Have you grown bored of life on the road and the classic remote control cars? If yes, then it’s about time you turn to something a little more exciting. Fulfill your aerial dreams and try your hand at flight by buying a remote control helicopter.
Available in a lot of different shapes, sizes, models and specifications, remote control helicopters make the perfect birthday presents and Christmas gifts for people of all ages. Be it, children, teenagers, adults or seniors, everyone is guaranteed to have a great time flying their miniature aircraft in an open sky.
But before you press that purchase button, make sure you’re buying a remote control helicopter that’s of the top quality. The factors that can help you determine if you’re making the right choice includes the craftsmanship of the helicopter, its blade control, its performance and most importantly its energy source.
If the task still seems daunting, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered! Here’s a list of the 10 best RC helicopters you can easily take your pick from.
Disclaimer – This article may contain affiliate links, this means that at no cost to you, we may receive a small commission for qualifying purchases.
The Best RC Helicopters in 2021
1. Blade E-flite mCX2 RFT RC Helicopter
The remote control helicopter on the top of our list is, of course, the Blade E-flite mCX2 RTF. A hundred percent factory assembled, this mini aircraft is flight-ready right out of the box. The model is also a top contender when it comes to battery life, quality, flight control, and durability. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional RC helicopter operator, Blade E-flite mCX2 RTF offers you a great experience.
Thanks to its coaxial head design and a 5-in-1 control unit that includes a mixer, spectrum 2.4GHz DSM2 compatible receiver, gyro, and main motor ESCs, it has no stability issues. Moreover, one of its distinguishing features is its precision swashplate that also has customizable control settings. This enables the pilot to manage the speed of the helicopter and allows them to achieve greater control.
The lithium batteries take only 90 minutes to recharge, so you can get it back to flight in no time. No to forget, its sleek body and flashing LED lights to help Blade E-flite mCX2 RTF stand out in any vast field.
Key Features:
- Precision Swashplate
- 5-in-1 control unit
What Impressed Us:
- Coaxial design
- Stability
2. Syma S111G RC Helicopter
Looking to purchase a remote control helicopter that’s unparalleled in quality yet doesn’t take a toll on your wallet? Syma S111G is one of your best options. This palm-sized model of an RC helicopter is flight-ready out of the box. One thing that makes it a popular choice is its battery life; it only takes 30 minutes to recharge and can stay in flight for over six minutes which gives you several opportunities to fly it in a day. It’s durable metal frame and multi-directional flight controls make Syma S111G a great choice for beginners as it can endure crashes and move in all directions.
Moreover, small body and coast guard design provide it a level of stability that’s rarely seen in remote control helicopters.
Key Features:
- Multi-directional flight control
What Impressed Us:
- Durable metal frame
- Affordability
3. Blade BLH4100 120 S RC Helicopter
The third best remote control helicopter on our list is also from Blade. Its 100% assembled and saves you the hassle of putting together the pieces yourself. If you want to try flying a remote control helicopter in a windy location, this model is your best option. It has a fixed pitch which makes it wind resistant and suitable for outdoor adventures.
Its special features include a single-rotor, pain recovery mode, and SAFE technology, all of these combined make the flight of this miniature aircraft stable and fun. This model also offers several different modes. The beginner mode allows the ‘pilot’ to fly the helicopter at a low speed, the intermediate mode increased angles of pitch and finally, the experienced mode turns off the rolls and pitch, allowing the ‘pilot’ to take full control of the helicopter.
BLH4100 120 S’ 500mAh battery runs for over six minutes and takes only 60 minutes to recharge.
Key Features:
- Panic recovery mode
- Six channels
What Impressed Us:
- Durable construction
- Easy to fly
4. Haktoys HAK303 RC Helicopter
Looking to purchase a remote control helicopter for a child of age eight or more? You should consider buying Haktoys HAK303. This model has a flight range of 50 feet so your child can fly it easily in an indoor setting. It’s made with a canopy design that prevents it from crashes and its built-in gyroscope keeps the helicopter stable in flight.
Moreover, its battery takes only half an hour to recharge. It can keep the helicopter six to eight minutes in flight continuously. What makes this a popular children’s gift is its speed control feature. Parents can choose a speed level to ensure that their child learns the right touchdown and takeoff techniques.
Key Features:
- Built-in gyroscope
- Ergonomic controls
What Impressed Us:
- Adjustable speed control
- Bright LED lights
5. Blade 230s BNF RC Helicopter
If you’re looking to show off your skills with a remote control helicopter, you should consider investing in Blade 230s BNF. It allows the pilot to put on a great performance with flips, rolls, loops and inverted flights. This model’s great aerobatics and controls paired with brushless motors and fiber-filled design eliminates any issues with stability and ensures that it takes a smooth flight.
Moreover, its SAFE technology and panic recovery mode prevent the RC helicopter from crashes. One of the special features this helicopter has is its 3D mode, which enables the model to ‘flip and roll.’
Key Features:
- Brushless main
- Tail rotors
- 3D mode
What Impressed Us:
- Great performance
- Stable flight
6. Iron3 Remote Control Helicopter
It might be new in the market but the Iron 3 remote control helicopter has quickly gained immense popularity thanks to its reliable performance and incredible features. What sets it apart from other RC helicopters is its 3 selectable frequencies, 4 channels, auto stabilizing rotors and coaxial design.
This model is a great option for teenagers looking for an exciting adventure and a great experience in the field. The Iron3 RC helicopter is manufactured with durable material so it can withstand multiple crashes and live a long life. It’s bright LED lights make the miniature aircraft stand out like no other.
If you’re a beginner wanting to try your hand at flight, this helicopter is a great choice as it guarantees fun and realistic experience, that too at a reasonable price.
Key Features:
- Built-in gyroscope 4 channels
What Impressed Us:
- Affordability
- Durability
7. GP Toys G610 RC Helicopter
If you’re looking for a remote control helicopter that’s easy to operate and fly, then the G610 could be the perfect option for you. It comes fully assembled and is ready to fly right of the box. A total of 10 inches in length, this model can be used in an indoor setting and us great for children.
Moreover, the battery of this miniature helicopter takes only 50 minutes to charge and it power up a continuous flight of over eight minutes. You can charge the batteries with a USB charger with an adapter or a computer. Its remote control supports a distance of 15 meters.
It features dual rotors and 3 selectable frequencies along with amazing gyroscope technology and LED lights which enable you to fly the mini aircraft even in the dark. Lastly, its full 3.5 channels allow the pilot to move the aircraft in many different directions including right, left, up, down, forward and backward. The G610 can even hover in the middle of the sky but still remains stable in flight.
Key Features:
- 3.5 channels
- LED lights
- 3 frequencies
What Impressed Us:
- Dimensions
- Latest gyroscope technology
8. Syma S107G RC Helicopter
Syma S107G is one of the most popular models of remote control helicopters. The assembly is eight-inch-long and comes flight-ready in the box. This model is user-friendly which makes it a great option for people of different levels of skills, be it novice pilots, intermediate users or professionals. The three-channel controls make it easier for beginners to learn the basic operations such as steering the aircraft up, down, forward, reverse, left and right.
Moreover, S107G’s remote control features a trim button that helps the pilot level the aircraft if it strays away from them at any point in the flight. The model’s powered up with a 150mAh battery that takes only 30 minutes to recharge and can support the helicopter for over 12 minutes. The long flight time gives this model an edge over its competitors.
Lastly, the lightweight design of this helicopter makes it a good option for you is you’re looking to fly the mini helicopter in an indoor setting. It’s less likely to sustain damage in case of a crash and is a suitable option for first-time operators.
Key Features:
- 3 channel controls
- Brushed motor
What Impressed Us:
- Easy to fly
- Stability in flight
9. UDI U13A RC Helicopter
Are you looking to purchase a remote control helicopter that’s unparalleled in performance and also allows you to capture high-quality pictures and videos? If that’s the case, then you should consider investing in the UDI U13A Helicopter. It has a high resolution 640*480 video camera that allows you to film from different angles. You can also take clear and accurate shots when the helicopter is in flight. The stability of this model, while it is up in the air, is unlike any of its competitors.
Moreover, it also features a built-in gyroscope and flexible blades. The sleek design of this model is something that will leave all the spectators in awe.
Key Features
- High-resolution camera 6 channels
What Impressed Us?
- Durability
- Stability
10. EXCOUP RC Helicopter
Whether you want to fly a remote control helicopter in an indoor setting or an outdoor one, this model offers you both options. Its remote control can support flight operations from a distance of 12m.
It has 3.5 channels and 3 selectable frequencies, which makes it a great choice for beginners. Moreover, the EXCOUP has a durable frame and case so it’ll last a long time and endure multiple crashes. The best part about this mini helicopter is that it comes with spare parts and is 100% refundable.
Key Features
- 3.5 channel control
- 3 selectable frequencies
What Impressed Us?
- Design
- Affordability
RC Helicopter Buying Guide
There are countless RC helicopters in the market each with their special features and abilities. You cannot just go and buy one without knowing what is special about them and what RC Heli suits you the best. Therefore, we have created a buying guide which can help you cement your decision. So, without further ado, here is the buying guide:
What to look for?
User Friendliness
Sure, the helicopters out there look cool and they would improve your street cred but what you want is an RC copter that is easy to fly. You do not want to be worrying about flying the thing correctly half the time. RC helicopters are all about having fun and enjoying yourself, so you should look for an RC helicopter that has a gyro or gyro attaching capability. The gyro is a little device that attaches to the helicopter. This device can detect any irregular movements of the helicopter and correct them by itself. This way you don’t have to do all the handling by yourself. However, if you are a professional flyer, you won’t need this too much.
Design
Nowadays you can find RC helicopters that have an elaborate design to make them look cool and attractive. While a flashy design looks good in the eye, it does nothing much in terms of aerodynamics. You need a helicopter that both looks good and is stable in flight. In that regard, almost all the beginner RC Helis has a coaxial body that makes sure the helicopter is stable and that it can stay in one piece for a long time. Yes, you will probably crash the helicopter in the beginning and the developers know that hence they ensure your copter can survive the odd crash.
When it comes to professional RC helicopters, the developers want you to be able to bring out the best out of the heli, which is why they craft a design that allows you to perform flips, loops, barrel rolls, and whatnot. Therefore, make sure what you want is in contrast with what you can handle.
Wireless Range
Any RC toy or device depends upon its remote controller to send it signals to perform any maneuver. However, the thing with controllers is that they are still not as advanced that they let you send signals to your toy if It is too far away. The signal range varies from copter to copter. Usually, the more professional ones will have a wider range allowing you to fly your helicopter high up in the sky. The beginner copter, on the other hand, will probably not have a very strong wireless range. On average though, you can get around 50 feet of wireless range from most beginner RCs. The more money you put in your hobby the better the range you will get.
Battery Life
It’s the worst feeling when you are having fun flying your helicopter and the battery runs out. Not only does that mean your mood slumps but it also means that your helicopter is going to crash any second. You can only imagine what would happen if it is high up in the air while the battery runs out. Yikes! We know it’s a sensitive topic but it is the truth, a crash hurts right in the heart. The helicopters you get in the market will usually run for a good 5 to 10 minutes.
Then you have to charge the batteries for a long time to have fun again. The battery recharge time in most beginner helis is not that great. You don’t want an RC helicopter that works for a few minutes and takes an hour or more to charge. What you want is a heli that has a healthy battery life and that it takes 30 minutes or less to recharge. Such RC helicopters usually fall in the professional category. You have to look for a helicopter that has the longest runtime and the fastest recharge time based on your budget. However, no matter how great the battery life of your copter is, you should always carry extra batteries with you just in case.
Performance
Beginners should not worry about performance since the majority of their flying is basic. However, as you rise the ranks and you reach the professional level, then you have to think about performance. RC helicopters are of 3 types.
The beginner helicopters are 3-channel, which means they can perform only the basic maneuvers like ascending, descending, moving forward and backward.
The next step up is a 4-channel helicopter. This kind of heli performs all the above functions with the addition of being able to spin in its place (rotation) making flying a lot easier.
The third type is a 6-channel helicopter that is built for advanced or experienced flyers. A 6-channel radio helicopter will ascend, descend, fly forwards and backward, and rotate in place. On top of that, this helicopter will be able to perform several aerobatic maneuvers at high speeds.
Add-On Accessories
A great way to enjoy your RC Heli is to attach various accessories like cameras to it. This way you can watch yourself and your flight later on in the recorded footage. You can even impress your friends and family with your flying expertise. Some RC copters come with a built-in camera, and though the camera in these helicopters is not of good quality, it is a stepping-stone for further advancement. Once you have more money and your interest builds up, you can always upgrade to a more advanced heli that allows you to mount a better quality camera like a GoPro to help you record the flight footage.
You might ask, ‘Can’t a drone perform the same function?’ Well, you are right, a drone does the same thing but you can’t get the visual appeal or the fun associated with flying an RC helicopter.
The online RC helicopters market is full of model military helicopters. Such helicopters mimic the design and functionality of a real war-based helicopter. Therefore, you will even find small missiles (non-lethal) or water guns attached to them. You can buy such helicopters if you are looking to have some extra fun. Simply, get airborne and practice shooting targets from up in the air.
The water pistols that are attached to a heli can add some extra fun to your activity especially if you are using an indoor RC helicopter. No, you will not drench a target but the water pistols will have a decent impact.
LED Lights
If you do most of your flying at night, then it is a good idea to look for an RC copter that has functional LED lights. The bright LED lights allow you to see your helicopter even if it is flying a bit far away. In the event of a crash, you can easily locate your crashed helicopter with much ease thanks to these LED lights. If you like, you can even add some lights to any RC helicopter. All you would need is a bit of enthusiasm and basic knowledge of electronics.
Ready To Fly or Self-Built
Beginner RC helicopters are usually ready to fly (RTF) since they are mostly small. The same goes for indoor RC copters. However, if you are buying an advanced level helicopter, you will have to deal with building it yourself kits. The kit will have several helicopter parts and a manual telling you exactly how to do it. Self-building kits are not meant for beginners, but even so, they are easy to put together. The real problem is that the whole process is tedious. However, on the plus side, if the helicopter crashes or if some repairs have to be made then you will already be accustomed to the building process and taking the helicopter apart won’t pose a problem.
Resource:
The Different Types Of Remote Control Helicopters – ModellHelischule
Leave a Reply