Top 10 Cheap RC Airplanes
Hand-picked RC airplanes from under $25 hand-throw gliders to capable trainer and warbird models, ranked for value and flyability.
| # | Image | Drone | Why We Picked it | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
VolantexRC Mini Mustang P-51D V2 Trainer with XPilot Gyro (RTF) | Best trainer — XPilot gyro stabilisation makes learning fast and fun | $174.99 AUD | View Deal |
| 2 |
|
QIDI-590 Brushless 4-Channel Trainer Glider with Auto-Balance (RTF) | Best glider for beginners — 6G auto-balance and LED strips for night flying | $175.14 AUD | View Deal |
| 3 |
|
J-10 EVA Foam Hand-Throw Glider Plane (238mm) | Best for children — no remote needed, just throw and fly | $21.88 AUD | View Deal |
| 4 |
|
VolantexRC F-16 Falcon Brushless RC Jet with XPilot Gyro (RTF) | Best EDF jet — F-16 scale looks with XPilot stabilisation | $248.12 AUD | View Deal |
| 5 |
|
Zhiyang ZY-908 P-51D Mustang Mini Warbird (RTF) | Best mini warbird — P-51D styling with altitude hold under $75 | $72.97 AUD | View Deal |
| 6 |
|
FlyBear FX523 LED Night-Fly EPP Glider (RTF) | Most fun after dark — LED wing strips make night flying a spectacle | $72.97 AUD | View Deal |
| 7 |
|
MD-TECH FW190 Brushless Fighter Plane with 6-Axis Gyro (BNF) | Best brushless BNF — FW190 warbird with integrated 3-in-1 board | $160.54 AUD | View Deal |
| 8 |
|
ZOHD Dart XL Extreme 1000mm FPV Wing (Enhanced Kit) | Best FPV wing — biodegradable BEPP foam, 1000mm span, autopilot-ready | $224.77 AUD | View Deal |
| 9 |
|
VolantexRC Ranger 1600 FPV Platform with Brushless Motor (PNP) | Best FPV platform — 1600mm high-wing with huge equipment bay | $272.93 AUD | View Deal |
| 10 |
|
VolantexRC Phoenix V2 2000mm Sport Aerobatic Glider (KIT/PNP) | Best large glider — 2-metre span that soars and aerobats | $394.96 AUD | View Deal |
Our Picks in Detail
Why each drone made the cut — the specifics that matter when you are spending your own money.
A 4-channel P-51D Mustang trainer with XPilot 6-axis stabilisation, one-key aerobatics and a loop-proof design for new pilots.
A 500mm brushless trainer glider with 6G auto-balance, one-key aerobatics and LED strips — ideal for first-time fixed-wing pilots.
A shatterproof EVA foam glider that kids launch by hand, with a built-in battery and USB charge — no remote required.
A brushless F-16 Falcon EDF jet with XPilot 3-level stabilisation, one-key aerobatics and a scale-authentic look for intermediate pilots.
A compact P-51D Mustang warbird with EPP foam construction, dual propellers and 2.4GHz control — ready to fly straight out of the box.
A tiny 2-channel EPP foam glider with wing LED strips for night flying, hand-throw launch and USB charging.
A brushless FW190 warbird with a 355mm wingspan, 6-axis gyro and a 3-in-1 receiver/ESC/gyro board — BNF for compatible transmitters.
A swept-forward 1000mm FPV wing made from biodegradable BEPP foam, with a multi-compartment body bay and optional ArduPilot support.
A 1600mm wingspan FPV carrier aircraft with a large equipment cabin, EPO foam construction and a pusher brushless motor — PNP.
A 2-metre wingspan sport glider with a brushless outrunner motor, folding propeller and aerobatic capability — available as KIT or PNP.