RC Airplanes are the source of a lot of fun for kids and adults alike. Flying toy planes is the closest some of us can get to fly a real plane.
Therefore, these planes are a great invention for aviation enthusiasts. They allow kids to develop a hobby early in their lifetime and they also prove to be a great source of father-son bonding time.
The RC airplane craze is not new. It has been here for a long time now and it is not going to die anytime soon. Some people are so crazy about RC planes that they design and fly their very own models.
However, not all of us have that kind of enthusiasm or the skill set to perform the job. Therefore, we depend on professionals to do the job for us. There are many companies that make model airplanes for aviation enthusiasts. We will mention a few RC airplanes over here so you can compare them with each other and make your final decision.
So without further ado, here is the list of the best RC airplanes.
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 Planes in 2021
1. HobbyZone Sports Club S RTF RC Airplane
Starting off our list we have this praiseworthy invention. This RC plane is not the best out there if we are judging it by its looks and neither is it the most practical RC plane, however, it surely does perform like a champion. The Sports Club RTF can stay balanced and strong while flying in the air and the best part is that you don’t have to be a pro at flying RC planes to get a hang of it. Just extract it from its box join the moving parts and get going.
Inside the plane is a heavy-duty LiPo battery that allows for long flying durations and coupled with the Spektrum DSMX control technology, the Sports Club S RTF performs exceptionally well under any flying condition. This plane is even known for its incredibly great handling mid-flight. You can twist and turn this plane and it will respond accurately and effectively.
The HobbyZone RC plane is small yet with this tiny plane, we guarantee, you will have the best time. This RC plane is known for its durability, so you don’t have to worry about kids learning on it. They can put this small plane to the test and they will never feel it lacking.
Key Features
- LiPo heavy-duty battery
- Spektrum DSMX technology
What impressed us:
- Great Durability
- Long battery life
- Balanced flight at high speeds
2. FlyZone Seawind Electric RC Plane
Second, up in our list of best RC airplanes is the FlyZone Seawind plane. This RC plane is beautifully designed and made to be practical in the field, which makes it the perfect toy for RC airplane enthusiasts. You can operate this incredible plane from just about any surface may it be grass, tarmac, or water.
Take- off is smooth on the harder surfaces while in the water a dedicated rudder keeps the take-off balanced. The designers have endowed the Seawind with a wide wingspan, while a high-power motor has also been installed to ensure smooth power delivery at all times. The plane also has navigation lights installed on it that allow you to locate it while it is in the air.
Landing and taking off is a breeze with this plane since it has fully retractable landing gear. It doesn’t matter if you want to land on water or take off from the land the SeaWind has you fully covered. The plane looks incredibly realistic so you would get a few questions from the onlookers. Furthermore, it is not just the design that is lifelike rather it is the functionality as well that matches that of a real plane. It would take you a few tries to get a hang of flying this plane.
If you are new to RC airplane hobby or you are a veteran, you would love this plane for its realism. It is dependable, great in terms of handling, and it is expensive which means it is well put together. Yes, it is pretty high priced but each penny you spend on the Seawind will be worth the price.
Key features
- Land and take-off on water and land
- Large size
What impressed us:
- Looks lifelike
- Retractable landing gear
- Powerful motor
3. Flyzone Tidewater Electric RC Plane
The second product from FlyZone is the Tidewater, aptly named since this plane can also land and take-off from water as well as from land. Take it out of the box, fix the detachable parts and you are ready to take this baby on a flying adventure. There is nothing extra or new to learn with this plane. Its functionality is plain and simple if you have experience flying RC planes. Once you get the hang of flying this piece of equipment you can fly it pretty fast. Some users even say that this plane flies faster than any they have ever flown. So you are in for a treat when you get to fly the Tide.
The manufacturers have designed this plane intelligently giving it the balance of a large-sized RC plane when it is a fairly small plane with a total wingspan of 41.6-inch wingspan. The TR624 controller is easy to work with and it communicates with the plane effectively thanks to the 3.4 GHz wireless technology.
The Tidewater is the kind of RC plane that would excite both young and adults. Take it to the nearest lake and we guarantee that you would spend all your day over there. The Tidewater is certainly a great investment if you are looking for an entry-level water-landing RC plane.
Key features
- Entry-level RC plane
- 3.4 GHz wireless technology
What impressed us:
- Large wingspan
- Impressive wireless control
4. Parkzone Night Vapor RTF RC Plane
If you are looking for an RC plane that you could fly in enclosed spaces then the Parkzone Night Vapor is for you. This plane is very slow in flight and lightweight so you can easily maneuver it in a small area. This ability also makes it a great gift for kids who are just grabbing onto this hobby. However, it is always advisable to take RC planes outside in the open where they can unleash their potential. The Night Vapor is easy to spot in the night thanks to its bright LED lights that keep on flashing intermittently like in a real plane.
The Night Vapor also has a very simple design which makes it easy to repair. There aren’t any complicated parts and neither is the plane too big that handling it would be hard. It is really hard to find a beginner RC plane in the market nowadays so the Night Vapor is part of a really exclusive niche.
The characteristics of the Night Vapor make it one of the best gifts for young kids. Veteran enthusiasts would not like this plane at all since it is pretty slow and basic. However, the RC plane is reasonably priced that you can even look to buy two just in case one break.
Key features
- Repairable
- Trainer for children
What impressed us:
- Small size
- LED lights for night visibility
5. GoolRC F949 Cessna 182 RC Plane
If you love the Cessna and you dream about flying one yourself, then your dream has come one step closer with the Cessna replica RC plane made by GoolRC. This plane is designed to look exactly like the real thing and it has been built to be easy to handle. Therefore, it is a great choice for both beginner enthusiasts and experienced veterans. The good news is, you get the beautiful Cessna F949 lookalike at a very reasonable price.
When you first put it for a flight you will find that the F949 is a very dependable, swift and capable RC plane that can perform in almost any condition. The plane has a 200-meter radio range so you can fly it high and mighty without worrying about losing radio transmission and furthermore you can easily perform any stunts you want with it.
The GoolRC F949 justifies its price with its performance. It is expensive but each penny you spend on it is worthy. It is just a great overall RC plane that will be a great part of your collection.
Key features
- 200-meter wireless range
- Expensive yet practical
What impressed us:
- Modeled on an actual plane
- Great handling
6. Powerup 3.0 Electric RC Airplane
The Powerup electric plane has several important features working in its favor such as lightweight construction, intuitive design, and reasonable price. The plane has state of the art Bluetooth technology that allows you to control it. You do not need the conventional radio transmitter to control this particular RC plane. You can connect this RC plane to any smartphone that has Bluetooth. Furthermore, it is small and compact which means you can take it anywhere with you and control it using just your phone.
The PowerUp toy is no replacement for your full-sized RC airplane. It is just a compact toy that you and your kids can have fun with. Therefore, for good reason, we can include this plane as a beginner level RC plane. Using this toy you can learn the ropes of flying remote-controlled planes. Perhaps in the future, more RC planes adopt this platform.
You won’t have any problem powering this small plane. All you need to do is take it out of its box, join its necessary parts, and connect it to your phone via Bluetooth. If you are looking to gift a flying enthusiast kid something on his birthday, the Powerup 3.0 plane is a great choice. This plane is compatible with both Android and iOS platforms.
Key features
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Compact yet durable design
What impressed us:
- Small-sized plane
- Can be flown in enclosed and wide-open spaces
- Ready to fly out of the box
7. Hobbyzone Delta Ray RTF RC Plane
Hobbyzone makes remarkable RC airplanes which is why they have more than one mention in this list. Their Delta RTF is another testament to their superiority in the RC airplane market. This plane has almost everything a hobbyist dreams about, meaning this toy is easy to handle, it is fast, dependable and very rigid. Therefore, this plane will last very long. Inside are twin contra-rotating propellers that usher the plane forward and make take-off and landing smooth.
The manufacturers have also added various modes that test the skill level of the operator. There is a beginner mode and there is an intermediate mode, which means you can fly the plane depending on your comfort and skill level. If you are a veteran then you can easily switch to expert mode to take this plane to its full potential.
We would not recommend the Delta Ray to a beginner at all since its true potential only comes out when it is being flown by a professional. However, once you reach an intermediate skill level you can use this plane as a stepping stone to go further and hone your skills. After you have mastered this plane you can go forward and spend some money on a full-scale model that is hard to control and handle.
The Delta Ray RTF is ready to play out of the box. Simply extract it and start enjoying!
Key features
- Flying modes
- Ready to fly out of the box
What impressed us:
- Modes for every skill level Great beginner RC plane
8. Flyzone DHC-2 Beaver Beginner RC Plane
Flyzone is one manufacturer that has the most mentions in our list and for good reason. This company has made remarkable RC planes over the years and it enjoys a respectable position in the RC airplane community. The DHC -2 is one of their better airplanes that has stolen the limelight from other beginners to intermediate level airplanes. If you want to find other beginner rc planes you can check our guide RC Planes for beginners.
The toy has a large wingspan for stable flight and easy take-off. Since it is a large-sized plane its parts need to be assembled. However, the process is fairly simple and can be performed by almost anyone. This also makes the plane portable. The battery is attached securely but if need be you can replace the battery easily. It is secured tightly away such that even water splashes don’t make any damage to it.
The DHC-2 Beaver RC plane is a special TX-R aircraft meaning it can easily be operated using any 2.4 GHz radio controller. Many different manufacturers radio transmitters so you have a large number of choices. That’s what we like the most about this plane. It can be controlled by almost any radio controller.
Overall, this RC airplane has a brilliant design, it is large-sized and perfectly balanced. Therefore, it is a great addition to any flying enthusiast’s collection. The body is constructed using the most durable and lightweight material called AeroCell foam and the 850kV motor is designed to deliver power whenever needed. Yes, the plane is a bit expensive so it is not the best gift for a kid or a beginner. You have to be careful with it; however, the RC plane comes under warranty so you are safe.
Key features
- 850kV motor
- Battery operated
What impressed us:
- Remarkable design
- Can use almost any remote controller
9. Voomal FX803 2CH Gyro RC Plane
It is difficult to decide on the best beginner RC plane but we know that the Voomal Gyro comes pretty close to that standard. The Gyro is a great toy for kids and adults alike. This plane will help you get the hang of RC planes so you can move on to bigger and better models. The Voomal Gyro is, therefore, built light and dependable while also being easy to operate. It has been given a bright yellow livery that makes it easily discernible against the blue sky. You will never lose sight of it while you are flying it, even though this plane can fly 200 meters away from you.
The company itself recommends the Voomal FX803 for kids aged 7-12 years. But adults can also have fun operating this RC airplane, especially since it costs next to nothing. At a very reasonable price, you can develop a new hobby in your kid.
We highly recommend the Voomal Gyro RC plane since it’s a well-rounded plane. It has all the qualities of a beginner plane with its durability and maneuverability. When you can’t make up your mind about an RC plane, you should always go for the tried and tested Voomal brand and their Gyro 2CH plane.
Key features
- Compact size
- Powerful motor
What impressed us:
- Incredible plane for beginners
- Easy to fly
10. HobbyZone Duet RTF Kids RC Plane
HobbyZone’s Duet is a well-built and dependable RC plane. The manufacturers have used all the top-class materials for the Duet’s construction. It is a great toy for kids and a good training plane for adult enthusiasts. The Virtual Instructor is provided to teach you the ways of take-off and landing. You can never go wrong with this technology.
The Duet gives real value for money with its tough construction and flying aid technology. You can get all this at a very reasonable price. No sacrifice on quality or construction, that is what HobbyZone is known for.
Once you take this RC plane out in the park, your kids are sure to have fun. No more boring picnics to the park.
Key features
- Top-class materials used
- Cheap and durable
What impressed us:
- Brilliant construction
- Dependable and practical
Buyers Guide
If you are new to RC planes and this hobby you need to learn a few things about them to make a knowledgeable decision. We will give you a few important pointers that will help you make your decision because buying the proper plane will prove to be the difference in the long run in terms of your skill level.
Power
RC planes are either powered by a battery or by a petrol-run engine. Yes, some large scale models are too big that you cannot power them using merely a battery. The propeller based petrol engines require fuel, which is one thing you should add to the total cost. Furthermore, such planes are usually made for professionals. If you are just a beginner or you are looking to buy an RC plane for your kid then get a battery-powered toy.
When it comes to battery-powered planes there are also two types. Some have the standard AA batteries inside them while some have battery packs that can be recharged after each use. It is usually safer to go with rechargeable battery models.
Number of Channels
The number of channels tells you the number of things you have under your control. If you have a 2 channel RC plane, for example, that means you will have control over the rudder and the throttle of the engine.
If you are just starting you don’t need to trouble yourself with any extra details. You only need to get the most basic model. However, if you are an advanced guy then you may have a good idea about channels. Usually, it is best to get a 3 channel RC plane that gives you control over the motor, rudder, and the elevator.
ARF, RTF, Kit?
There are three basic types of RC airplanes. The kit planes are called such because they come as a kit, meaning you need to assemble them from scratch before you can get to flying. Large-sized planes usually come as kits since they are too large to be sold pre-assembled. Once you have assembled the plane you have to customize it to your tastes and then proceed to fly.
The second category is ARF or Almost Ready to Fly. These RC planes are partially assembled. You don’t need to assemble the major parts of this plane. Only the larger parts such as the wings, the rudder, etc. have to be attached and then you can fly.
The third type of RC plane is the RTF plane. RTF stands for Ready To Fly, meaning these planes come pre-assembled from the factory, all you need to do is take the plane out of the box, out in the batteries and start flying. No assembly is needed.
Body Style
If you are a novice, you need to look for a plane that is generally stable and is smooth when it comes to take-off and handling. Generally, planes with a wide wingspan are stable and balanced. You don’t want to be expending your energy on keeping the plane in the air. As a beginner, you want to be enjoying yourself not worrying about the plane falling to the ground. Once you get the hang of it though, you can upgrade to more advanced planes.
Keep in mind though, that the plane will crash and fall in the first few tries. Therefore, always look for a cheap, durable and dependable RC airplane. Flying a plane is an art that requires practice and skill. You will learn the art by trying in the park or by learning from your elders. If you are struggling you can always ask for help in the park where even veterans can be seen flying their model planes.
Resouce:
Design & Build Your Own Electric RC Airplane – Instructables