If you race, you’ve either owned one or lined up against one. I've seen so many comments online praising how flawless this brand is when built, and I couldn't agree more!

Juraj Hudy built the brand in 2000 with a focus on high-end racing performance. Racers who want precision and reliability stick with Xray because the quality speaks for itself. It does cost more, but the performance makes up for it.

• Xray XT8E. A 1/8 electric truggy built for racing with reinforced bulkheads, adjustable suspension, and a redesigned chassis for better drivetrain efficiency.
• Xray NT1. 1/10 nitro touring car with an updated chassis for improved traction, a compact receiver box for better weight distribution, and adjustable suspension for precise handling on any track.
• Xray X4. Another 1/10 touring car designed for control and stability with shorter shocks, link-style upper suspension, and an aluminium servo holder.

5. Tamiya

Tamiya	Scores and Description
Durability	3/5
Performance	3/5
Design	5/5
Ease of Use	4/5
What We Like	Superb aftermarket support Stylish and detailed design Some kits are affordable and beginner-friendly
What to Consider	Not as durable as the other brands Models aren't good for bashing and racing

Tamiya’s nostalgic and retro vibes make it a favorite for hobbyists who love the art of building kits as much as driving them. It provides realistic and customizable RC models. 

This brand doesn’t create competitive RC cars, but they surely know how to make a fun and rewarding experience. We've tested and tried different models here at EuroRC, but we still enjoy seeing Tamiya kits lined up—pure eye candy.

Tamiya started in 1948 with wooden models before shifting to plastic kits and RC cars. The brand built a reputation for precision, detail, and easy-to-build kits and set the “Tamiya Standard” in model craftsmanship.

Popular Tamiya Models

• Tamiya Super Hotshot. Modernized version of the 1986 Hotshot built for off-road racing.
• TT-02. Versatile 4WD chassis designed for stability, easy assembly, and multiple setup options.
• M07. High-performance FWD chassis with a rigid frame, full ball bearings, and a four-wheel suspension for better control. 

6. Team Corally 

Team Corally	Scores and Description
Durability	4/5
Performance	5/5
Design	4/5
Ease of Use	3/5
What We Like	Great speed and performance Durable and perfect for tough plays, jumps, and race Top-notch speed-wise
What to Consider	Limited options outside of buggies and monster trucks Some replacement parts may take time to source

Want to quench your need for speed? Team Corally makes some of the best 1/8 and 1/10 scale RTR for monster bashing and high-speed racing. Pick this for that crowd-gathering, heart-stopping performance.

Team Corally started manufacturing RC cars in 1986—the same as HPI. I am unsure if this is a coincidence, but it has also won some awesome titles like the National, European, and World Championships. 

This brand designs high-performance machines that push speeds above 60 km/h. You found your soulmate if you love brushless motors and crave speed. That said, it leans more toward advanced RC users and racers.

Well-Known Team Corally Models

• Syncro 4S. Budget-friendly 1/8 bash buggy built for speed and durability. 
• Kagama XP 6S. Monster truck with reinforced chassis and hybrid braces made for extreme bashing. 
• Spark XB6. Powerful 1/8 buggy with upgraded strength and control for off-road racing.

7. Maverick 

Maverick	Scores and Description
Durability	3/5
Performance	3/5
Design	3/5
Ease of Use	5/5
What We Like	Decent quality for its price Finding replacement parts is easy (but can still depend on your area) Provides a great beginner-friendly model
What to Consider	Limited RC car options and upgrades Not meant for heavy bashing because of the plastic parts

Maverick offers these double AAs for off-road racing—accessibility and affordability. The company makes decent RTR buggies and truggies that beginners can enjoy.

HPI Racing dropped Maverick in 2007 after seeing more hobbyists turning to cheap, unreliable, remote-controlled car brands. They offered it as a great alternative for newcomers so they won't get stuck with a low-quality model.

We had a great time testing it here at EuroRC. For the price, our team got more than we expected. Sure, its RC cars don’t match the toughness of high-end brands, but they hold up well to casual bashing.

Best Maverick Models to Try 

• QuantumR Flux 4S. 1/8 scale on-road speed machine built for high-speed runs, tire-shredding drifts, and aggressive handling.
• Phantom XT. 4WD truggy that reaches 20–30 km/h speeds but keeps controls easy and fun for beginners. 
• Quantum MT. Monster truck with a real steering wheel-style controller built for advanced users who want precise control and power. 

8. BlackZon 

BlackZon	Scores and Description
Durability	5/5
Performance	4/5
Design	4/5
Ease of Use	5/5
What We Like	Fun and easy controllers  Affordable without feeling like a disposable toy Spare parts are easy to find (at least in Europe)
What to Consider	Fewer models compared to larger brands The suspension needs some tweaking for better handling

BlackZon brings entry-level RC fun to the table. It's a brand under the HPI Racing group (like Maverick). These smaller and lightweight models work best for kids and first-time RC owners who want a real hobby-grade experience. 

Expect simple controls, decent speed, and a solid driving experience on pavement, dirt, and short grass. These RCs might not handle killer terrains but can hold up well for everyday bashing. Some models include adjustable speed settings so parents can dial down the power for younger drivers.

Popular and Must-Try BlackZon Models

• BlackZon Smyter Turbo DT. A 1/12 4WD monster truck with a brushless motor, oil-filled shocks, and a steel drivetrain, hitting up to 70 km/h on 3S power.
• BlackZon Slyder. Compact 1/16 monster truck with 4WD, splashproof electronics, and a speed limiter.

Buying Guide: How Do You Choose the Best RC Car Brand 

Picking the right RC brand and car depends on where you drive, your skill level, and what matters most—performance or looks.

On-Road vs. Off-Road

Stick to on-road models if you love speed and tight cornering on smooth pavement. Touring cars like Xpress excel in this. Off-road models handle jumps, dirt, and rough terrain. Brands like Traxxas and Team Corally build RCs that can take a beating.

For Beginners vs. Advanced Use

RTR (Ready-to-Run) models suit beginners who want to drive right away. Traxxas and HPI offer easy-to-use RCs with solid performance. Kit cars require assembly but allow more customization. Tekno and Xpress appeal to racers who enjoy tuning every detail.

Performance vs. Design

Some RCs focus on raw speed, handling, and durability—Tekno, Team Corally, and Maverick fit this category. Others, like Tamiya, bring nostalgia and detailed bodies that look great on display. Decide if you want a race-ready machine or something with personality.

FAQs About Top RC Brands 

What is the best RC car to start with?

Pick the Traxxas Slash 2WD for durability, ease of use, and upgrade potential. The HPI Racing RS4 Sport 3 delivers solid performance for beginners who want on-road action—meanwhile, Tamiya’s TT-02 suits kit builders who enjoy assembling their RCs. 

What is the fastest RC car brand?

Traxxas is on the lead with the XO-1. It hits 100 mph (160 km/h) right out of the box. Team Corally pushes limits, too, with models like the Kagama XP 6S reaching serious speeds. But nothing comes close to the XO-1 regarding pure straight-line velocity.

How can I make my RC car more powerful?

Swap in a brushless motor, upgrade to a high-voltage LiPo battery and use a performance ESC. Lighten the chassis, adjust the gearing for better torque, and slap on high-grip tyres. These changes will crank up speed and acceleration in no time.

What is the most popular RC car size?

The most popular RC car scale is 1/10. This size balances performance, durability, and upgrade options. It’s used in both on-road and off-road RCs, making it the go-to choice for most hobbyists.

Find the Right RC Car Brand from EuroRC 

We swore by the seven brands above. They are great, reliable, and deliver what RC enthusiasts expect. But if we have to choose the best three, Tekno RC, Traxxas, and HPI Racing take the lead.

Tekno RC builds some of the toughest, race-ready kits out there. Traxxas makes RC more accessible with ready-to-run models that get you driving straight out of the box. HPI Racing balances performance and versatility and offers options for off-road, drift, and truggy RCs at different price points.

No matter which brand you pick, we got it at EuroRC. Full warranties, spare parts, and expert support mean you won’t get stuck with an RC you can’t fix. Have a question? Email us, and we’ll reply fast! Click here to shop for the best RC car brands.