Home › Guides › Best RC Military Tanks
The Best RC Military Tanks: Toy-Grade vs Hobby-Grade
BuildAnArmy is reader-supported. When you buy through our Amazon links we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. How this works.
Remote-control tanks range from small infrared battle toys to heavy 1/16 hobby-grade models with metal gearboxes, smoke units and recoiling guns. They look similar in photos, so it helps to know what you are paying for before you choose.
The three kinds of RC tank
1. Mini and infrared battle tanks (1/72 to 1/64)
Palm-sized tanks, often sold in pairs, that "shoot" each other with infrared beams. A hit registers with lights and sound, and after a set number of hits the tank is knocked out. They are fun for kids and desk battles and very affordable.
SKEKECIE Infrared Battle Tanks 2-Pack
BRRRRT Infrared Mini Military Tank
Cheerwing Tiger I Mini RC Tank
GoolRC Battle Tank 2-Pack
2. Toy-grade 1/24 to 1/18 tanks
The most popular category. These are a good size for indoors and the yard, usually with a rotating turret, lights, sound and sometimes a water-vapor "smoke" effect. Some versions fire soft gel or plastic BBs. Expect a fun toy rather than a scale replica.
Supdex M1A2 Abrams Tank with Smoke & Sound
A 1/24 M1A2 Abrams with lights, sound and smoke. It is inexpensive enough for a gift and big enough to look good.
Check price on Amazon
Supdex Leopard 2 Tank with Smoke & Sound
The same proven 1/24 platform as a Leopard 2. A good pick if you want a European tank or plan to buy two for battles.
Check price on Amazon
Supdex Battle Tank that Shoots BBs
Supdex T-90 Tank with Smoke & Sound
BEAURE M1A2 Abrams 9-Channel Army Tank
Supdex Tiger I Tank that Shoots BBs
3. Hobby-grade 1/16 tanks
This is where RC tanks become a serious hobby. Brands built on the Heng Long platform make 1/16 replicas of real tanks around 50 to 60 cm long, with proportional controls, multi-function sound, smoke, a turret that elevates its barrel and, on many versions, infrared battle or BB firing. Better versions add metal gearboxes and metal tracks. Spare parts and upgrades are widely available, so you can keep improving them.
BESTYMXY Heng Long M1A2 Abrams
A 1/16 Heng Long M1A2 Abrams. It is a recognizable modern tank, the platform is well supported with spare parts and upgrades, and it is a big step up from toy-grade tanks in realism and control.
Check price on Amazon
BESTYMXY Heng Long King Tiger
BESTYMXY Heng Long M4A3 Sherman
BESTYMXY Heng Long T-34/85
BESTYMXY Heng Long Merkava Mk IV
BESTYMXY Heng Long M26 Pershing
BESTYMXY Heng Long T-90
Features worth paying for
- 2.4 GHz radio. Lets several tanks run at once without interference. Almost all current models have it.
- Proportional control. Speed and turning respond to how far you move the stick, which makes driving far more realistic. Common on hobby-grade tanks.
- Metal gearbox and tracks. More durable and heavier, which also improves how the tank drives over rough ground.
- Infrared battle. Safe for indoors and great with a second tank. Check that both tanks use compatible systems.
- BB firing. Fun outdoors, but treat it with care around people and pets, and follow the age guidance on the listing.
Which is right for whom?
- Young kids: a mini infrared pair or a 1/24 tank without BBs.
- Teens and casual adults: a 1/24 or 1/18 tank with smoke and sound.
- Hobbyists and military history fans: a 1/16 hobby-grade replica.
Tip: Check whether the listing includes the transmitter batteries. Many RC tanks need a few AA batteries for the remote, and buying them in advance avoids a disappointing first day.
Prefer something that flies? See RC warbirds for beginners, or browse all RC models.
Batteries, charging and care
Most RC tanks use a rechargeable battery pack for the tank and AA batteries for the transmitter. Expect roughly 15 to 30 minutes of run time from a toy-grade tank, depending on the battery and how much you use the smoke and sound. A second battery doubles your play time.
- Charge with the included charger and do not leave batteries charging unattended.
- Keep tanks out of water unless the listing says they are waterproof. Mud and grass jam tracks and wheels; clean them after outdoor runs.
- If a track comes off, it is usually because it has stretched. Most hobby-grade tanks have an adjustable idler wheel to tighten it.
- Smoke units need the right fluid or water. Check the manual before filling.
Build it or drive it?
If you love the look of a realistic tank more than driving it, a plastic model kit gives far more detail for the money. See our WWII tank kit guide. If you want both, a 1/16 hobby-grade RC tank is the closest thing to a moving scale model.
Go deeper:
Quick answers
What is the best RC tank for adults?
A 1/16 hobby-grade tank built on the Heng Long platform. Choose one with a metal gearbox and metal tracks if your budget allows, and a subject you like.
Can RC tanks battle each other?
Yes, many have infrared battle systems. A hit is registered by a sensor and after several hits the tank is "destroyed". Tanks need compatible systems; same-brand tanks are the safest choice.
Do RC tanks really shoot?
Some fire soft plastic or gel BBs a short distance. Others use only infrared, light and sound. Always check the product listing and follow its age and safety guidance.
What scale are RC tanks?
Common scales are 1/16 (about 50 to 60 cm long), 1/18, 1/24 (about 30 cm) and mini tanks around 1/64 to 1/72.
Keep reading
RCRC Warbirds for Beginners: How to Choose Your First RC Fighter Plane
How to choose a first RC military plane: 2, 3 or 4 channels, gyro stabilization, foam warbirds vs jets, where to fly, and our beginner-friendly P-51,…
Read guide
BeginnerHow to Build Your First Plastic Model Kit: Tools, Glue and Paint
Everything a beginner needs to build a plastic military model kit: the six tools that matter, which glue to buy, how to prime and paint, and the…
Read guide
TanksThe Best WWII Tank Model Kits for Beginners
The WWII tank model kits that build cleanly and look great for a first or second build: Tiger I, Panther, Sherman, T-34 and more, plus what to know…
Read guide