When it comes to picking out the best RC helicopters for beginners, there’s a lot of factors to consider – including how big your flying area is and parts availability. Add in all the technical jargon that comes from products like a drone helicopter with cameras and it’s even more difficult for beginners to make the right purchase.
Fortunately, we’ve already done the heavy lifting for you – here’s a list of the top seven helicopter drones on the market that are best-suited for beginners.
Check out the top picks for drone helicopter that we’ve already highlighted for you below.
RC Helicopters for Beginners Reviewed In This Guide
- Syma S107H-E RC Helicopter
- DEERC DE51 RC Helicopter
- Syma S107G 3 Channel RC Helicopter
- Cheerwing U12S Mini RC Helicopter
- VATOS RC Helicopter
- Syma 109G 3.5 RC Helicopter
- GoolRC C129 Helicopter
- Syma S37 RC Helicopter
- Syma S39 RC Helicopter
- Syma RC Helicopter LATEST MODEL
- Protocol Drone Aviator RC Helicopter
Best RC Helicopters for Beginners List
Syma S107H-E RC Helicopter
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For beginners who may be worried about losing control of their RC helicopter, the Syma S107H-E RC Helicopter includes a nifty feature to lock the height of your copter when your hand is off the throttle stick.
Even if there is an accident, this Syma copter has a whole alloy body for better durability, so the helicopter is less likely to get damaged if you crash it. And, to make flying even easier, there’s one key landing so that it flies down and lands slowly before the motors completely stop. While this Syma copter is great for beginners, the sturdy frame and anti-collision features also make it an ideal choice for kids who are just learning to fly RC helicopters too.
Specs/Features:
One key landing/take off
Altitude hold
Remote control distance: 20m
Flight time: 6 minutes
Pros:
Includes anti-collision features for safer flying
Only takes an hour to completely charge
There’s an emergency stop button if the helicopter goes out of range or sight
Cons:
Not as long of a flight time
Only includes one remote
DEERC DE51 RC Helicopter
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If you’re someone who cares about the appearance of your helicopter drone, the DEERC DE51 RC Helicopter includes two different shells that you can swap out on your copter. Compared to other options, the remote control on this helicopter has a larger control distance of about fifty meters. If you’re flying with other people, the DEERC includes a non-jamming function and stable signal, so you shouldn’t have to worry about signal interference. For this reason, this product is especially good for anyone looking to fly in groups or with other people.
Specs/Features:
Non-jamming function
Altitude hold
Remote control distance: 50m
Flight time: 10 minutes
Pros:
Longer flight time and remote control distance
Includes two different colored shells
Easy to assemble
Cons:
Not as durable as some options
Not a great choice for extremely young kids
Syma S107G 3 Channel RC Helicopter
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With even more precision control than some of the other drone helicopters like the copters in Syma’s lineup, the Syma S107G 3 Channel RC Helicopter boasts full-function trim control and doesn’t require any flight training to operate. While it may not come with multiple batteries, you won’t have to wait long for this helicopter to charge – it only takes around 25 minutes for the battery to reach a full charge.
The smaller size gives the S107G even more agility and speed in the air, and this is an ideal option for anyone that just wants to fly their copter indoors.
Specs/Features:
Full-function trim control
Precision control
Flight distance: 7 to 10 minutes
Pros:
Faster and more agile
Better precision
Doesn’t take as long to charge
Cons:
Better to use indoors than outdoors
Cheerwing U12S Mini RC Helicopter
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Not all RC helicopters are designed to be as user-friendly as the Cheerwing U12S Mini RC Helicopter is. To start flying, all you need to do is press a single button, and if need be, you can always lock the helicopter in at a certain height for better control.
Since it comes with two different speed levels that you can switch between, this Cheerwing helicopter is great for anyone who wants a beginner helicopter that won’t feel too amateur once they’re more experienced.
Specs/Features:
One key landing/take off
Altitude hold
Remote control distance: 30m
Flight time: 5 to 6 minutes
Camera Remote included (One of the few in this article with a camera)
Pros:
Offers two different speed modes
There’s a low-battery alert alarm
Alarm to let you know if the helicopter is out of range
Camera is included with drone
Cons:
Shorter flight time
Takes more than an hour to completely charge
VATOS RC Helicopter
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If you’re looking for a drone helicopter to practice with indoors, the VATOS RC Helicopter has a remote control range of about 12 meters – so you don’t have to worry about losing sight of this helicopter while you fly it.
And, if you’re interested in flying in the dark, the copter includes blue LED lights to make it easier to spot at night or in low lighting. There’s also no assembly required, but you will need to purchase batteries for the remote.
Pros:
3 selectable frequencies
Remote control distance: 12m
Flight time: 7 minutes
Doesn’t require assembly
Easy to fly in the dark or low lighting
You can fly up to three helicopters at once
Cons:
Goes out of range more easily
Syma 109G 3.5 RC Helicopter
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If you love the military design and style, you may want to check out this helicopter drone which is the camouflage-inspired Syma 109G 3.5 RC Helicopter. With two different frequencies, you can fly up to two helicopters at once with this product, and it only takes around 40 minutes to completely charge up.
Because it uses polymer material, the frame and body of this helicopter are more durable, so you don’t have to worry about it getting easily damaged during flights. This helicopter is a perfect pick for anyone that wants a helicopter that looks like it’s straight out of a video game and doesn’t need a long remote control range.
Specs/Features:
Brushed motor
Infrared control
Remote control distance: 8m
Flight time: 5 to 8 minutes
Pros:
Stylish design
More durable frame
Includes spare tail blade
Cons:
Shorter remote control range
Not as long of a flight time
GoolRC C129 Helicopter
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For beginners that are still getting the hang of controlling their RC Helicopters, the GoolRC C129 Helicopter doesn’t include ailerons, so it’s more stable when it’s in flight and doesn’t require as much manual correction with the throttle and remote control.
And with a remote control distance of up to a hundred meters, there’s plenty of room to play with this helicopter, and you shouldn’t have to worry about it flying out of range. This is a great pick for ambitious beginners who may still need practice with the remote control but aren’t afraid to take their helicopter outside or test the limits of its range.
Specs/Features:
Doesn’t include ailerons
2.4 frequency
6-axis gyroscope
Remote control distance: 100m
Flight time: 15 minutes
Pros:
More stable when flying
Longer flight time
Longer remote control range
Cons:
May take some time to get used to how the throttle works
SYMA S37
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With a flight distance of over 100 meters, you can easily fly the S37 either indoors or outdoors. Like other Syma models, the gyro stabilization and altitude hold can also be useful. The helicopter does come with two batteries, as well, so you can extend your flight time a bit by swapping them out.
With a high and low speed you can easily fly the S37 in a variety of conditions. It is made from crash-resistant materials and has controls that are relatively easy to learn.
This helicopter drone is ideal for anyone looking for a durable and high-quality indoor/outdoor option.
Pros:
The flexible blades and metal alloy body of this helicopter drone make it highly impact-resistant. It is on the larger side, as well, helping to make it easier to control and maintain visual contact during flight.
Cons:
As you may have come to expect from a helicopter drone, flight time is the biggest drawback to the S37. Many reviewers noted just a few minutes of flight time, with some noting they were able to fly for less than six minutes per charge.
Bottom line:
Syma’s S37 is one of the more versatile models in Syma’s lineup due to its size.
SYMA S39
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The gyro stabilization makes for a smooth flying experience with the ability to hover in the air. The helicopter is also low-voltage, meaning longer flight times are possible. You can also switch between two frequencies, meaning if you have two of these helicopter drones you will be able to fly both at the same time without interference issues.
Syma’s helicopter drone comes with an additional backup battery. It also includes flashing flight lights for increased visibility and is made from a sturdy metal alloy that is designed to withstand multiple crashes.
Because this drone helicopter is indoor-only, it may be best suited for children who are interested in trying this hobby out.
Syma’s S39 is a budget-and-kid-friendly option.
Pros:
Some find the larger size of the S39 to be easier to see and also more user-friendly to control. It is a great first helicopter drone for a kid as it is crash-resistant and easy to fly.
Cons:
This helicopter drone is designed for indoor flight only, which can be a major drawback for those living in smaller spaces or who simply enjoy flying outside. The 10-meter flight distance is also a bit restrictive, even in an indoor setting.
SYMA RC Helicopter
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Altitude-hold is one useful feature that differentiates this helicopter from slightly cheaper models. When you release the throttle on the remote while in flight, the drone will stay put at a given altitude. One-key take-off and landing are also quite useful, as are the emergency stop button and built-in LED light for night flying.
This drone can be flown indoors or outdoors. It comes standard with several reflective strips, a landing pad, a remote control, and a USB charging cord.
If you are a beginner who is looking to invest a little more in a quality product, or if you’ve already flown an RC helicopter and know this is something you enjoy, then this may be the helicopter drone for you.
Syma’s RC Helicopter is feature-rich and still fairly affordable.
Pros:
This helicopter from Syma is capable of performing basic tricks such as flips and rolls. This is due, in part, to its unique design– while it is a helicopter, it has three protected blades and definitely does not resemble your standard RC model. It is crash-resistant and easy-to-fly, even with its advanced capabilities. The included landing pad also allows you to practice precision flying.
Cons:
Like many helicopter drones, flight time is an issue. Don’t expect to fly for more than a few minutes per session. Some have also noted that it is difficult to remove the lid from the battery compartment on the remote control.
Protocol Drone Aviator RC Helicopter
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Protocol’s drone helicopter can easily perform a vertical take-off and landing without much effort on the pilot’s part. The remote control is also built for exploring wide areas, as well as providing excellent maneuverability in tight spaces.
The helicopter is able to remain relatively stable thanks to gyro stabilization. This may be less important given that it is not a photography drone, but it can make flying easier. It can also be controlled via the external remote control or your smartphone.
This helicopter drone is perfect for a beginner flyer who is looking for an affordable way to break into the hobby. It’s also great for someone who is looking to practice their flight skills.
Protocol’s Drone Aviator RC Helicopter is a solid contender at a price point that won’t break the bank.
Pros:
This drone helicopter is budget-friendly and reasonably crash-resistant– an excellent combination for any new pilot. It can be flown indoors, as well, so you can fly no matter what the weather outside looks like. Spare parts are also readily available.
Cons:
Some reviewers noted that the flight time is a little lacking for the length of time you have to charge the batteries. A six-minute flight for a 60-minute charge could feel a bit anticlimactic, so you may want to have a spare set or two of fully charged batteries.
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Features to Look for In a RC Helicopter Drone for Beginner
Stability Flying
Size Matters
Factors to take into account include the size of the helicopter drone. Smaller helicopters may be better for flying indoors. If you have a large practice space in your home, this could be perfect for you. If, however, you anticipate flying mainly outdoors, try to find a model that will accommodate that.
Primary Use
If you plan on flying your helicopter indoors nearly all smaller helicopters will suit your needs. If you plan on flying outdoors you need to choose a larger helicopter that can handle wind.
Flight Time
Flight time is important, as well, but this can usually be increased with a spare battery. Some drones come with a second battery, but knowing the time frame to charge a battery is another factor that should be considered
Advanced Features
Determine what other features are important to you. The list is long and includes altitude hold, flip, ease of flying at night, one key landing and take off, locking in copter at a particular height, changing skin of copter to a different look, etc. The list is long.
Common Questions About RC Helicopter Drones for Beginners
Helicopter Drone vs Quadcopter which should I Choose? / Which is best drone or helicopter?
If you are looking for something to practice flying on and don’t need a lot of features, a helicopter drone may be perfect. On the other hand, if you want to take high-quality images or videos, a quadcopter may be the better choice. RC helicopters are certainly more affordable and can make for an excellent gateway into the hobby, but many people will eventually want to graduate up to a true quadcopter.
Should I be Concerned about Parts?
If you do decide that a helicopter drone is right for you, the biggest considerations should be the affordability of the model you choose as well as the availability of spare parts. As we mentioned earlier, it is almost guaranteed that you will crash your helicopter at some point– and it’s highly possible that such a crash will result in bent blades or other damages. To protect your investment, make sure you can easily obtain new parts. Most reputable manufacturers sell their spare parts and some even provide a discount with the purchase of a new helicopter.
Is drone better than a helicopter?
Drones offer more features than a helicopter and the price of drones reflects this. Often time you can get a helicopter for under $100, but most drones are over $1oo and can go up to over $1,000. The deciding factor of which you choose should be made according to what you plan to use the drone or helicopter for. If you just want to fly then a helicopter is ideal. If you want to take photos, videos or other tasks then a drone is probably a better fit.
Which brand of drones is the best?
DJI has an AWESOME lineup of drones that is second to no other drone manufacturer. Check out some of their drones here.
Will drones replace helicopters?
I do not believe drones will replace helicopters because of the different use of each. Helicopters are ideal to just get some experience flying around for an affordable price, but drones bring so much more to the table. They can carry loads such as large cameras or even make deliveries of goods.
Enjoy Your new RC Helicopter
While there are plenty of great options on this list, there are a couple of RC helicopters that especially stand out: the Syma 107G 3, the VATOS, and the GoolRC C129 helicopter.
If you’re interested in performance but don’t want to sacrifice durability, the Syma 107G 3 is probably your best option. This drone helicopter is lightweight, quick, but it shouldn’t be easily damaged if it is crashed.
For people that don’t mind keeping their helicopter drone indoors or even want to see how it flies in the dark, the VATOS RC helicopter is an easy helicopter for beginners to learn on, but you won’t get as much range.
Speaking of range, if you’re looking to test the limits of what a beginner RC helicopter can do, the GoolRC’s remote control range and high flight time are unmatched. Even if these three picks don’t seem to be what you’re looking for, there are four other options to consider.
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