Best RC Transmitter for Drones, Cars, and Helicopters

1. Flysky FS-i6X 2.4GHz (10-CHANNEL) RC

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Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5

The Flysky FS-i6X 2.4GHz 10 channel model is hard to beat for the price. It’s well-built for a transmitter in its class and is a breeze to use even at the entry-level.

• Best feature 1: Lightweight, easy to hold and handle
• Best feature 2: Clear LCD display
• Plus points: Long battery life, easy menu, smooth responsive sticks, reliable
• Minus points: Switches could be marked clearer

The robust and comfortable design sports an easy-to-use menu system with a plethora of functions. I’d say the FS-i6X has a look and feel to it that you’d usually find on much costlier models. It only weighs around 14 ounces which is ideal when you use the device for long periods.

The LCD is clear and easy on the eyes indoors and out. The overall power consumption seems low as the four 6V DC 1.5 AA batteries tend to last for days even with heavy usage. I’ve read some negative reports about Flysky’s menu layout but others find it easy to navigate. I agree with the latter. The control sticks also have a nice intuitive feel to them and all the RC switches are within easy reach.

Overall this is a nicely built 10 channel 2.4GHz receiver that does exactly what it says on the box.

The Not So Good

Although the switches work well and feel great they do fall short on design. The problem with the switches is that they are not in contrasting colors and that makes them difficult to see.

2. FrSkyACCSTTaranis Q X7 (2.4GHz 16-CH)

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Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5

This is another quality transmitter from FrSky at the budget end. It’s simple to use, feels comfortable in the hands, and is easy to program and run flight simulators. It offers a lot for very little outlay.

• Best feature 1: RSSI Alerts (Receiver Signal Strength Indicator)
• Best feature 2: Real-time logging of flight data
• Plus points: Audio speech outputs, quad ball bearing gimbals, lightweight, feature-packed
• Minus points: Limited instructions, no battery or charger

The RSSI Alerts are a nice touch and not something you find on all transmitters. The only downside with this particular model is that they may not be set up by default as they are with other Taranis transmitters. There should be YouTube videos to guide you if your model has this issue. Other popular features are the flight data logging, audio speech outputs, and the quad ball bearing gimbals.

To appreciate the quad ball bearing gimbals you have to experience operation without them. You will see that they make everything so much smoother to the touch. Add to this the lightweight feel of the craft and it’s easy to see why the Taranis Q X7 is so popular.

Feature Packed at an Affordable Price

This RC transmitter is feature-packed. Just take a look at its other major characteristics:

• Haptic Vibration Feedback System (alternative feedback to sound and voice alerts)
• 16 channels
• 6 switches and 2 knobs
• Runs on OpenTX
• Can share files with the X9D Plus
• MicroSD card slot (for unlimited memory)
• USB port (upgrades and to adjust settings via a PC)
• Spring-loaded sticks
• Backlit menu
• Audio jack output & trainer port
• Others

The Not So Good

The FrSky 2.4G ACCSTTaranis Q X7 16CH transmitter comes with instructions but they’re vague at best. It’s better to become familiar with this transmitter using YouTube videos tutorials. It doesn’t come with batteries or a charger either so make sure you have those ready in advance.

3. Turnigy 9X Transmitter (9-CH Mode 2)

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Editor’s Rating: 4.2/5

The earlier Turnigy 9X 9-channel Transmitter was a bit buggy and wouldn’t have made it onto this page. The new V2 firmware update has since corrected those earlier flaws making it a better product.

• Best feature 1: Ultra-fast reaction times
• Best feature 2: Great transmitter for entry and pro level
• Plus points: Interference-free, 8-sticks, simulator interface, warning alarms, switch error
• Minus points: No instructions, no card slot

This is an economic transmitter that has decent scope for the cost. And if you know what you’re doing it’s quite possible to modify the station. For example, you can change firmware, module change, and update to a lipo battery to name a few possibilities. The fast reaction times make it a good transmitter for expert operators as well as entry-level users.

Specs and More Specs

The updated version is interference-free, though the 100% claim may be a tad ambitious, to be honest. The positioning of both switches and pots make them comfortable to use. The sticks are adjustable which means you can tailor their position for personal comfort.

Here are a few of the other transmitter highlights:

• Simulator interface
• Warning alarms including switch error
• AFHDS 2A Protocol
• 8 Model Memory
• Multi-channel frequency hopping
• Unique ID recognition system
• Low power consumption
• SBUS/IBUS and CPPM/PWM support

The Not So Good

There are lots of complaints about missing instructions with this product and I’m not sure why. Most people tend to prefer online video tutorials anyway but that’s not the point. Another disadvantage is the absence of a memory card slot so the model memory stays at eight.

4. Spektrum DX6E 6Ch Radio Transmitter

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Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5

The Spektrum DX6E 6CH is a capable radio transmitter that seems popular among users. It’s versatile and feature-packed but it won’t suit everyone so let’s take a closer look.

• Best feature 1: 250 model memory
• Best feature 2: Helicopter, multirotor, airplane, and sailplane programming
• Plus points: Built-in telemetry, wireless trainer link, share model setups, easy to use
• Minus points: Drains battery fast, instructions not clear for novice users, no WIRED trainer port

The 250 model memory is more than enough for the majority of users. What’s even better is that the Spektrum DX6E will only populate the model list with the ones the user configured. Programming is a breeze and supports helicopter, multirotor, airplane, and sailplane. The built-in telemetry and wireless trainer link are other cool features as is the ability to share model setups with other Spektrum users.

The Not So Good

The AA batteries can drain fast so converting to a chargeable battery pack is important (not included). Another gripe is that the instructions are not clear for novice users so it’s YouTube video tutorials to the rescue—again. And finally, there’s no wired trainer port. The wireless training link is great but no WIRED option means you can’t plug it into a regular PC for use with simulators.

5. FrSkyTaranis X9D Plus (16-CH 2.4ghz Mode 2)

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Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5

The FrSkyTaranis X9D Plus is a nice RC with a quality feel to it. It has an extensive menu system too, but don’t let it overwhelm you. You certainly don’t need to know everything to get started.

• Best feature 1: Backlight LCD Screen
• Best feature 2: Real-time flight data logging
• Plus points: Quad ball bearing gimbals, built-in battery charger, audio speech outputs, MicroSD
• Minus points: No user manual (booklet), not novice-friendly

The FrSkyTaranis X9D Plus is a nice RC with a quality feel to it. It has an extensive menu system too, but don’t let it overwhelm you. You certainly don’t need to know everything to get started.

The Taranis X9D Plusdaunts some people because of its bells, whistles, and seven switches. The secret is to simply start using it then everything will make more sense. FrSky has taken care of all the small details too. You get a 2000mAh NiMH battery, battery charger, neck strap, and quality carry case. I mention these things because not all transmitters include them, not even in this price range.

Using the FrSkyTaranis X9D Plus

The backlit LCD screen is a godsend for operating outdoors. The real-time data logging lets you record flight data immediately—as it happens. And you can feel the difference with quad ball bearing gimbals which add to the transmitter’s usability appeal. The built-in battery charger makes recharging simple. The standard setup should give a range of about 1.5km but it’s possible to upgrade.

The audio speech outputs are welcome in a time where we like to hear the spoken word in tech products. The slightly robotic voice informs you of things like current settings, alarms, and values, etc. There are 60 model memory slots by default but the SD card option means there are few limits.

The Not So Good

The poor instructions make the cons list again. It’s not the guidelines per se; it’s how they deliver them. You get a few loose sheets in the box rather than an organized booklet. And there are a few gripes from novice users that the receiver’s hard to use but that’s nothing a little patience won’t cure.

6. Tactic TTX660 6CH 2.4GHZ Slt Radio Transmitter

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Editor’s Rating: 4.3/5

Whatever kind of pilot you are the Tactic TTX660 6-channel 2.4GHZ SltRC should serve you well. It has specially dedicated menus for consumer drones, planes, and helicopters.

• Best feature 1: Dedicated menus for drones, planes, and helicopters
• Best feature 2: Large backlit LCD screen
• Plus points: Push-button programming, flight simulator cable jack, ergonomic design
• Minus points: Limited user feedback, no SD card slot, price tag

This is a great looking receiver with a nice feel to it. It’s also one of the most feature-packed on this page but with a price tag to match. It has a nice bright blue backlit screen and that’s always welcome. Programming is simple thanks to the push-button functionality. There’s also a flight simulator cable jack located on the back of the casing. That means you can plug the RC transmitter directly into a PC.

Here’s a quick rundown on some of the TTX660’s main features:

• Transmitter compatible with all Tx-R aircraft and SLT receivers
• 2 sliding levers w/ full sweep angle
• Proportional dial
• Intuitive easy-to-navigate menus
• User switch assignments
• 30-model memory
• 4 programmable mixes and 8 pre-programmed mixes
• Digital trims with slow/fast adjustment
• Adjustable low-voltage alarm
• Adjustable sticks (length & tension)
• Wireless training system
• Ball-bearing gimbals for more precise control

There are others too and lots to explore with this versatile transmitter by Tactic.

The Not So Good

Tactic hasn’t sold many units yet compared to the more established models. That means there’s a lack of real user feedback at the time of writing. There’s a 30-model memory but it’s not expandable because there’s no memory SD card slot. The price tag is another disadvantage. It’s not because it’s too expensive but because it hasn’t found its place in the market just yet.

7. Futaba 6J 6-Channel S-FHSS 2.4GHz RC

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Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

The faceplate of the Futaba 6J is clean and uncluttered compared to a lot of transmitters in its class. Everything you need access to is right there at your fingertips despite the neat design.

• Best feature 1: Airplane and helicopter software
• Best feature 2: Throttle cut button
• Plus points: Trainer system, low battery warnings; antenna diversity, range check mode
• Minus points: Tiny throttle cut button, cheap plastics, small LCD screen, no LCD backlight

The transmitter comes with heli and plane software and lots of neat features to boot. There’s also a trainer system but you have to buy the cord separately so be sure to get that in advance. Some other features include battery warnings (mix & low), a range check mode, and a lot more besides.

The Physical Transmitter

The 6J even has a built-in antenna that prevents accidental damage or breakage. It’s the small details like this that can make a big difference to the end user. The physical transmitter is nicely balanced (sits well with the neck strap on) and feels comfortable to grip. The unit also has a flat broad base which means it can stand firm when set down.

There’s a lot to like and plenty to explore, but is it worth the price tag (most expensive in this guide).

The Not So Good

The push-button throttle is a handy feature but it’s tiny and poorly located. It’s the one button that needs to be bigger and better positioned for quick access. The plastics used in the build feel cheap despite the ergonomic design. The LCD is also small and it lacks backlighting.