Diving silently into the mysterious underwater world with your own submarine – many people dream of it. However, only a few people experience a real submarine trip in their lives.
An RC submarine makes the adventure possible:
A small, remote-controlled submarine guarantees great adventures. The model submarines fit in a rucksack and can be steered by children and adults without a license.
Avoid buying mistakes:
BeyondSurfing presents the most popular remote-controlled submarines from 2024. The following buying guide will also give you the know-how you need to make a purchase decision that will pay off in the long term.
The best RC submarine 2024?
Content
- 1 The top 7 RC submarines in 2024
- 2 Bestsellers: The most popular RC submarines
- 3 Buy RC submarine: How to make the right decision
- 4 FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about remote-controlled submarines
- 5 Conclusion: The most popular RC submarines reviewed
- 6 Specialist literature, sources & further links
In a hurry? Our RC submarine favorite:
No product found.
RC Submarine Checklist
- Which models? Models without a camera are only suitable for very clear water. Models with a camera are also known as underwater drones. You can also buy remote-controlled submarines as kits.
- Battery? A powerful rechargeable battery or long-lasting batteries determine the duration of the adventure.
- Range? The remote control can bridge different ranges.
- Control? The steering is more complex than with remote-controlled boats.
- Who is it suitable for? Follow the manufacturer’s instructions: Some submarines are only suitable for advanced riders or adults. A built-in automatic switch-off function is important for children, but the boats are not suitable for babies.
Also interesting: The most popular remote-controlled boats 2024.
The top 7 RC submarines in 2024
Best RC submarine for beginners
1. 6-channel mini RC submarine
No product found.
Advantages
- For children and adults
- 360 degree rotatable
- Up to 0.5 meters deep
- Up to 25 minutes battery
- 2 navigation lights
- Favorable price
- Automatic switch-off
- Also suitable for the bathtub
Disadvantages
- Only one design
- Sluggish remote control
Summary
This remote-controlled submarine is suitable for adults and children. The remote control supplied is handy and easy to use.
The recommendation for children is given by the manufacturer because there is an integrated automatic switch-off function. As soon as the model leaves the water, the gearbox switches off. This prevents injuries.
The boat can be steered in all directions and provides an easy introduction to the world of RC submarines. The speed is so low that steering errors are quickly forgiven. The boat can submerge 0.7 meters and always remains in sight.
Conclusion
This product is ideal for beginners looking for a solid submarine at a very reasonable price.
If you are looking for a fast boat with technical extras, you should choose a different product.
Product details
Size: 15 x 6.8 x 4.5 cm | Range: 5 m wide and 0.7 m deep | Battery life: 25 min
Customer ratings
Best RC submarine with long battery life
2. Powervision Underwater Wizard
Advantages
- Up to 4 hours battery
- 7.2 km/h fast
- Up to 30 meters diving depth
- Incl. Fishing line
- Free case
- VR glasses in a set
- Built-in 4K camera
- Sonar
Disadvantages
- High price
- Design slightly reminiscent of a submarine
- Operation with cable only
Summary
This submarine is also known as an underwater drone. It has countless technical extras. Not only can the product dive to a depth of 30 meters, it can also dive at a speed of almost 8 km/h and for up to 30 minutes. It is connected to the base station via a 70-meter cable.
The camera can be connected to the smartphone or the free VR glasses via an app. The 4k camera then transmits a razor-sharp live image and values such as water temperature and depth. If you like, you can take underwater photos. The simple controls also allow beginners to get started quickly.
The integrated sonar system can be used to evaluate fish populations or soil conditions. If you like fishing, you can drop a lure at the touch of a button. The lockable case protects the set.
Conclusion
The technical details sound almost too good to be true. Every use of this underwater drone brings a new exciting adventure.
Of course, quality also comes at a price: at over 800 $, the set is not for customers on a budget. The technology is too complicated for children.
Product details
Size: N/A | Range: 70 m | Battery life: 4 hours
Customer ratings
The battery lasts a very long time. The cable is really long and very robustly insulated. The use of a cable reel is recommended several times. The controls are very sensitive. The video image is razor sharp. From the sonar unit and temperature measurement to the bait function for fishing, everything is of high quality. The underwater drone can be used as a hobby product or professionally for fishing, boat or water inspection.
Around 11% are neutral about the product, while 34% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
The control app has caused problems for some customers. One customer’s engine has failed. Customer service then replaced the product.
FAQ
Best RC submarine with display case
3. QHYZRV RV submarine set
Advantages
- 6 channels
- Controllable in all directions
- Free display case
- Aerodynamic design
- Favorable price
- Robust housing
Disadvantages
- Color not freely selectable
- Short battery life
Summary
This submarine from HSP-Himoto is supplied in a complete set. Included:
- Remote control
- LEDs
- USB charging cable
- 6 control channels
- Display case
- Submarine
Of course, no high-tech product can be expected for the low price. However, the quality is appropriate for beginners and children. The first fun underwater adventures can be experienced.
The integrated lights ensure that the submarine is not so easy to lose sight of.
Conclusion
An inexpensive submarine with a good price-performance ratio for children or beginners.
If you’re looking for a long battery life, more speed or other technical refinements, you should look for a different product.
Product details
Size: 15 x 4.5 x 6 cm | Range: 5 m | Battery life: 8 min
Customer ratings
Further highlights
4. Arkmodel Submarine kit
Advantages
- To build yourself
- With detailed instructions
- With 3D drawing
- Realistic design
- Extremely robust material
Disadvantages
- High lover price
- Not for beginners
Summary
The Arkmodel RC-U boat is supplied as a kit. This is not a simple plug-in system: it involves screwing, painting and casting. The design is very detailed and realistic. It is easy to get the impression that this is a real German Navy submarine.
If you like, you can simply use the model as an exhibit. To be able to use it in the water, it is necessary to purchase a Water Tight Cylinder, which can be supplied with a single or double tank.
Theoretically, it is possible to leave the submarine under water for days. This would not harm the material. Provided it has been put together conscientiously.
Conclusion
Enthusiasts will have great fun with this extremely realistic RC-U boat set. The quality is excellent.
Product details
Size: 990x310x180 mm | Range: N/A | Battery life: N/A
Customer ratings
5. HSP Himoto RC submarine in a complete set
No product found.
Advantages
- Favorable price
- 2 channels
- Incl. LEDs
- 2.4 Ghz remote control
- Automatic switch-off
- Aerodynamic design
Disadvantages
- Quality
- Color selection is automatic
Summary
This RC-U boat from HSP Himoto is supplied in a comprehensive set. Thanks to its perfect water position, it can reach speeds of up to 8 km/h.
A 2-channel control system enables diving in all directions. A special plus for beginners and children: the motor switches off immediately when out of the water. It can only be operated in contact with water. This prevents injuries from the propellers.
Thanks to the 2.4 GHz technology used, this boat currently offers the highest level of transmission reliability. This guarantees that the boat moves in the desired direction in a matter of seconds.
Conclusion
Anyone looking for an entry-level model will find what they are looking for with this product.
Advanced users or customers looking for more technical refinements will opt for a different product. However, this also comes at a higher price.
Product details
Size: 15 cm x 4.5 cm x 6 cm | Range: N/A | Battery life: N/A
Customer ratings
The price-performance ratio is incomparably good. Handling is simple and smooth. The remote control doesn’t mind if it falls into the water. This shows how robust the material is. The speed is surprisingly high for its size.
Around 7% are neutral about the product, while 26% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
6. mini submarine with LED lights and automatic switch-on function
No product found.
Advantages
- Free showcase
- Also suitable for the bathtub
- Simple control
- LED lights
- Double propeller
- USB connection
- Dive to a depth of 0.5 m
- Automatic switch-on
Disadvantages
- Small and poorly visible
- Susceptible to currents
Summary
This mini submarine from Upstartech really is a very small specimen. However, it is really powerful in relation to its small size. It can even dive to a depth of up to half a meter.
The material is of high quality and sealed bombproof. The controls allow the small RC model to dive in all directions: even backwards. The battery is fully charged in 10 minutes and then allows about 8 minutes of diving pleasure.
It can be conveniently charged using a standard USB port. Simply take a power bank with you and recharge the boat on site. So the underwater adventure can last extra long.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a small but powerful submarine to get you started in the world of RC, then this product is perfect for you.
Such a small model is much harder to see. Advanced users also opt for a larger model with more technical accessories.
Product details
Size: 16.2 x 9.8 x 6.6 cm | Range: > 4 m | Battery life: 8 min
Customer ratings
A great toy for children. It can even be taken into the bath. The display case supplied is practical. The price is low and the controls are self-explanatory. The price-performance ratio is very good. Customers would recommend the product to others. It really is a great gift for children. The look is also very appealing.
Around 17% are neutral about the product, while 35% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
The controls are not very finely tuned. The immersion button must be held permanently. It cannot dive particularly deep. However, this is also stated by the manufacturer and is not unusual in this price category.
FAQ
More articles you might find interesting:
Bestsellers: The most popular RC submarines
(**Last update 2024-09-16)
Buy RC submarine:
How to make the right decision
Jesse Luttig ★★★★★
(Student from Hamburg)
Remote-controlled toys are in great demand, as several statistics show. This is not surprising: the technical possibilities are becoming more and more sophisticated and are therefore inspiring a wider audience.
There are technically sophisticated models for advanced users, futuristic submarines with cameras and VR glasses, or child-friendly versions. BeyondSurfing provides you with this guide to help you make the right choice.
What you need to consider when buying a remote-controlled submarine
When looking for the best RC submarines, you should definitely pay attention to the following features and characteristics:
- Drive
- The immersion system
- Design
- Reach
- Battery
- The accessories
The drive
Most submarines are powered by an electric motor. This is supplied with power by a rechargeable battery. This drives one or more propellers that provide speed.
But the market offers even more:
Motorized submarine models in the higher price range also have combustion engines. These must be refueled correctly. Among the top products you will find, for example, the Arkmodel kit, which is powered by diesel.
Small but mighty:
The motors are very powerful in relation to their small size. This poses dangers – fingers must not come close to the propellers.
The immersion system
An RC submarine has a buoyancy force. This counteracts sinking in the water. It is calculated from the volume of water displaced by the material, the water density of around 1 g/cm³ and gravity.
The submarine can only descend if its weight is increased or the buoyancy force changes. This is ensured by two different immersion systems:
Static immersion system
The built-in water tank of an RC submarine is filled with water using a water pump. This increases the weight and a higher water displacement is achieved.
The heavier it gets, the more the submarine sinks below the surface. A built-in sensor stops the water pump as soon as the boat has reached a floating state under water.
Conclusion: A static diving system is very suitable for open, turbulent waters. In addition to safety, it also offers an authentic driving experience and is popular with collectors and professionals.
Dynamic immersion system
This diving system allows the submarine to look out of the water only with the turret. The deck is just below the surface. This means that only a small amount of water needs to be displaced in order to submerge. Corresponding weights in the hull ensure this low position.
The model can be completely submerged by changing the depth rudder. However, the rudder only works above a certain speed. It also needs to be set correctly.
Conclusion: A dynamic diving system is more suitable for beginners and shallow waters. It is somewhat easier to use but loses some of its authenticity.
The design
RC submarines are often offered in camouflage designs. This has to do with their history: They were originally used for war operations. Many of the famous models were involved in wars. Well-known examples include the Typhoon class submarines.
Futuristic models:
But there are also futuristic models for fishing. The hull can be filled with bait and driven far out onto the lake to lure the fish close to land. This increases the chances of a catch.
It gets even better:
The latest models with cameras and other extras are more reminiscent of robots, underwater cars or drones. This is why they are also called “underwater drones”.
The range
A remote control with a range of a few meters is sufficient for use in the pool or bathtub. If the RC submarine is to be used in larger waters, this is of course not enough. Then a technique that reaches over 20 meters is the minimum.
In Germany there are many gravel ponds or fishing lakes of a manageable size. It is helpful to use models with LEDs here. Then you won’t lose sight of them so easily.
The battery
Driving an electric vehicle is a feat of strength. In a submarine, there is also the water pressure: the engine has to fight against it. This requires a lot of energy and a powerful battery. With the cheaper models, the small battery usually only lasts 10 minutes.
With a charging function in the remote control or a power bank, the fun can be extended in this case.
The accessories
There are various accessories for remote-controlled submarines. These are mostly high-quality technical accessories and not toys.
An overview of the most important extras:
- VR glasses
- Replacement remote control
- Replacement battery
- Night light
- Storage rack
- Cover or case
- Camera with memory card
- Mini bait hooks for anglers
- with torpedoes
This is what a submarine with a camera looks like:
You can see a torpedo in action here. But beware: this can seriously damage another electric ship or submarine:
Building remote-controlled submarines yourself?
Many RC submarine fans dream of building their own model. It is possible to buy a kit with a construction plan. You can find it here on Amazon.de, for example .
Or you can build the complete remote-controlled submarine with camera yourself, step by step. The parts are very specific, expensive and the look is more like a robot. They are available in electrical stores, e.g. at Conrad. This video shows instructions:
Remote-controlled submarines tested by Consumer Reports and Öko Test?
Consumer Reports has not yet conducted a test on remote-controlled submarines, but there is a comparable test on remote-controlled cars. From this, at least the recommendations regarding the social and ecological commitment of manufacturers can be derived.
Please note this:
Low-cost manufacturers in Asia do not always offer their employees decent wages or humane working conditions. The information “Made in” provides information about the country of production. If in doubt, look up the manufacturer on the Internet.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about remote-controlled submarines
How deep can a remote-controlled submarine dive?
How good is the range of remote-controlled submarines?
How much does a remote-controlled submarine cost?
Which is the best remote-controlled submarine?
Conclusion: The most popular RC submarines reviewed
RC submarines vary greatly from model to model. The BeyondSurfing buying guide provides the knowledge you need to make an informed decision free of charge.
Anyone who buys cheaply and hastily will not enjoy a remote-controlled submarine for long. An informed purchasing decision is crucial for the fun factor and safety.
Choose the ideal model for your requirements now and nothing will stand in the way of your underwater adventure.
Specialist literature, sources & further links
You can find more information on this topic here:
- Statistics: https://de.statista.com/statistik/daten/studie/972211/umfrage/umsatzveraenderung-im-spielwarenmarkt-weltweit-nach-kategorien/
- Consumer Reports: https: //www.test.de/Fernlenkautos-Lego-macht-das-Rennen-1314077-1314075/
- Diving video: https://youtu.be/Ze-pyDU8tZE
- Torpedo Video: https://youtu.be/balkc5xeAoI
- Building instructions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96iGEAhLgTs
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