Remote Control Blimp – Our TOP 5!

A remote control blimp can provide hours of fun as long as you pick the right one.

There are a number of different things to keep in mind when you’re picking out the perfect blimp.

Fortunately, we’re here to help!

We’ve broken down for you what to think about before you go shopping, how to pick the best blimp, and what our top 5 favorites are.

What to Think About Before Shopping

Available Space

You should keep in mind the amount of space you have available.

One of the most important things to note about model blimps is that they tend to take up more space than model airplanes, helicopters, or drones.

Many models have diameters of at least 3 feet, and many are even longer than that.

You should be aware of how much space you have to use your blimp so that you don’t accidentally pick one that’s too big.

Indoor or Outdoor Use

Are you planning to use the blimp indoors or outdoors? Some blimps are made for indoor use only.

These shouldn’t be used outdoors, as they might float away or otherwise easily become damaged.

Alternatively, some outdoor blimps are too large to be maneuvered indoors.

Who Is Using It

Who is going to be using it?

If you’re buying a blimp for your child, you’ll be looking for different things than you’d look for if you’re buying a blimp for yourself.

Similarly, you’ll have different qualifications if you’re a small business owner looking to advertise, or if you want a camera mounted blimp to capture aerial footage for you.

Purpose of Use

What are you using the blimp for?

Is it for professional or amateur use?

If you’re using the blimp in a professional capacity, you’ll probably have a larger budget and more specific needs than you’d have as a hobbyist.

How to Choose the Best Blimp

Length of Time It Can Be Used

The length of time the blimp can be used will be a big factor.

Many large blimps will only hold a charge for an hour or two.

You should also be aware of how long your balloon will retain helium.

When you use smaller, indoor blimps, you’re more likely to have a long-lasting battery charge.

Many of these blimps use AA or AAA batteries rather than lithium batteries.

These batteries tend to last longer than lithium batteries do, but they’re not as powerful.

Size

The size of the blimp is a big factor.

As previously mentioned, you should be aware of whether you intend to use it indoors or outdoors.

If you’re using the blimp indoors, you need to make sure you have enough space to fly it comfortably without bringing potential harm to your furniture.

If you’re going to be flying it outdoors, you need to make sure you have enough space in your outdoor environment.

Accessories

Different models will come with different accessories.

They might include the controller, the batteries for both the model and controller, and other potential items.

Outdoor blimps will typically have tethers and landing gear so they can take off and land appropriately.

They may also have a basket that carries a payload of a certain weight.

Indoor blimps might have detachable fins for aesthetic purposes, or other accessories.

There may be a charger cable for the blimp.

They may also come with some of their own helium, although most will need to be filled at a party supply store.

Rechargeable Batteries

Many blimps will come with rechargeable batteries.

You should be aware of the type of batteries they use, and also be aware of whether or not their package includes a charging cable.

Sometimes, the body of the blimp and the controller will use different batteries.

You can typically expect a controller to take AA or AAA batteries.

The blimp itself, on the other hand, might take lithium batteries if it needs more power.

Lithium batteries tend to run down quickly and require recharging.

Smaller blimps might just use AAA batteries.

Refillable Balloon

If you want the blimp to be ready for multiple uses, the balloon should be refillable.

Most balloons take helium and can be refilled at any local grocery or party store that provides helium balloons.

Durability

You should look for a balloon with a good deal of durability.

You don’t want to have your balloon become irreparably damaged thanks to a rip or puncture. Most of the strongest balloons are made from nylon.

A large balloon might also use PVC piping to retain its shape.

Type of Controller

Different balloons have different types of controllers.

Most typically, you’ll be using a 3 channel controller.

This controller will let you move the blimp upward, downward, and rotate in a 360 degree direction.

More advanced and large blimps will tend to have more advanced controllers.

Some blimps don’t have external controllers at all.

Instead, they’re piloted by using an app that you download to your smartphone.

If the blimp is controlled by an app, make sure the app is compatible with whatever smartphone operating system you currently have.

Some apps will only work with iOS, while others are made for use with both iOS and Android.

Price

Price is always a factor when making purchasing decisions.

As a general rule, the larger the blimp, the more you can expect to pay.

Outdoor blimps also tend to be more expensive than indoor blimps.

You should budget according to your needs.

How often do you see yourself using the blimp?

If you’re going to be using it consistently, you’ll want to purchase a higher quality model.

However, if you’re only going to use it a few times, you might want to go with a cheaper option.

Now that we’ve established all of that, let’s take a look at our top 5 RC blimps.

Our Top 5 RC Blimps

1. Plantraco RC Micro Blimp UFO Flying Saucer

This RC blimp is a fun party balloon that makes our list of best RC blimps.

The remote control blimp can be flown using an iPhone app.

The app is compatible with an iPod Touch, iPad, and iPhone enabled with Bluetooth.

You can download the free app through searching for the Microblimp from Plantraco on the Apple App Store.

There are high-precision proportional controls thanks to the three propellers.

You also get a rechargeable battery.

This blimp is simple to learn but more difficult to master. It’s clean, quiet, and safe to use.

You can pilot the remote control blimp through dives and climbs with just the touch of your finger.

The battery is recharged through a USB cord, and the compact size makes this RC blimp great to pilot indoors.

There are a number of different variations you can try.

You might add paper fins to the helium fill balloon to adjust the tilt system.

You might also try other helium envelope RC blimp balloons.

With 3 channel control, every propeller can be controlled individually for a stabilized panning system.

This is the first RC blimp capable of being controlled with Bluetooth technology.

It requires a USB charging cable that can attach to Micro B ports.

Unfortunately, the cable isn’t included with the RC airship.

Pros:

• One of the most inexpensive options
• Controlled through phone app rather than clunky controller
• 3 channel control lets you move in multiple directions
• Can be recharged easily through a USB port

Cons:

• App is only compatible with iOS rather than Android
• Doesn’t have a camera
• Doesn’t include the charging cable

“Indoor RC Blimp for iPhone”

2. Air Swimmers Remote Control Flying Shark

This RC airship makes our list of best RC blimps thanks to its innovative design.

The remote control blimp comes with an infrared remote controller.

The RC airship functions are to climb, descend, and control the tail fin of the shark.

There’s a transmission range of up to 40 feet.

With the tail, the length is 57 inches.

The height is a whopping 36 inches.

You need four AAA batteries to control this remote control blimp.

One goes in the body, while the other three go in the controller.

It should be noted that this remote control blimp isn’t made for use outdoors, and it might be too large to comfortably use in some inside spaces.

However, as long as you have the right amount of space, this shark provides hours of fun.

You can use the tail fin to turn in a complete 360 degree circle.

This RC blimp has simple panning and servo control.

It’s easy and inexpensive to fill the balloon with helium at any party supply store.

Air Swimmers shouldn’t be used outdoors.

Just one thing to be aware of is if your helium is poor quality or the balloon is under-inflated, you’ll have less lift.

Pros:

• Makes lifelike swimming motions in the air
• Looks cool and lifelike
• Tail fin lets you rotate in the air
• Filling with helium is inexpensive

Cons:

• For indoor use only
• May be too large to use in small rooms
• Doesn’t include the 4 AAA batteries necessary for the controller

“Fun Shark RC Airship”

3. Air Swimmers Remote Control Flying Shark

This indoor blimp is another fun nautical indoor RC blimp that makes our list of great RC blimps.

It’s another great blimp with a gyro stabilized pan system.

Like the shark, this comes with an infrared controller and requires 4 AAA batteries for use.

It also has a potential range of up to 40 feet. It’s 57 inches long and 36 inches high.

This blimp might show up if you have the shark in your recently viewed list.

With the 360 degree tail fin control, this swimmer will turn in your desired direction even if blimp is overbalanced.

The fish body is made with durable nylon.

As long as it’s used appropriately, it should stay inflated for several weeks.

The length of the inflation will vary depending on your altitude.

The lifelike swimming motion will make a great video for your YouTube channel!

Pros:

• Swimming motions are very lifelike
• Great control with gyro system
• Looks so lifelike
• Includes infrared remote controller

Cons:

• Not for use outdoors
• Is still pretty big for some indoor rooms
• Batteries aren’t included

“Fun Clownfish RC Airship”

4. Radio-Controlled Silver Baboom Flying Saucer UFO (Indoor Toy Blimp) 27MHz RC

As remote control blimps for hobbyists go, this is a somewhat more expensive remote control blimp toy.

However, it is significantly larger than the first blimp on the list, with a shipping weight of 12 ounces.

The flying saucer is great for both kids and enthusiasts.

You can encourage great interest in flight and science.

The blimp is designed to be flown indoors and made from durable silver nylon.

You do need helium.

The balloon is 38 inches in diameter, so it may be too large to fly in small indoor environments.

Pros:

• 38 inch diameter can be used in most indoor rooms
• Easy controls
• Fun for children to use

Cons:

• For indoor use only
• Doesn’t include the helium necessary to fly
• A somewhat more expensive option for hobbyists

“Remote Control Blimp Similar to Goodyear Blimp Toy”

5. Air-Ads 16ft 5 Meter RC Zeppelin Outdoor Radio Control Blimp Advertising eBlimp airship Complete Set

This radio controlled blimp should be used as a blimp outdoors.

It makes our list of best RC blimps thanks to its innovative construction.

It’s an 8ft model that is best used by professionals who want to advertise.

The blimp uses a Japan FUTABA control system.

There’s a remote control distance of up to 1500 meters.

The blimp can take on a payload of 1.2 kilograms.

Though there aren’t camera mounts, you could turn this into an RC blimp with camera by attaching a camera to the payload.

RC blimps with camera will appeal to people who like model airplanes and drones with cameras.

By turning this into a camera blimp, you can get unbelievable footage you wouldn’t find elsewhere.

There are a number of standard functions.

The remote control will let you steer the balloon.

It’s powered through 2 sets of an electromotor.

You can use the remote control to move forward and backward.

There are 2 pieces of tethered rope included in the package, along with the payload hold.

The radio receiver, batteries, and aluminum are found inside the cabin.

One set of landing gear is attached below the cabin.

You will need lithium batteries to power the blimp, but they aren’t included in the package.

Pros:

• Comprehensive package
• Made from sturdy nylon and PVC
• Can fly for up to 120 minutes
• Minimal turning radius of 20 meters
• 5 meter airship with a 1.5 meter height
• Can carry cargo
• Can be repurposed to carry a camera

Cons:

• Most expensive option on the list
• Too large to fly indoors
• Doesn’t include the lithium batteries necessary for flying

“Remote Control Blimp for Professional Use”

Final Thoughts On The Remote Control Blimp

When you’re buying a remote control blimp, there are a lot of things to keep in mind.

What do you want to get out of the flying experience?

In many ways, remote control blimps give you the same satisfaction you get with drones, quality rc helicopters, and model airplanes.

You should be aware of what design you want from your blimp.

You should also keep the size in mind, know whether you want to use it indoors or outdoors, and make sure you have thought of any accessories you will also need included in the kit.

If you want to repurpose your remote control blimp to be a camera blimp, make sure you purchase a blimp large and sturdy enough that can accommodate that.

So there you have it, our run down of the key points you need to be aware of when shopping for a remote control blimp as well as our TOP 5 picks to get you underway!