Best RC Tanks for Kids of 2025

This model mimics the real deal with twin tracks and a turret that rotates 330 degrees. It arrives fully assembled with an optional machine gun mount and a tank commander figure you can choose to attach or leave in the box.

The tank is roughly the size of a shoebox and surprisingly tough. It handles dirt, short grass, and pavement with ease. If you buy a second unit from the same line, the built-in infrared sensors allow for realistic, projectile-free battles between siblings.

This tank breaks the mold with gull-wing doors and a high-speed design capable of hitting 10 mph. The high ground clearance allows it to tackle terrain that would beach other tanks, and the LED light bar looks fantastic in low light.

Self-adjusting tracks help this vehicle climb steep 45-degree slopes, and it can even splash through shallow puddles. However, you must supervise water play carefully because the electronics are water-resistant rather than fully waterproof.

This hobby-grade beast features metal tracks, a steel gearbox, and a heavy-duty chassis designed to last for years. It even includes an internal mount for a camera (sold separately) so you can record your missions from a first-person perspective.

The realism is impressive: the barrel moves, the tank recoils when firing, and it shoots 6mm airsoft BBs. It also features realistic engine smoke and an infrared module for battling other tanks. It sits at number three solely because the higher price point puts it out of range for casual buyers.

Parents with two kids often face a dilemma: buy one expensive toy they fight over, or buy two cheap ones that break. This set solves the problem by providing two decent quality tanks in a single affordable box.

These tanks feature start-up motor noises, machine gun sound effects, and a turret that recoils after “firing.” The caterpillar tracks are grippy enough to handle gentle slopes, and the simple controls make victory spins easy to execute.

This palm-sized tank charges in just one hour and delivers about 15 minutes of high-speed action. It moves surprisingly fast, which can actually be a bit tricky for toddlers to control, so we recommend it for slightly older kids with better reflexes.

Despite its size, it features a 360-degree rotating turret and a barrel that lifts about 30 degrees. It makes for an excellent, low-risk starter tank to gauge if your child is truly interested in the hobby before you invest in a bigger model.

This 392-piece STEM kit is perfect for kids who love Legos as much as they love RC vehicles. You can build a tank, a tracked car, or a robot using the same set of parts.

The building process helps develop fine motor skills and patience. Once assembled, the vehicle is fully remote-controlled, giving your child the satisfaction of driving something they built themselves.

This mid-range tank offers the standard lights and sounds you expect, but it has one specific feature parents will love: a mute button. You can turn off the sound effects while the kids keep playing, which is a lifesaver during indoor play.

The turret rotates 270 degrees and the gun elevates for targeting. While the performance claims are a bit exaggerated by the manufacturer, it remains a solid choice for casual play on flat surfaces.

Available in two distinct camouflage patterns, this replica is great for kids who want a “serious” looking military vehicle. If you buy two, they can engage in infrared battles where the tanks register hits and “lose lives.”

The tank tracks lives via four LED lights on the rear. It does not shoot physical projectiles, relying instead on recoil effects and sounds to sell the action, making it a safe bet for indoor wars.

This entry-level hobby tank strikes a great balance between price and features. While the body is plastic, the internals are compatible with metal upgrades, allowing the tank to grow with your child’s interest.

The standout feature is the smoke generator. You add a few drops of the included oil to the exhaust system to produce real smoke puffs while driving. It also fires 6mm airsoft BBs for target practice in the backyard.

The Fisca RC tank sits in a tricky spot between toy and hobby-grade. It shoots BBs with surprising velocity, enough to sting or break fragile items, so we do not recommend this for younger or unsupervised children.

It boasts plenty of functions, but the build quality is delicate. It is not rugged enough for mud or rough dirt. We recommend this for older enthusiasts who want a shooting tank for careful indoor use but aren’t ready to spend hundreds on a pro model.