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
- 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
- [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
- 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
- CNC 6061-T6 aluminum bell, high RPM imported (NSK/NMB) bearing and 42SH level magnet, good insulation and hear resistance
- 12N14P high torque motor design, strong thrust, more powerful than other ordinary brushless motors, high working efficiency
- Brushless Motor 3542 designed for the quads like 10 inch quad frames, which is with better efficiency in this range frames. Very suitable for your requirement with your drone
- Precision engineered for maximum energy conversion. Precision balanced rotor test, smoothness for best reliability and maximum RPM
- High temperature resistant copper wire winding, RC motor is 1000KV for fixed-wing helicopter, which is low friction, low noise and durable
- 【Professional Brushless RC Motor Mount Construction】Crafted from high-grade aluminum alloy, this brushless RC motor mount delivers exceptional stability. The solid build ensures vibration-free performance during motor testing, tuning, and pre-flight preparation.
- 【Precision Height Adjustment for RC Plane Motor Mount】Featuring fully adjustable height from 2 to 4.3 inches, this RC airplane motor mount accommodates various motor sizes. The fine-tuning mechanism allows for exact positioning to optimize performance and thrust alignment.
- 【Lightweight RC Electric Motor Mount Design】Weighing only 0.2 pounds, this RC electric motor mount maintains balance between strength and portability. The compact design ensures easy transport and stable operation at the flying field.
- 【Quick-Release Clamping System for Motor Maintenance】Designed with an innovative quick-release mechanism for tool-free installation. This RC plane accessory simplifies motor changes and adjustments, saving time during testing and upkeep.
- 【Comprehensive Solution for RC Airplane Electric Motor】Engineered as an essential tool for RC airplane electric motor balancing, validation, and routine maintenance. It delivers reliable results for both hobbyists and technicians.
- 【Value for Money】 INJORA 550 brushed waterproof motor is a budget motor built for messy, dirty, off road action.
- 【Powerful Torque】The armature of this powerful 550 motor is 30% longer than the standard 540 size motor, which can provide extremely high torque, and the high strength magnet ensures the best performance.
- 【Long-lasting performance】Heat-resistant motor with built-in cooling fan, not only allows fast speeds and long run time but prolong life time.
- 【Unique Design】Bullet plugs is easy connection with no soldering needed. The brushed motor with 1/8th inch shaft diameter,ball bearing on output side, compatible with many brushed ESCs.
- 【Applicable models】The 550 21T motor compatible with 1/10 RC Crawler Axial SCX10 AXI03007 JL 90046 TRX4 TRX6 RC Car Boat
- 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
- Made of high quality metal and plastic, easy to install, performs well.
- This kit is widely used in fixed wing, four axis multi rotor aircraft, model aircraft, etc.
- The motor is compatible with a variety of brand electrical tuning, motor efficiency more than 75%, high precision dynamic balance.
- 30A ESC has multiple protection functions, safe start, the wrong throttle position is not allowed to start; temperature protection, 110 degree surface temperature shutdown; out of control protection, no signal after 1 second stop.
- Note: firmware cannot be flashed，it is not open source and fixed.
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.