Remote Control Helicopters Below $100: What You Can Get
Under $100 you can buy three kinds of RC helicopters: simple coaxial toys for indoor fun; 4-channel single-rotor helicopters with 6-axis gyros and altitude hold, including scale models like RC ERA’s C186 and C138; and micro 6-channel collective-pitch helicopters like the XK K100, which are capable of 3D flight. Prices change with sales and region, so check current listings. For a first helicopter, a 4-channel model with altitude hold is the best all-round choice.
By Kyle HilsonUpdated: October 20263 min read
What’s available
| Type | Examples | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Coaxial toy | Many toy brands | Kids, indoor fun |
| 4-ch gyro, altitude hold | RC ERA C186, C138 | Beginners, scale look |
| 6-ch collective pitch | XK K100, similar micro CP | Learning real heli control |
Examples that have been listed in this price range; check current prices.
How to choose
- Kids or pure fun: coaxial toy.
- First real helicopter: 4-channel with altitude hold.
- Want to learn 3D: 6-channel CP, plus a simulator.
- 2.4 GHz remote for reliable control.
- Spare batteries and blades available.
- Good reviews of durability.
4-channel scale helis
Models like the RC ERA C186 (BO105 style) and C138 (Bell 206 style) combine a scale look with gyro, altitude hold and sometimes optical flow for stable hovering. They’re the best value for most beginners. The C186 is covered in RC ERA C186.
6-channel micro CP
Collective-pitch micros like the XK K100 teach the controls of hobby helicopters and can flip and fly inverted. They’re harder to fly; use self-levelling mode and a simulator. Brushed motors wear, so budget for spares.
Hidden costs
Spare batteries, blades and replacement motors add up. Buying a couple of spare batteries with the helicopter makes sessions longer. Check that parts are sold for the model.
First flight tips
- Fly indoors in a big room.
- Use the lowest rate or beginner mode.
- Hover low, then practise small moves.
- Land before low battery.
- Check blades after any crash.
Chinook and other twin-rotors
Budget twin-rotor Chinook-style helicopters exist, but they’re usually less stable and less durable than single-rotor models. See RC Chinook helicopters before buying one.
When to spend more
If you get hooked, a hobby-grade helicopter with brushless motors, metal parts and good support is the next step; see best RC helicopters for adults.
Where to buy
Toy shops and large online marketplaces sell most sub-$100 helicopters. Hobby shops carry fewer cheap models but can usually supply spare parts. Buy from sellers with clear return policies, and check that the listing matches the model you’ve researched, since names and versions vary. Look at the date of reviews: a model that was good years ago may now be sold with different parts. If a deal looks much cheaper than everywhere else, check it’s genuine before ordering.
Indoor or outdoor?
Most sub-$100 helicopters are best indoors or in very calm air. Larger 4-channel and CP models cope with light breezes better than tiny coaxials.
As a gift
For a child’s gift, pick a coaxial or altitude-hold model with spare blades, and add a spare battery. Check whether AA batteries for the remote are included, so it can be flown straight away.
FAQ
What’s the best RC helicopter under $100?
For most beginners, a 4-channel gyro model with altitude hold.
Can I get a 6-channel heli under $100?
Micro CP models like the XK K100 have been in this range.
Are cheap helicopters durable?
Reasonably, with spare blades.
Do they fly outdoors?
Only in calm weather.
More on this topic: the complete RC Helicopters 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
