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Remote-controlled helicopters, known as RC helicopters, have become a popular toy among youngsters and adults for their exciting features and designs. Check out our list of the best RC helicopters for kids to choose the right toy for your child. Considered a cheaper alternative to drones, RC helicopters can offer a much-needed getaway from digital screens and video games. They motivate you to step outdoors for some fresh air. These helicopters will give you a boost of adrenaline and excitement while playing with them, especially when the RC helicopter flies above your head, embarking on a journey. They make you feel like you are flying and improve your motor skills and hand-eye coordination. With many RC helicopters available, you might be wondering how you can buy the one that suits you. So scroll through our list of RC helicopters from trusted brands to learn more.
Top Picks
11 Best RC Helicopters For Kids
1. Best Crash-Resistant: Cheerwing S107G Phantom Metal Series Helicopter
If you are looking for the perfect gift for children and adults, Cheerwing’s S107G RC Helicopter is your best bet! It packs a lot of power considering its small size and is specially built to be crash-resistant. One of the best RC outdoor helicopters for outdoor events, it can even be used at night, as it has inbuilt lights to ensure you never lose sight of it. The lights come in handy safety-wise as people can see the helicopter coming from a distance in the dark. They come in three exciting variations of color, including crimson red, navy blue, and flashy yellow. Check out this review video detailing a tester’s experience to learn more about this high-performance helicopter.
Pros
- Dual-frequency channels
- Upgraded Gyro system
- Metal frame body
- Flexible blade
- Three-channel system for free movement in every direction
- Can be charged via the remote control
- Streamlined head
Cons
- Some may find it flimsy
- Battery may exhaust quickly
"The best thing about this helicopter is its durability - it has survived repeated crashes and stayed as charming as before. Though the speed fluctuates occasionally, my son seems to control it well with the remote. I find it solid choice for indoor fun."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 4,183 positive customer reviews on Amazon are a testament to its quality and reliability.
2. Best Durable: SYMA S107H-R Remote Control Helicopter
This helicopter is for adolescents and beginners who are just learning or getting the hang of using RC Helicopters. With the fantastic features that the Syma S107H-R consists of, users can quickly learn and get the hang of flying such machinery. This durable helicopter’s frequency channel of 2.4 G allows you to fly the toy up to 20 meters away from yourself. The emergency function is a nice safety check which helps in protecting the RC helicopter and the user. The metal alloy material used to make the toy RC helicopter helps in the durability of the product. Before buying, have a look at this review video for more details.
Pros
- One key to take off and land
- Features altitude hold
- Streamlined head
- Flexible blade
- Anti-collision body
- Flexible and stable RC flight helicopter
Cons
- May not be break-resistant
- Some may find it smaller than expected
"This toy's sturdy build and impressive resilience against crashes make it worth it. My son finds it quite enjoyable with its straightforward control features and in-air stability. Plus, the quick charging time and sensitivity adjustments are pretty good."
Quick tipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
The tried-and-true product has earned over 3,720 good reviews on Amazon.
3. Best Long-Lasting: Deerc DE51 Remote Control Helicopter
The Deerc DE51 is an easy-to-assemble and control RC helicopter, coming with a customizable option to keep things interesting with this toy. It even comes featured with bright LED lights that give the user an awesome experience in low-light situations. This toy RC helicopter comes equipped with a full metal body for durability. The Deerc DE51 is also indisputably the long lasting RC Helicopter when compared to others in the market, thanks to the unique modular batteries provided. Watch this product testing and review video to learn more about this LED light helicopter.
Pros
- Two-speed modes
- Remote-controlled LED lights
- One key take-off/landing
- Emergency stop
- 4GHz remote control
- Gyroscope system
- Comes with an altitude hold feature
Cons
- Battery slot may be weakly constructed
- Some may find slight signal lag in the system
"I appreciate this helicopter's beginner-friendly design, which allows my children to control it without any hassle. Though not suitable for windy weather, it flies beautifully inside the house and survives multiple crashes. Moreover, its battery life is decent enough for continuous flying. A satisfying purchase overall."
4. Best Compact: GoolRC C129 RC Helicopter
The RC helicopter is a portable and small-sized drone that is convenient to carry when traveling, allowing you to enjoy flying anywhere. This durable helicopter without ailerons is flexible in operation and ensures stability in flight. The flight attitude does not get skewed easily and does not need excessive manual correction. The remote control distance is up to 100 meters, and the anti-interference 2.4 frequency allows several aircraft to fly simultaneously. The four-channel mini RC helicopter also adopts the six-axis gyroscope to achieve satisfactory flight stability.
Pros
- Air pressure and altitude hold feature
- Gyroscopic helicopter
- Lightweight and durable propeller
- Four-channel controller
- Less drag
- Ideal for beginners
Cons
- Might not be suitable for windy climate
- Flight time might be a little shorter than expected
"As a flight enthusiast, my nephew thoroughly enjoys flying this helicopter using its auto take-off and landing features. Though the blades could be sturdier, their powerful motors impressed us as they offer swift and stable flying control. Overall, I recommend this to foster engaging fun."
Caution5. Best With Non-Jamming Function: Droneeye 4DM5 RC Helicopter
Droneeye RC helicopter features the latest gyroscope technology and automatic pair, making it easy for children and beginners to operate. With the advanced barometric pressure technology, the high-performance helicopter could hover at a certain altitude automatically after taking off. Including a 2.4GHz remote control system with a control distance of about 80 meters, it can offer a stable signal and has a non-jamming function to prevent signal interference when multiple helicopters fly together. This mini helicopter flying toy has a metal body for durability and child-friendly flexible blades for increased safety.
Pros
- Offers 30 minutes of flying time
- Adjustable speed levels
- One key take-off and landing function
- Low battery power and out-of-range alarm
Cons
- Might not be suitable for windy climate
- Charging time may be longer than expected
"Thanks to its dual-battery mechanism, my little one enjoys uninterrupted flying time all day. Its colorful, changeable body is a major plus that lifts his mood every time he changes it. While it doesn't seem to be crash-resistant, he is more intrigued by its drone-like controlling system, which lets him fly it up high."
6. Best With LED Lights:YongnKids Flying Ball Drone Helicopter
This RC helicopter is a unique pink-colored chopper that can’t be missed with its flashy lights and bright, vibrant colors. This tried-and-tested helicopter requires no safety precautions as it is programmed with advanced LED infrared sensors that help it move away from objects. The wings cannot be broken easily or deformed and resist damage whenever there are crashes. It is also equipped with other advanced features, such as an anti-card automatic power-off function that leaves parents with no worries about their children’s safety. A unique feature of this chopper is that it is hand-controlled. It magically floats above your hand, and you can easily control the chopper’s motion with the movement of your hands.
Pros
- LED lights for visual appeal
- One-key remote control
- Rechargeable helicopter
- Made of high-quality materials
- Lightweight
Cons
- May take some time getting used to the toy helicopter
- May be less suitable for indoor play
"My son loves this helicopter toy for its easy-to-operate features, making his playtime more enjoyable. Though it isn't meant for rough play, it doesn't seem to bother him much. Overall, it is a great toy."
Quick fact7. Best With Recovery Mode:Blade RC Helicopter 120 S2
Blade’s 120 S2 series of RC easy-to-fly helicopters are incredibly engineered toys, making them perfect for seasoned RC pilots and beginners. Being a single-rotor machine, it is much easier to control than its coaxial counterparts and multi-rotor drones. It is also inbuilt with an integrated telemetry system that provides stability. The 120 S2 also comes with a simple design making it ready to fly right out of the box as it requires no assembly. Lastly, it is also built with durability in mind, and you may have a tough time trying to break it with a crash.
Pros
- Panic recovery mode
- Multi-functional transmitter
- Flies at a fixed pitch
- Flybarless rotor has electronic stabilizers
- Small enough be an indoor helicopter
- Lightweight
Cons
- May have low head speed
- Some may find it hard to take off from the ground
"It's great to see my child improving his flight operating skills thanks to this RC model. We love its tech-driven design; its unique SAFE system lets him control stability seamlessly using different flight modes. Also, its resistance against crashes is impressive. All in all, an exceptional choice for young flying enthusiasts."
8. Best With Dual-Speed System: ONG NAMO RC Helicopter
If you are a hobbyist looking to procure an RC toy for both yourself and your kids, Ong Namo’s RC helicopter would be a great investment if you are looking for an affordable alternative to practice your drone flying skills. Suitable for veteran pilots and beginners with its simple controller, it makes an ideal gift for anyone. The build quality of this affordable helicopter is impressive — thanks to its fully alloyed body and similar capabilities to that of expensive drones.
Pros
- Dual-speed mode system
- Sideway trimming
- 4GHz radio transmitter
- One key take-off/landing
- Emergency stop
- In-built altitude hold mode
- Features LED lights
Cons
- Some may find the USB cord flimsy
- Some parts may be fragile
9. Best Low Battery Protection:Anesdun PF908 Aircraft
This mini RC helicopter is a versatile toy for beginner RC pilots, built to be durable and easy to fly. If you’re looking to have a fun interaction with a child, look no further, as this toy will help you do just that! It’s the best RC helicopter for kids, with its metallic alloy build, giving it a solid body that ensures long-lasting durability. Paired with its flashing lights, this beginner helicopter will be shining bright, be it night or day.
Pros
- Easy to charge
- Gyro system
- 4GHz transmitter
- 360° functionality
- Auto turn-off feature
- Altitude hold
- One-key operation
- Includes spare parts
Cons
- Battery life may be short
10. Best Double Protection: Poco Divo Coast Guard Rescue RC Helicopter
If you’re looking for a cute radio-controlled helicopter to give a child around the age of eight years, Poco Divo RC Helicopter can be a suitable option. The built-in gyro-stabilizer can adjust the aircraft into various spin phenomena in flight. It has protection against both low-voltage and overcurrent. If the electric helicopter suffers a direct external impact or is obstructed, the overcurrent protection mode will turn on automatically. This cute toy RC helicopter comes with two frequency options so that up to two helicopters can fly at the same time.
Pros
- Three-channel infrared control
- Lightweight and easy to operate
- LED flashing light
- Made of a unique material to withstand crashes
- Offers agility and speed
Cons
- Instructions might be a little confusing
- May be smaller than expected
"This indoor chopper is lightweight, stable, and intuitive enough for my daughter to control. Since its parts are a tad delicate, she prefers it for gentle play use to avoid high-speed crashes. I will recommend this one for its fun, extended flying time."
11. Best For Hard Crash:MDGZY Helicopter Series
If you have kids, you probably heard of the company MDGZY and their variety of RC toys, from cars to robots and even DIY educational toys. Now with their new Helicopter series, your child can experience being an aircraft pilot as well, with a simple design that can wow any child below the age of ten. Designed with a long-distance remote control, this fun helicopter ensures that your kid will be entertained for hours on end.
Pros
- Can withstand hard crashes
- Altitude hold function
- Gyroscope system
- Easy to charge
- Single button for automatic lift-off and landing
- Includes spare parts
Cons
- Some may find it hard to control
- May have low head speed
If you’ve followed us up to this point, we’re sure you are now equipped with the knowledge you need for selecting the best RC Helicopter for kids as a gift, but if you’re still feeling unsure, fret not, as we’d be more than happy to help you choose the suitable RC helicopter for you or kids.
How To Choose The Right Kids RC Helicopter?
These days the markets are oversaturated with a multitude of options for RC toys, helicopters included. So, of course, it can be quite a hassle to try and choose the right one, especially if the purchase is for children as there is an obvious concern of safety and durability. So, here are a couple of things to keep in mind while selecting the best RC helicopter for all.
- Age restriction
If you’re buying a novice pilot an RC toy, you must consider age restriction. Even if your child is a pro, there may be some functions that the child is not ready to handle. If the controls or functionalities of the toy are too complex for them, they’d probably lose interest just as quickly. Usually, the age restriction for a toy also refers to a child’s safety. Therefore, consider skill levels and age restrictions before buying the best kids’ helicopters.
- Safety
Like we mentioned earlier, safety is also an important component for selecting the right toy for a child, regardless of their age. If you’re buying one of the more expensive RC helicopters you can bet that they’d have more complex components that can be either a choking hazard or be metal coated and cause a lot of damage if it were to crash into someone. So check these features before purchasing an RC helicopter, and opt for a safety-tested one from a trusted brand for ideal results.
- Quality
Quality is something that we can all agree on, and there would be no point in investing in a toy that can easily break or be damaged, right? So, of course, we would try and look for quality materials and quality machinery that can assure us that the same toy can last your children or us at least a year plus. For instance, RC choppers made from metal are more durable and sturdy than those made from plastic.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are RC Helicopters hard to fly?
Yes, to some extent, especially for beginners as they may find it hard to make the helicopter fly farther from their position. Controlling it might be a bit tricky.
2. Do RC helicopters need to be registered?
Yes, you have to register the aircraft if an unmanned aircraft weighs more than 0.55 pounds (1).
3. How long does it take to learn to fly an RC helicopter?
You may take eight to ten days to hover an RC helicopter. You can begin with controlling the helicopter while it is on ground and progress towards hovering it at certain feet above the ground level. And then practicing to make it reach higher.
4. How high can I fly an RC helicopter?
You should fly your RC helicopter below 400 feet in an uncontrolled space. However, if you have FAA authorization by LAANC or drone zone, you can fly below FAA authorized controlled space (2).
5. How fast are RC helicopters?
The fastest RC model helicopter is 320 Km/h.
6. Are RC helicopters safe to kids?
Remote-controlled mini helicopters are safe as long as they are hovering the helicopter within the limits and control it smoothly. However, beware that RC helicopters also have propellers that may be harmful.
7. How long does a RC helicopter battery last?
Batteries and the weight of the RC helicopter are interdependent. Long-lasting batteries weigh more, sometimes even more than 0.55 pounds. Any lightweight helicopter’s battery will last only seven to ten minutes, and thereafter you need to charge them.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Priti Bose is our toy and gift enthusiast who enjoys curating well-researched product lists for her readers. She has compiled this list of the best remote control helicopters for kids from trusted brands after considering various factors, including age, safety features, and quality. Priti has analyzed multiple websites and forums before carefully selecting products for this list, and considered user reviews to offer you an unbiased opinion.
The Bottom Line
The best remote control helicopters for kids come with exciting features and functions to keep your little ones The best remote-controlled helicopter toys for kids come with exciting features and functions to keep your little ones occupied for hours. Selecting a helicopter like the DEERC DE51 Remote Control Helicopter with enhanced battery life can let your children spend engaging time outdoors. You should also pick one based on the child’s age and level. A durable and crash-resistant one like Cheerwing S107G Phantom Metal Series Helicopter is a good option if your child is still quite young, and a model like the SYMA S107H-R Remote Control Helicopter makes a great first helicopter toy for children. Most importantly, you may consider the range of the RC helicopter, the type of motor, and its blades to enhance the fun.
Infographic: Points To Consider When Flying An RC Helicopter
Besides investing in a good-quality RC helicopter, adhering to certain precautions when flying the toy is crucial to ensure a safe yet satisfying experience. Read this infographic to learn more about the factors to consider when using the copter, especially as a newbie. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Aircraft Registration
https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/aircraft_certification/aircraft_registry/ua - Recreational Flyers & Community-Based Organizations
https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_flyers
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