Best Remote Control Helicopters To Buy For Your Kids Or For Yourself

Whether it’s for your kids who are always on the lookout for a new adventure, a gift to get your teen off their phone for a few minutes, or even for adults who are in search of a new hobby, the remote control helicopter is a perfect entertainment tool you should consider.

These miniature aircraft make for an enjoyable experience trying to navigate them through the air. Gyroscope technology increases the stability of the tiny aircraft; upgraded motor technology makes for lightweight while efficient flying and improved battery systems mean your tiny helicopter can hover for extended periods of time.

There is a vast selection of remote control helicopters, and so, finding the type, model, and specifications you desperately want can be a bit of an ordeal. This is why we’ve looked at most of the market options and outlined only the top of the line modes for you with varying considerations having been put in place. Simply put, there is something for everyone. To make your search easy, have a look at our compilation of the best remote control helicopters available.

Top 9 Remote Control Helicopters Of 2020 Reviewed

1. Syma S111G

Budget Remote Control Helicopter

It may be small, but it’s a great product for a low price. Ready to fly right from the box, the Syma S111G has six minutes of flight time and only needs 30 minutes to fully recharge.

Featuring a Coast Guard design, this RC helicopter features stable flight characteristics that every child or novice operator would definitely appreciate. One of the biggest advantages of the Syma S111G is the short charging time which gives you plenty of flying opportunities every day. It also features multi-directional flight controls that allow you to move it up and down, forward and backward, and even rotate both clockwise and counter-clockwise. Yes – that’s too much for a heli that only costs $20.

The heli has a durable metal frame that can withstand several crashes. And because it’s small and lightweight, it provides a good level of stability and agility. It features wide infrared control too. However the controller doesn’t come with batteries so you may need to purchase 6 AA batteries before getting started.

2. E-flite Blade mCX2 RTF

Remote Control Helicopter Overall

Ready to fly right from the box, E-flite Blade mCX2 RTF is on top of the game when it comes to quality, flight control, and battery life.

Great for both novice and professional operators, this RC helicopter is a winner. It combines the best of flight control, battery life, durability, and quality – making it worth the high price tag. It features a precision swashplate, 5-in-1 control unit, and a coaxial head design. This design eliminates the stability issue that comes with most models of RC helicopters. Meanwhile, the counter-rotating blades helps you achieve supreme flight control even with minimal intervention. You can change the control settings to increase the speed to a higher level from a beginner speed.

This RC helicopter uses a lithium battery that powers up the aircraft for eight minutes. Recharging it takes 90 minutes. Lastly, the manufacturer has a full line of replacement parts so just in case one part or two got broken, you still can have it run in no time without replacing your entire miniature aircraft. This model comes with flashing LED lights that make it more fun to fly.

3. Haktoys HAK303

Remote Control Helicopter for Kids

Haktoys HAK303 is designed for children ages eight and up and features great control and flight stability.

With a 50-foot flight range, this heli is great enough to fly inside the house or any indoor area. Since it’s manufactured with kids in mind, this helicopter toy features a canopy design that enables it to withstand crashes. It flies continuously for six to eight minutes, and only takes half an hour to recharge. The heli comes with a built-in gyroscope that greatly helps with in-flight stability. This is an encouraging feature for children and beginners alike. What’s more, the ergonomic controls are comfortable to hold.

There are LED lights installed around the protective frame, which makes flying even at night fun and easy. It’s multi-directional too – capable of being controlled up or down, left or right, and forward or backward. Furthermore, the adjustable speed control allows parents to choose a safer speed level for their children as they still learn the proper takeoff and touchdown techniques. The package includes a spare buckle connect, USB Charger, and remote control which, unfortunately, doesn’t include batteries.

4. Syma S109G 3.5 Channel RC

Remote Control Helicopter for Beginners

Weighing just around 1.2 pounds, the Syma S109G 3.5 ready-to-fly heli features a heavy-duty metal body and a wonderful flight stabilizing system. The first thing you will notice on this heli is the durable frame that has high resistant to crashes. But you won’t have to worry about crashing it all the time. The product features a stabilizing system that enables a smooth flight all the time, along with the Gyroscope technology for better flight control.

This beginner-style heli has 3 channels that enables it to move in any directions. It also utilizes a Li-Poly battery which can be easily charged through a USB port or controller. What’s more, it has super cool lights that light up its travel path.

5. RC Helicopter, VATOS Remote Control Helicopter with Gyro and LED Light 3.5 Channel 

Best Helicopter with Gyro and LED Light

From the playfully creative minds at VATOS comes this stealthy-looking military RC helicopter. It can hover in all four directions: up, down, left, and right. The heading normally gets choppy in most RC helicopters out there. It is because of this reason that VATOS RC has been designed with an in-built gyroscope system to ensure stable flight.

It has an LED light beneath the headcover. It serves to both indicate whether you’re good to go in terms of battery power and also, can be used for easy navigation in the dark. Knowing kids, any child will be rearing to try the thing out as soon as they’ve laid eyes on it. This is why it comes charged to 100 percent, making it a perfect gift or a perfect last-minute gift.

The transmitter can support multiple frequency channels. This means you can fly more than one chopper at a time. A device this liable to falling has to be made from durable material. The engineering polypropylene frame can withstand the inevitable bumps and knocks all day and every day.

6. Tenergy Syma S107/S107G R/C Helicopter

Best Indoor Flying RC Helicopter

The Tenergy Syma is the answer to the question that is indoor flying. This model comes in a miniaturized size-this added to its lightweight construction makes for a highly portable and airborne machine. Its wide range of infrared control which has been finely customized to suite flying the Syma RC indoors.

The transmitter supports dual frequencies. What this means is, you can fly two helicopters at once. The coaxial helicopter has three channels, which translates to the aircraft being able to move up, down, right, left, backward, and forward. The body is made of a top-grade metal frame to handle knocks. Built into the RC is a gyroscope for proper stability with the helicopter’s heading. 

It has a ton of flying power coming with three motors: the Syma S107G’s two front motors power the state-of-the-art high precision propellers while the one on the rear gives motion to the tail rotor for proper stability of the aircraft. For a smooth lift-off, the rotor blade system has to be stabilized. This is why, for an improved experience, this RC uses a 32-level high precision speed regulator.

7. Blade 230 S V2 RTF RC Helicopter

Best Brushless RC Helicopter

Perfect for hobbyists who are looking forward to more flips, inverted flights, loops, and rolls, the Blade 230s V2 RTF RC Helicopter makes a top choice. The main and tail rotors are run with small but powerful high-speed motors capable of delivering a smooth-drive system that makes the Blade 230 S V2 responsive and lightweight.

This remote control helicopter is a perfect choice for people looking for strong all-round performance, great controls, and an RC capable of being aerobatic. Not to mention its innovative SAFE technology, which allows you to grow in skill from a beginner to an expert as it offers a change in control from the initial self-leveling operation to full 3D control. And compared to wood blades, the ABS main blades of this helicopter, and the recently reinforced sturdy composite frame and tail rotor means it holds its own in a crash.

This device is equipped with a progressive flight mode that helps you establish your aerobatic skills quickly. It has an 800mAh lithium battery that allows for 5-6 minutes of flight time before the need to recharge arises. The highly-tuned machine of Blade 230 S V2 RTF with collective pitch mechanics allows for sports aerobatics. It has a 3D mode too, which turns upward the “flip and roll” rate of the chopper for increased 3D capability. 

8. Cheerwing S107/S107G Phantom 3CH 3.5 Channel Mini RC Helicopter

Best Mini RC Helicopter

Coming in eighth place, the Cheerwing S107/S107G Phantom is arguably the world’s most stable and durable RC helicopter. This is because of the way it’s constructed. It comes in a small size, whereby the dimensions are 16.8” long, 2.6” wide and 6.1” high. This miniaturized size consequently makes it extremely light, coming in at a meager 14.4 Oz, which increases its flight capabilities.

Its gyroscope technology has been repeatedly tested to ensure quality is maintained. Such makes the aircraft easy to operate while making it more stable. You can select up to two operational frequencies that translates to having control of up to two Cheerwing S107/S107G helicopters simultaneously. Meanwhile, its three channels of infrared controlled operation allow for up, down, forward, backward, up and down movements of the chopper.

Its metal frame means the gadget is designed to handle drops and knocks. Its light construction reduces the fall impact so that your helicopter will remain undamaged even in case of an ugly fall. Flying your helicopter at night can be quite risky as it is easy to lose sight of such a small contraption. However, this is why the S107 comes with flashing nights for easy navigation at dusk or in the dark.

 

9. GoStock Remote Control Helicopter for Kids

Best Remote Control Helicopter for Kids

The GoStock helicopter offers the best in terms of remote control. First of all, it has thee selectable frequencies. This means you can operate not one, not two, but three planes at the same time. Pretty cool, right? In addition to the number of operable devices, the remote control of this helicopter is also top of the line as it has a wide range of control. The range of controllability is above 12 m.

It has a full 3.5 channels making it capable of backward, forward, up, down, left or right movement. You can charge it fairly comfortably from any USB power source, be it a computer, power bank, or from the power socket using the charger. After charging for roughly 40 minutes, it can fly for up to 8 minutes. This is thanks to its 3.7 V 250mAh battery. For the transmitter, 6 AA batteries are required.

The GoStock RC helicopter is designed for sturdy operation. It is made of ABS blades that are resistant to impact, and a recently reinforced strong airframe and tail rotor. When the craft inevitably crashes, it will power-off automatically to protect the RC helicopter from further damage. It is ideal for beginners, intermediates, and professionals as the helicopter’s heading is stable due to the use of the latest gyroscope technology.

How To Choose the Best Remote Control Helicopters: The Ultimate Buying Guide

Operating a remote control helicopter is both fun and challenging. Many people, especially hobbyists take time and effort studying how to get the most of their toy aircraft and maintaining them. Kids and teens who are after fun and entertainment may not need a complex, high-end RC helicopter, but a durable one that can withstand hours of use (and misuse). Thus, choosing a toy helicopter based on one’s age, experience, and skill level is crucial to finding the best product.

When shopping for the best remote control helicopters, there are several major factors to consider:

Power Source

Remote control helicopters either use an electric or an internal combustion engine. Understanding the difference between the two is your first step towards choosing the right model for you or your kids.

Electric Engine

Electric RC helicopters are powered by a rechargeable battery. Some batteries last longer than others do, having greater power. The size of the electrical engine also determines how quickly the batteries drain. It goes without saying that larger electric engines will drain the battery more quickly than smaller engines. Some remote control helicopters utilizing electric engines can run for 20 minutes while most low-end models will run for just 10 minutes before you need to recharge the batteries. Most remote control helicopters available in the market today make use of electric motors.

Internal Combustion

This is less common than electric toy helicopters but they also perform well. This type uses fuel and air to generate power. The amount of air that the engine displaces determines how powerful the helicopter is. Most models with internal combustion use a fuel containing nitromethane. A battery heats a glow plug. The heat then ignites the air-fuel mixture. A muffler then expels the fumes that such process generates.

Type

Being familiar with the different build-type standards for RC helicopters will make the buying process much easier for you.

• Ready-to-Fly Helicopters – great for kids that want adventure and beginners, this build type comes in a fully assembled mini aircraft with the motor already installed, along with a transmitter. If you don’t like assembling things before making them work, this is the best option for you.
• Almost-ready-to-fly Helicopters – models under this build type feature a mainframe and peripheral parts but do not contain all of the small parts necessary to fly and operate the RC helicopter. Sometimes, you have to purchase a receiver separately.
• Bind and Fly – just like the ready-to-fly models, this one is all set and assembled. However, it lacks a transmitter.
• Custom Built – many hobbyists prefer building their own mini aircraft by buying parts separately and assembling things on their own. Manufacturers of RC helicopters sell individual parts for those looking to have a custom-built machine.

Channels

RC helicopters have a varying number of channels, but the maximum is 6. These are the throttle, yaw, elevator, aileron, collective, and special feature channels.

• Throttle – the speed at which the main rotor blades spin
• Yaw – turning of the helicopter nose to the left and right
• Elevator – tilts the rotors so the helicopter forward and backward
• Aileron – tilts the rotors so the helicopter can move left or right
• Collective – adjusts the angle of the rotors to lift and lower the helicopter

The more channels the RC helicopter has, the harder it is to operate but the more things it can do. If it’s your first time using an RC helicopter, consider buying a model with 2-3 channels only.

Pitch

You can choose between a fixed-pitch and collective-pitch. What’s the difference?

A fixed pitch RC does not change its angle. Adjusting the angle of the rotor blades helps users raise and lower their miniature aircraft without having to change the rotational speed of the blades. Because they don’t change their angles, fixed pitch RC helicopters are raised and lowered by speeding them up or slowing them down. Although they respond less quickly than a collective-pitch model, helicopters with a fixed pitch are easier to control, making them ideal for novice hobbyists or users.

Collective-pitch RC helicopters can change their angles, allowing the user to lift and lower without adjusting the rotor speed. This minimized the lag between commands of the user and the performance of the helicopter. However, operating RC helicopters with a collective pitch design requires more skill. Thus, they are more suitable for experienced or advanced users.

Size

Another point of consideration is the size of the RC helicopter.

Remote control helicopters fall into four size categories of main rotor diameter: micro, small, medium, and large. Micro helicopters have less than 15 inches of rotor diameter, small have 15 to 24 inches, medium have 24 to 30 inches, and the large ones have over 30 inches of main rotor diameter. If you’re looking to fly an RC helicopter indoors, micro models are best for you. Large models have longer flying range, sometimes reaching a mile away from the transmitter.

Availability of Parts

For buyers who want more than toy helicopters, the availability of spare parts is a crucial factor to consider. RC helicopters are prone to wear and tear, thus, they require much care and maintenance. Among the parts that may are likely to be replaced often are the batteries, swashplate, main shaft, canopy and landing skids. Most parts should be compatible with varying brands of RC helicopters but some are specialty parts which you can only purchase from the few select sellers or from the same manufacturer.

Construction

The body of remote control helicopters can be constructed from different materials, including plastic, aluminum, and carbon fiber while the blades are made from lightweight materials such as wood and fiberglass. The best remote control helicopters have a lightweight built that enables the device to utilize power efficiently. Nonetheless, they should be sturdy enough to resist crashes. Kids and beginners should go for durable models such as those made with plastic polymers as they are likely to have more crashes when learning to fly their helicopters. This material is not that heavy but it’s robust enough to withstand several crashes. Lightweight, sophisticated helicopters are more suitable for experienced users.

Accessories and Add-ons

Depending on how you’d like to use your RC helicopter, there are accessories and add-ons that are nice to have.

Most people fly RC helicopters purely for entertainment. But others use it for specific reasons, such as in photography. Some photographers buy an RC helicopter to be able to take aerial photos without having to rent a real helicopter. Thus, accessories like a helicopter camera mount can be helpful. Other models can come with wireless cameras which can be used for surveillance purposes.

Conclusion

Flying a remote control helicopter is truly a fun and exciting experience. But with so many choices out there, it’s hard to find the best product that suits you.

To summarize, consider the following important factors before purchasing an RC helicopter:

• Power Source: Electric vs. Internal Combustion
• Type: Ready-to-fly,  almost-ready-to-fly, bind and fly, or custom built
• Channels: three vs. all 6
• Pitch:  fixed-pitch vs. collective-pitch
• Size: micro, small, medium, or large
• Availability of Parts
• Construction
• Add-ons/Accessories

Regardless of your skill level and how you want to use it, choose the brand and model that fits your lifestyle. Also, give high regard to quality. Choose the product which does not easily wear out and is durable and sturdy enough to withstand crashes.