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Brushed vs brushless RC cars
By Paul Walsh Last reviewed
Most ready-to-run cars come in two versions: a brushed one and a faster, more expensive brushless one. Here's what the difference means in practice.
How they differ
| Brushed | Brushless | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Carbon brushes switch current inside the motor | The ESC switches current electronically |
| Speed and power | Moderate | Much higher |
| Efficiency | Lower; more heat for the same speed | Higher; longer runs per charge |
| Maintenance | Brushes wear; motor eventually needs replacing | Almost none |
| Cost | Cheaper | Dearer |
| Best for | First cars, crawlers, kids | Experienced drivers, speed |
How ESCs and motors work together, including kV ratings, is explained in ESCs and brushless motors.
Why brushed suits a first car
- Manageable speed. You learn car control without breaking parts every run.
- Cheaper. The car costs less, and so do replacements.
- Easier on the drivetrain. Less torque means fewer stripped gears and broken driveshafts.
Popular brushed starter cars include the Traxxas Rustler HD and Arrma Granite Mega; see best RC cars for beginners.
Why brushless is worth having later
- Huge speed and punch.
- Longer motor life.
- Better run times from the same battery.
Brushless suits crawlers too in sensored form, where smooth low-speed control matters.
Upgrading from brushed to brushless
- Choose a matched brushless motor and ESC combo for your car's scale and battery.
- Check the drivetrain. More power means more stress on gears, driveshafts and diffs. Popular upgrades are listed in RC car upgrades.
- Gear down to start. Use a smaller pinion and check motor temperature after a few minutes.
- Use LiPo with a low-voltage cut-off. See NiMH vs LiPo.
Versus nitro
Brushless electric is now faster than most nitro cars and far easier to live with. See nitro vs electric RC cars.
The full buying decision is in the RC car buyer's guide. Back to the RC cars hub.
Frequently asked questions
How much faster is brushless?
Typically much faster on the same battery. A brushed 1/10 truck might do 20 to 30mph; a brushless version on 2S or 3S can do 40 to 60mph or more.
Can I put a brushless motor in my brushed car?
Yes, with a matching brushless ESC. Check the drivetrain can handle the extra power, and gear it down to start with.
Do brushless motors need maintenance?
Very little: keep them clean, check the bearings, and watch temperatures. Brushed motors need brushes and commutators maintained or replaced.
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