Good Cheap RC Planes: What to Buy on a Budget and What to Avoid
A good cheap RC plane is a small ready-to-fly trainer with gyro stabilisation, a 4-channel radio and spare parts you can actually buy, such as the Volantex Sport Cub 500 with its X-Pilot gyro. Other good-value routes are building a foam-board plane from free plans, buying a used plane from a club member, and using a simulator before the first flight. Cheap planes to avoid are unbranded 2- or 3-channel toys with no spare parts and very short flight times.
By Kyle HilsonUpdated: October 20264 min read
What makes a cheap plane good
- Stabilisation: a gyro with beginner mode and rescue/return to level.
- High wing with dihedral: naturally stable.
- Tough foam: EPO or EPP survives the learning crashes.
- Spare parts: props, wings and landing gear in stock.
- Brushless motor: or at least a replaceable brushed one.
- Decent flight time: 8 minutes or more per pack.
Budget routes compared
| Route | Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small RTF stabilised trainer | Low | Everything included, easy to fly | Small; struggles in wind |
| Foam-board scratch build | Very low (if you own a radio) | Cheap repairs, learn building | Needs radio and electronics |
| Used plane from a club | Low to medium | More plane for the money, local advice | Check condition |
| Simulator first | Low | Unlimited free crashes | Not real flying |
Examples
The Volantex Sport Cub 500 is a micro RTF high-wing trainer with the X-Pilot gyro, widely recommended as a cheap first plane. The HobbyZone Sport Cub S 2 costs more but adds SAFE stabilisation with several modes and panic recovery. Larger budget trainers such as the Volantex Ranger 757-3 fly longer and handle wind better. Compare options in best RC planes under $100. We list these from published specs and widespread recommendations, not our own test flights.
What to avoid
- Planes with only throttle and rudder control and no stabilisation.
- No brand, no spare parts, no manual download.
- Claims of “unbreakable” or huge range on a tiny plane.
- Glider “toys” that are thrown and can’t be controlled in wind.
- Listings where photos and reviews don’t match the product.
Build your own cheaply
Foam-board planes from free plans cost little in materials and teach you how a plane is built. You need a radio, receiver, servos, motor, ESC and battery, which you can reuse in later planes. That’s the cheapest long-term route for people who like making things; see foam-board planes.
Ways to save money
- Learn on a simulator before your first real flight.
- Fly on calm days in a big field to avoid crashes.
- Join a club: instructors and buddy boxes prevent crashes.
- Buy two or three batteries rather than a second plane.
- Repair foam with glue and tape instead of buying parts.
- Choose a radio you can use for future planes.
When to move up
Once you can take off, fly circuits and land without stabilisation, a larger sport plane or a 4-channel low-wing model is the next step. Keeping the cheap trainer for windless evening flights is common: small planes stay fun long after you’ve learned on them.
Do I need a separate radio?
RTF packages include a basic radio, which is fine for the first plane. If you plan to stay in the hobby, a decent computer radio bought early saves money later: BNF planes are cheaper than RTF versions and can share one radio.
FAQ
What is the best cheap RC plane for beginners?
A small stabilised RTF trainer like the Volantex Sport Cub 500.
Are cheap RC planes worth it?
Branded trainers with parts are; unbranded toys often aren’t.
Can I build a cheap RC plane?
Yes, foam-board plans are inexpensive if you have electronics.
How long do cheap planes fly?
Often 8–12 minutes per battery.
More on this topic: the complete RC Airplanes guide covers the basics behind this article.
About 20 years in RC. Mostly boats in the NAVIGA Mini Eco Expert class, with many self-made parts; also a King Motor Baja 5B, a home-built electric plane, home-built nitro planes he has flown, and an RC helicopter. More about SwellRC
