close
Menu
close

R/C Budget Buyer's Guide: 17 Radios That Cost Less Than $100

By: Tim Gluth

One of the most important components in your R/C lineup is your controller. No matter what activities you’re participating in, racing, drifting, crawling, or trailing, having a comfortable and feature-rich controller is crucial to your enjoyment of the hobby.

While there is no limit to what you can invest in a new controller, there are several budget-friendly 2.4GHz transmitters that will get you headed in the right direction. Here are eleven options that are great additions to your radio-controlled toolbox.

Fly Sky GT3B

Image credit: Fly Sky
Image credit: Fly Sky

The GT3B is one of the many radios that I have in my collection, and I greatly enjoy using it. From the comfortable grip, solid feel, and feature-packed settings, it is a versatile controller that will allow you to fine-tune many aspects of your radio-controlled vehicles.

  • Trigger-style controller
  • 3-channel
  • 10-model memory support
  • End-Point adjustment (EPA)
  • Dual Rate (D/R) adjustments for steering
  • Servo reversing
  • ABS settings
  • EXP settings
  • Trainer port (for use with VRC)
  • Digital display for menu/settings
  • Price range: $29.99 - $46.90 (Various retailers)

Available on Amazon

Fly Sky FST4B

Image credit: Fly Sky
Image credit: Fly Sky

The first R/C cars that I drove used twin-stick controllers. This was a hard habit for me to break during my later youth, as I began to use more trigger-style controllers. If you’d prefer to use a twin-stick-style controller for your radio-controlled vehicle, a budget-friendly option is Fly Sky’s FST4B.

  • Twin-stick-style controller
  • 4-channel
  • Low-voltage warning
  • Multiple adjustment points
  • Price range: $24.99 - $57.75 (Various retailers)

Available on Amazon Available on eBay

Fly Sky CT6B

Image credit: Fly Sky
Image credit: Fly Sky

Another twin-stick style controller, the CT6B is a 6-channel transmitter from Fly Sky that features a bump in channels over the FSTB (from 4 to 6).

  • Twin-stick-style controller
  • 6-channel
  • Low-voltage warning
  • Charging port
  • Multiple adjustment points
  • Price range: $34.00 - $70.00 (Various retailers)

Available on Amazon Available on eBay

Tactic TTX300

Image credit: Tactic
Image credit: Tactic

Along with the Fly Sky GT3B, I have had personal experience driving with the Tactic TTX300. This model is included with many ready-to-run (RTR) R/C models (including the Axial Bomber) and is an impressive controller with some handy features. Learn more about Tactic.

  • Trigger-style controller
  • 3-channel
  • Internal antenna
  • Steering trim knob
  • Throttle trim knob
  • Endpoint adjustment knob
  • Will work with any SLT receiver
  • Price range: $38.50 - $49.99 (Various retailers)

Available on Amazon Available on eBay

Ikonnik ET4

Image credit: Ikonnik
Image credit: Ikonnik

This transmitter was mentioned during a recent episode of the RC Newb Podcast. What makes the ET4 stand out from other trigger-style controllers are its many adjustable components; grip, tension, and steering wheel position. Learn more about Ikonnik.

  • Trigger-style controller
  • 4-channel
  • 10-model memory support
  • Adjustable hand grips
  • Adjustable steering wheel position
  • Adjustable steering wheel tension
  • Right/Left-hand steering wheel mounting
  • End-Point adjustment (EPA)
  • Dual Rate (D/R) adjustments for steering
  • Servo reversing
  • Price range: $60.00 - $69.99 (Various retailers)
  • Additional details

Available on Amazon Available on eBay

Ikonnik KA6

Image credit: Ikonnik
Image credit: Ikonnik

Another low-cost option from the Ikonnik line is their twin-stick model, the KA6. This 6-channel transmitter is feature-rich and serves as a great option for drivers and pilots alike. Learn more about Ikonnik.

  • Twin-stick-style controller
  • 6-channel
  • Single-model memory
  • Servo reverse
  • Price range: $89.99 - $100.00 (Various retailers)

Available on Amazon

Fly Sky FS-i6

Image credit: Fly Sky
Image credit: Fly Sky

With many model options available, Fly Sky has created a nice progression ladder for themselves. You can start with a lower-cost, less feature-rich controller and work your way up to a model that has more options. The FS-i6 falls into the “more options” category without breaking the bank.

  • Twin-stick-style controller
  • 6-channel
  • 20-model memory
  • Trainer port
  • Low-voltage warning
  • Dual Rate (D/R) adjustments
  • Trim adjustments
  • Backlit LCD screen
  • Price range: $49.99 - $65.00 (Various retailers)

Available on Amazon Available on eBay

Graupner X-4S

Image credit: Graupner
Image credit: Graupner

While it may appear that Fly Sky has the market cornered on low-cost controllers, other brands have budget-friendly options as well. Graupner’s X-4S isn’t the most feature-packed model you can buy, but it does offer some unique features that help with ergonomics and comfort. Learn more about Graupner.

  • Trigger-style controller
  • 2-channel
  • Right/Left-hand steering wheel mounting
  • Steering trim adjustments
  • Throttle trim adjustments
  • Price range: $89.99 - $99.99 (Various retailers)

Available on Amazon Available on eBay

Spektrum Dx2e

Image credit: Spektrum
Image credit: Spektrum

If you’re looking to replace a stock, RTR controller or want to venture out into a different brand, Spektrum offers a wide array of controllers at an equally diverse price range. Their entry-level model, the DX2e is a solid replacement for any basic controller. Learn more about Spektrum.

  • Trigger-style controller
  • 2-channel
  • Servo reversing
  • Adjustable travel
  • Steering trim adjustments
  • Throttle trim adjustments
  • AVC compatible (requires AVC compatible receiver)
  • Price range: $29.99 - $59.99 (Various retailers)

Available on Amazon Available on eBay

Spektrum Dx4c

Image credit: Spektrum
Image credit: Spektrum

Taking a step up from the Dx2e, the Dx4c offers 4-channels and additional features, making it a solid upgrade from Spektrum’s base model. Learn more about Spektrum.

  • Trigger-style controller
  • 4-channel
  • 20-model memory
  • Digital settings display
  • Steering trim adjustments
  • Throttle trim adjustments
  • AVC compatible (requires AVC compatible receiver)
  • Price range: $74.99 - $99.99 (Various retailers)

Available on Amazon Available on eBay

Duratrax T204FS 2-Channel Radio

Image credit: TowerHobbies.com

If you’re looking for a no-frills controller to finish off your R/C kit build, look no further than the two-channel T204FS from Duratrax. This isn’t the radio for those looking for the latest feature-packed unit with basic adjustments for steering and throttle trim. But if you need a basic setup to get you started, or as a spare/replacement, you can’t go wrong with this model. Learn more about Duratrax.

Hat-tip to Rich from 2RCProductions for bringing this controller to my attention.

  • Trigger-style controller
  • 2-channel
  • Steering trim adjustments
  • Throttle trim adjustments
  • Dual Rate (D/R) adjustments for steering
  • Price: $19.99 (TowerHobbies.com)

Additional Budget-friendly R/C Controller Options

Related Posts

Copyright © 2012 – 2024 All Rights Reserved - RCNewb.com
RCNewb.com participates in affiliate advertising programs through Amazon Services LLC Associates, AvantLink, and GoAffPro. These are designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and other select merchants.

If you purchase an item from a link on rcnewb.com, the website might earn a commission.
cross