Best RC Planes released in 2025 : Category Winners Across UMX, Warbirds, EDF, STOL, and Scale

2025 delivered a surprisingly diverse mix of RC airplanes—UMX and micro models that fly “too well for their size,” scale GA aircraft that look right in the pattern, STOL platforms that make more fields flyable, and EDF jets that keep pushing what foam can do.

This official roundup follows a simple rule: one winner per category. Each pick is based on practical ownership criteria—how the model behaves in the air, how predictable it is on landing, how complete the package feels out of the box, and whether it’s the kind of airplane owners keep flying after the first few weekends.

Battery setup is often the hidden difference between “flies fine” and “flies great.” For a broader, brand-to-brand guide that covers RC cars, FPV, and planes, see: Best LiPo Battery in 2026: Performance Rankings Across Top Brands for RC Cars, FPV, and Planes.

Best UMX / Micro Plane of 2025: E-flite UMX Eratix 3D FF (Flat Foamy)

The micro category is crowded every year, but the UMX Eratix 3D FF stands out for one reason: it makes advanced flying feel approachable without turning into a “twitchy” handful. Flat-foamy designs often get labeled as fragile or overly floaty—this one avoids both traps with crisp response, solid tracking, and a wide speed range that suits real-world flying spaces.

Why it wins: high agility without punishing handling, clean tracking for its size class, and a flight envelope that works for both quick sessions and skill progression.

Best Scale General Aviation of 2025: FMS Cessna 182 1500mm PNP

Scale GA winners are rarely about raw performance—they win when they look believable in the air and behave predictably in the pattern. The FMS Cessna 182 1500mm checks those boxes with a strong outline, convincing presence on fly-bys, and the kind of stable approach behavior that encourages repeat flights rather than “special occasion” outings.

Why it wins: realistic silhouette and pacing, steady pattern behavior, and a balanced “scale feel” that suits everyday flying.

Best Sport / 3D Aerobatic Plane of 2025: E-flite Eratix 3D SWS 1.6m

In the 3D category, the best models are the ones that can do the wild stuff—but also look composed doing normal flying. The Eratix 3D SWS 1.6m is a strong example of modern “easy-to-live-with” aerobatics: responsive enough for 3D, but stable enough to enjoy precision lines and clean transitions.

Why it wins: controlled precision at speed, confident low-speed behavior, and an overall feel that suits both practice and performance flights.

Best Sport STOL / Bush Plane of 2025: Avios Grand Tundra 2 STOL 1700mm

STOL platforms win when they expand where people can fly—short grass, imperfect fields, and everyday conditions. The Avios Grand Tundra 2 earns the category because it balances size and capability without turning ownership into a storage problem. It’s the kind of “grab-and-go STOL” that can be flown often, not just admired.

Why it wins: field-friendly performance, practical size-to-capability balance, and approachable handling that suits real landing zones.

Best Glider / Sailplane of 2025: Avios Kobuz 2200mm (PNF) Aerobatic Glider

Glider releases are fewer than other categories, so the winner needs to justify its spot by delivering a distinct experience. The Avios Kobuz does that with a strong wingspan presence, flap-equipped versatility, and a flight style that rewards smooth flying rather than brute power. It fits pilots who enjoy longer, more deliberate flights and clean energy management.

Why it wins: versatile flap-equipped soaring, smooth aerobatic glider character, and a flight experience that feels different from power-first categories.

Best Sport EDF of 2025: Freewing Ares 3D 6S 90mm EDF Jet (PNP)

Sport EDF winners should feel exciting without becoming stressful. The Freewing Ares 3D is a standout because it delivers modern high-performance energy while keeping the overall package coherent—this is the type of EDF that can be enjoyed as a weekly flyer, not only as a “show piece.”

Why it wins: strong performance with a refined feel, broad appeal for sport-jet pilots, and a platform that rewards upgrades without requiring them.

Best Scale EDF of 2025: Airbus A320neo Twin 64mm EDF (PNP)

Airliner EDF models live or die by presence and practicality. The A320neo Twin 64mm stands out because it brings an unmistakable scale silhouette to a size class that’s easier to store and transport than larger airliners. The twin-EDF layout adds character while keeping the overall footprint manageable.

Why it wins: iconic airliner outline, manageable size for real ownership, and a distinctive twin-EDF configuration for scale fans.

Best Warbird of 2025: CNHL Super Tucano 1600mm

Warbird winners need more than good looks. The best releases combine presence, predictable handling, and a scale feel that remains enjoyable long after the first flights. In 2025, one model consistently checked those boxes and became the benchmark reference in its class.

Winner: CNHL Super Tucano 1600mm.

What separates it in the 2025 warbird conversation is the balance: it looks right in the air, carries real presence on fly-bys, and supports the kind of repeatable approach-and-landing behavior that keeps pilots bringing it back out. It’s a warbird that feels purpose-built for the field, not just for the camera.

Why it wins: standout presence, scale character in the air, and a practical “regular-rotation” flying feel that warbird owners value.

FAQ

How were category winners selected?
Winners are based on practical ownership factors: flight manners, landing predictability, “out of the box” completeness, and how well a model fits typical flying conditions (storage, transport, and field realities).

Why include a battery guide link in an airplane awards post?
Because power setup is often the difference between a model that feels average and one that feels excellent. This guide provides cross-brand context: Best LiPo Battery in 2026: Performance Rankings Across Top Brands for RC Cars, FPV, and Planes.

Is the CNHL Super Tucano 1600mm suitable only for experienced pilots?
It is best enjoyed by pilots who are comfortable with intermediate warbird handling and consistent approaches. Warbirds reward clean landings and thoughtful setup more than raw stick movement.

If you already own one of the aircraft mentioned above and are looking for suitable power options, a complete selection of compatible batteries can be found here: CNHL Airplane Batteries.

If you have a different perspective on RC airplanes released in 2025, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. Constructive discussion and real-world experience are always welcome.