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Remote-controlled (RC) vehicles are back in a big way — and no longer just for racing and off-roading. RC helicopters take the fun to the skies, so you can fly them and explore the outdoors or even do aerial tricks. Whether you’re looking for a low-cost solution for taking aerial photography or are just curious about RC helicopters, now is the time to buy one. You don’t have to spend a lot to get in on the fun.
The RC helicopter market overlaps with the drone market since they’re both technically unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), but RC helicopters fill a unique niche for pilots who prefer the form factor of classic helicopters but don’t want all the features — or the price tags — of traditional drones.
Our guide has everything you need to know to find the right RC helicopter, including the use cases to consider, the features to watch for and our best advice for snagging a good deal. If you're new to RC helicopters, we think the durable SYMA S107H-E RC Helicopter is a terrific choice; it offers a range of up to 100 feet and features easy-to-use controls.
Editors’ Favorite
Flight Time: 5 to 8 min | Charging Time: 2 to 3 hr | Type and Number of Batteries: 4 x AA batteries | Control Range: 65’ to 100’ | Age Range: 8 to 12
The SYMA S107H-E RC Helicopter boasts a sophisticated design and an ultra-durable build that makes it one of the best RC helicopters for beginners and experienced pilots.
It features intuitive one-button functions for takeoff and landing, altitude hold for stability while hovering, and a built-in gyroscope for smooth navigation at all times. The remote control has a range of up to 100 feet, and the battery life offers up to eight minutes of continuous flying time. Kids can choose between low- and high-speed modes based on their flying skill level or what they’re comfortable with.
It can fly as fast as 4.92 feet per second, and 2.4-gigahertz frequency technology lets kids fly around other helicopters without any interference. Plus, it’s available in sporty colors, including red and blue.
Great Value
Flight Time: 30 to 34 min | Charging Time: 40 min per battery | Type and Number of Batteries: 2 rechargeable batteries | Control Range: 164’ | Age Range: 8 to 12
The BUSSGO RC Helicopter is an affordable starter model with plenty of neat features that kids will love, making it a terrific value pick. The intuitive controls are easy for kids and beginners to use, and its dazzling design is perfect for rides during sunsets or low-light conditions.
Dual rechargeable batteries mean you can get up to 34 total minutes of flight time, and the 164-foot range means you can control the helicopter at a distance without worrying about signal loss. The upgraded gyroscopic system lets you hover with stability, and the LED lights can change into one of seven vibrant colors.
This feature-packed helicopter is excellent for kids and experienced pilots who want to fly in style. It provides alerts when batteries are running low, and the durable alloy structure helps protect the control board and other core components. Its 2.4-gigahertz frequency technology lets you use it alongside other RC helicopters, too, and the LED lights make for a terrific light show when it's dark out.
Best Mini RC Helicopter
Flight Time: 5-7 Min. | Charging Time: 30 Min. | Type and Number of Batteries: Rechargeable Battery | Control Range: 46 ft. | Age Range: 8-12
With a cutesy, miniature design, the SYMA S100 Mini RC Helicopter is the perfect gift for children who want something easy to fly. This mini helicopter will fit in the palm of your hand and features cushioning to lessen damage in the event of a collision or hard impact.
The battery can fully charge in just 30 minutes and offers a flight time of up to seven minutes. The control range is around 46 feet, and 2.4-gigahertz frequency technology allows kids to fly it alongside other RC helicopters without worrying about interference.
Although not as robust as other RC helicopters, it’s a terrific starter model for younger, inexperienced pilots who want something pocket-sized. Beginners should have no trouble flying it thanks to its one-key takeoff and landing button, altitude hold and intuitive joystick movement.
Since there are hundreds of different RC helicopter models available, the first step is to rule as many out as possible so you can focus your efforts on finding just those that meet your needs. Here are three key questions to ask yourself that will help you narrow your search.
If you do, you’ll need to get an RC helicopter with LED lights or one that’s compatible with aftermarket lighting options. Helicopters with lights bright enough to use in the dark are fairly rare, but they do exist. If lights are a must for you, you might have to search a little more than usual. On the plus side, you’ll easily be able to rule out most other RC helicopters.
If you do, you’ll want to look for an RC helicopter that can record video, or consider a drone. There are some RC helicopters that exist in a gray area: they look and fly like traditional helicopters but have drone features like onboard video and, most importantly, they’ve got the cheaper price tag of traditional RC helicopters. If you’re OK with basic video quality, look for an RC helicopter that takes video. If video quality is key to you, you’ll be better served by spending a little more and buying a drone. If you don’t want to take any video with your RC helicopter, you can save a lot of money by buying one without the functionality.
Most RC helicopters look like their full-size counterparts and fly using a main rotor (and usually a tail rotor). They offer a more realistic flying experience but require more skill to control. Quadcopters use four separate rotors to stay stable in the air, making them much easier to fly. If your goal is smooth, stable flight or easy control, a quadcopter is usually the better choice. If you prefer the classic helicopter look and want a more hands-on flying experience, a traditional RC helicopter is ideal.
RC helicopters can be hard to tell apart because so many of them offer the same features, but subtle differences can have a huge impact on the RC helicopter you end up with. Here are the ones to pay the most attention to as you shop:
Most RC helicopters have a built-in stabilizer called a gyroscope, so the helicopter is less affected by the wind and easier to fly. Having a gyroscope means you spend a lot less time correcting your mistakes, so it’s definitely a premium feature that’s worth looking for.
On an RC helicopter, each direction or control input is handled by a channel on the transmitter. More channels allow for more precise and realistic control. Entry-level RC helicopters often use three channels, which are easier to learn but limited in movement. Most hobbyists today prefer at least four channels, as they allow full directional control and more natural flight.
LED lights are perfect for lighting up the night sky or just seeing your RC helicopter while it flies in the dark. If you’ll be doing any night flights, hold out for an RC helicopter with built-in LED lights – they’ll make a huge difference in visibility.
Most RC helicopters cost between $30 and $70. If you’re looking for one that’s fun to fly and has decent controls and respectable battery life, you don’t have to spend more than this. RC helicopters are pretty easily damaged, so, in general, models in this price range are the best choice for the money because they’re the cheapest to replace.
If you’re willing to spend between $70 and $200, you can get an RC helicopter with some fun premium features like toy missiles that can fire, onboard GPS, or even LED lights. Models in this price range have additional stabilization features that make them a lot easier to fly because you spend less time overcorrecting. If you’re an intermediate or pro RC helicopter pilot, you’ll want to look at the models in this price range. If you’re more of a casual enthusiast, you don’t need to spend this much.
If you’re looking for the best RC helicopters available, you’ll need to spend more than $200. RC helicopters in this price range are often modeled after specific military helicopters and made of high-quality metal parts. If you’re serious about your RC helicopters, it’ll cost you.
Make sure you have extra batteries for the remote control and the RC helicopter. Both the remote control and the RC helicopter itself require batteries. RC helicopters usually require lithium-ion batteries that you can recharge via USB, and the controllers usually run on AA batteries. Whatever the battery setup is on the model you buy, plan ahead and keep spare batteries around so the fun never stops.
Look online for videos others have made using RC helicopters. If you’re buying an RC helicopter that records video, once you’ve narrowed your search to a few models, look for videos online. Many RC helicopter and drone owners post videos they’ve taken, so you can see what footage is like under real-life conditions. Search YouTube by model numbers, and make sure you’re satisfied with the video results each one has produced for other consumers.
Contact a hobby shop for pointers. If you encounter difficulty while first learning to fly your RC helicopter, consider contacting a local hobby shop – many offer lessons, too. Operating RC vehicles is a popular hobby, and many shops have programs or clubs to help keep fans connected. Visit your local store or check out its website for advice and tips on getting the most from your RC helicopter.
Buy an RC helicopter that’s suited to the space where you’ll be using it most. Indoor helicopters are generally smaller and quieter and only go moderately fast. Outdoor helicopters have a lot more power on board, so they’re bigger and louder and can go much faster and fly higher.
Pay close attention to the recommended age range for each RC helicopter. If you’re buying one for a young child, make sure the model you get is age-appropriate.
We considered the top RC helicopters based on hundreds of customer reviews. The best models have intuitive controls that are easy for beginners to learn and feature gyroscopic technology for smooth flying and hovering at all times. We also considered additional features and specs, such as LED lights, flight time, power source and flying frequency technology.
A. RC helicopters use a single set of rotors to fly, while drones typically use more. RC helicopters are built for much shorter flights, around 12 to 15 minutes max, while drones have bigger batteries and can stay airborne longer. Drones typically can record video and send a video signal wirelessly to a smartphone. As a result, drones are much more expensive than RC helicopters.
A. Every RC helicopter has one or more channels on its remote control – each channel controls a specific functionality. For example, if an RC helicopter says it has three channels, that means it has one to control the height (up and down), one to control turns (left and right), and one to control forward and backward movement. In general, you get a lot more precise control from a multichannel helicopter, but remotes can get complicated quickly, so it’s important to pick an RC helicopter that strikes the right balance between simplicity and functionality for you.
A. It depends on the helicopter, but in general, most are designed for flights of 12 to 15 minutes. Some RC helicopters include spare batteries, so you can keep flying if the first battery runs out. Others work on AA batteries, so you can keep plenty of spares around and never run out of power. As you’re comparing models, keep an eye on how each one is powered. It can make a big difference in your overall experience.
