Are you an RC vehicle enthusiast? Or maybe your kid likes RC cars too much? Well, you can’t blame them though! RC cars, boats, planes, or even drones have fascinated thousands all over the world for years now!
However, RC vehicles are not easy to control and almost always are damaged because of a bad controller. Bad controllers can’t signal the vehicle fast and smart enough for smooth and responsive control.
Good RC controllers usually have a faster response time and can stably control the vehicle. Although, good controllers usually have much more functionalities.
That’s why having the best RC controller for cars is important if you want you or your children to win the next RC race event! But, finding a good RC controller isn’t easy. That’s why our experts searched for and listed the top five RC controllers for you.
Keep reading to find out about them.
Best RC Controller for Cars Reviews
Table of Contents
This section contains multiple options. However, not all of them might be suitable for your necessity. So, choose an RC transmitter according to your necessity.
1. DumboRC X6 RC Controller for Cars | 6 channels
Do you want a powerful but safe controller for your vehicles? DumboRC X6 controllers are one of the safest controllers that ensures that you don’t damage your beautiful vehicle. Also, these are perfect for beginners because they protect the vehicles.
With a 2.4 GHz frequency transmitter, and a 3ms response these controllers can be used with a lot of different types of RC vehicles.
Also, each of the 3 channels can be set respectively. This allows for significant advantages with DIY vehicles.
However, low battery is a huge stress for RC enthusiasts. You need to know exactly when your battery will run out. That’s why DumboRC remotes have low battery alerts built-in. Also, these can be powered 3-ways!
Although, if you compare X6 controllers with others on the market, these are phenomenal! ABS braking system on an RC! That’s just crazy.
Most Likeable Features
The range of these DumboRC controllers is very wide. These have a range up to 400-500 meters. Also, these support gyro sensitivity adjustment and with low battery alerts, these save your battery life. Although, the ABS braking is astonishing.
Probable Drawbacks
Some users have reported defective controllers. They suggested that their remote worked and then suddenly stopped working. DumboRC needs to work on that.
Key Features
- 6 channels controller for your RC vehicle
- Very long communication range
- ABS braking system implemented
- Interference Resistant and Safe for beginners
2. Radiolink RC4GS RC Controller for Cars | Anti-Interference
Do you face troubles controlling your RC while on long distances? The cause for that might be interference. Household things ranging from Wi-fi routers to large metals can cause interference to RC signal.
However, RC4GS controllers have the world’s best anti-interference technology. With a pseudo-random FHSS algorithm, you can control your RC from as far as 400m.
Also, the built-in Gyro helps maintain the car in a straight line. The gyro can also be adjusted.
RC4GS controllers also have other features like ABS breaking, fail-safety, Idle-up and down, and most importantly subsidiary ID, which allows you to control multiple vehicles separately. With all these features RC4GS is the best RC controller for quadcopters.
Although, when compared to other RC controllers on the market, there are very few controllers that offer as many features at such low pricing. So, a nod of respect to Radiolink!
Most Likeable Features
RC4GS controllers allow you to mix channels between any two of the channels. Also, all the channels can be customized to your likings. These have 10 model storage and each model can be set up and stored with different names.
Probable Drawbacks
Although the receiver is claimed to be water-proof, some users report that isn’t the actual case. Users have commented that the receiver needs a bit more improvement.
Key Features
- Long-distance RC Controller with zero interference
- Built-in gyro sensor for easy controlling
- Fail-safety, EPA, IDLUP, and ABS braking features
- Dual programmable mix control
3. Readytosky RC Controller for Cars | Built-in Failsafe
If you want a compact and safe RC controller for your RC car or boat, then you have come to the right place. Readytosky controllers are compact devices with everything that you need. With a 2.4 GHz RC transmitter and receiver, these are perfect for cars.
Also, the design of these controllers is ergonomic. This can provide extended grip and the steering wheel makes it very easy to control the car for beginners.
However, beginners can control the car or boat within a limited speed range.
Although, the most important thing for any RC controller is their channels and response time. That’s why Readytosky made these controllers have 3 and 4 channel variants. Both have a very low response time. So, you can buy whichever you need.
In the end, when compared to other RC controllers in their price range, Readytosky controllers stand out only because of their price. They provide an overall good performance at a cheaper than average pricing.
Most Likeable Features
These controllers use a 2.4 GHz band. That makes these perfect for smooth and reliable controlling of RC vehicles. With a built-in fail-safety mode, beginners can control their vehicle without having to fear damaging it.
Probable Drawbacks
The controller doesn’t come with specific installation guidelines and user guides. Users also have reported that the receiver sometimes doesn’t connect.
Key Features
- Low power consumption and high receiver sensitivity
- Comes with removable handles for easy storage
- High receiving sensitivity over a long distance
- Two variants of 3 and 4 channels
4. GoolRC RC Controller for Cars | Durable Build
Do you have problems regarding connectivity disturbances and jamming with your RC vehicle? Then, GoolRC is the perfect choice for you. These controllers work between 2.400 GHz to 2.4835 GHz. That makes them have a reliable connection.
As these controllers cover the entire band of the antenna, this allows the controllers to have a strong connection with the car. Also, with their unique ID, these controllers have anti-jamming capabilities.
However, most RC controllers are not very durable. Because the electronics and materials used for them are not very durable.
But, you don’t need to worry about that with GoolRC controllers. As these are made of TPR, they are very durable and sturdy.
Anyway, GoolRC might be the best RC Controller for Cars in this price range. While other transmitters can wear off easily, these will last longer even if your child uses them!
Most Likeable Features
These transmitters divide the frequency range of 2.4000 and 2.4835 GHz into 160 frequency points. Also, with high receiving sensitivity and low power consumption, you can expect to have fun for a long period.
Probable Drawbacks
Some users have reported that although the controllers turned on and connected just fine, they failed to do anything! It’s a huge drawback if you get a faulty one.
Key Features
- Simple but durable 2-channel controller
- Super active anti-jamming capabilities
- Very easy to set up RTR controller
- Costs three times less than brand controllers
5. Hobbymate Flysky RC Controller for Cars | GR3E Reciever
Do you want a controller with which you can attend an RC vehicle race event? Then, you need a fast response and reliable controller like the Hobbymate Flysky. These allow quick changes to the steering and throttle trim dials.
Also, Flyskys have a steering and throttle channel reversing and steering dual rate dial, which comes in handy if you compete. Steering dual rate dial allows you to accelerate straightly for a strong run.
However, for any race, the most important thing is the handling of the vehicle. That’s why the steering wheel is a very important part of any controller.
Flyskys have a great responsive steering wheel, with perfect resistance and rubber grip around the wheel.
Anyhow, when compared with other cheaper controllers, these are perfect for race events and high-speed runs. Although, these may be harder to learn as a beginner.
Most Likeable Features
Flyskys are powered by an 800 mAh 3.7V Lithium battery. This powering system allows for lightweight but enhanced runtime. Also, with the GR3E failsafe receiver, these controllers are very reliable to use with perfect handling.
Probable Drawbacks
The receiver is not waterproof. Although, these are not advertised to be it would be much better if they were as water disrupts the connection.
Key Features
- Works with analog and digital servos
- 10 models can be saved in memory
- Steering dual rate dial available
- Perfect for high-speed race events
Things to consider before buying the Best RC Controller for Cars
For any RC vehicle enthusiasts, RC controllers are one of the most important parts. As the vehicle needs to handle all the time by the user, the controller must remain in constant connectivity.
Without a good RC controller, your vehicle might get damaged easily and we all know that RC vehicles are not cheap! So, everyone needs to invest in a good quality controller. But, it’s not always about the money, is it?
Most RC enthusiasts would love to invest in a good controller if they found one. But, it’s very hard to find the best RC car controller in this huge market of bad ones.
That’s why we listed a few things for you to consider if you want to buy the most suitable controller for you and your vehicles. If you consider this information before buying one, you will understand what you need and can buy that specifically. Additionally, you can check our review on rc airplane yransmitter.
Hand Orientation
Although there are not many left-handed controllers available on the market, if you are a left-handed person you should search for left-hand oriented controllers. Also, you can check out stick-type Spektrum transmitters if you like.
However, as left-handed controllers are usually very expensive, you can mod a right-handed controller to make it left-hand oriented. Check out RC Left Hand Steering LHS Pistol Transmitter Mod.
Transmitter Type
There are generally two types of RC transmitters available. Pistol grip and stick transmitter. Pistol grip transmitters have a handgun-style design. In these, the trigger controls the throttle and the wheel controls the steering.
These types of controllers are now the trend when it comes to RC cars. Because of their ergonomic design and easy usage, these controllers are very popular. However, stick transmitters have been used for a long time.
Drone pilots and mature RC enthusiasts are more familiar with these types of controllers. They are highly configurable and adjustable. These devices usually are more expensive and tend to be harder to learn for novices.
So, if you are just starting pistol grip controllers should be your choice. Although, stick controllers can give you certain advantages if you are up for the hard work. Besides, you can choose some rummikub set.
Transmitter Channels
There are 2,3,4,6 and even more channel controllers available on the market. However, usually, you can control cars with only 2 channels. Channel one is traditionally connected to your steering servo and channel 2 would be connected to your speed controller.
However, controllers that have more channels can give you remotely operated lights or a winch control. But, they take a longer time to set up with the vehicle.
So, 2 channels are okay but if you want more you can have more!
Frequency Band
Once upon a time users had to use narrow band frequency transmitters for their connectivity with their model. These narrow band transmitters usually had interference problems and a shorter connectivity range.
However, modern transmitters use automatic frequency hopping technology ( FHSS). With this technology, these transmitters can distribute their data or hop between completely different channels in the 2.4 GHz spectrum.
That’s why these systems can provide reliable connections and zero interference with very low latency.
So, buy a modern transmitter that utilizes FHSS technology.
If you follow these guidelines you can find a good RC controller in your price range.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
1. How do RC transmitters and receivers work?
The RC transmitter enables control through radio waves and the receiver activates the motors in the vehicle. So, when you press a button on your controller, the transmitter sends that signal to the receiver.
Then, the receiver interprets that signal and orders the right motor for that action. Read this article about RC transmitters and receivers to know more about this topic.
2. Can two cars run on 2.4 GHz?
Yes. You can connect even more than two models with your transmitter. All you need to do is switch on and drive. The 2.4 GHz radio systems automatically locate and connect to the receivers that they are bound to.
3. What is a 2.4 GHz remote control?
2.4 GHz remote controls are the controllers that use the broad radio bands of 2.4 Gigahertz. With these transmitters, you can have fast and reliable connectivity. These transmitters also face low interference problems.
4. What are channels on an RC transmitter?
Channels can be easily explained by the number of control users have on the vehicle. One channel transmitters only let the user control one single function while two channels let two functions be controlled.
Usually, RC cars only need 2 channels to run. Channel 1 is associated with the steering servo motor and the throttle is connected to channel 2. However, bigger vehicles like a drone need more channels. But, 6 channel transmitters are capable of controlling any model.
Usually, the best RC remote controllers have 4 or more channels. But, 2 channel transmitters are way cheaper. So, go for the one you actually need.
5. How does an RC receiver gets powered?
The receiver usually receives power from a motor controller. So, the receiver gets its power directly from the vehicle itself.
Final words
RC enthusiasts love their transmitters. Transmitters are the controlling devices for their beloved RC models. That’s why having the best RC controller for cars should be the priority for any RC enthusiast.
Although, finding a good one might not be easy if you understand what you need for your vehicle properly, you will find a good RC remote. As you read this far in this article, we sure hope that you found your transmitter of choice.
Race it, Break it, Fix it, Repeat!
Mark Robinson is a sportswriter for various companies. He received his B.A. from the University of Washington in 1999, majoring in journalism. He specializes in sports reports. As he believes in love to create, to share, and to make people smile.
