If your child is bored with static toys, it might be time to take to the skies. Remote control (RC) helicopters are fantastic for teaching hand-eye coordination, mechanics, and spatial awareness. Plus, flying them is just plain cool.
However, not all choppers are created equal. You want a toy that challenges them without causing frustration. You also need something durable enough to survive the inevitable “crash landings” during flight school.
We researched the market to find the best remote control helicopters for kids. Whether you have a toddler, a tween, or a teen, we have options to suit every skill level and budget.
- Fly time of 6 minutes
- Has built-in WiFi camera
- Real-time video transmission
- Great for kids and beginners
- Fun light feature
- Up to 15 minutes flying time
- Hover technology
- 2 frequencies to chose from
- Gyro direction stabilizer
- Supports basic movements
- Advanced barometric pressure technology
- Color changing LED lights
- Aerobic flight mode
- Landing pad included
- Helicopter drone combo
Points to Keep in Mind
Helicopters range from simple toys to complex machines. If this is your child’s first aircraft, expect a learning curve. Here are the main factors to consider before buying.
Age of Your Child
Consider your child’s age and maturity. RC helicopters involve high-speed spinning parts, so safety is paramount. Toddlers need simple, enclosed rotors, while teens can handle hobby-grade models. Always supervise younger pilots to prevent damage to the furniture (or the cat).
Skill Level
For beginners, look for “coaxial” helicopters. These have two rotors stacked on top of each other, which provides natural stability. Single-rotor helicopters look cooler but are much harder to fly. Stick to 3-channel coaxial models for new pilots to keep frustration low.
Area of Interest
Does your child want to fly right out of the box, or do they like tinkering? “Ready-to-Fly” (RTF) models are best for most kids. However, if your child loves engineering, a hobby-grade model with replaceable parts allows them to repair and modify their chopper after a crash.
Flying Area
Will they be flying in the living room or the backyard? Infrared (IR) controllers work great indoors but fail in sunlight. For outdoor flying, you need a 2.4 GHz radio controller and a heavier helicopter that won’t get blown away by a light breeze.
Frequency and Interference
If you have two kids who want to fly together, avoid standard infrared signals, as they often interfere with each other. Look for 2.4 GHz technology. This automatically pairs the remote to the helicopter, allowing multiple pilots to race without crossing signals.
The Learning Curve
We highly recommend you fly the helicopter first. Get a feel for the throttle sensitivity and the trim adjustments. Once you master the hover, you can teach your child. It saves them from crashing immediately and getting discouraged.
How to Choose an RC Helicopter
Beyond safety and age, the technical specs determine how fun the toy actually is. Here is what to look for on the box.
Channels (Movement)
“Channels” refers to the number of directions the helicopter can move.
- 2-Channel: The heli goes up/down and spins left/right. It always moves forward on its own. Good for very young kids.
- 3-Channel: The standard for beginners. It goes up/down, spins left/right, and moves forward/backward.
- 4-Channel: Adds “banking” (strafing) left and right. This is much harder to control and better suited for experienced teenagers.
Battery Life & Flight Time
Manage your expectations here. Most electric RC helicopters fly for only 6 to 8 minutes before needing a recharge. Charging usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.
To keep the fun going, look for models with swappable batteries. If the battery is built-in, you will have to wait for the recharge cycle. Avoid gas-powered (nitro) helicopters for kids; they are dangerous, noisy, and require complex maintenance.
Product Reviews
We have tested the fleet to bring you the top 7 choices for aspiring pilots.
Cheerwing U12S Mini RC Helicopter
Best RC Helicopter for Photography
This tops our list because it bridges the gap between a toy and a hobby drone. The Cheerwing U12S features a built-in camera that connects to your phone via WiFi, allowing kids to see what the pilot sees in real-time. It is an exciting feature for kids aged 14 and up.
Despite the advanced tech, it is beginner-friendly. It features “Altitude Hold,” meaning if your child lets go of the throttle, the helicopter hovers in place rather than crashing. It also has a one-key take-off and landing button, removing the hardest part of flying for newbies.
The 2.4 GHz remote ensures a strong connection, and it even has a “low battery” alarm to warn you to land before power runs out.
Pros
- Includes a WiFi camera for FPV (First Person View).
- Altitude hold makes hovering easy.
- One-key take-off and landing.
- Two speed modes for different skill levels.
Cons
- Camera drains battery faster.
Our Ratings
Flying Ball Helicopter Toys
Best Indoor and Outdoor RC Helicopter
If traditional controllers are too difficult for your child, this gesture-controlled flying ball is a perfect alternative. It is durable, stable, and incredibly easy for kids aged 7 and up to use.
The toy uses induction sensors. You simply turn it on, hold it upright, and let it go. When it senses a hand (or the floor) beneath it, it automatically flies upward. It is like playing catch with a drone.
The disco ball design lights up with bright LEDs, making it a hit for sleepovers or nighttime play. It charges via USB in about 20 minutes and flies for up to 15 minutes, which is longer than most standard helicopters.
Pros
- No remote needed; controlled by hand gestures.
- Safety sensors prevent crashing into the ground.
- Excellent flight time (up to 15 minutes).
- Very affordable.
Cons
- Can move erratically indoors if the room is cluttered.
Our Ratings
Cheerwing S107/S107G Phantom Mini RC Helicopter
Best Budget RC Helicopter
The Syma S107G is widely considered the king of beginner helicopters. It uses a coaxial rotor system (two blades spinning in opposite directions) and a high-quality gyroscope. This makes the flight path incredibly stable and smooth, perfect for playtime indoors.
The standout feature here is durability. The body is made of alloy, not cheap plastic. It can survive repeated crashes into walls, ceilings, and furniture, which is exactly what you need for a learner.
It offers 3 channels of control (up/down, forward/back, turn left/right). Note that this uses Infrared control, so it works best indoors away from bright sunlight.
Pros
- Metal frame is extremely durable.
- Gyro system prevents uncontrolled spinning.
- Dual-protection system powers off if blades get stuck.
- Easy to trim and balance.
Cons
- Infrared control does not work well outdoors in the sun.
Our Ratings
Vatos Mini Helicopter With Remote Control
Best Small RC Helicopter
This Vatos model is a compact flyer ideal for tight indoor spaces. At just over 3 inches long, it fits in the palm of your hand, making it suitable for kids aged 8 to 12.
Despite its size, it is tough. The flexible blades and polymer frame can take a beating. If it crashes, simply throttle down and reset. It also features a built-in gyro for stability, preventing the “toilet bowl effect” where helicopters swirl out of control.
The remote operates on 3.5 channels, giving your pilot full control over altitude, direction, and rotation. It charges via USB in about an hour for roughly 8 minutes of flight.
Pros
- Crash-resistant polymer body.
- LED lights for night flying.
- Auto-correction for smoother flight.
- No assembly required.
Cons
- Very lightweight; air conditioner drafts can push it off course.
- Sensitive controls require a gentle touch.
Our Ratings
Little Tikes YouDrive Rescue Chopper
Best RC Helicopter for Beginners
Toddlers want to fly too, and this Little Tikes chopper is the safest way to let them try. Designed for ages 3 and up, it prioritizes simplicity and safety over complex flight mechanics.
The remote is intuitive with a single lever for steering. The helicopter features “Auto-Hover,” so it stays in the air automatically without the child needing to constantly adjust the throttle.
Safety-wise, the propellers are enclosed in a protective ring, preventing little fingers from getting hurt and protecting the blades from walls. With working lights and siren sounds, it creates an immersive rescue mission experience for preschoolers.
Pros
- Protective blade guards for safety.
- Simple one-touch remote.
- Fun lights and siren sound effects.
- Auto-hover prevents crashing.
Cons
- Limited control (steering is basic).
- Uses a lot of batteries (AA for remote and helicopter).
Our Ratings
RC Helicopter TF1001
Best Luxury RC Helicopter
The SYMA TF1001 looks like a helicopter but flies with the agility of a drone. It is a 4-channel aircraft, meaning it can bank side-to-side (strafe) in addition to standard movements. This makes it a great choice for kids 12+ who want to perform stunts.
It features a “stunt mode” that allows it to do 360-degree flips and rolls. It also has altitude hold and one-key take-off, making it accessible for intermediates. The propeller arms fold in, making it easy to transport without snapping a blade.
It comes with a landing pad, which adds a fun “precision landing” game element for kids to practice. Flight time is around 7 minutes per charge.
Pros
- Can perform 360-degree stunts.
- Side-flight (banking) capabilities.
- Foldable design for portability.
- Includes a landing pad for target practice.
Cons
- More complex controls can confuse beginners.
- Struggles in windy conditions.
Our Ratings
K.E.J. Flying Ball Indoor Helicopter
Best RC Helicopter for Indoors
This hybrid toy offers the best of both worlds: remote control precision and hand-induction fun. It is great for active kids aged 6 and up who want to run around with their toys.
You can control it via the included remote for start/stop and altitude functions. Alternatively, switch to induction mode, where the helicopter detects your hand underneath it and flies upward automatically. This effectively turns it into a high-tech game of keep-it-up.
It is built with safety features that stop the propellers instantly if they hit an object, protecting the motor and gears. The bright flashing LEDs make it a spectacle in a dim room.
Pros
- Dual modes: Remote control or hand induction.
- Safety auto-shutoff on impact.
- Includes 3 toys in the set (great value).
- Bright LED lights.
Cons
- Limited directional control (mostly up/down).
- Short battery life per flight.
Our Ratings
FAQs
What is the Best RC Helicopter For Beginners?
The best RC helicopter for beginners is a 3-channel coaxial model (two rotors stacked on top of each other) with gyro stabilization. These features keep the helicopter steady without constant adjustment. The Syma S107G is widely regarded as the top choice for learning due to its stability and metal frame durability.
Are Bigger RC Helicopters Easier to Fly?
Generally, yes. Larger helicopters are heavier, making them more stable and less susceptible to wind drafts. However, they are also more dangerous if they crash and require more open space. For indoor use, a smaller, lighter mini-helicopter is actually easier to manage because it won’t damage walls or furniture as easily.
What Age are RC Helicopters For?
Simple induction flyers or 2-channel toys are suitable for ages 5-7. Standard 3-channel hobby toys are best for ages 8-12. Advanced 4-channel or outdoor helicopters are recommended for teenagers (14+) due to the speed and complexity of controls. Always check the manufacturer’s age recommendation.
Which RC Helicopter Has the Best Battery Life?
Most toy-grade RC helicopters average 6 to 8 minutes of flight time. To get longer play sessions, look for models with removable batteries so you can swap them out. Drone-style hybrids like the Flying Ball often have slightly longer run times of around 15 minutes due to lighter weight and efficient motors.
What is the Difference Between a 2 Blade and 3 Blade RC Helicopter?
A “3-blade” usually refers to the tail rotor or a specific aesthetic design, but the main difference in function is usually 2-channel vs. 3-channel. A 3-channel helicopter (often with dual main blades) allows you to fly forward and backward. A 2-channel helicopter constantly moves forward on its own, and you only control altitude and turning, giving you less control.
Why Is My RC Helicopter Spinning in Circles?
If your helicopter spins uncontrollably, the “trim” is likely off. This means one rotor is spinning faster than the other. Look for a dial or buttons on your remote labeled “L/R Trim.” Adjust the trim in the opposite direction of the spin until the helicopter flies straight.
