Top Scale Model Brands That Enthusiasts Swear By

Scale modeling is a cherished hobby that combines artistry, craftsmanship, and a passion for collecting miniatures. Enthusiasts often spend countless hours perfecting every detail of their chosen models, whether they represent historical vehicles, aircraft, ships, or modern marvels. With a vast selection of scale model kits available, selecting the best brands can significantly enhance the building experience and result in a truly stunning finished product. Below, we highlight some of the top brands renowned for their quality, precision, and variety to guide your next project.

Illustration of scale models

Best brands of scale models in 2025

Tamiya

Tamiya Models is a leading producer of scale models, renowned for its high-quality and detailed kits. The company is part of a global toy model kits market that was valued at US$ 65,220 million in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 88,020 million by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period of 2024-2029. Tamiya's products span various categories, including aircraft, cars, tanks, ships, and trains, catering to a wide range of hobbyists. The brand's commitment to precision and realism has made it a favorite among model enthusiasts. With a strong presence in the Asia Pacific region, which is a prime market for model kits, Tamiya continues to drive innovation and growth in the industry. For more information, visit their official website.

Revell

Revell, a renowned brand in the scale model industry, has been a leading producer of high-quality model kits for decades. Despite facing market challenges, Revell maintained over 50% of the market share at one point. The company is part of the global model kits market, which is expected to reach USD 3.2 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 3.5%. Revell's products cater to various segments, including aircraft, cars, tanks, and ships, appealing to a broad range of hobbyists. The brand's commitment to detail and precision has made it a favorite among model enthusiasts.

Airfix

Airfix is a renowned British brand that has been a cornerstone in the scale model industry since its founding in 1939. It is synonymous with high-quality plastic model kits, offering a wide range of products including aircraft, cars, ships, and military vehicles in various scales such as 1:24, 1:48, and 1:72. At its peak in the mid-1970s, Airfix commanded 75% of the UK market and 75% of the German market, producing as many as 20 million kits per year. Despite market share fluctuations, Airfix remains a significant player, with a current market share of 40% in the UK and a strong online presence, as evidenced by its recent 0.44% revenue growth over the past three months. Discover more about their extensive range of model kits on their official website.

Hasegawa

Hasegawa is renowned as one of the best producers of scale models, particularly in the 1/200 scale, known for their immaculate molds, perfect shapes, and great detail. These kits are praised for their ease of assembly, minimal need for filling and sanding, and excellent fit of parts. Hasegawa kits are often considered superior to other brands like Revell and Airfix, especially in terms of accuracy and finish. Despite being more expensive, they offer a high-quality building experience. Hasegawa's product line, though limited, is highly regarded by model enthusiasts. For further insights and discussions, you can explore user experiences on their dedicated forum.

Italeri

Italeri is a renowned brand in the scale model industry, founded in the early 1960s by Giuliano Malservisi and Gian Pietro Parmeggiani, driven by their passion for airplanes and military vehicles. The company is known for its wide and complete range of scale models, including airplanes, helicopters, military vehicles, ships, trucks, and cars, with a particular success in its 1:32 scale aircraft line, which includes models like the F-104 Starfighter and the F-35 Lightning II. Italeri has expanded its product line by acquiring moulds from other manufacturers such as Supermodel, Protar, and ESCI. The company is certified with the UNI EN ISO 9001:2015 quality system and maintains a strong presence on social media to engage with model enthusiasts globally. Italeri's products are characterized by accurate historical research and high-quality design. For more details about their company and offerings, visit their official website.

Dragon Models

Dragon Models Limited, established in 1987, is a renowned manufacturer of high-quality scale models, including plastic model kits, die-cast models, and military action figures. The company has released over 1,000 items, with a strong focus on historical accuracy and detail, often consulting with military experts. Their New Generation Life Action Figure series, introduced in 1999, features over 400 fully posable 12-inch figures. The Dragon Wings line, launched in 1997, offers 1/400 scale aircraft models representing over 100 commercial and national airlines. Dragon Models is also the official supplier of aircraft models for Airbus and Boeing.

Trumpeter

Trumpeter, a renowned brand in the scale modeling industry, has been a premier producer of high-quality models since its inception in 1995. Specializing in military models, model aircraft, and model ships, Trumpeter is known for its detailed and extensive kits, often featuring hundreds of parts, including photo-etched components. Their product range includes large 1/200 scale model ships and 1/350 aircraft carriers, catering to advanced modelers. With a significant presence in the global model kits market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.5% by 2032, Trumpeter continues to be a favorite among hobbyists. The brand's commitment to realism and detail has made it a staple in the industry. For more information, you can explore their offerings on Trumpeter's profile at Scalemates.

Academy

Academy Plastic Model Co., Ltd., a Korean company established in 1969, is renowned for producing high-quality scale models, including aircraft, helicopters, armor, and ships, with meticulous research and the latest CAD and 3D techniques. They have developed over 500 products and supply them to more than 60 countries, having won several Modell des Jahres awards since 1989. Their product line includes detailed military miniatures in 1:35 scale, radio-controlled models, and educational kits. Despite some accuracy issues in certain kits, Academy remains a significant player in the global model kits market, which is expected to grow substantially by 2032. The company's commitment to precision and innovation has made it a favorite among hobbyists.

Bandai

Bandai Namco Holdings is renowned as one of the best producers of scale models, capturing an impressive 84% of the Japanese plastic character model market in the fiscal year 2024. The company also dominates the Japanese capsule toy market with a 56% share in the same year. Bandai's global net sales have consistently shown growth, reaching around $7 billion in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024, marking a 6.07% increase from the previous year. Their products, including model kits and capsule toys, are highly popular and widely recognized for their quality and detail. Bandai's market presence is a testament to their commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.

Zvezda

Zvezda LLC, founded in 1990 by Konstantin Krivenko, is a leading Russian manufacturer of high-quality scale model kits and board games, known for its meticulous attention to detail and historical accuracy. With over 500 products available, Zvezda caters to a global market, selling in more than 80 countries and employing over 210 people. The company has collaborated with prominent entities like Boeing, Airbus, and Lucas Films, and has been a regular participant in major international fairs since 1994. Zvezda's products range from military and civilian equipment to historical and fantasy themes, ensuring a diverse and engaging offering for model enthusiasts. The company's commitment to innovation and quality has established it as a significant player in the global scale model market. You can learn more about their offerings on their official website.