At first glance, you might dismiss a package bearing a remote-controlled helicopter as child's play, but don't be so quick to judge. Flying remote control helicopters is a legitimate hobby enjoyed by enthusiasts of all ages. As the helicopters become more sophisticated, they become more powerful, faster and loaded with features – way more than your average toy.
For some of the most advanced models, try the Parrot AR.Drone, the Syma RC Helicopter and the Syma Chinook Helicopter. For more information, check out our articles on remote control helicopters.
If you're in the market for a remote controlled helicopter, make sure you know the basics before you buy. Always check out to see which type of battery a model uses and how long a charge lasts. While size and weight are a personal preference, many fliers prefer a lightweight RC helicopter frame, which offers better speed in general. Also, look for other more advanced options, such as cameras, color options and gyro stabilizers for more flight control. These are the criteria we used to find the best crafts in a variety of price ranges:
Performance
Each helicopter has its own unique qualities and designs. From futuristic to military – there are styles and designs that fit each unique personality. But there are a few basic features to look for when purchasing a remote control helicopter. For example, look for helicopters with gyro stabilizers for a more balanced and simple approach to flying. There are also more advanced features that can help contribute to the overall performance, such as the size of the helicopter and the number of blades. If it’s speed you’re after, find a helicopter with two or more blades. For the more difficult tricks, look for single-blade helicopters that are still very lightweight.
The range of the remote control helicopters is usually much farther than you’ll feel comfortable flying.
Construction
It’s likely that your remote controlled helicopter will take a spill or two, especially as you start to learn the controls. It’s important to find a sturdy design that can take a hit and keep on flying. Look for hard plastic polymers. They’re not very heavy but still offer a lot of protection.
Flight Controls
There are a few basic flight controls to look for when shopping for a remote control helicopter. First, find a helicopter with true six-directional control: up, down, forward, backward, left and right. Next, the helicopter should be able to hover in one place. A gyro flight balancer can help make straightforward flying much easier, especially for beginners.
Remote control helicopters are no longer reserved for the serious hobby enthusiast, and beginning models are durable and simple to fly. You’ll love how quickly you’ll be able to pick up the helicopter and start flying.
At TopTenREVIEWS We Do the Research So You Don't Have To.™
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 | #6 | #7 | #8 | #9 | #10 |
|
10-9 Excellent
8-6 Good 5-4 Average 3-2 Poor 1-0 Bad
|
Parrot AR.Drone | Syma RC Helicopter | Syma Chinook Helicopter | Walkera Genius CP | AeroSky RC Quadcopter | Colossus Gyro | GYRO Hercules Unbreakable | Walkera Mini | Nano Spy Copter | Night Hunter Xtreme |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Reviewer Comments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lowest Price |
$299.00 |
$14.99 |
$56.99 |
$152.60 |
$239.95 |
$149.95 |
$59.95 |
$147.03 |
$69.00 |
$39.99 |
| Ratings | 10.00 | 7.95 | 7.68 | 7.50 | 7.45 | 7.25 | 7.08 | 7.08 | 6.63 | 5.58 |
|
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
|
||||||||||
| Performance | ||||||||||
| Target Age Range | 14 And Up | 8 And Up | 8 And Up | 12 And Up | 8 And Up | 8 And Up | 8 And Up | 8 And Up | 5 And Up | 9 And Up |
| Number of Blades | 4 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Number of Channels on Remote | iPhone, iPad or iPod | 3 | 3 | 6 | 4 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 46 | 3.5 | 3 |
| Number of Batteries for Remote | iPhone, iPad or iPod | 4 AA | 4 AA | 4 AA | 4 AA | 8 AA | 3 AA | 4 AA | 6 AA | 6 AA |
| Helicopter Battery Style | Lithium Polymer | Lithium Polymer | Lithium Polymer | Lithium Polymer | Lithium Polymer | Lithium Polymer | Lithium Polymer | Lithium Polymer | Lithium Polymer | Lithium Polymer |
| Gyro Stabilizer | ||||||||||
| Tail Blade | NA | NA | ||||||||
| Cameras | 2 High Definition | |||||||||
| Multiple Hulls | ||||||||||
| Connect to Wi-Fi | ||||||||||
| Construction | ||||||||||
| Frame Material | Hard Plastic | Polymer | Polymer | Polymer | Polymer | Polymer | Polymer | Polymer | Polymer | Polymer |
| Length (Inches) | 29 | 7.5 | 18 | 9.44 | 16.8 | 47 | 15 | 8.66 | 7 | 8 |
| Width (Inches) | 11 | 7.5 | 7.8 | 1.77 | 4.5 | 6 | 7.5 | 1.6 | 2 | 7 |
| Height (Inches) | 3 | 3.8 | 6.8 | 4.6 | 6.2 | 14 | 5.2 | 9.4 | 4 | 4.5 |
| Blade Diameter (Inches) | NA | 8 | 18 | 8.66 | 16.2 | 24 | 13 | 8.6 | 7 | 6 |
| Total Weight (Ounces) | 8.2 | 4.5 | 6.5 | 12 | 8.2 | 26 | 5.1 | 5.2 | 4.2 | 6.8 |
| Color Options | ||||||||||
| No Assembly Required | ||||||||||
| Warranty | 1 Year | 30 Days | 30 Days | |||||||
| Charging Time (Minutes) | 60 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 90 | 30 |
| Flight Time (Minutes) | 20 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 10 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Flight Controls | ||||||||||
| Hover | ||||||||||
| Six Flight Directions | ||||||||||
| Number of Forward Direction Speeds | (Gradual Increase) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Ultrasound Altimeter | ||||||||||