Tower Hobbies Top Alternatives and Competitors in 2026
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By Mohamed Zaki · Researched and updated November 15, 2026 · Coupons Scout may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Affiliate disclosure.
Looking for the Tower Hobbies top alternatives and competitors? Tower Hobbies is a strong pick for RC pilots and drivers who want a broad catalog covering RC cars, airplanes, boats, model trains and slot cars, plus a free Standard Club that earns points on every dollar. Horizon Hobby, AMain Hobbies and HobbyTown each shine in different ways, from RC airplanes to racing parts and local stores. We compared all four on shipping, rewards, returns and sale prices, using the brands’ own pages checked in November 2026.
Quick Answer
Tower Hobbies is our top pick for a broad hobby catalog with member rewards: a free Standard Club with points on every dollar, 250 points converting to a $5 discount, free shipping from $99 for Standard Club members (or $75 for Super Saver members) and a Super Saver Club upgrade at $9.99. Choose Horizon Hobby for RC airplanes, AMain Hobbies for RC racing and tiered order discounts, and HobbyTown for local stores and $2.99 flat-rate shipping on small parts.
Best for: Tower Hobbies suits RC hobbyists who shop across cars, planes, boats and trains and want to earn points on every order.
Key Takeaways
- As of November 2026, the top Tower Hobbies alternatives are Horizon Hobby, AMain Hobbies and HobbyTown.
- As of November 2026, Tower Hobbies offers a free Standard Club where every 250 points converts to a $5 checkout discount, and a Super Saver Club upgrade for $9.99.
- Tower Hobbies lists free standard ground shipping from $99 for Standard Club members (free to join), or from $75 with the Super Saver Club upgrade, in the contiguous 48 states as of November 2026.
- As of November 2026, Horizon Hobby, AMain Hobbies and HobbyTown each list a 30-day return window for new and unused products.
- Through November 30, 2026, AMain Hobbies advertises $15 off orders of $150 or more and $30 off orders of $350 or more, while HobbyTown ships parts and tires for a $2.99 flat rate as of November 2026.
Tower Hobbies Top Alternatives and Competitors at a Glance
| Brand | Best for | Main products | Returns | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tower Hobbies | Broad hobby catalog with member rewards | RC cars, planes, boats, model trains | Return shipping not reimbursed; window not stated on pages we read | 4.3/5 |
| Horizon Hobby | RC planes and brand-name RC gear | RC planes, cars, helicopters, boats, transmitters | 30 days, new and unused, refund or credit | 4.4/5 |
| AMain Hobbies | RC racers and parts shoppers | RC cars, parts, batteries, chargers | 30 days, new and unused, refund or store credit | 4.4/5 |
| HobbyTown | Local hobby stores with online ordering | RC cars, trucks, parts, toys | 30 days, new and unused, refund or store credit | 4.2/5 |
From the pricing page of each brand on November 15, 2026. Taxes and regional prices can change the total.
Winners by Category
- Best for rewards points: Tower Hobbies (free Standard Club, 250 points = $5 off).
- Best for RC airplanes: Horizon Hobby (planes sorted by type, completion level and size).
- Best for RC racers: AMain Hobbies ($15 off $150 and $30 off $350 through November 30, 2026).
- Best for local store support: HobbyTown ($2.99 flat-rate shipping on parts and tires).
Why Look for a Tower Hobbies Alternative?
Do You Mostly Fly RC Airplanes?
Tower Hobbies carries planes such as the Hangar 9 P-51D Mustang 20cc ARF, which the store says runs on gas, glow or electric power. Horizon Hobby’s airplane section lets you browse by type, completion level or size, from beginner trainers to jets and STOL models, and its pages feature brands such as E-flite, Losi and Blade.
Do You Want Automatic Order Discounts?
Tower Hobbies rewards you with points on every dollar, plus Flash Sales and Tower Cash offers. AMain Hobbies takes a different route with tiered savings, such as $15 off orders of $150 or more and $30 off orders of $350 or more through November 30, 2026, which can help on larger orders.
Do You Buy Lots of Small Parts?
Tower Hobbies lists free shipping from $99 for Standard Club members, or from $75 for Super Saver members, which works well for bigger orders. HobbyTown ships smaller items such as parts and tires for a $2.99 flat rate, handy when you only need a set of tires.
Do You Want a Stated Return Window?
Horizon Hobby, AMain Hobbies and HobbyTown each list 30-day returns on new and unused products. Tower Hobbies says return shipping is not reimbursed, and we did not see a return window on the pages we read, so review its policies page before you order.
How We Compared the Tower Hobbies Alternatives
We read each company’s own pricing, feature, help and policy pages on November 15, 2026, and scored each tool on five points:
- Range: RC cars, planes, drones, boats, kits and parts each retailer lists.
- Brands: the RC brands each retailer stocks.
- Value: listed prices, sales and bundle offers on each brand’s own pages.
- Policies: returns, warranty and guarantee terms on each brand’s policy pages.
- Shipping: delivery terms and free shipping rules each brand publishes.
Scores reflect this research, not a sponsorship, and no company reviewed this article. Where we earn a commission, it never changes the ranking.
How Much Do Tower Hobbies and Its Alternatives Cost?
RC prices vary by model, kit and sale, so the table shows one listed price or membership fee per store as it appeared on the brand’s own pages in November 2026. For Tower Hobbies product prices, see the pricing page.
| Brand | Example item | Listed price |
|---|---|---|
| Tower Hobbies | Super Saver Club Membership Upgrade | $9.99 |
| Horizon Hobby | 1/12 Losi NASCAR RC race car | $99.99 (was $169.99) |
| AMain Hobbies | 4WD RTR brushed monster truck (radio, battery and charger) | $74.99 (was $94.99) |
| HobbyTown | Traxxas UDR 6S RTR 4WD Race Truck | $319.95 (sale) |
Calculated from the prices shown on the brand pages on November 15, 2026. Taxes and regional prices can change the total.
1. Tower Hobbies: Best for Rewards Points
Best for: RC pilots and drivers who want a broad hobby catalog and member rewards · Starting price: Super Saver Club upgrade $9.99; product prices: see pricing page · Our score: 4.3/5
Tower Hobbies is an online hobby store that, according to its homepage, carries RC cars, RC airplanes, RC boats, model trains, slot cars and supplies. Featured items include the Hangar 9 P-51D Mustang 20cc ARF, which the store says can run on gas, glow or electric power. It also features Pro-Line Racing tires and wheels and Kyosho models. A free Standard Club lets shoppers earn points on every dollar spent, and the store also runs Flash Sales and Tower Cash offers.
Product prices vary by item, so see pricing page for current figures. The Super Saver Club upgrade costs $9.99 and, the company says, adds members-only discounts plus reduced or free shipping. Free standard ground shipping starts at $99 for Standard Club members (free to join), or $75 with the Super Saver Club upgrade, in the contiguous 48 states. Every 250 points converts to a $5 checkout discount. Tower Hobbies says shipping charges are non-refundable and it cannot reimburse return shipping, and orders cannot be changed or canceled once placed. See Tower Hobbies coupons.
✅ What We Like
- Wide range: RC cars, planes, boats, trains and more
- Free Standard Club with points on every dollar
- 250 points convert to a $5 discount
- Free club shipping from $99 for Standard Club members, or $75 for Super Saver members
- Flash Sales and Tower Cash offers
💡 Things to Consider
- Super Saver Club costs $9.99, so check you will use the lower $75 shipping threshold
- Return shipping is not reimbursed, so review the policies page before ordering
- Orders cannot be changed after placing, so double-check your cart
2. Horizon Hobby: Best for RC Airplanes
Best for: RC flyers who want planes by completion level plus a clear 30-day return window · Starting price: Sale markdowns include the 1/12 Losi NASCAR RC car $99.99 (was $169.99) · Our score: 4.4/5
Horizon Hobby sells RC airplanes, cars, trucks, helicopters, boats and transmitters, with brands such as E-flite, Losi and Blade on its pages. Its airplane section lets shoppers browse by type, completion level or size, from beginner trainers to jets and STOL models. The store says it also carries replacement parts, batteries, chargers and tools. A Full Throttle Rewards program offers members early access to new products and VIP access to sales and events.
The sale page lists markdowns such as the 1/12 Losi NASCAR race cars at $99.99, down from $169.99. Shipping is $6.99 by FedEx Ground on orders under $99, and military members who confirm status through ID.me get free standard shipping on all orders. Within 30 days, new and unused products bought directly from the store can be returned for a refund or credit. Customers pay shipping except for incorrectly shipped items.
✅ What We Like
- 30-day returns on new, unused items
- Planes sorted by type, completion level and size
- Free standard shipping for military members via ID.me
- Full Throttle Rewards with early product access
💡 Things to Consider
- $6.99 shipping on orders under $99, so consider bundling items
- Many sale prices have end dates, so check the sale page
- Customers pay return shipping unless an item was shipped incorrectly
3. AMain Hobbies: Best for RC Racers
Best for: RC racers who want tiered order discounts and easy online returns · Starting price: RTR monster truck with radio, battery and charger $74.99 (was $94.99) · Our score: 4.4/5
AMain Hobbies is an RC hobby retailer with a strong racing focus: it formed the ProTek RC Pro Team to promote radio control racing. Its blog covers race reports, LiPo care, Axial SCX30 upgrades and Savox servos for RC airplanes. Customers can reach support by phone, text, email or online chat, start returns online, and cancel eligible orders from their account during a short window before shipping.
Its homepage lists RTR models such as a 4WD brushed monster truck with radio, battery and charger at $74.99 (was $94.99) and a 4WD brushless comp crawler with radio, battery and charger at $118.99 (was $169.99). Through November 30, 2026, the site advertises tiered savings, including $15 off orders of $150 or more and $30 off orders of $350 or more. Free shipping applies to most orders over $99 within the 48 contiguous states. New and unused products can be returned within 30 days for a refund or store credit, though original shipping is not refunded.
✅ What We Like
- Tiered savings such as $15 off $150 and $30 off $350 (through November 30, 2026)
- Free shipping on most orders over $99
- 30-day returns for refund or store credit
- Online returns and self-service order cancellation
- Support by phone, text, email and chat
💡 Things to Consider
- Original shipping is not refunded, so aim for the $99 free shipping level
- The cancellation window is short, so review orders right away
- VIP Rewards points used on purchases are non-refundable
4. HobbyTown: Best for Local Store Support
Best for: shoppers who like local hobby stores plus low flat-rate shipping on small parts · Starting price: Traxxas UDR 6S RTR on sale for $319.95; $2.99 flat-rate shipping on small items · Our score: 4.2/5
HobbyTown runs both an online store and locally owned shops, such as its Knoxville, Tennessee location. The site highlights RC cars, trucks and toys from ARRMA, Losi, Axial, Blade, E-flite and Traxxas, including the Traxxas Unlimited Desert Racer UDR 6S RTR race truck and Pro Series transmissions. Shipping options include free shipping, flat-rate shipping and express delivery, and orders over $400 default to signature on delivery, which shoppers can opt out of.
The Traxxas page lists the UDR 6S RTR on sale at $319.95. Free shipping covers most orders over $99 within the 48 contiguous states, though that method can take up to 10 business days, and smaller items such as parts and tires ship for $2.99 flat rate. New and unused products can be returned within 30 days for a refund or store credit; original shipping is not refunded. Its discount page showed no coupons when we checked.
✅ What We Like
- Local stores plus an online shop
- $2.99 flat-rate shipping on parts and tires
- Free shipping on most orders over $99
- 30-day returns for refund or store credit
- Brands such as Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi and Axial
💡 Things to Consider
- Free shipping can take up to 10 business days, so choose express if you need it sooner
- Its discount page listed no coupons at the time, so check back often
- Original shipping is not refunded on returns
How to Choose Between Tower Hobbies and Its Alternatives
What Do You Fly or Drive?
Tower Hobbies lists a broad mix on its homepage: RC cars, airplanes, boats, model trains, slot cars and supplies, with Kyosho models and Pro-Line Racing tires and wheels. Horizon Hobby adds helicopters and transmitters, AMain Hobbies has a racing focus with batteries and chargers on its specials page and blog posts on Axial SCX30 upgrades, and HobbyTown highlights Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi and Axial.
How Big Are Your Usual Orders?
If you join the Tower Hobbies Super Saver Club for $9.99, free standard ground shipping starts at $75 instead of the Standard Club $99. AMain Hobbies and HobbyTown list free shipping on most orders over $99, and Horizon Hobby charges $6.99 by FedEx Ground on orders under $99, so bundle items where you can.
Do You Need Order Changes or Fast Delivery?
Tower Hobbies says orders cannot be changed or canceled once placed, so double-check your cart before you pay. AMain Hobbies lets you cancel eligible orders from your account during a short window. HobbyTown’s free shipping can take up to 10 business days, so pick its express delivery if you need parts sooner.
Are You a Military Member?
Horizon Hobby gives free standard shipping on all orders to military members who confirm their status through ID.me. On other stores, compare the free shipping thresholds and member clubs instead.
Can You Save with a Coupon?
Yes. Our Tower Hobbies coupon page lists current codes and offers; click Get Code so the discount is applied at checkout. Pair it with Standard Club points, where 250 points convert to a $5 discount.
Final Thoughts
For most RC hobbyists who shop across cars, planes, boats and trains, Tower Hobbies is the best fit on this list, with a free Standard Club, 250 points converting to $5 off and free shipping from $75 for Super Saver members. If you mainly fly RC airplanes, try Horizon Hobby; for racing parts and tiered order discounts, try AMain Hobbies; and for local stores and $2.99 flat-rate parts shipping, try HobbyTown.
Our top pick for a broad RC catalog with member rewards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best Tower Hobbies alternatives?
As of November 2026, the top Tower Hobbies alternatives are Horizon Hobby (RC airplanes), AMain Hobbies (RC racing and tiered order discounts) and HobbyTown (local stores and $2.99 flat-rate shipping on small parts).
Which RC hobby store has the lowest free shipping threshold?
As of November 2026, Tower Hobbies lists free standard ground shipping from $75 for Super Saver Club members and $99 for Standard Club members in the contiguous 48 states. AMain Hobbies and HobbyTown list free shipping on most orders over $99.
Does Tower Hobbies have a rewards program?
Yes. As of November 2026, Tower Hobbies offers a free Standard Club that earns points on every dollar, with every 250 points converting to a $5 checkout discount. The Super Saver Club upgrade costs $9.99 and, the company says, adds members-only discounts plus reduced or free shipping.
Which stores offer 30-day returns?
As of November 2026, Horizon Hobby, AMain Hobbies and HobbyTown each list 30-day returns on new and unused products. Tower Hobbies says shipping charges and return shipping are not reimbursed, so check its policies page before ordering.
Is Horizon Hobby better than Tower Hobbies for RC airplanes?
Horizon Hobby lets you browse planes by type, completion level or size, from trainers to jets, as of November 2026. Tower Hobbies also sells RC airplanes, such as the Hangar 9 P-51D Mustang 20cc ARF, and adds rewards points on every dollar.
Are there Tower Hobbies promo codes?
Yes. Our Tower Hobbies coupon page lists current codes and offers as of November 2026. Click Get Code on the page so the discount is applied at checkout.
Want the full picture first? Read our Tower Hobbies review.
About the author: Mohamed Zaki, Founder & Chief MarTech Strategist, Coupons Scout. Mohamed Zaki is the founder of Coupons Scout and leads how the team finds deals and researches the software behind them. He focuses on marketing technology, automation tools and ways to pay less for them.
Editorial note: this article is based on research of brand product pages, help centers and policies, last checked November 15, 2026. Scores are our editorial opinion. Coupons Scout may earn a commission from some links, which never changes our rankings.
Sources
Brand pages we used for this article, checked November 15, 2026. Prices and plans can change, so confirm on the brand’s own website before you buy.
- Tower Hobbies: homepage
- Horizon Hobby: homepage
- Horizon Hobby: Airplanes
- AMain Hobbies: homepage
- AMain Hobbies: I27
- AMain Hobbies: I17
- AMain Hobbies: Cp166
- HobbyTown: homepage
- HobbyTown: I186
- Tower Hobbies: Loyalty club sign up
- Tower Hobbies: Policies procedures
- Tower Hobbies: Super Saver Club membership
- HobbyTown: I183
- HobbyTown: B23
- Horizon Hobby: Shipping billing returns info
- AMain Hobbies: I748
