If you’ve ever tried to fly a drone, you’ve probably noticed that not all drones are created equal. Some drones are able to fly farther, others have higher resolution cameras, and some are easier to use. But even if a drone can do all of those things, if it has a weak motor, you’ll never be able to use it to its full potential.
The same can be said for radio control (RC) cars. While some RC cars can go faster than others, a car with a weak motor will never be able to reach top speed, no matter how fast the packaging says it can go.
To help you find the right motor for your needs, we’ve rounded up the best rc electric motors currently on the market.
Here’s what to look for when shopping for an rc electric motor and our top picks.
Our Editor’s Best Rc Electric Motors Reviews
- Note: Only compatible with Hobby Fans specific programming card. If the esc led light keeps flashing and beeping when the connection completed, please: 1) Rebinding the controller and its receiver; 2) Readjust the neutral position of the controller throttle
- High Torque: Precision engineered for maximum energy conversion. Precision balanced rotor, smoothness for best reliability and maximum RPM
- Superior Material: CNC machined 6061 T6 billet aluminum heatsink can. ESC has enhanced throttle response, excellent acceleration, powerful interruptions and super smooth and accurate throttle linearity
- When Use 2S Lipo or 6 cells NiMH Battery: Compatible with 3650 or smaller motor with KV<6000 On-road rc car, and 3650 or smaller motor with KV<4000 Off-road / Buggy / Monster
- When Use 3S Lipo or 9 cells NiMH Battery: Compatible with 3650 or smaller motor with KV<4000 On-road rc car, and 3650 or smaller motor with KV<3000 Off-road / Buggy / Monster
- Easy to Install: The rc brushless motor installation and use is simple and does not require complicated operations, saving time and effort
- Material: The rc plane kit is made of high-quality metal and plastic, stable performance, durability, and not easy to damage
- Low Noise: The rc airplane motor is small size, low noise, fit for lithium batteries and Ni‑MH batteries, reliable use
- Fit Most Style: The electronic suspension control system can calibrate the throttle range to make it suitable for different transmitters
- Scope of Application: The rc brushless motor and electronic suspension control system supports multiple programming methods such as stick, and LED program card. Suitable for homes or fields
- Suitable for All Weather: Complete 3650 3900KV sensorless brushless motor and 60A brushless ESC, waterproof and dustproof for all weather races. You can use them together or separately according to your needs. Please note that this product works best with 2S Lipo. Do not use with 3S or 3S Lipo.
- Professional: 3650 2300KV Brushless motor designed for 1/10 RC car suck as on-road car /tourning car, cool black appearance; high quality: CNC machined 6061-T6 heat sink, excellent heat dissipation; profession: with excellent start-up,acceleration and linearity features, strong resistant current capability
- Basic Motor & ESC Combo Only Fits 2S Battery: The smaller the KV value,the greater the intensity and the slower the speed, as this 2300KV brushless motor,suitable for heavy cars,such as off-road vehicles, and the 60A ESC is best to use 2S battery, please do not use this 60A ESC together with 3S battery or above 3S battery to avoid the risk of short circuits and damage to the items.
- Tips for Use: Waterproof 60A ESC built with high quality components to ensure high efficiency operation, it works prefectly with 2S lipo battery, if your car works with 3-4S battery, you can choose 120-150A ESC. Please read the instructions carefully before use
- Multiple Protection: Our this 2300KV brushless motor and 60A ESC set with multiple protection,such as low voltage cut-off protection for lithium or nickel battery,over-heat protection, throttle signal loss protection and motor blocked protection
- [Wide Voltage Range]: These mini DC motors support a voltage range of 3V to 12V, offering versatility for various DIY projects and electric toy replacements. Easily adapt to your specific needs with reliable performance.
- [High-Speed Performance]: With an impressive 13500 RPM and 0.5A current, these motors deliver powerful and efficient performance, ideal for high-speed applications in RC boats, DIY airplanes, and model hobbies. Enjoy enhanced speed and reliability.
- [Efficient Power Consumption]: Operating at a low current of 0.5A, these motors ensure energy efficiency, providing long-lasting power for your projects without quickly draining your batteries. Maintain optimal performance with minimal power usage.
- [Included Connectors and Wires]: Each motor comes with 12x 2.8mm insulated connectors and 12x 6-inch 20AWG wires, ensuring easy and secure connections. Simplify your setup and installation process with these ready-to-use components.
- [Pack of Six for Multiple Projects]: This set includes six high-quality motors, providing ample components for various projects. Whether you’re upgrading old devices or building new ones, this pack ensures you have the right parts on hand.
- 1/10 Scale RC Car Motor and ESC Combo: Complete F540 4370KV sensorless brushless motor and 60A brushless ESC with ESC programming card, IP65 waterproof level and dustproof for all weather races. You can use them together or separately according to your needs
- Exquisite Workmanship and High Quality Motor: Universal fit motor, exquisite workmanship, which is 4 poles 12 slot Hi-torque motor design, CNC machined 6061 T6 billet aluminum heatsink can, highPurity copper windings maximizes eficiency and precision balanced rotor, smoothness for best reliability and maximum RPM
- Profession Brushless ESC: The 60A Brushless ESC is universal fit most 1/10 scale rc car. with excellent start-up,acceleration and linearity features, strong resistant current capability. Notice: the 60A ESC is best to use 2S battery, please do not use this 60A ESC together with 3S battery or above 3S battery to avoid short circuit!
- With ESC Programmer: The Program card is used to control braking force. the max brake force: 25A, 45A, 60A is 50%, 25%, 75%, 100% (default 50%); and 80A, 120A is 25%, 50%, 75%, 100% (default 25%). The maximum reversing force is 25%, 50%, 75%, 100% (default 25%)
- Multiple Protection: The motor and esc combo with multiple protection,such as low voltage cut-off protection for lithium or nickel battery,over-heat protection, throttle signal loss protection and motor blocked protection
- Note: Only compatible with Hobby Fans specific programming card. If the esc led light keeps flashing and beeping when the connection completed, please: 1) Rebinding the controller and its receiver; 2) Readjust the neutral position of the controller throttle
- High Torque: Precision engineered for maximum energy conversion. Precision balanced rotor, smoothness for best reliability and maximum RPM
- Superior Material: CNC machined 6061 T6 billet aluminum heatsink can. ESC has enhanced throttle response, excellent acceleration, powerful interruptions and super smooth and accurate throttle linearity
- When Use 2S Lipo or 6 cells NiMH Battery: Compatible with 3650 or smaller motor with KV<6000 On-road rc car, and 3650 or smaller motor with KV<4000 Off-road / Buggy / Monster
- When Use 3S Lipo or 9 cells NiMH Battery: Compatible with 3650 or smaller motor with KV<4000 On-road rc car, and 3650 or smaller motor with KV<3000 Off-road / Buggy / Monster
- Complete DIY RC Plane Kit – Includes brushless motor,Esc Brushless Motor Speed Controller, servos, propellers,XT60 plug connectors, Z-wire, motor seat, rudder angle & protectors
- High-Performance Components – A2212 KV2200 motor for smooth and reliable flight. Easy Assembly – All parts organized for quick and hassle-free building
- Perfect for Hobbyists & Clubs – Ideal for fixed-wing RC aircraft projects, education, or custom builds
- Durable & Compatible – High-quality materials ensure long-lasting use and full compatibility between parts
- Perfect motor & ESC Combo: Set of 3650 5900KV sensorless brushless motor,120A brushless ESC and programming card, waterproof and dustproof for all weather races, perfect configuration, gives your car ultimate reliability
- Better Performance: 3650 5900KV brushless motor designed for 1/10 RC racing car truck buggy,exquisite appearance 4 pole 12 slots; high quality: CNC machined 6061-T6 heat sink, excellent heat dissipation; profession, with excellent start-up,acceleration and linearity features, strong resistant current capability
- 120A ESC perfect fits for most 1/10 scale, 1/8 scale rc racing car,on-road car/tourning car, truck, it works prefectly with 2-3S lipo battery. (Notice: Since we can't control over the correct use, installation, application, or maintenance of our products, so please read product manual carefully. Please contact us if you have any question.)
- The ESC(electronic speed controller) programming card suitable for 25A 35A 45A 60A 80A 120A Brushless ESC, compatible with of kind of 1:8,1:10 scale rc car, bring different speed control experience for you
- 3560 5900KV rc brushless motor,120A brushless ESC and programming card with multiple protection,such as low voltage cut-off protection for lithium or nickel battery, over-heat protection, throttle signal loss protection and motor blocked protection. You can use them together or separately according to your needs
- HIGH-PERFORMANCE COMBO: Includes a 2435 4800KV 4-pole brushless motor and a 25A waterproof ESC for enhanced speed, torque, and control.
- PRECISION MOTOR DESIGN: CNC-machined 6061 T6 aluminum heatsink can, 12-slot high-torque rotor, high-purity copper windings, and oversized ABEC-5 bearings for smooth, efficient performance.
- RUGGED & RELIABLE ESC: Fully waterproof and dustproof design with excellent heat dissipation and strong current resistance—built to withstand harsh conditions.
- ADVANCED PROTECTION FEATURES: ESC includes low voltage cutoff (LiPo/NiMH), overheat protection, throttle signal loss protection, and motor block protection.
- COMPATIBILITY: Fits most 1/16 and 1/18 scale RC cars and trucks including LaTrax Teton, Desert Prerunner, Rally, SST, and Wltoys A959. Easy mounting with M2.5 screws.
- 12T 550 Motor has a 30% longer armature than a standard 540 size motor for extreme monster torque, 3.175mm output shaft, Input voltage: 6-8.4V (Lipo&Nimh), 【Note: not compatible with 3S lipo battery】
- OGUNKE RC 12T 550 motor is designed for incredible mod-motor power output with virtually maintenance-free operation, and long-lasting performance. smoothness for best reliability and maximum 22500 RPM
- OGUNKE RC 12T 550 motor’s integrated cooling fan pulls cool air through the motor to keep temperatures down. A cooler running motor allows faster speeds, longer runtime, and extended motor life
- OGUNKE RC 12T 550 motor’s integrated cooling fan pulls cool air through the motor to keep temperatures down. A cooler running motor allows faster speeds, longer runtime, and extended motor life 550 12T Motor Suitable for Redcat ARRMA/AXIAL/HPI/HELION 10SC/HSP/Wltoys/Kyosho/etc. RC 1/10 Scale Electric Short Course Truck
- 550 12T Motor Extended output shaft design, perfectly compatible (Part: #3785) for Traxxas Slash 2WD TRA58024/TRA58034-1/TRA58094-1/TRA58076-4 and suitable for Traxxas Slash 4x4 1/10 4WD Short Course Truck TRA68054-1
Best Rc Electric Motors Buying Guide
Before choosing the best electric motor you should consider following options:
1. Power Source of Electric Motor: Electric motors can be broadly categorized as follows:
1.1 Direct-drive Electric Motor: This kind of electric motor is used in situations where the application requires constant speed.
For example, application of a direct-drive electric motor can be seen in blenders, water pumps, air compressors, water well pumps, vacuum cleaners, fans, and many more.
The application requirements in which direct-drive electric motors are used are such that the speed of the motor can’t be changed. Therefore, it is important that the motor you are selecting is of high-power rating.
1.2 Indirect-drive Electric Motor: An indirect-drive electric motor is used when the speed of the motor is required to be changed. For example, in window blinds and fans, the speed is required to be changed.
In such cases, the electric motor is directly coupled with a gear box, which in turn is coupled with the application.
Due to the gear box, the speed of the electric motor can be changed. Therefore, the electric motor is also known as gear-reduced electric motor.
1.3 Split-capacitor Electric Motor: The split-capacitor electric motor is also known as hybrid electric motor. This type of electric motor is generally used in situations where the application requires high starting torque and constant speed.
For example, in blenders, split-capacitor electric motor is used because it gives high starting torque, but at the same time, it allows the motor to run at constant speed.
Apart from that, split-capacitor electric motors can also be used in applications where both starting torque and constant speed is required.
1.4 Split-Phase Electric Motor: Split-phase electric motors are also known as single-phase electric motors. These kinds of electric motors are used in situations where only starting torque is required.
For example, split-phase electric motors are used in window blinds, water pumps, fans, and many more.
2. Size of Electric Motor: Electric motors can be broadly categorized as follows based on their size:
2.1 Small Electric Motor: A small electric motor is generally used in situations where the application requires a low to medium power.
For example, small electric motors are used in fans, air blowers, water pumps, vacuum cleaners, grinders, and many more.
2.2 Medium Electric Motor: A medium electric motor is used in situations where the application requires a moderate to high power.
For example, medium electric motors are used in conveyor belts, rock drills, and many more.
2.3 Large Electric Motor: A large electric motor is used in situations where the application requires a high power. For example, large electric motors are used in air conditioners, fans, water pumps, and many more.
3. Application Requirements of Electric Motor: The electric motor that you are selecting should be compatible with your application requirements.
For example, if you are selecting an electric motor for a window blind application, you should be aware of the fact that the motor is required to run at a constant speed.
If you are selecting an electric motor for a conveyor belt application, you should be aware of the fact that the electric motor is required to run at a variable speed.
Therefore, it is important that you are aware of the application requirements before selecting an electric motor.
4. Power Factor of Electric Motor: Power factor
What else you should know about rc electric motors
1. What are the main types of rc electric motors?
The main types of rc electric motors are brushed and brushless.
2. What are the main benefits of using an rc electric motor?
Some of the main benefits of using an rc electric motor include:
1. They are much cheaper to operate than gas-powered engines.
2. They generate far less noise, making them ideal for use in residential areas.
3. Electric motors are much more environmentally friendly than gas-powered engines.
4. They require very little maintenance and can last for many years with proper care.
3. What are the main disadvantages of using an rc electric motor?
There are a few disadvantages to using an rc electric motor. First, they can be quite expensive. Second, they require a lot of maintenance. Third, they can be quite noisy.
4. How do I choose the right rc electric motor for my application?
The most important factor to consider when choosing an electric motor for an RC application is the power output of the motor. The power output of the motor will determine the speed and acceleration of the RC vehicle.
5. What are the most popular rc electric motors on the market?
The most popular RC electric motors on the market are the brushed and brushless motors.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best rc electric motors. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best rc electric motors will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.