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If you’ve ever seen a remote-control boat skate across the water—or controlled one yourself—you know it’s a good time. These toys can accelerate up to 50 miles per hour, tearing up the waters in your favorite lakes, pools, rivers, and, if you like risk, seas.
RC boats come in lots of shapes, sizes, and styles, but the best models can shred water from afar without becoming sinking ships. We’ve rounded up the best remote-control boats for beach visits, lakefront races, poolside entertainment, and some advice on picking the best RC boat for you.
Stay in play and check out our picks for the best magnetic toys, remote-control trucks, and remote-control planes.
The Best RC Boats
- Best Overall: ALPHAREV RC Boat with Case R308
- Best for Beginners: DEERC RC Boat with LED Light
- Most Well-Rounded: Altair Aerial AA102 RC Boat
- Best Value: Force1 Velocity H102
- Best Sailboat: PLAYSTEAM Voyager 400 RC Sailboat
What to Consider
Size
While you can likely get away with using a larger RC boat on a pond or lake, you may want to stick to a smaller model if you’ll be floating yours in a backyard swimming pool or need to pack something tiny. RC boats can be up to two feet long, so make sure to consider the journey to the water, too, especially if the boat you’re eyeing doesn’t come with a carrying case.
Weight and Speed
The RC boat’s weight helps determine how fast it can move. Heavier boats are better equipped to move at high speeds without capsizing, whereas lighter boats can be speedy using less power, a.k.a., slower acceleration. Think of it like torque on a car (or a full-sized boat, for that matter)—the more power the boat gets from the battery, electric, or gas motor, the faster it can accelerate.
Speed is also dependent on the type of hull—some boats are shaped for optimal turning and curves, while others are built for picking up speed while driving in a straight line.
The priciest models can reach speeds of up to 50 miles per hour. We mostly recommend recreational, battery-powered RC boats that reach speeds up to 30 miles per hour, since the more powerful, expensive models are meant for hardcore hobbyists and professional racers.
Capsize Recovery
Many RC boats have anti-capsize, or capsize recovery, functionality to prevent them from flipping over (and staying overturned). Flipping an RC boat is extremely easy, especially if you lack experience, and can lead to a sinking ship. If you’re new to RC boating, consider grabbing one with capsize recovery, making your boat rebalance and flip back over if it tips.
How We Selected
We researched each model’s speed, customer rating, durability, and unique features. We also consulted buying guides from several top hobbyist publications. We’ve picked options for every type of RC boat customer, whether you’re a casual hobbyist, buying a first boat for your kids, or you’re a dedicated RC enthusiast.
Pros
Anti-capsize hull- Two battery packs means extended play
- Works in saltwater
- LED lights
Cons
- Some users say battery time is shorter than expected
This boat features capsize recovery, so if it tips over or gets hit by a wave, it’ll flip back over to recover. It also has LED lights installed to make it easy to see when it’s dark. Thanks to the autopilot mode that loops the boat into a figure-eight shape, children can easily use it, too.
The R308 comes with two batteries and a charger, with users reporting approximately 20 minutes of power (counting both batteries) when operating the boat at full speed. It has a 400-foot signal range for distance driving and tops at 20 miles per hour. With its carry case, the R308 is a solid RC boat for most users.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 15.86 x 9.13 x 5.31 in. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 8 oz. |
| Speed | 20+ mph |
2
Best for Beginners
DEERC RC Boat with LED Light
Pros
- Capsize recovery
- Double hatch design
- Two batteries
- Low-battery/signal alarms
Cons
- Not suitable for saltwater
This is an excellent option for anyone eager to get into RC boating but unsure of their prowess on the water. It features two autopilot modes, so there’s plenty of opportunity to learn how to use it. It also has an extended playtime of 30 minutes, giving you plenty of time to practice.
With features like capsize recovery, double hatch design, and low-battery and signal alarms, this boat is pretty much goof proof, making it the perfect boat for beginners on their way to becoming enthusiasts.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 15.98 x 7.44 x 6.77 in. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2.03 lbs. |
| Speed | 20+ mph |
Pros
- Bumpers prevent collision damage
- Anti-capsize hull for no tip overs
- Attractive style
- Excellent customer support if needed
Cons
- No carry case
If you need a well-rounded RC boat, this one has ample protection, zippy speeds, and excellent customer service, all in one attractive package. Its anti-capsize feature prevents it from tipping over, while several users say its nose bumper saved their boats from getting totaled through crashing.
It has an extra battery for more playtime, and several users say it provides up to 20 minutes of action after swapping it. Users who experienced issues with their boats were able to find replacement parts and products thanks to the company’s customer service help. Others say that it’s a terrific value, though the lack of a carry case is disappointing.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 17.32 x 10.12 x 5.98 in. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.38 lbs. |
| Speed | 18 mph |
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Pros
- Looks like a speedboat
- Water-cooled engine
- Capsize recovery
Cons
- Controller is difficult to use
- Only comes with one battery
- Not for saltwater use
This boat reaches speeds of 20-plus miles per hour, making it great for anyone who wants their toy to fly on the water. This boat features a capsize recovery mode, a water-cooled engine, and a double-hatched body, making it easier to control on waves. The charge time is a little long, three to four hours, but it can ride for up to 15 minutes at full power.
Customers say this boat reaches top speed fairly quickly, though some report that the controller is difficult to use and not very responsive. Still, it handles well on the water and is a super speedy boat.
| Dimensions | 10.85 x 2.75 x 2 in. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 5.9 oz. |
| Speed | 20+ mph |
Pros
- Very long remote battery life
- Easily moves forward and backward
- Comes with detachable motor in case of no wind
- Sealed to keep water out
Cons
- In a windless area, you'll have to wait for it to wash ashore
If sailing is your preference, the Voyager 400 is the way to go. Rather than rely on an electric motor to push it forward, the Voyager 400 can sail in any body of water via wind power. Its remote controls the rudder and the propulsion, and just in case wind isn’t in the forecast, it comes with a detachable motor to help propel it.
Customers say it’s easy to use, and everything is sealed to keep interior components dry when it tips over. Its rechargeable remote battery can work for up to one hour, which puts most RC speedboats to shame. A drawback, however, is that if it gets stuck at sea without the motor attached, you’ll have to wait for it to wash ashore.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 27.25 x 17 x 5.25 in. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.34 lbs. |
| Speed | N/A |
Pros
- Capsize recovery
- Auto-corrects yaw
- Low-battery/signal alarm
Cons
- Short battery life
- Only one battery included
Cheerwing RC boats are fantastic if you’re looking for an affordable toy to race with your friends. This boat can hit up to 15 miles per hour and has some great features, including capsize recovery and automatic yaw correction, which rebalances your boat. It also signals when the battery is low or starts to lose signal, giving you peace of mind.
If you want to try RC boating without spending much, this is a solid buy. Its biggest downside is in its battery life—just six to eight minutes per charge—and it doesn’t come with the option to buy a second battery, so it requires frequent recharging.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 13.5 x 3.5 x 3.5 in. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 11.4 oz. |
| Speed | 15 mph |
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Pros
- High speed
- Waterproof design
- Unibody hull
- Water-cooled system
Cons
- Only one battery
- No capsize recovery features
If you need speed and don’t mind investing more money into your hobby, this boat is fantastic. The fastest model on this list, this boat has a top speed of 40 miles per hour, a range of up to 656 feet, and a water-cooled system that prevents the motor from overheating.
It also has safety features to prevent damage from the high speeds, like waterproofing and a one-piece hull to prevent cracks.
The biggest flaw is its lack of capsize recovery, and several users say their boats flipped in action, causing them to swim out to retrieve their toys. It also only comes with one battery.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 27.56 x 7.48 x 5.31 in. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 5.39 lbs. |
| Speed | 40 mph |
Kevin Cortez
Commerce Editor
Kevin Cortez is an editor for Runner's World, Bicycling, and Popular Mechanics covering reviews. A culture and product journalist for over ten years, he’s an expert in men’s style, technology, gaming, coffee, e-bikes, hiking, gear, and all things outdoors. He most recently worked as the Style Editor for Reviewed, a top product recommendation site owned by USA TODAY. He also helped with the launch of WSJ's Buy Side commerce vertical, and has covered the music and podcast industries for Mass Appeal, Genius, Vulture, Leafly, Input, and The A.V. Club. Equally passionate about leisure as he is his penmanship, Kevin dedicates his spare time to graphic novels, birding, making cold brew, and taking long, meandering walks.
