TOP 15 Best RC Airplanes to Buy in 2020 [Best Kids’ Toys]
If you’re enamored with RC airplanes, you don’t really have to explain why—we ourselves understand. In fact, you only need to let someone try put any of the best RC airplanes for them to get hooked on this very same hobby. After trying the real thing in the air, flight simulators on a computer can become downright boring.
This hobby is currently enjoying a renaissance with the various advances in the industry. If you really want to make sure that you enjoy yourself, pick any of the following excellent RC airplanes:
The Best RC Airplanes for Kids to Buy in 2020:
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1: Volantex RC Ranger 600
This is meant for beginners, and it does seem designed to hook you quickly to the hobby if you’re a newbie. It’s affordable, and then when you get it there’s no real assembly needed. All you really need to do is to buy your own batteries and put them in, and you’re good to go.
The design allows for a 30-minute flight once you’ve mastered flying this, and it’s fun learning. Crashes may be inevitable, but this is made from flexible and durable material. The range of the RC is 656 feet, so you’ve got lot of leeway. Finally, once you’re ready to pack it in you can just press the return key. It will fly back to you automatically.
- Long flight
- Easy to learn
- No assembly
- 1-key return
- Too lightweight for very strong winds
2: HobbyZone Duet RTF HBZ5300 Airplane
this is another trainer RC airplane that newbies will enjoy. You get everything you need with your purchase, and that even includes the AA batteries. This comes with a controller that lets you handle the climb, throttle, and steering. You’ll have a blast learning to do loops with this, as it just won’t stall. It also keeps itself level with its gyro stabilization.
- Comes with AA rechargeable batteries
- Extremely affordable
- Easy to learn
- You need spare batteries as one set of batteries gives you only about 10 minutes of flight time
3: Revell B17G Flying Fortress 1:48 Scale
This will satisfy those who like accurate airplane models. The details on the plane are exquisite, and will satisfy even the nitpicky airplane model fan. Even the cockpit has the correct details, and you can even move the bomb doors.
So, what is this airplane model doing on this list when it’s not really an RC airplane? The truth is that some people prefer accurate details over the ability to fly. Besides, some plane owners just hate it when their planes crash, and this Flying Fortress definitely won’t crash at all since you can’t fly it.
- Faithful rendition
- Fantastic details
- Parts fit together very well
- Not really an RC airplane at all!
4: E-flite UMX PT-17 BNF with AS3X, EFLU3080
It’s fun of course if you have a really detailed airplane model that can actually fly, and that’s what you have here. This is modeled after the legendary PT-17 biplane and even the details on the radial engine are quite realistic. This flies as well, and your purchase even comes with the needed rechargeable battery. Fly this around and try out some airborne acrobatics, and you’ll certainly be impressed.
- Lots of realistic details
- Can do aerial acrobatics
- No assembly required
- Inherently stable when flying
- You need spare batteries as the flight time isn’t all that long
- Not good with strong winds
5: Ready Made RC Nano Skyhunter PNP
This seems to combine 2 separate hobbies. Some will like the fact that this will need some assembly. If you don’t like to make such an effort, at least you can console yourself that it only takes half an hour without the need for too many tools. This is an FPV plane, so you can fly it and then get a first-person video recorded for the flight.
- Small enough to fit inside your car
- Maneuvers very well
- Fairly durable
- Needs assembly
- Not always easy for everyone to figure out
6: Landbow Remote Control Airplane
Unlike other airplane designs, this one comes with a passenger airline look that you’d consider normal in an airport. That’s not a coincidence, as it’s designed to be easy to fly. It shouldn’t be prone to crashes, just like a regular airplane. It does come with the built-in 6-axis gyroscope flight self-stabilization system, so newbies won’t have any trouble
The control lets the beginners control the small rudder, and that should be nice for a start. When you’re experienced enough, you can then control the big rudder. That can enable you to rotate the plane and do stunts.
- Made of durable EPP material
- Can be used by newbies and veterans
- Preassembled
- Flight time of about 10 to 15 minutes when using rechargeable batteries
- Too light for strong winds
7: Top Race TR-C285 RC Plane
You know how some flight simulator programs aren’t video games but actual training tools? The TR-C285 has the same function. It was designed to help train new and intermediate pilots, and it lets newbies practice flying even in windy weather. This is a tough preassembled RC plane that may be fun to fly, but it’s certainly no toy.
- Easy for newbies to fly
- Designed as training tool
- Preassembled
- RC distance up to 320 feet
- Single battery charge gives you 12 minutes of flight time
- 3 settings for beginner, intermediate, and expert
- You have to buy your own batteries
8: GoolRC F949 Cessna 182 Remote Control
The Cessna 182 is one of the more popular private planes, so it stands to reason that it would do well as an RC plane. This particular model allows you to fly with all types of aerial movements, and it’s suitable for newbies and intermediate users. The RC range is quite long at 200 meters.
This has a flight time of about 25 minutes, while the batteries need 40 to 60 minutes to recharge. Get 2 sets of rechargeable batteries and you can play with this the whole day!
- Long RC range
- Looks like a real Cessna 182
- Lets you do all types of aerial acrobatics
- Comes with spare propeller
- Lousy instruction manual
- Subpar landing gear
9: Crazepony Z51 Predator 660
this is a glider airplane that’s designed to last for quite a while in the air. It has the 3-axis gyro stabilizer system that makes it stable while flying, so even newbies can handle it. All of its design details make sense—the pusher glider design saves power, the 660mm wings offer more gliding distance, and the V-shaped tail provides stability. Even the wheel set is soft enough for sturdy landings.
- Made of durable material
- Flies very stably
- Flight time about 20 minutes
- Reliable RC connectivity
- You have to assemble this yourself
- Assembly needs special glue (which you have to buy separately)
10: Crazepony RC Airplane C-17 Transport
Here’s another Crazepony RC plane, and this time it’s a military transport. Historically, this design is very stable in the air and it’s not meant for crazy aerial maneuvers. This makes it a rather nice plane for a beginner to try out.
You can get up to 15 minutes of flight for each battery charge, while you can fully recharge the batteries in about 40 minutes. This means with 3 sets of batteries (and portable power charger), you can fly this the whole day.
- Long flight time
- Very responsive
- Quite sturdy and tough
- Good for kids
- Assembly required
- You need lots of airspace
11: HobbyZone Sport Cub S
This offers up to 4 channels of control, as you’re able to work the throttle, elevator, rudder, and ailerons. This in fact is a training module with 3 different levels (beginner, intermediate, expert). However, if you’re a newbie or you get in trouble, this has the Panic Recovery trigger that can quickly stabilize the plane to get you back in the saddle.
- Looks like the Cub Crafters Sport Cub aircraft
- 4-channel controls
- 3 training levels
- Panic Recovery trigger option
- Comes with rechargeable battery and charger
- You need your own transmitter
12: E-flite Apprentice S 15e
This is another RC training tool, with 3 levels of training available. It offers several types pf flight modes, such as stability mode for newbies and agility mode that gives experts full control with no limit on the bank angle. There’s even a 3D mode with lots of flips and rolls.
- Made of durable lightweight foam
- Powerful brushless motor
- Wide tricycle landing gear and steering for the nose wheel for better ground performance
- 3 training levels
- The cosmetic decals can peel off while flying
13: FMS Sky Trainer 182 RTF
This is a bit more expensive than some of the other models, but there are good reasons to spend more. This now looks better than ever, with a very glossy finish and some nice decals. What’s more, the motor is now even more powerful and it features a new 3-bladed prop. Even the LiPo battery is bigger, offering greater speed and power.
- Lots of scale details
- 5 bright LED navigation lights
- Best for intermediate trainer
- Not easy enough for most beginners
14: E-flite UMX Timber BNF Basic, EFLU3950
What really sets this apart is its Short Take Off and Landing capabilities, which means it doesn’t need as much space on the ground. It spends most of its time in the air, as it should. This is a great training tool for newbies that even experts can practice on.
- 3 training levels
- Preassembled
- Realistic LED lighting
- Short Takeoff and Landing
- 3-axis Artificial Stabilization
- This is BNF, which means you need your own transmitter
15: E-flite UMX P-51 BL BNF Basic Airplane
Many of us already have our own favorite transmitter, so that’s why these BNF models are so popular. This particular plane is especially renowned, since it’s patterned after the most iconic fighter plane of WWII. This offers 4-channel control, AS3X Stabilization Technology, and a powerful motor.
- Remarkable design details
- Very responsive
- Automatically smoothens out when flying in strong wind
- Battery only lasts 5 to 7 minutes
Conclusion
Pick of these models, and just have fun! You can dream of flying with RC planes, which is definitely a more affordable method than buying your own actual plane. Some of these are trainers, and who knows—you may be ready for the real thing one of these days.
