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If you're short on time, the Arrma Granite 3S is the one most beginners should get. It's tough, fast enough to be fun, and easy to find parts for. Here's why, and what else made the list.
Our Top 10 Picks
The cheapest brushless 4WD monster truck that actually works. It's not fast at 35 mph, the build quality is noticeably below Traxxas and Arrma, but it gets you into brushless 4WD for the absolute minimum. Sometimes that's all that matters.
Best for: Absolute minimum budget for a brushless 4WD truck that's actually usable.
The cheapest brushless monster truck worth buying. Two-wheel drive (not 4WD), 35 mph, and the build quality reflects the price. But for pure fun-per-dollar, nothing touches the Gorgon. It's a great way to find out if you even like this hobby before spending real money.
Best for: Not sure you want to drop serious cash on an RC truck? Start here first.
Stupid good value. Brushless 4WD at 50 mph, and a truck that can take a beating from a beginner. When you break something (and you will), replacement parts are cheap.
Best for: Best entry into brushless 4WD without emptying your wallet.
Just buy the Granite 3S. Brushless, 4WD, 50 mph, and it's the most recommended first truck in the hobby for a reason. Is it the fastest? No. The toughest? No. But it's the best balance of price, speed, and durability for someone buying their first real RC truck.
Best for: Best budget brushless truck? This one.
Team Associated's RTR monster truck entry is competitively priced with a Reedy power system. It checks all the boxes (brushless, 4WD, sealed electronics) but 40 mph is slower than same-price competitors from Arrma and Traxxas. Good truck from a racing brand, just not a standout.
Best for: Team Associated fans looking for an RTR monster truck from their preferred racing brand.
Best budget 4WD buggy you can get. It's the 6S Typhon's little brother, running on affordable 3S batteries and still hitting 50 mph. Handles better than any monster truck at this price thanks to the low buggy profile. You'll outgrow the 3S power, but it's a fantastic starting point.
Best for: The Granite 3S but with better handling and lower ground clearance. Pick your trade-off.
70 mph on 3S batteries at a budget-friendly price. Most cars need 6S to hit that. The catch is 0.59 inches of ground clearance, so you're locked to smooth pavement. But for budget speed thrills, nothing touches the Vendetta.
Best for: Best budget speed car in the hobby. 70 mph on 3S at this price. Nothing else comes close.
First brushless truck? Get this. Great price, 50 mph, 4WD, durable enough to survive the learning curve. Parts are cheap. Not much else to say. It does exactly what a first serious truck should do.
Best for: The go-to first brushless monster truck for beginners.
| # | Car | Price | Speed | Scale | Drive | Motor | Waterproof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Redcat Volcano EPX Pro | $239.99 | 35 mph | 1/10 | 4WD | Brushless | |
| 2 | Arrma Gorgon 3S BLX | $159.99 | 35 mph | 1/10 | 2WD | Brushless | |
| 3 | Arrma Senton 3S BLX | $329.99 | 50 mph | 1/10 | 4WD | Brushless | |
| 4 | Arrma Granite 3S BLX | $339.99 | 50 mph | 1/10 | 4WD | Brushless | |
| 5 | Team Associated Rival MT10 V2 | $339.99 | 40 mph | 1/10 | 4WD | Brushless | |
| 6 | Arrma Typhon 3S BLX | $339.99 | 50 mph | 1/10 | 4WD | Brushless | |
| 7 | Arrma Vendetta 3S BLX | $199.99 | 70 mph | 1/8 | 4WD | Brushless | |
| 8 | Arrma Big Rock 3S BLX | $369.99 | 50 mph | 1/10 | 4WD | Brushless | |
| 9 | Traxxas Bigfoot 4X4 BL-2s | $379.95 | 40 mph | 1/10 | 4WD | Brushless | |
| 10 | Traxxas Bigfoot No. 1 BL-2s | $269.95 | 40 mph | 1/10 | 2WD | Brushless |
Prioritize durability and parts availability over raw speed. Waterproof electronics mean you don't have to worry about wet grass or puddles. 4WD is more forgiving than 2WD since it holds traction better in turns. Brushless motors are more efficient and require less maintenance than brushed, but either works fine starting out. Budget a bit extra for a good LiPo battery and charger if the car doesn't include one. Start on a smooth surface like a parking lot before hitting rough terrain. You'll learn throttle control faster and break fewer parts.
Ready to compare?
Use our comparator to see how any of these cars stack up side by side.
Open RC Car ComparatorWe'd go with the Redcat Volcano EPX Pro ($239.99). It runs 4WD on a brushless motor and tops out at 35 mph.
The cheapest on the list is the Arrma Gorgon 3S BLX at $159.99, with 2WD and a brushless motor.
The fastest on our list is the Arrma Vendetta 3S BLX at 70 mph. It's priced at $199.99 and uses a brushless motor with 4WD drivetrain.
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