Top 10 RC Planes on the market right now
1. HobbyZone Sport Cub S - the best RC airplane for beginners
One of the greatest, radio control planes for beginners in the market, right now.
For a modest amount of money you get SAFE technology (Sensor Assisted Fly Envelope) with three modes—beginner, intermediate and experienced, plus Panic Recovery button, which makes it ideal for your first RC plane.
Just like the real Piper Cub, this model is ultra-light and stable. The included 6-channel transmitter controls the throttle, elevators, ailerons, and the rudder which also steers the rear wheel allowing the airplane to turn on the ground.
The brush motor is adequate but it may struggle if the throttle stays on max for long.
The SAFE modes work perfectly, and even a first-timer should be able to fly it with no problem.
Beware though that this is too light for windy conditions. So, it’s more suitable for calm days or flying indoors where its low minimum speed is actually an advantage.
The 150mAh battery is good for around 8 minutes, but you are probably going to need more than one.
Technical Features:
- SAFE stability system
- Ready-to-fly (RTF)
- 4-Channel control (throttle, ailerons, elevators, and rudder with tailwheel)
- 8 Minutes flight time
- DSMX 2.4Ghz 6 channel transmitter
2.E-flite U2980 UMX Radian BNF (Bind N’ Fly)
E-flite is well known for its gliders and especially the Radian series which features sailboats with wingspans of over 8 feet.
The UMX has a wingspan of 28.7” and is the company’s baby. With a medium price around one hundred bucks, it’s a hell of a bargain.
Its small brushed engine is powered by a 150mAh 1S LiPo battery (included), which is more than enough to lift the UMX off the ground and give it a flight time of 10 minutes.
Of course, a capable pilot can fly way beyond that, by switching the engine off (the propeller is foldable) and riding thermal currents and updrafts which is the main reason to buy a glider in the first place.
The UMX Radian comes equipped with AS3X—a stabilizing system which improves the glider’s flying behavior by correcting interferences from turbulence and wind, without being perceptible by the pilot.
This gives it a very realistic flight, comparable to that of bigger gliders.
The assembly needed is minimal, and you’ll only have to add a DSM2/DSMC compatible receiver.
Technical Features:
- Lightweight foam construction
- 3-Channel control
- AS3X stability control system
- Folding propeller
- Single-piece removable wing with carbon fiber support
- Spektrum DSM2/DSMC servos
3.VOLANTEXRC Ranger 600
The Ranger 600 looks like a glider, but in reality, it’s too heavy to be one, even though its wingspan is way bigger than an airplane’s. What it does excellent though is flying very calmly and steadily without needing much power.
This makes it a great RTF (ready-to-fly) trainer plane, especially with a price this low.
It is powered by a big capacity battery (360mAh) which can keep the motor working for at least 12 minutes. Of course, you can turn off the motor and glide it, but don’t expect a great glide-ratio.
Its greatest asset is probably the XPILOT stabilization system which provides two flight modes: Beginner mode, which significantly restricts roll and pitch angles, making the Ranger a breeze to fly, even by clumsy pilots, and Intermediate which is less intrusive for the beginners who are ready to take the next step.
Naturally, you can switch the system off by choosing the Expert mode. There is also an extra aid which is the U-turn button and causes the plane to make a 180 degree turn automatically.
Overall it’s a great choice for people starting from zero with a low budget. It can even make a loop if you dive but it’s definitely not an aerobatic airplane. It would probably make a good FPV too.
Technical Features:
- XPILOT stabilization system
- One key U-turn
- 3.7V, 360mAh battery
- 3-Channel control
- RTF
4.HobbyZone Carbon Cub S RTF
One more Cub from HobbyZone, this one with a 51” wingspan and a GPS module. The Carbon Cub s comes with bush wheels and is a gorgeous model to look at.
The RTF version includes a Spectrum DXe 2.4MHz transmitter and a 1300mAh LiPo battery which yields five to seven minutes of flying time.
The brushless motor can move the relatively big airplane without trouble and the SAFE system helps the less experienced with the controls, inspiring confidence.
This is a smart RC plane with GPS module and functions like Virtual Fence, Holding Pattern and Auto Land—which is more like assisted landing.
All of them are great features to have, but pilots must read the manual and understand how all these modes work, otherwise it can cause confusion, and turn into a safety liability instead of an aid.
The Carbon Cub S is more aimed at beginners and intermediate users. It’s perfect for someone who wants to take the next step and start flying with no electronic baby sitters, or want to attempt the first acrobatic maneuvers.
The 4-channel control can be upgraded with working flaps, but it’ll require a 7-channel transmitter and a flaps’ servo with extension, sold separately. Looking for an RC smart plane? This is it!
Technical Features:
- Brushless motor
- SAFE stability system
- 4-Channel control with optional flaps movement
- GPS module
- Spektrum DXe 2.4GHz Transmitter
- Bush wheels
- RTF
5. POWERUP 3.0
The Powerup is not an RC airplane, but rather a conversion kit that allows you to turn any paper airplane into one. To be more specific it’s a long piece of fiber carbon, acting as a frame, with a control module on one side and a motor with a rudder on the other.
If this isn’t the staff that boyish dreams are made of, I don’t know what is.
The only thing you have to do is attach the Powerup on a paper plane, and link it to the company’s app which works on both Android and iOS systems. It may sound unbelievable, but this thing actually works, if you can fold a decent paper airplane, that is.
Because if you can’t make one that flies relatively well by itself, then the Powerup won’t do much. Fortunately, Powerup Toys has included some sheets and instructions on how to make a couple of good ones. You can find even more folding instructions for different planes on their website.
The 2-channel system controls the throttle onscreen with a tab and the rudder by tilting the phone left and right. This makes it hard to control altitude, at least instantly.
Also, it may be small but it’s not the kind of plane that you can fly in your house, the turn radius, though it depends on the paper model, is usually wide. I may not be a fully controlled airplane but is still tons of fun, and above all, it can fly.
Technical Features:
- 2-Channel control
- Carbon fiber frame
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- 10 Minute flight time
- 200 feet radius
7. Funtech RC Airplane
With a two-digit price, this little high wing is one of the best RC planes for beginners.
It comes fully assembled except for the front landing gear which has to be installed on the fuselage. It has 3-channel control (no ailerons) and a 3 mode flying aid which is essential for first-timers.
The 180mAh will give you 8 to 10 minutes on the air, which is good for a plane of this size. The brush motor provides enough power for the small plane to move around but that’s that.
Its small size means it is sensitive to winds, and even though the safety system will do its best to correct it and keep it on course, it has its limits. For the price though, it delivers everything that it promises.
Technical Features:
- RTF
- 3 Safety modes
- 3-Channel control
- 2.4MHz Transmitter
- 3.7V, 180mAh LI-Po battery
- 300ft Radius
8. Top Race RC plane
A great little trainer at a very affordable price, ideal for those who want to get into the hobby but have no prior experience.
Like most planes of this category, the Top Race is an RTF 3-channel controlled airplane featuring a 3 mode flying aid to make things safer and easier for novices.
As a plus, the company includes a second battery and extra propeller, which is great to have and wish that more companies did the same, especially for entry-level planes like this one.
The Top Race is easy to pilot, even by kids, and will never give you trouble as long as you fly it with good wind conditions and don’t try anything extreme.
The motor can fly it around decently but that’s all. For the price, I can say that it more than delivers what it promises.
Technical Features:
- RTF
- 3 Safety Modes
- Comes with extra battery and propeller
- 3-Channel control
- 2.4 MHz Transmitter
9. E-flite UMX PT-17 BNF
This is the mini version of E-flite’s PT-17 and it is gorgeous. This iconic biplane is best known from Hitchcock’s “North by Northwest” and the famous crop-duster scene where it was chasing Cary Grant.
E-flite has made a beautiful RC plane with great low-speed characteristics, amazing scale-like flying, and aerobatic skills.
Naturally, as a biplane, the roll rate is rather slow but if you want to perform maneuvers like Immelmann turns, then this is a great plane to do them with.
The brush motor is adequate for the PT-17’s flying style which favors slow turns and brief acrobatics.
It has Horizon’s AS3X stability system which discretely works behind the scenes to correct turbulence and wind gusts without interfering with the controls or the feel of the plane.
The PT-17 is not difficult to fly, but it’s not a trainer either. Its low speed will keep most people confident as long as they’ve had experience in flying a remote-controlled plane before.
It comes assembled except for the front wheels, and all it needs is a 4-channel DSM2/DSMX transmitter.
Technical Features:
- AS3X stability system
- 4-Channel control
- Ultra-micro linear servos
- 150mAh 3.7V 1S battery
- Realistic looks with a radial engine
10. E-Flite Leader 480 ARF
One more E-Flite, this is an ARF (almost ready to fly) model with a balsa and plywood body. Definitely not for first-timers, this plane demands some basic model building skills before even hitting the runway.
The price is good for a balsa plane, but keep in mind that you will have to add a 4-channel transmitter plus receiver, a motor and speed control, a 3S battery with charger, 4 sub-micro servos, and a propeller with spinner.
It’s a pretty capable airplane and a good brushless motor will make it shine.
It’s fast, it’s nimble and it has character. It won’t necessarily make your life easy, but then again this is for the most experienced pilots who know what they want and how to get it out of a machine like this.
The quality is not bad and the few flaws are mainly aesthetic.
The wing cut-outs on the fuselage being the most obvious, looking like they were hacked with an ax, having sharp corners instead of curves which leaves a sizable gap around the front of the wing root.
Nothing that would affect the plane’s performance though. If you want to move from foam bodies to something more substantial and capable then Leader 480 is a great choice.
Technical Features:
- Hangar 9 Ultracote cover
- Lightweight balsa/plywood construction
- Magnetic canopy for easy access
- Tricycle wire landing gear
The Best RC Planes for Beginners
1. HobbyZone Mini Apprentice S BNF
This is a beautiful trainer from HobbyZone and an amazing tool to teach you RC flying.
With a 48” wingspan, the Mini Apprentice S exhibits a realistic flying behavior without being difficult or demanding, no matter which SAFE mode you have on.
It has 4-channel controls, tricycle landing gear with a steerable nose wheel, brushless motor and when you add a DSMX transmitter, it’s ready to go.
It may be more expensive than other trainers, but the quality is there and it will definitely take you further learning wisely.
It is the kind of airplane that you can start in beginner mode and proceed to intermediate and advanced with confidence.
This bird even, though it’s no racer, can perform basic aerobatics and keep the interest of a more experienced user too.
The wing is attached with a rubber band system, which makes it easy to disassemble for transportation, and gives easy access to the battery bay. The assembly is simple and shouldn’t take more than an hour, to anyone.
As an extra option, Horizon offers optional floats that can convert this into a seaplane.
Technical Features:
- The SAFE system with 3 modes
- AS3X stabilizing system
- 370-size brushless motor with 18A ESC
- Tricycle landing gear
- 1300mAh 3s batter
2. E-Flite UMX Cessna 182 BNF
This accurate model of Cessna 182 from E-flite is one of the best radio control planes for beginners. It’s a modern ultra-micro trainer with all the latest electronic bells and whistles like AS3X and SAFE modes.
E-Flite got licensing rights from Cessna, making this airplane an accurate replica, from the shape of the fuselage to the wheel covers and the original Cessna logos on the tail.
It comes without transmitter and battery, but it features a great brushless motor and it flies like a dream even in windy conditions, which is not the rule with ultra-micros.
The stability systems work wonders, giving the Cessna a very satisfying and realistic flying which is comparable to the real thing from a distance.
The quality is definitely there and the SAFE modes will guard and guide the novice who will find in this plane a perfect trainer, and will advance fast if he doesn’t rely on the beginner mode for too long. A great little plane.
Technical Features:
- AS3X technology with SAFE modes
- Automatic self-leveling
- Licensed from Cessna
- Brushless motor
- Tricycle landing gear with steerable nose wheel
3. WLToys F959 Sky king
This is a beautiful motor glider which costs next to nothing and is great for beginners. It doesn’t have the ultra-tech aids the many modern trainers come with, but frankly, I don’t think that it needs them.
Besides they would raise the price and slow down the learning curve of this super easy airplane.
The Sky King has 3-channel controls operated by a 2.4 MHz transmitter which is more than good for the money, even featuring an LCD.
The motor is more than enough for this glider which is great for low-speed flying and has a decent gliding ratio which can give you at least 15 minutes on the air.
It’s very forgiving, and if needed, it’s also very sturdy and can surely take a crash or two.
Technical Features:
- Foldable propeller
- RTF
- 300mAh battery
- 3-Channel control
- Removable wings
The Best cheap RC Planes
1. Cobra RC E-glider A420
A tiny RC plane that costs next to nothing and actually flies. It even has two engines! If you want something just for fun or as a present for your kid then look no further, the E-glider is perfect for this.
It’s not the most controllable plane but it can fly and the EPP foam body is durable enough to withstand most of the crashes.
It can serve as an intro to the RC world but it’s nowhere near a trainer and your flying skills definitely won’t take off by flying the Cobra, but it’s fun and stress-free.
Technical Features:
- Twin Motors
- Durable body from EPP foam
- 2.4 GHz Transmitter
- 12 Minutes flying time
2. Crazepony C17 DIY Airplane
One more 2-channel thrust controlled airplane, the C17 has two motors in push prop configuration and relies on a gyro system to be able to fly and maintain altitude without elevators. It’s more like a toy than a proper RC plane, but for the price, you can’t ask for much more.
In practice, it flies pretty well for a plane with no control surfaces and will do pattern flying without much trouble. Naturally, ascending and descending will take some forward-thinking but it turns relatively well even though it takes a lot of space to do so.
The C17 needs to be assembled before flying and for that, you will need glue, which is not included in the box.
Technical Features:
- Durable EPP foam construction
- Twin motors
- 3-Axis gyroscope system
- 2-Channel 2.4MHz transmitter
3. KKmoon F949
When it comes to cheap trainers, this is the cheapest 3-channel controlled airplane money can buy, and it’s good. Actually, for the money, I would say that it’s nothing sort of amazing. The 2.4MHz transmitter gives it a range of 650ft, and the brushed motor will have no problem taking it there.
There is no stability control but it has a button that limits the controls’ range, making it less responsive and easier to control by the inexperienced. The EPP composite material is durable and very elastic, looking like it could take many crashes before actually breaking.
The 500mAh is huge for the 2oz airplane giving it a flying time of 20 minutes or more. If your budget is low, then the F949 won’t disappoint.
Technical Features:
- EPP foam composite body
- 3-Channel control
- 2.4MHz transmitter with 200m range
- 500mAh LiPo battery
The Best RC Airplanes with an fpv Camera
1. RC Nano Sky Hunter PNP
This double boom pusher has a 31” wingspan and is made to lift the extra equipment that FPV planes have to carry. This edition doesn’t include a camera but is designed to accommodate one in its two-piece canopy.
Made from black EPP foam, the Nano Sky Hunter is durable and agile.
It has 3-channel control (no rudder), and it’s swift and agile, but it needs capable hands so it’s not recommended for beginners. The 2204 brushless motor has enough power to give it the good speed and vertical climb rate.
It’s not an aerobatic plane but it will do rolls and loops without complaint.
It comes in pieces with the servos already installed, allowing you to choose the type of transmitter/receiver combo as well as camera, video transmitter, and the 3S battery that you prefer.
Technical Features:
- Durable EPP foam construction
- 2204 Brushless motor with 20 ESC
- 3-Channel control
- 2-Piece canopy for FPV gear
2. ZOHD Dart Wing PNP
A forward-swept flying wing with razor-sharp agility and great speed capability, by ZOHD. The Dart Wing is a great plane and a solid base to build a complete FPV.
Like many flying wings it doesn’t have rudder control and the ailerons double as elevators but this doesn’t have any effect on Dart Wing’s maneuverability which is fantastic.
Not suitable for beginners, even though it has a built-in stabilizer, this RC plane will reward its user as long as he has the experience and confidence to fly the Dart the way it is meant to fly— fast.
The 2006 brushless motor will drive lots of power on the propeller, especially paired with a 4S Li-Po battery.
A camera of your choice can be installed inside the fuselage right at the tip, leaving lots of space for the video and control receivers which you will also have to provide along with a transmitter and goggles of course.
It comes with detachable wings and vertical stabilizers which get attached easily with magnets. It’s a thrilling bird and will give you plenty of fun.
Technical Features:
- EPP molded body with carbon fiber spars
- Sweep-forward wing design
- Gyro stabilizing system
- 2006 Brushless motor with 30A ESC
3. ZOHD Talon GT Rebel PNP
ZOHD is a company dedicated to FPV planes and the Talon GT is the company’s most advanced model right now.
This is not just another airplane. With almost 40” wingspan and a V tail, it’s a long-range high-speed platform capable of things that you would expect from bigger and more expensive planes.
The Talon is suitable for experienced FPV pilots who wish to integrate multiple systems like GPS, autopilot, high definition cameras, powerful long-range receivers and transmitters in a plane that can lift the weight and cruise on high altitudes with high speed.
This is not a plane to fly near the ground and if you don’t carry enough speed in the turn, you will probably pay for it.
There are no safe modes here, just endless possibilities. The 2216 motor paired with a good 4S battery gives high cruising speed and a long-range. Some issues that plagued the first batch of Talons seem to have been addressed.
The magnetic covers of the top of the fuselage provide great accessibility and there is enough space for receivers, GPS module, big battery or anything else you might need.
The classic ZOHD flat nose can accommodate two cameras: a small FPV cam to transmit live video back to the pilot and a bigger GoPro sized for high-quality recording.
There are also wing slots to keep video transmitters and antennas away from the interference of other electronics.
If you want to build a great FPV plane that you are going to keep for a long time, then you should definitely consider the Talon GT.
Technical Features:
- Biodegradable EPP foam
- 2216 Brushless motor with a 40A ESC
- Carbon fiber reinforcement along the fuselage
- 9g Metal gear servos
The Best RC Foam Planes
1. E-Flite UMX Timber BNF
One more RC plane from Horizon’s E-Flite series, but this time more special than most micro-sized planes.
That’s because thanks to its working flaps, the Timber has some impressive STOL (Small Take-Off & Landing) capabilities.
Flaps are a rarity in such small models and though some may argue their usability, in reality, they work great.
They extend in two positions: the first reduces minimum speed while retaining most of the airplane’s maneuverability, and the second is for takeoffs/landings or even more reduced speed.
Like almost all of the company’s new planes, the Timber comes with AS3X and SAFE stability systems that improve flying characteristics and aid the less experienced flyers with the controls when needed.
The small brushless motor, moves the airplane with ease, giving it a good vertical climb rate and helping it with power moves like inverted flying.
The Timber flies like a real Cab but doesn’t have a problem pulling off aerobatics like rolls and loops.
For the cherry on top, Horizon has equipped the Timber with LED lights and beacons giving the plane an even better scale look, and non-controllable slats that you can add to the leading wing edge for even slower flying.
This is a basic BNF version, meaning that you have to add a 2S battery and a 6+ channel DSMX/DSM2 transmitter.
Technical Features:
- Working flaps
- AS3X and SAFE stability systems
- LED lights and beacons
- Brushless motor
- Bush wheels
2.E-Flite Apprentice S15e RTF
This is model is already 7 years old and was the best RC plane for trainers, for a long time. It’s not the newest, but it’s still a wicked trainer, and one of the best electric RC airplanes out there.
With a long wingspan (59”) and a beefy brushless motor, the Apprentice is a pretty capable bird out of the box.
Add the SAFE system and you have a big plane that not only can teach you how to fly, but also give you many hours of fun long after that.
One of the benefits that planes of this size have is that they are pretty stable even without stabilizing systems and the Apprentice is rock solid with smooth and realistic flying behavior.
Switch it to advance mode and it will become agile and perky following commands happily and performing a wide variety of aerobatics.
It comes with everything you need to fly out of the box, including a 3S Li-Po battery and a Spektrum DXe transmitter. You really can’t go wrong with it.
Technical Features:
- SAFE technology
- 15-size brushless motor with 30 ESC
- Spektrum DXe transmitter
- 3200mAh 3S LiPo Battery
- Tricycle landing system with the steerable nose wheel
The Best RC Glides
1.ParkZone Conscendo Advanced BNF
The Conscendo Advanced is the evolution of Conscendo S, and it is a beautiful power glider with a long wingspan (59”). The ultra-low weight (22.9oz) gives it an amazing glide ratio.
It is so good that if you don’t have enough space, landing it can be difficult since it wants to keep gliding for a great distance.
The BNF version includes servos and a 370 brushless motor which is more than enough to give Conscendo a great climb rate and even support powered flights with a few aerobatics which surprisingly the glider performs willingly.
It is equipped with AS3X and SAFE stability modes which will definitely help the beginners. Having said that, the Conscendo is not suitable for a first plane.
This machine will thrive on the hands of the experienced, chasing thermal currents and staying on the air for long periods of time.
If you decide to go for it, you will need a full range of 5+ channels DSMX/DSM2 transmitter and a 3S LiPo battery.
Technical Features:
- AS3X and SAFE stability systems
- 370-size brushless motor with 30A ESC
- Folding Propeller
- 9g Servos
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