R/C Budget Buyer's Guide: 17 Radios That Cost Less Than $100
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
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)
Fly Sky FST4B
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
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
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
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
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)
Fly Sky FS-i6
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
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
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
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
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
- Fly Sky FS-GT2E - Available on Amazon Available on eBay
- Fly Sky FS-GT3C - Available on Amazon Available on eBay
- Traxxas 2-Channel TQ - Available on Amazon Available on eBay
- Spektrum DX5e - Available on Amazon Available on eBay
- Spektrum DXe - Available on Amazon Available on eBay
