Looking for the best drones for beginners that are fun and easy to fly? Well this list of 9 drones are some of the best around and perfect for beginners.
Drones are everywhere, there seem to be drones for everything, from professional photography to filming large budget movies and even drones for agricultural use. However, the most popular use of drones still remains flying them for fun and taking aerial images and videos (if it has a camera).
All the drones on this list come with a camera, one of the reasons I love flying drones is because I love viewing the world from the air. As kids, we have all at one point wanted to feel like what it would be to fly and although there are crazy people who do stuff like skydiving for most of us the closest we will experience what it feels like to fly is through drones.
Some of the drones on this list are also compatible with VR headsets, which will truly give you an immersive flying experience, all the drones are perfect for beginners and kids and would make a great gift for those special occasions.
As regular readers of my website will know, DJI is my favourite drone company (because they make the best drones) and it’s no surprise that one of their drones tops this list.
I always try and update this list and the following list of the best drones for beginners have been updated for this year (2020).
DJI Tello Drone – Best Drone For Beginners.
Top of my list is the new Tello drone from DJI and Ryze Tech, DJI are known for dominating the higher end of the drone market. So it came as no surprise that they would sooner or later produce a beginner friendly drone in the lower price bracket. This drone is under $100 and it is worth every penny. It comes with some really advanced features that you will not find in more expensive drones.There is a 720p HD camera at the front which also takes 5-megapixel images and with electronic image stabilising software, your images and videos will be ultra-smooth. There are also 3 intelligent flight modes and it is compatible with DJI goggles for a more immersive flying experience. It has a failsafe system so that you never lose your drone and comes with propeller guards. With features that let you do cool flips and hover in mid-air,this drone is perfect for beginners.
Key Features
- 720p Camera
- 5 MP
- 13-minutes flight time
- Intelligent flight modes
- Vision positioning system
- Propeller protectors
- Auto takeoff/landing
DJI Mavic Mini
I didn’t know whether to include this awesome drone because it is expensive when compared to the rest of the drones on this list but because it’s from DJI and is targeted for beginners, I decided to include it. The DJI Mavic Mini is a fantastic little drone that comes with most of DJI’s innovative features, including a high-quality 2.7K camera that is stabilised by an advanced 3-axis gimbal. This will provide you with professional quality images and videos that will impress family and friends. It also comes with a 12MP sensor, dual GPS and an incredible flight time of 30 minutes. Plus DJI have engineered this drone so that even with these stunning features it weighs less than 250g and is so small it can fit on the palm of your hands, if you have the budget, this is a drone I highly recommend.
Key Features
- 2.7K Camera
- 12MP Sensor
- 3-Axis Gimbal
- New DJI Fly App
- Intelligent Flight Modes
- 4KM Range
- 30 Minute Flight Time
Drocon Navigator
The DROCON U31W Navigator drone comes with some very cool features,ones that will make flying this drone both fun and easy. The Drone features a 720p HD camera with altitude hold that makes it easier to hover in the air and take photographs and videos. The drone can also be paired up with VR headsets and along with the cameras 120° field of view, this should make for a more immersive drone flying experience. It has a flight time of 7 minutes and control range of 30m. Definitely one of the more feature rich drones on this list.
Key Features
- 720p Camera
- 7-minutes flight time
- Altitude hold for easier flying
- Compatible with VR headsets
- One button takeoff/Return home
- FPV Capability
UDI U818A
If you are looking to buy a personal drone or quadcopter without spending too much money, then UDI U818A Upgraded Version 2.4 GHz Quadcopter with Camera is a good bet.The four-ring design of the drone ingeniously protects the rotors that help eliminate damage to the most vital parts. It features two flight modes that can be accessed via the controller one mode is for absolute beginners and the other for those with a bit of flying experience. This is a good drone for beginners and a fun one to fly and its camera doesn’t disappoint.
Key Features
- 6-9 minutes of flight time
- Up to 300ft range
- 2MP Camera
- Propeller protection
- Record HD videos
- FPV Capability
- 3D Flips
Eachine E511S
This is one of the coolest looking drones on this list, it has a very futuristic design and comes with tons of features, including a 1080p camera and a transmitter capable of streaming videos in ultra-fast 5G. There are a few intelligent modes that will allow you to fly this drone hands free. The transmitter has a range of around 300 and it has FPV capability. It comes with GPS and automatic return home function, its one of the more expensive drones on this list but totally worth the price and great for both beginners and experienced pilots.
Key Features
- 1080p Camera
- GPS
- Intelligent Flight Modes
- Foldable Design
- FPV Capability
- 3D Flips
- 16 Minute Flight Time
Holy Stone HS100
One of the more expensive drones on this list, the Holy Stone HS100 looks similar to the DJI Phantom range and actually comes with some of the same features. There is a full HD 1080p camera with 120° field of view that will allow you to capture some amazing aerial videos and images. It has FPV capability and is also compatible with VR headsets which will give you a more immersive flying experience. One of the best drones on this list and suitable for beginners.
Key Features
- 1080p Camera
- GPS
- Intelligent Flight Modes
- FPV Capability
- 15 Minute Flight Time
- VR Headset Compatible
- Automatic Home Return
Holy Stone F181A
Holy Stone F181a is one of my favourites drones and is a really good drone for beginners. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing to the eyes,it also comes with some pretty cool features like a 720p camera.It features LED lights on the bottom where red lights are for backward movement and blue lights are for forward movement, which makes it quite suitable for flying at night. The F181 RC quadcopter comes fully fitted with a two-megapixel camera that is able to take snaps of 720p resolution and record videos at thirty frames per second.The drone comes ready to fly and all you need to do is insert four AA batteries.
Key Features
- 2 MP Camera
- 7-9 minutes flight time
- Cool maneuvers
- Advanced 6-axis flight control system for better stability
- Propeller protectors
- 50-100 meter range
Holy Stone HS200
Another beginner friendly drone from Holy Stone, the HS200 features a 720p HD camera 2MP sensor. It comes with FPV and gravity sensor mode which will allow you to control the drone through hand movement. It has a 6 axis gyroscope for better flight stability, this make sure your videos and images are more clear. 3D flips can be done at the push of a button and has a one key take-off and landing feature. For a drone that costs less than $100, this is a great choice for a beginner friendly drone.
Key Features
- 720p Camera
- 2MP Sensor
- Cool maneuvers
- Advanced 6-axis flight control system for better stability
- Gravity Sensor Mode
- Propeller protectors
- 50-100 meter range
- 9 Minute Flight Time
Aura Drone
I wasn’t quite sure whether to put this drone on this list or not, it is not a traditional quadcopter drone. However, it is for kids and that means its perfect for beginners as well. This is one of the most fun drones you will ever fly,it doesn’t come with a normal controller that you hold with two hands. Instead, the controller has a circular interface and two straps which you wrap around your hand. You control it through the motion of your hand pretty much how a Jedi uses the force to control objects. This drone will make you feel like a superhero!!
Key Features
- Gesture Controlled Drone
- 6-minutes flight time
- One push 360 rolls
- Auto Take-Off and Landing
- Propeller protectors
Snaptain S5C
The Snaptain S5C is one of the best drones under $100 and a great drone for beginners, its well designed and looks awesome especially with its red and blue LED lights. It comes with an HD camera which you can use to stream live video footage straight to your mobile device and the app allows you to share pictures and videos to your social media accounts. It also cimes with altitude hold for a more stable flying experience, gesture control and is compatible with VR headsets.
Key Features
- 720p Camera
- 9-minutes flight time
- Share videos and images via app
- Gesture Control
- Advanced 6-axis flight control system for better stability
- Propeller protectors
- FPV Capability
Conclusion
No matter if it is Christmas or someone’s birthday, a drone is a great gift for any special occasion and flying them is extremely fun. All the drones on this list are geared towards beginners but they are are suitable for everyone. I personally love the DJI Tello drone and believe it is the best drone for beginners.
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I have been looking at buying a mini drone for some time now. But every time I look, I get overwhelmed. Thanks to your review, I think I’ll go buy one of the beginner drones to get some experience before I go buy a bigger, better one. That way I will know what I want in a better drone. And what I don’t care so much about. Thank you very much for the review. I look forward to searching through the rest of your site.
What a great informational post! I just received a “stunt” drone for Christmas, and I have to say that drones are not just for kids! I am 52 and I am hooked on flying drones! I am a rank beginner and will need lots of practice before I buy a better drone with a camera. I have looked at the ones you recommend and am glad to see the prices are really low! Thanks for the detailed post!
Hi Dave
Thanks for commenting, yes drones are for everyone and I am glad that you found my site informative.
All the best.
I had come across your site a few months ago and based on you recommendation I bought the DROCON U31W Navigator Drone.
It is my first drone and I love it. It was far easier to learn to control than I had first thought it would be.
I could not be happier, thanks for make a great recommendation!
Brendon
Hi Brendon
Appreciate that you purchased from this site and happy that you are finding it easy to fly.
All the best
Hey it’s me back again, left you some feedback for a comment earlier didn’t mean to accident. On the drones you are reviewing, I never owned a drone, but I really like the Syma x5c looks awesome out of all them. Does it have blade guards to go on it? I have got two grandsons that have two mini drones and I like flying them.
Hi Fred
No problem,the Syma X5C is a good choice and yes it does come with blade guards. Its an old drone but still very fun to fly.
All the best
I was looking for a birthday present for my 7-year-old cousin and I thought a drone for a beginner that’s easy to operate would be ideal for him! This gave me all the information I needed and I think I’m going with the Syma X5C. Thanks for your article and found it really helpful!
I’ve been thinking about buying a drone so I am glad I came across your article. I definitely think run time compared to charge time and camera quality would be two of the main concerns when buying a drone.
I have two grand daughters who I would eventually like to buy a drone for and your post has shown me several different options for drones I could look at.
Do you think they will be able to improve the length of flight time in the future?
Hi
Thanks for stopping by and commenting,yes I agree flight time is one area where drones can be improved and is being improved. Most beginner drones will have a short flight time because of their design and technology. The more advanced drones can fly up-to 30 minutes. Still as a drone flyer even 30 minutes isn’t enough,until the drone companies design batteries that can last much longer,I always advise that people purchase extra batteries.
Happy flying and all the best
The quadcopter U818A with the camera sounds like my kind of drone. Currently, I am very curious as to how drones work, and the capabilities of it. This sounds like a good entry drone as I want something that is easy on my wallet for now. What I really like about it is that it has four circular protective rings protecting the propellers. Many years I tried to remotely fly a mini helicopter and I totally obliterated it. Even since then, I was traumatized and refused to buy another toy copter. This drone is at least “cushion” if I accidentally bump it into a tree or something. The fact that it comes with a camera is also a plus. I don’t really want to buy another go pro on top of it when I barely know what I am doing. My question is, does it also do 4k videos?
Drones are so cool! I recently purchased one a year or so ago after doing some research. It was a DJI Mavic Pro. Its not exactly a beginner model, but its a great investment for someone looking for a easy to learn upper model. Before that I had started with one of the beginner models listed on your page and it gave me a really good baseline to know how to upgrade!
I have always wanted to own a drone but was afraid it will be too complex to operate. Believe me, I’ve seen people who flew their drone up the tree and had a hard time retrieving it after that. There are also many varieties out there so I’m not sure which one is the best for beginners like me. Your recommendations are just what I am looking for. The UDI U818A HD looks very cool for its affordable price, will definitely consider that. Thanks a lot for the reviews!
hey there
Drones have also been on my buying list.. it was a good review.. ill definitely consider buying one of them..
I was just apprehensive of the camera quality of the drones.. but I think that drones can also deliver some very good picture quality
enjoyed reading your article
Drones are so fascinating, like a mini helicopter you can control!
I bought my first drone (a very cheap one) about a year ago and it broke so quick. While I had it, it was super fun to play with!
Like when you’re a little kid and you fly kits but this is 10x better! I’ve been planning on buying a new one, thanks for the great suggestions!
Hi Minhaj, I was searching the web for a decent beginners drone for myself and my Son (who is 14) and came across this article. AM definitely going for the Syma X5C as its a great price right now on Amazon considering it has a 720P HD camera . BTW, great article, thank you for sharing.
Thanks for your post. I’m very much into drones, and have tried a few in the past. My friends also own one, which has the cameras attached and you can record, which I think is really cool.
There’s many to choose from on your post which is really good, and do like the look of the Hubsan X4 H107C as it looks cool. I also like that you’ve put the key features on there.
Thanks
informative article minhaj but I have got a unique problem I hope you can give me some guidance on.
I have got three kids that all want to fly drones a the same time in a pretty small area. This mean I either need to buy 3 drones which all operate on difference frequencies (generally not a cheap option) or I need to get the one drone with spare batteries and have them charged up in advance.
Do any of these models have spare batteries available for purchase?
Hi Remy
I would advise buy one of these drones and let them play around with it in turn. Too many drones in confined areas is not safe. Spare batteries can be purchased for the drones on this list and I always recommend people to buy extra batteries because the flight time is never enough. If I were to pick one drone for you to buy fro your kids it would be the Aura drone with gesture control,it will make them feel like super heroes and is a fun drone to fly even for adults.
All the best
I was looking forward t buy a drone for myself but as a person having no actual experience with drones, after all, I didn’t know which one to choose…
Dracon drone seems legit and I love the design of radius protected drones. The price of it is also reasonable. Syma upgraded also seems legit and is suitable for a beginner.
Hello there! I have a nephew and he saw me flying around with my drone. I have a dji phantom 3 and he wants to try flying it. But I don’t want to because he’s young and I don’t want him to destroy my drone. Although I said no, I told him that I will buy him a drone. I will surely buy him the Syma X5C and try to teach him how to fly it. Thank you for sharing this information.
Hi Minhaj!
I was looking at the Tello Drone from DJI/RYZE Tech and had a question:
I do a lot of outside events with my favorite pastime, mud running, and it would be fantastic to have an easy way to do a fly-over of the festival area where the spectators are.
Would the Tello Drone have good enough video with the 720p camera to post the video in a YouTube video? Or would you recommend finding one with 1080p capability?
Thanks so much! Great article!
Hi Michael
The Tello drone has a fantastic camera and will be great for what you are looking to do,however, I must add,since I do not know in which country you reside in,you will have to make sure that you are allowed to record video of places where there is a public gathering.
For more information,refer to this article
All the best
Hi , ace site, thanks for making life easier when it comes to choosing a drone.
Was wondering if you had another supplier for your top recommendation? Tello Drone From DJI/RYZE Tech. As your stockist appears to be out of stock until the end of the month.
I was really impressed with your review of it.
cheers nOrm
Hi Norm
Appreciate the comments,I know of a few places here in the UK that stocks them,you can check these sites out
Argos
Laptops Direct
Toby Deals
John Lewis
If you are in the USA,check out these online stores
WalMart
Best Buy
K-Mart
All the best
Hey Minhaj,
Been actually in the market for a drone for my brother in-law, wanted something nice, but user friendly and of course not too expensive (Seen some crazy ones, but one drop and is over) so wanted him to have some practice first, I decided on the Tello Drone, just wanted to thank you for the recommendations.