Best RC Truck For Kids (Top RC Trucks For Children Updated 2021)
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Remote control trucks are often used for competitive racing and rock crawling, but they also make great toys. Who among is didn’t grow up playing with a great radio controlled truck, racing our siblings and friends and making race tracks out of whatever we could find? An RC truck can be a great toy that encourages children to go outside and teaches hand-eye coordination, which is why we’ve put together this list of the best RC trucks for kids. With so many different kinds of RC trucks on the market, how do you know which one is best for your kid?
At Dronethusiast, we’ve made it our mission to NEVER stop acting like children! Since 2012, we’ve been the go-to site for RC news, reviews and buyer’s guides of all kinds. Our team of RC hobby experts know what products are perfect for kids and which ones should be left for the grown-ups. We know this, because we share these same reviews with our friends and family too!
With that in mind, let’s take a look at our experts reviews of the Best RC Trucks for Kids!
- Size:1:16 Scale
- Speed:20 mph
- Battery:20 Min
- RC: 2.4GHz
- Speed:50 mph
- RC:2.4GHz
- Speed:30 mph
- Size: 1:10 Scale
- Speed:30 mph
- Battery:15 Min
- RC:2.4GHz
- Speed:20 mph
- RC:N/A
- Speed:N/A
RC Truck for Kids Table of Contents
- Altair Power Pro 4×4 RC Truck for Kids
- Traxxas Unlimited Desert Racer
- Redcat Racing Electric Volcano
- SIMREX A231 Challenger
- NQD Kids RC Monster Truck
- Maisto RC Rock Crawler
- NQD Dancing Stunt RC Monster Truck
- Nerf N-Strike Elite TerraScout
- Kid Galaxy My First RC Fire Truck
- Haktoys HAK101 Invincible Tornado
- RC Trucks For Children FAQ
We’ve reviewed our 9 favorite RC trucks for children based on durability, speed, price, battery life, and overall quality. Each of these reviews is organized by the age of the children they’re recommended for. And if you’re a relative newcomer to the remote control truck hobby and want to know more about buying one for your child, feel free to skip ahead to our Frequently Asked Questions section near the bottom of the article.
RC Trucks For 14+ Year Old Kids
These RC monster trucks for kids are more powerful than those designed for younger children, and may require more advanced assembly. This age tier also comes with a greater variety of pricing – a more advanced introductory racing or rock climbing truck will cost several hundred dollars, while a simple RC toy may cost under $100.
Looking for something more advanced? Check out our recent article reviewing rock crawlers, these RC Rock Crawler reviews will show you exactly what you need to know before you purchase.
We’ve also spent a lot of time writing up rc truck reviews for adults if you’re seeking something a little more powerful. Check out the Dronethusiast Electric RC Truck Reviews article and find out everything you need to know to find the one for you!
Check out The Altair Power Pro 4×4 RC Truck for Kids! This Truck is Our Editor’s Choice! (read the review below)
#1. Altair Power Pro 4×4 RC Truck for Kids – Our Editor’s #1 Choice!
Click here to See it On Amazon! or you can get fast and free shipping from the manufacturer’s website at AltairAerial.com.
RC trucks are a great way to get kids outside and having a good time. The Power Pro 4×4 from Altair is one of the best choices for kids for many reasons. Not only does it have an attention-grabbing, bright green design, but this RC truck is very easy to use, making it easy for any child to get driving right away. The controller will fit easily in a kid’s hands and the controls are simple, and easy to understand.
Plus, the Power Pro RC truck is equipped with two speed modes which helps kids stay in control of the RC truck at all times, without it going too fast. This keeps your children safe and prevents the truck from being damaged. Once you or your child feel more comfortable with the controls, you can switch the speed mode so you can go faster. This RC truck can travel at speeds up to 30mph for up to 15 minutes at a time. Plus, it’s extremely durable with self-righting features making it easy for any driver to take to the road.
Power Pro 4×4 Specifications:
• 4 wheel drive
• 1/10 scale size
• 2.4 GHz radio transmitter
• 30 mph speeds
• 250 foot range
PROS:
• Easy to use controls
• Extremely durable
• 2 speed modes perfect for kids
CONS:
• Transmitter batteries sold separately
#2. Traxxas Unlimited Desert Racer
Read reviews and shop for the Traxxas Unlimited
Traxxas is the most popular and arguably best manufacturer of RC trucks and vehicles. Their models are beloved by adults and serious remote control racers. But they do have a few RC trucks for 14 year olds, the best of which is known as the “Unlimited Desert Racer.”
Like most of Traxxas’ offerings, this truck doesn’t come with a battery or charger. It also costs over 600 dollars at time of writing. But if money is no object, this super-powerful RC truck unquestionably has the best specs on the market for kids.
Traxxas Unlimited Desert Racer Specifications:
• 4 wheel drive
• 1/7 scale size
• Realistic 4-link rear suspension
• Heavy-duty axles, drive, chassis, and wheels
• Twin GTR shocks at each corner
• Comes with 2.4GHz radio transmitter
• Battery life varies by battery (purchased separately)
• 50 MPH top speed
Pros:
• Fastest RC truck for kids
• Most durable RC truck for kids
• Has huge power off-road thanks to a unique suspension system
Cons:
• Transmitter, battery, and charger sold separately
#3. Redcat Racing Electric Volcano
Read reviews and shop for the Redcat Electric Volcano
The Redcat Racing Electric Volcano is one of the most popular RC trucks for beginners, which naturally includes most children. It comes with everything you need to start driving right out of the box (although drivers with some experience may choose to purchase a longer-lasting battery). It’s also quite durable, with
Fully waterproof electronics, and pretty easy for anyone to drive.
It only costs 150 dollars, but don’t worry – you’re not sacrificing any specs. The Redcat Racing Electric Volcano still comes with a 19T RC550 Brushed Motor with heat sink and forward/reverse ESC that give it a solid speed rating.
Redcat Racing Elec Specifications:
• 4 wheel drive
• 1/10 scale size
• Comes with 2.4GHz radio transmitter
• Comes with 7.2V 2000mAh NiMh battery and charger
• 7-10 minute battery life
• 19 MPH top speed
Pros:
• A popular truck for first-time RC drivers and beginners
• Solid top speed
• Good durability
Cons:
• The battery life is quite short, especially for the price
#4. SIMREX A231 Challenger
Read reviews and shop for the SIMREX A231
“Cheap but fast” is the name of the game for this particular RC monster truck. Many parents don’t want to spend over 100 dollars on the Redcat Volcano, and MOST parents probably aren’t willing to spend over $600 on the Traxxas model. For those shopping for a 14 year old who don’t want to break the bank, we suggest the SIMREX A231 Challenger.
SIMREX A231 Challenger Specifications:
• 4 wheel drive
• 1/18 scale size
• Comes with 2.4GHz radio transmitter
• Comes with LiPo battery and charger
• 7-10 minute battery life
• 12.5 MPH top speed
Pros:
• Affordable price
• Good speed
• Ready to race with no additional purchase
Cons:
• Cheap materials used to keep the cost down mean this RC truck isn’t super durable
#5. NQD Kids RC Monster Truck – Best RC Truck for 10-13 Year Old Kids
Read reviews and shop for the NQD Monster Truck
RC Trucks for 10-13 Year Old Kids are designed to be frustration-free and are usually ready to race right out of the box. They have decent speed and specifications, and usually prioritize durability, since 10- to 13-year-old kids are more likely to crash their truck than older children.
This RC monster truck for kids isn’t super well known, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a great choice for any child! This unique-looking 1/12 RC model works in most difficult terrains, comes with a rechargeable battery, and is easy to operate. The remote control can also switch between two different frequency channels, which makes it great for siblings who want to each buy a truck to race.
NQD Kids RC Monster Truck Specifications:
• 4 wheel drive
• 15.2 inches long
• Comes with 2-channel 2.4GHz radio transmitter
• Comes with a 6.0V 800mAh battery and charger
• 20+ minute battery life
• Made of durable, non-toxic Premium ABS Plastic
Pros:
• Great battery life
• Great control mechanisms
• Decently durable
Cons:
• A little more expensive than other RC trucks for 10 year olds
#6. Maisto RC Rock Crawler
Read reviews and shop for the Maistro Rock Crawler
The Maisto is one of our favorite affordable RC off road trucks for kids. Its ultra grip tires are perfect for rock climbing and other outdoor activities. It’s perfect for any 10 year old who loves playing in the dirt (which, in our experience, is almost all 10 year olds.)
One thing to note about this RC truck for kids is that it doesn’t take a special LiPo or Nimh battery. Instead, it just uses 6 Double-As. This is nice for kids who don’t want to take a long time to charge their new RC truck, but might be less nice for the parents who have to keep buying more batteries.
Maisto RC Rock Crawler Specifications:
• 4 wheel drive
• 12.5 inches long
• Comes with 2-channel 2.4GHz radio transmitter
• Requires 6 AA batteries
• 7-10 minute battery life
• TPE ultra-grip tires
Pros:
• Cheap
• Great for any off-road adventures
• Precise control mechanisms
Cons:
• Battery life isn’t great, and you may have to buy a lot of extra batteries
#7. NQD Dancing Stunt RC Monster Truck – Best RC Truck for 5-9 Year Old Kids
Read reviews and shop for the NQD Dancing Monster Truck
Any remote control truck for 5 year old is going to be fairly cheap, fairly simple, and built with safety in mind. These trucks are also designed to be visually appealing, and will often have an additional gimmick to hold the attention of a more easily distracted child.
This is the second RC monster truck on this list from the NQD brand, which just goes to show that they know how to put together a quality product. This particular model is designed for dancing stunts, with a full 360 degree range of motion kids will get a real kick out of.
Another thing that makes this model stand out is the gorgeous design, which comes in one of three colors and which is clearly inspired (though not officially licensed) by Pixar’s CARS series.
NQD Dancing Stunt RC Monster Truck Specifications:
• Control range of up to 260 feet
• 4 inches long
• Comes with 2-channel 2.4GHz radio transmitter
• Comes with a 6.0V 800mAh battery and charger
• 20+ minute battery life
• Dancing stunt 360° spin
Pros:
• Super colorful and appealing design
• Good control range and battery life
• Made of child-safe rubber and plastic
Cons:
• The plastic body may break if kids play too rough with this truck
#8. Nerf N-Strike Elite TerraScout
Read reviews and shop for the Nerf N-Strike
The Nerf N-Strike Elite TerraScout isn’t the fastest RC truck for 5 year olds, or the most powerful, or – if we’re being brutally honest – the safest. What it DOES have going for it is that it’s a super fun toy that kids just love (and we’re speaking from experience here.)
This Nerf brand radio controlled truck can shoot up to 18 darts from up to 45 feet away, records photos and video that streams live to an LCD screen built into the controller, and drives on a number of difficult terrains (although we recommend using it primarily indoors, where it’s easier to find and pick up all of the darts.)
Nerf N-Strike Elite TerraScout Specifications:
• Control range of up to 45 feet
• 6 inches long
• Comes with 4-channel radio transmitter
• Comes with a 9.6V NiMh battery and charger
• 215 feet per minute top speed
• 360° spin
Pros:
• Built-in camera
• Obvious playability
• Has multiple angle, rotation, and firing options
Cons:
• Irresponsible children may hurt themselves with the darts
• Requires an SD card to take photo and video
#9. Kid Galaxy My First RC Fire Truck – Best Remote Control Truck for Toddlers
Read reviews and shop for My First RC Fire Truck
Remote control trucks for toddlers are very simple, and designed with the child’s safety as a top priority. Their controllers only have two to four large, simple buttons, and the trucks themselves are made of thick no-pinch plastic. These remote control trucks are usually best used indoors, where you can keep an eye on your toddler as they play.
This is probably the best and safest remote control truck for toddlers – and if you’re not willing to take our word for it, consider that it won an Oppenheim Platinum Best Toy Award for being one of the most entertaining and engaging new toys of 2018.
This great truck is squeezable and soft for your children’s safety, is designed to drive indoors, and has a simple two-button controller that even a toddler can enjoy with ease. It also looks like a fire truck, which we know for many children will be its most exciting feature by far.
Kid Galaxy My First RC Fire Truck Specifications:
• Two button steering wheel controller (one button goes forward, the other spins)
• Dimensions: 6.5 x 5 x 4 inches
• Comes with a 9-Volt battery and charger
• Made of soft, squeezable plastic material
• Colorful design
• Recommended by the manufacturer for ages 2 years and up
Pros:
• Squeezable soft body is safe for toddlers to play with and won’t damage furniture
• Helps toddlers develop fine motor skills
Cons:
• May overheat if you leave the batteries in the truck or controller (so don’t do that)
• Makes loud sounds that may annoy parents
#10. Haktoys HAK101 Invincible Tornado
Read reviews and shop for the HAK101 Invincible Tornado
If your child needs more than a truck that goes forward and spins to entertain them, the Haktoys HAK101 Invincible Tornado is a slightly more exciting model that’s still safe for most toddlers. It’s larger, has more features (including the ability to perform a number of spins and stunts), is covered in blinking lights, and has a long battery life. In short, it offers much more “playability”.
However, this remote control truck for toddlers does feature a harder plastic body that may be less safe than the Kid Galaxy model.
Haktoys HAK101 Invincible Tornado Specifications:
• Two-stick remote controller
• Dimensions: 7.5 x 6.5 x 6 inches
• Comes with a Ni-Cd battery and charger
• Up to 20 minutes of play time
• Covered in LED lights and sound effects
• Recommended by the manufacturer for ages 10 months and up
Pros:
• Features fun spins and stunts
• Excellent battery life
Cons:
• Though still designed for child safety, features a hard plastic body that’s a little more dangerous than the Kid Galaxy model
• Makes loud sounds and features blinking lights that may annoy parents
RC Trucks For Children FAQ
What is the best RC truck for kids?
As any good parent knows, every child is different. No one RC truck is going to be the right fit for every single person, no matter how good it is. That’s why we’ve broken down our reviews by category, so you can find the best remote control truck for children at specific age ranges, and so you can pick out specific designs like kids RC monster trucks or affordable RC off road trucks for kids.
What is the best remote control truck for baby?
The Kid Galaxy My First RC Fire Truck is the best remote control truck for children between the ages of 24 months and 4 years. Kids and babies younger than that probably don’t have the coordination necessary to drive an RC truck, and may end up hurting themselves if they try to do so.
Can I buy a ride on remote control truck for kids?
Ride-on remote control trucks for kids are rare, but ride-on remote control cars are more common. However, these are not the subject of this article, which is specifically about RC truck toys for kids to drive with a controller.
It should also be noted that ride-on remote control trucks are generally recommended for toddlers, not children over the age of 5.
What is the best RC truck for under 100 dollars?
The best RC truck for kids that costs under $100 is probably the SIMREX A231 High Speed RC Challenger. However, this truck is not recommended for children under the age of 14.
Which is better for children: remote control truck or car?
Remote control trucks for kids have more control and are better at handling off-road conditions, while cars tend to be faster and are more likely to be designed for indoor use. Which is better? It depends what you and your child are looking for!
Where can I buy a remote control truck for children?
Some brick and mortar stores still sell cheap remote control trucks for children, but their selections are growing smaller and smaller and they don’t always have the best options available. We recommend buying remote control trucks for children from Amazon, where you get a wide selection, fairly cheap shipping, and reviews from real customers to browse. The websites of specific manufacturers are also a great place to buy RC trucks for kids, especially since sometimes the manufacturers offer cheaper pricing if you buy directly from them.
Finding Affordable RC Trucks For Kids
We hope this article has helped you find the best remote control truck for your child. These toys have been popular with children for decades now, and with good reason – not only are they a great way to get outdoors and learn a little about electronics, they’re tons of fun for kids and adults alike.
If you have any questions about RC trucks for kids, or if you have a favorite radio controlled truck model we didn’t mention in our reviews, be sure to contribute to the discussion in the comments!
Kennedy Martinez
kennedy@dronethusiast.comKennedy Martinez is a resident writer who joined Dronethusiast at the beginning of 2019. She has years of experience reviewing drones and other tech products. When it comes to flying drones, Kennedy loves the ability to create artistic videos from a unique point of view. Kennedy enjoys researching new drones and other exciting products that are available to consumers which is why she is committed to creating the best buyer's guides for our readers.
