If you’re in search of the best drones for beginners, there is a huge range of options for you. Whether you’re looking for a drone for general photography or a cheap drone to learn how to fly, we have rounded up the best drones for beginners to suit every budget.
Picking the best drone that is suitable for beginners can be undoubtedly a little challenging, as there are so many options out there.
This is why in this guide for the best drones for beginners, I have listed a variety of drones all with varying features and at different prices ranges.
This is not an exhaustive list but you should find a drone is that suitable for your needs and at a price that is affordable.
What Is The Best Drone For Beginners?
Apart from drones for racing, most consumer drones are easy to operate and so they are suitable for beginners. I have listed 20 drones and they range in price but all of them are under $500.
Which drone is suitable for you will depend on your budget, the features you want and how you plan on using the drone.
I have categorised this list into three sections if you are looking for a drone that can record good videos and photos and maybe even use them in a professional capacity, the first 5 drones on this list are suitable for this option.
They cost between $300-$500, come with advanced features such as HD 4K camera, 3-axis gimbal, dual GNSS receiver, autonomous flight modes and a good flight time.
My personal favourite in this category is the DJI Mini 2 but most of the others come with similar features and some are cheaper
The next set of drones are what I call mid-tier drones for beginners, they come with similar features as the first 5, but the quality of videos and photos are not the same and their flight times are not as long. The price range for most of these drones are between $200-$300.
The last 9 drones on this list are the cheapest on this list, they all cost under $200 and despite being inexpensive, they do come with some fun features and are enjoyable to fly.
Will You Need To Register Your Drone?
Something you will have to take into consideration is the rules and regulations regarding flying drones in your country. For example, if you live in the USA, you can fly drones that weigh less than 250g without needing to register the drone. A similar rule used to apply in the UK, but the rules have now changed and you will need to register any drone that has a camera, even if it weighs less than 250g.
If your drone weighs more than 250g, you will have to register it with the organisation that manages air travel. In the UK that is the CAA and in the USA it is the FAA.
Also, there are other restrictions like keeping the drone in line of sight and certain places where you will not be able to fly. Please do check out the website of the organisation that manages air flights so you are up to date with the rules and do not violate them.
The choices below are all excellent drones for beginners and kids. As drone technology keeps on advancing and more drones enter the market, this list will be updated when it is necessary.
Best Drone For Beginners – Suitable For Aerial Photography
#1. DJI Mini 2
The DJI Mini 2 is probably the best drone for beginners who are looking to get into drone aerial photography. It looks exactly similar to the Mavic Mini and weighs less than 250g, some of the upgrades include a camera that can record 4K video footage at 30fps and capture 12MP images in RAW and JPEG format. It also comes with DJI’s advanced transmission system for a longer control range and comes with 5 QuickShost for recording short cinematic videos. This is a good drone with an exceptional camera and one of the best drones under $500.
Key Features
- 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor
- Records videos in 4K@30fps and 2.7k@60fps
- 12MP Sensor
- Captures images in both JPEG & RAW
- 3-Axis Gimbal
- New DJI Fly App
- 5 Quickshots for short cinematic videos
- 10KM Range
- 31 Minute Flight Time
#2. 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
#3. Fimi X8 Mini
The Fimi X8 Mini drone is a smaller version of Fimi’s flagship drone, the X8 SE, the drone comes with the same features as its larger counterpart. It is very lightweight and is compatible with two types of batteries. The standard battery you get is a lithium-ion battery and this puts the weight of the drone at 258g, while with a professional lithium polymer battery, the drone weighs less than 250g. Both batteries provide the drone with a flight time of around 30 minutes, which is on par with the DJI Mini 2. The drone comes with a 4K camera and comes with a Hisilicon image chipset for HDR video and photos.
Key Features
- 1/2.6-inch Sony Sensor
- Record videos in 4K@30fps
- 12MP images in RAW & JPEG
- 3-Axis Gimbal
- Hisilicon image chipset for HDR videos.
- Capture short cinematic videos with its Quickshot feature
- Intelligent Flight Modes
- 8KM Range
- 31 minutes of flight time
#4. Hubsan Zino 2
The Hubsan Zino 2 is another good drone for beginners who are looking for a mid-tier drone for aerial photography. The drone comes with a fantastic HD camera that records video footage in 4K at 60fps and comes with an image chipset from Ambarella that captures more colour detail for HDR video footage. The drone has a flight time of around 32 minutes and comes with intelligent flight modes like follow me, point of interest and waypoint.
Key Features
- 1/2.3-inch Sony Sensor
- Record videos in 4K@60fps, 2.7k@60fps & 1080p@120fps
- 12MP images in RAW & JPEG
- 3-Axis Gimbal
- Ambarella image chipset for HDR videos.
- GPS Automatic return to home
- Intelligent Flight Modes
- 8KM Range
- 33 minutes of flight time
#5. Hubsan Zino Pro
The Hubsan Zino Pro is a fantastic looking drone that comes with some exceptional features and is one of the best drones in its price range. It has a foldable design that makes it very compact and easy to carry around and would make a great drone to travel with. The drone comes with a 4K camera that is stabilised by a 3-axis gimbal for distortion-free videos and images. The camera has an Ambarella image chipset that captures more image details and has a flight time of around 23 minutes. This is a very good drone that also comes with intelligent flight modes and is easy to fly.
Key Features
- 1/3-inch Sony Sensor
- Record videos in 4K@30fps
- 12MP images in RAW & JPEG
- 3-Axis Gimbal
- Ambarella A12S Chipset
- GPS Automatic return to home
- Intelligent Flight Modes
- 4KM Range
- 23 minutes of flight time
Best Drones For Beginners – $200-$300
#6. Holy Stone HS720E
The Holy Stone HS720E is a mid-tier drone that is easy to fly and suitable for beginners. It has a foldable design and comes with an HD camera that is stabilised by a 2-axis gimbal. The drone comes with a dual GNSS receiver and has an optical flow sensor for better flight stabilisation and has a flight time of around 20 minutes. Other features include autonomous flight modes, electronic image stabilisation and automatic return to home features.
Key Features
- HD Camera records videos in 4K@30fps
- Electronic image stabilisation
- 8MP Images
- Dual GNSS Reciever
- Optical flow sensor
- GPS Automatic return to home
- Intelligent Flight Modes
- 1KM Range
- 23 minutes of flight time
#7. Holy Stone HS510
The Holy Stone HS510 is one of the best mini foldable drones, it’s a fun and easy drone to operate and comes with some advanced features. The drone has a dual GNSS receiver that can connect with two satellite systems and has an optical flow sensor both of which allow for an easier flying experience. The drone has an HD camera that can record in 4K at 16fps and capture images in 8MP. You get two batteries with the drone, which will extend the flight time and it comes with GPS automatic return to home feature.
Key Features
- Camera records videos in 4K@16fps
- 8MP Images
- Dual GNSS Reciever
- Weighs less than 250g
- Optical flow sensor
- GPS Automatic return to home
- Intelligent Flight Modes
- 800 meter Range
- 16 minutes of flight time
#8. Holy Stone HS175
One of the best drones under $200, the Holy Stone HS175 comes with a lot of features that make it a very fun drone to fly. It’s a cheap GPS enabled drone that comes with an HD camera and powerful brushless motors. You can fly the drone autonomously through its intelligent flight modes and it also comes with a low battery automatic return to home function so that the risk of damaging or losing the drone is minimised.
Key Features
- The camera records HD video footage
- 4K Images
- GNSS Reciever
- Weighs less than 250g
- Optical flow sensor
- GPS Automatic return to home
- Intelligent Flight Modes
- 500 meter Range
- 20 minutes of flight time
#9. Holy Stone HS700E
The Holy Stone HS700E is an upgrade to the original HS700, this drone comes with a 4K camera that comes with electronic image stabilisation. The has a dual GNSS receiver and an optical flow sensor and has a flight time of 20 minutes. The drone also has intelligent flight modes for easier flying and comes with an automatic return to home feature.
Key Features
- HD camera that records 4k video footage at 30fps
- Camera has a wide-angle lens for a broader view
- 8MP Images
- Dual GNSS Reciever
- Electronic image stabilisation
- Optical flow sensor
- GPS Automatic return to home
- Intelligent Flight Modes
- 1KM meter Range
- 23 minutes of flight time
#10. MJX B20 EIS
The MJX Bugs B20 EIS is a well-built drone that costs just under $200 and is a beginner-friendly drone. The camera has an electronic image stabilisation feature so that images and videos have reduced distortion and the drone comes with a range of features that make it a fun drone to fly. The camera records in 4K and with its dual GNSS receiver, it can fly hands-free via its intelligent flight modes. The drone also has a flight time of around 22 minutes and a transmission range of 600 meters.
Key Features
- 1/3-inch Sensor
- Camera records 4k video footage at 30fps
- 8MP Images
- Dual GNSS Reciever
- Electronic image stabilisation
- Optical flow sensor
- GPS Automatic return to home
- Intelligent Flight Modes
- 600 meter Range
- 20 minutes of flight time
#11. MJX B16 Pro
The MJX B16 Pro has a foldable design that gives it an elongated look in its folded form, it’s a great drone and comes with some fantastic features. The drone comes with a 4K camera that is stabilised by a 3-axis gimbal, making it one of the cheapest drones with a 3-axis gimbal. The 4K camera can record at 30fps and capture 8MP images in JPEG format. Other features include GPS return to home feature, autonomous flight modes and 25 minutes of flight time.
Key Features
- 1/3-inch Sensor
- Camera records 4k video footage at 30fps
- 8MP Images
- 3-axis gimbal for image and video stabilisation
- Dual GNSS Reciever
- Electronic image stabilisation
- Optical flow sensor
- GPS Automatic return to home
- Intelligent Flight Modes
- 600 meter Range
- 25 minutes of flight time
#12. MJX Bugs B12
This is a large foldable drone, aesthetically, it’s not the most pleasing to the eyes but with its advanced features, the MJX Bugs B12 is a good drone for beginners. It comes with an HD camera that can record 4K videos at 30fps and has electronic image stabilisation for smoother videos and photos. Other features include intelligent flight modes, automatic return to home and 22 minutes of flight time.
Key Features
- 1/3-inch Sensor
- Camera records 4k video footage at 30fps
- 8MP Images
- GNSS Reciever
- Electronic image stabilisation
- Optical flow sensor
- GPS Automatic return to home
- Intelligent Flight Modes
- 600 meter Range
- 22 minutes of flight time
Best Drones For Beginners – Under $200
#13. DJI Tello Drone
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
#14. 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
#15. 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
#16. 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
#17. 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
#18. 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
#19. 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
#20. 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.