Top 10 RC Helicopters on the market
1. Syma S111 G - The best RC helicopter right now
A great little RC helicopter from Syma, modeled after the Agusta-Bell AB139 painted with coastguard’s red and white color pattern and featuring bright LEDs adding to the whole realistic look.
It has coaxial main rotors and a horizontal tail rotor to control pitch.
The vertical tail rotor doesn’t actually work and is there for decorative purposes only.
The S111 is designed to fly indoors and in confined spaces, making it ideal for your living room.
It’s very stable, hovers with ease, and can pull all the moves of a real helicopter except moving sideways. The build quality is excellent, and the plastic body looks pretty sturdy.
It’s great for take-offs and landings on small imaginary helipads, and slaloming around the furniture. The battery will give you around seven minutes of pure fun.
Technical Features:
- Coaxial rotors
- IR transmitter
- 150 mAh LiPo battery
- Gyro Stability System
2. E-Flite Blade mCX2 RTF
A very capable ultra-micro helicopter with great characteristics like true coaxial counter-rotating rotor head and controllable swashplate.
The blade is one of the best remote control helicopters for beginners and an ideal trainer.
At the same time, it’s a super fun helicopter with great precision and enough speed to satisfy more demanding pilots.
The blade has two micromotors that provide enough power to lift and move it around without the need for a big battery.
The included 120 mAh LiPo keeps things ultralight and can still provide around 7 minutes of flight time.
The 2.4 GHz Spektrum transmitter looks more like a gamepad but has a great feel and more than enough range.
Something that you can’t use outdoors though since the Blade would struggle even with light winds.
Technical Features:
- Dual micro coreless motors
- The coaxial counter-rotating rotor head
- 4 Channel control
- 2.4GHz Spektrum transmitter
- Gyro & Fully proportional servos
3.E-Flite Blade mCX BNF
One more twin-rotor from E-Flite series, in bind n’ fly edition. This tiny yellow helicopter weighs just 1oz, but has proper 4-channel controls and flies like a dream.
Naturally, it’s so small and light that you can only flight it indoors, but that’s exactly the type of use the mCX was made for.
The tiny 1S LiPo battery powers two micro-motors which in turn spin two counter-rotating rotors.
Of course, there is no tail rotor and the helicopter yaws by altering the speed of the rotors, allowing the torque reaction to turn it. This makes the mCX very stable and easy to fly in confined spaces.
For a transmitter, you are going to need a 4-channel DSM2 compatible one.
If you already own a transmitter, then the mCX is a great way to enter the amazing world of choppers and learn how to fly one from the comfort of your sofa.
And if you happen to have a crash or two, no worries, this little bird can take a lot of punishment.
Technical Features:
- Twin contra-rotating rotors
- 4-Channel control
- 1S LiPo Battery
- Dual micromotors
4.Syma S107 G
One more toy copter from Syma, this one coming in five funky colors. The S107 is not modeled after a real helicopter but is looking like a sport RC helicopter with visible metal frame and moving parts.
It has 3-channel control: up/down, forward/backward, and yaw, which makes it extremely easy to use and suitable for kids.
There is a gyro keeping things under control and making every move smooth.
The quality is very good for the money, with the twin-rotor having folding propellers which minimize potential damage from crashes and the metallic frame being able to handle anything you throw at it, or rather any place you throw it at.
The IR transmitter has two frequency modes so that you can fly two S107s in a room at the same time! Anyone up for a dogfight?
Technical Features:
- Coaxial counter-rotating rotors
- Durable metal frame
- IR transmitter with two modes
- Gyro system
5. Haktoys Hak 303
An ultra-micro indoor helicopter with twin rotors, a gyro stabilizing system, and 3-channel control. It comes in two flashy colors: lime green and laser blue, and is equipped with powerful LED lights giving it a very distinctive appearance.
Stable and easy to pilot, the Hak 303 is equally suitable for young kids and kids at heart.
The twin rotors take care of all movement, including yaw, and the horizontal tail rotor makes sure that the helicopter remains level at all times.
The tiny LiPo battery is good enough for six to eight minutes of flying, and the IR transmitter is more than enough for indoor use —which is the only environment where this helicopter should fly, anyway.
The money-to-fun ratio of this thing is insane, and it will give you hours of joy for a long time.
Technical Features:
- Gyro stability system
- Twin contra-rotating rotors
- 3 Channel control
- IR transmitter
- LED lighting
6. Syma S109G
The AH-64 Apache is an attack helicopter that induced groundbreaking innovations and technology, changing modern warfare forever.
If you were ever dreaming of flying one, now you can do it with the Syma S190 G.
It’s an ultra-micro helicopter modeled after the famous gunship, and when it’s flying, it looks like the real thing.
Like most of Syma’s helicopters, this one has a gyro and it’s suitable for kids.
That’s because it is very easy to fly and also very durable to withstand direct hits on the wall and floor without sustaining damage, within reason of course.
It’s designed to fly only indoors, and even though the IR transmitter has a range of 50ft, the S109 G wouldn’t cope with any kind of winds outside.
The Lithium Polymer battery has a life of five to six minutes.
Technical Features:
- Gyro stabilization
- Twin Rotors
- 3 Channel Control
- LED lights
- IR transmitter
7. Horizon Hobby Blade 70 S
Horizon Hobby is the company behind the E-Flite series, so naturally, every single of its products raises expectations. The Blade 70 S is a serious top-rated radio-controlled helicopter for indoor and outdoor use.
It has a classic main rotor/tail rotor configuration which gives it 4 channels of control and realistic flying behavior.
It doesn’t have the usual fly bar for stabilization that most RC helicopters of this category do, but the well-known SAFE system which is Horizon’s sophisticated electronic stabilization system used in many of their airplanes and bigger helicopters.
The blade is for beginners who are willing to commit the time and effort needed to fly a helicopter, it’s going to take some practice.
It’s a stable helicopter but, if you let it hover by itself, it won’t happen.
This is an aircraft you have to control constantly, with delicate moves on the sticks and micro corrections. And this is what makes it a great trainer for bigger helicopters and drones alike.
If you can learn to fly the Blade well, then any drone will feel like a piece of cake to you.
Technical Features:
- SAFE stability system
- 4 Channel Control
- 2.4 GHz transmitter
- Fixed pitch rotor
- 1S LiPo Battery
8. Ouyawei XK 100 3D
This is one of the best RC helicopters out there, with amazing features, offering excellent value for money. The XK 100 is a full 6-channel control helicopter with collective pitch.
This means that the throttle stick doesn’t control only the main rotor throttle, but also the pitch of the blades making the helicopter’s response to controls lightning-fast, but demanding much more control from the pilot.
Having said that, the XK 100 is pretty stable for a CP helicopter, but for some people, it would be safer to start flying with a 4 channel fixed pitch helicopter.
The XK 100 has a 6-axis gyro mode and a 3-axis 3D mode. The former takes a lot of strain from beginners, helping with stabilization and auto-leveling.
The latter allows for the XK 100 to unfold all its abilities and do the crazy stuff like flips, inverted flight, side flying, etc.
The transmitter is one of the best I’ve seen and could justify the cost all by itself. It has many adjustments, great feel on the sticks, and a very good LCD.
The battery is a standard 1S type 250mAh and can last for 5 to 7 minutes which is not bad for a fast bird like this.
All in all, if you’re serious about getting into the RC helicopter world you won’t find anything with better value for your money in the market. It’s this good.
Technical Features:
- 6 Channel control
- Collective pitch
- Gyro stability mode
- 3D mode
- 2.4 GHz transmitter
9. Syma S 39
Measuring a little more than 14 inches in length, the S 39 is bigger than most toy copters.
Other than that, it’s very similar to its ultra-micro siblings with twin rotors and a stability system that makes it rock-solid in the air. The ABS cover and metal frame are of good quality and looking great too.
My only objection is the battery cable which looks like an afterthought the way it protrudes from the side of the fuselage.
The IR transmitter is one of those looking like a game-pad and. It has two frequency modes and works well, I would prefer if it had better and longer sticks though.
A great thing about the S39 is the second battery which is always good to have, especially with these helicopters.
Overall it’s a pretty nice RC helicopter.
Technical Features:
- 2 LiPo batteries
- IR transmitter with 2 frequencies
- Gyro stability system
- 3 Channel controls
10. WLtoys V911
A great little RC helicopter; small in the eye, but with big flying abilities. The V911 is a proper 4-channel, single main rotor/tail rotor helicopter with a gyro stability system that will assist you but won’t fly it for you.
It is still suitable for beginners, but only for those who will devote the time and effort to learn how to properly fly this helicopter.
If you have the patience, the V911 will reward you, if not then you should definitely look for something simpler.
One of its advantages is that it has two flying modes, affecting the sensitivity and angles of the helicopter.
Mode 1 is better for small spaces and beginners, while mode 2 will work better outside, giving you better speed and enough power to cope with the wind.
The 2.4GHz transmitter has more range than you would ever need for such a small helicopter. It also features a nice LCD, and even though the quality is excellent the hard textured plastic around the sticks looks a bit cheap.
Its value for money ratio is awesome, especially considering that it has a second battery.
Technical Features:
- Single main and tail rotor configuration
- 2.4GHz radio transmitter
- 2 Batteries 120Ah 3.7V
- Gyro Stability control with 2 flying modes
- 4 Channel control
Best Helicopters for Beginners
1. Vatos 01
If you’re looking for something simple to fly around your house, then the Vatos 01 certainly fills the bill.
Measuring less than 9 inches in length, this small RC helicopter is equipped with a gyro stability system, which makes it easy to fly even by small children.
The 3-channel control is very easy to get a grasp on, and the twin-rotor provides the necessary stability to fly and hover it with confidence.
It is brilliant for inside the house and tough enough to take all the crashes that come with indoor flying.
The transmitter is a classic IR one and will need six AA batteries to work. The included 250mAh battery can keep the Vatos on the air for about 8 minutes.
The red and black body is well made, and the LEDs always give a nice touch. Overall, you can’t go wrong with the Vatos 01.
Technical Features:
- Gyro stabilization
- Twin Rotors
- 3 Channel Control
- IR transmitter
- LED lights
2. E-Flite UMX Cessna 182 BNF
This helicopter from Syma is two times bigger than most 3-channel ultra-micro helicopters that are in the market right now.
It’s suitable for beginners but will need big indoor spaces to fly. If this isn’t an option though, the S 37 can also fly outside, if the conditions are good, without any problem.
The S 37 features a metal alloy chassis which is light and strong at the same time.
It has a classic RC heli shell which leaves most of the S37’s interior visible and comes with two batteries, which is always a bonus. The gamepad style 2.4GHz transmitter does the job but feels a bit cheap and the sticks are just not convenient.
Other than that, it has low and high-speed modes and an auto-hover function which is useful for beginners.
The blades are elastic and retractable, helping the S 37 to cope with crashes, as every beginner’s helicopter should be able to do.
The gyro does a good job keeping the helicopter stable, which is important, especially when flying outdoors.
Technical Features:
- Gyro stabilization
- Twin Rotors
- 3 Channel Control
- 2 Batteries
- 2.4 GHz transmitter
3. HisHer Toy RC Helicopter
This is an indoor RC helicopter with a wicked all-black look and LED lights on the sides and the nose. It’s a classic 3-channel twin-rotor toy copter with gyro control and an infrared transmitter.
Its ease of use makes it suitable for children and parents alike, even for the least skillful.
Another advantage of HisHer is its ability to take a lot of punishment without breaking; very essential for products made for kids.
The transmitter is working fine, and most people shouldn’t have a problem taking this bird for a spin right out of the box.
Flying time is around 5 minutes which is not great, but surely nothing to complain about for the money this helicopter costs.
Technical Features:
- Gyro stabilization
- Twin Rotors
- IR transmitter
- 3 Channel Control
Best Helicopters for indoor flying
1. Cheerwing U12 S
This is an ultra-micro RC helicopter that also has a camera able to transmit 480p video to your phone, and you can control it through FPV.
Naturally, this adds a whole new dimension to this small indoor aircraft. The image is transmitted through Wi-Fi and the helicopter can also record 640x480p video and images.
Now to the flying part, the U12 S is a very stable helicopter, featuring auto hovering as well as one-button take-off and landing.
The transmitter has 2.4GHz technology and to make things even easier for beginners, it features two-speed modes plus range and low battery sound alarms.
The 350mAh battery sounds big for this size category but doesn’t yield more than 5 minutes of flying because of the U12s weight. It’s a great little helicopter at an even greater price.
Technical Features:
- Camera with real-time transmission
- 2.4 GHz transmitter
- Auto hover
- One key take-off and landing
- 350mAh Battery
2. Night Lions Tech N5010
Along with Westminster, this is the smallest helicopter in this review, and it’s tiny! We are not talking about palm-size here, but rather finger size.
The N5010 is less than four inches long, but can still fly like a proper micro helicopter. There is even a gyro system keeping this little bug stable in the air.
True, it isn’t as agile, or fast, or precise as an ultra-micro RC helicopter but it is as fun, if not more.
This little toy copter can turn even small rooms into exciting play worlds. You can try to land it on a tiny shelf, or a book, or a coffee table which looks the size of an island in proportion.
Only your imagination can stop you. It is great for little kids and so light that it’s almost impossible to break or hurt anyone.
My only complaint is that the transmitter looks like it was assembled from spare parts, it still does the job though.
Technical Features:
- 3 Channel control
- Twin rotors
- Gyro stability system
- 80 mAh LiPo battery
3. Westminster RC helicopter
The Westminster is a nano helicopter for indoor use. It has 2 channel control which makes it the simplest aircraft of the review and is suitable for kids.
This tiny twin-rotor mosquito starts moving forward the moment it takes off. You can only control altitude and direction, that’s it.
So if you want a helicopter but have no time or patience to learn how to fly a proper three or four-channel one, then this is for you.
It comes inside a plastic box which is also the charger and the controller. The sticks are pretty small and the controller a bit flimsy, but shouldn’t give you any trouble.
The Westminster is the easiest chopper you can fly and this means zero worries and one hundred percent fun.
You can’t go wrong with it.
Technical Features:
- Twin rotors
- 2 Channel control
- Nanosize
- Double Frequency
Best Helicopters with a Camera
1. WLtoys S977
The S977 is a micro helicopter with an on-board camera capable of recording video and shooting images, but not transmitting footage in real-time.
The helicopter has a typical for the size twin-rotor with counter-rotating blades and a horizontal tail rotor controlling the pitch.
The image quality is good with standard-definition resolution. Included in the box is an SD card with 512mb storage which is big enough for the size of files that the S977 outputs.
The helicopter is stable thanks to the gyro system, but the camera is not on a gimbal, so inevitably the aircraft’s roll and pitch are present in the video.
The transmitter’s design is something between a classic stick controller and a gamepad that works just fine. Naturally, there is a shutter button and one more for video record.
Technical Features:
- SD Camera
- Twin rotors
- Gyro stability system
- 512mb SD card
2. Holy Stone HS 120D
This is a great little quadcopter from Holy Stone that comes at an even greater price. For less than two hundred bucks you get GPS, 1080p video, real-time 720p transmission, and even an 8GB micro SD card.
That’s a lot of staff for something that you would pay three times more, five years ago.
The HS 120D’s flying is rock solid, and thanks to the GPS, it has the ability to return and land by itself in case you choose to, or if it’s facing a problem like low battery or no signal.
The mobile application is actually good and the follow and track modes work surprisingly well.
There is also a waypoint mode where you set points on the map and the drone follows them.
The camera quality is good but there’s no gimbal, so the footage is not stabilized. It can move on the vertical axis though, which gives you more angles to shoot from
If you are looking for a cheap drone with pretty decent specs, the HS 120D is more than a good choice.
The controller is excellent and the hefty 1200mAh battery can give you around fifteen minutes of flying which is awesome.
Technical Features:
- GPS
- FPV Live feed
- 1080p Video
- 1200mAh LiPo battery
- One key take-off & landing
3. Snaptain S5C
A great little drone for beginners, the Snaptain S5C will impress you with its sleek matt black body and LEDs. With a price of less than $100, and a very durable body including propeller guards, it’s a great first drone with many features.
Return-to-home, one key landing and take-off, voice control, flip mode, and gesture control being just some of them.
The camera is 720p with no stabilization which is not bad for the size of the Snaptain. It does have live transmission, but it’s definitely an aircraft that you control with the line of sight rather than FPV.
The two batteries can hold for around ten minutes and the transmitter has three speed modes to smoothen things for the inexperienced.
The gyroscope works well, keeping the altitude stable but when you’re going full speed on the fast mode it tends to lose altitude since the motors can’t handle full speed and altitude at the same time.
Other than this, it flies pretty well and can perform flips in all directions rather easily.
It is ultra-light so you won’t have to register it in most countries. One minor flaw is the awkward position of the right stick on the control which for some reason is placed lower than the left one.
Technical Features:
- 720p Camera
- Real-time video transmission
- Two batteries
- Altitude-hold
- 360 Flip mode
Best Helicopters for Kids
1. Betheaces Flying Ball
This is something different than the usual remote-controlled helicopters.
Betheaces flying ball is a toy copter which is not flown with a transmitter but a proximity sensor that senses when it’s about to touch your hand, head, floor, whatever, and bounces up like a ball.
It sounds very simple, and it is, but it’s actually a very addictive game and kids love it. Simple is beautiful!
The Flying ball is exactly this, a transparent disco-like ball made from ABS plastic, with LEDs inside and a twin-rotor on top.
The battery is not removable and you can charge it by using a simple USB cable provided by the manufacturer. There is also a small remote control that turns the ball on and off.
It’s fairly simple and kids love it. Be aware though that they still have to keep away from the blades.
Technical Features:
- Motion sensor
- Twin rotor
- LED lights
- Take-off/landing remote control
2.LilPals Mini RC Flying Ball
One more flying ball, but with a soccer ball body. This little toy is not only great fun but can actually help children develop their hand-eye coordination while playing. You control it by placing your palm, foot, or head under where a sensor can pick it.
When this happens, the ball motor momentarily raises the rotor speed gaining a bit of altitude before coming down again. It’s a flying bouncing soccer ball.
The LilPals mini flies with the help of a twin-rotor, and even though there is no sophisticated gyro system, the two flying bars are more than enough to keep it steady. It works exactly as it should and has only a single minor flaw, there is no remote control. In order to switch it off, you have to catch it first.
Technical Features:
- Motion Sensor
- Twin blade rotor
- LED lights
3.Lutema Avatar Hovercraft
This is not an actual hovercraft, but rather something between a helicopter and a quadcopter. Except for the usual twin main rotor and tail rotor, the Avatar has two engine pods, one on each side, which are responsible for the side to side movement. This means that the Avatar has 4 channel control.
In practice, the whole system works pretty well and the Avatar is stable and obedient to stick input. It’s very easy to fly and is suitable for beginners and kids. This RC aircraft is made for indoor use, and that’s where it should be flown.
The transmitter does the job just fine, and the battery lasts for 10 minutes which is great considering the weight of the extra motors.
Technical Features:
- 4 Channel Control
- Two extra side motors
- LiPo battery
- Coaxial Rotors
Helicopters with the Best Flight Time
1.Koowheel Skyhawk
One more toy copter, this being a little bigger than most choppers in the ultra-micro category though.
The Skyhawk is a classic 3 channel control RC helicopter twin-rotor, a fly bar, and a horizontal tail rotor. It flies easily, but it takes some effort to hover because of its tendency to move up and down a little.
This helicopter will need some skill on the throttle to maintain altitude, which is not bad though.
The black and white ABS body covers a well-built metal frame and features a strong LED on the nose. The Skyhawk is pretty tough and will withstand most of the crashes.
Of course, it’s better to fly it indoors, but if there is no wind, flying it outdoors is not out of the question.
Beware of the IR transmitter’s range though, it’s only 50ft. Talking about the transmitter, it can switch to three different frequencies, allowing up to three Skyhawks to fly around at the same time.
Unfortunately, the LCD is not real, but on the good side, the flight time is around twelve minutes which is excellent.
Technical Features:
- Coaxial Rotors
- Big 260mAh LiPo Battery
- IR Transmitter with 3 frequencies
- Strong ABS body with composite airframe
2. RCtown MJX Bugs 3
Bugs 3 is a great little drone and a bargain at the same time. For way less than $100 you get a serious quadcopter with brushless motors. Yes, it doesn’t have a camera or GPS and it can only fly manually, but it is fast and very agile.
As for the camera, it takes a GoPro or similar which is much better from the small low-resolution cameras that drones of this category are usually equipped with.
The transmitter is 2.4 GHz, and its range is longer than 1000ft. That’s way more than you will ever need for a drone flying with the line of sight.
The 2S battery has 1800mAh capacity and can keep Bugs 3 in the air for more than 10 minutes, always depending on the way you fly it.
If I may complain about one thing, this would be that the all-black body gives no clue as to where is the front and the back of the drone.
Especially on hover, this can be confusing.
Technical Features:
- Brushless motors
- 2.4 GHz transmitter
- Flip and roll function
- Action camera housing
- 1800 mAh LiPo battery
3. Snaptain H823H
An amazing pocket size quadcopter that thanks to its enclosed blades and ease of use is great for young kids, and not only.
Many times, little drones of this size tend to move erratically and hover wobbly, but not the H823H.
The moment you get your fingers off the sticks it comes to a steady hover and can maintain altitude with impressive accuracy.
To make things easier, it has three-speed modes, one key return, and a headless mode.
The last is a function that turns the back and forth sticks into move close and away mode; this way you don’t have to pay attention to the quad’s orientation anymore.
No matter where the nose is if you pull the stick it comes towards you and if you push it, it goes away! Brilliant.
There is also a flip mode, for aerobatics.
The controller is small enough for small hands and looks like a gamepad so that kids can get the hang of it in seconds.
To make the package even more attractive Snaptain, has thrown in not one, but three batteries which should give you around twenty minutes of playtime.
Technical Features:
- Quad motors
- Headless mode
- 3 Batteries
- Fully protected blades
- One key return
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