Short answer: buy Traxxas if you want the easiest parts support and a truck you can fix from any hobby shop's wall; buy Arrma if you want the toughest truck for the money, especially at 4S and 6S power. At the small-scale and beginner end, the two brands are closer than forum arguments suggest, and the deciding factor is usually price with a battery and charger included.
Quick picks
| Best small brushless basher | Arrma Mojave GROM 4X4 223S BLX | Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Best Traxxas starter with battery included | Traxxas Mini Maxx Brushless | Amazon |
| Best budget 1/10 with everything included | Traxxas Bandit XL-5 | Amazon |
| Best Arrma 1/10 under $300 | Arrma Quake 223S 2WD | Amazon |
| Best 4S monster truck | Traxxas Maxx 4s | Amazon |
| Best 4S speed truck from Arrma | Arrma Kraton 4S BLX V2 | Amazon |
| Best Traxxas 6S basher | Traxxas Sledge 6s | Amazon |
| Best 6S for durability | Arrma Kraton 6S BLX V6 | Amazon |
How we compared the two brands
We matched each brand's current ready-to-run trucks into equivalent tiers by size and battery voltage, then compared what each one actually ships with. Our evidence, checked October 3, 2026:
- Manufacturer listings on Amazon for every truck below: motor, ESC, top speed claim, scale, weight and what's in the box.
- Amazon sales and ratings. Arrma's Mojave GROM brushless showed 100+ purchases in the past month; Traxxas's Mini Maxx and Arrma's Mini Kraton showed 50+ each.
- Owner consensus from brand forums and retailer comparisons on durability and parts, which we report as owner experience rather than as our own test results.
This is a How we pick page: we compare listings, manuals and owner reports. We didn't drive or break these trucks ourselves, and we say so whenever it matters. How we research.
The real differences between Traxxas and Arrma
Forget the fan wars. Five things actually separate the two brands, and only you can decide which matter most.
| Factor | Traxxas | Arrma |
|---|---|---|
| Parts availability | Best in the hobby. Most US hobby shops stock Traxxas parts on the wall. | Good online through Horizon Hobby and Amazon; fewer parts in local shops. |
| Durability out of the box | Solid, with cheaper parts designed to be the weak link. | Owners rate the 6S trucks especially tough; the EXB (Extreme Bash) parts are standard on several models. |
| Electronics | In-house: Velineon brushless, TQi radio, TSM stability, Bluetooth on Ultimate models. | Spektrum: SLT/DX radios, Smart ESCs, DSC stability control and throttle limiting. |
| Battery connector | Traxxas iD (auto-detected by Traxxas iD chargers). | Spektrum IC-series (IC2 on the GROMs, larger IC types on bigger trucks; check the listing). |
| Battery and charger in the box | Often included on entry models (Bandit, Mini Maxx). | Included on some GROMs; usually not on 223S, 4S and 6S trucks. |
Tier by tier: the matching truck from each brand
Both brands sell trucks at the same power levels. The chart lines them up so you compare like with like, not a $230 mini with a $700 6S monster.
The best truck from each brand, by budget
Arrma Mojave GROM 4X4 223S BLX
The brushless Mojave GROM is the most popular truck in this comparison on Amazon right now, with 100+ purchases in the past month. It runs on a 2S pack for a manageable 35+ mph and steps up to 50+ mph on 3S, so it grows with you. Spektrum's DSC stability control and throttle limiting keep a new driver from flipping it on every corner.
- Scalesmall (GROM)
- PowerBLX brushless, 2S or 3S
- Speed claim35+ mph 2S, 50+ mph 3S
- ControlSpektrum DSC, throttle limiting
- BatteryIC2-compatible, not included
Why it stands out
- Small enough to bash in a backyard or park
- 2S-to-3S upgrade path built in
- Popular option parts pre-installed, per Arrma's listing
Think twice if
- You want a battery and charger in the box, since this version needs both
Traxxas Mini Maxx Brushless
The Mini Maxx is Traxxas's answer to the GROM: a compact monster truck with 1/10-scale driveline parts in a smaller chassis. The big difference is the box. It includes a 2S 3500 mAh LiPo and a USB-C charger, so the price you see is close to the price you pay to start driving. It's slower than a GROM on 3S, which is a feature for younger or newer drivers.
- Scale1/12 listed, 1/10 driveline
- MotorBL-2s ESC, 3300 brushless
- Speed claim30+ mph on 2S
- Included2S 3500 mAh LiPo + 2A USB-C charger
- Weight3.6 lb
Why it stands out
- Ready to drive with battery and charger
- Waterproof electronics per the listing
- Traxxas parts support
Think twice if
- You want 50 mph speed, since it's built around 2S power
- The included 2-amp charger is slow; budget for a faster one
Traxxas Bandit XL-5
If you want the cheapest full-size Traxxas that includes a battery and charger, this is it. The Bandit runs a brushed motor on NiMH, the most forgiving battery chemistry for a first car, and the XL-5 ESC has a Training Mode that cuts power while you learn. It's a buggy, so it prefers dirt tracks and short grass to tall weeds.
- Scale1/10 2WD buggy
- Motor12-turn Titan brushed, XL-5 ESC
- Speed claim35+ mph
- Included8.4V 3000 mAh NiMH + 4A USB-C charger
- Modes3 drive profiles incl. Training Mode
Why it stands out
- NiMH battery and USB-C charger included
- Training Mode for new drivers
- Huge parts support at local hobby shops
Think twice if
- You'll drive in long grass, since a monster truck clears it better
Arrma Quake 223S 2WD
The Quake is Arrma's full-size 2WD monster truck at a GROM-like price. It's brushless and accepts 2S or 3S, with throttle limiting and DSC to keep it manageable. A bottom-loading battery tray makes swaps quick. Budget for a pack and charger, which push it past the Bandit's all-in price.
- Scale1/10 2WD monster truck
- Powerbrushless, 2S or 3S
- Speed37 mph max listed
- Controlthrottle limiting + DSC
- Batterybottom-loading tray, not included
Why it stands out
- Full 1/10 size for long grass and rough yards
- Brushless with throttle limiting
Think twice if
- You want 4WD traction on loose surfaces
Traxxas Maxx 4s
The Maxx is the truck most people picture when they hear "Traxxas basher": 4S brushless power, self-righting, Traxxas Stability Management, and the WideMaxx suspension kit factory-installed for a wider stance. At 10.4 pounds it's a big step up from the 1/10 2S trucks, and it's the Traxxas most directly matched against the Kraton 4S.
- Scale1/10
- PowerVXL-4s ESC, 540XL brushless
- Speed claim60+ mph
- RadioTQi 2.4 GHz with TSM
- SuspensionWideMaxx kit installed
- Weight10.4 lb
Why it stands out
- Wide stance resists rollovers at speed
- TSM helps keep it straight on loose surfaces
- Deep aftermarket and Traxxas parts support
Think twice if
- You're a first-time driver: 60+ mph is a lot of truck
Arrma Kraton 4S BLX V2
The 4S Kraton V2 gets an aluminum-cased center differential, more dirt protection and a stronger metal-gear servo. It's longer and lower than the Maxx, which suits fast, sweeping runs more than wheelies and backflips. Owners often pick it over the Maxx for its durability-per-dollar.
- Scale1/10 4WD
- Power4S Spektrum brushless
- Center diffaluminum-cased
- ServoSpektrum S662 metal-gear
- Battery/chargernot included
Why it stands out
- Center diff, braced chassis, metal-gear servo
- Low, stable speed-truck stance
Think twice if
- You want self-righting and stunts, where the Maxx is more playful
Traxxas Sledge 6s
The Sledge is Traxxas's direct shot at the Kraton 6S, with a 6S driveline that uses bigger gears and more steel, an aluminum chassis with a truss system and belted tires to stop ballooning at speed. Traxxas lists 70+ mph. See our Kraton 6S vs X-Maxx page if you're shopping at this level.
- Scale1/8
- PowerVXL-6s ESC, 2000 Kv brushless
- Speed claim70+ mph
- Chassistriangulated aluminum
- Tiresbelted Sledgehammer
- Weight12.7 lb
Why it stands out
- Purpose-built 6S driveline
- Belted tires and TSM for high-speed stability
Think twice if
- You don't have room to run it: 6S trucks need big open spaces
Arrma Kraton 6S BLX V6
The Kraton 6S is the truck forums point to when someone asks for the toughest basher. The V6 ships with EXB parts and, per Arrma, offers "fun and manageable" performance on 4S before you install 6S for full speed. That 4S-first option makes it a better first big truck than most 6S rivals.
- Scale1/8
- Power6S BLX brushless (runs on 4S too)
- Max speed listed65 mph
- PartsEXB Extreme Bash upgrades
- Bodyclipless
Why it stands out
- EXB parts installed from the factory
- Runs on 4S while you learn
- Strong owner reputation for surviving big jumps
Think twice if
- You need parts from a local shop the same day
Side-by-side comparison
| Truck | Class | Motor | Speed claim | Battery + charger |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traxxas Mini Maxx | Small 2S | Brushless | 30+ mph | Included |
| Arrma Mojave GROM 223S | Small 2S/3S | Brushless | 50+ mph (3S) | Not included |
| Arrma Typhon GROM 223S | Small 2S/3S buggy | Brushless | 50 mph listed max | 2S + USB-C charger included |
| Traxxas Bandit XL-5 | 1/10 2WD | Brushed | 35+ mph | NiMH + charger included |
| Arrma Quake 223S | 1/10 2WD | Brushless | 37 mph listed | Not included |
| Traxxas Maxx 4s | 4S | 540XL brushless | 60+ mph | Not included |
| Arrma Kraton 4S V2 | 4S | Brushless | Check listing | Not included |
| Traxxas Sledge | 6S 1/8 | 2000 Kv brushless | 70+ mph | Not included |
| Arrma Kraton 6S V6 | 6S 1/8 | Brushless | 65 mph listed | Not included |
Speed figures are each manufacturer's claim on the stated battery, not our measurements. "Check listing" means the figure isn't stated on the Amazon listing.
Batteries and connectors: the hidden cost of choosing a brand
Once you own two or three packs and a charger, switching brands costs money. Traxxas packs use the Traxxas iD connector, and Traxxas iD chargers read the pack and set themselves up automatically. Arrma uses Spektrum's IC connectors and Spektrum Smart chargers do the same job for Smart packs. Both systems are safe and convenient; they just don't plug into each other.
If you'll own both brands, read our RC battery connector guide before buying adapters, and see the best RC car battery for each truck for packs that fit each chassis.
LiPo safety applies to both brands. Traxxas tells owners to never leave a battery unattended while charging, to charge LiPo packs in a fire-retardant container on a non-flammable surface, never to use a NiMH charger on a LiPo, and to store LiPo packs partially charged using a charger's storage mode (Traxxas Battery Basics). Spektrum's guidance says the same about never charging unattended (Spektrum lithium battery safety). A big 6S truck means big packs, so take this seriously.
How to choose between them
Choose Traxxas if
- You want to walk into a local hobby shop and buy a broken part the same day.
- You want a battery and charger in the box on your first truck.
- You like app features: Traxxas Ultimate models include a Bluetooth module for the Traxxas Link app.
Choose Arrma if
- You'll jump big and want the toughest stock truck for the money, especially at 6S.
- You already own Spektrum radios or batteries.
- You're comfortable ordering parts online and waiting a few days.
It's a tie if
You're buying a small 2S/3S truck for the backyard. The Mini Maxx and the GROM family are both well supported. Buy the one whose total price (truck + battery + charger) fits your budget.
What else you'll need
- A real charger. The included USB-C chargers work but are slow. See the best LiPo charger for beginners.
- A second battery so you're not waiting an hour between runs.
- Hex drivers that fit your truck's screws, and a few spare arms. Our first 5 upgrades list covers what breaks first.
The bottom line
For most first-time buyers, Traxxas wins on support: the Traxxas Mini Maxx and Bandit XL-5 come with a battery and charger, and their parts are everywhere. For drivers who'll jump hard and want more toughness per dollar, Arrma wins: the Mojave GROM 223S is the best small brushless basher here, and the Kraton 6S V6 is the 6S truck owners trust most. Pick the brand, then stick with its battery system.
Specs and in-the-box contents come from each manufacturer's Amazon listing, checked October 3, 2026. Prices change often, so the buttons show the current price on Amazon. How we research · Affiliate disclosure