Electronic Speed Controllers (ESC)

Electronic Speed Controllers (ESC) for RC Models

An electronic speed controller (ESC) sits between your battery, receiver and motor. It reads the throttle signal from your radio and feeds the motor the right amount of power, giving smooth speed control, braking and, on most models, reverse. Whether you need a brushless ESC for an RC car, a heli ESC with governor mode or a simple brushed ESC for a crawler, this is the place to start.

Brushless or brushed ESC

Brushless ESCs drive three-wire brushless motors and are the choice for most modern models, with more power, efficiency and lifespan. Brushed ESCs drive two-wire 540 and 550 motors and suit crawlers, boats and budget builds. Brushless ESCs can be sensored (a sensor cable gives smoother low-speed control, ideal for racing and crawling) or sensorless (simpler and tougher, ideal for bashing, planes and helicopters).

How to choose the right ESC

• Amps: the continuous current rating must comfortably cover what your motor draws. Common sizes include 60A and 120A for 1/10 cars, 150A and above for 1/8 scale, and 80A to 200A for helicopters and larger planes.
• LiPo cells: check the ESC voltage range against your battery, for example 2S to 3S for 1/10 cars or 6S, 8S and 12S for larger helis and planes. Never exceed the maximum cell count.
• BEC or OPTO: a BEC powers your receiver and servos from the main battery. An OPTO ESC has no BEC, so you need a separate receiver battery or external BEC, which is common on big helicopters and planes.
• Governor mode: helicopter ESCs can hold a constant head speed, so the rotor speed stays steady as the load changes.
• Waterproofing: look for a waterproof or water-resistant ESC for bashing through wet grass and mud, and water-cooled units for fast boats.
• Programming: many ESCs are set up with a programming card, box or Bluetooth or USB link to change brake, timing and cut-off settings.

Shop ESCs by use

• Car & Truck ESC for on-road, buggies, short course and monster trucks
• Crawler ESC with strong drag brake for low-speed control
• Helicopter ESC with governor and high-current BEC options
• Plane ESC for park flyers, gliders and EDF jets
• Boat ESC including water-cooled marine ESCs
• Brushed ESC for 540 and 550 brushed motors
• ESC Accessories such as programming cards, link modules and cooling fans

Want a matched set? Browse our Motor and ESC Combos.

Filter tips

Use the filters on the left to narrow the range by Power Rating (amps), LiPo cells and Motor Class. You can also shop by brand, including Hobbywing, Castle, Scorpion, Reedy, Kontronik, Align and Gaui.