If you are just getting started with a flying hobby or just need a little flying relaxation, then a remote-controlled glider is just what you need.

When it comes to flying remote-controlled planes and jets, you get agility and speed, but they can be a tad finicky to fly - especially for beginners.

But with gliders, you get an aircraft that soars through the air at a slower speed, giving you increased reaction time and a great means to learn how to fly an RC model aircraft.

In this review, we've chosen 10 the best RC gliders that you can buy on the market. Let's dig in!

ProductChannelsAssembly TypeBattery
E-flite UMX Radian3-ChannelsBNF3.7V 150mAh 25C Li-Po
ParkZone Conscendo Advanced6-ChannelsBNF3S Li-Po
RC Cessna 2.4Ghz2-ChannelsBNF3.7V 300mAh Li-Po
ZS1 Predator 6602-ChannelsRTF450mAh Li-Po
Volantex RC Ranger6003-ChannelsRTF3.7V room An Li-Po
Cobra E-glider A420-BNF-
YSTFLY Outdoor Plane2-ChannelsRTF3 Lithium Polymer
E-flite Night Radian6-ChannelsBNF3S Li-Po
LONGZUYS Airplane Glider2-ChannelsRTF3.7V 300mAh Li-Po
AS-fairy toys WLtoys A1003-ChannelsRTF3S Li-Po

E-Flite U2980 UMX Radian

E-Flite Radian rc glider.

E-Flite is a well-known brand in the world of RCs. This model is the E-flite U2980 UMX Radian, a good looking bind-n-fly (BNF) glider that features a modern aerodynamic design.

The UMX Radian is a smaller version of the much larger and famous ParkZone Radian. And, it is definitely one of the overall best RC gliders on the market.

With great features at an even better price, this powerful little sailplane is a joy to fly once you get the hang of it.

The Radian is a lightweight plane made of foam and supported by strong carbon fiber. If you're thinking the foam makes it be a cheaply made low-quality plane, then you are wrong.

Actually, the molded foam is the great construction material for gliders as it gives them a great lift and better gliding capabilities. We really like the one-piece wing that comes with it that is quick to remove and makes the plane easy to store.

The unique body on this bird makes it highly durable and responsive while offering a long flight range. The streamlined and wide design ensures for high maneuverability and smoother handling. It feels just right flying this bird.

Don’t be fooled by the small size of the Radian, it packs a lot of flying power. While it might not have the Panic button feature, the single-wing design ensures it is still easy to operate and fly.

It also features a contoured spinner with a folding propeller that further enhances its glide efficiency. It has a three-axis stabilization feature that provides easy and stable flight and gets it better resistance against wind and other disturbances.

With its small size and ease of handling, this ultra-lightweight glider can be flown both indoors and outdoors.

Take note that unless you are living in a mansion, then the regular-sized homes don’t qualify as indoors here. You’d be requiring a spacious area while still indoors.

Since the Radian is a bind-n-fly (BNF) plane, then to be complete it’d be requiring a DSM2/DSMX transmitter. Assembly time is about an hour and flight time is 8 to 10 minutes at best.

A lot of ‘Affordable’ planes on the market claim to offer a quality flying experience for a low price. However, the reality is that only a few of them can match the UMX Radian in quality at a price point.

This aircraft is undoubtedly one of the best RC planes on the market.

Technical Specs

  • Product Dimension: 31 × 10 × 4.3
  • Product Weight: 1.44 ounces
  • Product material: Molded foam
  • Flying Weight: 43g
  • Wingspan: 28.7 in
  • Flight Time: 8 to 10 minutes
  • Manufacturer Recommended Age: 14 years and above

Pros

  • Ultra-lightweight design
  • Can be flown indoors and outdoors
  • Small scale design
  • Made of carbon fiber
  • Aerodynamic design

Cons

  • Needs a transmitter to be complete
  • Short battery life

ParkZone Conscendo Advanced

ParkZone Conscendo rc glider.

The ParkZone Conscendo Advanced is a sleek acrobatic performer with a 1.5-meter wingspan.

It features a 1300mAh Li-Po battery that allows for long stretches in the wild blue yonder and an efficient 37-size brushless motor combined with a 30-amp ESC that delivers outstanding thrust.

This model should not be confused with the unadvanced Conscendo, as this is an upgrade to that version.

It is made from durable EPO foam that results in an RC plane that guarantees protection from external elements, while still making it possible to replicate complex shapes in a lightweight form with precision.

The wing has fiberglass running through it that'd give some resistance to flexing when there is a rough landing.

To top that, this bird can endure prolonged dives and belly landing all thanks to the carbon and composite reinforcement in its fuselage.

Out of the box, the Conscendo screws together with minimal fuss. You can get the Conscendo assembled and up and flying in half an hour.

If need be, it can be assembled and dissembled for storage or transport quickly and easily all thanks to its plug-in wings.

It features the AS3X technology that works quickly behind scenes to perform an excellent job of smoothing out wind and turbulence effects.

The optional SAFE Select technology built into the receiver provides automatic self-leveling, pitch and bank angle limits that prevent it from pitching upside down, and an easy switch to SAFE mode with no programming required.

You get an even safer landing and better glide performance all thanks to its ESC brake feature that folds the propeller automatically.

With its sleek airframe, this bird can cut through the air with a high level of efficiency. Its generous 1.5-meter wingspan enables sleek acrobatic performance to deliver high lift potential and slow touch-down speeds.

The Conscendo has been able to keep weight and drag to the barest minimum with its simple configuration.

You only have to hand launch this glider to watch it quickly climb to high altitude from which you can bring down the throttle and watch the propeller folding.

Alternatively, you can go beyond the glider experience by leaving the power on and making use of the 4-Channel control. Either way, you are bound to be amazed by its crisp sporty aerobatic performance.

All in all the Conscendo gives you an extra margin of safety while you are still trying to familiarize yourself with it. Enjoy air time anytime and cruise the sky with the Conscendo Advanced.

Technical Specs

  • Product Dimension: 53.2 × 17 × 7 inches
  • Product Weight: 7.8 pounds
  • Product Material: EPO foam
  • Flight Time: 10 mins+
  • Wingspan: 1.5 m
  • Manufacturer Recommended Age: 14 years and up

Pros

  • Folding propeller
  • Quick to assemble
  • Sleek airframe
  • Powered glider with sports aerobatic performance

Cons

  • Thin and vulnerable fuselage
  • Bind-n-Fly (BNF) version

RC Cessna 2.4GHz 2 Channels RTF Plane

RC Cessna rc glider,

The RC Cessna Plane 2.4 GHz is the ultimate budget, beginner-friendly RC plane. For under the cost of a dinner for 2, you get a standard RC plane that you could teach yourself to fly with.

While the RC Cessna 2.4 GHz might not be sporting the latest modern RC planes features like SAFE flying mode, AS3X tech or a 4-Channel flight, learning to fly with this bird is effortless.

Even though it can't stand in line with the top of the range RC planes, it has been designed with one thing in mind: giving users straight-forward and dependable access to flying a plane.

It matters not what your budget is, or the level of your experience, the RC Cessna 2.4 GHz will have you soaring in the air within minutes.

With the unique 3-axis gyroscope for stable and smooth flying, the RC plane is a lot more resistant and resilient to wind and other common disturbances.

We also admired its 15-minutes battery life and the brilliant range of 80 to 100 meters that provide an extended flight time – that way you get to focus more of your energy on actual flying.

It also makes use of a coreless 716A motor that combines power and durability without interfering with the flight time.

It is super easy to launch this plane, just throw it or slide it off and watch it take off. Once it is airborne, it takes to the sky as a duck takes to water.

Keep in mind that it is a lightweight model, so if the atmospheric condition is too windy, it won’t perform well.

There is some assembling to do with this plane as it only comes 50% assembled. But don’t worry, the steps are all outlined in the instruction manual that comes with it so it is not going to be something overly complicated.

One other perk is that you don’t have to worry about getting the RC Cessna 2.4 GHz and having it grounded the next day.

This is because it is made from lightweight and durable EPP foam that protects it from overconfident pilots that gets a wee bit too brave behind the controls. While being under-budget, it still manages to take beginners' recklessness in good spirit and shrug off impact with ease.

A budget-friendly price and a classical design combined with great durability make the Cessna an outstanding glider to buy. If you are a beginner searching for a good deal, then this model is highly recommended.

Technical Specs

  • Product Dimensions: 15 × 12 × 5.4
  • Product Weight: 9.9 ounces
  • Product Material: EPP foam
  • Flying Weight: 50g
  • Wingspan: 310mm
  • Flight Time: 15 minutes
  • Manufacturer Recommended Age: 14 years and up

Pros

  • Made from durable EPP material that prevents breakage
  • Its light weight makes it easily transportable
  • Long-lasting battery provides 15 minutes of air time

Cons

  • Its light weight makes it unsuitable for windy conditions

ZS1 Predator 660mm

zs-1 predator rc glider.

The ZSI predator sets the precedence for what glider planes should emulate, from an efficient aerodynamic contoured design to a powerful 450mAh Li-Po battery that offers long flying time.

The ZSI power is provided by a powerful 816 motor that gives it plenty of speed in the air.

With a 2.4Ghz 2-Channel remote control, you have enough control to achieve up, down, turn left and turn right functions while soaring. It also features a lengthy 20 minutes of flight time off a single charge and a control range of about 150 meters.

The ZSI predator doesn’t stop at that at trying to impress.

It tops up its performance with its 3-axis gyro stabilization system that automatically stabilizes its flight. That way, even the rookie pilot won’t be limited by their inability to be adventurous.

Another element of the ZSI predator that is worth talking about is the way the body has been specially crafted to enhance its durability.

That can be seen from the non-toxic and durable EPP foam material it is built with, to the nose that has been specially sculpted to take more impact, and to the V-shaped tail that allows for more steadiness.

All these features are good news for the newbies that might find themselves notching a few crashes on their belt as they are learning.

Technical Specs

  • Product Dimension: 16.3 × 4.6 × 3.9
  • Product Weight: 1.2 pounds
  • Product Material: EPP foam
  • Flying Weight: 88g
  • Wingspan: 660mm
  • Flight Time: 20 minutes
  • Manufacturer Recommended Age: 12 years and up

Pros

  • EPP durable material
  • Soft sturdy wheels
  • Long flying time

Cons

    VOLANTEX RC Ranger 600

    Volantex Rc ranger 600

    The Ranger 600 is a remote-controlled pre-assembled ready to fly glider from Volantex. Volantex is a well-known name in the world of RC planes.

    The Ranger 600 features a 6-axis gyro stabilization system that results in better stability and resistance to altitude displacement.

    It also helps control unexpected speeding up which enables beginners to avoid a hard landing and crashes.

    But that’s not all.

    It has more to offer beginners with its 3-level flight assist feature that helps them learn how to fly in a step by step manner.

    As they become more proficient in flying, they get to move on to the next mode. They can start out with the beginner or intermediate mode that has full/partial assist and will provide a functional limit on the rudder and elevator to prevent unnecessary mishap borne of inexperience.

    Then there is the expert level that takes the training wheel off and offers full manual control.

    One feature with which Volantex has been able to outdo themselves is the One Key Return that further makes flying easier for beginners.

    Volantex has used a backward pusher arrangement that makes the Ranger glide as slow as a bird of prey soaring on thermals. It also gives a sort of protection to the flight propeller in the case of a crash.

    If assembling and tinkering aren’t really your thing, then you should definitely consider the Volantex RC Ranger.

    There isn’t much to dislike about the Volantex Ranger, it is tough-as-nails, well-engineered and large enough to please the hardcore RC enthusiasts.

    The Ranger will leave you wondering why you would ever need to spend any more on RC planes.

    A lot of RC planes favor technical innovations over cosmetic designs, but this slick-looking ride takes the two into account.

    The Volantex Ranger 600 comes drenched in eye-catching streaks of red and black hue against a white background, making it appropriate for both display and flight.

    Regardless of how you look at the Volantex Ranger, it really is a top of the range RC glider. It comes ready to fly with no assembly required and can be up in the air within minutes of unboxing.

    Technical Specs

    • Product Material: EPP foam
    • Flying Weight: 70g
    • Wingspan: 600mm
    • Flight Time: 20 minutes
    • Manufacturer Recommended Age: 14 years above

    Pros

    • 6-axis gyro stabilization system
    • One-key return
    • 20 minutes of flight time
    • Backward pusher arrangement
    • Beginner, intermediate and advanced level of flight

    Cons

    • Long charging time
    • Motor is hard to access

    Cobra Remote Control E-glider A420

    Cobra A-420 rc glider.

    Searching for some weekend fun? Then the Cobra E-glider A420 is right for it. The Cobra E-glider comes highly recommended especially if you are a beginner in search of a good deal.

    While the Cobra does have a somewhat basic design, it is the type of toy plane a lot of us dreamed about when we were still kids.

    Its yellow classic retro design confers an element of sophistication to it, especially when viewed in grand contrast to a royal blue sky.

    It is just the thing you need if you want to introduce your young ones to the joy of powered flights.

    Not only will it bright yellow color appeal to the younger ones, but if a mishap occurs and the Cobra goes down, it would be easier to sport.

    The appeal of the Cobra E-glider extends to include the fact that it has a simple dual prop design. This means that you can rotate it at different speeds to steer.

    The durable soft EPP foam it is built with provides impact protection when you are on the move and its compact structure allows for easy storage and transportation.

    One other perk is that you don’t have to drastically reduce your fun because of short flight time as the Cobra E-glider comes with 20 minutes of fun per charge.

    It has a 2.4 GHz transmitter powered by 6 AAA batteries (not included). You also get a flight window of about 100 meters in diameter. You can either launch it by hand or choose the runway style to get this glider airborne.

    The Cobra E-glider is extremely light while still durable at the same thing. Although the Cobra cannot perform overly sophisticated maneuvers, with some practice, pilots can master some basic stunts.

    It would serve as a great gift for kids. And, it would even have you wondering why you didn’t purchase one of these beauties for yourself once you see them take it out for the first time.

    All in all, the Cobra E-glider A420 is a no-frills, quintessential RC plane that provides the owner with an entertaining experience.

    Technical Specs

    • Product Dimensions: 14 × 12 × 3.5
    • Product Weight: 15.2 ounces
    • Product Material: EPP foam
    • Range: 100m
    • Flight Time: 15 to 20 minutes
    • Manufacturer Recommended Age: 10 years and up

    Pros

    • Built from durable EPP foam
    • Has a relatively long flight time

    Cons

    • Batteries not included

    YSTFLY 2CH Outdoor RTF RC Plane

    YSTFLY rc glider.

    The perfect foam RC plane for beginners, the YSTFLY 2.4 GHz Outdoor plane, is super easy to fly. This beginner-friendly plane has been able to cut costs down by doing away with some of the extras found on more expensive gliders.

    Even though it only allows for a 2-Channel control, that doesn’t in any way cheapen the fun you get with the YSTFLY. It is made from durable EPP material which makes it lightweight, but sturdy enough to handle crashes. It includes a 2.4 GHz controller that cuts out interference from external signals (also a plus for beginners).

    With its colorful accent, the YSTFLY is great for newbies and enthusiasts alike. The flight time is between 18 and 20 minutes, and it takes about 40 minutes to charge, which is faster than many other RC planes out there.

    It can only be flown outdoors and offers a maximum range of 150meters.

    While some of the tops of the range models might have so much more to offer than the YSTFLY, this small powerhouse still has so much to offer that would make you think twice.

    Technical Specs

    • Product Dimension: 15 × 12.6 × 3.1
    • Product Weight: 1.44 ounces
    • Product Material: EPP foam
    • Flight Time: 15 to 20 minutes
    • Manufacturer Recommended Age: 14 years

    Pros

    • It is beginner-friendly
    • It has a relatively long flying time

    Cons

    E-Flite Night Radian

    E-Flite-Night-Radian

    If you thought that the E-flite UMX Radian was an exciting prospect, then you'd fall in love with the E-flite Night Radian.

    It features a 30A Brushless ESC motor that manages to make the blend between powerful and quiet.

    But the real trip of the E-Flite Night Radian is that it is equipped with high-visibility LED lights that feature 100+ vivid colors that offer easy visibility when flying at dusk.

    E-Flite has taken things a notch higher by programming the LED lights to show various timing combinations, sequences and colors all managed from a built-in controller.

    It would be pure joy, and just a little bit short of magical, flying the Radian at night.

    You won’t be wrong if you say the Night Radian is the original UMX Radian on steroids.

    E-Flite was able to partner with the Flite test crew to build upon the unique capabilities and appearance of the original Radian 2-meter model glider to create a more versatile aircraft.

    The Night Radian is quite quick and easy to assemble with no glue required.

    In fact, you don't have to be familiar with building model airplanes to have it ready in less than it takes to charge a battery.

    Storing and transporting it is also quite easy and convenient, as its two-piece, bolt-on wings make assembling and disassembling easy.

    It features the optional-use SAFE select technology that gives the new user a margin of safety.

    Then the AS3X tech also works quietly behind the scene to provide a smoother flight performance in windy and high-lift conditions.

    The Night Radian is exceptional for a model in its class. Everything from its two-blade propeller to its composite re-inforced molded EPO material to the powerful brushless outrunner motor is significant.

    They combine to give the Night Radian the ideal power-weight ratio that results in thrilling launches and high altitude efficiency.

    The E-flite Night Radian is just about everything you would want in a high-performance glider. It was beautifully executed and conceived, fast and dependable.

    Technical Specs

    • Product Dimensions: 56.5 × 16.5 × 6.4
    • Product Material: EPO
    • Product Weight: 3.65 pounds
    • Wingspan: 2.0m
    • Manufacturer Recommended Age: 14 years and above

    Pros

    • Lightweight and durable construction
    • Easy to assemble/disassemble
    • AS3X and SAFE select technology for more stability

    Cons

    • Fuselage is not very strong

    LONGZUYS Remote Control Airplane Glider

    LONGZUYS RC Glider.

    Compact, strong and nimble, the LONGZUYS is an ideal entry-level plane for anyone trying to get into the plane flying world. This great looking plane adopts a high efficient pneumatic contour design that gives it better gliding performance.

    The 2.4 GHz remote control allows for a 4-directional flight which allows you to ascend, descend, turn left and turn right.

    The plane’s fuselage is made from durable EPP foam that is quite resilient. The built-in 3.7V 300mAh Li-Po battery takes an average of 20 to 25 minutes to charge.

    You should get a 6 minutes flight time from it at a control range of 100 to 200 meters.

    Despite its small size, the LONGZUYS seems to handle like a much larger plane. While being small and easy to control enough for beginners, it still offers enough power and maneuverability to catch the attention of more experienced RC aviators.

    There are no bewildering flight features you need to master or any surprising avionics. With the LONGZUYS, all you get is predictable logical responses.

    It is an ideal starter plane for both kids and adults. And at a fraction of the price of some top range models, the LONGZUYS is a steal as well.

    Technical Specs

    • Product Dimension: 16.1 × 8 × 3.9
    • Product Material: Durable EPP
    • Product Weight: 13.6ounces
    • Wingspan: 15.35in
    • Flight Time: 6 minutes
    • Manufacturer Recommended Age: 3 months and above

    Pros

    • Beginner friendly
    • Built with durable EPP material

    Cons

      ASfairy-Toy WLtoys A100

      Asfairy Wltoys rc glider.

      The ASfairy-Toy A100 has a slew of things going on for it, including a built-in six-axis gyroscope flight auto-stability system, its patented rudder surface operation structure and its dual power motor.

      This 3-Channel control glider features throttle, elevator and rudder capabilities. Being a 3-channel control with no aileron, it is easier controlling it.

      The plane comes with a built-in Li-Po battery with a 2.4 GHz frequency and a control distance of 200 meters.

      For a basic starter plane, it is hard to beat the ASfairy-Toy A100.

      This easy-going all-around park flyer is up for anything with its combination of features that allows everyone, from newbies to the expert sticks enjoy a flying experience like no other.

      Technical Specs

      • Product Dimension: 17.7 × 14.3 × 4.3
      • Product Weight: 1.76 pounds
      • Product Material: EPP foam
      • Flying Weight: 65 grams
      • Wingspan: 58cm
      • Flight Time: 8 minutes
      • Manufacturer Recommended Age: 14 years and up

      Pros

      • Easy to control
      • Features an auto-stability system

      Cons

      Buyer's Guide: How to pick up the best Glider for your needs

      RC gliders are diverse in nature. While some remote-controlled gliders can offer beginners a gentle introduction to RC flying hobby, others offer some truly exhilarating and acrobatic opportunities.

      Typical mistake beginners make is falling in love with a glider's sleek design and basing their buying criteria on appearance alone.

      While it isn't totally bad to want something that's visually appealing, however, you should know that looks alone aren't enough.

      So what other considerations should you have in mind before parting with your hard-earned cash? Read on to find out.

      Plane Design

      Your first RC glider should be stable and forgiving. Right now, your priority shouldn't be about how cool it looks or how fast it can fly.

      Rather, look out for its durability, material used for its built and it controls. While getting a 100 percent crash-resistant model is quite far-fetched, you should at least get one with high resilience.

      Examples of some durable and stable materials include high-quality foam, carbon fiber, glass fiber, etc.

      Ease of Assembly

      If you get a plane whose components have to be assembled from scratch, instead of having immediate fun, you get stuck with completing your plane.

      So generally - especially for a beginner - the less tinkering you have to do to get the model airborne the better.

      If you would rather by-pass the assembling process, then go for RTFs (Ready to Fly) or ARTFs (Almost Ready To Fly) rather than BNFs (Bind And Fly) model.

      Availability of Spare Parts

      Even the most experienced RC pilots have crashed from time to time - let alone someone just learning the ropes.

      Therefore, opt for an RC brand that has ready spare parts. There is nothing more irritating than falling into the hard-to-source spares trap when you have started having fun with your RC.

      Launching Options

      RC gliders can be launched in different ways. The launch mechanism could be manual or automatic.

      Gliders with the automatic launching mechanism use a motor to get the plane airborne. Manually launched gliders are usually smaller and have to be launched by hand.

      They have small motors built in that lift them once they've been let go. Other launch methods include Discuss launching, Piggyback launching and Winch launching.

      Battery Charge and Flight Time

      In order to have maximum fun, consider a model with short charging time and longer flying time. These are usually stated by the manufacturer in minutes.

      Wrapping Up

      With the ability to soar through the air, gliders serve as an inexpensive way to see how it feels like piloting an aircraft.

      They are incredibly easy to use and will provide countless hours of fun for you and your loved ones.

      In this post, we have selected 10 the best remote controlled gliders based on their features, durability, and affordability, and have created a buying guide to go with it. We hope it is of help when you're about picking up one of these beauties!

      About the author

      Edward Simpson

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