Remote control helicopters have been around for years, but the technology is getting more and more advanced by the day, and you’ll be amazed by the crazy gadgets you can get your kids at an affordable price. If you want to help your child enjoy the nice weather by soaring through the skies, then you’ll need to check out our list of the best remote-control helicopters on the market in 2024.
We’ll save you some time: if you just want to find the best RC helicopter out there and be on your way, then skip this list and go straight to our number-one pick, the Cheerwing Phantom 3CH 3.5 Channel Mini RC Helicopter.
Table of Contents
- My Top Picks for the Best remote Control Helicopter kids in 2024
- #1: Cheerwing Phantom 3CH 3.5 Channel Mini RC Helicopter (Best Value)
- #2: Cheerwing U12S Mini RC Helicopter (Best For Photography)
- #3:Syma S107H-E Remote Control Helicopter (Most Durable Helicopter)
- #4: Little Tikes Youdrive Rescue Chopper Radio Control Helicopter (Best For Younger Kids)
- #5: Syma TF101 RC Helicopter (Best Luxury Option)
- How I Determined the Best Remote Control Helicopters for Kids
- What Should You Look for in a Remote Control Helicopter for Kids?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Safety Tips
- Verdict: Your Best Remote Control Helicopters for Kids
My Top Picks for the Best remote Control Helicopter kids in 2024
#1: Cheerwing Phantom 3CH 3.5 Channel Mini RC Helicopter (Best Value)
| Size | 16.8 x 2.6 x 6.1 inches |
| Weight | 14.4 ounces |
| Battery Life | about 5-6 Minutes |
If your hunt for the best RC helicopter goes beyond even a cursory level, you’re sure to encounter multiple Cheerwing RC helicopters. Cheerwing is one of the best brands out there when it comes to RC helicopters for kids, and the Cheerwing Phantom 3CH 3.5 Channel Mini RC Helicopter is no exception. This remote control helicopter is easy to use, performs well, and is incredibly cheap! It’s pretty easy to see how this product earned the top spot on my list. Keep reading to find out what exactly makes the Cheerwing Phantom 3CH 3.5 Channel Mini RC Helicopter so great.
Small and lightweight frame
The small dimensions of the Cheerwing Phantom 3CH 3.5 Channel Mini RC Helicopter make this the best RC helicopter for traveling, and it’s great for indoor play. If you want your kid to have something fun to do while you’re on summer weekend getaways, then this Cheerwing remote control helicopter will help you save some packing room. Keep things light with the Cheerwing Phantom 3CH 3.5 Channel Mini RC Helicopter.
Two frequencies so you can fly two helicopters at once
If your child is a bit of a multi-tasker (I certainly was) then this is the perfect RC helicopter for them. The controller of this helicopter can switch between two frequencies, which means you can alternate quickly between two different RC helicopters on different frequencies, or simultaneously fly two helicopters on the same frequency. The possibilities are endless with this feature. Your child can start flying this helicopter as a beginner, and gradually advance to an expert doing coordinated tricks with two different helicopters.
Drawbacks
There aren’t any glaring flaws with this RC helicopter, and that’s why I named it the best RC helicopter for kids. It’s affordable, has an incredibly durable frame, easy to use, and it has a pretty standard battery life. You may find that you’re looking for one particular feature and that the Cheerwing Phantom 3CH 3.5 Channel Mini RC Helicopter doesn’t have it, in which case you’ll want to keep reading our list. But if you just want a cheap product that checks all the boxes, stop reading and buy the Cheerwing Phantom 3CH 3.5 Channel Mini RC Helicopter
#2: Cheerwing U12S Mini RC Helicopter (Best For Photography)
| Size | 10.63 x 1.77 x 4.72 inches |
| Weight | 2.49 ounces |
| Battery Life | about 5-6 Minutes |
Right away, my list features another Cheerwing product, showing that I wasn’t kidding when I said they make some of the best toy helicopters out there. In a lot of ways, the Cheerwing U12S Mini RC Helicopter is very similar to its predecessor, but there are a few features that separate this RC helicopter from the rest of the pack. Keep reading to see why you’ll decide to surprise your child with this remote control helicopter in the summer.
It comes with a camera
With even younger children having access to smartphones, photography has become a lot more popular amongst generations Z and Alpha. And with drones becoming more accessible, aero-photography is truly a booming industry. Of course, a good drone costs at least $1,000, and you probably don’t want to spend that much on an RC helicopter for kids. Thankfully, the Cheerwing U12S Mini RC Helicopter is much more affordable, and it comes with a built-in WiFi Camera that can take pictures or videos or send a live stream to a phone. This is one of the best RC helicopters for feeling like you’re actually sitting in the cock pit and soaring through the skies.
Alarms to keep you alert
The occupational hazard of RC helicopters is that if you leave the range of the remote control or suddenly run out of battery, your helicopter will start becoming yet another victim of the forces of gravity. Thankfully, our second-ranked RC helicopter for kids features an alarm both for when your battery is running low and for when your helicopter is starting to get a little too far from the controller. This is the perfect hobby-grade helicopter for if your kid gets a little careless or loses track of time.
Drawbacks
The main drawback of the Cheerwing U12S Mini RC Helicopter is that it’s a little pricey compared to other RC helicopters. On top of that, it’s even smaller than the previous helicopter, but that could be a good thing depending on your preference. The bottom line is that if you want to be able to take mile-high pictures, the Cheerwing U12S is one of the best RC helicopters out there, and it’s worth spending the extra few bucks. Of course, if that doesn’t interest you, then you might as well save your money.
#3:Syma S107H-E Remote Control Helicopter (Most Durable Helicopter)
| Size | 8.66 x 1.5 x 4.13 inches |
| Weight | 0.97 pounds |
| Battery Life | about 5-6 Minutes |
We all know that kids aren’t exactly safe and cautious in the best of times, and putting them behind the wheels of a helicopter of any sort is just asking for a crash or two. If you want to make sure you won’t have to replace your child’s toy helicopter any time soon, then you’ll want to buy a product that can take a hit. Thankfully, the Syma S107H-E Remote Control Helicopter is one of the toughest RC helicopters for kids out there, and it’s the perfect choice to stand up to your child’s accidental (or purposeful) destruction.
Durable frame
Amazon reviewers gave this helicopter a rating of 4.4 stars on durability alone, so you can definitely afford to crash the Syma S107H-E once or twice. As per Amazon, this crash-resistant copter boasts a “whole alloy material” frame and “a longer lifespan, which is suitable for kids and beginners to play {with.} No serious damage or dysfunctional appearance after {multiple} crashes. Take a load off your mind and know your money isn’t being flushed down the toilet with the Syma S107H-E RC Helicopter.
Altitude hold function
Not only can this helicopter take a hit, but it also has a few advanced features that make it incredibly easy to fly. Most notably, it has an altitude hold feature that means it’ll stay at the same height automatically. All you have to worry about is what direction you’ll want to fly in. This feature makes piloting a remote control helicopter as simple as can be.
Drawbacks
As far as RC helicopters go, the Syma S107H-E RC Helicopter isn’t exactly cheap. That’s the only real downside, as it has fairly average flight time and charging time and it has one-key takeoff and landing that’ll help your kid get started quickly. If you want a helicopter that your child will really have to try to break, then buy the Syma S107H-E RC Helicopter.
#4: Little Tikes Youdrive Rescue Chopper Radio Control Helicopter (Best For Younger Kids)
| Size | 13.25 x 5.5 x 12 inches |
| Weight | 15.7 ounces |
| Battery | 6 AA batteries (included) |
Most of the RC helicopters on my list so far have been geared toward slightly older children. But don’t worry if you want something for your toddler or first-grader; I’ve got you covered. The Little Tikes Youdrive Rescue Chopper Radio Control Helicopter is the perfect choice for a younger child that wants to fly around with an RC helicopter. Keep reading to see why your youngest will love this toy helicopter.
Bright red color scheme
There’s just something that kids like about toys that are big and red. There’s a reason every single one of us had the same big, red toy car growing up. The Little Tikes Youdrive Rescue Chopper Radio Control Helicopter is one of our bigger RC helicopters, and kids will love the color scheme. Plus, the fire symbol on the helicopter’s white door will make your child feel like an emergency rescue squad coming to save the day,
Easy-to-use controller
The Little Tikes Youdrive Rescue Chopper Radio Control Helicopter’s bulky controller won’t take a lot of fine motor skills to operate, and it’s the perfect controller for younger children to use when first getting used to flying RC helicopters. If you get your child started with this kid-friendly product, they’ll feel like a pro by the time they’re old enough to want a fancy drone.
Drawbacks
If your child is reaching the end of the intended age limit for this product, then you may get diminishing returns on your investment. Of course, the Little Tikes Youdrive Rescue Chopper Radio Control Helicopter is cheap enough that this isn’t a huge problem, but it’s something worth considering. In addition to the kid-friendly colors and controller, the Little Tikes Youdrive Rescue Chopper Radio Control Helicopter doesn’t have many choking hazards, and it automatically turns off after a certain period of inactivity, so you don’t need to worry about your child’s short-attention-span killing the battery. The Little Tikes Youdrive Rescue Chopper Radio Control Helicopter is the best entry-level RC helicopter for your toddler.
#5: Syma TF101 RC Helicopter (Best Luxury Option)
| Size | 8.86 x 2.56 x 6.81 inches |
| Weight | 1.37 pounds |
| Battery life | 7-minute flight time, 60-minute charging time |
If your child is a little older and absolutely sure that they want to really dig into the world of RC helicopters, then it’s worth treating them to a really fancy product that’s a little more than a beginner-friendly helicopter. If that’s the case, then the Syma TF101 RC Helicopter is exactly what you’re looking for. Keep reading to find out why the Syma TF101 RC Helicopter is perfect for your future pro pilot.
Advanced maneuvers
The Syma TF101 RC Helicopter includes special built-in maneuvers as part of the control scheme, including a six-beat up-and-down hover and the ability to spiral straight upwards. You can even do a mid-air 360 with this high-grade helicopter. If your child wants to be a little stylish and embrace their inner show-off, then the Syma TF101 RC Helicopter is perfect for them.
Includes a landing pad
The included landing pad will give your child a fun way to practice a smooth landing and even throw some tricks into the mix. The landing pad combined with the advanced flight maneuvers of this RC helicopter will keep your child occupied for hours on end.
Drawbacks
The only real drawback of the Syma TF101 RC Helicopter is that it’s expensive. Of course, “expensive” is a relative term, and you don’t need to worry that you’ll be spending hundreds of dollars on a toy for your kid. This Syma helicopter is still very affordable, it’s just not the cheapest option on the list. If you really want to blow your child away with their next gift, then you have to buy the Syma TF101 RC Helicopter.
How I Determined the Best Remote Control Helicopters for Kids
Unfortunately, we couldn’t exactly try out every single helicopter. But we could still do all the necessary research. We checked articles and reviews online and compared them to Amazon comments to make sure that paying customers were happy with the product they received. We also made sure to carefully note the listed specs and details of each product so that you could know exactly what you’re buying before you even buy it.
What Should You Look for in a Remote Control Helicopter for Kids?
Especially if you’re buying a type of product for the first time, it helps to use specific criteria. We wanted everything to be as simple as possible, so we broke everything down into 4 criteria. There are certain go-to traits that people look for in wireless electronics: particularly, battery life, and range. However, since most RC helicopters for kids have about the same performance in these two categories, that didn’t factor into our rankings too much. Keep reading to get your crash course on how to evaluate the best RC helicopters for kids.
Ease-of-use – This list is specifically of RC helicopters for kids. That means we want kids to have a quick time getting the hang of things, and we want them to actually have fun. That, in turn, means that, first and foremost. All of the products on our list should be easy to use. The easier the better.
Durability – Kids can be clumsy, careless, and – sometimes – just plain destructive. I know I broke my own fair share of toys just to see what would happen. We don’t want your hard-earned money to go to waste that quickly, so we made sure that all of the helicopters on our list could take a light hit or two.
Extra features – Everything gets boring after enough hours. The best way to keep things interesting is to have fun features that separate you from the rest of the pack. That’s why we gave preference to any helicopter that had features like altitude hold, one-touch landing, or built-in shortcuts to perform cool flips and tricks. It’s just nice to have all the bells and whistles sometimes.
Price – As we’ve mentioned earlier, there aren’t really any remote helicopters that are so expensive. But that doesn’t mean you need to spend more money for no reason. Because of the relative affordability of these products, we didn’t fixate on it too much, but cheaper is, all things being equal, usually better.
Frequently Asked Questions
We know you may still have some questions, and we wouldn’t be doing our job if we didn’t at least try to answer them. Keep reading to check out our FAQ section and learn everything you need to know before you make your decision.
How high can an RC helicopter fly?
Naturally, this will vary from helicopter to helicopter, but the average range of a remote helicopter is about one kilometer or around 3000 feet.
How long does it take to learn to fly an RC helicopter?
These products are meant for kids, so they aren’t really that hard to get the hang of. That being said, getting the basics down is one thing, and becoming a real flight master is another. Like a lot of hobbies, you can put RC helicopters in the “easy to learn, difficult to master” category.
How long does it take to charge the remote control helicopter?
Like with flight range, this will vary a little from one product to another, but the general charge time for helicopters is one hour. Of course, that’s to a full charge, and you may find that your helicopter is ready to use after less than that, or that you really really need to wait the full hour to get good use out of your child’s new toy.
Safety Tips
There are much more dangerous toys out there than toy helicopters. As long as your child doesn’t fly their helicopter too close to anyone’s head, everyone should be fine. Other than that, it’s best to stay in a main room with a high roof, or outside on the lawn and out of the street.
Verdict: Your Best Remote Control Helicopters for Kids
If that was all a little dense for you, don’t worry. We’re going to sum things up very quickly so that you can focus on the brass tax and be on your way as quickly as possible.
If you want the best value for money, pick the Cheerwing Phantom 3CH 3.5 Channel Mini RC Helicopter.
There are no two ways about it. When it comes to the input-output of your dollar, this Cheerwing helicopter is the best product on the market. It’s small, easy to use, nice and durable, and – best of all – it’s cheap. What more can you ask for?
If you need something that can take pictures, pick the Cheerwing U12S Mini RC Helicopter.
What can be cooler than pictures and videos that were taken while flying through the air? If your child has already shown an interest in photography, then our second Cheerwing helicopter is simply the only option for them.
If you want something for your youngest child, pick the Little Tikes Youdrive Rescue Chopper Radio Control Helicopter.
The intense red color scheme and the simple controller are beginner-friendly as well as kid-friendly this Little Tikes product will fit right in with all of your child’s other toys. If you have a younger child that wants a toy helicopter, then the Little Tikes Youdrive Rescue Chopper Radio Control Helicopter is the best option for you.
That brings us to the end of our list. If you’re still having trouble picking out a helicopter, it may help to boil things down to which feature is most important to you and work backward from there. Safe flying!
