Humans have been dreaming of flying since the beginning of time. Icarus took flight with wings made of wax and feathers, and ever since then, we’ve been looking for ways to take to the skies. Gladly, with the inventions of the last century, human can fly high in many ways. And then there are RC helicopters.
When shopping for the best RC helicopter, make sure you consider the flight time. Try getting at least 5 to 8 minutes of flight time, while more expensive options will offer around 15 mins. You should also focus on the overall build and durability, so that in case of heavy weather or hard landing your heli won’t fall apart, especially if you’re a beginner. We reviewed 33 models and rounded up our 8 top picks, where the Syma RC Helicopter is our Editor’ Choice.
Extra features: altitude hold, one-key takeoff/landing, anti-collision, 2 selectable frequencies, flashlight, emergency stop
Syma RC is a ready-to-fly helicopter model that comes with one key takeoff/landing feature. The one key takeoff feature allows the helicopter to automatically remain at a certain altitude after taking off. On the other hand, the one key landing feature allows the helicopter to fly down slowly before the motor stops. We prefer this helicopter model because it is certified by several bodies, including CE, FCC and ROHS, making it safe for your child.
The Syma RC Helicopter was our editor’s choice because it has a remote controller with 2.4GHz, supporting a 787-inch flight range. As a result, small kids and beginners can easily control it. This range also allows your child to enjoy playing with the helicopter. When the helicopter’s blades are hit, they will continue rotating, preventing the helicopter from falling randomly. Additionally, your kid will enjoy using this helicopter outdoors since you can stop flying it using the remote when it goes out of sight.
Both the Syma RC Helicopter and the Cheerwing U12 from our list come with remotes powered by the 2.4GHz DSM2 receiver. The main difference between the two models is that the former charges for 60 minutes while the latter takes 80 minutes. Therefore, the Syma model is more convenient than the Cheerwing U12.
Extra features: 2-speed modes, LED lights, altitude hold, one-key takeoff/landing, emergency stop
The ONG Namo is a remote-control Helicopter made with a strong metal body and flexible blades. It comes with a USB charging cable, enabling you to change your helicopter whenever you want, and the maximum charging time is one hour. The ONG Namo RC Helicopter is among the best remote control helicopter models we’ve used so far. It comes with two modular batteries, allowing you to fly it for a maximum of 20 minutes.
If you are looking for the best outdoor RC helicopter, this model will suit your needs. It comes with an in-built Gyroscope that allows you to fly freely. The helicopter also has one key takeoff/landing functionality, enabling it to take off and land with just one button click. Additionally, it comes with LED lights, making it beautiful, especially when you fly it at night. The lights also enable you to see the direction it flies.
The ONG Namo and Syma RC Helicopter models differ in various ways. First, the ONG Namo model has a dimension of 11.46 x 5.98 x 5.87 inches, while the Syma has 13 x 12 x 6.5 inches. Also, the ONG Namo model weighs 0.68 pounds, while the Syma weighs 1 pound, making it easy for your child to play with.
Extra features: altitude hold, one-key takeoff/landing, auto-hovering, LED light, 2 speed modes, anti-collision material
The Cheerwing U12 is a remote-control helicopter model that comes with two batteries, allowing you to enjoy flying the helicopter non-stop. It also comes with various spare parts like the connect buckle and a tail blade that improve your flying experience further. We chose this model because it features the 2.4 GHz frequency technology, allowing more than two people to use it simultaneously.
The Cheerwing U12 RC Helicopter is the best RC helicopter for kids since it has two-speed modes; high and low. As a result, your kids can easily control it. The helicopter also comes with an altitude hold feature, allowing it to hover at the same altitude even when you are not using the controller. Additionally, it has a gyroscopic balance that keeps it stable, enabling you to take good photographs and videos. Finally, you don’t have to worry about losing the helicopter if its battery goes low when flying. When the battery is about to die, the transmitter will beep to notify you so you can take it down fast.
Both the Cheerwing U12 and Syma s107 from our list come with LED lights that make them visible when flying at night. However, the Cheerwing U12 can be used both indoors and outdoors, while Syma s107 is limited to indoor use only, limiting your child from enjoying the outdoor experience.
Extra features: powered by 2 motors and a 3rd motor in the tail, built-in gyroscope to stabilize helicopter’s heading
The Syma s107 is hands down one of the best RC helicopters because its comes with its very own helipad and tons of features that make it easy to fly. As a matter of fact it has been referred to one of the best indoor RC helicopters of all time. This chopper is mainly made of metal, so it will not be cracking anytime soon even if you drop it. When you fly it indoors, it will maneuver around without hitches and the joystick is quite large, so it will be easy to control. One of the best parts of this RC helicopter is the ergonomic controller that makes it easy to work with for any hand size, big or small. The USB transmitter works even when you are few meters away. As for the charging time, the Syma takes about 30 minutes for a full charge and it will keep up for around 8 to 12 minutes flight time. Overall, this is a fantastic chopper for kids and adults alike.
Extra features: flashing LED light
This Cheerwing S107 made it on our list because it comes with amazing features and a classy look. This is an incredible RC helicopter that is easy to fly for anyone, although it is considered a ‘big boy’ helicopter. Its comes in a cool blue color and depicts an appearance of the military-grade helicopters that are just too cool. One of the best things about this RC helicopter is that it is an excellent choice for indoor usage and its featured in a variety of colors that you may like, in case blue doesn’t suit you. The helicopter comes with an infrared remote control that has three primary parts, a central knob and two controls sticks. The control sticks allow you to lean back or forward and turn turn left and right. The central knob is used to tune the frequency, and maintain it once twisted. Keep in mind that with this Cheerwing helicopter you can only fly it indoors, because the slightest gust of wind can spin it out of control.
Extra features: LED lights, ready to use – comes with everything you need to start flying your copter
The E–Flite is by far one of the best ready–to–fly helicopters currently on the market. It is loved by all ages and skill-levels, because it doesn’t require any experience or knowledge. One of the best things about this RC helicopter is that you don’t have to purchase extra components or parts when you fly it – the helicopter comes fully assembled. Once you get this RC helicopter, the only thing you have to do is remove it from the box and start flying it, using the remote control. It features a 5-in-1 control unit, fully powered by the Spektrum 2.4 GHz DSM2 receiver. The E–flite comes with a gyro, fully proportional servos, mixer, and a main motor, all of which combine very well to offer a stable and fast flying experience. It has a sleek body design and LED flashing lights that contribute to the whole beauty of the chopper. As far as performance goes, it comes with a counter–rotating rotor and a coaxial rotor. These give the chopper 100% maneuverability in sharp turns with very minimal control. Overall, this is a powerful and flawless flying helicopter that will please all ages. Apart from the competition, the hidden lock–like performance will ensure you have simple control. One of the best things about the E–flite RC is that you can fly it outdoors in windy areas without worrying.
Extra features: polypropylene frame to withstand crashes
One of the most popular helicopters out there today is the EXCOUP RC helicopter. Its comes with a striking and vibrant red design that makes it stand out. It is easy–to–use and likely to fill many of your afternoons with laughter and excitement. Here’s an updated model from the previous versions and it has a lot to show for it. The EXCOUP chopper can travel in any direction that you direct it, making it perfect for both beginners and experts. It features an electronic infrared gyro that is perfect for keeping the chopper upright and stable at all times during flight. It also comes with an outstanding level of stability, given the fact that it comes with coaxial rotors that work together to keep the chopper levelled, while minimizing risk of crashing. Of course, if you get the chopper for your kids, it is prone to crash at some point. However, this EXCOUP helicopter is made from durable and flexible polypropylene frame, meaning that it will not get damaged during the crash. One of the best things about this RC helicopter is that it comes with flashing LED lights that make flying at night possible – and more fun!
Extra features: coaxial auto–stabilizing rotors for smooth control
If you are looking to buy a remote control helicopter for your kids then GPTOYS for kids in was one of the best you can get. This RC helicopter comes with LED lights in different colors, making it possible to fly it even in the dark. It is definitely one of the best RC choppers for beginners, especially all the kids, and you will have no problem making it work. This RC chopper is quite big, as a matter of fact it is larger than most toy choppers, so it seems a bit more realistic. The flight time for this chopper is 8 minutes and it could take about half an hour to 50 minutes to charge it fully. You can use a USB port to charge it, and the remote control has a range of up to 50 feet. The most recommended age for this helicopter is kids aged 12 and above, and it will make the perfect gift for any kind of occasion
Whether you’re looking for an RC copter for yourself or for your kid, it’s important that you learn what all the specs mean, so that you can study them in greater detail. In this buying guide, we’ve covered the most important features you need to know to ensure you make the best purchase possible.
Everyone has their own way of spending their free time. An RC Helicopter can be a great new hobby to take up, and the best thing is that it’s not too time-consuming: you can choose how long you want to devote to it. With most copters having around 8-12 minutes flight time, you can use them for a quick break from work, to distract your mind. Stealth is one of the biggest advantage of flying RC helicopters. This is because people who fly RC helicopters have more control, faster reaction times and even faster thoughts. The same goes for those that race RC drift cars and drive RC buggies in their spare time. This is to say that when you purchase an RC toy, you will not only be enjoying your hobby, but you will also be exercising your mental skills. Competitions are also usually very good. They improve your social life: you’ll get to meet your friends more often and make new connections with people that share the same interests. During those competitions you feel the thrill of competing, which can be a great stress-reliever.
There are several things you need to consider when purchasing an RC chopper, and we have listed the most important ones below.
You need to consider the time the chopper will last in the air. You should try to get at least 5 to 8 mins of flight time for an average copter from a single charge to get the most out of it. Depending on the source of power, RC choppers can fly as long as 15 minutes. Of course, these are typically more powerful and more expensive.
The flight range of the RC chopper refers to the distance between the remote control and the helicopter at which the helicopter can function.
The range should usually be around 15 feet for indoor models and 50 – 100 feet for outdoor models.
If you are a beginner RC helicopter user, you may want to fly your copter with friends and family. The most basic RC choppers come with 2 channels, which means that you’ll be able to fly two helicopters at the same time. If you have a larger social circle, a better choice would be a 3- or even 4-channel model, as it will allow you to fly three to four RC copters at once. The latter are typically more difficult to find, and, of course, more expensive.
The amount of time it takes to charge your RC helicopter matters a lot. An average RC helicopter with good charge time will be somewhere between 30 minutes to an hour. Powerful RC helicopters or the higher priced models usually take longer to charge but if they have a lithium ion battery, this means that they will have more flight time and will be more durable.
Different RC helicopters come in a variety of materials and designs, and you will find that the material determines the durability of your chopper. Some of the materials you will find include plastic, carbon fiber, aluminum, and glass reinforced plastic. Most blades are made using lightweight material such as fiberglass or wood. Some helicopters come fully assembled, while others have complete kids for people who prefer to assemble themselves. Keep in mind that your helicopter should be lightweight enough for you to fly higher and use power efficiently but also sturdy enough to withstand winds and crashes.
If you’re a beginner, then you need to get a durable RC chopper, like those made of hard plastic polymers or metal, as you’re probably going to be crashing it a lot.
Smaller RC helicopters come with battery–powered motors, making them affordable and convenient, They also do not emit fumes and therefore they are ideal for indoor flights. Electric RC choppers, on the other hand, can fly as long as 12 minutes and larger helicopters have bigger motors that last up to 15 minutes. Some of these larger RC choppers have to run on glow or nitro fuel, while others run on turbine or petro fuel.
When it comes to RC controllers you will find that infrared controllers only work best indoors not outdoors. Make sure you’re clear on where you’ll be using it predominantly, so that you won’t face disappointment if, for example, your copter can’t fly outside.
Ready to fly helicopters are good for kids and beginners because these types come as a fully assembled aircraft, with motors and transmitters already installed. If you don’t like to assemble things, then a ready-to-fly set is a good option. Build and fly RC helicopters, on the other hand, are fully assembled but they lack a transmitter, while custom–built RC choppers are best for hobbyists who love to assemble things on their own. Most RC chopper manufacturers sell individual parts for people looking to custom-build their own machines.
Ensure that you check the battery and the charger that comes with your RC chopper. Lithium–ion batteries should not be overcharged because this decreases their ability to power the toy, and if the charging instructions are not followed, you’ll find that your flight time will decrease greatly. The Cheerwing helicopter, for instance, has a charger with an LED indicator and auto shut–off. Check what the RC chopper you want to get has to offer.
With all the information that we have provided you in this review you can never really go wrong with choosing the best RC helicopter. Consider all the merits and the demerits of each brand as you compare prices, durability and stability, and all the other key factors that we have included in our review. The Syma RC Helicopter, for instance, is one of the best in this review and for very good reasons. With 4 frequency channels and 8 minutes of flight time, a maximum range of 30 feet, and LED lights, you get an all-rounder that you and your kids will enjoy.
The ONG Namo RC Helicopter is also a great RC helicopter because it features three frequency channels, a maximum range of 39 feet and has LED lights that make it easy to fly at night as well. In addition to that, you get a long battery life as well as a beautiful (and durable!) design. The Cheerwing U12 RC Helicopter is another RC helicopter you should consider getting, because its comes with a gyroscope, in a variety of different color and has a quick charging time. It is affordable and on top of that, durable. Of course, all the choppers in this review are incredible options, but feel free to use our buying guide to determine what you’re looking for. Consider all the factors we have included, and use them to find the best RC chopper for your needs.
