Helicopters Are Unique
RC helicopters behave differently from fixed-wing aircraft and quadcopter drones in ways that matter for beginners. Understanding those differences before you buy will save you money and frustration.
Coaxial vs. Single-Rotor
Most beginner helicopters use a coaxial design — two rotors spinning in opposite directions on the same shaft. This self-cancels the torque that would otherwise spin the fuselage, which means the helicopter automatically stays pointed in one direction without you actively managing the tail. Coaxial helicopters are the most stable and forgiving option for first-time pilots.
Single-rotor helicopters with a separate tail rotor are closer to a real helicopter in design. They are more manoeuvrable but require the pilot to manage torque compensation, making them significantly harder to fly. They are the right choice once you've mastered the basics.
Infrared vs. 2.4GHz Control
Budget helicopters under $40 almost always use infrared control, like a TV remote. This is fine indoors on an overcast day but the signal is easily disrupted by sunlight, making outdoor flying unreliable. If you want to fly outdoors or in a brightly lit room, look for a model with a 2.4GHz radio.
The Most Important Feature: Altitude Hold
Managing throttle on a helicopter while simultaneously controlling direction is genuinely difficult for beginners. Altitude hold — a barometric or ultrasonic sensor that automatically maintains a set height — removes the hardest part of learning to fly. We strongly recommend choosing a model with this feature for your first helicopter.
Our Recommendation
For most beginners, the Syma S107H hits the sweet spot: it has altitude hold, a durable alloy frame, three speed modes, and costs around $50 AUD. It is forgiving enough to learn on and capable enough to keep you entertained for months. When you are ready to step up, the Eachine E129 introduces 4-channel control and a more challenging flight model.
See our full Top 10 Cheap RC Helicopters list for ranked recommendations across every budget.