Best RC Electric Motors for Airplanes of 2026

Jimmy Roof Avatar
Jimmy Roof
Last Updated: Jan 10, 2026

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RC electric motors for airplanes are becoming increasingly popular in the world of remote-controlled aviation. These motors are powered by rechargeable batteries and offer a quieter and more efficient alternative to traditional gas-powered engines. They are also easier to maintain and can be used indoors or outdoors without any harmful emissions. RC electric motors come in a range of sizes and power levels to suit different types of aircraft and flying styles. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced pilot, there is an electric motor out there that can enhance your flying experience.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Garqitwan 2212 KV2200 Brushless RC Motor Kit Cover #TOP 1
Garqitwan 2212 KV2200 Brushless RC Motor Kit
ftb score rating icon 9.9
AEDIKO 716 3.7V Brushed Motor Set Cover #TOP 2
AEDIKO 716 3.7V Brushed Motor Set
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Coliao N20 Mini Micro Gear Motor 6pcs Cover #TOP 3
Coliao N20 Mini Micro Gear Motor 6pcs
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 4 RC Electric Motors for Airplanes

#TOP 1

Garqitwan 2212 KV2200 Brushless RC Motor Kit

YBM2171162100-43YG
Black
Garqitwan 2212 KV2200 Brushless RC Motor Kit Cover
RC Airplane Motor, 2212 KV2200 Brushless Motor 40A XT60T SG90 Servo 6035 Propeller Accessory Kit for RC Aircraft RC Plane Quadcopter Fixed Wing Plane Helicopter Aircraft (Black)

The Garqitwan Brushless Motor Kit is designed for easy installation, so you won't need to spend extra time or effort setting it up. Made with high-quality metal and plastic, it offers strong durability and reliable performance, ensuring your RC plane or quadcopter lasts longer. This motor runs quietly, reducing noise during your flights, which is great if you want a more peaceful experience. It also works well with different types of batteries like lithium and Ni-MH, giving you flexibility in power sources. Overall, this kit makes flying your RC aircraft smoother and more enjoyable.

What We Like
Easy installation
Durable materials
Low noise operation
Battery compatibility
#TOP 2

AEDIKO 716 3.7V Brushed Motor Set

AE19719
AEDIKO 716 3.7V Brushed Motor Set Cover
AEDIKO 4pcs 716 Coreless Motor 3.7V 7x16mm Brushed Motors 45000 RPM + 4pcs 75mm CW CCW Propeller Compatible with FPV RC Quadcopter

The AEDIKO 716 Brushed Motors offer a compact design with a powerful 3.7V operating voltage, providing you with a high-speed performance of around 45,000 RPM. This means your devices can run quickly and efficiently. The motors have a small shaft diameter of 1.0mm and a size of 7x16.5mm, making them perfect for fitting into tiny frames or compact devices. Made from quality materials, these motors deliver strong torque and smooth operation, ensuring reliable and quiet performance. Plus, they come with easy-to-install wiring, helping you set them up quickly without hassle.

What We Like
High speed (45,000 RPM)
Compact size (7x16.5mm)
Strong torque and smooth operation
Low noise and stable support
Easy installation with pre-wired connectors
#TOP 3

Coliao N20 Mini Micro Gear Motor 6pcs

N20 Gear Motor
Coliao N20 Mini Micro Gear Motor 6pcs Cover
Coliao 6pcs Mini Micro N20 Gear Motor DC 3V-6V Slow Speed Full Metal Gearbox Micro Motor DC Motors for DIY Robot Car RC Toys

The Coliao N20 Micro Motors are compact and lightweight gear motors designed to work with a voltage range of 3V to 6V. When powered at 3V, these motors run at a slow speed of 52 RPM, and at 6V, they double the speed to 104 RPM, allowing you to choose the right speed for your projects. The motor shaft is 3mm in diameter with a 9mm length, fitting easily into your DIY robot cars or RC toys. These motors are perfect for replacing worn-out parts or upgrading your small vehicles, drones, or airplanes, giving you reliable and steady performance.

What We Like
Full metal gearbox
Wide voltage range (3V-6V)
Compact and lightweight
Suitable for various DIY projects
Includes 6 motors per pack
#TOP 4

DIANN N20 Mini Micro Gear Motor 3V-6V

DI09752
DIANN N20 Mini Micro Gear Motor 3V-6V Cover
DIANN 10pcs Mini Micro N20 Gear Motor DC 3V-6V Slow Speed Full Metal Gearbox DIY Robot Car

The DIANN N20 Gear Motor runs on a voltage range of 3V to 6V, giving you flexible power options for different projects. At 3V, it spins at 52 RPM, and at 6V, it doubles to 104 RPM, allowing you to control the speed easily. The motor shaft is designed with a 3mm D-type shape and a 9mm length, which fits well in many DIY setups. Made from high-quality stainless steel with a three-layer copper plate, this motor is built to resist wear, heat, and vibrations, ensuring long-lasting performance for your robots or RC vehicles. Plus, it comes with convenient red and black cables for easy installation.

What We Like
Wide voltage range (3V-6V)
Durable stainless steel build
Easy-to-install cable design
Precision vibration resistance
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What size electric motor do I need for my RC plane?

The size of the electric motor needed for an RC plane is determined by its power, measured in watts. As a general guideline, you can use 100 watts per pound for sport flying, 150 watts per pound for aggressive aerobatics, and 200 watts per pound for 3D flying. This estimation helps ensure that the motor provides sufficient power for the desired performance of the RC plane.

2. How much rpm is needed to fly an RC plane?

The required RPM (revolutions per minute) to fly an RC plane depends on factors such as the propeller size, pitch speed, and desired thrust. For example, a 6x4 APC E propeller typically needs around 18630 RPM to produce the necessary thrust. To estimate the power needed, you can consider the static pitch speed and desired thrust. It is recommended to use the appropriate propeller P/D (Pitch/Diameter) ratio for the specific model and flight requirements.

3. What is a good power to weight ratio for an RC plane?

The power-to-weight ratio for an RC plane is expressed as a ratio between the thrust produced and the weight of the plane. For gliders or light and slow-flying model aircraft, a ratio of 0.3:1 to 0.4:1 is suitable. Trainer models typically have a ratio of 0.5:1 to 0.8:1, while fast models typically have a ratio of 0.8:1 and higher. The power-to-weight ratio is an important factor in determining the performance and capabilities of an RC plane.

4. How big of an area do you need to fly an RC plane?

The required flying area for an RC plane depends on the wingspan and type of aircraft. For example, aircraft with wingspans over 72 inches, such as giant scale, RC scale aerobatics, and turbine-powered jet aircraft, may require a flight area of around 2000 feet to the left and right of the pilot and 1500 feet in front of the pilot. This ensures a safe and adequate space for maneuvering and maintaining control during flight.

5. How many channels do you need for an RC plane?

A standard RC transmitter for an RC plane typically has 6 channels. These channels are used to control different components of the plane, including the rudder, elevator, ailerons, motor, and auxiliary functions. Each channel controls a different motor or feature on the plane. Having multiple channels allows for precise control and maneuverability of the RC plane during flight.

Editor's Notes

During our rc electric motor for airplanes research, we found 24 rc electric motor for airplanes products and shortlisted 4 quality products. We collected and analyzed 4,675 customer reviews through our big data system to write the rc electric motors for airplanes list. We found that most customers choose rc electric motors for airplanes with an average price of $12.94.

The rc electric motors for airplanes are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of rc electric motors for airplanes, including Garqitwan, AEDIKO, Coliao, DIANN. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 11 consumers with an average rating of 5.0.

Written by
Jimmy Roof Avatar

Jimmy Roof is a toy designer who lives in Chicago with his family. He works in a big toy firm, so he is surrounded by toys every day. Throughout his career, he has developed expertise in children's toys, baby products and preschool education. Jimmy Roof often publishes articles related to toys on key websites.