RTR, BNF, PNP, Roller Kit: what does it all mean?

RTR, BNF, PNP, Roller, Kit... Anyone looking for an RC car, boat, plane or drone will come across these abbreviations everywhere. They tell you how much is already included in the box and what you still need to buy yourself. The problem is that manufacturers and stores don't always use them in the same way. In this article, we explain what each term means at UpgradeRC, so you know exactly what you're buying.

First, a note: the battery and charger don't count

At UpgradeRC, we look at what's in the box, not the label the manufacturer puts on the packaging. The battery and charger are not included in this assessment. Some models include them, others don't, but that doesn't change the label. The same applies to AA or AAA batteries for the transmitter. Whether a battery and charger are included is always listed on the product page itself, in the Battery and Required rows of the specifications table.

Overview in one table

For cars, trucks, tanks and boats, we use terms with Run (RTR, BNR). For airplanes, helicopters and drones, we use terms with Fly (RTF, BNF). They mean the same thing.

Ready To Run (RTR) / Ready To Fly (RTF)

The most complete package. The model is fully assembled and all the electronics are installed: motor, ESC, servos, receiver and a transmitter that's already bound. Insert the battery, turn on the transmitter and you're ready to drive, sail or fly.

Ideal for: beginners and anyone who wants to get started without hassle.
You still need: nothing, except a battery and charger if they aren't included.

Bind and Run (BNR) / Bind and Fly (BNF)

The model is fully assembled and the receiver is already installed. Only the transmitter is missing. "Bind" refers to pairing (binding) your own transmitter with the receiver in the model.

Note: your transmitter must use the same protocol as the built-in receiver. A transmitter from one brand won't necessarily work with a receiver from another brand. So always check which system the model uses and whether your transmitter supports it.

Ideal for: anyone who already has a suitable transmitter and doesn't want to pay for an extra one.
You still need: a compatible transmitter.

Plug and Play (PNP)

The model is assembled, and the motor, ESC and servos (for drones: the motors, ESCs and flight controller) are already installed. What's missing is the radio equipment: the transmitter and receiver. You choose them yourself, and that's the advantage: you can use the system you already know or already own.

Ideal for: hobbyists who already use a particular transmitter system and only need to buy a receiver for each new model.
You'll still need: a transmitter and a receiver, which you'll install and pair yourself.

Roller

A Roller (or "rolling chassis") is a fully assembled car, often already including the body, wheels and tires, but without electronics. It has no motor, ESC, servo, receiver or transmitter. You get a finished base and choose and install the electronics yourself.

We use this label only for cars, trucks and tanks. Boats, airplanes, helicopters and drones without electronics aren't available as Rollers.

Ideal for: anyone who wants to choose their own motor and ESC but doesn't want to build everything themselves.
You'll still need: a motor, ESC, servo, receiver and transmitter.

Kit

A build kit: you assemble the model yourself. Some kits already include (some of) the electronics, while others include nothing at all. If it still needs to be assembled, we call it a Kit, even if all the electronics are included. The product description always lists exactly what you still need.

Ideal for: anyone who enjoys building as part of the fun and wants to get to know their model inside out.
You'll still need: time, tools and everything that's not in the box.

What about ARTR, ARF or RTB?

You'll come across other terms from manufacturers, such as ARTR (Almost Ready To Run), ARF (Almost Ready to Fly) or RTB. They're used in very different ways: one ARTR is essentially a PNP, while another is only missing a transmitter. That's why we don't use them. We look at what's actually in the box and give each model one of the five labels above. If more than one thing is missing, we use the label that indicates the most missing. So a kit with electronics is still a Kit.

Which one should you choose?

• You're just getting started in the hobby: choose an RTR or RTF. Everything is included and the transmitter is already paired.
• You already have a transmitter: a BNR or BNF saves you money, as long as the protocol matches.
• You have a transmitter and want to use your own receiver: choose PNP.
• You want to choose your own motor and ESC: a Roller is a good starting point.
• You want to build it yourself: go for a Kit.

How to find it in our online store

In our collections of RC cars, boats, airplanes & helicopters and drones, you can filter by Completeness. The label is also included in the product title, and in the specifications table for each model, the Required row shows exactly what you still need to buy.

Conclusion

The label tells you at a glance how much is still missing: from RTR (nothing) to Kit (build it yourself). Batteries and chargers are never included in this count, so always check those separately. Not sure which model or transmitter are compatible? Feel free to contact us, we're happy to help!