8 Best servos under $100 - Torque tested and reviewed

We test the torque of 8 best $100 servos for steering and see how they match up to the claims of the manufacturer. We check the speed, sound and centering ability of the servos for rc cars and rc crawlers as well. Shop all servos at amainhobbies.com - snp.link/4f413d7c
Savox 1210 - snp.link/33d98220
Reefs 444 - snp.link/fa591f11
Powerhobby 729 - www.powerhobby.com/powerhobby...
3Brothers 311 - www.3brothersrc.com/product-p...
Traxxas 2255 - snp.link/464f148b
MKS X5 - snp.link/817dca23
Savox 1272 - snp.link/e015f599
Traxxas 2250 - snp.link/2148f427
Buy your kits and upgrade parts from this Amainhobbies link to support RC Review: snp.link/6640d084
Join the RC Review Facebook Group here: / 302319827122846 for early videos and extra footage.

[@voodoostroker]

So basically for $100 youre almost always going to get a servo with quite a bit less torque than the maunfacturer claims. Thanks for this Francis 👍🏼

[@topdeadcenter9396]

Doing the lords work with these tests! Thank you!

[@elliotbaltazar]

Great comparison!!! I love the presentation as well. Very deliberate and concise. Thanks for your efforts!

[@assadidea]

Thanks for the review. Just bought savox 1210 and very satisfied with the result 😁👍

[@alanflatau1685]

Great test guys, I'm useing a Savox 1210 in my trx4 sport. I went to the cheaper Savox as-1230sg $75 in my element enduro,axial 10 two,gen8 $170 kit version. You know and I, there's alot of servos out there. I hope to see the Savox 1230 tested and alot more. Thanks again great job guys.

[@rccrawlersmid-wales645]

Great stuff, and just what I needed to see right now. Cheers! 👍🍻

[@MCsCreations]

Pretty impressive results, dude! Fantastic testing!!! 😃 Really well done!!!

[@RCReviewChannel]

thank you.

[@michaellindsey219]

these comparisons were well produced. Thank you

[@RTmadnesstoo]

Some real surprises ! Thanks for your efforts and time.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Yes, we're learning too.

[@rcbustanut2057]

Wow, thank you so much for taking the time to make this video!! 👍 👍 I have been on the hunt for a new servo for my Arrma Typhon 6S. I need something with excellent torque due to the heavy weight of the vehicle. Speed is not a big concern to me as I tend to do more speed runs with vehicle, but torque is a must in order to get the vehicle tires to re-center once the steering is released. The factory servo was way too weak & wouldn't re-center correctly. I had an old no name brand high torque servo, a $17 special from Amazon kicking around the house from an old project. That definitely helped correct the issue. But due to it being a cheap servo (and quite a few nasty crashes lol) now a year later it's showing signs of weakness & the tires won't re-center again once the steering is released. So now I want to make sure that I get a solid servo that can do the job and also endure a long time. Thanks again! 👍👍

[@TheKinkyfreaks27]

JX Eco Boost 6322

[@urimel100]

Love your videos - they are the true x-rays of servo specs. I would really really love to see some new videos of new servo's now flooding the market: Savox 1270, Spektrum A6300 (both not really new - but not in your reviews), AGFRC, Theta etc. Any chance new reviews are coming soon? Thanks a lot.

[@jdsrcs8061]

Great test. You should show the difference on all the servos using the inner hole on the horn like you mentioned on the Reefs.

[@DampActionRC]

Hi RC Review. I love your channel as the most comprehensive and fact based RC channel. Do you think you could review this JX Ecoboost CLS6327HV servo? It’s rated highly but is only $30. I’ve seen others use it as a stand alone replacement for the two EREVO 2.0 servos. Excellent upload, love the new test setup. 👍

[@RcOffroad9513]

These reveiws are so great! I chose the 729 mbl. It will be perfect for 1/8 ebuggy steering servo! Thanks!

[@samuelandolina6338]

Did you get the powerhobby 729 and if so how is it holding up?

[@SebastianLong]

In my TRX Bronco, I use a PowerHD DW25LV. 4.8 volts: Speed: .13 Torque: 291.6 6 volts: Speed: .11 Torque: 347.2 Full metal case and comes in a nice tin. Nice long servo lead as well. I like it. $65.

[@briangeist6004]

Same here on my Trx-4, I really like my power hd! Mostly that it's affordable and reliable! Mixed it with the hobby wing 1080 esc, GREAT combo so far!

[@SebastianLong]

@@briangeist6004 I'm still running my stock motor and ESC. If they go out, I want to upgrade to the Hobbywing Axe. I've had my Bronco for 9-10 months. I really like it but my two locker servos don't work properly. They work, sorta. Lol. I bought two spools that comes stock on the TRX Sport, but am not set on installing them. I do like the selectable lockers and not sure which servos would be good replacements. I tried the PowerHD micros on my Summit, but they didn't last long. I'll still buy the PowerHD standard size, but not the micros. When I research replacements, there is always mixed reviews. I forget what the brand is that are the highest on the replacement list but AMain made a full video on replacing and reviewed it. They out of all I've researched have the highest positive reviews. To date, I haven't had a single issue with any of my PowerHD, whether it's the DW25LV or the LW-20MG and the LW-20MG was the first replacement and it's lasted 2 years.

[@briangeist6004]

@@SebastianLong I see your dilemma with the two stock servos. I like mine to have the locker function as well, just a matter of time I suppose!! I came across some Tower branded servos that are smaller, but all metal gears, just physical size doesn't match so I put one on my 1/24 ECX!

[@RallyandTrail]

Interesting results 👍🏻

[@Evan_Moore61]

I’ve got the Savöx 121SG in my Sport Kit and other than being a little noisy like you said, it seems to be a good servo. The real testing of it for me will be when the snow melts and I can get outside and do some real crawling.

[@rccochesspain1108]

Good review. Thanks.

[@carlwill5009]

Interesting. Thanks for the video.

[@johnroddy931]

Awesome you just tested the 3brothers I just bought one

[@RiceKiller18]

have you been able to test it yet? i want to try it out at only $50 seems like a really good deal

[@johnroddy931]

NotSoJDM yes it’s really nice plenty of speed and power I would recommend it for the $ you can go wrong at all

[@chrisnciss]

Would love to see you review some of the "Amazon" servos (Annimos). A lot of us first timers are opting for them due to entry cost, but would be interested in how they stack up against the more expensive ones to make an upgrade decision down the road. Great videos, though! I enjoy them all!

[@RCReviewChannel]

Here you go. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n2aQm2p6fJ2Ja5I. In general, they pull about 60% of what they claim.

[@rcaction8030]

Great video thanks for the accurate information

[@RCReviewChannel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@iceking2685]

keep up the good work ! ;)

[@d.khoung359]

I have the X5 and it's my favorite servo. Although noisy, it's worth it

[@scottrupp6067]

powerhobby 729 is the winner for me its brushless motor long lasting, savox is coreless which is brushed motor wont last, reefs not sure might be brushless but why pay more than powerhobby for less torque,. these tests are nice to see thks for sharing 👍

[@Jursaw]

Id like to see best servos under $50

[@RCReviewChannel]

Yes, that is coming

[@jukkak1448]

RC Review Still waiting this one. Could you please make a test of best servos under 50 $ or so. Thanks!

[@HRM.H]

@@RCReviewChannel thanks man !! Im looking for a decent quality servo for my first build. Its a tamiya tt-02 type s with a xr10 justock 13.5t.

[@jdnic1]

The power hobby 300bw is an interesting servo too, brushless, metal gear, and water proof for 45$ kinda curious about that

[@stpbasss3773]

Under 50 get a Amazon 20 or 25 or 30 or 35kg servo they are all under 50$ and I've yet to have one fail and I've used probably 10 of them. My super heavy trx4 bronco has a Amazon 35kg servo for 36$ and it's super strong.

[@willifriesen9546]

I’m still waiting for some pro modeller servos! Thank you for your videos

[@MCsCreations]

Whatever he can test, dude. From the cheapest to the most expensive servos. It's all great! 😃

[@willifriesen9546]

MC's Creations true

[@RCReviewChannel]

the pro modelers just arrived

[@willifriesen9546]

RC Review awesome! Can’t wait for the video(s) really glad your doing these test on these servos. Two thumbs up 👍 👍

[@brianholbrook4699]

Surprised the Shift RCS S2 did not make the list. Surprisingly quiet and plenty of power.

[@bongofury3176]

I use Bluebird titanium geared servos in all my crawlers. £50 for 28kg/cm at 0.14 at only 6.0V ! I have not had one fail in more than 4 years of hard use.

[@rkd350z]

great test. could you possibly do over $100 servo test in the future? I want to see how Futaba S9177SV does.

[@aplouie]

Great review, thanks. Any rough idea which servos are the quietest? I have a non-RC project near a sleeping person so super quiet is ideal.

[@RcOffroad9513]

Love these servo test, can you test some of the 9imod servos? Like the 45kg and 35kg both have standard, cordless, and brushless. Thanks for sharing all th info!

[@KTMcaptain]

This review told me that the traxxas 330 is a better value than the 400. Nearly the same torque at both voltage settings but the 330 uses a lot less amperage. That says that the 330 is livable with the stock traxxas esc, since your other video showed it can put out 3.5amps, but can be nearly as good as the 400 once the esc is upgraded.

[@je2916]

Great video! This will help me make up my choice. Next time can you mention what type of car and class each servo would benefit plesse. Thanks again!

[@joelasher6281]

3bros for 49.99 is a great deal. I have their g13 and g12. Good stuff!!

[@RCReviewChannel]

Yes, it is a great option, especially for those who run 3s lipo. I suspect very few run 4s.

[@daleyamamoto7625]

What servos would you reccomend for the Tamiya Super Clod Buster?The instructions reccomend 2 high torque servos

[@douglaselliott8298]

I'd much like to see the Savox 1231SG tested. It's advertised at 444oz and .14 speed at 6.0-volts. $71 on eBay. I put one on my TRX-4 because of price, torque claims, and NOT requiring a BEC. A little noisy, but so far I'm very pleased with its performance.

[@andjusticeforall8813]

How’s it treating you mate 2 years on? I’m contemplating purchasing the 1231 for my 2.0 ERevo Or the 1230 Probably the 31 being a little faster and still plenty of torque 32kg .14 @ 6v is impressive Thanks

[@bob6168able]

For the 3 brothers servo. How it can be connected directly to the battery? Is there a special cable ?

[@carboncopperpdx9598]

Savox SB-2290 claimed 902oz @8.4v Do you think you will include this one later?

[@VetteWay2Fast]

Micro servo test? Savox 0257, savox 0255, reefs 99, Emax, etc With how popular the scx24 and other micro crawlers, would def be an interesting vid!

[@interman7715]

If I was setting up another 120cc Imac plane I would use Power Hd LF 20's ,they get great reviews everywhere imho.

[@CosalaX3]

So which one you recommend overall?

[@GustavoMotorSport1]

Fantastic video👌 Ken you test some ship eBay Ali etc servos and 12v servos

[@flavianojose8423]

Hello there, I am new to this life of servos, please help me knowing which one is the most powerful and with high performance

[@experiencewithmartin972]

So basically I installed the Savox 1210SG in my arrma monster truck. Is it normal when i turn the wheels to the left while the truck is placed on a carpet to not be able to return completely to neutral ? It is almost there but when I let go off the remote it makes sounds until I lift it up.

[@RCjesus.David.2581]

How did you modify the Dr. Meter ES-PS01?

[@joeygodoy509]

Is there a reason you test them on the last hole on the arm. Instead of the upper hole.

[@duschiavon]

Hey RC Review. Very good video. Can you please make a video showing the servo play when power is on. Im sure there's viewers that are thinking about using those servos on airplanes. And the servo play for planes are critical. Just an idea. If you already have one, please let me know, I'd love to watch. Thanks

[@tomandrews5392]

Looking good ...

[@kravenkrawlhobby5438]

Savox SA-1230SG Monster Torque is less than a $100 has insane power. So much power the torque of it ripped the mounting ears right off of it. I need a new gear cover but it has the power and the price. Test it please, best servo I have besides the busted ears.

[@kravenkrawlhobby5438]

Obviously I like the video or I would not have say and watched the whole thing not once but twice just to make sure I was getting it all. 👍👍👍

[@stpbasss3773]

I'm searching for videos on that servo now, I just bought one for 89$ and I'm going to put it in a bomber. Glad to know its powerful Iol.

[@kravenkrawlhobby5438]

Pancouver venguins you won’t be disappointed, straight handler the SA-1230SG is. Have fun brother.

[@golferchin76]

My Savox 1272sg recycled from my 1/8 nitro buggy is so loud, it makes the same noise as your test. Really annoying when crawling. The Reefs 444 looks really interesting.

[@DirtBike12oClock]

Can somebody please tell me what amp output the vxl 3s has on 3s? I want to buy the savöx 1210sg for my rustler 4x4 vxl but need to know if my esc can handle the amps. Ofcourse it will runt on 6.0v.

[@dagreekratking4694]

what you recommend for a traxxas 3.3 revo with dual servo steering and also single servo steering???? Need help

[@Ferra3904]

Lovin' these videos! Try the $40 Power HD LW-25mg. All aluminum case and 7.4V capable.

[@RCReviewChannel]

We'll add that for sure.

[@kennyaponte2060]

Powerhobby all the way

[@nickwilliams6869]

Im trying to find a new servo for my bezgar hm101 and it lays down it dont stand up i dont know if any of them will work on it

[@lpllol9460]

Im A team driver so I typically run ridiculously expensive servos but not long ago i stumbled a crossed a cheap servo the “solar low profile” for $20 I don’t know who makes them but it was just as fast and powerful as my $200 stuff you might wanna give it a look.

[@someidiot2797]

Can you test the jx cls6336hv it’s a cheap but performing servo?

[@shawngregory8336]

Awesome test, could you please test the Eco Power 120T, it claims 337oz. in@ 6.0 volts, 400oz. in@ 7.4 volts, all at $69.99, with respectable speed rating. I just purchased this, and would really like to see how it compares to these. Keep up the great work!👍

[@RCReviewChannel]

will do.

[@jacobzirkle9153]

There pretty good but I’ve blown two and neither made it a year

[@AdamWellman]

Jacob Zirkle ah I just bought one as well I hope mine lasts longer than that 😵

[@m.anwrs59]

They're nice servos 👍👍👍, can it use on legged robot? I'm still confuse, they're continues servo or not

[@JonR35]

Do you know what the stock trx4 servo puts down?

[@camerarover-imagingroversf2162]

Can’t stand buzzy Savox servos. What would you recommend for a 30kg, quiet waterproof servo?

[@robertg.tibelljohansson7869]

have you tested JX servo JX/CLS-HV7346MG ? its also a nice prise.

[@briangrubb5481]

I'm changing the servos on a rc excavator from stock to 35kg continuous servos fron injora that seem pretty strong and would be good for my application but I don't know shit about servos. What would be your recommendation of a good servo for a huina 1580 rc excavator?

[@1970scout800]

Sweet!

[@bryanfamularo9175]

Do you have a recommended servo upgrade for the Arrma Kraton 4s? Doesn't seem to turn very far and at higher speeds seems like it cant hold the wheel. Even at park it struggles to turn the wheels when in the grass. I was going to buy the Traxxas 2255. Thanks in advance!

[@stpbasss3773]

DON'T buy any traxxas servo they will all fail eventually it's the worst thing traxxas makes. For a night rc like that I would use the savox 1230sg monster torque or something like that.

[@jorgemar2815]

Can you create a video on how to clean your crawler?

[@northsandiegorc4248]

Would really like to see SAVOX 1212Sg as it’s 89.99 and supposedly makes 600+oz/in

[@justinchain1668]

Test the servoAF model T, it’s tough as hell. And about 600oz in at 8.4 volts.

[@runngunrc1991]

Appreciate the honorable mention I always find gems in comment section I’ll research it.

[@hannaiskandar3238]

Hello Are you going to test the savox 1212sg

[@RCReviewChannel]

Yes, trying to buy that now

[@isaiahfurrow7414]

One of my favorite servos lately, which I have not tried in a crawler, but will be putting in my next build.... Xpert 4431... not super torque, but I think 240 oz is enough... we have been using them for a while for racing, and they take a beating on the track... so I am going to try one in a trail truck... 0.08 speed... and one cool feature, they make a little tune when powered up, similar to the way am ESC males some tones... and then they center themselves, SLOWLY...which might help eliminate a couple pinched fingers(it has happened more than once...lol) Thanks for the video guys... that test setup is pretty darn cool... Stay well...

[@skirmich]

Test the new top dog from SAVOX the 1212SG still under 90bucks.

[@farleftsilencelikenazis1021]

Will it run in the Xmaxx I'm new to the hobby and both the 2085X metal gear and stock failed me. The 2085X on less than 1 charge it just died.

[@productionsoundtexas3949]

Can you test some K-Power servos?

[@timortanriverdi9329]

Can u test the Enduro stock RTR servo (Reedy high-torque 1320MG)

[@stpbasss3773]

Only RTR servo I have that I dont want to replace.

[@ka4172]

Would be nice to know which servo is rebuildabel if it broke.

[@stpbasss3773]

More than likely all of them

[@chadehlers3849]

Like to see the ds servo ds3235 tested. Have a $50 and under class, for us cheap asses!

[@RCReviewChannel]

Will do for sure.

[@stpbasss3773]

I have it in my trx4 bronco and I love it

[@MarcoMayhem]

damn i expected the Pro Modeler 470 in this one!

[@willifriesen9546]

Marco Mayhem same

[@stevelangley246]

Me too!

[@RCReviewChannel]

that just arrived!

[@PhiddyPford]

Totally agree, Reefs???

[@blinkguy4ever]

@@RCReviewChannel when are gonna dona review about them? Thanks

[@keithcerce8445]

Excellent !!! Thank you

[@RCReviewChannel]

Right on. More good things to come.

[@jonthomas8487]

Good test and very revealing. I just ordered the Reefs RAW500 and it’s supposed to arrive today. I’d be curious how it would fair on here

[@stpbasss3773]

500$ for a servo holy freaking shit they are ripping people off I dont care how it performs its maybe 10 or 20 bucks for them to manufacture one lmao wow. I thought my 89$ savox was expensive.

[@jonthomas8487]

@@stpbasss3773 not sure how that “$” got on there. Must have been autocorrect. It’s called the Raw500 and it’s around $120

[@stpbasss3773]

@@jonthomas8487 🤣🤣 I really thought it was 500$ I was thinking holy crap that's a lot.

[@jonthomas8487]

@@stpbasss3773 the Tekin servos are really pricey but not that much

[@llbrandoxgtll3421]

friend, can you recommend me a servo with an approximate torque of 9 Nm...almost 90 kg/cm

[@JJ78n]

If all the servos are coming in under the claimed oz/in doesn’t that mean the testing machine should be calibrated to give an accurate reading? Or are the manufacturers using a shorter servo horn to get the claimed oz/in?

[@RCReviewChannel]

We have a few that are coming in much higher than spec like Reefs 555 and Holmes V3. But we'll check that we're exactly 1 inch from center on the arm since that's what oz/in. means. How many ounces, 1 inch from center.

[@thetoddperspective]

I would have liked to see the hitec 7954 in this competition

[@Chargersctpk]

I would love to see the traxxas 2255 on a car, maybe send me a link?? If u have a udr can u put in on a udr please

[@brianlongto866]

I think the JX line of servos should absolutely be in this category I run the 46kg

[@PhiddyPford]

Brian Longto Stolen from Holmes Hobby? No thanks!

[@stpbasss3773]

I absolutely hate jx their servos are weaker than advertised and they never center themselves good. The no name Amazon ones are way better.

[@brianlongto866]

@@stpbasss3773 idk what ones you were using but I have 3 jx46kg in all 3 of my comp trucks and they work great

[@stpbasss3773]

@@brianlongto866 just the JX 20kg ones and they sucked compared the DS ones so it scared me away from trying their expensive servos.

[@brianlongto866]

@@stpbasss3773 I like the ds 20kg to they are a great trail servo! I've run there 35kg and the 46kg love them I'm up in the air between the nsdrc and the jx 70kg right now. I'm praying for that comparison

[@AutoMotoMechanic]

If you use the inner hole vs outer hole I bet the #s go up. Their rated pull is maybe done on shorter arm distance then what you're testing.

[@RCReviewChannel]

We're testing at exactly 1 inch away from center. That's exactly how they're rated at oz per inch. Using an inner hole yields higher oz numbers. Using an outer hole yields lower numbers. But they're not really relevant. It has to be measured at 1 inch exactly to compare to specification.

[@AutoMotoMechanic]

Well shame on them for such discrepancy on ratings. And thank you for all your time sharing these type of test with us. Big service to the hobbiest.

[@user-ym3po9gu4e]

can you do fastest servo in rc steering.. torque not really important because rc car not really that heavy

[@duschiavon]

So let me see if I got this right: wsavox and MKS )comparison with your tests, its all good, because everybody knows how good Savox and MKS are. Only complain I hear about Savox is that, they are too loud. MKS are the #1 choice for the top 3D fliers. But when JX 46kg are over rated in comparison with your tests, they are bad servos? So if you pay $100+ for a over rated servo is fine. But when you pay only $50 for a different over rated servo, is bad?

[@luise7788]

Is the Savox SW1212SG still worth buying in 2023?

[@RCReviewChannel]

I don't think so. They seem noisy and jittery after a while. They really need to keep up with new servos.

[@brianonthego]

9:09 time line powerhobby 729

[@rcrehab6212]

All servos are rated at 1 inch from the center

[@EP50009]

No jx b70? 1000oz for $100

[@GULIVERSOFFROAD]

that noise is what we would call coil whine

[@ryurc3033]

I had one of the Traxxas 400 oz servos, it was strong enough.....I thought. Then I got a Holmes shv800. Doesn't even compair.

[@buder5116]

id like to know some good servo sub 30$ :S

[@zackriden79]

testing toqure is kinda pointless in cars i think you get more then you need , I would like to see you put a 4 " pointer on this and a chart to see how well the servo returns to center and how fast it reaches a point and does it reach the same point , thats more of a sign of quailty then just stright power i wana see smooth as butter

[@CarminesRCTipsandTricks]

WOW! That MKS Servo was REALLY overrated! 😖 Tested at least 100oz in under all its ratings... Savöx didn't surprise. Loud, power hungry, pretty good, too much $$. The Power Hobby surprised me! Not bad... The 3Brothers was a REAL surprise!! Almost spot on with its ratings, pretty fast! Just needs a full power Harness. One's available from Holmes Hobbies for under $20. Carmine ✈🚂🚙

[@paulclancy2404]

How you?

[@CarminesRCTipsandTricks]

@@paulclancy2404 I OK. How you?

[@paulclancy2404]

Not bad getting better haven't seen your comments long time

[@CarminesRCTipsandTricks]

@@paulclancy2404 ..... Well, I haven't commented here in a while, but I'm quite active. I also put out at least 2 videos per month. We're hanging in there, things are starting to improve!

[@sbeckij]

So in other words we are all getting ripped off. 😂

[@Mrkeebler87]

Can u test the reefs 422hd

[@RCReviewChannel]

We'll see what we can do. We expect it to be lower slightly than the 444.

[@nathanchalecki4842]

Lol smiley face made from buttons

[@Chris-xo2rq]

It's not ounces PER inch, it's ounce-inches... it's a multiplication not a division.