You can buy a Plug ‘n Play (PNP) version of many foam fixed-wing RC aircraft that you’ll have to install your own transmitter-compatible receiver in.
If learning to fly, pick a light, electric park flyer with high wings (typically referred to as a “trainer”). The smaller, slower and lighter the trainer, the less damage when you crash. You can hand-launch in a small field and land in the grass.
The nice thing about the HorizonHobbies aircraft is many of them have receivers that include AS3X and SAFE modes that make flying and learning to fly fixed-wing easier. These receivers have microprocessors, gyros and accelerometers that reduce the affects of wind gusts and can limit the pitch and roll angles to help keep you out of trouble. They also have one or two aircraft with GPS geofencing and auto-land capabilities. Most if not all of these “helper modes” can be switched off with the transmitter at will. However, these advanced Spektrum receivers require a Spektrum transmitter. Check out HorizonHobbies’ website.
I got away from fixed-wing RC after wearing out a small trainer (a FireFox I think) that used NiMh batteries and 27-MHz frequencies. I had a blast with it but literally wore it out after hundreds of flights. I got back into RC aircraft 5 or 6 years ago when I found a HorizonHobbies RTF Champ with 24-MHz transmitter at a local thrift store for $20. It’s fun to fly for beginners and nearly indestructible on grass since it’s so light.
Here’s a link to a short video I made of a friend flying my Champ for the first time after a brief explanation of the transmitter controls and some verbal coaching from me as I shot the video:
Dave crashed a lot, damaging his pride but not the Champ at all. I cut the video to make him look good.
I think HorizonHobbies has a newer version of the Champ that has GPS geofencing and auto-land for less than $200.
I think the next HorizonHobbies RC fixed-wing aircraft I got after I grew out of the Champ was a Bind ‘n Fly (BNF) Timber, which is a 1.5m STOL aircraft with flaps, and tundra wheels and landing gear. I have a Private Pilot’s license, so I know the aerodynamics of fixed-wing flight well enough to skip a few levels of RC fixed-wing training. I now have a dozen of HorizonHobbies’ foam aircraft and enjoy them all.
Good luck!