Best RC Airplanes for Beginners and Pros in 2025

Flying an RC airplane isn’t just about pointing it in the air and hoping for the best. You want something that handles well, doesn’t nose-dive into the ground every two seconds, and actually makes flying fun—not frustrating.

This guide covers the best RC airplanes in 2025, whether you’re a beginner looking for something forgiving or an experienced pilot ready to push the limits.

Check out our lineup and get airborne.

Top 10 Best RC Airplanes for Every Pilot

1. E-flite Carbon-Z T-28 Trojan 2.0m BNF Basic

A high-performance warbird with a massive 2.0m wingspan, the Carbon-Z T-28 Trojan delivers powerful aerobatics and rock-solid stability. Its SAFE Select technology makes it easier to control, while AS3X stabilization ensures smooth handling at high speeds. The brushless power system gives it excellent vertical performance, and its large size enhances in-air presence.

Carbon-Z T-28 is BIG—which means you’ll need space to fly it. If you’re trying to fly this thing at your local soccer field, prepare for an audience. Also, you better land it properly, because those landing gear struts won’t appreciate a "bounce and pray" approach.

2. E-flite Viper 90mm EDF BNF Basic

The Viper 90mm EDF is a jet built for speed, power, and precision. With a high-output 90mm EDF system, this plane offers fast acceleration, smooth handling, and advanced aerobatic capability. Its SAFE Select mode helps with controlled takeoffs and landings, while AS3X enhances stability in turbulent conditions.

This model is not for beginners. If you’ve never flown an EDF before, this is not the plane you should learn on—unless you enjoy watching your money nosedive into the ground. Also, you’ll need high-quality batteries, or you’ll spend half your flight wishing for more power.

3. E-flite F-16 Thunderbird 80mm BNF Basic

Modeled after the legendary Thunderbirds, the E-flite F-16 80mm delivers exceptional speed, thrust, and maneuverability. The high-performance EDF system ensures impressive vertical climb and smooth flight characteristics. It’s equipped with functional flaps and retracts, giving it realistic jet performance.

Word of caution: This thing is a brick if you misjudge your landing. EDF jets don’t have instant throttle response, so if you cut power too soon, you're gliding whether you like it or not. And since it’s a high-speed jet, small mistakes can turn into big crashes real fast.

4. E-flite Twin Timber 1.6m BNF

The E-flite Twin Timber is a versatile STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) aircraft, capable of handling rough terrain, slow-speed flight, and aerobatics. With twin brushless motors and functional LED lights, this plane delivers a true bush-flying experience.

One caveat here is Twin Timber is big and floaty, which is great for stability, but also means it gets pushed around by wind more than a smaller, heavier plane. If you fly in gusty conditions, be ready to correct constantly.

5. E-flite Beechcraft D18 1.5m BNF Basic

A beautifully scale-detailed twin-engine aircraft, the Beechcraft D18 delivers smooth handling and realistic flight performance. Its twin brushless motors provide balanced power, while SAFE Select and AS3X stabilization help pilots maintain precise control. Functional flaps and retractable landing gear enhance both realism and landing control.

However, the twin engines mean twice the maintenance—you’ll need to keep them synced for smooth performance. Also, this isn’t a beginner twin—you’ll need to respect its flight characteristics, or you’ll find out just how heavy twin-engine planes can be when they stall.

6. E-flite EC-1500 Twin 1.5m BNF Basic

A highly versatile cargo-style twin-engine aircraft, the E-flite EC-1500 is designed for both slow and fast flights, aerobatics, and even STOL landings. Twin brushless motors provide powerful thrust, and its functional flaps, oversized wheels, and durable airframe make it ideal for multi-purpose flying.

Keep in mind that the EC-1500 is a jack of all trades, but not a master of one—it’s not the best trainer, warbird, or bush plane, but it does everything well. Also, it’s big, so transport and storage can be a hassle.

7. E-flite P-51D Mustang 1.2m BNF Basic

This P-51D Mustang is a high-performance WWII warbird, delivering scale realism and agile flight characteristics. It comes equipped with SAFE Select, allowing pilots to fly with confidence, while the AS3X system provides stability in challenging conditions. Its brushless power system ensures strong vertical performance and quick response times.

Warbirds fly differently than trainers—you can’t just yank the stick around and expect it to recover gracefully. Also, narrow landing gear means bad landings will tip this thing over. If you can’t land a plane smoothly, practice before taking this one out.

8. E-flite A-10 Thunderbolt II Twin 64mm EDF BNF Basic

Designed for precision ground attacks, the E-flite A-10 features twin 64mm EDFs for incredible thrust and smooth, powerful performance. The functional retracts and flaps enhance realism, while SAFE Select technology ensures smooth takeoffs and landings.

EDF jets tend to suck down batteries like a frat guy at happy hour—expect around 4-6 minutes of flight time per pack. Also, those landing gear struts aren’t indestructible, so if you can’t land smoothly, you’re gonna be shopping for replacements.

9. E-flite T-28 Trojan 1.2m BNF Basic

The T-28 Trojan 1.2m is a classic military trainer with great handling, strong aerobatic capability, and rock-solid stability. The SAFE Select flight stabilization makes it accessible to newer pilots, while the powerful brushless motor allows for quick maneuvers and thrilling high-speed passes.

If you’re expecting crazy aerobatic performance, look elsewhere—this isn’t a high-speed, aggressive warbird. Also, like all tail-draggers, ground handling may take some getting used to.

10. E-flite UMX P-51D Voodoo BNF Basic

A micro-scale warbird with impressive speed and agility, the UMX P-51D Voodoo is perfect for small spaces, park flying, and aerobatic maneuvers. Equipped with AS3X stabilization, it handles turbulence well for its size, and its powerful brushless motor gives it surprising speed.

Nte that the P-51D Voodoo is small and light—which means in windy conditions, you’ll be wrestling it the entire flight. Also, UMX planes are durable, but not indestructible—one bad crash, and you’re probably replacing parts.

How We Rated the Best RC Airplanes of 2025

1. Flight Performance: A plane should be stable, responsive, and capable of doing what it's designed for, whether that’s smooth cruising or aggressive aerobatics.

2. Ease of Use: If it claims to be beginner-friendly, it should actually be easy to fly. Advanced features like SAFE Select and flaps should make flying smoother, not more complicated.

3. Build Quality & Durability: A good RC plane should handle rough landings, minor crashes, and general wear and tear without falling apart.

4. Battery Life & Power: It should stay in the air long enough to be fun and have enough power to climb and recover easily. Battery options should be affordable and easy to find.

5. Value for Money: A plane should deliver what you’re paying for. If it’s expensive, it better be worth it in performance, durability, and available upgrades.

Final Thoughts

Flying an RC airplane is either going to be the most exhilarating thing you’ve ever done—or a very expensive lesson in gravity. The difference? Picking the right plane for your skill level.

You want a trainer that won’t nose-dive at the first gust of wind? We’ve got it. An EDF jet that’ll scream through the sky at breakneck speeds? Yep, that too. Every plane on this list was chosen because it actually delivers, not because some marketing guy said so.

Ready to take off? Check out our RC Airplane collection, grab your bird, and get flying.