Are you looking for the best drone under $300? With so many models, features, and options available, it can be challenging to try and find the most cost-effective but still feature-rich drones on the market. Don’t fret – that’s where we come in! In this guide, we’ll be taking a closer look at ten of the best drones under $300 that are sure to make beginners and experienced drone pilots happy! We’ll cover the features, specs, and prices so you can find the perfect model for your budget and needs.
Register Your Drone
Something you will have to be aware of if you live in the USA or UK is that if you decide to purchase any of these drones, you may have to register the drone with the aviation agency in your country.
For example, if you live in the UK, you may need to obtain a Flyer ID and an Operator ID depending on whether the drone has a camera and weighs over 250 grams. Check out the CAA guidelines for more infomation.
In the USA, the rules are different, you will not have to register the drone if it weighs less than 250 grams, and you do not plan on using it for any commercial applications.. However, as a recreational flyer, you will need to complete The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) which can be taken online by FAA-approved test administrators.
What Is The Best Drone To Buy For Under $300?
My personal favorite is the new DJI Mini SE, which costs $299, it is a fantastic little drone that comes with some advanced features and is very easy to operate. There are other drones that come with more features, but for camera quality and value for money, the DJI Mini SE is the best drone for under $300.
Best Drones Under $300
1. DJI Mini SE
The DJI Mini SE is more or less the same drone as the Mavic Mini minus the price tag, this drone costs under $300 and is the best drone on this list. The drone is small and lightweight; if you plan on flying it just for fun, it will not need to be registered with the FAA. The Mini SE has a good HD camera that can record in 2.7k at 30fps and has a 40Mbps recording speed. The camera also captures 12MP images in JPEG format and is stabilised by a 3-axis gimbal. This fantastic little drone comes with advanced features and would make a good entry drone for amateur photographers.
Key Features
- 1/2.3-inch sensor
- 12MP images (JPEG)
- 2.7K@30fps & 1080p@60fps videos
- 3-axis gimbal
- 4 Quick shots to capture short cinematic videos
- 30 minutes of flight time
- 4km transmission range
2. Holy Stone HS700D
This is an upgraded version of the original HS700 drone, it comes with a better camera that has a damping plate that will reduce distortion in images and videos. The HS700D is a nice looking drone, it has a cool colour scheme and has LED lights underneath each rotor. The drone is equipped with GPS technology and brushless motors which helps it with better flight stabilisation. The drone camera can record video footage in 2k and capture 4k images. It comes with some advanced features such as autonomous flight modes, low battery return home and has an LCD display on its controller that displays telemetry data about the drone. It has a flight time of 22 minutes and a control range of around 900 meters.
Key Features
- HD camera with 110° FOV
- 4K images
- Records video footage in 2k
- Damping plate to reduce image and video distortion
- Intelligent flight modes
- 22 minutes of flight time
- 900 meter range
3. Ruko F11 Pro
The Ruko F11 Pro is a robust and well-built drone that comes with some amazing features including an HD camera that has a wide-angle view and can capture some good images and videos. This is a foldable drone that has good wind resistance thanks to its bulky design and comes with powerful brushless motors that allow it to reach a top speed of 40 mph. The camera can record video footage in 2.9K at 30fps and shoot still photos in 8mp. The drone also comes with several intelligent flight modes these include follow me where the drone will automatically track your movements from behind and orbit mode where it will circle around you. It comes with dual GPS, 30 minutes of flight time and has a transmission range of 1.2km.
Key Features
- HD camera with 120° FOV
- Records videos in 2.9k@30fps
- 8MP images
- Inteligent flight modes
- Smart flight modes
- 1.2km transmission range
- 30 minutes of flight time
4. Holy Stone HS720E
The Holy Stone HS720E is one of the best-rated drones on Amazon, and although it costs above $300, I have decided to include it on this list because it is a better drone than its predecessor. The main upgrade to this drone is its electronic image stabilisation feature, which will help in reducing distortion like shakiness and motion blur and provide a clearer video and photo output. Other features include intelligent flight modes, automatic return to home and 23 minutes of flight.
Key Features
- HD camera with a wide-angle view
- Records videos in 4k@30fps & 1080p@60fps (only on a memory card)
- 4k images
- Electronic image stabilisation
- Intelligent flight modes
- Automatic return to home
- Dual GNSS receiver
- 1km control range
- 23 minutes of flight time
5. Holy Stone HS720
Holy Stone are another drone company known more for their low-cost high-quality drones, the HS720 is their most advanced drone and is also one of the best-looking drones on this list. This is another foldable drone that comes with some advanced features such as a 2k camera, GPS, intelligent flight modes and 26 minutes of flight time. The drone is beautifully designed, the folding mechanism is well constructed, and it feels very much like a premium drone. The drone has some nice LED lights underneath each rotor arm which look spectacular at night time and is powered by an advanced 3 cell Lithium Polymer battery which has LED lights to indicate its power level. It also comes with 3 smart flight modes and an automatic return to home feature. The controller is one of the best features of this drone, it has a simple design and is comfortable to hold with a transmission range of 900 meters.
Key Features
- HD camera with 110° FOV
- Records videos in 2k
- 8mp
- Smart flight modes
- Automatic return home
- 900-meter transmission range
- 26 minutes of flight time
6. Ruko U11 Pro
The Ruko U11 Pro drone is a well-designed foldable drone that weighs less than 300 grams. This camera will allow you to record video footage in 2k at 25fps and take still images in 8mp. The camera has shock-absorbers to reduce video and image distortion and it also comes with a couple of smart flight modes. The drone has a flight time of around 26 minutes and a transmission range of 500 meters.
Key Features
- HD camera with a wide-angle view
- 2k@ 25fps
- 8mp
- Dual GPS module
- Intelligent flight modes
- 500-meter transmission range
- 26 minutes of flight time
7. Holy Stone HS710
This is the latest drone from Holy Stone, the HS710. This drone has an HD camera with a 120° FOV. It is easy to control and has a signal range of 600 meters. It has 25 minutes of flight time on a single charge and with its low battery warning system, it will automatically return home to safety when you are out of range or low on power. It also comes with autonomous flight modes like orbit flights, follow me mode and waypoint flight mode. It’s a fun drone to fly and is suitable for beginners and kids.
Key Features
- HD camera with 120° FOV
- 8MP images
- Videos recorded in 4k
- Low battery automatic return to home
- Intelligent flight modes
- 25 minutes of flight time
- 600 meter range
8. Contixo F30
An impressive mini drone that comes with some powerful features despite its miniature design. The Contixo F30 is a small foldable drone that weighs less than 250 grams and is very easy to operate thanks to its range of advanced features. The drone comes with a dual GNSS receiver, intelligent flight modes and an HD camera that actually records 4k video footage. The drone comes with some intelligent features such as follow me mode, orbit mode and automatic return to home. Flight time is around 16 minutes, and you get two batteries with the drone package.
Key Features
- HD camera with 120° FOV
- 8MP images
- Records 4k videos at 15fps
- Intelligent flight modes
- Low battery return to home
- Dual GNSS receiver
- 16 minutes of flight time
- 800 meter range
9. Holy Stone HS175D
The HS175D from Holy Stone is a lightweight foldable drone that comes with GPS technology and an HD camera. The camera the lens can be remotely adjusted for better viewing angles, and it can stream live video footage to your smartphone. The camera can capture HD images and videos and comes with intelligent flight modes such as follow me, orbit and waypoint. The drone has a flight time of 23 minutes and has a transmission range of 500 meters.
Key Features
- HD camera 110° FOV
- Captures 4k images
- Records videos in 2.7k
- Live video feed is transmitted in 720p
- GPS automatic return to home
- Intelligent flight modes.
- 23 minutes of flight time
- 500 meter range
10. Holy Stone HS120D
The Holy Stone HS120D is a cheap GPS enabled drone that comes with some fun features. It has a camera that can capture 2k videos and images and has a wide-angle field of view. The drone also comes with 3 smart flight modes and GPS. automatic return to home feature. It has a flight time of around 18 minutes and a transmission range of 300 meters.
Key Features
- HD camera with 120° FOV
- 2K video footage
- 2.3mp
- Smart flight modes
- GPS return to home
- 300 meters transmission range
- 18 minutes of flight time
