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Best model rocket deals 2026: Blast off with savings on hobby rockets

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Looking to take off with a new hobby? We have rounded up the best deals on model rockets and accessories, to keep you flying high in 2026.

A blue model rocket with a white pointy tip is launching vertically as white vapor is produced at the bottom on a green grassy field with hills in the background.
(Image credit: Getty Images, josefkubes)
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You don't have to be a billionaire to launch a rocket; as a hobbyist, you can buy your own model rocket, equip it with engines and a launch pad, and fire it thousands of feet into the air. Who knows, what starts as a hobby could end with you taking humanity to Mars! So, to give you a head start, we've rounded up the best model rocket deals from reputable retailers.

All the deals we list below are for rockets that actually fly, though you will need to assemble them and provide your engines and launching gear. You'll also want suitable weather conditions and plenty of open space. No one wants to knock on their neighbor's door and ask if they can have their rocket back.

Best model rocket deals 2026

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Best model rocket deals 2026

Estes NASA SLS
Best SLS model rocket
Save 20%
Estes NASA SLS: was $90 now $72 at Amazon

Save 20% on the iconic orange ship of NASA's recent SLS rocket. This 1:200 scale model will reach an approximate altitude of 350ft and it comes pre-finished with a parachute.

Note: You will need to buy the engines, launch system and launch pad separately.

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Estes Long Ranger
Save 25%
Estes Long Ranger: was $20 now $15 at Walmart

Save 25% on this budget rocket which can soar up to 1100 feet with the right propulsion system installed, then sail groundward with its parachute. Its striking color combination means you're unlikely to miss it when it touches down.

Note: You will need to buy the engine and launch gear separately.

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Estes Mini Arcas
Save 17%
Estes Mini Arcas: was $18 now $15 at Walmart

Save 17% on this Estes Mini Arcas rocket, capable of hitting 550 feet, though you'll have to supply your own engines and launch pad. Its pocket-friendly price makes it a solid starting rocket for beginners.

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Estes Blue Origin New Shepard
Save 14%
Estes Blue Origin New Shepard: was $42 now $36 at Walmart

Save 14% on an instantly recognizable ship. Okay, this isn't the biggest saving available, but what's cooler than having something recognizable fly through the air? It comes with its own parachute and will reach an altitude of 700ft.

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Model rocket accessories deals

Estes Altimeter
Save 20% ($9)
Estes Altimeter: was $44 now $35 at Amazon

Save 20% on the Estes Altimeter. This handy tool allows you to record the altitudes your rocket achieves during flight. The altimeter features a four-digit LCD readout and will record up to 9999 feet while storing your previous 10 flights.

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Estes PS II Launch Controller
Save 23%
Estes PS II Launch Controller: was $44 now $34 at Amazon

Ideal for launching Estes rockets, the PS II Launch Controller features 30 feet of heavy-duty cable, has USB connectivity and is ideal for mid-sized engines as well as the Pro Series II line of rockets. It's now 23% off.

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Model rocket deals FAQs

Where is the best place to find model rocket deals?

Reputable retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy and Target are usually the best places to go due to stock, regular sales and reliability. You can also go to manufacturers directly but online retailers like Amazon will hold annual sales events too.

When is the best time to get a model rocket deal?

Without a doubt, the best time to look for model rocket deals is during annual sales events. Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday are the two biggest sales events of the year and we regularly see big discounts across a very wide range of products. You'll see model rocket deals all year-round but it's the annual sales events where you'll likely see the biggest drops in price.

Who are the best manufacturers of model rockets?

Here at space.com, we think Estes is the best manufacturer of model rockets. They've been making models since the 1950s and their stock includes standalone rockets, replicas and accessories. You can also find their stock through third-party retailers like Amazon. But, they're not the only top manufacturer out there. Revell, Airfix and National Geographic all produce worthwhile model rockets too.

Recent updates

January 21: We've rewritten the introduction, removed expired deals and added in some new model rocket deals.

Alexander Cox
Alexander Cox
E-commerce Staff Writer

STAFF WRITER, E-commerce — Alex joined Space.com in June 2021 as staff writer covering space news, games, tech, toys and deals. Based in London, U.K. Graduating in June 2020, Alex studied Sports Journalism in the North East of England at Sunderland University. During his studies and since his graduation, Alex has been featured in local newspapers and online publications covering a range of sports from university rugby to Premier League soccer. In addition to a background in sports and journalism, Alex has a life-long love of Star Wars which started with watching the prequel trilogy and collecting toy lightsabers, he also grew up spending most Saturday evenings watching Doctor Who. 


Contact Alexander: E-Mail Twitter

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