Best RC Tanks of 2023

Running on twin tracks and with a turret that rotates 330 degrees, this RC model steers and moves just like the real thing. It comes assembled with an optional turret-mounted machine gun and a tank commander that you can choose to install or not. The tank works the same either way.

Roughly the size of a shoebox, this RC tank has proven to be sturdy, and it runs well on dirt, short grass, and asphalt. If you pick up other tanks in the same line, you can enjoy infrared yet realistic battles.

With funky gull-wing doors, higher ground clearance for running through water, and a top speed of 10 mph, this RC tank provides off-road play possibilities not found with other models. An LED light bar and loud engine noises add a layer of fun.

The self-adjusting tracks will carry this tank up a 45-degree slope, and the high ground clearance lets you drive through shallow puddles. However, it’s not waterproof, so if your kids are moving through the water, supervise them carefully and keep them out of water more than an inch deep.

This hobby-grade RC tank has metal tracks, a metal sprocket wheel, a steel gearbox, and an overall sturdy build for a model that will last for years. There’s a mount inside for a camera, which isn’t included, so you can drive from inside the tank and record your exploits.

The gun barrel moves up and down, fires cat annoying 6mm BBs, has a recoil action when it shoots, and makes a firing noise. Meanwhile, there are machine gun and engine sounds, an option to have the exhaust smoke, and a removable infrared module so you can battle other tanks.

This is my favorite tank but ranks as number three because of the price.

With two kids and a limited budget, you have three options:

• Have them fight over one good-quality tank.
• Get two lower-quality tanks and have them break.
• Choose this two-for-one pack of decent quality RC tanks at an affordable price.

This sturdy, if lacking in detail, RC tank set has start-up and running motor noises, machine gun and turret sounds, and a post-fire recoiling turret.

Grippy caterpillar tracks help you escape the enemy, even up gentle slopes, and the simple control makes it easy to spin in the spot to celebrate a victory.

This RC tank from Bluefit takes only one hour for a full charge, from which you’ll get roughly 15 minutes of run time. It’s a speedy little thing, which can be frustrating when you’re learning how to control it, so don’t expect this tank to be fun for the younger child.

There’s a decent, realistic rumbling and squeak sound when driving. The turret of the tank rotates through 360 degrees, and the barrel moves up and down by 30 degrees or so.

For a starter tank for a child who may not know how deeply interested they are in this kind of thing, it’s a good value.

With this 392-piece kit, you can build an RC tank, an RC tracked car, and an RC robot. You can only make one at a time, but you can dismantle and build as many times as you like.

This kit’s building element helps your child develop confidence and can be configured in multiple ways outside of the prescribed build. It’ll be fun, but educational.

This RC tank has the functional fun you’d expect from a mid-range toy, with an additional feature such as a shooting function. However, one function I liked on this one that is missing from other models is the on-off switch for the sounds.

The ability to have silence makes up for some of the other features which I feel were overstated. The turret rotates at 270 degrees. The gun barrel moves up and down roughly 30 degrees.

This RC tank comes in two models, but you can battle with the infrared function between two tanks that are the same. The tanks do not fire projectiles but do make firing sounds, and they recoil when you fire.

Four lights on the rear indicate your lives left in a battle against another infrared model, but all four light up when not in fighting mode.

A more affordable hobby-grade tank, this model is predominately plastic, but you can purchase metal upgrade parts at a later date.

The tank comes with smoke oil, a few drops of which you put in the burner at the rear for a smoking exhaust effect. Additional oil is easy to find, as is the 6mm BB ammunition the tank uses.

This RC tank from Fisca is more expensive than most toy tanks. The BBs can shoot with enough force to hurt, making it unsuitable for younger kids or irresponsible older kids.

It is well spec’d with lots of functions, but it is too delicate for outdoor use. This is not of a high enough spec and quality to be considered hobby grade. I’d only recommend this as the best RC tank for enthusiasts unable to afford a full-on hobby-grade model for the foreseeable feature.