Remote Control (RC) cars are one of the favorite hobbies across the U.S., best for both casual drivers and serious racers. RC cars offer an exciting combination of speed, control, and creativity whether you’re engaging in backyard bashing or participating in organized track racing.
For enthusiasts, selecting the right brand is critical, as a reliable brand ensures your investment withstands rough terrain, and delivers high performance.
This guide highlights the top five RC car brands in the U.S. for 2025, based on recent reviews, innovation, and popularity: Traxxas, Arrma, Losi, Redcat Racing, and Team Associated.
How We Ranked the Best RC Car Brands
To identify the top RC car brands in the U.S., Each brand was evaluated based on the following factors:
- Durability shows the capability of the car to handle crashes, stunts, and rough terrains.
- Speed & Performance judged on power, control, and handling.
- Parts & Upgrades – Easy access to spares and customization
- Customer Support – Provide Warranty overall after-sales assistance.
- Popularity & Community – Popular and trusted by hobbyists, racers, and beginners.
Considering these factors, we selected the five brands that deliver the best value and performance.
Top 5 RC Car Brands in the U.S
Here are the top 5 RC car brands in the U.S. that are widely recognized for quality, performance, and popularity among hobbyists and beginners:
1. Traxxas
- Traxxas is popular because it is considered a leading RC car brand in the U.S.
- Pioneered Ready-To-Race (RTR) models, simplifying entry for beginners.
- Known for its high-speed performance, advanced technologies, durability, and customizability with a wide range of accessories,
- Popular models are Slash, X-Maxx, Rustler
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Wide range of models | Higher price than entry-level brands |
| Very durable and fast | Batteries can be costly |
| Easy parts availability & upgrades | Not always ideal for pro racing |
2. Arrma (Owned by Horizon Hobby)
- Known for the slogan, “Designed Fast, Designed Tough.”
- Built for experienced bashers and racers.
- Suitable for off-road, on-road, and all-terrain bashing.
- Famous models include Arrma Kraton, Typhon, and Granite.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Durable | Heavy |
| Powerful | Expensive |
| Fast | Complex |
| Stable | Noisy |
3. Losi (Also Horizon Hobby)
- Losi is popular for competitive racing buggies and trucks.
- Suitable for beginners, competitive racers, and hobbyists seeking scale realism and bashing durability
- Strong aftermarket support.
- Brushless/nitro power, waterproof electronics, and advanced suspension.
- Famous models are the Losi 5IVE-T, Tenacity, and Mini-T 2.0.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Professional | Costly |
| Precise | Fragile |
| Realistic and Reliable | Complex |
4. Redcat Racing
- Focuses on affordable, fun RC vehicles.
- Balanced performance and value.
- Durable designs, some with waterproof electronics.
- Brushless/brushed electric, nitro, gas-powered.
- Famous models are Redcat Everest, Kaiju, and Volcano EPX.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable | Basic |
| Upgradable | Limited |
| Accessible | Slower |
5. Team Associated
- Leading RC vehicle manufacturer.
- Known as “Champions by Design”
- Pioneering in the world of RC racing.
- Reedy motors, ESCs, and batteries for high performance.
- Best for competitive RC racing, especially 1/10 scale buggies and trucks.
- Famous models are the RC10 series and the Rival MT10.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Competitive | Expensive |
| Precise | Complex |
| Trusted | Fragile |
Honorable Mentions
A short description table for the Honorable Mentions:
| Brand | Specialty |
|---|---|
| HPI Racing | Stylish and durable monster trucks, buggies, and on-road cars |
| Kyosho | High-quality Japanese racing buggies and scale models |
| Axial Racing | Rock crawlers and trail trucks for off-road enthusiasts |
| Tamiya | Classic kits, scale models, and beginner-friendly builds |
| ECX | Affordable entry-level RC cars for newcomers |
How to Choose the Right RC Brand for You?
When selecting the ideal RC car brand, it’s essential to consider how you intend to use your RC car:
- For Beginners & Budget-Friendly Fun: Redcat Racing or ECX are the best choices.
- For All-Round Performance & Durability: Traxxas or Arrma.
- For Competitive Racing: Losi and Team Associated deliver precision and race-ready performance.
- For Off-Road Crawling & Trails: Axial Racing is considered the appropriate choice.
- For Hobby Builders & Collectors: Tamiya and Kyosho are more suitable.
Quick Comparison Table of Top 5 best RC car in U.S.
| Brand | Best For | Popular Models | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traxxas | All-round performance & RTR fun | Slash, X-Maxx, Rustler | Beginner–Pro |
| Arrma | Extreme bashing & off-road speed | Kraton, Typhon, Granite | Intermediate–Pro |
| Losi | Competitive racing & precision | 5IVE-T, Tenacity, Mini-T 2.0 | Intermediate–Pro |
| Redcat Racing | Budget-friendly & easy upgrades | Volcano EPX, Kaiju, Everest | Beginner |
| Team Associated | Serious RC racing (1/10 scale) | RC10 Series, Rival MT10 | Pro/Competitive |
Consider Budget & Hidden Costs
When purchasing an RC car, it’s important to keep in mind that the sticker price isn’t the only expense to consider. Several hidden costs can add up quickly. Many models lack high-quality batteries or fast chargers, which you will need to buy separately later.
You should set aside some budget for replacement tires, gears, and suspension parts. Ready-to-Run (RTR) models cost more upfront but include everything, whereas kits are cheaper initially but require separate purchases for motors, radios, and batteries.
Final Thought:
The top 5 RC car brands in the U.S. are Traxxas, Arrma, Losi, Redcat Racing, and Team Associated, each bring unique strengths to the hobby. The right choice depends on your needs, budget, and style of driving, not just brand popularity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Arrma offers better performance per dollar and robustness, but Traxxas wins on parts availability and support.
Redcat Racing is the best RC car brand for beginners because of its affordable prices and simple setups.
Yes, Traxxas RC cars are often considered worth the money.
Traxxas makes the fastest RC car models, with the Traxxas XO-1 reaching speeds over 100 mph.
Yes, Arrma is generally considered more durable out of the box, though both brands hold their own in toughness.
Axial Racing is the best brand for rock crawling, offering highly capable crawlers and trail trucks built for extreme terrain.
No, Redcat RC cars aren’t typically ideal for serious hobbyists, they’re budget-friendly and fun, but often lack long-term parts support and build quality.
Losi is built for precision and competitive racing, while Traxxas focuses on plug-and-play durability and easy parts availability.
Traxxas has the best spare parts availability in the U.S.
Yes, you can race RTR RC cars from brands like Traxxas, Arrma, and Losi.
