8 Best Drones Under $200

Drones have been rapidly gaining popularity over the past decade. From hobbyists taking stunning aerial photographs and videos to professionals using drones for surveying, inspecting and mapping hard-to-reach areas, there is no doubt that drones have transformed the way we view and interact with the world around us. There are many reasons for this rise in popularity, a couple of the main ones are due to the affordability and accessibility of drones. Whether you’re a hobbyist, a beginner learning the ropes, or a seasoned pilot looking for a budget-friendly option, this guide will assist you in making an informed decision. By carefully examining each drone’s specifications and real-life performance, we aim to provide valuable insights into their capabilities and value for money. So, let’s dive in and explore the best drones under $200 in 2023.

Why Buy A Drone Under $200?

In the past, purchasing a drone was limited to those with deep pockets as they were costly and required specialised training to operate. However, advancements in technology have made it possible for anyone to own a drone without breaking the bank.

With so many options on the market today, it’s possible to purchase a high-quality drone for under $200.

While these budget-friendly options may not have many of the advanced features found in their more expensive counterparts, they still provide an excellent platform for beginners or those on a tight budget looking to get into flying drones. The best part is that many of these budget-friendly drones still offer impressive features such as HD cameras, good flight times, and easy-to-use controls.

There are several factors to consider, such as flight time, camera quality, flight modes, control range, and ease of use. These have been factored into our list so that you can be assured these are the best affordable drones on the market today.

Top 8 Best Drones Under $200

1. Ryze Tech Tello Drone

The Ryze Tech Tello is not only an affordable option but also offers significant educational value, making it an ideal choice for learners and enthusiasts alike. The Tello drone is designed to be beginner-friendly and programmable, thanks to its integration with the Scratch coding system, a visual programming language developed by MIT. This feature allows users to learn the basics of coding while enjoying a fun and engaging flying experience. The Tello can also be programmed using more advanced languages like Python, making it suitable for users with varying programming skill levels.

Its 5-megapixel camera captures 720p HD video, providing clear and detailed images that exceed expectations for a drone in this price range. The camera’s 82.6-degree field of view allows for wide shots, while its electronic image stabilisation ensures smooth and stable footage. The Tello has a good flight time of 13 minutes and a range of 100 meters; this drone delivers a fantastic flying experience for its price.

The Tello is equipped with several intelligent flight modes, such as Throw & Go, 8D Flips, and Bounce Mode, making flying even more enjoyable. These modes offer a unique flying experience and help improve the user’s piloting skills. In addition, the Tello’s Vision Positioning System uses a downward-facing camera to provide precise hovering, even without GPS.

The drone’s lightweight design, weighing only 80 grams, makes it easy to carry and manoeuvre. Its durable construction, along with the propeller guards, ensures that it can withstand minor crashes and impacts, which is crucial for beginners who may experience a few mishaps along the way.

This is one of the cheapest drones on this list, but its camera quality is very good, watch the video below and see for yourself. Read my full review of the Tello drone here.

Key Features:

• 5 MP camera with 720p HD video recording
• Fun flight modes such as EZ Shots, 3D flips and Bounce away
• Electronic image stabilisation
• Optical flow sensor
• 13-minute flight time
• 100-meter range
• Programmable with Scratch coding system and Python

2. ZLL SG906 Pro 2

Feature-wise, this is the best drone under $200; it’s an exceptional drone that comes with some advanced features at an affordable price.

The ZLL SG906 Pro 2 is the only drone under $200 that comes equipped with an HD camera that is stabilised by a 3-axis gimbal for smooth videos and clear images. The camera has a wide-angle view that will allow you to capture more scenery, and it can record videos in HD 2K and still photos in 4K.

The videos produced by this drone are some of the best quality for its price, and with the 3-axis gimbal, there is hardly any distortion.

The drone comes with a dual GPS module that provides better flight stabilisation and allows autonomous flight modes such as follow me and image tracking.

The drone also has an advanced return-to-home function that is activated whenever the connection is lost between the drone and controller and also when the battery gets low on charge.

The drone also has a very impressive flight time of 28 minutes; this is the longest flight time for a drone under $200 and is better than many drones that are more expensive. There is also a version of this drone that can be installed with an obstacle avoidance system, making it one of the cheapest drones with this feature.

Key Features

• 4K camera with a 110° FOV
• 3-axis gimbal stabilisation
• 28 minutes of flight time
• 800-meter range
• Intelligent flight modes
• Dual GPS module
• Foldable and portable design
• Brushless motors

3. Syma X500

The Syma X500 is an excellent choice for those seeking an easy-to-use, feature-rich drone under $200. Its 1080p HD camera captures stunning aerial footage, while the 120-degree wide-angle lens allows for expansive shots that showcase more details in every shot.

The X500 is designed for beginners and features GPS-assisted flight modes, such as follow me and waypoint, making it easy to navigate and control. Its One-Key takeoff/landing and Headless Mode simplify the flying experience, making it a great option for beginners and experienced pilots alike. The Syma X500 has a flight time of around 20 minutes and a range of 350 meters. The X500 offers an impressive set of features for a cheap drone.

The drone’s foldable design makes it highly portable, allowing you to easily pack it in a backpack or carry-on luggage for your next adventure.

In addition to its user-friendly features, the X500 also comes with intelligent flight modes such as Orbit and Gesture Control. These modes allow for creative shots and add more fun to the flying experience. Furthermore, the X500’s GPS features, including Auto Return Home and Low Battery Alarm, provide added safety and peace of mind during flights.

Key Features

• HD camera with a 120° FOV
• Records 1080p videos and 4K images
• 28 minutes of flight time
• 600-meter range
• GPS-assisted flight modes
• Foldable and portable design
• Automatic return to-home function

4. Contixo F31

The Contixo F31 is a versatile drone designed to provide an excellent flying experience for users of all skill levels. With a 4K camera, the F31 captures nice aerial footage, while its adjustable lens allows you to capture the perfect shot from various angles.

Equipped with a GPS module, the F31 is an advanced drone that comes with intelligent flight modes such as follow-me orbit and waypoint. These features make it an excellent choice for users looking to capture dynamic shots and explore their surroundings from the air. With a flight time of up to 25 minutes and a video transmission range of 300 meters, the F31 is a great drone at an affordable price.

The F31’s foldable design and included carrying case make it highly portable and convenient for travel, while its brushless motors provide a quiet and efficient flight experience.

In addition to its impressive camera and GPS features, the F31 also offers gesture control mode and one-button takeoff and landing. These modes allow for creative shots and add more fun to the flying experience. Finally, the F31 has a low-battery return-to-home function, and its controller has an LCD screen that displays important flight data. Overall, a decent drone for under $200.

Key Features

• 4K camera with adjustable lens
• 25 minutes of flight time
• 300-meter range
• GPS automatic return to home
• The foldable design and included carrying case
• Brushless motors for a quieter flight experience

5. Contixo F22

The Contixo F22 is a compact and portable drone, perfect for users who are always on the go. Its foldable design and included carrying case make it easy to transport, allowing you to bring it along on any adventure. With an HD camera, the F22 captures very good aerial footage for its price.

The F22 is one of the cheapest GPS drones for under $200 and comes with some fun features such as follow-me and waypoint modes. With a flight time of 20 minutes and a video transmission range of 220 meters, the F22 offers decent features for a drone under $200.

The drone’s lightweight design, weighing only 250 grams, makes it easy to carry and manoeuvre.

In addition to its compact design and impressive camera, the F22 also offers intelligent flight modes such as gesture control and custom flight path. These smart flight modes are fun to fly and make it easier to capture cool videos and photos.

Key Features

• HD camera with 120° FOV
• Capture 4K images and 2K video footage
• 20 minutes of flight time
• 220 video transmission range
• GPS assisted navigation
• Intelligent flight modes
• Lightweight and foldable design

6. Holy Stone HS710 

The Holy Stone HS710 Drone is a high-tech and affordable quadcopter designed for beginners and drone enthusiasts. This drone features a 4K camera with 5G FPV transmission, which captures great video footage and ensures smooth image transmission. The 120° wide-angle lens and remote-controlled 90° adjustable structure broaden your view, making it perfect for capturing those wonderful moments.

One of the best features of the Holy Stone HS710 Drone is its intelligent flight functions. With GPS technology, this drone has autonomous flying modes such as follow me, waypoint and point of interest, enabling it to fly automatically, making it easier to operate. This also allows users to capture some dynamic video footage.

The drone is fun to fly, with altitude hold keeping the drone hovering in the air even when you let go of the control sticks and an automatic return-to-home feature ensuring that you don’t lose your drone. The drone also features GPS and GLONASS dual global positioning system, and Optical flow positioning, making it stable both indoors and outdoors.

The Holy Stone HS710 Drone features an intelligent battery that provides a flight time of roughly 25 minutes. Its lightweight and foldable design is great for taking with you on your travels. Overall, this is a good affordable drone that is suitable for beginners.

Key Features

• 4K camera with a 120°FOV
• Remote-controlled adjustable lens
• 25 minutes of flight time
• 600-meter transmission range
• Follow me, point of interest and waypoint smart flight modes
• GPS automatic return to home
• Compact foldable design 
• Brushless motors for a quieter flight experience

7. Potensic T25

The Potensic T25 is a feature-packed drone that offers a range of fun options for users seeking a drone under $200. Its 1080p HD camera allows you to capture nice aerial footage, while the 120-degree wide-angle lens allows for better viewing angles. 

The T25 is designed to be user-friendly and features a GPS module, intelligent flight modes such as follow me and waypoints, and orbit, making it fun and easy to fly and control. It’s one-button takeoff/landing and headless mode make it easier to fly, making it a great option for beginners. 

The drone also comes with a low battery return to home feature, which will minimise the risk of losing the drone and comes with an extra battery to extend the flight time.

The drone has a flight time of up to 10 minutes and a range of 300 meters; the T25 isn’t as impressive on this front as some of the other drones on this list.

Key Features

• 2k HD camera with a 120° FOV
• 10 minutes of flight time
• 300-meter range
• smart flight modes
• Lightweight and easy to carry

8. Holy Stone HS100

The Holy Stone HS100 is a good drone that comes with advanced features such as GPS positioning, headless mode, altitude hold, one-key takeoff/landing, and follow-me mode. 

The HS100 has an impressive flight time of up to 18 minutes on a single charge and a transmission range of 600 meters. The drone also comes equipped with an adjustable wide-angle camera capable of capturing decent images at resolutions of up to 1080p. 

This drone is perfect for those who want a versatile, easy-to-use drone with excellent camera capabilities. The Holy Stone HS100 is a reliable and sturdy drone that can handle most flying conditions, making it an excellent buy for hobbyists or professionals. 

Key Features

• HD camera with 120° FOV and 90° adjustable lens
• Records videos in 2K 
• Comes with autonomous flight modes such as follow me, circle fly and tap fly
• Automatic return to home
• 18 minutes of flight time
• Headless mode for easier control

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Drone Under $200

With so many drones available on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your needs. When shopping for a drone under $200, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you get the best value for your money.

Flight Time: How long will the battery last before needing a recharge

The average flight time of drones under $200 is around 10-15 minutes, although some models can last up to 25 minutes. When considering flight time, it’s essential to keep in mind that this can be affected by weather conditions and how aggressively you fly your drone. If you plan on using your drone for longer flights, consider purchasing extra batteries or investing in a model with a longer battery life.

Camera Quality: The resolution, stability, and control of the camera

Drones under $200 are not meant for things like aerial photography, so you shouldn’t be looking for a drone that comes with a professional camera. However, there are good camera drones in this price range, and a few of them come with stabilisation features such as a gimbal or EIS which will help deliver smooth video footage. You should also check to see if the camera angle can be controlled and the maximum video transmission range.

Control Range: How far you can fly the drone from your controller

The control range of drones under $200 varies widely but typically ranges from 50-300 meters. Keep in mind that the farther away your drone is from its controller, the more likely it is to lose signal connection or experience interference from other electronics. If you plan on flying your drone over long distances, look for models with stronger signal capabilities.

Ease of Use: How easy is it to set up, fly, and operate (does it have headless mode, autonomous flight modes, RTH etc.?)

For beginners, ease of use is a crucial consideration when purchasing a drone. Look for models that offer intuitive and straightforward controls, as well as easy assembly and set-up. Some drones also come equipped with features such as automatic takeoff and landing or one-button return to home, making them even easier to operate. You should also check to see if the drone has a headless mode, as this feature makes it easier for beginners to fly.

Durability: How well the drone holds up to crashes and wear and tear

It’s inevitable that your drone will experience some crashes or accidents during its lifespan. As such, durability should be a factor when choosing a model.

Look for drones with sturdy frames made from materials such as ABS plastic or carbon fibre. Some models also come equipped with propeller guards or other safety features to help protect against damage.

Final Thoughts

When shopping for a drone under $200, there are several important factors to consider before making your purchase. By weighing considerations such as flight time, camera quality, control range, ease of use, and durability, you can ensure that you select the best model for your needs and budget. With so many great options available in this price range, it’s never been easier to take your aerial photography or videography skills to the next level!

FAQs About Drones Under $200

Do you have to register these drones?

The FAA requires all drones that weigh above 250g to be registered; however, if the drone weighs under 250g, it does not require registration. However, if you fly the drone for commercial purposes or make money some other way, you will need to register the drone and obtain the Part 107 certificate.

Local authorities may also have their own set of rules and regulations with regard to flying drones. So it is best to check with them and make sure that you are flying legally.

In the UK, you will need to obtain a Flyer and Operator ID from the CAA, the Flyer ID will require you to pass an online exam (it’s very easy, and you are even allowed to refer back to the drone code). The Operator ID is your registration number, and you will need to have it visibly displayed on your drone.

Are drones under $200 worth buying?

Drones under $200 are worth buying, especially for beginners who want to try drone flying without breaking the bank. These affordable drones offer a lot of features found in more expensive models, allowing you to experience the thrill of flying without spending too much money.

With advancements in drone technology, you can find drones under $200 that are equipped with high-quality cameras, GPS capabilities, and extended flight times. They may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive models, but they are still a great way to start your drone flying journey.

What is the best drone under $200?

In my opinion, the Ryze Tech Tello is the best affordable drone in this price range; as you will see, there are drones with better features; however, as a great believer in education and always learning, the Tello drone stands out because of its educational value.

The Ryze Tech Tello is one of the best drones under $200 on the market today. It is a small and lightweight quadcopter that is easy to fly, making it an excellent choice for beginners. The Tello comes equipped with a 720p HD camera that can capture decent-quality images and videos. It also has a range of up to 100 meters, which is impressive for a drone at this price point. The Tello can be controlled via a smartphone app or a remote controller, and it has a range of features, including one-touch takeoff and landing, flips and tricks, and more.

Are There Any DJI drones for under $200?

No, there are no DJI drones that are under $200, however, the Ryze Tech Tello drone has been developed in collaboration with DJI and Intel. The drone has some of the innovative technology from DJI, and hence the reason it has remained so popular even after so many years.