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10 Best Remote-Control Helicopters in 2024

last updated Aug 05, 2019

Remote-control helicopters are fun for kids and adults of all ages because of the fantastic, flying experience they provide. They allow the user to practice their stealth abilities as well as their hand-to-eye coordination. Playing with one of these toys will help develop fine-motor skills, which will provide lifetime benefits in other areas. These models are maneuvered by gyroscopes and can include such features as LED lights, cameras, and a GPS tracker.

These features make the models more interesting to fly and more versatile in their abilities. If your model does not come with a GPS or camera, you can add them easily to increase the fun and capability to your model. We highlight some of the various types of helicopters and quadcopters on this page, so let us show you the best-rated, most-purchased, remote-control helicopters in 2019.

This is the best product on our list that is currently in stock:

icon
Holy Stone HS200
92.3/100 our score
Effectiveness
93
Entertainment Value
94
Physical Development
96
Compatibility
86
Holy Stone HS200
Why is it better?

Pairs easily with smart phone

Simple one button take off and landing

Headless flight mode

One key return function

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
Holy Stone HS200
Test Winner: Holy Stone HS200
Amazon Link
Researched Sources
14
Researched Sources
Reviews Considered
209
Reviews Considered
Hours Researching
11
Hours Researching
Products Evaluated
16
Products Evaluated
Last Updated:
By Justina Fuller:

For this update, we added one new product to our top ten list. We made sure that we had the highest rated helicopters that the market had to offer for 2019. We also added more information to our criteria section about each helicopters compatibility. Many of the helicopters that we feature can automatically connect to your smart phone for a hands-free flying experience. For any other information that you may need be sure to check out our FAQ.

Sorting Options
Effectiveness Entertainment Value Physical Development Compatibility By Default
Rank
PictureProduct
Name
Rating
Shops
#1
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
95.3
Effectiveness
95 %
Entertainment Value
95 %
Physical Development
96 %
Compatibility
95 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
#2
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
94.3
Effectiveness
94 %
Entertainment Value
94 %
Physical Development
96 %
Compatibility
93 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
#3
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
93.5
Effectiveness
95 %
Entertainment Value
93 %
Physical Development
96 %
Compatibility
90 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
#4
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
92.8
Effectiveness
93 %
Entertainment Value
94 %
Physical Development
96 %
Compatibility
88 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
#5
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
92.3
Effectiveness
93 %
Entertainment Value
94 %
Physical Development
96 %
Compatibility
86 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
#6
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
91.8
Effectiveness
93 %
Entertainment Value
94 %
Physical Development
96 %
Compatibility
84 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
#7
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
91
Effectiveness
93 %
Entertainment Value
93 %
Physical Development
96 %
Compatibility
82 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
#8
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
90.5
Effectiveness
92 %
Entertainment Value
94 %
Physical Development
96 %
Compatibility
80 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
#9
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
89.8
Effectiveness
92 %
Entertainment Value
93 %
Physical Development
96 %
Compatibility
78 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
#10
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
88.5
Effectiveness
93 %
Entertainment Value
91 %
Physical Development
95 %
Compatibility
75 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
$36.98

10 Best Remote Control Helicopters Reviewed

1. GPS FPV with Camera and GPS Return Home

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
95.3
GPS FPV with Camera and GPS Return Home
Amazon Link
Effectiveness
95
Entertainment Value
95
Physical Development
96
Compatibility
95
best offer for today
Amazon Link

Reduces wind resistance

Can view and record live footage via the LCD screen

Provides pilots with a challenge

Quick charging time

Does not have a spot for a memory card

A cool way to get your children excited about flyingis with their very own drone. This helicopter automatically can be located from your phone to make this flying experience a little more hands-free. It does come with a GPS locator as well so that flyers don’t have to worry about where their helicopter landed. Included is a wireless camera that has up and down view control features.

It’s a high-quality definition and a great helicopter for beginners. This helicopter does take two batteries but is easy to set up so that you can use it right away.

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Effectiveness

You’ll love the high definition quality that this helicopter captures. Not only does it come with a GPS tracker but having a hands-free option makes flying a little more fun. This is also a great way for beginners to get a real feel about drones and helicopters. It’s a great activity for outdoors.

Entertainment Value

This is a perfect drone for beginners. This helicopter features easily on and off switches, three different speeds that you’ll be able to test out and even an emergency stop if needed. It’s a great way for you to capture some of your favorite nature scenes. Having a hands-free flying experience also is an excellent way for you to get a few unique shots that maybe you wouldn’t necessarily get.

Physical Development

Being able to get outside and enjoy the outdoors is wonderful for not just children but for anyone. When flying helicopters your child will enhance their muscles, strength and even their hand-eye coordination skills. They’ll be able to learn cause and effect and work on their fine motor skills. Some children might even be able to learn a few directional skills as well. These helicopters are extremely beneficial for children.

Compatibility

Many helicopters are compatible with all types of smartphones. This is a great way for beginners to learn about the different features that their helicopter might have. With this device, you’ll be able to get a few unique shots that maybe you wouldn’t get with a helicopter that isn’t hands-free. Being able to connect to any type of smartphone makes it an ideal purchase for the value of the helicopter itself.

2. Holy Stone F181W

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
94.3
Holy Stone F181W
Amazon Link
Effectiveness
94
Entertainment Value
94
Physical Development
96
Compatibility
93
best offer for today
Amazon Link

The drone has the ability to hover.

Equipped with LED lights

Helicopter will fly home with the push of a button

Flies smoothly

Changing the batteries is a little difficult

The Holy Stone F181 will give your child a view of the world like they have never experienced before. The real-time transmission shows your child exactly what the drone’s camera is seeing.

Read more

Effectiveness

Charging Time: 70-90 Minutes
Flying Time: 7-10 minutes
Control Distance: 50-100 meters

Entertainment Value

Designed with the latest 6-Axis Gyro flying control system this drone can easily perform the 3D roll. Your child can send their drone soaring without worrying about losing it. With a push of one button, the helicopter will fly back to the transmitter. With the helicopter’s HD camera and its ability to hover, your child will be able to take stunning photographs.

Physical Development

The HD camera will provide your child with clear images and allow them to take pictures as well as videos during flight. In fact, the drone even has the ability to steadily hover so your child can capture the perfect picture at any height. This all black drone is designed with red and blue LED lights that not only look super cool but will illuminate the drone’s path.

Compatibility

Having a headless mode with this helicopter makes it easier for flyers to learn about different flying movements. This helicopter features built-in wifi so that you’ll be able to see live footage of what your camera on the helicopter is viewing. It connects to your phone through an app so it will be able to connect to any type of smartphone as long as you download the app that this device requires.

3. Holy Stone GPS FPV RC Drone HS100

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
93.5
Holy Stone GPS FPV RC Drone HS100
Amazon Link
Effectiveness
95
Entertainment Value
93
Physical Development
96
Compatibility
90
best offer for today
Amazon Link

Has GPS assisted flying

Includes accurate detailed positioning of the quadcopter

Great for beginner flyers

Has LED lights for night assist flight

Includes emergency stop

Some buyers say it is not easy to control

May not allow for flight or distance changes

This is a fully-loaded remote control helicopter for your flying pleasure. It has real-time viewing from the remote, GPS-assisted flying, and a camera with an adjustable angle. The HS100 has a more involved flying experience than most similar products on the market currently.

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Effectiveness

Charging Time: 90 minutes
Flying Time: 15 minutes
Control Distance: 500 meters

Entertainment Value

It comes with a transmitter, card and card reader, charging cable, extra propellers, extra propeller guards, extra landing feet, a screwdriver, and an easy-to-follow manual. Included for operation are Altitude Hold, Headless Mode, and One-Key Takeoff and Land.

A high-performance battery, LED lights for night flying, and emergency stop makes it a wonderful toy for beginner flyers. The camera keeps you in the frames at all times, following you wherever you go. The return-to-home function returns the model promptly when the battery is low, or the signal is weak, so you never have to worry about losing the toy helicopter.

Physical Development

Never lose this helicopter anywhere thanks to the great technology that makes it follow you wherever you go. The return-to-home function makes it return quickly when the signal is weak. The camera included with this copter gets great shots of photos and video because of the fantastic aerial angles possible. It is super for fun, hands-free selfies while on vacation or with friends.

Compatibility

This helicopter comes with a remote control where flyers will be able to view live action footage just from the remote control itself. You will be able to practice safe flying as this device also features a return to home function in case the battery gets low or if something happens with the signal. It can even tell if your helicopter is flying out of range. This is great for beginner to advanced flyers.

4. Holy Stone HS177 RC Battle Drones

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
92.8
Holy Stone HS177 RC Battle Drones
Amazon Link
Effectiveness
93
Entertainment Value
94
Physical Development
96
Compatibility
88
best offer for today
Amazon Link

Equipped with emergency stop

The top of the drone can be detached for customization

Encourages social play

Easy to control

Small size makes it possible to fly them practically anywhere

Battery life is short

Your child can battle with their friends with the Holy Stone HS177 Battle Drones. This set includes red and blue drones. Each drone is equipped with an infrared light with their matching color that serves as that drone’s weapon. Four hits with the infrared light cause it to land slowly, thus losing the game.

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Effectiveness

Charging Time: 60-90 minutes
Flight Time: 7-9 minutes
Control Distance: 30-50 meters

Entertainment Value

It’s super-easy to maneuver via the portable controller. The drone can move left, right, backward, and forward when flying. Your child can even make their helicopter perform a 360-degree flip. Its small size allows it to fly fast and in between tight spaces. If your little one loses track of their drone, they can press the emergency stop button to have it land immediately.

The one-button start makes it easy to get the drone flying or to have it land steadily. It even has the ability to hover in one spot if need be. The small size of the drones allows your child to play laser tag indoors or outdoors. The soft and flexible propellers give the durability to survive multiple crash landings.

Physical Development

While these drones do come in red or blue, the top is detachable so your child can customize it with their favorite colors. Designed with flexible and soft propeller guards, this drone is able to survive multiple crashes. Equipped with three speeds so your little one can start on low to get familiar with it and then increase the speed as they get more comfortable.

As your child battles their friends, they will be increasing their social skills. Controlling the drone will increase their fine-motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Compatibility

These two devices connect to one another. This gives flying a new way for children and adults to enjoy as it comes with a battle feature. With each remote control that these two drones come with your children will be able to battle and shoot one another while also being able to capture the footage. This gives flying and playing outside a little more entertaining for them.

5. Holy Stone HS200

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
92.3
Holy Stone HS200
Amazon Link
Effectiveness
93
Entertainment Value
94
Physical Development
96
Compatibility
86
best offer for today
Amazon Link

Pairs easily with smart phone

Simple one button take off and landing

Headless flight mode

One key return function

Super lightweight; don't fly when it's windy

This Holy Stone model is a wonderful drone for beginners. It's easy to pair, easy to fly, and can transmit a live stream of everything it sees straight to your smartphone!

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Effectiveness

Charging Time: 60 minutes
Flight Time: 7-9 minutes
Control Distance: 50-100 meters

Entertainment Value

You can pair the HS200 with your smartphone to watch a Livestream of everything the drone is seeing! There are four-speed adjustments and LED lights to allow your family to fly the drone even after dark.

Physical Development

One key take off and landing allows even beginners to experience the joy of drones. Drones help to improve hand-eye coordination, as well as teaching children responsibility, autonomy, confidence, and respect for their belongings.

Compatibility

The Holy Drone helicopter connects through an app on your smartphone. It is compatible with any type of smartphone, so flyers won’t have to worry about specifications. As long as flyers download the app that this device requires, they’ll be able to control this drone however they please.

6. Tenker Quadcopter Drone

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
91.8
Tenker Quadcopter Drone
Amazon Link
Effectiveness
93
Entertainment Value
94
Physical Development
96
Compatibility
84
best offer for today
Amazon Link

Flies for up to eight minutes on one charge

Includes an extra battery

Bright green color makes it easy to spot

The company provides great customer service

Drone could be made more durable

Longer battery life means more time for fun. The quadcopter drone is equipped with a 3.7V powerful battery that will allow your child to fly their drone for up to thirty minutes. The company has also thrown in a bonus battery so your child can continue flying their drone while one battery is charging.

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Effectiveness

Charging Time: 40 minutes
Flight TIme: 5-8 minutes
Control Distance: 30-50 meters

Entertainment Value

Attach your phone to the helicopter’s controller so your child can use the real-time transmission to see exactly what the drone is seeing. The can also use the camera to snap pictures and videos of their flight. The bright green color makes it easy for the child to spot their drone in the air.

Physical Development

The quad altitude hovering feature provides the drone with stability while it is hovering so your child can capture the perfect shot. As your child watches their drone in the air they will increase their object tracking skills. The LED lights will leave onlookers breathless.

Compatibility

This next drone is designed specifically for beginners and even children to use. This drone is easy to fold and travels well so you’ll be able to take this helicopter on all of your favorite adventures. It comes with three different speeds that you’ll be able to control with its remote control as well.

7. Holy Stone HS170 Predator Mini RC Drone

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
91
Holy Stone HS170 Predator Mini RC Drone
Amazon Link
Effectiveness
93
Entertainment Value
93
Physical Development
96
Compatibility
82
best offer for today
Amazon Link

Has a headless system of security

Any level of player can operate it easily

Great for kids fourteen and older

Lightweight design

Has LED lights for night flying

Some problems with the blades and replacement

Battery caused issues for some buyers

This is a mini helicopter drone under the wonderful Holy Stone brand. It includes the 2.4GHz technology for anti-interference, plus it is flexible and stable because of its six-axis gyro stabilization operation.

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Effectiveness

Charging Time: 45 - 60 minutes
Flying Time: 6-8 minutes
Control Distance: 30-50 meters

Entertainment Value

This helicopter has a six to eight-minute flight time with a 45-60-minute charge rate. The toy must take a ten-minute break in-between flights to cool the motor down. It is wind-resistant and includes a great performance range of control.

This lightweight design has ultra-responsive engines and is perfect for kids fourteen and older. The helicopter comes with a user manual, a screwdriver to put on the blades, charger, and additional blades. This is a fabulous remote-control helicopter for beginners.

Physical Development

Because of the headless system of security, any level of player can operate this drone easily. It is just perfect for beginners who are just becoming interested in helicopters. This quadcopter has LED light on it for great fun when flying at night. It will surely look like something from outer space when the fantastic lights are lit up in the air.

Compatibility

This wind-resistant helicopter is great for any flyer. It’s easy to function and use. It has a range of about 30 – 50 meters. Its flight time is a little bit lower than most of the drones on our list which lasts about 6-8 minutes but still able to capture some scenes that you may need.

8. Potensic T25 GPS FPV RC Drone

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
90.5
Potensic T25 GPS FPV RC Drone
Amazon Link
Effectiveness
92
Entertainment Value
94
Physical Development
96
Compatibility
80
best offer for today
Amazon Link

Automatically returns when the battery is low

Follow-me features allows the drone to capture every move

Produces crystal-clear images

Lights on the bottom make it easy to spot, especially at night

Light covers could be made more durable

The Potensic T25 Drone makes it possible for your child to explore the outside world from the comfort of their home. With the remote control, the drone can travel up to 300 meters. Equipped with an advanced GPS system, the drone will automatically return to home when the battery runs low or if it loses signal thus making losing it practically impossible.

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Effectiveness

Charging Time: 60 minutes
Flight Time: 5-8 minutes
Control Distance: 300 meter

Entertainment Value

This is an ideal drone for athletic kids as it includes a follow-me feature. The follow-me feature guarantees that the drone follows the user and captures their every move from up above. The high-definition wide-angle camera provides crystal-clear images at any angle. Whether your child is performing cool skate tricks or simply playing outside, the follow-me feature will capture their every move. With the advanced GPS system, you won’t have to worry about them losing their drone.

Physical Development

The bottom of the drone has lights which make it easy for your child to spot it, especially at night. Beginners can easily operate the drone with one key take-off and the emergency stop button. The drone is super-stable when hovering, which makes it the perfect time to use the camera to capture pictures.

Compatibility

If you’re under the GPS mode with this helicopter, you’ll be able to control this device with the simple use of your smartphone. All you have to do is position your phone however you want the drone to go. It’s that simple. It will also match your speed whether you’re walking or running.

9. DBPOWER X400W FPV RC Quadcopter

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
89.8
DBPOWER X400W FPV RC Quadcopter
Amazon Link
Effectiveness
92
Entertainment Value
93
Physical Development
96
Compatibility
78
best offer for today
Amazon Link

HD camera provides clear images

High capacity battery allows you to control it from 100 meters away

Headless Mode makes it very easy to operate

One push of a button will have it returning home

Some reviewers think the app could be more user-friendly.

Children of all ages can enjoy flying the DBPower Quadcopter. The headless mode makes it super easy to operate as it controls the direction of the drone. Children of all ages can enjoy flying the drone as the headless mode does all the work. It is very user-friendly as all of the actions can be performed with one push of a button.

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Effectiveness

Charging Time: 120 minutes
Flying Time: 8-9 Minutes
Control Distance: 100 meters

Entertainment Value

This remote helicopter is equipped with a high capacity battery which allows your child to fly it for roughly ten minutes and control it from 100 meters away. Connect your child’s new drone to your phone so they can view the world above them. The built-in HD camera will produce crystal clear images. The red and white design gives this quadcopter a super sleek and cool look whether it is flying or resting on the ground. The bright LED lights allow your child to fly the drone at night or on overcast days.

Physical Development

Your child won’t have to stress about trying to navigate their drone back to them. The one key return home feature will send the drone back to the transmitter automatically at the push of a button. Making the drone perform flips is just as easy as flying it. A push of the function button and direction stick will cause this drone to perform a 3D flip.

Compatibility

This device is compatible with a headset as long as you download the app that it’s required. It’s also important to note that the VR headset is NOT part of the drone package, but it is, however, compatible for use. This is also a great way for your children and for adults to see the world a little bit differently than how you would necessarily see it.

10. Syma 3.5 Channel with Gyro

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
88.5
Syma 3.5 Channel with Gyro
Amazon Link
Effectiveness
93
Entertainment Value
91
Physical Development
95
Compatibility
75
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$36.98

Only requires twenty minutes for charge time

Easy to fly

Provides a stable flight

Two frequencies

Comes highly rated

Meant for indoor use only

What’s the difference between the S111G MH-68A HITRON and the S111G 3.5 Channel chopper? Well, the former only requires 20 minutes of charging to fly it some 6 minutes with an effective control distance of 10 meters. Additionally, the MH-68A variant is intended for individuals at least 14 years of age. On the other hand, the S111G 3.5Ch chopper is more focused on younger kids, takes slightly longer time to charge, and has a shorter control distance. Regardless, you get the same functionality and performance that you have come to expect from an SYMA RC helicopter.

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Effectiveness

Charging Time: 40 minutes
Flying Time: 5 to 8 minutes
Control Distance: 8 meters

Entertainment Value

It’s easy to fly and very stable in flight, too. And there’s an additional advantage of the S111G 3.5Ch over the MH-68A: it has the backing of more than 850 5-star ratings out of close to 1,300 Amazon reviews. The S111G 3.5Ch is a very affordable RC chopper for kids that provides excellent stability and superb styling.

Physical Development

This product is a great choice as it provides a steady flight and is easy to control. It is ready to fly right out of the box, meaning playtime can begin as soon as desired. In addition, it only requires twenty minutes for charge time. Similarly to the helicopter listed above, the fun won’t be hindered by charge time. It is easy to control and provides a stable flight for frustration-free fun.

Compatibility

This helicopter toy has a motor type called brushed. This is great for beginners and very easy to function. It pretty much just has the basic functions of a helicopter. The battery that it comes with is lithium polymer also known as a LIPO battery.

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Effectiveness

These remote control helicopters are designed to provide you with a durable product. This means they are meant to survive a number of crashes and some are capable of withstanding slight winds. They are great for inspiring imagination and adventure. Some that are suited for outdoor use are a great way to get your little one outside and even sneak in some physical activity. To help instill family quality time, these toys are fun for adults as well.

There are options for both indoor and outdoor use so no matter what climate you live in, there is something on this list perfect for you. They make a great indoor activity during a rainy day and the lights provide ample fun during night use. There are both large and small options giving you a range of choices for use at home or on the go. There is something for everyone!

Entertainment Value

These toys are a great way to promote family time and sibling bonding. While it is highly recommended that small children never be left unsupervised with these toys, they can enhance moments spent among siblings and inspire them to work together to accomplish secret missions. That is another great reason that these remote-control helicopters are an amazing gift option: They will inspire imagination. As we get older, our imaginations and our ability to play gets replaced by reality and rational thinking. These provide an activity that will inspire your growing children to tap into their imaginations and hang onto their inner-child for just a bit longer.

Physical Development

While playing with electric transport objects is typically considered a fun activity for boys, it can be a great selection for a girl too! They feature aesthetically pleasing and sleek designs. They have a sophisticated style that will appeal to all genders and ages.

With it’s educational benefits and introduction to the STEM studies, there is no reason for your little engineer or scientist not to love the items on this list regardless of gender.

Providing your child with a fun way to learn can be challenging but is so important for keeping their attention. These toys will introduce your child to so many concepts associated with STEM studies, giving your child a head start in understanding basic math and science concepts. The concept of gravity is a tricky one to get, despite the fact that it works against us everyday.

These remote control helicopters are a great way to introduce and explain the concept of gravity. They are great for enhancing the function of fine-motor skills as well as hand-eye coordination.

Compatibility

Most of the helicopters on our top ten list will be able to hook up to any type of smartphone. Having the ability to track your toy helicopter via smartphone gives flyers a different way to enjoy their flying. When being able to connect with your smartphone this gives flyers a hands-free option so that they can enjoy and watch their drone without having to really focus on the flying part.

This is also a great way for others to enjoy instead of flying solo as well. You’ll be able to capture some unique shots that maybe you wouldn’t necessarily capture in other cases. All of the helicopters that we feature on our top ten list are all compatible and feature something different for you to enjoy. We’re sure you will find the perfect one for you.

Most Important Criteria (According to our experts opinion)
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Effectiveness
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Parents, Did You Know?

There are many advantages of flying RC helicopters compared to other types of remote-controlled vehicles.

For the most part, these advantages are inherently tied to the benefits of flying RC helicopters. To understand these advantages, it is crucial that we understand the different benefits provided by playing with these kinds of toys.

Parents, Did You Know?

It fosters camaraderie as RC copter hobbyists are a unique group of people that share the same passion and interest for the art of flying mini helicopters.

Parents, Did You Know?

Remote controlled helicopter enhances hand-eye coordination as you need to keep your eye glued on the flying chopper while your fingers will have to focus on making minute adjustments on the controls.

Parents, Did You Know?

Helicopter toy helps enhance your spatial intelligence as you will be controlling the aircraft from a distance. This means you need to have a fair sense of space and the relationship between your aircraft, you, and the environment or space you are in.

Parents, Did You Know?

It’s a great way to get your mind off stressful situations or events by making you stay focused on controlling the flight performance of the helicopter. By narrowing your focus to this one task, your mind will not have the chance to think about what’s giving you stress.

Other Factors to Consider

Ease of Use

There were quite a number of parameters we had to consider in this endeavor owing to the unique characteristics of vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. Because they need to take off and land in an almost vertical fashion and stay afloat in the air for an indefinite period of time, the ease of control is a must.

It’s all about controlling the pitch and yaw and other flight characteristics of these aircrafts that need to be considered. Too sensitive the controls and one strong twitch of the fingers can send it spiraling towards the ground. Nonresponsive controls can have almost the same effect as you’d have to really muscle your way to establish control of the aircraft. As such, the ease of operation is a major consideration.

Related to the operation of the craft is its relative freedom from radio interference. Most hobbyists will fly in groups. As such, it is imperative that the product operates on a multi-channel platform so that it will not interfere with other units within the vicinity or, at least, will not also be affected by other radio controllers in the area. Otherwise, you’d have carnage in the skies.

In addition to radio transmission noninterference, it was crucial for us to check the sturdiness and structural integrity of the product. Loss of flight controls almost always lead to a crash.

Unlike airplanes that can somehow be glided to minimize the impact of the crash, a helicopter losing control in flight is like dropping a hot potato from a certain height. As such, structural flexibility was a major consideration. It should be able to withstand impact forces that may be generated with a sudden loss of flight.

Speaking of flight control, the control transmission radius was also deemed important. While we do recognize that this is inherently affected by terrain and obstacles, at the very minimum, the products we have listed should be able to provide you with ample control distance to really enjoy flying these vehicles. These are not your ordinary flying toys that are attached to a cord and made to fly in circles from its pivot point on the ceiling. At any rate, our choices reflected this consideration.

Frequently Asked Questions

q: Do these helicopters come with a transmitter?

a:

Another word for the transmitter is a control panel, so to speak. All of these include a multi-channel remote control providing you with multiple channels to sync to.

q: How long do they require for charge time?

a:

They range in time, from 20 minutes to around an hour.

q: What is the fly time between charges?

a:

Most of these remote control helicopters have a flight life from anywhere between seven and 12 minutes.

q: Are they suitable for indoor and/or outdoor use?

a:

There are some helicopters that are capable of withstanding mild winds, in turn making them appropriate for outdoor use. There are a few on our list that are not as durable and require a bit more care; these are recommended for indoor-use only.

q: What is the age range for these toys?

a:

The majority on this list are suited for older children. There are a few options that are meant for children a bit younger. Every gift on this list should be used with care and adult supervision.

With proper caution, these can be used by younger children as well. Because they are aesthetically pleasing, they can even be used by adults.

q: Are they available in different colors?

a:

There are some products that come in a range of colors, while others feature more than one color in its design.

Sources

  1. RC Judge Staff, Lutema Large Helicopter Review, Review
  2. What Age a Child Has to Be to Learn How to Fly a RC Helicopter, What Age a Child Has to Be to Learn How to Fly a RC Helicopter, Article
  3. Wikipedia, Transmitter, Article
  4. SYMA, S111G Marines 3 CH REMOTE CONTROL HELICOPTER WITH GYRO, information page
  5. Trend Times, Syma S107 Remote Control Helicopter 3 Channel W/Gyro, About