We all know that remote-controlled cars are motor driven. So it is fun to drive. Speed is one of the most attractive sides of an RC car. And all of us want a fast car. However, too much speed can damage or crash your car.
So, I understand your search for the best ESC for RC car.
The electric speed controller makes sure that you do not lose control over your RC vehicle.
I know that it can be very puzzling to find the suitable one. That too, when there are a ton of confusing reviews.
This is why I have got you covered. I picked the five best ESCs and reviewed them thoroughly.
Here, I also looked into the current rating and voltage rating of each ESCs.
So, let’s not kill time anymore, shall we? Let’s dig in!
Product Comparison Table
| Name of Product | Current Rating | Voltage Rating |
| Hobbywing QUICRUN WP 1080 Brushed ESC | 30A | 7.4 volts |
| 30A RC Brushless ESC | 30A | 16.8 volts |
| Readytosky RC 20A Brushed ESC | 20A | 9.4 volts |
| YoungRC 30A Brushed ESC | 30A | 7.4 volts |
| Hobby Fans Brushless 60A ESC | 60A | 7.4 volts |
Hobbywing QUICRUN WP 1080 Brushed ESC
Let’s start with the first item of the day. It is the Hobbywing Quicrun WP 1080 Brushed ESC. You can see that it is a brushed electronic speed controller.
It means that the ESC is designed for brushed motors. The ESC works well with 2-cell and 3-cell lipo batteries.
Here, the best part of the electric speed controller is that it is waterproof. Also, it is dustproof. This will make your RC vehicle unstoppable in any weather.
Well, you can use it on any vehicle. However, it was specially designed for RC scale trucks and rock crawlers. The size of the Hobbywing ESC is pretty small. This tiny size will make mounting options simple.
On the other hand, it has an aluminium case. It provides the motor with enhanced cooling during heavy use. So that your RC vehicle does not give off smoke due to excessive heat.
The ESC has a continuous current rating of 30A. Meaning it can run a powerful motor without interruption. It also provides 7.4 volts of power. It has a moderate voltage rating. The ESC has less power than our next pick.
Besides, it has 15 programmable categories, including PWM and drag brake performance. When cornering on curving tracks, some racers turn on the drag brake to help with turn-in.
If you have an RC crawler, then the drag brake feature is of great advantage to you. Because crawlers need it while cornering.
And if you want to use it off-road, you can do it very easily. It will help with front-to-back balance while in the air following a big jump.
Also, the integrated LED program box makes fine tuning simple. You can adjust the ESC to your driving preferences and braking efficiency to fit your needs.
The ESC comes with a program card so that you don’t have to control it manually.
Lastly, it has overvoltage protection and loss of throttle protection. So that the motor does not exceed high voltage. And the signal remains protected.
Pros
- It is dustproof and waterproof.
- Includes a program card for easy control.
- Enhanced cooling during heavy use.
- Great for scale trucks and rock crawlers.
- Protects against loss of throttle.
Cons
- It can cause some noise sometimes.
30A RC Brushless ESC
Now, for the second pick of the list, we have the 30A brushless ESC. It is designed for brushless motors.
You can see from the name that it has a current rating of 30A. Same as before. However, it can provide more power at 16.8 volts. This is pretty powerful for an RC car. It is also the highest among the five picks.
The electric speed controller is compatible with two to four-cell lipo batteries. Also, you can use five to twelve-cell NiMH batteries.
Here the ESC protects against the low battery. So that your battery does not die in the middle of a race. Also, it protects against overheating and startup throttling. Making your RC vehicle cool down.
Also, signal loss and abnormal voltage can be prevented with this ESC. With the help of it, your RC vehicle will not be lost in the woods.
And it controls abnormal voltage with the help of UBEC. It has a UBEC that helps control excess voltage and powers your servo. It also supports high RPM motors.
Lastly, you can program it with a program card or transmitter. But it does not include a program card. You have to purchase it in addition. The ESC is less pricey than our first product.
Pros
- Protects against overheating and startup throttling.
- Prevents abnormal voltage and signal loss.
- Efficiently powers your servo.
- Supports high RPM motors.
- Pretty powerful ESC.
Cons
- The RPM response may lag sometimes.
- You may face issues with reversing.
Readytosky RC 20A Brushed ESC
Time to present you with the third item on the list. It is the Readytosky RC 20A Brushed ESC. It is designed for brushed motors.
It is a sensorless speed controller best suited for ⅛ scale RC cars, trucks, and boats. The ESC has practical functions for your ease. Such as forward, reverse, and braking.
On the other hand, it has a continuous current of 20 A. It is lower than the previous item. And the voltage rating is 9.4 volts. This means that it has less power than the earlier ESC.
Here, you can use 2 cell lipo batteries. Also, 4-7 cell NiMH batteries can be used. It is built with great accuracy. That results in reliable performance and outstanding operation.
You will be amazed by the variety of brushed motors it can work with. The Readytosky ESC can work with 130/180/260/280/380 brushed motors.
The package comes with two ESCs, and they are also a money saver. It is the lowest cost ESC on the list.
However, they do not provide a program card.
Pros
- It has a fair voltage rating.
- Reliable and stable performance.
- Provides excellent functions.
- It can work with a variety of brushed motors.
- Great for ⅛ scale vehicles.
Cons
- It has low power.
- It may overheat.
YoungRC 30A Brushed ESC
The fourth pick for you is the YoungRC 30A Brushed ESC. It is a top-notch quality ESC designed for brushed motors.
Here, the receiver and any servos receive their power from the ESC. The motor is additionally powered and controlled by a separate circuit.
This ESC is specifically made for steering servos and receivers.
It has an overall continuous current of 30A. This is higher than the earlier product.
However, if I break it down for you, it varies a little bit. The electric speed controller provides different currents depending on the function.
For example, for forward, it provides 30A of current. Whereas on the instant peak, it provides 40A. Also, for reverse and braking, it provides 20 A and 40 A of current.
On the other hand, it has a voltage rating of 7.4 volts. It is also lower than the earlier product. But because of the current rating, the ESC has more power than the previous product too.
You can use a 2 cell lipo battery very easily. Also, it is reasonably priced for an ESC.
Well, there is also a downside of the ESC. The esc is with a break. And there is no option for you to turn the brake off.
The package comes with two ESCs. However, it does not include any program cards to operate it.
Lastly, it is compatible with 1/10 scale on-road or off-road RC cars and trucks. That too, for a normal race or sport.
Pros
- Great for on-road and off-road use.
- It delivers enhanced performance.
- Provides excellent power.
- Great for steering servos and receivers.
Cons
- Does not include a program card for operating efficiently.
- Works with lower RPMs than other ESCs.
Hobby Fans Brushless 60A ESC
Finally, let’s end the list with the most powerful one. It is the Hobby Fans Brushless 60A ESC. It is of excellent quality and designed for brushless motors.
With a 2S lipo battery, the ESC will score higher in performance. In the event of a security issue, it’s advised to decline the use of 3S batteries. You can also use 4-9 cell NiMH batteries as substitutes.
The ESC works excellent for 1/10 scale RC crawlers. It fits them perfectly.
Like the first item, it is also waterproof and dustproof. Making your RC car unbeatable in any weather.
On the other hand, it strongly resists current and has superior heat management. It cools down your RC vehicle and ensures protection against overheating.
The best part is that it includes a pocket-sized program card. This makes it compatible and easily programmable. Also helps in easy usage of the ESC.
In addition, it has a range of protection functions. For example, low voltage cut-off prevention, throttle signal loss protection, and motor block protection.
These are all included in the protection function.
The ESC has a continuous current of 60A. This is the highest current rating among the five ESCs on the list. Also, the voltage rating is 7.4 volts.
Although the voltage rating is average, the continuous current makes it the most powerful ESC.
If the connection was successful, but the ESC continues to beep, there are two options. Rebinding the controller and its receiver is step one. Another one is to set the controller throttle to neutral.
Pros
- Prevents overheating.
- It is dustproof and waterproof.
- Includes low voltage cut-off and motor block protection.
- Comes with a program card for easy operation.
- Powerful ESC provides can deal with aggressive motors.
Cons
- It might lag sometimes.
- You might face delays from starting to stopping.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Perfect ESC for Your RC Car
I have tried to give a thorough review and all the information you need to know above. However, as a beginner, it is very normal to be still confused about which one to choose.
This is why I have included a few essential aspects you must look into before buying. So that you can choose the most suitable one for your RC car.
- Take a close look at the size of the ESC. Especially if it is designed for your RC car.
- See if it is brushed or brushless. The brushless ESC is more effective in nature.
- With a brushless ESC, combine a brushless motor.
- See if it has extra features. Such as PWM and drag brake features.
- Make sure it can protect against overheating.
These are the few points you should go through before buying. I hope you choose wisely and get your perfect ESC.
FAQs
Can a Brushless Motor Run on a Brushed ESC?
Although many ESCs can’t, some can operate both brushed and brushless motors. You might want to be careful. Because many ESCs that are brushed-only may not have a built-in Lipo cutout. The benefits of brushless motors are that they are more powerful, more efficient, and require less service.
Why are there 3 Wires on a Brushless Motor?
The three wires increase the pulling power of the brushless motors. It makes your motor a strong one. This aids understanding of stepper motors later on. You can imagine the brushed DC motor’s two wires as forward and backward motion. The three brushless wires can be represented as 1, 2, and 3.
Does Every Motor Need an ESC?
Both brushed and brushless motors need ESCs. However, a particular ESC is required for brushed or brushless motors. Hence, you must purchase the proper kind. The most crucial consideration in selecting the correct ESC is finding a current rating. That is slightly higher than the motor will draw.
Final Words
We have reached the endpoint at last. Here, we have tried to provide every detail for you. Also, we have added a buying guide for your better understanding. We hope this will help you find the answers you were looking for.
So, all the best with your RC car!