As the mom of five kids, three of whom are boys, and one of whom is a committed RC hobbyist, I’ve gone through a lot of RC toys. Some hold up, while some don’t. So, I’d like to share an experienced view of which RC tanks are the best and what you need to know before choosing one for your child.
Taking my experience, input from our teens’ RC hobby group, and multiple online reviews into consideration, I’ve put together a list of the 10 best RC tanks. I’ve also created a brief buying guide so you can see what factors I considered when choosing them. But first, if you’re worried about the safety of RC tanks…
- Runs on twin tracks
- 330 degree rotating turret
- Comes with tank commander
- Pistol grip remote
- Runs through shallow water
- Top speed of 10 mph
- Makes machine & engine sounds
- BBs firing feature
- Exhaust smoke option
- Includes volume controls
- LEDindicator for tank battle
- Spins in the spot
- 1 hour charge time
- 360° rotating turret
- Fast running tank
- Fun, non-traditional tank
- 392-piece build kit
- Educational as a STEM tool
- 360-degree rotation
- Simple to operate
- Climbs up minor inclines
- Exceptional controller transmission range
- Comes with infrared function
- Realistic lights & sounds
- Tank comes with smoke oil
- Has 6mm BB ammunition
- Realistic tank design details
- Good transmitter range
- Lots of detail & functions
- Powerful BB action
Review Methodology: At Mom Loves Best, we offer you hands-on, professional analysis and assessment of the best RC tanks available on the market. Using a strict set of criteria, we evaluate each product based on its performance, design, and user experience. Our findings are based on thorough research, rigorous tests, and personal experiences, providing you with accurate, reliable data. We compare and rank these RC tanks, highlighting what sets each product apart from its competitors. Our review underscores key decision-making factors like durability, control range, battery life, and realistic features, enabling you to make the best choice for your needs. Trust us to guide you in finding the perfect RC tank that exceeds standard expectations.
The Best Rc Tanks of 2023
These are the 10 best RC tanks your child can have at their disposal.
Infrared Fighting RC Tank
Best Rechargeable RC Tank
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.
Pros
- Excellent value for your hard-earned money.
- Lots of enjoyable features so your child won’t get easily bored.
- Safe for younger children to play with.
- No small plastic pieces to break off and vacuum up.
Cons
- Not the most detailed replica.
Product Specs
Age range | 6+ |
Size | 14.28 x 5.12 x 4.35 inches |
Transmission range | 82 feet |
Run time | 20 minutes |
Charge time | 3 to 4 hours |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
Mostop RC Crawler Tank
Best RC Tank With Pistol Grip Controller
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.
Pros
- Pistol grip remote is easier to use for little hands.
- Will run through shallow water for another element of fun.
- Performs donuts, which kids will love.
Cons
- Not a traditional military tank.
- Not completely waterproof so watch the water depth.
Product Specs
Age range | 8+ |
Size | 14.8 x 6.8 x 5.4 inches |
Transmission range | 80 feet |
Run time | Up to 25 minutes |
Charge time | 3 to 4 hours |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
M41 Walker Bulldog RC Tank
Most Durable RC Tank
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.
Pros
- Exceptional running time for kids who don’t like breaks.
- Excellent build quality so it holds up to heavy use.
- Multiple features like BBs and noise that kids will enjoy.
Cons
- High price that makes it best for true hobbyists.
Product Specs
Age range | 14+ |
Size | 26.6 x 9.2 x 7.5 inches |
Transmission range | 150 feet |
Run time | 2 hours+ |
Charge time | 6 to 7 hours |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
POCO Sherman vs. Pershing Infrared Battle Tanks
Best Infrared RC Battle Tank Set
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.
Pros
- Excellent value for bigger households.
- Volume control to help you avoid headaches and annoyance.
- LED indicator for tank battle.
Cons
- 25 feet range for infrared battles.
- Lack of detail, but that might not matter to your child anyway.
Product Specs
Age range | 10+ |
Size | 9 x 4 x 4 inches |
Transmission range | 85 feet |
Run time | 20 minutes |
Charge time | 2 to 3 hours |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
BlueFit German Tiger I Panzer Tank
Best Budget RC Tank
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.
Pros
- Charges from the remote which makes it easy for kids.
- Short charge time which is good because the battery power doesn’t last long.
- Faster than most, which should excite your child.
Cons
- Limited features.
- Indoor only, which may bum out your child.
Product Specs
Age range | 8+ |
Size | 3.54 x 1.97 x 1.57 inches |
Transmission range | 65 feet |
Run time | 15 minutes |
Charge time | 1 hour |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
OASO RC Tank Building Kit
Best Convertible RC Tank
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.
Pros
- Fun, non-traditional tank style.
- Additional play value since the building element is added.
- Potentially educational as a STEM tool.
Cons
- Limited range.
- Models can dismantle during rough use.
- Instructions must be downloaded.
Product Specs
Age range | 8 to 12 years |
Size | Varies by model – roughly shoebox-sized |
Transmission range | 80 feet |
Run time | 25 minutes |
Charge time | 2 to 3 hours |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
Military RC Tank
Best Lights & Sounds RC Tank
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.
Pros
- 360-degree rotation.
- Simple to operate so children can play independently.
- It can climb up minor inclines for more play value.
Cons
- Controller feels delicate, which can be worrisome with children involved.
- Slow, which might risk boring children.
- May not have the best performance on pebbles or on grasses.
Product Specs
Age range | 8+ |
Size | 8.26 x 4.72 x 4.13 inches |
Transmission range | Not specified |
Run time | Up to 15 minutes |
Charge time | 2 hours |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
RC US Army Battle Tank
Best RC Tank Replica
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.
Pros
- Exceptional controller transmission range.
- Fun to battle for when a child’s friends come over.
- Realistic lights and sounds for more entertainment.
Cons
- Longer charging time.
- Loud, which may drive parents crazy.
- Basic features that your child will soon outgrow.
Product Specs
Age range | 9+ |
Size | 14.35 x 5 x 5.5 inches |
Transmission range | 165 feet |
Run time | 20 minutes |
Charge time | 3 to 4 hours |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
Heng 1:16 Scale Sherman Tank
Best RC Tank With Smoke
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.
Pros
- Decals and lots of detail so children feel it’s legit.
- Large, which can add more excitement to playing.
- It can make moderate climbs, which your child should like.
Cons
- The controller requires six batteries.
- Other hobby grade RC tanks come with more upgrades.
Product Specs
Age range | 8+ with supervision; otherwise 14+ |
Size | 12.8 x 4.7 x 5.3 inches |
Transmission range | 65 feet |
Run time | 20 minutes |
Charge time | 2.5 hours |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
Fisca Remote Control Tank
Best Shooting RC Tank
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.
Pros
- Good transmitter range, allowing your child a little more enjoyment.
- Lots of detail, so it looks good.
- Powerful BB action for older kids.
Cons
- BBs can hurt.
- Long charging time.
- Indoor use only which isn’t good considering the BBs will be flying.
Product Specs
Age range | 12+ |
Size | 14 x 6.7 x 7 inches |
Transmission range | 150 feet |
Run time | 30 minutes |
Charge time | 5 hours |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
Product | Best | Age range | Size | Transmission range | Run time | Charge time |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Infrared Fighting RC Tank | Rechargeable | 6+ | 14.28 x 5.12 x 4.35″ | 82 feet | 20 min | 3 to 4 hrs |
Mostop RC Crawler Tank | Pistol Grip Controller | 8+ | 14.8 x 6.8 x 5.4″ | 80 feet | 25 min | 3 to 4 hrs |
M41 Walker Bulldog RC Tank | Durable RC | 14+ | 26.6 x 9.2 x 7.5″ | 150 feet | 2+ hrs | 6 to 7 hrs |
POCO Sherman vs. Pershing | Infrared | 10+ | 9 x 4 x 4″ | 85 feet | 20 min | 2 to 3 hrs |
BlueFit German Tiger I Panzer Tank | Budget Pick | 8+ | 3.54 x 1.97 x 1.57″ | 65 feet | 15 min | 1 hr |
OASO RC Tank Building Kit | Convertible | 8 to 12 | N/A | 80 feet | 25 min | 2 to 3 hrs |
MilitaryRC Tank | Lights & Sounds | 8+ | 8.7 x 5.5 x 5.3″ | N/A | 15 min | 2 hrs |
RC US Army Battle Tank | Replica | 9+ | 14.35 x 5 x 5.5″ | 165 feet | 20 min | 3 to 4 hrs |
Heng 1:16 Scale Sherman Tank | Smoke | 8+ | 12.8 x 4.7 x 5.3″ | 65 feet | 20 min | 2.5 hrs |
Fisca Remote Control Tank | Shooting Tank | 12+ | 14 x 6.7 x 7″ | 150 feet | 30 min | 5 hrs |
Are RC Tanks Safe for Kids?
RC tanks are safe for kids of around 6 years and older. Safety depends upon following the manufacturer’s age guidelines and only giving your child an RC tank suitable for their age.
The strength of the build, the number of small parts, and the RC tank’s top speed are considered when choosing the age rating on packaging (1). So, as long as you follow that guidance, your RC tank should be safe.
Hobby-grade tanks are designed for teens and adults. These tanks have smaller parts, may be more prone to damage, and can be faster than toy RC tanks. Do not give a child under the age of 14 years a hobby-grade or adult-focused RC tank.
How to Choose the Best Rc Tanks
There are the factors I consider when choosing the best RC tank.
Fire Away
The best RC tanks for kids can bring plenty of fun, with noises, lights, swiveling turrets, gun barrels that go up and down, and some recoil when the gun is fired.
Some have an infrared battle capability, but even without this, or other players to war against, an RC tank can be terrific fun.