Best RC Building Block Sets 2025: JMBricklayer vs LEGO Technic Control+
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Looking for RC building blocks? We compare JMBricklayer vs LEGO Technic Control+. JMBricklayer offers 50%+ savings with motors and remotes included. Here's our complete 2025 guide.
Want a building block set that actually moves? Remote control building blocks combine the satisfaction of construction with the fun of RC vehicles. But LEGO Technic Control+ sets cost $150-$450. Is there a better option? Enter JMBricklayer: RC sets with motors and remotes included for 50-60% less.
In this guide, we'll compare the two main options for RC building blocks in 2025: LEGO's premium Technic Control+ line and JMBricklayer's budget-friendly RC sets. We'll cover price, features, quality, and help you decide which is right for your budget and building goals.
Quick Comparison: LEGO vs JMBricklayer RC Sets
| Feature | LEGO Technic Control+ | JMBricklayer RC |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $150 - $450 | $60 - $180 |
| Motors Included | Yes | Yes |
| APP Control | CONTROL+ app | JMBricklayer app |
| Physical Remote | No (app only) | Yes, 2.4GHz included |
| Control Range | ~30 feet (Bluetooth) | 65+ feet (2.4GHz) |
| Brick Quality | Premium (100%) | Very Good (85-90%) |
| Licensed Designs | Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Mercedes | None (original designs only) |
| Price per Piece | $0.10-0.15 | $0.04-0.05 |
| Resale Value | High (60-150% MSRP) | Low (30-40% MSRP) |
| Best For | Collectors, car enthusiasts, investors | Budget builders, train/construction fans, kids |
LEGO Technic Control+: The Premium Option
LEGO's Technic Control+ line represents the pinnacle of motorized building sets. These sets feature smartphone control, precision engineering, and partnerships with real car manufacturers.
Top LEGO Technic Control+ Sets (2025)
Lamborghini Revuelto (42214)
1,135 pieces | APP-controlled steering and lights | Detailed V12 engine. The iconic Lamborghini design with CONTROL+ integration.
Price: ~$110 | Best for: Supercar fans
View on Amazon →Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 (42171)
1,642 pieces | Working steering and suspension | Race car engineering in brick form.
Price: ~$230 | Best for: F1 enthusiasts
View on Amazon →LEGO Control+ Pros & Cons
- Premium LEGO quality - perfect fit every time
- Licensed supercar designs (Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche)
- Sophisticated CONTROL+ app with multiple control modes
- High resale value (often appreciates after retirement)
- Detailed engineering replicates real car mechanisms
- High price ($150-$450 per set)
- App-only control (no physical remote)
- Bluetooth range limited (~30 feet)
- Batteries not included
- Limited to vehicle themes (no trains, cranes)
JMBricklayer RC: The Budget Champion
JMBricklayer entered the market in 2022 with a clear mission: deliver RC building blocks with all electronics included at half the price. Their strategy? Skip the licensing fees and focus on original designs with impressive functionality.
What Makes JMBricklayer Different
- Dual Control System: Every RC set includes BOTH a physical 2.4GHz remote AND smartphone APP control
- Longer Range: 2.4GHz provides 65+ feet range vs Bluetooth's ~30 feet
- More Categories: Trains, cranes, construction vehicles, cars - not just supercars
- All-Inclusive: Motors, remotes, lights, and sometimes batteries included in base price
- LEGO Compatible: 100% compatible with LEGO and Technic bricks
Best JMBricklayer RC Sets by Category
RC Trains
JMBricklayer's train sets are arguably their strongest category. Unlike LEGO trains (which require separate Powered Up components), JMBricklayer trains come complete with tracks, motors, lights, and remote control.
Steam Train with Tracks (2,139 pieces)
Complete RC train set with tracks included. Features LED lights, smoke effects (atomizer), and dual remote/APP control. The Class A4 Pacifics Mallard design is stunning.
Price: ~$90 | Includes: Tracks, motor, remote, APP, lights
View on Amazon →Steam Locomotive Express (2,086 pieces)
Another impressive RC train with tunnel accessory included. Classic locomotive design with full remote functionality.
Price: ~$100 | Includes: Tracks, tunnel, motor, remote, APP
View on Amazon →RC Construction Vehicles
Working cranes, excavators, and construction vehicles with motorized functions. Perfect for engineering enthusiasts who want their builds to actually DO something.
RC Tower Crane (1,797 pieces)
Working tower crane with motorized rotation and lifting mechanism. Control the boom, rotation, and lifting cable via remote or APP. Impressive desk display that actually functions.
Price: ~$80 | Best for: Construction fans, desk displays
View on Amazon →Mechanical Crane (2,820 pieces)
Larger, more complex construction vehicle with multiple motorized functions. Multiple motors for realistic crane operations. A substantial build for serious builders.
Price: ~$120 | Best for: Advanced builders
View on Amazon →Display Sets with LED Lighting
Not all JMBricklayer sets are RC. They also offer impressive display pieces with integrated LED lighting.
Pirate Ship with LED (1,713 pieces)
Stunning display piece with 11 integrated LED lights. Creates an immersive pirate atmosphere. Not motorized, but the lighting is exceptional.
Price: ~$70 | Best for: Display collectors
View on Amazon →Space Telescope (995 pieces)
Rotating telescope display with blue LED lighting. Compact desk piece with impressive visual impact.
Price: ~$50 | Best for: Space enthusiasts, desk displays
View on Amazon →JMBricklayer: Honest Pros & Cons
- 50-60% cheaper than LEGO Technic Control+
- Physical remote + APP dual control included
- 2.4GHz range (65+ feet) beats Bluetooth
- Motors, lights, and sometimes batteries included
- Excellent customer service (free replacement parts)
- 100% LEGO/Technic compatible bricks
- Unique categories LEGO doesn't offer (working cranes, construction)
- 4.2/5 Trustpilot rating
- Motors can be loud (common review complaint)
- Some sets consume AA batteries quickly - consider rechargeables
- Instructions use red highlighting hard to see on orange bricks
- APP not available in all countries
- No licensed designs (no Ferrari, Porsche, Star Wars)
- Low resale value (buy for building, not investing)
- Quality is 85-90% of LEGO, not 100%
Buying Guide: Which Should You Choose?
| Budget | Best Choice | Recommended Set | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under $100 | JMBricklayer | RC Tower Crane (~$80) | Full RC functionality at budget price |
| $100-$150 | JMBricklayer | Steam Train with Tracks (~$90) | Complete train set with tracks included |
| $150-$250 | Either | JMBricklayer Crane OR LEGO Lambo | Depends on preference: function vs prestige |
| $250+ | LEGO | LEGO Technic Control+ supercar | Premium quality, licensed design, resale value |
| For Kids | JMBricklayer | Any RC set | Physical remote easier than app, affordable to replace |
| For Collectors | LEGO | Technic Control+ vehicles | Resale value, brand recognition, licensed themes |
| For Train Fans | JMBricklayer | Steam Train or Locomotive | Complete sets with tracks, LEGO trains need separate parts |
The Verdict
Choose LEGO Technic Control+ If:
- You want premium quality with zero compromises
- Licensed car designs matter to you (Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche)
- You're building for collection/investment (resale value matters)
- You prefer the CONTROL+ app ecosystem
- Budget isn't a primary concern
Choose JMBricklayer If:
- You want RC functionality at 50-60% lower cost
- A physical remote is important (especially for kids)
- You're interested in trains, cranes, or construction vehicles
- You need longer wireless range (2.4GHz beats Bluetooth)
- You want all electronics included in one box
- You're buying for play, not investment
Bottom Line
For pure value in RC building blocks, JMBricklayer is hard to beat. Getting a working RC crane with dual controls for $80 when LEGO would charge $200+ (and you'd still need to buy motors separately) is a genuine bargain. The 85-90% quality compared to LEGO is absolutely acceptable at these prices.
But if you're a serious collector, want licensed supercars, or care about resale value, LEGO Technic Control+ remains the premium choice. You get what you pay for: perfect quality, prestigious brands, and sets that appreciate over time.
Updated November 2025. Prices and availability subject to change. JMBricklayer ratings based on Trustpilot reviews (4.2/5), The Gadgeteer product reviews, and our hands-on testing. See our LEGO vs Alternatives comparison for more budget options.
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