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Last updated: October 05, 2024
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When most people think about drones, they expect them to be expensive machines that cost thousands of dollars. While quality high-end drones can be quite expensive, you’d be surprised at the number of quality drones that only cost $500 or even less.
Of course, you have to be careful when buying low-costing devices as a low price often equates to low quality. We have searched the internet for the 11 best drones under $500 to make it easier to find the right one for you and chose the DJI Mavic Mini Drone as our Editor’s Choice. Not only did we review this product, but we have also included all the information you need to select the right one
Trusted SourceA beginner’s guide to buying your first droneWant to fly? Our consumer drone guide will explain the features you need to look for and recommend some of the best models currently on the market.
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for your specific needs. The products on this list are suitable for different categories of users. Read on to discover the best drones under $500
What it is: For general purpose. The drone will be used on different occasions - mainly for taking photos and video recording. However, the model can also be used for geographic mapping, hunting and fishing or just for fun.
Score components:
34%
Video
8.7
27%
Photography
9.1
12%
Geographic mapping
8.6
8%
Fishing
8.8
6%
Hunting
8.8
5%
Spy / Surveillance
8.9
5%
Racing
7.9
3%
Fun
7.5
Video
8.8
X
What it is: The drone will be used for video recording: professional cinematography, blogging, or any other purpose. The product’s required to feature high-resolution camera, wide field of view, and large memory card capacity, among other specs.
Score components:
35%
Video Resolution + FPS
8.4
10%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.6
10%
Live View (FPV) Quality
9.4
8%
Max memory card capacity (GB)
9.7
7%
FOV (degrees)
8.0
5%
Camera Mount Type
10.0
5%
Max height (meters)
8.6
5%
Smartphone controlled
10.0
3%
Follow me
5.0
3%
Altitude hold
10.0
3%
Circle Fly
10.0
3%
360° flip
5.0
3%
VR glasses compatibility
5.0
Photography
9.2
X
What it is: The drone’s going to be used for taking photos – it’s expected to possess a high-resolution camera, Altitude Hold feature for stabilization, as well as other useful features in this case – such as Circle Fly or Gesture Control.
Score components:
45%
Photo Resolution (Mp)
8.8
15%
FOV (degrees)
8.0
10%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.6
10%
Max memory card capacity (GB)
9.7
10%
GPS
10.0
7%
Camera Mount Type
10.0
3%
Altitude hold
10.0
Spy / Surveillance
9.1
X
What it is: The drone is going to be used as a quiet surveillance device. We were targeting on those with great camera specifications (Live View quality in particular), impressive control distance, and additional handy features, such as GPS or Obstacle Detection.
Score components:
20%
Live View (FPV) Quality
9.4
15%
Video Resolution + FPS
8.4
10%
FOV (degrees)
8.0
9%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.6
8%
Flight time (min)
8.3
7%
Max memory card capacity (GB)
9.7
5%
Control distance (meters)
8.6
5%
GPS
10.0
3%
GLONASS
10.0
3%
Circle Fly
10.0
3%
Trajectory flight
10.0
3%
Return Home
10.0
2%
Protection Guards
5.0
2%
Obstacle Detection
5.0
2%
Altitude hold
10.0
2%
Smartphone controlled
10.0
1%
Galileo
5.0
Geographic mapping
8.6
X
What it is: The device will be used for mapping and surveying. Ideally, it’s a specifically designated device with weatherproof construction, great camera and suitable software. However, more simple models can be used for casual hiking, for instance.
Score components:
15%
Video Resolution + FPS
8.4
10%
Photo Resolution (Mp)
8.8
10%
Live View (FPV) Quality
9.4
10%
Flight time (min)
8.3
7%
Control distance (meters)
8.6
5%
FOV (degrees)
8.0
5%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.6
5%
Max height (meters)
8.6
5%
GPS
10.0
5%
Trajectory flight
10.0
4%
Obstacle Detection
5.0
3%
Circle Fly
10.0
3%
Altitude hold
10.0
3%
GLONASS
10.0
3%
Operating temperature range (C)
8.0
2%
Protection Guards
5.0
2%
Return Home
10.0
2%
Max wind speed resistance (m/s)
6.3
1%
Galileo
5.0
Racing
8.0
X
What it is: If you intend to use your drone for racing, it must be light, highly maneuverable, and fast, of course. These devices are also wind resistant and feature Protection Guards or Obstacle Detection function.
Score components:
30%
Max speed (km/h)
8.3
20%
Control distance (meters)
8.6
10%
Flight time (min)
8.3
10%
Max wind speed resistance (m/s)
6.3
5%
Max ascend speed (m/s)
8.6
5%
Max descend speed (m/s)
8.0
5%
Obstacle Detection
5.0
5%
Protection Guards
5.0
5%
Return Home
10.0
5%
Headless mode
N/S
Fishing
8.7
X
What it is: The product will be used for fishing. A high-quality camera with wide field of view is required in the first place. Also, the device must be ultra-quiet and feature an extra-long control distance.
Score components:
15%
Live View (FPV) Quality
9.4
11%
Control distance (meters)
8.6
10%
FOV (degrees)
8.0
10%
Flight time (min)
8.3
10%
Video Resolution + FPS
8.4
7%
GPS
10.0
5%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.6
5%
Max height (meters)
8.6
3%
Max wind speed resistance (m/s)
6.3
3%
Circle Fly
10.0
3%
Return Home
10.0
3%
Obstacle Detection
5.0
3%
GLONASS
10.0
3%
Operating temperature range (C)
8.0
3%
Charging time (min)
8.8
2%
Trajectory flight
10.0
2%
Altitude hold
10.0
2%
Smartphone controlled
10.0
Hunting
8.7
X
What it is: The drone’s going to be used for hunting purposes. It must be extra-quiet and compact, as well as have a powerful, high-capacity battery. The case must be sturdy, operate at low temperatures, and withstand all weather elements.
Score components:
13%
Live View (FPV) Quality
9.4
12%
FOV (degrees)
8.0
11%
Control distance (meters)
8.6
10%
Flight time (min)
8.3
10%
Video Resolution + FPS
8.4
7%
GPS
10.0
5%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.6
5%
Max height (meters)
8.6
3%
Max wind speed resistance (m/s)
6.3
3%
Circle Fly
10.0
3%
Return Home
10.0
3%
Obstacle Detection
5.0
3%
GLONASS
10.0
3%
Operating temperature range (C)
8.0
3%
Charging time (min)
8.8
2%
Trajectory flight
10.0
2%
Altitude hold
10.0
2%
Smartphone controlled
10.0
Fun
7.5
X
What it is: Drones used for fun must feature a wide array of additional functionality – such as a 360° flip, Voice and Gesture control, RGB lights, and Protection Guards/Obstacle Detection.
Score components:
10%
Flight time (min)
8.3
10%
Charging time (min)
8.8
10%
Follow me
5.0
10%
Circle Fly
10.0
10%
360° flip
5.0
6%
Control distance (meters)
8.6
5%
Max speed (km/h)
8.3
5%
Obstacle Detection
5.0
5%
Trajectory flight
10.0
5%
Voice control
5.0
5%
Gesture control
5.0
5%
Headless mode
N/S
5%
Altitude hold
10.0
3%
Max height (meters)
8.6
3%
Protection Guards
5.0
3%
Return Home
10.0
What are our favorite features?
There's nothing better than the simplicity of this drone. It offers a simplified flight experience that makes it perfect as a beginner drone. This unit is a sophisticated flying machine packed into a small body. You can easily carry it in a backpack and the compact size means you can fly it in smaller spaces. But despite being lightweight, this drone flies outdoors just as great as any of the regular-sized devices.
What could be better?
The Mavic Mini is a tiny drone and comes at a very affordable price point. The implication of this is that you'll have to make some tradeoffs as far as features are concerned. One major drawback is the fact that it sports a 2.7K camera. This is not exactly a problem for hobbyists. For professionals will find that a 2.7K footage does not mix well with 4K footage from other sources. Another missing feature is the collision-avoidance sensors. To many people, this is not a big deal. But if you consider the fact that this drone is otherwise perfect for beginners, you'll get why a feature like this would have been an excellent addition.
The DJI Mavic Mini Drone is arguably the most popular mini drone under $500. This palm-sized drone offers a unique blend of portability, convenience, and quality. It is lightweight and offers up to 30 minutes of flight time on a single charge. It packs a 2.7K camera which is quite decent for the price, and offers autonomous flying modes that beginners will find very useful.
When the DJI Mavic Mini was introduced back in 2019, it was a pretty unique drone because of its weight. It weighed less than 250g, which means you could fly it as a camera drone without a need to get clearance from the FAA. It also packs extra features like three-axis mechanical stabilization and a swappable microSD card slot.
What it is: For general purpose. The drone will be used on different occasions - mainly for taking photos and video recording. However, the model can also be used for geographic mapping, hunting and fishing or just for fun.
Score components:
34%
Video
9.5
27%
Photography
9.0
12%
Geographic mapping
9.2
8%
Fishing
9.1
6%
Hunting
9.1
5%
Spy / Surveillance
9.4
5%
Racing
8.6
3%
Fun
9.1
Video
9.5
X
What it is: The drone will be used for video recording: professional cinematography, blogging, or any other purpose. The product’s required to feature high-resolution camera, wide field of view, and large memory card capacity, among other specs.
Score components:
35%
Video Resolution + FPS
9.7
10%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.1
10%
Live View (FPV) Quality
N/S
8%
Max memory card capacity (GB)
9.4
7%
FOV (degrees)
N/S
5%
Camera Mount Type
9.3
5%
Max height (meters)
7.5
5%
Smartphone controlled
10.0
3%
Follow me
10.0
3%
Altitude hold
10.0
3%
Circle Fly
10.0
3%
360° flip
N/S
3%
VR glasses compatibility
N/S
Photography
9.1
X
What it is: The drone’s going to be used for taking photos – it’s expected to possess a high-resolution camera, Altitude Hold feature for stabilization, as well as other useful features in this case – such as Circle Fly or Gesture Control.
Score components:
45%
Photo Resolution (Mp)
8.5
15%
FOV (degrees)
N/S
10%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.1
10%
Max memory card capacity (GB)
9.4
10%
GPS
10.0
7%
Camera Mount Type
9.3
3%
Altitude hold
10.0
Spy / Surveillance
9.5
X
What it is: The drone is going to be used as a quiet surveillance device. We were targeting on those with great camera specifications (Live View quality in particular), impressive control distance, and additional handy features, such as GPS or Obstacle Detection.
Score components:
20%
Live View (FPV) Quality
N/S
15%
Video Resolution + FPS
9.7
10%
FOV (degrees)
N/S
9%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.1
8%
Flight time (min)
9.6
7%
Max memory card capacity (GB)
9.4
5%
Control distance (meters)
8.0
5%
GPS
10.0
3%
GLONASS
N/S
3%
Circle Fly
10.0
3%
Trajectory flight
10.0
3%
Return Home
10.0
2%
Protection Guards
5.0
2%
Obstacle Detection
N/S
2%
Altitude hold
10.0
2%
Smartphone controlled
10.0
1%
Galileo
N/S
Geographic mapping
9.2
X
What it is: The device will be used for mapping and surveying. Ideally, it’s a specifically designated device with weatherproof construction, great camera and suitable software. However, more simple models can be used for casual hiking, for instance.
Score components:
15%
Video Resolution + FPS
9.7
10%
Photo Resolution (Mp)
8.5
10%
Live View (FPV) Quality
N/S
10%
Flight time (min)
9.6
7%
Control distance (meters)
8.0
5%
FOV (degrees)
N/S
5%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.1
5%
Max height (meters)
7.5
5%
GPS
10.0
5%
Trajectory flight
10.0
4%
Obstacle Detection
N/S
3%
Circle Fly
10.0
3%
Altitude hold
10.0
3%
GLONASS
N/S
3%
Operating temperature range (C)
N/S
2%
Protection Guards
5.0
2%
Return Home
10.0
2%
Max wind speed resistance (m/s)
9.5
1%
Galileo
N/S
Racing
8.6
X
What it is: If you intend to use your drone for racing, it must be light, highly maneuverable, and fast, of course. These devices are also wind resistant and feature Protection Guards or Obstacle Detection function.
Score components:
30%
Max speed (km/h)
8.7
20%
Control distance (meters)
8.0
10%
Flight time (min)
9.6
10%
Max wind speed resistance (m/s)
9.5
5%
Max ascend speed (m/s)
N/S
5%
Max descend speed (m/s)
N/S
5%
Obstacle Detection
N/S
5%
Protection Guards
5.0
5%
Return Home
10.0
5%
Headless mode
N/S
Fishing
9.3
X
What it is: The product will be used for fishing. A high-quality camera with wide field of view is required in the first place. Also, the device must be ultra-quiet and feature an extra-long control distance.
Score components:
15%
Live View (FPV) Quality
N/S
11%
Control distance (meters)
8.0
10%
FOV (degrees)
N/S
10%
Flight time (min)
9.6
10%
Video Resolution + FPS
9.7
7%
GPS
10.0
5%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.1
5%
Max height (meters)
7.5
3%
Max wind speed resistance (m/s)
9.5
3%
Circle Fly
10.0
3%
Return Home
10.0
3%
Obstacle Detection
N/S
3%
GLONASS
N/S
3%
Operating temperature range (C)
N/S
3%
Charging time (min)
7.4
2%
Trajectory flight
10.0
2%
Altitude hold
10.0
2%
Smartphone controlled
10.0
Hunting
9.3
X
What it is: The drone’s going to be used for hunting purposes. It must be extra-quiet and compact, as well as have a powerful, high-capacity battery. The case must be sturdy, operate at low temperatures, and withstand all weather elements.
Score components:
13%
Live View (FPV) Quality
N/S
12%
FOV (degrees)
N/S
11%
Control distance (meters)
8.0
10%
Flight time (min)
9.6
10%
Video Resolution + FPS
9.7
7%
GPS
10.0
5%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.1
5%
Max height (meters)
7.5
3%
Max wind speed resistance (m/s)
9.5
3%
Circle Fly
10.0
3%
Return Home
10.0
3%
Obstacle Detection
N/S
3%
GLONASS
N/S
3%
Operating temperature range (C)
N/S
3%
Charging time (min)
7.4
2%
Trajectory flight
10.0
2%
Altitude hold
10.0
2%
Smartphone controlled
10.0
Fun
9.1
X
What it is: Drones used for fun must feature a wide array of additional functionality – such as a 360° flip, Voice and Gesture control, RGB lights, and Protection Guards/Obstacle Detection.
Score components:
10%
Flight time (min)
9.6
10%
Charging time (min)
7.4
10%
Follow me
10.0
10%
Circle Fly
10.0
10%
360° flip
N/S
6%
Control distance (meters)
8.0
5%
Max speed (km/h)
8.7
5%
Obstacle Detection
N/S
5%
Trajectory flight
10.0
5%
Voice control
N/S
5%
Gesture control
10.0
5%
Headless mode
N/S
5%
Altitude hold
10.0
3%
Max height (meters)
7.5
3%
Protection Guards
5.0
3%
Return Home
10.0
What are its best features?
The Ruko F11 Grim features a high-quality aluminum built. This gives it superior durability without being too heavy. The F11 will be able to survive air crashes fairly well. This device features a 2500mAh battery, allowing it to fly long enough to record a 25 minutes video. We also love the extra features that come with this unit. This includes a headless mode, return to home, follow me mode, and return home feature, which makes flying this drone an exciting experience.
What could be improved?
The GPS module on this unit does a great job at stabilizing it, especially in the hovering position. But there are no obstacle avoidance features (which is sort of common on lower-priced drones). The implication of this is that the drone is prone to collisions. This is a feature you'll expect to find on a higher-end model so the F11 not having them isn't really a deal-breaker.
The Ruko F11 Gim drone is medium-sized and foldable. On a first look, it has a compact appearance. But don’t be fooled. This unit is heavier than it looks and that means it is quite durable. It features a 4K UHD camera and can capture images at a wide angle of 100°. It offers a flight time of about 25 minutes, and you get 3 intelligent flight modes.
Ruko, the F11 Gim drone maker, offers a variety of drones across different value ranges. Most of the company’s devices like this one are designed specifically for novices. This device has features comparable to the U11 and F11 Pro. The F11 Gim comes with a number of high-end features you are unlikely to find in many of the best cheap drones.
What it is: For general purpose. The drone will be used on different occasions - mainly for taking photos and video recording. However, the model can also be used for geographic mapping, hunting and fishing or just for fun.
Score components:
34%
Video
9.3
27%
Photography
8.9
12%
Geographic mapping
9.1
8%
Fishing
9.1
6%
Hunting
9.1
5%
Spy / Surveillance
9.2
5%
Racing
8.2
3%
Fun
8.9
Video
9.4
X
What it is: The drone will be used for video recording: professional cinematography, blogging, or any other purpose. The product’s required to feature high-resolution camera, wide field of view, and large memory card capacity, among other specs.
Score components:
35%
Video Resolution + FPS
9.3
10%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.3
10%
Live View (FPV) Quality
N/S
8%
Max memory card capacity (GB)
8.2
7%
FOV (degrees)
9.1
5%
Camera Mount Type
N/S
5%
Max height (meters)
N/S
5%
Smartphone controlled
10.0
3%
Follow me
10.0
3%
Altitude hold
10.0
3%
Circle Fly
10.0
3%
360° flip
N/S
3%
VR glasses compatibility
N/S
Photography
8.9
X
What it is: The drone’s going to be used for taking photos – it’s expected to possess a high-resolution camera, Altitude Hold feature for stabilization, as well as other useful features in this case – such as Circle Fly or Gesture Control.
Score components:
45%
Photo Resolution (Mp)
8.5
15%
FOV (degrees)
9.1
10%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.3
10%
Max memory card capacity (GB)
8.2
10%
GPS
10.0
7%
Camera Mount Type
N/S
3%
Altitude hold
10.0
Spy / Surveillance
9.1
X
What it is: The drone is going to be used as a quiet surveillance device. We were targeting on those with great camera specifications (Live View quality in particular), impressive control distance, and additional handy features, such as GPS or Obstacle Detection.
Score components:
20%
Live View (FPV) Quality
N/S
15%
Video Resolution + FPS
9.3
10%
FOV (degrees)
9.1
9%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.3
8%
Flight time (min)
9.4
7%
Max memory card capacity (GB)
8.2
5%
Control distance (meters)
7.9
5%
GPS
10.0
3%
GLONASS
N/S
3%
Circle Fly
10.0
3%
Trajectory flight
10.0
3%
Return Home
10.0
2%
Protection Guards
5.0
2%
Obstacle Detection
N/S
2%
Altitude hold
10.0
2%
Smartphone controlled
10.0
1%
Galileo
N/S
Geographic mapping
9.0
X
What it is: The device will be used for mapping and surveying. Ideally, it’s a specifically designated device with weatherproof construction, great camera and suitable software. However, more simple models can be used for casual hiking, for instance.
Score components:
15%
Video Resolution + FPS
9.3
10%
Photo Resolution (Mp)
8.5
10%
Live View (FPV) Quality
N/S
10%
Flight time (min)
9.4
7%
Control distance (meters)
7.9
5%
FOV (degrees)
9.1
5%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.3
5%
Max height (meters)
N/S
5%
GPS
10.0
5%
Trajectory flight
10.0
4%
Obstacle Detection
N/S
3%
Circle Fly
10.0
3%
Altitude hold
10.0
3%
GLONASS
N/S
3%
Operating temperature range (C)
N/S
2%
Protection Guards
5.0
2%
Return Home
10.0
2%
Max wind speed resistance (m/s)
N/S
1%
Galileo
N/S
Racing
N/A
X
What it is: If you intend to use your drone for racing, it must be light, highly maneuverable, and fast, of course. These devices are also wind resistant and feature Protection Guards or Obstacle Detection function.
Score components:
30%
Max speed (km/h)
N/S
20%
Control distance (meters)
7.9
10%
Flight time (min)
9.4
10%
Max wind speed resistance (m/s)
N/S
5%
Max ascend speed (m/s)
N/S
5%
Max descend speed (m/s)
N/S
5%
Obstacle Detection
N/S
5%
Protection Guards
5.0
5%
Return Home
10.0
5%
Headless mode
N/S
Fishing
9.1
X
What it is: The product will be used for fishing. A high-quality camera with wide field of view is required in the first place. Also, the device must be ultra-quiet and feature an extra-long control distance.
Score components:
15%
Live View (FPV) Quality
N/S
11%
Control distance (meters)
7.9
10%
FOV (degrees)
9.1
10%
Flight time (min)
9.4
10%
Video Resolution + FPS
9.3
7%
GPS
10.0
5%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.3
5%
Max height (meters)
N/S
3%
Max wind speed resistance (m/s)
N/S
3%
Circle Fly
10.0
3%
Return Home
10.0
3%
Obstacle Detection
N/S
3%
GLONASS
N/S
3%
Operating temperature range (C)
N/S
3%
Charging time (min)
6.5
2%
Trajectory flight
10.0
2%
Altitude hold
10.0
2%
Smartphone controlled
10.0
Hunting
9.1
X
What it is: The drone’s going to be used for hunting purposes. It must be extra-quiet and compact, as well as have a powerful, high-capacity battery. The case must be sturdy, operate at low temperatures, and withstand all weather elements.
Score components:
13%
Live View (FPV) Quality
N/S
12%
FOV (degrees)
9.1
11%
Control distance (meters)
7.9
10%
Flight time (min)
9.4
10%
Video Resolution + FPS
9.3
7%
GPS
10.0
5%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.3
5%
Max height (meters)
N/S
3%
Max wind speed resistance (m/s)
N/S
3%
Circle Fly
10.0
3%
Return Home
10.0
3%
Obstacle Detection
N/S
3%
GLONASS
N/S
3%
Operating temperature range (C)
N/S
3%
Charging time (min)
6.5
2%
Trajectory flight
10.0
2%
Altitude hold
10.0
2%
Smartphone controlled
10.0
Fun
N/A
X
What it is: Drones used for fun must feature a wide array of additional functionality – such as a 360° flip, Voice and Gesture control, RGB lights, and Protection Guards/Obstacle Detection.
Score components:
10%
Flight time (min)
9.4
10%
Charging time (min)
6.5
10%
Follow me
10.0
10%
Circle Fly
10.0
10%
360° flip
N/S
6%
Control distance (meters)
7.9
5%
Max speed (km/h)
N/S
5%
Obstacle Detection
N/S
5%
Trajectory flight
10.0
5%
Voice control
N/S
5%
Gesture control
N/S
5%
Headless mode
N/S
5%
Altitude hold
10.0
3%
Max height (meters)
N/S
3%
Protection Guards
5.0
3%
Return Home
10.0
Why did it make our list?
We love the compact folding design of this drone. You can easily carry it around with you and an attractive carry case makes this even easier. The Holy Stone HS720 is well designed with a sturdy build. You can easily control this drone using a user-friendly app. The 2K camera is decent enough. We also love the fact that the angle of the camera can be adjusted remotely from the controls.
What is not ideal about it?
While this is not a high-end drone by any standards, it's hard to be critical of its features. It offers some basic functions which you can expect from a device in its price range but that's about where it ends. You will need to spend a little bit more if you want a drone with true video stabilization or obstacle avoidance sensors as this one does not have it.
Although drones like the DJI Mini 2 are the most popular in the mid-range drone category, there are cheaper alternatives like the Holy Stone HS720. This unit comes equipped with a good quality HD Camera and 3 intelligent flight modes. The HS720 is well-built with a futuristic design that you’ll find very impressive. It is also designed to be easy for everyone to fly regardless of their skill level.
The Holy Stone HS720 is one of Holy Stone’s earliest attempts at an advanced drone. It was released years back but still remains a very popular option in the below $500 range. There is a more advanced version of this drone now which features an upgraded 4K camera and advanced image stabilization feature. Of course, this one is cheaper and still gets the job done for simple use cases.
What it is: For general purpose. The drone will be used on different occasions - mainly for taking photos and video recording. However, the model can also be used for geographic mapping, hunting and fishing or just for fun.
Score components:
34%
Video
8.6
27%
Photography
9.0
12%
Geographic mapping
8.5
8%
Fishing
8.6
6%
Hunting
8.6
5%
Spy / Surveillance
8.8
5%
Racing
7.5
3%
Fun
7.7
Video
8.9
X
What it is: The drone will be used for video recording: professional cinematography, blogging, or any other purpose. The product’s required to feature high-resolution camera, wide field of view, and large memory card capacity, among other specs.
Score components:
35%
Video Resolution + FPS
8.4
10%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.3
10%
Live View (FPV) Quality
N/S
8%
Max memory card capacity (GB)
9.4
7%
FOV (degrees)
9.4
5%
Camera Mount Type
N/S
5%
Max height (meters)
7.5
5%
Smartphone controlled
10.0
3%
Follow me
10.0
3%
Altitude hold
10.0
3%
Circle Fly
10.0
3%
360° flip
5.0
3%
VR glasses compatibility
5.0
Photography
9.0
X
What it is: The drone’s going to be used for taking photos – it’s expected to possess a high-resolution camera, Altitude Hold feature for stabilization, as well as other useful features in this case – such as Circle Fly or Gesture Control.
Score components:
45%
Photo Resolution (Mp)
8.5
15%
FOV (degrees)
9.4
10%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.3
10%
Max memory card capacity (GB)
9.4
10%
GPS
10.0
7%
Camera Mount Type
N/S
3%
Altitude hold
10.0
Spy / Surveillance
8.9
X
What it is: The drone is going to be used as a quiet surveillance device. We were targeting on those with great camera specifications (Live View quality in particular), impressive control distance, and additional handy features, such as GPS or Obstacle Detection.
Score components:
20%
Live View (FPV) Quality
N/S
15%
Video Resolution + FPS
8.4
10%
FOV (degrees)
9.4
9%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.3
8%
Flight time (min)
9.2
7%
Max memory card capacity (GB)
9.4
5%
Control distance (meters)
7.9
5%
GPS
10.0
3%
GLONASS
5.0
3%
Circle Fly
10.0
3%
Trajectory flight
10.0
3%
Return Home
10.0
2%
Protection Guards
5.0
2%
Obstacle Detection
5.0
2%
Altitude hold
10.0
2%
Smartphone controlled
10.0
1%
Galileo
5.0
Geographic mapping
8.3
X
What it is: The device will be used for mapping and surveying. Ideally, it’s a specifically designated device with weatherproof construction, great camera and suitable software. However, more simple models can be used for casual hiking, for instance.
Score components:
15%
Video Resolution + FPS
8.4
10%
Photo Resolution (Mp)
8.5
10%
Live View (FPV) Quality
N/S
10%
Flight time (min)
9.2
7%
Control distance (meters)
7.9
5%
FOV (degrees)
9.4
5%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.3
5%
Max height (meters)
7.5
5%
GPS
10.0
5%
Trajectory flight
10.0
4%
Obstacle Detection
5.0
3%
Circle Fly
10.0
3%
Altitude hold
10.0
3%
GLONASS
5.0
3%
Operating temperature range (C)
8.0
2%
Protection Guards
5.0
2%
Return Home
10.0
2%
Max wind speed resistance (m/s)
N/S
1%
Galileo
5.0
Racing
N/A
X
What it is: If you intend to use your drone for racing, it must be light, highly maneuverable, and fast, of course. These devices are also wind resistant and feature Protection Guards or Obstacle Detection function.
Score components:
30%
Max speed (km/h)
N/S
20%
Control distance (meters)
7.9
10%
Flight time (min)
9.2
10%
Max wind speed resistance (m/s)
N/S
5%
Max ascend speed (m/s)
N/S
5%
Max descend speed (m/s)
N/S
5%
Obstacle Detection
5.0
5%
Protection Guards
5.0
5%
Return Home
10.0
5%
Headless mode
5.0
Fishing
8.7
X
What it is: The product will be used for fishing. A high-quality camera with wide field of view is required in the first place. Also, the device must be ultra-quiet and feature an extra-long control distance.
Score components:
15%
Live View (FPV) Quality
N/S
11%
Control distance (meters)
7.9
10%
FOV (degrees)
9.4
10%
Flight time (min)
9.2
10%
Video Resolution + FPS
8.4
7%
GPS
10.0
5%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.3
5%
Max height (meters)
7.5
3%
Max wind speed resistance (m/s)
N/S
3%
Circle Fly
10.0
3%
Return Home
10.0
3%
Obstacle Detection
5.0
3%
GLONASS
5.0
3%
Operating temperature range (C)
8.0
3%
Charging time (min)
7.1
2%
Trajectory flight
10.0
2%
Altitude hold
10.0
2%
Smartphone controlled
10.0
Hunting
8.6
X
What it is: The drone’s going to be used for hunting purposes. It must be extra-quiet and compact, as well as have a powerful, high-capacity battery. The case must be sturdy, operate at low temperatures, and withstand all weather elements.
Score components:
13%
Live View (FPV) Quality
N/S
12%
FOV (degrees)
9.4
11%
Control distance (meters)
7.9
10%
Flight time (min)
9.2
10%
Video Resolution + FPS
8.4
7%
GPS
10.0
5%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.3
5%
Max height (meters)
7.5
3%
Max wind speed resistance (m/s)
N/S
3%
Circle Fly
10.0
3%
Return Home
10.0
3%
Obstacle Detection
5.0
3%
GLONASS
5.0
3%
Operating temperature range (C)
8.0
3%
Charging time (min)
7.1
2%
Trajectory flight
10.0
2%
Altitude hold
10.0
2%
Smartphone controlled
10.0
Fun
N/A
X
What it is: Drones used for fun must feature a wide array of additional functionality – such as a 360° flip, Voice and Gesture control, RGB lights, and Protection Guards/Obstacle Detection.
Score components:
10%
Flight time (min)
9.2
10%
Charging time (min)
7.1
10%
Follow me
10.0
10%
Circle Fly
10.0
10%
360° flip
5.0
6%
Control distance (meters)
7.9
5%
Max speed (km/h)
N/S
5%
Obstacle Detection
5.0
5%
Trajectory flight
10.0
5%
Voice control
5.0
5%
Gesture control
5.0
5%
Headless mode
5.0
5%
Altitude hold
10.0
3%
Max height (meters)
7.5
3%
Protection Guards
5.0
3%
Return Home
10.0
Why did it make our list?
The Holy Stone HS720E is a high-quality quadcopter. The quality build of this drone is obvious right out of the box. It comes in a solid plastic casing. The controller and other accessories that come with the unit are high quality as well. In addition to the quality build, we love how easy to use this drone can be. Even a beginner will find the controls easy to navigate. We also found the 4K ultra-HD camera quite impressive for such an affordable drone. Images captured with this camera are good enough even for professional use.
What is not ideal about it?
The major drawback of this drone is the battery. While the flight time of 22 minutes is quite impressive for a drone in that price range, it is less than what you get with the HS700 and some other drones in the same price range. What's more, recharging the device after each use can be a bit of a chore. Charging may take as much as 5 to 7 hours which is a major drawback. However, this is an issue that you can easily solve with an extra battery.
The Holy Stone HS720E is one of the more recent drones in the market, featuring a number of advanced features. Despite being a low-cost option, this device comes with features like a GPS system, automatic return, intelligent flight modes, and an optical flow sensor. The HS720E comes mounted with a 4K camera; the electronic stabilization feature ensures that the footage is stable while filming.
The Holy Stone HS720E is an upgraded version of the HS700 drone. While both devices have a closely similar appearance, there are a few differences between them. The major dissimilarity between the HS720E and the older model is with their battery and their camera. The older HS700 features a 2K camera, while the HS720E comes with a 4K camera. For the battery, this unit is more of a slight downgrade than an upgrade. The battery only lasts 22 minutes which is less than the 26minutes you get with the HS700.
What it is: For general purpose. The drone will be used on different occasions - mainly for taking photos and video recording. However, the model can also be used for geographic mapping, hunting and fishing or just for fun.
Score components:
34%
Video
9.3
27%
Photography
8.9
12%
Geographic mapping
9.0
8%
Fishing
9.2
6%
Hunting
9.2
5%
Spy / Surveillance
9.2
5%
Racing
8.3
3%
Fun
8.9
Video
9.3
X
What it is: The drone will be used for video recording: professional cinematography, blogging, or any other purpose. The product’s required to feature high-resolution camera, wide field of view, and large memory card capacity, among other specs.
Score components:
35%
Video Resolution + FPS
9.3
10%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.3
10%
Live View (FPV) Quality
9.7
8%
Max memory card capacity (GB)
8.2
7%
FOV (degrees)
9.3
5%
Camera Mount Type
N/S
5%
Max height (meters)
N/S
5%
Smartphone controlled
10.0
3%
Follow me
10.0
3%
Altitude hold
N/S
3%
Circle Fly
10.0
3%
360° flip
N/S
3%
VR glasses compatibility
N/S
Photography
8.9
X
What it is: The drone’s going to be used for taking photos – it’s expected to possess a high-resolution camera, Altitude Hold feature for stabilization, as well as other useful features in this case – such as Circle Fly or Gesture Control.
Score components:
45%
Photo Resolution (Mp)
8.5
15%
FOV (degrees)
9.3
10%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.3
10%
Max memory card capacity (GB)
8.2
10%
GPS
10.0
7%
Camera Mount Type
N/S
3%
Altitude hold
N/S
Spy / Surveillance
8.9
X
What it is: The drone is going to be used as a quiet surveillance device. We were targeting on those with great camera specifications (Live View quality in particular), impressive control distance, and additional handy features, such as GPS or Obstacle Detection.
Score components:
20%
Live View (FPV) Quality
9.7
15%
Video Resolution + FPS
9.3
10%
FOV (degrees)
9.3
9%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.3
8%
Flight time (min)
8.3
7%
Max memory card capacity (GB)
8.2
5%
Control distance (meters)
8.0
5%
GPS
10.0
3%
GLONASS
N/S
3%
Circle Fly
10.0
3%
Trajectory flight
10.0
3%
Return Home
10.0
2%
Protection Guards
5.0
2%
Obstacle Detection
N/S
2%
Altitude hold
N/S
2%
Smartphone controlled
10.0
1%
Galileo
N/S
Geographic mapping
8.9
X
What it is: The device will be used for mapping and surveying. Ideally, it’s a specifically designated device with weatherproof construction, great camera and suitable software. However, more simple models can be used for casual hiking, for instance.
Score components:
15%
Video Resolution + FPS
9.3
10%
Photo Resolution (Mp)
8.5
10%
Live View (FPV) Quality
9.7
10%
Flight time (min)
8.3
7%
Control distance (meters)
8.0
5%
FOV (degrees)
9.3
5%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.3
5%
Max height (meters)
N/S
5%
GPS
10.0
5%
Trajectory flight
10.0
4%
Obstacle Detection
N/S
3%
Circle Fly
10.0
3%
Altitude hold
N/S
3%
GLONASS
N/S
3%
Operating temperature range (C)
N/S
2%
Protection Guards
5.0
2%
Return Home
10.0
2%
Max wind speed resistance (m/s)
9.5
1%
Galileo
N/S
Racing
N/A
X
What it is: If you intend to use your drone for racing, it must be light, highly maneuverable, and fast, of course. These devices are also wind resistant and feature Protection Guards or Obstacle Detection function.
Score components:
30%
Max speed (km/h)
N/S
20%
Control distance (meters)
8.0
10%
Flight time (min)
8.3
10%
Max wind speed resistance (m/s)
9.5
5%
Max ascend speed (m/s)
N/S
5%
Max descend speed (m/s)
N/S
5%
Obstacle Detection
N/S
5%
Protection Guards
5.0
5%
Return Home
10.0
5%
Headless mode
N/S
Fishing
9.1
X
What it is: The product will be used for fishing. A high-quality camera with wide field of view is required in the first place. Also, the device must be ultra-quiet and feature an extra-long control distance.
Score components:
15%
Live View (FPV) Quality
9.7
11%
Control distance (meters)
8.0
10%
FOV (degrees)
9.3
10%
Flight time (min)
8.3
10%
Video Resolution + FPS
9.3
7%
GPS
10.0
5%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.3
5%
Max height (meters)
N/S
3%
Max wind speed resistance (m/s)
9.5
3%
Circle Fly
10.0
3%
Return Home
10.0
3%
Obstacle Detection
N/S
3%
GLONASS
N/S
3%
Operating temperature range (C)
N/S
3%
Charging time (min)
7.6
2%
Trajectory flight
10.0
2%
Altitude hold
N/S
2%
Smartphone controlled
10.0
Hunting
9.1
X
What it is: The drone’s going to be used for hunting purposes. It must be extra-quiet and compact, as well as have a powerful, high-capacity battery. The case must be sturdy, operate at low temperatures, and withstand all weather elements.
Score components:
13%
Live View (FPV) Quality
9.7
12%
FOV (degrees)
9.3
11%
Control distance (meters)
8.0
10%
Flight time (min)
8.3
10%
Video Resolution + FPS
9.3
7%
GPS
10.0
5%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.3
5%
Max height (meters)
N/S
3%
Max wind speed resistance (m/s)
9.5
3%
Circle Fly
10.0
3%
Return Home
10.0
3%
Obstacle Detection
N/S
3%
GLONASS
N/S
3%
Operating temperature range (C)
N/S
3%
Charging time (min)
7.6
2%
Trajectory flight
10.0
2%
Altitude hold
N/S
2%
Smartphone controlled
10.0
Fun
N/A
X
What it is: Drones used for fun must feature a wide array of additional functionality – such as a 360° flip, Voice and Gesture control, RGB lights, and Protection Guards/Obstacle Detection.
Score components:
10%
Flight time (min)
8.3
10%
Charging time (min)
7.6
10%
Follow me
10.0
10%
Circle Fly
10.0
10%
360° flip
N/S
6%
Control distance (meters)
8.0
5%
Max speed (km/h)
N/S
5%
Obstacle Detection
N/S
5%
Trajectory flight
10.0
5%
Voice control
N/S
5%
Gesture control
10.0
5%
Headless mode
N/S
5%
Altitude hold
N/S
3%
Max height (meters)
N/S
3%
Protection Guards
5.0
3%
Return Home
10.0
What stands out?
The Ruko F11 Pro drone comes fitted with two 2,500mAh batteries. Each of these batteries offers 30 minutes of flight time. Combined, this gives you a total of 60 minutes of battery life which is a lot more than what you get with most of the other drones in its price range. We also love how easy to fly this drone is. The controls are quite intuitive, and even beginner pilots will find it easy to navigate.
What cons did we manage to find?
It's quite difficult to fault the Ruko F11 Pro drone. It has loads of impressive features for its price range and the dual battery is an extra perk. But were not particularly impressed with the camera quality. The drone camera doesn't have a gimbal stabilizer, which may cause your footage to be a little bit shaky. However, considering the price you're paying for this drone, these do not come close to being dealbreakers!
This Ruko F11 Pro is an affordable but feature-packed drone. A mighty brushless motor powers it. The flight time of this drone is among the most impressive on this list, thanks to its dual-battery design. The Ruko F11 is easy to control with additional features such as GPS, Follow Me mode, and other flying aids. The Ruko F11 Pro is perfect for beginners and hobbyists.
The Ruko F11 Pro sits in the mid-range between the more advanced F11 Gim and the Ruko F11 on the other end of the spectrum. While it offers additional features over the F11, features like video resolution, the control distance, and the FPV range are more limited in the Ruko F11 Pro. Everything else is the same as far as flight stability and other features go.
What it is: For general purpose. The drone will be used on different occasions - mainly for taking photos and video recording. However, the model can also be used for geographic mapping, hunting and fishing or just for fun.
Score components:
34%
Video
8.9
27%
Photography
9.0
12%
Geographic mapping
8.4
8%
Fishing
8.6
6%
Hunting
8.6
5%
Spy / Surveillance
8.7
5%
Racing
7.2
3%
Fun
7.8
Video
8.9
X
What it is: The drone will be used for video recording: professional cinematography, blogging, or any other purpose. The product’s required to feature high-resolution camera, wide field of view, and large memory card capacity, among other specs.
Score components:
35%
Video Resolution + FPS
8.4
10%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.3
10%
Live View (FPV) Quality
9.0
8%
Max memory card capacity (GB)
9.4
7%
FOV (degrees)
9.4
5%
Camera Mount Type
N/S
5%
Max height (meters)
N/S
5%
Smartphone controlled
10.0
3%
Follow me
10.0
3%
Altitude hold
10.0
3%
Circle Fly
10.0
3%
360° flip
5.0
3%
VR glasses compatibility
N/S
Photography
9.0
X
What it is: The drone’s going to be used for taking photos – it’s expected to possess a high-resolution camera, Altitude Hold feature for stabilization, as well as other useful features in this case – such as Circle Fly or Gesture Control.
Score components:
45%
Photo Resolution (Mp)
8.4
15%
FOV (degrees)
9.4
10%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.3
10%
Max memory card capacity (GB)
9.4
10%
GPS
10.0
7%
Camera Mount Type
N/S
3%
Altitude hold
10.0
Spy / Surveillance
8.8
X
What it is: The drone is going to be used as a quiet surveillance device. We were targeting on those with great camera specifications (Live View quality in particular), impressive control distance, and additional handy features, such as GPS or Obstacle Detection.
Score components:
20%
Live View (FPV) Quality
9.0
15%
Video Resolution + FPS
8.4
10%
FOV (degrees)
9.4
9%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.3
8%
Flight time (min)
7.6
7%
Max memory card capacity (GB)
9.4
5%
Control distance (meters)
7.9
5%
GPS
10.0
3%
GLONASS
5.0
3%
Circle Fly
10.0
3%
Trajectory flight
10.0
3%
Return Home
10.0
2%
Protection Guards
5.0
2%
Obstacle Detection
5.0
2%
Altitude hold
10.0
2%
Smartphone controlled
10.0
1%
Galileo
5.0
Geographic mapping
8.2
X
What it is: The device will be used for mapping and surveying. Ideally, it’s a specifically designated device with weatherproof construction, great camera and suitable software. However, more simple models can be used for casual hiking, for instance.
Score components:
15%
Video Resolution + FPS
8.4
10%
Photo Resolution (Mp)
8.4
10%
Live View (FPV) Quality
9.0
10%
Flight time (min)
7.6
7%
Control distance (meters)
7.9
5%
FOV (degrees)
9.4
5%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.3
5%
Max height (meters)
N/S
5%
GPS
10.0
5%
Trajectory flight
10.0
4%
Obstacle Detection
5.0
3%
Circle Fly
10.0
3%
Altitude hold
10.0
3%
GLONASS
5.0
3%
Operating temperature range (C)
N/S
2%
Protection Guards
5.0
2%
Return Home
10.0
2%
Max wind speed resistance (m/s)
6.3
1%
Galileo
5.0
Racing
7.2
X
What it is: If you intend to use your drone for racing, it must be light, highly maneuverable, and fast, of course. These devices are also wind resistant and feature Protection Guards or Obstacle Detection function.
Score components:
30%
Max speed (km/h)
7.1
20%
Control distance (meters)
7.9
10%
Flight time (min)
7.6
10%
Max wind speed resistance (m/s)
6.3
5%
Max ascend speed (m/s)
N/S
5%
Max descend speed (m/s)
N/S
5%
Obstacle Detection
5.0
5%
Protection Guards
5.0
5%
Return Home
10.0
5%
Headless mode
N/S
Fishing
8.5
X
What it is: The product will be used for fishing. A high-quality camera with wide field of view is required in the first place. Also, the device must be ultra-quiet and feature an extra-long control distance.
Score components:
15%
Live View (FPV) Quality
9.0
11%
Control distance (meters)
7.9
10%
FOV (degrees)
9.4
10%
Flight time (min)
7.6
10%
Video Resolution + FPS
8.4
7%
GPS
10.0
5%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.3
5%
Max height (meters)
N/S
3%
Max wind speed resistance (m/s)
6.3
3%
Circle Fly
10.0
3%
Return Home
10.0
3%
Obstacle Detection
5.0
3%
GLONASS
5.0
3%
Operating temperature range (C)
N/S
3%
Charging time (min)
N/S
2%
Trajectory flight
10.0
2%
Altitude hold
10.0
2%
Smartphone controlled
10.0
Hunting
8.5
X
What it is: The drone’s going to be used for hunting purposes. It must be extra-quiet and compact, as well as have a powerful, high-capacity battery. The case must be sturdy, operate at low temperatures, and withstand all weather elements.
Score components:
13%
Live View (FPV) Quality
9.0
12%
FOV (degrees)
9.4
11%
Control distance (meters)
7.9
10%
Flight time (min)
7.6
10%
Video Resolution + FPS
8.4
7%
GPS
10.0
5%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.3
5%
Max height (meters)
N/S
3%
Max wind speed resistance (m/s)
6.3
3%
Circle Fly
10.0
3%
Return Home
10.0
3%
Obstacle Detection
5.0
3%
GLONASS
5.0
3%
Operating temperature range (C)
N/S
3%
Charging time (min)
N/S
2%
Trajectory flight
10.0
2%
Altitude hold
10.0
2%
Smartphone controlled
10.0
Fun
7.7
X
What it is: Drones used for fun must feature a wide array of additional functionality – such as a 360° flip, Voice and Gesture control, RGB lights, and Protection Guards/Obstacle Detection.
Score components:
10%
Flight time (min)
7.6
10%
Charging time (min)
N/S
10%
Follow me
10.0
10%
Circle Fly
10.0
10%
360° flip
5.0
6%
Control distance (meters)
7.9
5%
Max speed (km/h)
7.1
5%
Obstacle Detection
5.0
5%
Trajectory flight
10.0
5%
Voice control
5.0
5%
Gesture control
N/S
5%
Headless mode
N/S
5%
Altitude hold
10.0
3%
Max height (meters)
N/S
3%
Protection Guards
5.0
3%
Return Home
10.0
Why are we impressed?
This drone offers powerful flight performance thanks to its powerful brushless motor. It is also built to be quite easy to control, even for beginners. The intuitive remote control features a screen that displays vital stats as you fly your bird. This further improves your flight experience with this drone. We also love the Electronic Image Stabilization feature that comes with this drone which is designed to help stabilize the camera footage.
What negatives must you be aware of?
If there's anything we don't like about this drone, it is the fact that it cannot be folded which is strange considering the fact that most portable machines in the same category as this drone tend to be foldable. This makes it quite bulky despite its size. Good luck getting around with that! You will have some trouble packing this drone in your backpack to carry with you. If you can look past these small issues, the drone offers value for your money with everything else.
With the DEERC D15, you get 22 minutes of flight time. The maximum distance from which you can control the drone is about 1000 meters. This gives you plenty of airspaces to fly your drone. This portable drone comes equipped with a 4K UHD camera for photography. It also features an advanced EIS system that works to ensure that the footage is stable and smooth.
At first glance, you will most likely notice a lot of similarities between the DEERC D15 and Holy Stone HS700D, another popular low-priced drone for a different company. But while both look the same in terms of appearance, there are a few design differences. With the DEERC D15, you get a slightly longer flight time and more remote control distance.
What it is: For general purpose. The drone will be used on different occasions - mainly for taking photos and video recording. However, the model can also be used for geographic mapping, hunting and fishing or just for fun.
Score components:
34%
Video
9.0
27%
Photography
9.2
12%
Geographic mapping
8.5
8%
Fishing
8.8
6%
Hunting
8.8
5%
Spy / Surveillance
8.8
5%
Racing
8.1
3%
Fun
8.2
Video
8.9
X
What it is: The drone will be used for video recording: professional cinematography, blogging, or any other purpose. The product’s required to feature high-resolution camera, wide field of view, and large memory card capacity, among other specs.
Score components:
35%
Video Resolution + FPS
9.3
10%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.3
10%
Live View (FPV) Quality
N/S
8%
Max memory card capacity (GB)
8.2
7%
FOV (degrees)
9.1
5%
Camera Mount Type
8.9
5%
Max height (meters)
7.7
5%
Smartphone controlled
10.0
3%
Follow me
10.0
3%
Altitude hold
10.0
3%
Circle Fly
10.0
3%
360° flip
5.0
3%
VR glasses compatibility
N/S
Photography
9.1
X
What it is: The drone’s going to be used for taking photos – it’s expected to possess a high-resolution camera, Altitude Hold feature for stabilization, as well as other useful features in this case – such as Circle Fly or Gesture Control.
Score components:
45%
Photo Resolution (Mp)
N/S
15%
FOV (degrees)
9.1
10%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.3
10%
Max memory card capacity (GB)
8.2
10%
GPS
10.0
7%
Camera Mount Type
8.9
3%
Altitude hold
10.0
Spy / Surveillance
8.7
X
What it is: The drone is going to be used as a quiet surveillance device. We were targeting on those with great camera specifications (Live View quality in particular), impressive control distance, and additional handy features, such as GPS or Obstacle Detection.
Score components:
20%
Live View (FPV) Quality
N/S
15%
Video Resolution + FPS
9.3
10%
FOV (degrees)
9.1
9%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.3
8%
Flight time (min)
9.0
7%
Max memory card capacity (GB)
8.2
5%
Control distance (meters)
8.1
5%
GPS
10.0
3%
GLONASS
5.0
3%
Circle Fly
10.0
3%
Trajectory flight
N/S
3%
Return Home
10.0
2%
Protection Guards
5.0
2%
Obstacle Detection
5.0
2%
Altitude hold
10.0
2%
Smartphone controlled
10.0
1%
Galileo
5.0
Geographic mapping
8.6
X
What it is: The device will be used for mapping and surveying. Ideally, it’s a specifically designated device with weatherproof construction, great camera and suitable software. However, more simple models can be used for casual hiking, for instance.
Score components:
15%
Video Resolution + FPS
9.3
10%
Photo Resolution (Mp)
N/S
10%
Live View (FPV) Quality
N/S
10%
Flight time (min)
9.0
7%
Control distance (meters)
8.1
5%
FOV (degrees)
9.1
5%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.3
5%
Max height (meters)
7.7
5%
GPS
10.0
5%
Trajectory flight
N/S
4%
Obstacle Detection
5.0
3%
Circle Fly
10.0
3%
Altitude hold
10.0
3%
GLONASS
5.0
3%
Operating temperature range (C)
N/S
2%
Protection Guards
5.0
2%
Return Home
10.0
2%
Max wind speed resistance (m/s)
N/S
1%
Galileo
5.0
Racing
8.1
X
What it is: If you intend to use your drone for racing, it must be light, highly maneuverable, and fast, of course. These devices are also wind resistant and feature Protection Guards or Obstacle Detection function.
Score components:
30%
Max speed (km/h)
8.6
20%
Control distance (meters)
8.1
10%
Flight time (min)
9.0
10%
Max wind speed resistance (m/s)
N/S
5%
Max ascend speed (m/s)
N/S
5%
Max descend speed (m/s)
N/S
5%
Obstacle Detection
5.0
5%
Protection Guards
5.0
5%
Return Home
10.0
5%
Headless mode
N/S
Fishing
8.7
X
What it is: The product will be used for fishing. A high-quality camera with wide field of view is required in the first place. Also, the device must be ultra-quiet and feature an extra-long control distance.
Score components:
15%
Live View (FPV) Quality
N/S
11%
Control distance (meters)
8.1
10%
FOV (degrees)
9.1
10%
Flight time (min)
9.0
10%
Video Resolution + FPS
9.3
7%
GPS
10.0
5%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.3
5%
Max height (meters)
7.7
3%
Max wind speed resistance (m/s)
N/S
3%
Circle Fly
10.0
3%
Return Home
10.0
3%
Obstacle Detection
5.0
3%
GLONASS
5.0
3%
Operating temperature range (C)
N/S
3%
Charging time (min)
N/S
2%
Trajectory flight
N/S
2%
Altitude hold
10.0
2%
Smartphone controlled
10.0
Hunting
8.8
X
What it is: The drone’s going to be used for hunting purposes. It must be extra-quiet and compact, as well as have a powerful, high-capacity battery. The case must be sturdy, operate at low temperatures, and withstand all weather elements.
Score components:
13%
Live View (FPV) Quality
N/S
12%
FOV (degrees)
9.1
11%
Control distance (meters)
8.1
10%
Flight time (min)
9.0
10%
Video Resolution + FPS
9.3
7%
GPS
10.0
5%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.3
5%
Max height (meters)
7.7
3%
Max wind speed resistance (m/s)
N/S
3%
Circle Fly
10.0
3%
Return Home
10.0
3%
Obstacle Detection
5.0
3%
GLONASS
5.0
3%
Operating temperature range (C)
N/S
3%
Charging time (min)
N/S
2%
Trajectory flight
N/S
2%
Altitude hold
10.0
2%
Smartphone controlled
10.0
Fun
8.1
X
What it is: Drones used for fun must feature a wide array of additional functionality – such as a 360° flip, Voice and Gesture control, RGB lights, and Protection Guards/Obstacle Detection.
Score components:
10%
Flight time (min)
9.0
10%
Charging time (min)
N/S
10%
Follow me
10.0
10%
Circle Fly
10.0
10%
360° flip
5.0
6%
Control distance (meters)
8.1
5%
Max speed (km/h)
8.6
5%
Obstacle Detection
5.0
5%
Trajectory flight
N/S
5%
Voice control
N/S
5%
Gesture control
N/S
5%
Headless mode
N/S
5%
Altitude hold
10.0
3%
Max height (meters)
7.7
3%
Protection Guards
5.0
3%
Return Home
10.0
What makes it special?
We love how well-built this unit is. The fact that you're holding a serious piece of equipment is obvious right off the package. We also find the drone's aluminum casing quite useful as it provides additional protection and makes it easier to carry the unit with you. The drone itself is foldable which means you can put it in your backpack should you decide not to use the carrying case. It features four brushless motors which are quite efficient and operate silently. You also get extra propellers in the package which you can use to replace the current ones if they get damaged.
What cons did we find?
The Potensic D88 is powered by a 3400 mAh LI-Po battery but the battery can only get you 20 minutes of flight time. This is decent enough for a drone of its price range but not quite impressive. What's worse, the drone takes a few hours to come to full charge which means you will find yourself waiting for hours only to fly the drone for 20 minutes. You may consider getting an extra battery to make up for this.
The Potensic D88 is a portable foldable drone mounted with a 2K camera. It features a 1 axis gimbal designed to keep the bird stable in the air. The Potensic D88 performs impressively as an aerial photography drone. It also offers impressive flight performance. The intelligent flight modes make the drone easier to fly, even for a beginner. You get between 15 to 20 minutes of flight time with this drone.
The Potensic D85 is another 2K camera from Potensic that is quite similar to the D88. The major difference between them is that this one offers additional features such as optical flow positioning and altitude hold. You also won’t get as much battery power or control range with that one as you would with this one. But the Potensic D88 comes at a slightly higher price point due to the extra features.
What it is: For general purpose. The drone will be used on different occasions - mainly for taking photos and video recording. However, the model can also be used for geographic mapping, hunting and fishing or just for fun.
Score components:
34%
Video
9.6
27%
Photography
9.3
12%
Geographic mapping
8.9
8%
Fishing
9.0
6%
Hunting
9.0
5%
Spy / Surveillance
8.9
5%
Racing
7.1
3%
Fun
8.7
Video
9.7
X
What it is: The drone will be used for video recording: professional cinematography, blogging, or any other purpose. The product’s required to feature high-resolution camera, wide field of view, and large memory card capacity, among other specs.
Score components:
35%
Video Resolution + FPS
9.8
10%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.3
10%
Live View (FPV) Quality
N/S
8%
Max memory card capacity (GB)
8.2
7%
FOV (degrees)
9.3
5%
Camera Mount Type
N/S
5%
Max height (meters)
N/S
5%
Smartphone controlled
10.0
3%
Follow me
10.0
3%
Altitude hold
10.0
3%
Circle Fly
10.0
3%
360° flip
10.0
3%
VR glasses compatibility
10.0
Photography
9.2
X
What it is: The drone’s going to be used for taking photos – it’s expected to possess a high-resolution camera, Altitude Hold feature for stabilization, as well as other useful features in this case – such as Circle Fly or Gesture Control.
Score components:
45%
Photo Resolution (Mp)
N/S
15%
FOV (degrees)
9.3
10%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.3
10%
Max memory card capacity (GB)
8.2
10%
GPS
10.0
7%
Camera Mount Type
N/S
3%
Altitude hold
10.0
Spy / Surveillance
8.9
X
What it is: The drone is going to be used as a quiet surveillance device. We were targeting on those with great camera specifications (Live View quality in particular), impressive control distance, and additional handy features, such as GPS or Obstacle Detection.
Score components:
20%
Live View (FPV) Quality
N/S
15%
Video Resolution + FPS
9.8
10%
FOV (degrees)
9.3
9%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.3
8%
Flight time (min)
7.7
7%
Max memory card capacity (GB)
8.2
5%
Control distance (meters)
N/S
5%
GPS
10.0
3%
GLONASS
5.0
3%
Circle Fly
10.0
3%
Trajectory flight
10.0
3%
Return Home
10.0
2%
Protection Guards
5.0
2%
Obstacle Detection
N/S
2%
Altitude hold
10.0
2%
Smartphone controlled
10.0
1%
Galileo
5.0
Geographic mapping
8.9
X
What it is: The device will be used for mapping and surveying. Ideally, it’s a specifically designated device with weatherproof construction, great camera and suitable software. However, more simple models can be used for casual hiking, for instance.
Score components:
15%
Video Resolution + FPS
9.8
10%
Photo Resolution (Mp)
N/S
10%
Live View (FPV) Quality
N/S
10%
Flight time (min)
7.7
7%
Control distance (meters)
N/S
5%
FOV (degrees)
9.3
5%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.3
5%
Max height (meters)
N/S
5%
GPS
10.0
5%
Trajectory flight
10.0
4%
Obstacle Detection
N/S
3%
Circle Fly
10.0
3%
Altitude hold
10.0
3%
GLONASS
5.0
3%
Operating temperature range (C)
N/S
2%
Protection Guards
5.0
2%
Return Home
10.0
2%
Max wind speed resistance (m/s)
N/S
1%
Galileo
5.0
Racing
N/A
X
What it is: If you intend to use your drone for racing, it must be light, highly maneuverable, and fast, of course. These devices are also wind resistant and feature Protection Guards or Obstacle Detection function.
Score components:
30%
Max speed (km/h)
N/S
20%
Control distance (meters)
N/S
10%
Flight time (min)
7.7
10%
Max wind speed resistance (m/s)
N/S
5%
Max ascend speed (m/s)
N/S
5%
Max descend speed (m/s)
N/S
5%
Obstacle Detection
N/S
5%
Protection Guards
5.0
5%
Return Home
10.0
5%
Headless mode
5.0
Fishing
9.1
X
What it is: The product will be used for fishing. A high-quality camera with wide field of view is required in the first place. Also, the device must be ultra-quiet and feature an extra-long control distance.
Score components:
15%
Live View (FPV) Quality
N/S
11%
Control distance (meters)
N/S
10%
FOV (degrees)
9.3
10%
Flight time (min)
7.7
10%
Video Resolution + FPS
9.8
7%
GPS
10.0
5%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.3
5%
Max height (meters)
N/S
3%
Max wind speed resistance (m/s)
N/S
3%
Circle Fly
10.0
3%
Return Home
10.0
3%
Obstacle Detection
N/S
3%
GLONASS
5.0
3%
Operating temperature range (C)
N/S
3%
Charging time (min)
7.1
2%
Trajectory flight
10.0
2%
Altitude hold
10.0
2%
Smartphone controlled
10.0
Hunting
8.9
X
What it is: The drone’s going to be used for hunting purposes. It must be extra-quiet and compact, as well as have a powerful, high-capacity battery. The case must be sturdy, operate at low temperatures, and withstand all weather elements.
Score components:
13%
Live View (FPV) Quality
N/S
12%
FOV (degrees)
9.3
11%
Control distance (meters)
N/S
10%
Flight time (min)
7.7
10%
Video Resolution + FPS
9.8
7%
GPS
10.0
5%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.3
5%
Max height (meters)
N/S
3%
Max wind speed resistance (m/s)
N/S
3%
Circle Fly
10.0
3%
Return Home
10.0
3%
Obstacle Detection
N/S
3%
GLONASS
5.0
3%
Operating temperature range (C)
N/S
3%
Charging time (min)
7.1
2%
Trajectory flight
10.0
2%
Altitude hold
10.0
2%
Smartphone controlled
10.0
Fun
N/A
X
What it is: Drones used for fun must feature a wide array of additional functionality – such as a 360° flip, Voice and Gesture control, RGB lights, and Protection Guards/Obstacle Detection.
Score components:
10%
Flight time (min)
7.7
10%
Charging time (min)
7.1
10%
Follow me
10.0
10%
Circle Fly
10.0
10%
360° flip
10.0
6%
Control distance (meters)
N/S
5%
Max speed (km/h)
N/S
5%
Obstacle Detection
N/S
5%
Trajectory flight
10.0
5%
Voice control
N/S
5%
Gesture control
N/S
5%
Headless mode
5.0
5%
Altitude hold
10.0
3%
Max height (meters)
N/S
3%
Protection Guards
5.0
3%
Return Home
10.0
Why did it make our list?
We love how easy to use this drone is. Users at any level will find the B5W quite easy to control. The fact that it is stable in the air is quite impressive as well. We were also impressed with the long-range control of this drone. You get up to 1148-1640FT of live video transmission on this drone. You can also control it from as far as 2296FT away.
What is not ideal about it?
Overall, the B5W is a nice drone, with powerful motors and a decent camera. The major snag with it, as with many others in this price range, is the battery life which is not quite impressive. Although the manufacturer promises 20 minutes of flight time, you are unlikely to get that much juice out of it. This wouldn't be so much of a problem if the drone charges up fast enough.
The Sanrock B5W is a powerful multifunctional drone with loads of advanced features for a unit in its price range. Not only will you be getting a durable and well-built drone with this machine, but the Sanrock B5W is also quite easy to fly thanks to loads of advanced flying aids such as a Follow Me mode, one-button start, air pressure, and altitude control function. It also comes mounted with a good quality 4K camera with advanced image capture features.
Its weight is one major thing that stands out with this drone compared to others in its price range, like the DEERC D15 and the Potensic D68 drone. The Sanrock B5W is heavier than these other units. While this reduces its portability, the weight offers some benefits in terms of wind resistance. You can easily fly the B5W outside regardless of the flying conditions outside.
What it is: For general purpose. The drone will be used on different occasions - mainly for taking photos and video recording. However, the model can also be used for geographic mapping, hunting and fishing or just for fun.
Score components:
34%
Video
8.8
27%
Photography
9.2
12%
Geographic mapping
8.1
8%
Fishing
8.2
6%
Hunting
8.2
5%
Spy / Surveillance
8.4
5%
Racing
7.5
3%
Fun
7.4
Video
8.8
X
What it is: The drone will be used for video recording: professional cinematography, blogging, or any other purpose. The product’s required to feature high-resolution camera, wide field of view, and large memory card capacity, among other specs.
Score components:
35%
Video Resolution + FPS
8.8
10%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.0
10%
Live View (FPV) Quality
N/S
8%
Max memory card capacity (GB)
8.2
7%
FOV (degrees)
9.3
5%
Camera Mount Type
N/S
5%
Max height (meters)
N/S
5%
Smartphone controlled
10.0
3%
Follow me
10.0
3%
Altitude hold
10.0
3%
Circle Fly
5.0
3%
360° flip
5.0
3%
VR glasses compatibility
10.0
Photography
9.2
X
What it is: The drone’s going to be used for taking photos – it’s expected to possess a high-resolution camera, Altitude Hold feature for stabilization, as well as other useful features in this case – such as Circle Fly or Gesture Control.
Score components:
45%
Photo Resolution (Mp)
N/S
15%
FOV (degrees)
9.3
10%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.0
10%
Max memory card capacity (GB)
8.2
10%
GPS
10.0
7%
Camera Mount Type
N/S
3%
Altitude hold
10.0
Spy / Surveillance
8.6
X
What it is: The drone is going to be used as a quiet surveillance device. We were targeting on those with great camera specifications (Live View quality in particular), impressive control distance, and additional handy features, such as GPS or Obstacle Detection.
Score components:
20%
Live View (FPV) Quality
N/S
15%
Video Resolution + FPS
8.8
10%
FOV (degrees)
9.3
9%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.0
8%
Flight time (min)
7.3
7%
Max memory card capacity (GB)
8.2
5%
Control distance (meters)
7.0
5%
GPS
10.0
3%
GLONASS
5.0
3%
Circle Fly
5.0
3%
Trajectory flight
10.0
3%
Return Home
10.0
2%
Protection Guards
10.0
2%
Obstacle Detection
5.0
2%
Altitude hold
10.0
2%
Smartphone controlled
10.0
1%
Galileo
5.0
Geographic mapping
8.1
X
What it is: The device will be used for mapping and surveying. Ideally, it’s a specifically designated device with weatherproof construction, great camera and suitable software. However, more simple models can be used for casual hiking, for instance.
Score components:
15%
Video Resolution + FPS
8.8
10%
Photo Resolution (Mp)
N/S
10%
Live View (FPV) Quality
N/S
10%
Flight time (min)
7.3
7%
Control distance (meters)
7.0
5%
FOV (degrees)
9.3
5%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.0
5%
Max height (meters)
N/S
5%
GPS
10.0
5%
Trajectory flight
10.0
4%
Obstacle Detection
5.0
3%
Circle Fly
5.0
3%
Altitude hold
10.0
3%
GLONASS
5.0
3%
Operating temperature range (C)
N/S
2%
Protection Guards
10.0
2%
Return Home
10.0
2%
Max wind speed resistance (m/s)
N/S
1%
Galileo
5.0
Racing
N/A
X
What it is: If you intend to use your drone for racing, it must be light, highly maneuverable, and fast, of course. These devices are also wind resistant and feature Protection Guards or Obstacle Detection function.
Score components:
30%
Max speed (km/h)
N/S
20%
Control distance (meters)
7.0
10%
Flight time (min)
7.3
10%
Max wind speed resistance (m/s)
N/S
5%
Max ascend speed (m/s)
N/S
5%
Max descend speed (m/s)
N/S
5%
Obstacle Detection
5.0
5%
Protection Guards
10.0
5%
Return Home
10.0
5%
Headless mode
N/S
Fishing
8.3
X
What it is: The product will be used for fishing. A high-quality camera with wide field of view is required in the first place. Also, the device must be ultra-quiet and feature an extra-long control distance.
Score components:
15%
Live View (FPV) Quality
N/S
11%
Control distance (meters)
7.0
10%
FOV (degrees)
9.3
10%
Flight time (min)
7.3
10%
Video Resolution + FPS
8.8
7%
GPS
10.0
5%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.0
5%
Max height (meters)
N/S
3%
Max wind speed resistance (m/s)
N/S
3%
Circle Fly
5.0
3%
Return Home
10.0
3%
Obstacle Detection
5.0
3%
GLONASS
5.0
3%
Operating temperature range (C)
N/S
3%
Charging time (min)
9.2
2%
Trajectory flight
10.0
2%
Altitude hold
10.0
2%
Smartphone controlled
10.0
Hunting
8.5
X
What it is: The drone’s going to be used for hunting purposes. It must be extra-quiet and compact, as well as have a powerful, high-capacity battery. The case must be sturdy, operate at low temperatures, and withstand all weather elements.
Score components:
13%
Live View (FPV) Quality
N/S
12%
FOV (degrees)
9.3
11%
Control distance (meters)
7.0
10%
Flight time (min)
7.3
10%
Video Resolution + FPS
8.8
7%
GPS
10.0
5%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.0
5%
Max height (meters)
N/S
3%
Max wind speed resistance (m/s)
N/S
3%
Circle Fly
5.0
3%
Return Home
10.0
3%
Obstacle Detection
5.0
3%
GLONASS
5.0
3%
Operating temperature range (C)
N/S
3%
Charging time (min)
9.2
2%
Trajectory flight
10.0
2%
Altitude hold
10.0
2%
Smartphone controlled
10.0
Fun
N/A
X
What it is: Drones used for fun must feature a wide array of additional functionality – such as a 360° flip, Voice and Gesture control, RGB lights, and Protection Guards/Obstacle Detection.
Score components:
10%
Flight time (min)
7.3
10%
Charging time (min)
9.2
10%
Follow me
10.0
10%
Circle Fly
5.0
10%
360° flip
5.0
6%
Control distance (meters)
7.0
5%
Max speed (km/h)
N/S
5%
Obstacle Detection
5.0
5%
Trajectory flight
10.0
5%
Voice control
5.0
5%
Gesture control
5.0
5%
Headless mode
N/S
5%
Altitude hold
10.0
3%
Max height (meters)
N/S
3%
Protection Guards
10.0
3%
Return Home
10.0
Why are we impressed?
We love the overall quality of this drone. At first glance and use, you wouldn’t be able to tell it costs just about $150, meaning you get a lot more value for your money. The first-person view is quite good and helps with recording high-quality video. Speaking of video, the quality in this option is better than what you’d expect at this price. It features easy-use features for beginners, e.g., GPS assist fly, and follow me mode. Furthermore, headless mode, one-key take-off, and landing are all available.
What negatives must you be aware of?
While it is impressive for a device at this price range, there are a couple of downsides we noted as well. The flight time, for instance, is relatively short, meaning you can’t use it for long without running out of juice. This is due to the small 1000 mAh batteries. The 300m control range is also nothing to write home about.
Looking at the features, it’s hard to believe that the Potensic T25 is one of the more low-cost drone options on the list. The video quality is one of its more impressive features. It records 2K video with its adjustable wide-angle camera on the drone’s underside. The camera in question can be adjusted 75° midflight. It’s therefore very effective for recording memories. At the same time, the first-person view image you get on the connected smartphone while using the drone is also quite vivid and clear.
The Potensic T25 is comparable to another drone offering from the same manufacturer on the list, the Potensic D88. Both offer high-definition video, although the D88 offers better 4K resolution compared to the T25’s 2K output. The D88 is also bulkier, flies for longer, and has a bigger battery. These are all perks of spending more money on the device. However, for a more affordable device that offers excellent video resolution, the T25 seems like a better pick.
What it is: For general purpose. The drone will be used on different occasions - mainly for taking photos and video recording. However, the model can also be used for geographic mapping, hunting and fishing or just for fun.
Score components:
34%
Video
9.2
27%
Photography
8.8
12%
Geographic mapping
8.7
8%
Fishing
9.0
6%
Hunting
8.9
5%
Spy / Surveillance
9.0
5%
Racing
7.8
3%
Fun
8.1
Video
9.1
X
What it is: The drone will be used for video recording: professional cinematography, blogging, or any other purpose. The product’s required to feature high-resolution camera, wide field of view, and large memory card capacity, among other specs.
Score components:
35%
Video Resolution + FPS
9.3
10%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.3
10%
Live View (FPV) Quality
9.8
8%
Max memory card capacity (GB)
8.2
7%
FOV (degrees)
9.3
5%
Camera Mount Type
N/S
5%
Max height (meters)
N/S
5%
Smartphone controlled
10.0
3%
Follow me
10.0
3%
Altitude hold
10.0
3%
Circle Fly
10.0
3%
360° flip
5.0
3%
VR glasses compatibility
10.0
Photography
8.8
X
What it is: The drone’s going to be used for taking photos – it’s expected to possess a high-resolution camera, Altitude Hold feature for stabilization, as well as other useful features in this case – such as Circle Fly or Gesture Control.
Score components:
45%
Photo Resolution (Mp)
8.3
15%
FOV (degrees)
9.3
10%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.3
10%
Max memory card capacity (GB)
8.2
10%
GPS
10.0
7%
Camera Mount Type
N/S
3%
Altitude hold
10.0
Spy / Surveillance
9.0
X
What it is: The drone is going to be used as a quiet surveillance device. We were targeting on those with great camera specifications (Live View quality in particular), impressive control distance, and additional handy features, such as GPS or Obstacle Detection.
Score components:
20%
Live View (FPV) Quality
9.8
15%
Video Resolution + FPS
9.3
10%
FOV (degrees)
9.3
9%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.3
8%
Flight time (min)
8.9
7%
Max memory card capacity (GB)
8.2
5%
Control distance (meters)
8.1
5%
GPS
10.0
3%
GLONASS
5.0
3%
Circle Fly
10.0
3%
Trajectory flight
N/S
3%
Return Home
10.0
2%
Protection Guards
5.0
2%
Obstacle Detection
5.0
2%
Altitude hold
10.0
2%
Smartphone controlled
10.0
1%
Galileo
5.0
Geographic mapping
8.7
X
What it is: The device will be used for mapping and surveying. Ideally, it’s a specifically designated device with weatherproof construction, great camera and suitable software. However, more simple models can be used for casual hiking, for instance.
Score components:
15%
Video Resolution + FPS
9.3
10%
Photo Resolution (Mp)
8.3
10%
Live View (FPV) Quality
9.8
10%
Flight time (min)
8.9
7%
Control distance (meters)
8.1
5%
FOV (degrees)
9.3
5%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.3
5%
Max height (meters)
N/S
5%
GPS
10.0
5%
Trajectory flight
N/S
4%
Obstacle Detection
5.0
3%
Circle Fly
10.0
3%
Altitude hold
10.0
3%
GLONASS
5.0
3%
Operating temperature range (C)
N/S
2%
Protection Guards
5.0
2%
Return Home
10.0
2%
Max wind speed resistance (m/s)
N/S
1%
Galileo
5.0
Racing
N/A
X
What it is: If you intend to use your drone for racing, it must be light, highly maneuverable, and fast, of course. These devices are also wind resistant and feature Protection Guards or Obstacle Detection function.
Score components:
30%
Max speed (km/h)
N/S
20%
Control distance (meters)
8.1
10%
Flight time (min)
8.9
10%
Max wind speed resistance (m/s)
N/S
5%
Max ascend speed (m/s)
N/S
5%
Max descend speed (m/s)
N/S
5%
Obstacle Detection
5.0
5%
Protection Guards
5.0
5%
Return Home
10.0
5%
Headless mode
N/S
Fishing
8.9
X
What it is: The product will be used for fishing. A high-quality camera with wide field of view is required in the first place. Also, the device must be ultra-quiet and feature an extra-long control distance.
Score components:
15%
Live View (FPV) Quality
9.8
11%
Control distance (meters)
8.1
10%
FOV (degrees)
9.3
10%
Flight time (min)
8.9
10%
Video Resolution + FPS
9.3
7%
GPS
10.0
5%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.3
5%
Max height (meters)
N/S
3%
Max wind speed resistance (m/s)
N/S
3%
Circle Fly
10.0
3%
Return Home
10.0
3%
Obstacle Detection
5.0
3%
GLONASS
5.0
3%
Operating temperature range (C)
N/S
3%
Charging time (min)
7.7
2%
Trajectory flight
N/S
2%
Altitude hold
10.0
2%
Smartphone controlled
10.0
Hunting
8.9
X
What it is: The drone’s going to be used for hunting purposes. It must be extra-quiet and compact, as well as have a powerful, high-capacity battery. The case must be sturdy, operate at low temperatures, and withstand all weather elements.
Score components:
13%
Live View (FPV) Quality
9.8
12%
FOV (degrees)
9.3
11%
Control distance (meters)
8.1
10%
Flight time (min)
8.9
10%
Video Resolution + FPS
9.3
7%
GPS
10.0
5%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.3
5%
Max height (meters)
N/S
3%
Max wind speed resistance (m/s)
N/S
3%
Circle Fly
10.0
3%
Return Home
10.0
3%
Obstacle Detection
5.0
3%
GLONASS
5.0
3%
Operating temperature range (C)
N/S
3%
Charging time (min)
7.7
2%
Trajectory flight
N/S
2%
Altitude hold
10.0
2%
Smartphone controlled
10.0
Fun
N/A
X
What it is: Drones used for fun must feature a wide array of additional functionality – such as a 360° flip, Voice and Gesture control, RGB lights, and Protection Guards/Obstacle Detection.
Score components:
10%
Flight time (min)
8.9
10%
Charging time (min)
7.7
10%
Follow me
10.0
10%
Circle Fly
10.0
10%
360° flip
5.0
6%
Control distance (meters)
8.1
5%
Max speed (km/h)
N/S
5%
Obstacle Detection
5.0
5%
Trajectory flight
N/S
5%
Voice control
N/S
5%
Gesture control
N/S
5%
Headless mode
N/S
5%
Altitude hold
10.0
3%
Max height (meters)
N/S
3%
Protection Guards
5.0
3%
Return Home
10.0
Why are we impressed?
We are impressed by the different speed modes of this drone. This allows it to meet the operating preference of different categories of users. The one-key function is particularly helpful for beginners who are just learning to fly a drone. It also offers a safe flight experience thanks to the GPS mode and an auto-return function. The camera angle is decent with a 1080P resolution that allows it to shoot high-quality videos and pictures.
What negatives must you be aware of?
The Potensic D58 is not a foldable drone which is unfortunate considering the fact that most of the other things check out. Although it is not a big drone, the landing legs increase the footprint of the drone and make it difficult to simply carry in a backpack. It's a good thing that you have the option of purchasing an aluminum casing with it. You might want to get this case if you intend to carry the drone around with you a lot.
Potensic is a well-known name in the low-cost but good quality drone segment, and the Potensic D58 meets that criteria. Not only is it affordable, but it is also a well-built drone with a number of smart flight modes for easy control. The D58 is not heavy, which makes it quite easy to fly. It flies smoothly and comes mounted with a 1080p HD camera with a wide-angle field of view of 120°. The Potensic D58 has a dual camera design which each battery giving you 15 minutes of flight time.
As far as build goes, the D58 has a similar appearance to many other top quadcopter brands like the Potensic D85 from the same company and other brands like the HS700 Ophelia and the DJI Phantom 4. But it is a bit on the smaller side compared to this unit. Another thing that sets it apart is the user-friendly controls which makes it suitable for beginners. At the same time, it offers some pretty advanced features that more advanced pilots will find quite impressive.
What it is: For general purpose. The drone will be used on different occasions - mainly for taking photos and video recording. However, the model can also be used for geographic mapping, hunting and fishing or just for fun.
Score components:
34%
Video
8.9
27%
Photography
9.1
12%
Geographic mapping
8.9
8%
Fishing
9.0
6%
Hunting
9.0
5%
Spy / Surveillance
9.1
5%
Racing
8.5
3%
Fun
8.7
Video
8.8
X
What it is: The drone will be used for video recording: professional cinematography, blogging, or any other purpose. The product’s required to feature high-resolution camera, wide field of view, and large memory card capacity, among other specs.
Score components:
35%
Video Resolution + FPS
8.4
10%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.6
10%
Live View (FPV) Quality
9.4
8%
Max memory card capacity (GB)
9.7
7%
FOV (degrees)
8.0
5%
Camera Mount Type
10.0
5%
Max height (meters)
8.9
5%
Smartphone controlled
10.0
3%
Follow me
N/S
3%
Altitude hold
N/S
3%
Circle Fly
10.0
3%
360° flip
N/S
3%
VR glasses compatibility
5.0
Photography
9.0
X
What it is: The drone’s going to be used for taking photos – it’s expected to possess a high-resolution camera, Altitude Hold feature for stabilization, as well as other useful features in this case – such as Circle Fly or Gesture Control.
Score components:
45%
Photo Resolution (Mp)
8.8
15%
FOV (degrees)
8.0
10%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.6
10%
Max memory card capacity (GB)
9.7
10%
GPS
10.0
7%
Camera Mount Type
10.0
3%
Altitude hold
N/S
Spy / Surveillance
8.9
X
What it is: The drone is going to be used as a quiet surveillance device. We were targeting on those with great camera specifications (Live View quality in particular), impressive control distance, and additional handy features, such as GPS or Obstacle Detection.
Score components:
20%
Live View (FPV) Quality
9.4
15%
Video Resolution + FPS
8.4
10%
FOV (degrees)
8.0
9%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.6
8%
Flight time (min)
8.4
7%
Max memory card capacity (GB)
9.7
5%
Control distance (meters)
9.2
5%
GPS
10.0
3%
GLONASS
10.0
3%
Circle Fly
10.0
3%
Trajectory flight
N/S
3%
Return Home
10.0
2%
Protection Guards
5.0
2%
Obstacle Detection
10.0
2%
Altitude hold
N/S
2%
Smartphone controlled
10.0
1%
Galileo
10.0
Geographic mapping
8.8
X
What it is: The device will be used for mapping and surveying. Ideally, it’s a specifically designated device with weatherproof construction, great camera and suitable software. However, more simple models can be used for casual hiking, for instance.
Score components:
15%
Video Resolution + FPS
8.4
10%
Photo Resolution (Mp)
8.8
10%
Live View (FPV) Quality
9.4
10%
Flight time (min)
8.4
7%
Control distance (meters)
9.2
5%
FOV (degrees)
8.0
5%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.6
5%
Max height (meters)
8.9
5%
GPS
10.0
5%
Trajectory flight
N/S
4%
Obstacle Detection
10.0
3%
Circle Fly
10.0
3%
Altitude hold
N/S
3%
GLONASS
10.0
3%
Operating temperature range (C)
8.0
2%
Protection Guards
5.0
2%
Return Home
10.0
2%
Max wind speed resistance (m/s)
7.7
1%
Galileo
10.0
Racing
8.5
X
What it is: If you intend to use your drone for racing, it must be light, highly maneuverable, and fast, of course. These devices are also wind resistant and feature Protection Guards or Obstacle Detection function.
Score components:
30%
Max speed (km/h)
9.0
20%
Control distance (meters)
9.2
10%
Flight time (min)
8.4
10%
Max wind speed resistance (m/s)
7.7
5%
Max ascend speed (m/s)
8.9
5%
Max descend speed (m/s)
8.1
5%
Obstacle Detection
10.0
5%
Protection Guards
5.0
5%
Return Home
10.0
5%
Headless mode
5.0
Fishing
9.1
X
What it is: The product will be used for fishing. A high-quality camera with wide field of view is required in the first place. Also, the device must be ultra-quiet and feature an extra-long control distance.
Score components:
15%
Live View (FPV) Quality
9.4
11%
Control distance (meters)
9.2
10%
FOV (degrees)
8.0
10%
Flight time (min)
8.4
10%
Video Resolution + FPS
8.4
7%
GPS
10.0
5%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.6
5%
Max height (meters)
8.9
3%
Max wind speed resistance (m/s)
7.7
3%
Circle Fly
10.0
3%
Return Home
10.0
3%
Obstacle Detection
10.0
3%
GLONASS
10.0
3%
Operating temperature range (C)
8.0
3%
Charging time (min)
9.0
2%
Trajectory flight
N/S
2%
Altitude hold
N/S
2%
Smartphone controlled
10.0
Hunting
9.1
X
What it is: The drone’s going to be used for hunting purposes. It must be extra-quiet and compact, as well as have a powerful, high-capacity battery. The case must be sturdy, operate at low temperatures, and withstand all weather elements.
Score components:
13%
Live View (FPV) Quality
9.4
12%
FOV (degrees)
8.0
11%
Control distance (meters)
9.2
10%
Flight time (min)
8.4
10%
Video Resolution + FPS
8.4
7%
GPS
10.0
5%
Camera adjustability (degrees)
9.6
5%
Max height (meters)
8.9
3%
Max wind speed resistance (m/s)
7.7
3%
Circle Fly
10.0
3%
Return Home
10.0
3%
Obstacle Detection
10.0
3%
GLONASS
10.0
3%
Operating temperature range (C)
8.0
3%
Charging time (min)
9.0
2%
Trajectory flight
N/S
2%
Altitude hold
N/S
2%
Smartphone controlled
10.0
Fun
8.7
X
What it is: Drones used for fun must feature a wide array of additional functionality – such as a 360° flip, Voice and Gesture control, RGB lights, and Protection Guards/Obstacle Detection.
Score components:
10%
Flight time (min)
8.4
10%
Charging time (min)
9.0
10%
Follow me
N/S
10%
Circle Fly
10.0
10%
360° flip
N/S
6%
Control distance (meters)
9.2
5%
Max speed (km/h)
9.0
5%
Obstacle Detection
10.0
5%
Trajectory flight
N/S
5%
Voice control
N/S
5%
Gesture control
N/S
5%
Headless mode
5.0
5%
Altitude hold
N/S
3%
Max height (meters)
8.9
3%
Protection Guards
5.0
3%
Return Home
10.0
What makes it stand out?
For us, the video quality of this camera is its most impressive feature. A 12MP camera for photos along with a 4K video camera shooting at 30fps makes this tiny machine an impressive addition to any videographer's arsenal. The axis motorized gimbal ensures that the device captures clear and stable videos. With a max battery life of 31 minutes, you get plenty of flight time to get the perfect shot with this drone.
Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
Even though this drone is a bit on the expensive side of the $500 margin, it is a tiny drone which means a lot of features are still missing. Many of the sensors you will find on bigger units are not here. This Mini 2 does not have preprogrammed flight modes. There is also no active track mode or hyper-lapse. These are advanced features and most people won't even know there are missing. But it might be a big deal if these features are important to you.
The DJI Mini 2 Drone is the same size as its predecessor, which means it quietly slips under the FAA radar as far as drone registration is concerned. It is tiny-weighing around the same size as an apple. But this drone features strong motors, which make it powerful enough to sustain high wind conditions on the same level as some bigger drone models. It also comes with advanced features like the OcuSync 2.0 Video Transmission, giving you up to 10km of video transmission with strong anti-interference capabilities.
Like its predecessor, the DJI Mini 2 falls in the sub-250g category. But in its case, there are fewer feature compromises. The Original DJI Mini is mostly for those who are just making their entry into the world of drones. This one is good enough for more experienced pilots. The 4K video camera makes it an ideal choice for professional photographers and videographers.
Finding the perfect drone under $500 can be a bit of a difficult task. These days, there are plenty of options in that price range, making your shopping experience a bit overwhelming. There are several factors to consider to choose the ideal unit for you. In this section, we will go over some of the most important things to look out for in a bid to find a drone that will serve your needs and last for as long as possible.
What to expect from drones under $500?
When you’re looking to buy a drone, your choice should depend on what you are expecting to get. Don’t expect your $500 drone to come with a camera. Even a good quality entry-level camera drone will cost as much as $800. It’ll cost even more if you’re looking for a unit with extra features like an advanced sensor and sophisticated lenses that produce sharper image results. Those are higher-end drones and will cost a few thousand dollars. For $500, you’ll be able to get a fairly solid racing drone strong enough to handle a few crashes. Extra features you can expect on a $500 drone include self-hover features that make the drone easier to fly for beginner pilots, as well as a GPS feature.
Features to consider
As earlier mentioned, you can still get a fairly good enough drone for $500. The fact that you don’t have thousands of dollars to splash on a drone does not mean you have to settle for a low-quality device. In fact, as you will discover, the quality of drones in this lower price range has increased substantially over the years. There are also a variety of options to choose from. This means you need sufficient information to make a smart buying decision. Here are a few things to consider in order to ensure you’re getting the best drone under $500.
Flight time
Drone flights are quite short because of the limitations of the lithium polymer battery as well as the power to weight ratio that these batteries are able to achieve.
How much flight time will you be getting out of your drone on a single charge? This is one of the major complaints people tend to have about the drone. No one wants to spend hours charging a drone only to get 3-5 minutes of flight time. This would be rather disappointing. Be sure to check the battery life of your drone. The most common range you can expect for a $500 device is 15 to 20 minutes of flight time on a single charge.
Additionally, it would make sense to check how long it’ll take for the battery to charge. For some units, you may be able to extend flight time by adding extra batteries.
Video resolution
The quality of videos and still photos captured on your drone camera depends on the camera’s resolution. Generally, the camera resolution varies between 720p and 1080p, as the case may be. Which of these you can get depends on personal preferences as well as your specific budget. Some drones also come with HD-quality cameras. These record sharper videos compared to those that aren’t. Another factor that can influence quality is the camera angle. Most drone cameras are wide-angled these days, so this shouldn’t be a major issue. But you should check all the same. It’ll be a good idea to check online for images and videos taken with that drone camera. This will give you an idea of what to expect, should you decide to buy it. A unit with a camera stabilization system is also a great choice. This will also you to record quality videos and images without being disturbed by wind and other issues. You may also choose to upgrade your drone camera after purchase. In this case, be sure that the device you are buying has a removable camera.
Dimensions
Usually, drones are incredibly compact when they are folded so that you may easily put them into your handbag.
Most people run into some sort of conundrum when choosing a drone based on dimensions. A larger drone is more stable for carrying a payload (like a camera). But the larger size would mean that the unit will be too big to carry around in a backpack or fly indoors. You have to decide which of these is more important to you in making your decision.
Location is arguably the most important factor in choosing drone dimensions. The last thing you want is to lose an eye flying a large drone indoors or break a gadget in your home. At the same time, you’ll have trouble flying a small drone on a windy day. At the end of the day, finding a drone of the right dimension is all about finding a balance between the load-bearing capacity of the drone and portability.
Weight
The perfect drone would be a device that is light as a feather but with an indestructible frame. Unfortunately, this perfect drone does not exist in the ideal world. As far as weight is concerned, you will need to make some compromises, especially for a unit in the price range of your budget. What type of compromise you would make depends on your skill level.
A strong frame will be very useful in case of a crash, and since beginners would most likely crash their drone a couple of times, durability should be a priority for you over buying a lightweight device. So a sturdy but heavy drone isn’t a bad idea for a beginner drone pilot. Of course, such a device will not be very agile in flight.
On the flip side, if you are a bit more experienced with drones, lightweight can be a priority over having a sturdy frame. You are less likely to crash your drone, so you need not worry about durability.
Transmission Range
The transmission range refers to how far the drone can fly from the transmitter without losing connection. Most mid-priced drones have a transmission range of about 30 meters or less. You can get more miles from the more expensive ones, but for a $500 drone, this is the range you can expect.
The transmission range is significant if your purpose for buying the drone is photography or videography. The longer the range, the farther the drone can go. The transmission range is less of a big deal if you are simply flying for fun or will only be flying the device within your sight.
Typically, the manufacturer will advertise the specific range of the drone. But don’t expect your drone always to achieve this range. Drone transmitters rely on radio waves which can be easily affected by interference. Unless you are using your drone in an area remote from civilization, the range of your drone will be a lot less than what’s quoted by the manufacturer. The best thing to do is to buy a unit with a transmission range that is slightly higher than the range you think you need.
Maximum Height
Every drone has a different range span. Some can only go up to 150 meters away, while others can reach a maximum distance of up to 500 meters. The perfect range for you all depends on what you plan on doing with the drone. For example, using FPV transmissions or taking some photos.
Material
Today, almost all UAV structures are made from carbon fiber composites. This is in contrast to piloted aviation, where a large percentage of the structure today is made from aluminum and titanium in addition to carbon fiber composites.
When it comes to drone materials, you actually get what you pay for. The cost of the drone will determine the type of material used. Cheaper drones are typically made from plastic material. The lower cost is at the expense of durability. However, if you still want a fairly durable product at an affordable price, then you should look out for a device made with ABS plastic material. This is tougher and more durable compared to regular plastic material.
You can expect your drone to be made with fiberglass and carbon fiber materials at higher price points. These are typically more resilient and will last longer. If you are flying your drone a lot, then drones like this will be an ideal choice. Aluminum drones don’t do well in terms of durability. While they are lightweight, they will not survive a crash in good shape.
Warranty
Even if you are the most careful drone pilot in the world, your drone may still end up crashing your drone. This is why having some sort of warranty on your drone purchase is recommended. This gives your peace of mind to fly your drone and not need to worry too much about what happens if it crashes.
You should also find out what is covered by your warranty and what isn’t. Some manufacturers will offer to fix your drone if it crashes within a given period. This may be for free or for a reduced price. Some deals may also involve giving you a replacement at the market value of your drone at the time of purchase. Some warranties may only cover some types of damages and leave out others. Be sure to confirm what your deal will cover and what it doesn’t.
Price
With drones as with all tech products, price is often an indicator of quality. Higher-end models often come with advanced features and additional modes for easier control and better performance. They are also made with stronger materials which makes them more durable. At the end of the day, the type of drone you can get is heavily dependent on your budget. A simple trick is to determine your budget before you start shopping and looking for the best quality drone within that price range.
Other features
GPS Navigation: A good-quality drone should be able to tell where it is going. These days, most $500 drones have a GPS navigation system built into them, which helps them find their way around. In some models, you may even be able to pre-program some routes which the drone can follow automatically on its own. This feature is particularly useful if you tend to fly your drone along the same route on multiple days.
GPS Home Function: Drones with this feature are able to record the starting point of their flight and return to it automatically in case there’s any problem. With this feature, you will feel confident that you won’t lose your drone if there’s the battery runs out or there is a loss of communication due to interference. However, you should think of the GPS home function as a sort of emergency backup. While this feature is quite effective on most units, it is best if you don’t rely on it completely. A good precaution is to keep your drone within your line of sight at all times. This will make it easier to bring it back in case of any problem.
Hover Mode: The hover mode is another common function in many drones. This feature allows your drone to hover in the same spot when the mode is selected. This is a hands-free feature you will find particularly useful if you want to capture a photo with the drone with you in the shot. The hover mode is also useful for filming sports and wildlife.
Multiple Speeds: Having multiple speed settings can be crucial, especially for beginners, since drones are easier to control at lower speeds. Most drones in the $500 have at least 2-speed options. The drone battery will also last longer if the speed is reduced.
Included components
Battery: Some drones come equipped with an extra battery in the package. This is great considering the fact that most drones below $500 feature batteries that are not so strong. The extra battery can help expand the functionality of this drone by giving you double the flight time you would normally get with one battery.
Carry case: Having a carry case is great for portability. It makes the drone a lot easier to carry around with you wherever you go. Drones that are not foldable particularly need carry cases to prevent damage.
What is the FPV transmission range?
First-person view (FPV), also known as remote-person view (RPV), or simply video piloting, is a method used to control a radio-controlled vehicle from the driver or pilot’s view point.
An FPV camera
Trusted SourceWhat Is FPV Camera Technology In Drones And Best Uses - DroneZonThe FPV camera is mounted onto a drone to send real-time video down to the ground using a video transmitter.
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is a type of camera mounted on a drone capable of sending real-time video feeds down to the ground as the drone flies. It uses a video transmitter to show you where the drone is flying. This is more or less like you’re seeing through the eyes of the drone-like you are up there flying with.
Depending on the type of drone, the transmission range of the drone varies from one unit to the other. More advanced drones come with FPV goggles for navigating them. Also, the FPV camera can send the feeds to a monitor, a screen on the remote control, or your smartphone device.
One of the major advantages of cameras with a large FPV range is flying higher and further than others with a low range of no FPV cameras. It also makes it easier to maneuver the drone from the ground and avoid obstacles.
How far you can fly a drone while maintaining a viable connection to the controller is referred to as the drone’s range. The range varies from one device to the other. Typically, the manufacture will specify what the range is. While the exact range you will get in a real-life flight may be less than what the manufacturer states, it gives you an idea of what to expect when you buy that device. The specific range you get from your drone depends on the controller signal and the type of transmitting technology it uses. Generally, the more expensive the drone, the longer the range you get.
Tiny toy drones give you a range of about 20 to 100 years, and you may get up to 2.5 to 4.5 miles with high-end professional drones. For mid-level consumer drones like the one in this review, you can expect a range of about 0.25 to 1.5 miles. Keep in mind that regardless of the range your model offers, you are legally required to keep it within your line of view at all times.
Yes, many drones under $500 offer an app feature that makes them easier to control. Drones like the DJI Mavic can be easily controlled with the iOS or Android app. Note that not all drones can be controlled with an app. But a fair number of them can be easily controlled this way. Mobile apps make it quick and simple to launch your drone. The app often includes quick tap commands and easy presets that make it easy to fly the drone and take expert photos like a pro. Even if it’s your first time flying a drone, some apps offer a flight tutorial mode that will walk you through the basics of operating the drone.
In the not-so-distant past, the answer to this question would have been a no. But thankfully, drones like the DJI Mini and its predecessor, the Dji Mini 2 broke the glass ceiling. Now many drones under $500 come equipped with a mini 4K camera. This allows them to produce photo and video results that are on the same level of quality as the camera of high-end smartphones.
There is really no straightforward answer to this question. The life expectancy of your drone would depend on how exactly you are using it and how often you fly it. Your skill level is a major factor too. A fragile drone in the hand of pro may still last longer than a rugged and well-built one being controlled by a novice since it is less likely to crash. As long as you take good care of your drone, you can expect a $500 drone to give you hundreds of flight hours.
Our Verdict
The DJI Mavic Mini Drone is our top pick among the best drones under $500. This mini drone is its predecessor the DJI Mini 2 Drone are premium quality drones popular for their small size and quality camera. The Mini 2 features some impressive upgrades over the Mini. You might want to compare both and see which would be better suited for you.
The Ruko F11 Gim Drone offers you a long flight time on a single battery. You get up to 26 minutes of flight time on a single charge. This is slightly over what you’d get with the Ruko F11 Pro from the same manufacturer.
The Holy Stone HS720 is our top pick for the best GPS assist. It offers features that mirror the DJI Mini 2 Drone but comes at a lower price point. If you’re all about taking quality pictures, then we recommend the Holy Stone HS720E as one of the best 4k drones under 500. It offers the best camera quality among the products on this list. Images captured with this camera are good enough even for professional use.
Then there is the DEERC D15 which is our top pick in terms of ease of control. We find the controls on these drones quite intuitive. The control screen also features a screen that displays your flight stats as it operates. The Potensic D88 offers loads of advanced features. It’s hard to pick between this unit and the Potensic D58, which gives you value for your money. If you’re just starting with drones, then we recommend the SANROCK B5W. It comes with intuitive control features that make it perfect for beginners and advanced users alike.
There you have it, our review and buyers guide of some of the best drones under $500. Your budget notwithstanding, many of the drones on this list are suited for different categories of users. So even though they are all good quality drones, each one has a unique feature that would make it better suited for your needs. Be sure to check out each of these features to determine if the drone is right for you or not.
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References
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A beginner’s guide to buying your first drone
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