In the rapidly changing world of technology, drones have become increasingly popular due to their unique combination of entertainment, practicality, and innovation. Whether you are an amateur photographer, a drone hobbyist, or simply someone interested in new gadgets, drones offer an exciting and fresh way to explore our world. However, with the market bombarded with new drones, finding the perfect drone that suits your needs and budget can be exhausting. This article aims to assist you in navigating through this overwhelming selection process, specifically focusing on the best drones under 500. This blog post has been updated for 2023 to reflect the latest drones to hit the market. We’ve carefully reviewed and included the models that offer the best value for your money. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced drone enthusiast, this updated guide aims to help you navigate the ever-evolving drone market and make the best choice for your needs and budget.
1. DJI Mini 2
The DJI Mini 2 has consistently ranked as one of the best drones under $500 for several years, thanks to its blend of compact design, robust features, and user-friendly operation. This lightweight drone is small enough to fit in your hand, making it an ideal companion for on-the-go aerial photography.
Despite its diminutive size, the Mini 2 comes with some exceptional advanced features. It boasts a maximum flight duration of 31 minutes, providing plenty of time to frame and capture your perfect shot.
The Mini 2 is equipped with an HD camera, capable of capturing high-resolution 12MP images in both RAW and JPEG formats. It can record ultra-high-definition 4K video footage at a smooth 30 fps. The camera also boasts a 4x zoom function, enhancing its versatility in capturing distant subjects with decent clarity.
With the DJI Fly app’s QuickShots feature, you can effortlessly create short cinematic videos with soundtracks and filters and share them directly on your social media platforms.
The Mini 2 is designed to handle challenging conditions, capable of withstanding wind speeds of 22mph. This ensures you can capture smooth, high-quality footage even in less-than-ideal weather. The drone’s OcuSync 2.0 technology enables HD video transmission over distances of up to 10 kilometres.
The Mini 2 offers a streamlined and safe flying experience with its easy-to-use flight controls, Smart Return to Home feature, and precise hovering capabilities.
Having flown the DJI Mini 2 on a regular basis, I can say that it is the best drone in its price range; it’s easy to operate, and the 4K video quality is fantastic.
The one thing it lacks is autonomous flight modes like follow me, orbit and waypoint. However, you can access these features with a third-party app like Litchi.
Key Features
- Extremely portable and lightweight design
- 4K camera with up to 4x zoom
- 12MP images (RAW & JPEG)
- Maximum flight duration of 31 minutes
- Can withstand wind speeds of 29-38kph and reach altitudes of up to 4,000 meters
- OcuSync 2.0 technology for HD video transmission up to 10 km
- Intelligent QuickShots feature for one-tap short video creation
- Smart Return to Home and precise hovering for enhanced safety
Pros & Cons
- HD camera that can record in true 4K
- Captures images in RAW format for greater flexibility in post-processing
- No need for registration with the FAA
- Compact and ultra-portable
- Suitable for beginners and professional photographers
- Compatible with third-party apps for additional features
- No obstacle avoidance
- Lack of autonomous flight modes like follow me and waypoint
2. DJI Mini 2 SE
The DJI Mini 2 SE is an exceptional drone that offers top-tier features at an affordable price, making it one of the best drones under $500. This drone has a compact and lightweight design, weighing only 246 grams, which makes it easy to carry around. It’s an ideal companion for your travels. The drone has advanced features such as a Downward Vision System and an Infrared Sensing System, enabling it to hover and navigate with precision indoors and outdoors. It also has an automatic Return to Home (RTH) feature, ensuring the drone’s safe return at all times.
The DJI Mini 2 SE is fitted with a 3-axis gimbal and a 1/2.3″ sensor camera, capable of capturing stunning 2.7K videos and 12MP photos. The drone comes with the DJI RC-N1 remote controller, which leverages DJI’s advanced OCUSYNCTM 2.0 technology for long-range transmission. This technology allows for a maximum transmission range of up to 6 miles and delivers video quality of up to 720p from the drone to the DJI Fly app on your mobile device.
With a top-flight speed of 36 mph and a maximum flight duration of 31 minutes, the DJI Mini 2 SE stands out in its price range for its performance.
Key Features
- Compact and lightweight design, weighing only 246 grams.
- Advanced Downward Vision System and Infrared Sensing System for precise navigation.
- Automatic Return to Home (RTH) feature for enhanced safety.
- 3-axis gimbal and 1/2.3″ sensor camera
- Records videos in 2.7k at 30fps and captures 12MP images in RAW and JPEG formats
- Maximum transmission range of up to 10km and video streaming quality of up to 720p.
- Maximum flight duration of 31 minutes.
- Three flight modes: Normal Mode, Sport Mode, and Cine Mode.
Pros & Cons
- Ultra-lightweight and portable, perfect for travelling
- HD camera that is stabilised by a 3-axis gimbal
- Long transmission range and flight time
- Intelligent Quickshot feature
- Good wind resistance
- Lacks recording 4K videos
- No obstacle avoidance
3. DJI Mini SE
The DJI Mini SE remains one of the best entry-level drones from DJI and is suitable for all users. This drone is similar to the DJI Mini 2 SE with its foldable design and ultralight weight of less than 249 grams. The DJI Mini SE is equipped with a Downward Vision System and an Infrared Sensing System, enabling it to hover and fly both indoors and outdoors with precision. It also has an automatic Return to Home (RTH) feature, ensuring the drone’s safe return at all times.
The DJI Mini SE is fitted with a 3-axis gimbal and a 1/2.3″ sensor camera, capable of capturing stunning 2.7K videos and 12MP photos.
With a top-flight speed of 29 mph and a maximum flight duration of 30 minutes, the DJI Mini SE stands out in its price range for its performance.
This is one of my favourite budget-friendly DJI drones; it’s easy to operate and is compatible with third-party apps like Litchi and drone links that will provide extra functionality.
Key Features
- Compact and lightweight design, weighing less than 249 grams.
- Advanced Downward Vision System and Infrared Sensing System for precise navigation.
- Automatic Return to Home (RTH) feature for enhanced safety.
- 3-axis gimbal and 1/2.3″ sensor camera for high-quality 2.7K videos and 12MP photos.
- 4 Quickshots for intelligent video recording
- Maximum transmission range of up to 4km
- 30 minutes of flight time
Pros & Cons
- Weighs less than 250 grams
- No need to register the drone with the FAA
- HD 2.7K camera stabilised by a 3-axis gimbal
- 4 Quickshots for one-tap cinematic video recording
- Lacks recording 4K videos
- No obstacle avoidance
- Cannot capture RAW images
4. Potensic Atom SE
The Potensic Atom SE is an excellent drone that’s compact yet powerful, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a budget-friendly drone for photography. This is a sub-250g drone and is small enough to fit in your hand or be conveniently stowed in a backpack. A significant benefit of this drone is its weight, which is just under the limit that requires registration with local Aviation Administrations, such as the FAA in the U.S.
The Atom SE stands out with its impressive flight duration of up to 31 minutes on a single charge, courtesy of its robust 2,500mAh battery. This extended flight time allows users to seize creative opportunities without the need for frequent charging, offering more flexibility during aerial adventures.
The drone incorporates the advanced SurgeFly™ Flight Control System, providing pilots with a dependable and user-friendly flying experience.
For improved accuracy and stability during flights, the Atom SE features a Downward Vision Positioning Sensor and a Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor. This combination ensures optimal navigation, especially when flying indoors or in areas with weak or non-existent GPS signals.
The Potensic Atom SE is arguably one of the best drones under 500 dollars that is not from DJI, offering a blend of compactness, power, and advanced features that make it a good choice for drone enthusiasts.
Key Features
- 1/3-inch sensor with 110 FOV
- Camera: 4K 30FPS with Electronic Image Stabilisation (EIS).
- Captures 13MP images in RAW and JPEG formats
- 31 minutes of flight time
- Transmission range of 4KM
- Intelligent flight modes like follow me and orbit
- SurgeFly™ Flight Control System
- Downward Vision Positioning Sensor & ToF Sensor
Pros & Cons
- Fantastic camera with EIS
- Superb image and video quality for its price
- Long flight time
- Intelligent flight modes
- One of the cheapest 4K drones
- Lacks a 3-axis gimbal
- Video quality can be affected by mildly windy conditions.
5. Ruko F11GIM 2
The Ruko F11GIM2 drone is a robust and feature-rich contender in the best drones under 500 dollars. Its equipped with a 4K camera that is stabilised by a 2-axis gimbal and EIS, enabling users to capture 4K images and record 4K video footage at 30fps.
The 2-axis gimbal and EIS provide stable footage, while the 100° field of view ensures a broader and more detailed capture. The drone has been approved for the Remote ID Declaration of Compliance by the FAA, confirming its compliance with regulations.
The drone has a good flight time of 28 minutes, which is lower than the others on this list but does come with 3 batteries, so you can extend the flight time without having to wait for one battery to recharge. The drone comes with intelligent features such as autonomous flight modes and an automatic return-to-home function.
Gesture-based photo and video capture features are also included, ensuring users don’t miss out on capturing exciting moments during flights.
Key Features
- The drone features a potent 4K camera, enabling the capture of 4K photos and 4K/30fps videos. The 2-axis gimbal coupled with EIS ensures stable footage.
- The drone has a dual GNSS system, providing precise positioning and convenient features like Auto Return Home and intelligent flight modes.
- The Ruko F11GIM 2 has a flight time of 28 minutes and comes with 3 batteries.
- It has a range of 3km
- Foldable design, facilitating easy transport and storage when not in use.
Pros & Cons
- The drone comes with a good HD camera
- Images and videos are stabilised by a gimbal and EIS
- It has a good flight time and transmission range
- The video quality is not as good as the other drones on this list
- The app could be better developed
Final Thoughts
It’s clear that there are numerous high-quality drones available for under 500 dollars. Each drone we’ve explored offers a blend of advanced features, high performance, and value, catering to a variety of needs and preferences. Whether you’re a budding photographer, a tech enthusiast, or a hobbyist, there’s a drone here that’s perfect for you. Remember, the best drone isn’t necessarily the most expensive one but the one that fits your needs and budget the best. We hope this article has provided you with valuable insights and will aid you in making an informed decision.
FAQ’s
Do These Drones Need To Be Registered?
Out of all the drone models discussed, only the Ruko F11GIM 2 requires registration with the FAA due to its weight. The remaining drones, each weighing less than 250 grams, are exempt from this requirement. However, it’s important to note that if any of these lighter drones are used for commercial purposes, they must be registered, and the operator must obtain the Part 107 certificate.
Are These Drones Suitable For Beginners?
Absolutely! The drones we’ve discussed in this article are not only affordable but also beginner-friendly. They come with features that make them easy to operate, even for those who are new to drone flying. Many of these drones include beginner modes, which limit speed and altitude to help new pilots get a feel for the controls. They also often have features like automatic takeoff and landing, GPS-assisted flight, and obstacle avoidance systems, which can greatly simplify the flying process for novices. So, whether you’re just starting your drone journey or looking to upgrade, these drones under 500 dollars offer a great balance of price, performance, and ease of use, making them an excellent choice for beginners.
Do These Drones Have Remote ID
The only drone that has been approved for Remote ID is the Ruko F11GIM2, the other drones on this list do not require a remote ID because they weigh less than 250 grams. However, if you use them for commercial applications, they will need to be fitted with a remote ID module. For more details on remote ID and what you need to do, click here.
