Brushed vs Brushless RC Motors: Differences, Features, & More

Brushed vs Brushless RC: Let's compare motor types, performance, and durability to find the best fit for your RC car.

Brushed motors are great for beginners because of their simplified setup and bargain pricing, while brushless motors provide advanced performance, better lifespan, and top-of-the-line efficiency.

We compared these motor types by commutation method, standout features, durability, and overall performance to help you choose the best option. Here’s what we found in our brushed vs brushless RC comparison review: 

• Brushed motors work well for trail crawlers and casual se.
• Brushed motors provide a simple plug-and-play experience.
• Brushless motors handle high speeds, rough terrains, and precision control.
• Brushless models last longer and require less upkeep.

Let’s look at the differences between brushed and brushless electric motors and other important details. 

Brushed and Brushless Motors: An Overview 

Feature	Brushed RC Motor	Brushless RC Motor
Operation	Uses carbon brushes to create movement through contact.	Uses permanent magnets and an electronic controller for friction-free operation.
Best For	Hobbyists and beginners	Competitive RC enthusiasts
Use Cases	RC crawlers and some monster trucks	High-speed buggies and racing trucks on demanding terrain
Cost	Affordable	A bit expensive
Size	Bulky	Compact
Sound	Audible noise with more vibration	Quiet and with less vibration
RC Motor Examples	Tamiya RC RS-540	Hobbywing Xerun
Price Range	€14.39 - €51.19	€42.79 - €293.90

Brushed DC Motor

Brushed motors use physical brushes (surprise!) to power RC cars. They make contact with a rotating commutator to create constant movement. This type of motor doesn't require any advanced setup. Hence, we recommend it for beginners.

Crawlers (like this Traxxas TRX-4M Defender) and trail trucks benefit the most from a brushed motor. It gives them that smooth and low-speed control for climbing rocks and tackling rugged trails. 

Brushed motors require fewer components, including a simple winding structure, which makes them easier to install and maintain. You'll appreciate this if you're new and don't want the mind-boggling process of setting up your first RC. 

Brushless DC Motor 

Brushless motors rely on advanced design and use permanent magnets in the rotor and electromagnetic fields generated by the stator coil. If brushed motors are the OGs, brushless motors are the next-gen performers. We suggest this for anyone who loves the *zoom.*

Whether you're backyard bashing with the Maverick Quantum+ XT Flux or racing, brushless motors deliver the power and efficiency needed for high-performance RC action. They handle demanding tracks and terrains while reducing wear and tear. Unlike brushed motors, these models use electronic controllers to operate without friction from brushes. 

Best Brushless and Brushed Motors

Here are some of the must-have brushed and brushless motors: 

Brushed Motors	Brushless Motors
Traxxas 550 Titan® 12T	Hobbywing QuicRun
Tamiya RC RS-540	Hobbywing Xerun
Tamiya 540-N	Hobbywing Ezrun SL-4985

We based the list above on our best-sellers at EuroRC. You can check other electric motors from our collection.

Brushed vs Brushless RC: Feature Comparison 

Feature	Brushed Motors	Brushless Motors
Ease of Use	No setup needed. Great for beginners.	Works as plug-and-play with modern ESCs. Minimal setup required. Meanwhile, advanced ESCs offer extra control options.
Efficiency & Battery Life	Uses more electricity. Shorter runtime due to friction.	Better efficiency.
Power & Speed	Limited speed. Friction causes heat and lower performance.	Delivers +50% more power in racing setups with high-end controllers.
Durability & Maintenance	The open design allows dirt and water. Frequent cleaning and replacements required.	Built to resist dust, water, and mud. Low maintenance. Occasional cleaning keeps them at their best.
Control & Flexibility	Fixed settings. Works well for basic needs but lacks adaptability.	Advanced controls adjust speed and torque precisely. Perfect for custom performance on various terrains.

Ease of Use

Brushed motors used to be more beginner-friendly than brushless ones. But electronic speed control (ESC) technology leveled up and now works as plug-and-play. Most ESCs need minimal setup. Connect the motor, battery, and receiver, and start driving.

Higher-end ESCs offer more control and adjustments for those who want extra performance. Settings like throttle response, braking strength, and acceleration curves help racers and off-road drivers push their RC cars further.

Winner: Brushless Motors 

Efficiency and Battery Life

Brushless DC motors are up to 1.5 times more efficient and last longer than brushed motors. Enjoy longer sessions without having to change batteries every single time. They're built to last. 

Brushed ones consume more electricity yet produce less power. Their brushes create friction and lead to energy loss and quicker battery drain.

But the duration will still depend on how heavy or light user you are. A brushed one is fine if you drive your RC car a few minutes a day or less than 15 hours a year. The narrative will only change if you're a frequent user and do intense sessions. 

Winner: Brushless Motors 

Power and Speed Performance

Brushless motors deliver double the power of brushed motors. Speed, punch, and power become child's play for this type. High-end controllers push brushless motors even further by dynamically adjusting timing. This tuning increases RPM by up to 50% in racing setups. More speed = more fun, and that extra boost makes a difference when chasing lap times. 

Brushed motors struggle to maintain performance at higher speeds due to brush friction and sparking. They generate heat and hinder what your RC can do. 

Brushless are the real deal for high-level performance. 

Winner: Brushless Motors 

Durability and Maintenance

Brushless also steals the spotlight in these two areas. They perform much better in harsh conditions than brushed ones and are low maintenance. 

Their designs are more dust, water, and mud-proof, making them perfect for off-road RC cars. Some are even IP67 or IP68 rated. They handle notable exposure to water and dirt. 

Want to race on a rainy day near the trails? Brushless motors can handle that like a pro. But we still advise cleaning them before storing them. A soft brush, compressed air, or gentle rinse will remove the debris. 

Brushed motors have vent holes and are more open to external elements. They are also more prone to wear and tear because of the components inside. In short, brushed motors = high maintenance. 

Winner: Brushless Motors 

Control and Flexibility

Brushless DC motors offer greater control and flexibility than brushed motors. Their advanced electronic controllers allow you to precisely adjust speed, torque, and overall performance. Get a better experience no matter what you want to do—play on unfamiliar terrains, push to the maximum speed, or optimize your RC for a specific track.

Brushed motors offer restricted control. They are 100% great for beginners but can be frustrating for advanced users. If you want customization and control, go for brushless motors. 

Winner: Brushless Motors 

Brushed vs Brushless Motor RC: The Good and the Bad 

Here are the advantages and disadvantages of both DC motors.

Brushed Motors 

Pros

• Beginner-Friendly. Perfect for first-time users because of its easy installation, simple design, and operation.
• Affordable. Budget-friendly choice as brushed motors cost less upfront than brushless motors. 
• Reliable at Low Speeds. Can Handle steady and controlled movement effectively.
• High Torque with Precision. Smooth and accurate low-speed control in obstacle-heavy terrain for crawlers.

Cons

• Frequent Maintenance. Brushes and commutators wear out regularly and demand cleaning and replacements.
• Limited Performance. They generate lower power and speed. Unsuitable for high-speed RC vehicles.
• Susceptible to Damage. The open design exposes internal parts to dust, debris, and moisture. 
• Shorter Lifespan. Friction between brushes and commutators may reduce durability for frequent users. 

Brushless Motors 

Pros 

• Powerful. Offer superior speed and torque, perfect for high-speed RC vehicles or racing.
• Energy Efficient. Maximize battery life by improving the energy conversion process.
• Low Maintenance. Eliminate brushes and reduce wear and tear. 
• Great for Harsh Conditions. Keep dust, water, and debris at bay and are reliable for off-road expeditions.
• Customizable Performance. It allows adjustments to speed and torque for superior control.
• Better Lifespan. Designed to last longer than brushed motors through the use of electromagnets. 

Cons

• Higher Upfront Costs. Up to two times more expensive than brushed motors.
• Steep Setting Up Curve. Not for beginners, as it requires complicated installation and configuration.

Brushless and Brushed RC Motors: Standout Features

One more thing: brushless motors offer technological advancements. You can expect to see more features in the future. They may also become more affordable as manufacturers adapt to the demands and needs of RC car users. 

Brushed motors remain committed to simplicity for beginners and hobbyists. They may not keep up or offer the same flexibility as brushless models. But they'll continue to deliver reliable performance, just as they have for years. 

FAQs About RC Brushed & Brushless Motors 

Do brushless motors run cooler than brushed?

Brushless motors run cooler than brushed motors because they produce less friction and heat. They use electronic controllers instead of physical brushes and cut down energy loss. 

How do you maintain a brushed RC motor?

Maintain a brushed RC motor by regularly cleaning it with compressed air to remove debris. Replace any worn brushes and lubricate the bearings with light oil. Do not overuse the motor to ensure proper cooling; always check the motor's wiring for damage. 

Why do brushed motors fail?

Brushed motors fail due to brush wear, commutator damage, or overheating. Dirt or debris can also cause mechanical issues. Regular maintenance reduces these risks and extends motor life.

How do I break in a brushed RC motor?

Run your RC motor at low speed and soak it in water for 10–15 minutes. This process polishes the brushes onto the commutator for excellent contact. Once done, allow the motor to dry, oil the bearings, and try it out under normal conditions.

Brushed vs Brushless RC Motors: Which One Do We Recommend?

Both brushed and brushless motors are great options for RC car users. We love these electric motors and recommend them to different users according to their needs. But if we had to choose just one, we would pick brushless motors. 

The power, durability, speed, and performance factors are all there. Yes, you have to spend a bit more, but if you think you'll be here in the long run (like us), the investment pays off with a longer lifespan, lower maintenance, and superior performance.

Use Brushed Motors If…

• You’re starting and need a budget-friendly, easy-to-use motor.
• You drive casually and want an simple and stress-free experience.
• You want a simple motor that requires minimal setup. 

Use Brushless Motors If…

• You’re serious about racing or tackling challenging terrains.
• You want an advanced motor that gives you more power. 
• You enjoy tweaking performance for specific tracks or conditions.

Check out our brushless motor collections at EuroRC and chat with us if you need help.