Best Radio Control Submarines for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need
Published: August 9th, 2024

🤿RC submarines are an exciting blend of remote-controlled fun and underwater adventure. They’re perfect for everyone—from hobbyists and professionals to families looking to spice up bathtime. Whether you're filming stunning underwater scenes, checking out marine life, or just having some fun, our 2024 top picks have something for you.

We've pulled together insights from experts and real user feedback to bring you the best RC submarines for various needs and budgets.

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Overall Best: FIFISH V6 Underwater Drone

The FIFISH V6 Underwater Drone takes the crown as our top pick for underwater exploration. It's designed with six thrusters, allowing seamless omnidirectional movement that gives users unparalleled maneuverability. Equipped with a stunning 4K UHD camera, it captures exceptionally vivid underwater footage. One standout feature is its motion sensor headset, enabling an immersive first-person view by intuitively moving your head. With a dive capacity of several hundred feet and a battery life of up to 4 hours, it’s ideal for both hobbyists and professionals. However, its advanced features come at a premium, making it less suited for beginners or casual users.

Key Features:
- Six motors for omnidirectional movement
- 4K UHD camera
- Motion sensor headset for first-person control
- Up to 4 hours of battery life
- Exceptional diving depth of several hundred feet

Considerations: Higher price point.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$3,999.00 at Amazon

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Runner-up: CHASING Dory Underwater Drone

CHASING Dory Underwater Drone Set, 1080P 12MP UHD Underwater Drone with Camera, Remote Control Underwater ROV, ±45° Adjustable Under Water Drone, Light Weight, with Packback

The CHASING Dory Underwater Drone impresses as our runner-up due to its compact design and high-quality imaging capabilities. Weighing just over two pounds, it’s incredibly portable and user-friendly. It can dive up to 49 feet while providing real-time footage and high-definition photos, enhanced by dual 250-lumen headlights. Controlled via the Chasing DORY app, it ensures a seamless user experience. With a battery life of about an hour, it's perfect for short underwater adventures while being easy to manage and transport.

Key Features:
- Compact and portable
- Real-time footage and photo capability
- Dive depth of up to 49 feet
- Two 250-lumen headlights
- Easy control with the Chasing DORY app
- One-hour battery life

Considerations: Shorter battery life compared to higher-end models.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$349.99 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the CHASING Dory Underwater Drone? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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What is the camera quality of the CHASING Dory Underwater Drone?
The camera quality on the CHASING Dory Underwater Drone is pretty solid. It's got a 1080p Full HD camera with an f/1.6 lens, which means you can capture some really nice, crisp underwater shots. Plus, it works well even at depths of up to 49.2 feet, thanks to its depth-holding mode and 250-lumen floodlights that help out in low-light conditions. According to our research, the drone streams video to your phone with its app, which is great for sharing your adventures directly on social media. The app also has some image filters if you want to get a little creative. People seem to find it pretty easy to use too, with controls available through the app or a Bluetooth remote. One cool thing is the dual-play mode, where one person can steer while another focuses on capturing footage. This could be fun if you’re exploring with friends or working on a project together. Just keep in mind a couple of things: the battery lasts about an hour, so not ideal for super long dives, and some have had connectivity issues with the Wi-Fi, which can be frustrating. All in all, it's a pretty affordable and user-friendly option for getting into underwater photography or video capturing, even if you're just looking to have some fun with it.
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How long can the CHASING Dory Underwater Drone operate on a single charge?
Hey! So if you're wondering how long the CHASING Dory Underwater Drone can run on a single charge, here's the scoop: officially, it can last up to an hour underwater, according to the manufacturer's specs. That's generally plenty of time for quick dives and getting some amazing underwater shots. But, heads up—our research shows a few folks have mentioned that the battery life might be a bit less, especially if you're in tricky conditions or haven't given it a full charge. Also, some people have noticed the connection can be a bit spotty, which might affect things if you're further away from your control device. On the bright side, it does have this neat depth-keeping mode, so it stays put at a certain depth, and you can tilt it up to 45 degrees for those cool angles. It's pretty user-friendly with its app and Bluetooth, too. So, while you might need a bit of patience to work around these quirks, the CHASING Dory still packs a punch with its portability and solid performance if you're just out for some fun underwater exploration. Hope that helps!
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What is the maximum depth rating of the CHASING Dory Underwater Drone?
The CHASING Dory Underwater Drone can dive up to 15 meters deep, or about 49 feet, which makes it pretty handy if you're into exploring shallow waters. Whether you're snorkeling around a coral reef or checking out a shipwreck just under the waves, it's designed to make these adventures accessible even for casual explorers. The drone comes with a 1080p f/1.6 camera, so you can capture some really clear photos and videos. It's a solid choice if you're aiming to snap some vibrant marine life or document underwater views. Plus, it's only 2.4 pounds and comes with a backpack, so it's super easy to bring along if you're traveling. One cool feature is the depth-lock mode, which helps keep the drone steady at a certain depth. This is pretty useful for getting that perfect shot, especially with its ±45° adjustable tilt that lets you capture from different angles. Just keep in mind, our research shows that some users have difficulty with Wi-Fi connectivity, which might affect live streaming and remote control with its dedicated app. As for battery life, it lasts about an hour per charge. This should be fine for quick dives, but if you're planning on being out longer, you might want to pack an extra battery. Overall, the CHASING Dory Underwater Drone is a great option for those new to underwater photography. It's lightweight, easy to carry, and does a good job with underwater visuals, even if there are some connectivity and battery limitations to consider.
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Best Budget Option: Silverlit Spy Cam Aqua Submarine

For those seeking budget-friendly options, the Silverlit Spy Cam Aqua Submarine offers excellent value. Perfect for kids and beginners, this RC sub combines affordability with practical features, making underwater exploration accessible to all. It includes an easy-to-use 3-channel infrared transmitter and a detachable feeder arm to attract marine wildlife, boosting the fun of underwater photography. Built-in LED lights ensure good visibility, and its 256MB storage, expandable via USB, provides space for capturing adventures. While it’s a fantastic entry-level option, its features may not satisfy advanced users.

Key Features:
- Detachable feeder arm to attract marine wildlife
- Controlled with a 3-channel infrared transmitter
- Built-in LED lights for underwater visibility
- 256MB internal storage, expandable via USB
- Floats to the surface when out of power

Considerations: Limited advanced functionalities.

Available at Amazon
View at Amazon

Best for Kids: eMart Kids Mini RC Submarine

When it comes to entertaining children, the eMart Kids Mini RC Submarine is your go-to option. Its bright yellow color instantly captures children’s attention, and its simple controls make it straightforward for young users. This mini RC submarine is specifically designed for shallow water play, perfect for bathtime or poolside fun. It offers 15-20 minutes of run time on a full charge and quickly recharges within 30 minutes. While it excels in shallow waters, it’s not intended for serious underwater exploration.

Key Features:
- Bright yellow design
- Simple and intuitive controls
- Suitable for bathtime and shallow water play
- Runs for 15-20 minutes
- Quick charge within 30 minutes

Considerations: Limited to shallow water use.

Available at Amazon
View at Amazon

Best Advanced Option: Gladius Mini S Underwater Drone

Chasing Gladius MINI S Upgraded Professional Underwater Drone Set, With 4k Resolution + Eis Anti-shake Camera, Remote Control And App Remote Control, Support Multiple Mounts, Prevent Motor Jams' Patent Technology, 4 Hours Runtime, Dive To 330ft Underwater With 660ft Tether, With Mechanical Arm, Premium Backpack MINSET

For those looking for unmatched advanced features, the Gladius Mini S Underwater Drone is a top contender. Boasting 4K video and 12MP photo capabilities, it ensures high-quality underwater imaging. It can dive up to an impressive 330 feet and runs for about four hours on a single charge. Features like anti-stuck motor technology and a direct connection to the remote controller enhance reliability and performance. Additionally, it supports live streaming via an app, making it suitable for professional underwater explorations and enthusiast alike. However, its premium price may put off casual users.

Key Features:
- 4K video and 12MP photo capabilities
- Dive depth of 330 feet
- Four-hour battery life
- Anti-stuck motor technology
- Direct connection to remote controller
- Live-streaming capability via app

Considerations: Higher cost.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$1,499.00 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Chasing Gladius MINI S Underwater Drone? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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What is the camera resolution of the Chasing Gladius MINI S?
The Chasing Gladius MINI S comes with a pretty impressive 4K camera. That's going to give you really clear and crisp videos, along with 12MP photos. It handles stability with EIS, which helps keep everything smooth and steady—great if you're into underwater photography or filming. The manufacturer describes the camera as being built around a 1/2.3 SONY CMOS sensor with an F1.8 aperture. Plus, it has two 1200 lumen LED lights, which help you get nice, stable shots even when things are a bit tricky underwater. Based on our research, folks in professional reviews seem to love this drone's camera. Along with filming in UHD 4K, it also has features like slow-motion and time-lapse, which can be handy for creative projects or more professional work. It comes with a [64GB SD card](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DSD%2Bcard%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) you can swap out if you need more space, supporting up to 512GB. According to our research, people who've used it are generally happy with how the camera performs. There was mention of a resolution discrepancy, but that didn't seem to affect overall satisfaction with the drone's app interface or how easy it is to control. In short, the Gladius MINI S seems like a solid pick, whether you're just curious about what's under the sea or documenting it professionally.
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What is the battery life of the Chasing Gladius MINI S underwater drone?
If you're wondering about the battery life of the Chasing Gladius MINI S underwater drone, it can run for up to four hours on a single charge. This info comes from both our research and what the manufacturer says about the product. It’s pretty solid, especially considering all the cool features this drone packs, like the UHD 4K camera and the nifty maneuvering tools. The drone also has a 660-foot tether and a mechanical arm, which means it can reach depths of about 330 feet. This gives you the ability to interact with underwater objects if you need to. Another thing worth mentioning is its anti-stuck motor technology. According to the manufacturer, this reduces the risk of the motor getting jammed by things like underwater debris. That’s a big plus for exploring tricky underwater spots without too many hiccups. So, whether you're a diving enthusiast or someone doing serious marine research, its battery life and design help make it a reliable choice for different underwater explorations.
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How deep can the Chasing Gladius MINI S underwater drone dive?
The Chasing Gladius MINI S can dive pretty deep—up to 330 feet. The manufacturer claims it's built for all kinds of underwater fun, whether you're exploring lakes or oceans. Besides diving deep, it can move horizontally up to 660 feet, which is great if you're trying to cover more ground underwater. With stabilizing features and a 4K UHD camera that includes image stabilization, it captures clear and high-quality footage, which is awesome for anyone into underwater photography or videography. According to our research, folks find the controls easy to use, either with a remote or an app, making it approachable even if you're just starting out with underwater drones. It's got a solid aluminum alloy build that handles saltwater well, though it's still a good idea to rinse it off with fresh water afterward to keep it in top shape. Also, the Gladius MINI S has this handy anti-stuck motor technology that prevents jams from debris or plant life. So, whether you're in a river, lake, or ocean, it should keep performing smoothly. Overall, it seems like a solid option if you want a versatile and reliable underwater drone.
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