Slot cars have been around for over 100 years. They were first introduced by Lionel Train Company and swiftly became a favorite toy. Kids enjoy playing with them just as much as hobbyists enjoy collecting them. They come in different styles, tracks, colors, and more. If you’re looking for the best slot car set, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve built a list of the best slot car racing sets for your consideration. Whether you’re a slot car hobbyist or looking for a kid’s slot car set to give to your little one, you’ll find a good one here.
Our Top Picks
Need a speedy list? We put together our top picks for you so you can race to the finish.
  | Best Overall: Carrera Evolution Ready to Roar Slot Car Set. Our overall top pick comes with two cars and several meters of track. Kids and adults will both have a blast playing with this slot car set. |
  | Runner Up: Scalextric Sports Car Slot Car. The runner up is a popular option among drivers. Race two cars around this circular track at slow or fast speeds for a great time. |
  | Budget Pick: Carrera Battery Operated 1:43 Scale Slot Car Race Track. This quality slot car set from Carrera is favorable in price. It comes with two cars, a Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro Sheriff to race. |
  | Splurge Pick: AFX Giant Raceway Slot Car Set. If you’re looking to splurge on one of the finest slot car sets out there, check this one out. It comes with everything you’ll need for an awesome driving experience. |
  | Best Racing Set: Carrera Racing System MarioKart Go! Most people have played MarioKart. This slot car set resembles the game and its characters for those who want the nostalgia of this classic Nintendo game. |
  | Best 360 Degree Set: Heirio High-Speed Electric Slot Car Set. The track is what makes this set unique. There are two loops that send cars upside down and an elevated corner for an added challenge to drivers. |
  | Best for Beginners: Hot Wheels Monster Truck Raceway Car Set. For those just getting started with slot car sets, here is a good one to consider. The mechanics are easy to master. It’s great for both kids and adults. |
1. Carrera Evolution Ready to Roar Slot Car Set
The best slot car set overall
Brand: Carrera | Number of Cars Included: 2 | Car Scale: 1:32 | Ages: 8+ | Price: 💰💰💰
Carrera is a well-known brand in the slot car space. Their cars and tracks are made of top-notch material so it should come as no surprise that their Evolution slot car set is our overall top pick.
Evolution has a wider track with more width to race the two included cars than other models from this brand. A 6.3 meter track twists and turns, creating an engaging track to race on. Kids and adults will both love driving these slot cars through a variety of different routes. The controllers are easy to learn to use. This is a good set for just about anyone.
Reviewers Like
- Cars remain firmly on the track even on sharp turns
- Very easy to set up and start using
Reviewers Dislike
- A wider track means slot cars don’t go as fast
- Recommended to mount on surface so it doesn’t move around
2. Scalextric Sports Car Slot Car Set
The best slot car set runner up
Brand: Scalextric | Number of Cars Included: 2 | Car Scale: 1:32 | Ages: 14+ | Price: 💰💰💰💰
Scalextric Sports Car Slot Car is perfect for all levels of racing. It is one of the best slot car sets for racing. With over five feet of track and 4 different layout options that can be changed in a matter of minutes with the easy to connect pieces, this slot car set provides endless amounts of fun and variety.
It comes with two controllers that are easy to use, which also makes it great for beginners and young kids to play with. Each controller has a four-position selector switch that allows drivers to choose their speed.
A fun added bonus is the lap counter. Drivers can race each other for a stated number of laps just like they are real race car drivers. It’s easy to assemble and ready to use right out of the box.
Reviewers Like
- Track remains firmly in place when in use
- Able to purchase extensions to make an even longer track
Reviewers Dislike
- Cars aren’t made of very durable plastic
- Controllers are easy to break, so handle carefully
3. Carrera Battery Operated 1:43 Scale Slot Car Race Track
The best slot car set budget
Brand: Carrera | Number of Cars Included: 2 | Car Scale: 1:43 | Ages: 5+ | Price: 💰💰
You don’t have to purchase an elaborate or expensive slot car set to have a great time. Carrera has a battery-operated set that is affordable and fun to race.
The Carrera Battery Operated 1:43 Scale Slot Car Race Track comes with a Ford Mustang and sheriff car, so drivers can get creative with how they play with the set. It reaches scaled speeds up to 370 MPH and is a 14-foot track. Add a removable jump ramp for added excitement.
This set is also compatible with other Carrera cars and tracks, allowing drivers to mix and match the different sets and pieces. This is a top-notch option for an affordable price.
Reviewers Like
- Track and cars are durable and withstand crashes
- Easy to convert to being an electric slot car set
Reviewers Dislike
- Entire set is battery-operated, but doesn’t come with batteries
- Controllers do not have a long battery life
4. AFX Giant Raceway Slot Car Set
The best slot car set splurge
Brand: AFX | Number of Cars Included: 2 | Car Scale: HO | Ages: 8+ | Price: 💰💰💰💰💰
Our splurge pick is one of the biggest and the best slot car sets out there. The AFX Giant Raceway Slot Car Set is perfect for those who have experience using slot cars and want a set that will test their driving abilities.
There is over 62 feet of track that is arranged in a complex series of loops and turns, making this set one of the most exciting driving experiences you could have. Two cars are included so two people can race at the same time.
A fun fact: this is the world’s longest HO slot car set. This slot car track will be an excellent addition to your collection.
Reviewers Like
- Three speeds settings (beginner, intermediate, and expert)
- Cars go very fast and hit turns without falling off track
Reviewers Dislike
- One of the two cars is far better than the other
- Somewhat challenging to assemble
5. Carrera Racing System MarioKart Go!
The best slot car racing set
Brand: Carrera | Number of Cars Included: 2 | Car Scale: 1:43 | Ages: 5+ | Price: 💰💰
If you’ve ever raced in the video game Mario Kart, you know how much fun it is to play the characters and drive their cars. Now, those same characters can be taken to the slot car racetrack.
The Carrera Racing System MarioKart Go! slot car set is complete with guardrails, jump ramps, and two cars so drivers can perform exciting stunts. Drivers can either play as Mario or Yoshi as they speed around the Mario Kart track.
Unlike most other slot car sets on this list, this model is powered by batteries. These cars can hit scaled speeds up to 370 MPH. Everyone will have a blast racing their favorite Mario Kart character.
Reviewers Like
- Unique theme means both kids and adults have a good time
- Easy to assemble, no tools necessary
Reviewers Dislike
- Requires batteries that aren’t included in set
- Cars are not made from durable material
6. Heirio High-Speed Electric Slot Car Set
The best 360-degree slot car set
Brand: Heirio | Number of Cars Included: 4 | Car Scale: 1:64 | Ages: 6+ | Price: 💰💰💰
Introducing the Heirio Electric Car Race Track Set – the perfect gift for any car enthusiast! This electric dual race track features 4 slot cars, 2 speed controllers, top speed of 370 MPH, and a track length of 18.4 feet. With 2 loops and high-banked curves, this track provides exciting action all over it! The lap counter also counts the real-time laps of the racing car for an added level of excitement.
The speed adjusting remotes allow drivers to choose the slow or fast speed to go through different road sections. And thanks to the upgraded components – softer brushes, upgraded connectors, and enhanced magnetism – this race track set is easier to assemble, firmer, and more consistent than ever before. One downside is that 8 1.5V AA batteries are required (but are not included).
Reviewers Like
- Two electric remote controls and two manual crank controls
- Track is relatively easy to assemble
Reviewers Dislike
- Track is difficult to disassemble after it’s been put together
- Cars are likely to bump tires and send one off the track
7. Hot Wheels Monster Truck Raceway Car Set
The best slot car set for beginners
Brand: Hot Wheels | Number of Cars Included: 2 | Car Scale: 1:64 | Ages: 4+ | Price: 💰💰💰
Hot Wheels has released a new slot car set perfect for younger kids and beginners looking to race their cars against the ultimate evil – an intergalactic scorpion monster! With dynamic gameplay that includes one regular car and one cool truck, drivers have to skillfully maneuver around this mechanical menace in order to claim victory. Kids will love battling it out on the track as they try take down the scorpion while having some fast-paced fun at home.
Reviewers Like
- Several ways that kids can get creative with how they play with this set
- Launcher has auto shut off if kids get their fingers too close
Reviewers Dislike
- Cars sometimes get stuck in the launcher
- Track car launcher is noisy
Our Process
For this guide on slot car sets, our team spent 2 hours researching the most popular options from over 15 brands and manufacturers big and small. We then read about 450 user reviews (both positive and negative) to discover what shoppers thought about each slot car set. After comparing this data, we narrowed our list down to the top 7 slot car sets on the market. You can count on this research to guide you to a mindful purchasing decision.
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Further Reading
