In 2024, if you’re looking for the best starter drone, you have a plethora of options available on Amazon. Drones have gained immense popularity for recreational flying, photography, and simply enjoying the outdoors. Whether you’re a complete novice or an aspiring aerial photographer, picking the right drone isn’t just about features; it’s about finding the ideal balance of cost, ease of use, and performance. In this guide, we present the top 10 starter drones available on Amazon, along with a comprehensive buying guide to ensure your first drone experience is a delightful one.
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Mini Drone with Camera for Adults Youth - 1080P HD FPV Camera Drones with 90° Adjustable Lens,... | $49.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
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Holy Stone GPS Drone with 4K Camera for Adults, HS175D RC Quadcopter with Auto Return, Follow Me,... | $169.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
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Brushless Motor Drone with Camera-4K FPV Foldable Drone with Carrying Case,40 mins of Battery... | $63.74 | Buy on Amazon | |
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Holy Stone GPS Drone with 4K UHD Camera for Adults Beginner; HS360S 249g Foldable FPV RC Quadcopter... | $169.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
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Brushless Super Endurance Foldable Drone with Camera for Beginners–60+ min Flight Time, WiFi FPV... | $89.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 6 |
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Holy Stone HS440 Foldable FPV Drone with 1080P WiFi Camera for Adult Beginners and Kids; Voice... | $99.98 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 7 |
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TENSSENX GPS Drone with 1080P HD Camera for Adults and Kids, 5G Transmission FPV Drone, TSRC X7 RC... | $29.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 8 |
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Holy Stone Mini Drone for Kids and Beginners RC Nano Quadcopter Indoor Small Helicopter Plane with... | $29.59 | Buy on Amazon | |
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Potensic ATOM SE GPS Drone with 4K EIS Camera, Under 249g, 62 Mins Flight, 4KM FPV Transmission,... | $229.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
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DJI Mini 4K, Drone with 4K UHD Camera for Adults, Under 249 g, 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilization, 10km... | $299.00 | Buy on Amazon |
Top 10 Starter Drones on Amazon
1. Holy Stone HS210 Mini Drone
The Holy Stone HS210 Mini Drone packs a punch for its size. Ideal for beginners, this drone boasts a 720P HD camera, altitude hold, and a 3D flip function, which adds to the fun. It comes with an easy-to-use remote controller, making it suitable for kids and adults alike.
The drone has a flight time of around 21 minutes with two batteries included, allowing extended flying sessions. The built-in gravity sensor makes it simpler to control. This drone also features one-key takeoff and landing, which prevents accidents and aids in easy maneuvering. Overall, the HS210 is tailored for those who want to start with a compact and feature-rich option.
- [Easy to Use & More Fun]: The drone can be Tossed to Launch, it can perform Circle Fly, 3D Flips and High-Speed Rotation. What's more, One Key Start/Landing and Altitude Hold function enables the mini drone to take off easily and hover at fixed height stably. Nice drone for kids and beginners to control with the joystick.
- [Three-Speed-Mode Drone]: Our drones have Low/middle/high speed modes, perfect for kids with different skill levels to have different flying experiences. Besides, 2.4GHz remote control allows multiple rc drones for kids 8-12 to race at the same time.
- [Extended Flight Time]: This RC drone comes with 3 batteries, which can extend your fun flight time up to 21 minutes. And the low battery power alarm spares concerns of any loss or damage due to low power.
- [Safety Design Micro Drone]: The propellers are isolated by the protection guard, safeguarding kids from spinning propellers and potential injury. The Emergency Stop function facilitates the drone's immediate landing, contributing to injury prevention and ensuring safety during operation.
- [Mini & Portable Size]: This Holy Stone drone's size is 3.15*3.15*1.18 inches, which is easy to carry out. This mini drone brings players great fun everywhere for party, school, fishing, hiking, long journey etc. Definitely a great birthday/Christmas/holiday gift for kids or friends!
2. Potensic D80 GPS Drone
For those seeking a better range and stability, the Potensic D80 offers GPS positioning and HD camera capabilities. It features a 1080P camera that captures high-quality photos and videos while offering an impressive flight range of 300 meters.
This drone has multiple flight modes, which means you can fly with a beginner-friendly mode or upgrade to more advanced options as your skills improve. The D80’s long battery life also allows for approximately 20 minutes of flying time. It also has a follow-me mode, making it great for capturing action shots.
- Battery Charger for Potensic GPS FPV RC Drone, D80.
3. Snaptain SP300 Super Easy Drone
The Snaptain SP300 drone is a user-friendly piece of technology designed with novices in mind. It features an HD camera, altitude hold functions, and even a one-key takeoff/landing function that simplifies the entire flying experience.
Its impressive safety features include anti-collision protection, making it a favorite among parents looking for a drone for their kids. With 10 minutes of flying time and two batteries included, you can extend your flying period without much hassle.
- Phone direct control with transmission or transmitter control with smart phone. Apple iOS/ Android phones Compatible
- 360 degree flips & rolls. One key 3D rolling special effects. Flip in 4-ways flip(left, right, forward, backward). Continuous roll for perfect action and wonderful performance.
- Headless security mode. When eyes can't identify the orientation of the drone, The headless mode can help to control easier and avoid from losing the direction.
- Equipped with the latest 6-axis gyro flight control systems, provide better using experience.
- Range: About 30-45 meters. Flight Tim: about 8-10 minutes. Charging time: about 60 minutes. (Note: the battery of the drone could only be charged with the original charging cable. )
4. Eachine E520S
For those looking for a more professional experience without breaking the bank, the Eachine E520S is an excellent choice. This drone features a 4K HD camera, GPS function, and a flight time of around 16 minutes.
Its foldable design adds to its portability, making it easy to take on trips. The E520S supports multiple flight modes, including waypoint and follow-me modes. Ideal for anyone looking to practice aerial photography, this drone doesn’t skimp on features, offering high-quality video and photos.
- 【1080P Adjustable FPV Drone & APP Control】Equipped with a 1080P HD 90° manually adjustable lens, the drone provides a wider breathtaking field of view. It assists you to catch every wonderful moment from a birds-eye perspective, and lets you enjoy 1080P HD pictures and videos via the “RADCLOFPV” APP. By connecting your phone/iPad with the long-distance drones with cameras, you can enjoy a real-time panoramic view.
- 【Easy To Use with Stable Altitude Hold Function】: Just click the one key take-off/landing button to start flying. Compared to other drones of the same type, we have a more powerful engine, and more stable hover technology, the Altitude Hold function can keep the drone at a certain altitude for easy control fly, and shoot high-quality footage.
- 【Larger Body Size & Full Accessories】: The package comes with a carrying case that is convenient for outdoor travel. With 2pcs 800mAh batteries, even its the body is larger than other drones, it can last for 22 minutes. Equipped with controller batteries, a propeller guard, and spare fan blades, this drone stands out in its class. It is also a good choice at present.
- 【Multiple Functions Fit Your Need】: High-Speed Rotation, Circle Fly, 3 Speed Gear, Gesture Control, Headless Mode, One Key Take off/ Landing, Altitude Hold, 3D Flip, Low battery warning, Emergency Stop. All its functions and great quality make it not only suitable for beginners, but also skilled players.
- 【After Sales Guarantee】We suggest you test a flight in an open space first time flying the drone with a propeller guard. (Note: there might be wind interference when using outdoors) If the drone/remote control/APP has any issue during flight, do not hesitate to contact the seller.
5. Ryze Tech Tello
The Ryze Tech Tello is perhaps one of the most universally praised starter drones available. It features an HD camera capable of recording at 720p and has a flight time of about 13 minutes.
What sets Tello apart is its educational value. The drone can be programmed using Scratch, allowing users, especially kids, to grasp the fundamentals of coding while having fun. It’s lightweight, has a robust design, and is equipped with various safety features, making it an excellent first drone for aspiring young pilots.
- 1080P HD Auto-Adjustable Camera: Equipped with a 1080P HD camera that can be adjusted within 90° by your remote control or the app, this drone can give you an exciting experience of aerial scenery from the 112° wide-angle lens, and assist you to catch every wonderful moment from a birds-eye perspective. Whether you’re shooting at a deserted beach or capturing the details of a fun family reunion, HS440 can handle it all.
- Sweet Air Time: Enjoy an extended flight time of up to 20 minutes with the powerful modular battery and capture and explore more of your surroundings.
- Small But Mighty: Thanks to intuitive and advanced features packed in a foldable frame, HS440 provides complete freedom wherever and however you want to create. In addition, it’s equipped with a carrying case which is very helpful for you to move the drone from one place to another. Explore your world without limitations.
- Simply Operation for Stunning Content: HS440 carefully optimizes user experience and intelligent features. Thanks to automatic takeoff, and precise hovering, operation is more streamlined and safer than ever. One-Key High-speed Rotation would bring more fun amid flight. The possibilities are endless when the sky is your playground.
- Discover a New Adventure: HS440 is a must-have for beginners with its intelligent functions such as Emergency Stop, Headless Mode, and Altitude Hold as well as its user-friendly features such as its long flight time for every practice.
6. AOOY Drone with Camera
The AOOY drone is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on key features. It includes an HD camera, altitude hold, and easy controls suitable for beginners.
This drone boasts a flight time of about 12 minutes, which isn’t the longest, but ideal for beginners. The one-key return function helps users avoid losing the drone, further enhancing its beginner-friendly nature. With protective propeller guards, it ensures a safe flying experience for novice users.
- 【1080P Camera & 5G Transmission】This drone is equipped with an 90°adjustable 1080P HD camera, capable of capturing stunning photos and videos with exceptional quality and high frame rates. With 5G FPV transmission, you can view real-time video during flight and experience an immersive perspective in VR mode (goggles not included)
- 【Smart Camera Drone】This beginner drone with camera offers a variety of smart functions, making it incredibly easy for beginners and kids to master. Features include headless mode, one-key takeoff/landing, emergency stop, 3-speed switch, 360° flips. Enjoy smart features like trajectory flight, gesture photography, and gravity control for a fun and exciting drone flying experience
- 【Optical Flow Positioning】Through upgraded hover systems and optical flow positioning, the drone can achieve more stable and precise flight control, enabling FPV drones to capture exciting photos. By placing a V gesture or palm in front of the camera, the drone can automatically take photos or videos
- 【Extended Flight Time】This drone with a camera for kids comes with 2 rechargeable batteries, offering a total flight time of up to 40 minutes (20 mins per battery). The built-in low battery warning feature ensures safe landing when the power is low, providing a more secure flying experience. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, this drone with camera will provide you with an enjoyable flight adventure experience
- 【Professional Flying】The small drone with camera comes with a portable carrying case, making it perfect for outdoor. For any drone-related questions, we provide 24-hour technical support. The drone with a camera is a cool and creative gift for friends, kids, sons, or grandsons.
7. Cheerwing CW4
The Cheerwing CW4 is designed for newcomers seeking a user-friendly drone experience without sacrificing camera quality. The CW4 comes with a 720P camera and is equipped with headless mode for easy flying.
With its stability features, it allows for easy flight even in breezy conditions. The CW4 offers a flight time of around 10-15 minutes, which is standard for affordable drones. The altitude hold function provides stable hovering and is ideal for novice users trying to capture photos or videos.
- WiFi FPV Transmission and APP Control: Built-in WiFi Camera for enjoying a live video and photos in real time on your phone. Updated with Gesture Selfie function, it can take photos automatically with specific gestures.
- ONE KEY TAKE OFF / LANDING Function: One button take off / down function make it more easier access to kids, beginners, newbies without any skill. It also can protect the drone when it is out of control or low battery power.
- HOVER / ALTITUDE HOLD MODE: The Auto hovering function enables the drone to hover at current height, make easier to control and more stable for aerial photography. One Key 360 degree Flips for perfect action and wonderful performance, definitely a great toy for kids or friends.
- APP CONTROL & WAYPOINT FLY: Through the APP, you can control the drone without remote controller. And the built-in Gravity Sensor also allows you to fly your drone without touching your mobile screen. You also can draw your flight plan on the screen and the drone will fly accordingly. Free of remote control, more fun to fly!
- 3D FLIPS & 3 SPEED MODE: Features with High/Medium/Low Speed Mode, suitable for pilots with different skill levels, make this drone easier to control for kids and beginners.Plus 3D Flips and 2.4Ghz Remote Control system, start a racing game with your kids and family!
8. Simrex X300C
The Simrex X300C balances performance and price excellently, making it a solid choice for first-time fliers. This drone supports 720P HD recording, and its headless mode synchronizes seamlessly with your commands for better control.
Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to manage, highlighted by a flight time of 10-12 minutes. With two-speed modes, beginners can start slow and build their skills more confidently. The one-key return feature adds safety, ensuring you won’t lose your new toy.
- 【Optical Flow Positioning】The altitude hold function can keep the drone hovering at a fixed height to help you get wonderful videos and photos. In addition, the X300C drone also uses optical flow positioning technology, Hovering accurately in any position by the Optical Positioning camera, Friendly to beginners, which is very suitable for beginner players.
- 【WIFI FPV Camera】 SIMREX X300C drone is equipped with a 720P HD camera to help you capture the wonderful moments in life. You can easily connect the drone to "SIMREX Zoomy" mobile app via Wi-Fi and enjoy an immersive control experience through FPV transmission.
- 【Perfect for Adults and Kids】X300C mini drone offers a range of convenient and intelligent features, such as one key takeoff/landing, altitude hold, and headless mode function(the drone will fly in the direction of the remote control operation without observing the position of the drone's head), making it incredibly easy to control. It is perfect for beginner, kids, adults.
- 【Fun Gameplay and Stunts】The drone with camera offers a plethora of exciting gameplay options. You can effortlessly perform 360° flips (forward, backward, left, and right directions) or even draw a flight path on the app for the drone to follow. Additionally, it supports gravity sensing control, adding another layer of enjoyment to your flying experience.
- 【Safe Design】The SIMREX brand prioritizes customer safety above all else. Our drones are equipped with four propeller protective covers, protect the drone from collisions and the safety of personnel. With features like the emergency stop function and low battery alarm, you can enjoy a worry-free flight experience. Additionally, the drone comes with 2 modular batteries, providing up to 18 minutes of flight time for extended gaming enjoyment.
9. Hubsan H501S X4
Stepping up to the Hubsan H501S X4 gives users a more advanced starter drone experience. With a 1080P camera and GPS-assisted flight, you’ll get high-quality aerial shots while enjoying extended flight time.
This drone is perfect for those who are ready to advance their skills, as it includes features like follow-me mode, altitude hold, and return-to-home functionality. The camera quality surpasses most entry-level drones, making it a go-to for aspiring videographers. Battery life averages around 20 minutes, so it’s ideal for longer flight experiences.
- HUBSAN X4 H501S Pro Functions:5.8G FPV Real-time Video Transmission,1080P HD Camera,Follow Me Mode,Headless Mode, Altitude mode,Automatic Return,Fail-safe Mode,GPS accurate positioning location
- 【Structures】: Strong stability with 6 Axis Gyro, stronger wind resistance, easier to control. Unmatched Brushless Motor is made by the superb technology, more powerful and more durable
- 【Drone with Camera】:5.8G FPV with 1080P HD camera are tuned amazingly to capture stunning pictures and videos from the sky. Built-in GPS(Universal version) positioning system, the accurate positioning location, perfect advanced follower.
- 【Power and Distance】: The intelligent battery with large capacity extends the flying time last to 20 minutes 5.8G wireless video transmission distance:300m, Max Flight radius:300m
- 【Protection&Care】: The drone will enter into a fail-safe mode when the connection is lost from the transmitter. The flight control system will control the quadcopter to return to the home point and land automatically. The fail-safe mode helps to avoid further injuries or damages. We set a UK warehouse to easier to offer backup and free accessories.
10. DJI Mini SE
For those who have a budget that allows for a slightly more premium choice, the DJI Mini SE is an incredible starter drone that packs high-end features into a compact design. It features a 12MP camera with 2.7K video capabilities and a remarkable flight time of up to 30 minutes.
One of the significant advantages of the DJI Mini SE is its lightweight construction, which does not require FAA registration. The drone is equipped with GPS and vision sensors to stabilize its flight, making it beginner-friendly. Its user-friendly app allows for quick sharing of captured media directly to your devices.
- 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 - The drone is lightweight and compact, weighing 𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝟮𝟰𝟵 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝘀. It's perfect for taking on hikes, road trips, and other adventures, allowing you to capture stunning aerial moments from above wherever you go.
- 𝗡𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗱 - Under 249 g, FAA Registration and Remote ID are not required if you fly for recreational purposes. Visit the FAA's official website for requirements related to drone registration and Remote ID.
- 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 - Enjoy longer flights with DJI Mini 2 SE, which offers a 31-min max flight time. Combo offers two additional Intelligent Flight Batteries (three in total) for up to 93 minutes of total flight time*. Explore and create more.
- 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗮 𝗙𝗲𝘄 𝗧𝗮𝗽𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝗰 𝗜𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 - The DJI Fly app has easy-to-use shooting templates that allow the drone to automatically fly, record, and generate professional-level videos that can be shared directly on social media.
- 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 - Get a 𝟭𝟬𝗸𝗺 𝗺𝗮𝘅 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 to reliably fly further and capture more. Compared to Wi-Fi, DJI OcuSync is significantly stronger, offering enhanced transmission and stronger anti-interference compatibilities.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Starter Drone
When selecting the best starter drone, there are several factors to consider to ensure you make the right choice:
1. Camera Quality
If you’re interested in aerial photography or videography, you’ll want to pay attention to the camera specifications. Look for drones that offer at least 720P resolution for decent quality. Higher-end drones may offer 1080P or even 4K recording capabilities.
2. Flight Time
Battery life significantly affects your flying experience. Most entry-level drones provide between 10 to 30 minutes of flight time. Consider purchasing additional batteries if you plan to fly for extended periods.
3. Ease of Use
For beginners, drones that come with one-key takeoff and landing, altitude hold, and headless modes are easier to fly. These features help minimize crashes and allow you to focus on learning to fly.
4. Range
The distance from which the drone can be flown is another critical feature. Many starter drones have a range of around 100-300 meters, which is adequate for first-time users.
5. Durability
Drones may take a beating while training. Look for options with durable materials and protective features such as propeller guards, especially if kids are involved.
6. Additional Features
Some drones come with unique features such as GPS, follow-me modes, and even programmable flight paths. While these features may be more appealing for experienced users, they can also enhance the fun for beginners.
7. Cost
Finally, consider your budget. Drones can range significantly in price. While beginner models can be found for under $100, more advanced models may cost several hundred. Aim to find a balance between your needs and your spending limit.
Conclusion
Choosing the best starter drone in 2024 involves looking at your preferences and needs. From the user-friendly Holy Stone HS210 Mini Drone to the more advanced DJI Mini SE, there’s something for everyone. We hope this list helps you navigate the choices so that you can enjoy your new hobby safely and effectively. Remember that practice is key to becoming proficient, and with the right starter drone, you’re sure to have a fantastic flying experience!
Last update on 2024-09-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API | votechriscarrillo.com is a participant in the Amazon Associate program and will earn from qualifying purchases.