The 27 best remote control airplane brands
WLtoys, SIG and HobbyZone lead our ranking of 27 remote control airplane brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Remote Control Airplane brands, ranked
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1
WLtoys
Low-cost brushless park flyers, including A160 and A380 style models with LED lights and simple controls.
Top products: XKS A160-J3· Airbus A380
Website: wltoys.eu |Brands like WLtoys
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
SIG
Balsa and plywood kits plus glue and covering supplies for scratch-building traditional wooden model aircraft.
Website: sigmfg.com |Brands like SIG
Popularity 8.7/10
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3
HobbyZone
Beginner-friendly ready-to-fly trainers with simple controls and durable foam for first-time pilots.
Website: hobbyzone.com |Brands like HobbyZone
Popularity 8.1/10
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4
Air Hogs
Kid-oriented toy-grade planes with simple controls, stronger on play value than on flight performance.
Website: airhogs.com |Brands like Air Hogs
Popularity 5.7/10
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5
FMS
Large-scale foam and ready-to-fly planes with generous wingspans, good value for sport flying.
Top products: Piper PA-18
Website: fmsmodel.com |Brands like FMS
Popularity 5.4/10
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6
Dynam
Foam trainers and sport planes, plus brushless motors and FPV-ready airframes for hobbyists.
Website: dynamrc.com |Brands like Dynam
Popularity 4.6/10
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7
Spektrum
Radio systems and receivers used in many planes, with dependable link range for sport and aerobatic flying.
Website: spektrumrc.com |Brands like Spektrum
Popularity 4.3/10
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8
Freewing
Electric ducted-fan jets and warbirds with fast, scale-style flight for experienced pilots.
Website: freewing-model.com |Brands like Freewing
Popularity 4.3/10
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9
Kyosho
Japanese maker whose main line is cars, with a smaller set of electric and glow-powered planes.
Website: kyoshoamerica.com |Brands like Kyosho
Popularity 4.1/10
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10
Carl Goldberg
Classic balsa and foam trainer kits with build-it-yourself instructions aimed at newcomers to scale building.
Website: carlgoldbergproducts.com |Brands like Carl Goldberg
Popularity 3.8/10
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11
XK
Brushless 5-channel and gyro-stabilised planes with tough PVC-style frames that handle hard landings.
Website: xk-innovations.com |Brands like XK
Popularity 3.6/10
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12
Futaba
Futaba, a manufacturer, and distributor of vacuum tubes, was founded in 1948. Later, it began developing vacuum fluorescent displays employing vacuum tube technology. They produce these radio control equipment, such as the 14SG Transmitter, which has a bidirectional communication system...
Website: futabausa.com |Brands like Futaba
Popularity 3.4/10
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13
Syma
Cheap entry-level helicopters and small planes, mostly ready-to-fly for indoor or park use.
Website: symatoys.com |Brands like Syma
Popularity 3.1/10
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14
Spin Master
Toronto-based Spin Master makes toys and games for children, including Paw Patrol figures, vehicles, and monster truck toys. Its board games sit alongside the character-based lines. The company also develops digital games for young audiences.
Website: spinmaster.com |Brands like Spin Master
Popularity 2.9/10
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15
Royal
Royal Honey America prioritizes customer satisfaction. It ensures no customer leaves unhappy and strives to offer them what they desire. The company started as a small business that operated at home and slowly climbed its way up to claim the...
Popularity 2.9/10
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16
TYCO
Tyco makes HO scale slot cars and track sets for home racing, and vintage Tyco models are now sought by collectors. Many of its sets still circulate on resale and auction sites, often with original bodies and track pieces. Buyers...
Website: tycois.com |Brands like TYCO
Popularity 2.9/10
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17
Midwest
Pet owners who want a crate mat that stays comfortable inside a kennel can choose MidWest Homes for Pets bedding. The Quiet Time bolster beds have raised perimeter bolsters and a poly fill core. The covers are stain resistant and...
Website: midwesthomes4pets.com |Brands like Midwest
Popularity 2.9/10
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18
O.S.
O.S., founded by Shigeo Ogawa in 1936, is a leading manufacturer of model engines and live steam locomotives. The brand developed the world’s first model rotary engine, and the most recent innovation includes an electronic fuel injection system engine. O.S....
Popularity 2.7/10
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19
Brodak
Control-line model planes that replicate vintage aircraft, with kits for flying on lines.
Website: brodak.com |Brands like Brodak
Popularity 2.7/10
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20
Airtronics
Surface adjustments are easily controlled with Airtronics servos' custom High Voltage architecture and owing to increasing demand for production motors. Thermoformed actuator casings and extruded silicone vibration isolators provide greater robustness and protracted reliability. The gear trains on all of...
Website: airtronics.net |Brands like Airtronics
Popularity 2.4/10
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21
Graupner
German maker of model kits, radios and sailplanes, often chosen by experienced builders.
Website: controlhobbies.com |Brands like Graupner
Popularity 2.4/10
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22
JAKKS Pacific
JAKKS Pacific is the world's largest manufacturer and marketer of licensed plush, action figures, and collectibles, as well as the world's leading developer of electronic learning toys and a top producer of consumer products for significant licensors in categories such...
Website: jakks.com |Brands like JAKKS Pacific
Popularity 2.1/10
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23
Silverlit
Toy-grade planes and drones built for children, with simple remotes and durable plastic bodies.
Website: silverlit.com |Brands like Silverlit
Popularity 2.1/10
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24
MASTER AIRSCREW
Frederick Jamieson, a US Navy Pilot, founded Master Airscrew, a model airplane, and accessories manufacturing company. He used his extensive knowledge of operating a real plane to create model planes that are accurately detailed and original. An experience of over...
Website: masterairscrew.com |Brands like MASTER AIRSCREW
Popularity 2.1/10
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25
Hasbro
Hasbro designs action figures and toys tied to franchises such as Star Wars and Transformers, along with smaller toys for young children. The company, based in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, also works in entertainment content and sells collectibles aimed at fans...
Website: hasbropulse.com |Brands like Hasbro
Popularity 1.7/10
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26
Mattel
Mattel makes dolls, action figures, games and toys under well-known names such as Barbie, Hot Wheels and Fisher-Price. Harold Matson and Elliot Handler founded the company in 1945, and its name combines their surnames. Its products are aimed at children...
Website: shop.mattel.com |Brands like Mattel
Popularity 1.7/10
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27
MJX
Drone-focused maker with some fixed-wing models, strong on camera and GPS features.
Website: mjxrc.net |Brands like MJX
Popularity 1.7/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WLtoys | wltoys.eu | – | – | – | – |
| SIG | sigmfg.com | /SIG-Mfg-Co-35566452646 | – | – | – |
| HobbyZone | hobbyzone.com | – | – | – | – |
| Air Hogs | airhogs.com | – | – | – | – |
| FMS | fmsmodel.com | – | – | – | – |
| Dynam | dynamrc.com | /dynamhobby | – | @dynam_rc | channel/UCIUEY1zOVliUm99zp4O6gqA |
| Spektrum | spektrumrc.com | /SpektrumRC | – | @SpektrumRC | – |
| Freewing | freewing-model.com | – | – | – | – |
| Kyosho | kyoshoamerica.com | /KyoshoCorpRC | kyosho_rc_models_official | – | kyoshomovie |
| Carl Goldberg | carlgoldbergproducts.com | – | – | – | – |
Remote Control Airplanes Buying Guide
Remote control airplanes, also known as RC airplanes, are a wonderful way to enjoy the thrill of flying without having to leave the ground. These small aircraft are controlled by remote radio transmitters and can perform a variety of maneuvers in the sky. If you are interested in buying remote control airplanes, there are a few things that you should consider to make sure that you get the best possible experience out of your purchase.
Experience Level
The first thing to consider when buying remote control airplanes is your experience level. If you are a beginner, you will want to look for planes that are designed for novice pilots. These planes will typically have a slower top speed and be more stable in the air, making it easier to learn the basics of flying. More experienced pilots may want to look for planes that are faster and more maneuverable, with a greater range and more advanced features.
Type of Airplane
The next thing to consider when buying remote control airplanes is the type of airplane that you want to buy. There are many different types of RC airplanes available on the market, each with its own unique design and flying characteristics. Some popular types of RC airplanes include:
- Trainers: Designed for beginners, these planes are easy to fly and feature a stable, forgiving flight profile.
- Sport: These planes are more maneuverable and faster than trainers, making them ideal for intermediate pilots.
- Aerobatic: These planes are designed for advanced pilots who want to perform aerobatic maneuvers such as loops, rolls, and spins.
- Scale: These planes are replicas of real-world aircraft and are designed to be as realistic as possible in both appearance and flight characteristics.
Size
The size of your remote control airplane is also an important consideration. Smaller planes are generally easier to transport and store but may not be as stable in the air as larger planes. Larger planes, on the other hand, are typically more stable but can be more difficult to transport and store. Consider the size of the space where you plan to fly your plane, as well as your own personal preferences and needs, when choosing the size of your RC airplane.
Power Source
Remote control airplanes can be powered by a variety of different sources, including gasoline, electric motors, and batteries. Gasoline-powered planes are typically larger and more powerful than electric or battery-powered planes, but they can be more expensive to operate and maintain. Electric planes are quieter and more environmentally friendly than gasoline-powered planes but may not have the same power and range. Battery-powered planes are the most affordable and easiest to operate but typically have the shortest flight times.
Features
Finally, when buying remote control airplanes, consider the features that are most important to you. Some popular features to look for include:
- Stabilization systems: These systems help stabilize the plane in the air, making it easier to control.
- Radio systems: Look for planes with high-quality radio systems that offer a long range and reliable connectivity.
- Flight simulators: Some planes come with flight simulators that allow you to practice flying on your computer before taking to the sky.
- Camera systems: Some planes have cameras mounted on them, allowing you to take videos and photos from the air.
Conclusion
Buying remote control airplanes can be a fun and exciting process, but it's important to do your research and choose the right plane for your needs and experience level. Consider the type of airplane, size, power source, and features that are most important to you, and make sure to shop around to find the best price and quality. With the right RC airplane, you can enjoy the thrill of flight from the safety and comfort of the ground.
Brand Reputation
When shopping for remote control airplanes, it's also important to consider brand reputation. Look for brands that are known for producing high-quality, reliable planes with good customer support. Some popular brands in the RC airplane industry include E-flite, HobbyZone, and Great Planes. Reading reviews and asking for recommendations from experienced RC airplane enthusiasts can also be helpful in finding reputable brands.
Assembly
Another consideration when buying remote control airplanes is the level of assembly required. Some planes come ready-to-fly right out of the box, while others require some assembly before they can take to the sky. If you don't have much experience with RC airplanes or aren't confident in your building skills, it may be best to stick with planes that are ready-to-fly. However, if you enjoy building and customizing your own planes, then partially or completely unassembled kits may be right for you.
Budget
Remote control airplanes can range in price from less than $50 to several hundred dollars or more, depending on the brand, size, and features. It's important to set a budget before shopping so that you don't overspend or end up with a plane that doesn't meet your needs. Keep in mind that while cheaper planes may be more affordable upfront, they may not have the same durability or performance as more expensive models.
FAA Regulations
Finally, it's important to be aware of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations regarding remote control airplanes. According to the FAA, drones and remote control airplanes weighing between 0.55 pounds and 55 pounds must be registered before they can be flown outdoors. Additionally, there are restrictions on where and how high RC airplanes can be flown, depending on the location and airspace. Make sure to research and comply with all applicable regulations to avoid fines or legal issues.
Final Thoughts
Buying a remote control airplane can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it's important to take the time to research and choose the right plane for your needs and experience level. Consider factors such as the type of airplane, size, power source, features, brand reputation, assembly requirements, and budget, as well as any applicable regulations. With the right RC airplane, you can enjoy the thrill of flying and explore the skies from a whole new perspective.
