Best first RC car for Christmas 2026, by age and budget

Every car below is a real ready-to-run model from our list of 50, shown at its lowest in-stock price at AMain Hobbies or Horizon Hobby on the date shown. Prices and stock change fast in December, so tap through to confirm before you buy. Ages are FirstRC's criteria-based suggestion (minimum 7+, with adult supervision); the manufacturer's age on the box always wins.

Ages 7–9Ages 10–11Ages 12+Take the quiz

Order early. Holiday shipping is slower, and cutoffs differ by retailer, carrier and shipping method. Check each retailer's own holiday shipping deadline at checkout; we don't guess carrier dates. Back-ordered and out-of-stock cars are left out below because expected dates can slip.

Ages 7–9

Our 7+ picks are slow crawlers and the slowest small cars, and every one assumes an adult is supervising. Faster cars start at 10+.

Under $100

$100–$199

$200–$299

$300 and up

Ages 10–11

Faster bashers and small trucks that FirstRC rates 10+ with adult supervision. The 7+ picks above work too.

$100–$199

$200–$299

$300 and up

Ages 12+

The fastest cars we list, including brushless 2S/3S models. An adult should handle LiPo charging and storage.

$100–$199

$200–$299

$300 and up

What else to buy

17 of the in-stock picks above don't include a battery and/or charger, per each listing's "Needed To Complete" section; those cards show the listing's own list under "Also budget for." Even "everything included" cars often need AA batteries for the transmitter or a USB wall adapter. See what else to buy and LiPo battery safety.

Not shown: out of stock, back-ordered or discontinued

Traxxas Slash Ford F-150 Raptor BL-2s, Traxxas Slash 4x4 BL-2S, Arrma Gorgon 4X2 MEGA 550, Arrma Senton 223S DSC 4x4, Arrma Granite Grom MEGA 380, Losi Mini-B Brushless, Axial SCX24 Base Camp, Team Associated Rival MT10 V2, Team Associated Reflex 14B Gamma, Team Associated Reflex 14T, Element RC Enduro Trailrunner 4x4, Element RC Enduro24 Trailrunner, HPI Jumpshot MT FLUX V2, HPI Savage XS Flux, Maverick Atom AT1