Great Cheap Drones: Top Budget Picks Under $100
Want to fly drones without spending a fortune? We’ve got you covered! Our list features the best cheap drones under $100. These budget-friendly options are perfect for beginners and experienced pilots alike.
When choosing a budget drone, consider weight, flight time, and camera quality. Many great cheap drones weigh less than 250g, avoiding registration in most areas. Look for decent flight times, stable GPS, and user-friendly controls.
These affordable drones offer impressive features despite their low cost. Options like the Ryze Tello and Holy Stone HS210 provide great value. With some research, you’ll find the perfect cheap drone for your aerial adventures.
Key Takeaways
- Budget drones under $100 offer great value for beginners and casual users
- Look for drones weighing less than 250g to avoid registration in most areas
- Consider flight time, camera quality, GPS, and ease of use when choosing a cheap drone
- Popular budget drone options include the Ryze Tello, Holy Stone HS210, and Potensic Atom SE
- With careful research, you can find an affordable drone that meets your needs without compromising on quality
Why Cheap Drones are a Great Option for Beginners
Beginner drones are perfect for those new to flying. These affordable options help you learn the basics without spending too much. They’re an excellent way to start your drone journey.
Affordable Way to Start Drone Flying
Starter drones are budget-friendly. You can find entry-level drones for under $100, like the Ryze Tello. It has a 5MP camera and weighs only 80g.
For more advanced features, consider the DJI Mini 4K. It offers 4K video and a 12MP camera. At $329.00, it’s great value for new flyers.
Learn the Basics Without Breaking the Bank
Beginner drones are designed for new users. They offer features like one-key takeoff and landing, altitude hold, and easy-to-use control apps.
- One-key takeoff and landing
- Altitude hold
- Easy-to-use apps for control
These features make learning to fly easier. You can focus on basics without worrying about complex controls or expensive crashes.
Starting with an affordable drone lets you enjoy flying without a big investment. There’s a beginner drone for everyone, whether you like photography, racing, or exploring.
Features to Look for in a Budget Drone
Key features impact your flying experience when buying a budget drone. Consider these factors to get the best value. You’ll find great options without spending a fortune.
Camera Quality
Camera quality matters for aerial photos and videos. Seek camera drones under $100 with at least HD resolution. Some budget drones offer impressive specs.
The DJI Mini 3 Pro records 4K at 30 fps. It also captures 12MP still images, providing excellent quality.
Flight Time and Range
Long flight time cheap drones typically fly for 7 to 15 minutes per charge. Some models, like the DJI Mini 4 Pro, offer up to 34 minutes.
With an extended battery, it can fly for 45 minutes. Choose a drone that fits your intended use.
| Drone Model | Max Flight Time | Max Transmission Distance |
|---|---|---|
| DJI Air 3S | 45 minutes | 20 km |
| DJI Mini 4 Pro | 34 minutes (45 with extended battery) | 20 km |
| DJI Mini 3 Pro | 38 minutes (51 with extended battery) | 10 km |
| DJI Neo | 18 minutes | N/A |
Ease of Use and Durability
Beginners need user-friendly budget drones with intuitive controls. Look for mobile app integration and safety features like propeller guards.
Durable low-cost drones are crucial for learners. Crashes happen often, so choose models with robust construction to protect your investment.
The best budget drones balance camera quality, flight time, ease of use, and durability. Enjoy flying without breaking the bank.
Top Cheap Drones Under $50
Affordable quadcopters offer thrilling flying experiences without breaking the bank. These budget-friendly drones are perfect for beginners and casual flyers. Let’s explore some of the best drones under 50 dollars that deliver great value.
When choosing drones under $50, consider flight time, control range, and camera quality. You won’t find advanced features like GPS or 4K cameras. However, you can still expect a fun and responsive flying experience.
Let’s compare some popular models:
| Drone Model | Flight Time | Control Range | Camera Resolution | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Force1 UFO 4000 LED Mini Drones | 18 minutes (with 2 batteries) | 30+ meters | No camera | 0.44 kg |
| Potensic Upgraded A20 Mini Drone | 15-18 minutes (with 3 batteries) | 15 meters | No camera | 0.19 kg |
| Holy Stone HS190 Foldable Mini Nano RC Drone | 7 minutes per battery | 30+ meters | No camera | < 250g |
| Holyton Mini Drone for Kids | 15-21 minutes (with 3 batteries) | 30+ meters | No camera | < 250g |
Many of these cheapest drones come with LED lights for night flying. They also have beginner-friendly controls. The TOMZON Mini RC Drone offers a throw-to-go launch and various flight modes.
Most of these mini drones weigh under 250 grams. This means they don’t require registration in many areas. They’re great for curious beginners or as an addition to your collection.
These budget-friendly drones offer flight times up to 21 minutes. They also have responsive controls. You don’t need to spend a fortune to have a blast in the sky.
Best Budget Drones Between $50 and $100
The $50 to $100 price range offers excellent drones under $100 with advanced features. These mid-range budget drones balance affordability and functionality. They’re perfect for beginners and enthusiasts seeking quality without overspending.
Holy Stone HS110G
The Holy Stone HS110G stands out with its GPS functionality for precise positioning. It has a 1080p camera for stunning aerial footage and photos. With a 13-minute flight time, you can enjoy extended flying sessions.
Currently, the HS110G is 30% off, reduced from $90 to $63. This makes it one of the best drones under 100 dollars.
Potensic A20W
The Potensic A20W is an excellent choice for feature-rich affordable drones. It has a wide-angle 720p camera for immersive footage. The voice control feature allows hands-free operation.
The A20W also supports trajectory flight for creative shots. This mid-range budget drone offers a great mix of features and value.
Snaptain S5C
The Snaptain S5C is a versatile drone with voice and gesture control. Its 720p camera captures clear, detailed footage of your flying adventures. The S5C’s user-friendly features make it a top contender among drones under $100.
| Drone Model | Original Price | Discounted Price | Discount Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holy Stone HS110G | $90 | $63 | 30% |
| Holy Stone HS440 | $100 | $60 | 40% |
| Radclo Mini Drone | $230 | $46 | 80% |
These mid-range budget drones offer great features at affordable prices. They’re excellent for exploring drone flying without spending too much. With impressive cameras and intuitive controls, these drones under $100 rival more expensive models.
Great Cheap Drones for Kids and Beginners
Kids and beginners can enjoy affordable drones. These options offer a fun way to learn flying basics. They won’t break the bank either.
The Ryze Tello is a top choice for learning. It has a 720p camera and vision positioning system. This $99 drone can even do flips and tricks.
Eachine E010 – Perfect for Indoor Flying
The Eachine E010 is great for indoor flying. It’s tiny, lightweight, and easy to control. Kids can learn to fly safely with this $20 drone.
Here’s a comparison of some popular cheap drones for learning:
| Drone | Price | Flight Time | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holy Stone HS210D Mini-Drone | $72 | 21 minutes | 4.1/5 |
| Tomzon A31 Mini-Drone | $40 | 14 minutes | 4.2/5 |
| DEERC UFO Mini-Drone | $25 | 7-8 minutes | 4.3/5 |
Choose a drone based on ease of use and durability. Battery life is also important. Many drones for kids come with extra batteries for longer flying time.
Cheap Drones with Camera: Best Options
Budget camera drones offer affordable aerial photography and videography. These drones have HD cameras for stunning bird’s eye views. They’re perfect for beginners wanting to explore this exciting hobby.
Consider the DJI Mini 3 at $469 or DJI Mini 2 SE at $299. These low-cost options provide impressive features and image quality. They’re great entry points for new drone enthusiasts.
Ease of use is key for beginners. Look for drones with simple controls and setup. Features like Altitude Hold and GPS Stabilization make flying easier.
Durability is crucial when choosing a budget drone. Sturdy models give peace of mind during flights. This is especially important for new pilots.
| Drone Model | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| DJI Mini 4 Pro | $959.00 | 4K camera, 34-minute flight time |
| DJI Air 3 | $874.62 | 48MP camera, 46-minute flight time |
| Autel Robotics Evo Lite+ | $1,199.00 | 6K camera, 40-minute flight time |
| DJI Neo | $199.00 | 720p camera, 28-minute flight time |
Flight performance matters when choosing a low-cost videography drone. Battery life determines your filming time. Most budget drones fly for 10 to 30 minutes.
The DJI Mini 3 is an excellent choice for those seeking an affordable drone for aerial photography, with its $329.00 price tag on Amazon and impressive features like a 12MP camera and 31-minute flight time.
Watch for deals to get better prices on budget camera drones. Black Friday often has great discounts. For example, the DJI Avata Explorer 4K Drone Combo at $459.00 (originally $829).
Another Black Friday deal is the Holy Stone HS175D 4K GPS Quadcopter Kit. It’s available for $135.99, down from $199.99.
Affordable Foldable Drones for Easy Portability
Looking for a cheap foldable drone for your adventures? Great options under $100 are available. These budget portable drones offer compact designs without sacrificing key features.
The Holy Stone HS160 Pro is a popular travel-friendly affordable drone. It has a 1080p camera, voice control, and gravity sensor mode. With a 9-minute flight time, it’s perfect for on-the-go aerial shots.
Holy Stone HS160 Pro
The Holy Stone HS160 Pro offers impressive features at a budget-friendly price:
- 1080p HD camera for clear aerial photos and videos
- Voice control and gravity sensor mode for easy operation
- Foldable, compact design for effortless portability
- 9-minute flight time and 50-70 meter range
DEERC D20 Mini
The DEERC D20 Mini is another great cheap foldable drone. It has a 720p camera, altitude hold, and one-key takeoff/landing. Weighing just 249g, it’s one of the most portable options available.
| Drone | Weight | Camera | Flight Time | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holy Stone HS160 Pro | 250g | 1080p | 9 min | 50-70m |
| DEERC D20 Mini | 249g | 720p | 10 min | 50m |
Both drones offer portability without breaking the bank. They prove that affordable travel-friendly drones can deliver quality and flexibility.
These compact drones under $100 are perfect for beginners and budget-conscious enthusiasts. They provide an excellent entry point into the world of aerial photography.
Budget Drones with Longest Flight Times
Flight time is crucial when looking for cheap drones with long battery life. Longer flights mean more aerial adventures and stunning footage. Several budget drones offer extended flight times without breaking the bank.
The Ruko F11 Pro FHD is a standout option under $200. It boasts an impressive 60-minute flight time and a 1.2km control range. This affordable drone suits both beginners and enthusiasts.
The JOUAV CW-30E offers an astonishing 480-minute flight time. It has a control range of up to 200km. This professional long-range VTOL drone costs more but showcases incredible technological advancements.
Budget drones with extended flight time are becoming more accessible. The table below highlights some notable examples across various drone categories:
| Drone Category | Drone Model | Max Flight Time | Control Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toy Drone | UFO 3000 LED | 18 minutes | 30m |
| Toy Drone | Parrot Bebop 2 FPV | 25 minutes | 1.9km |
| Consumer Drone | DJI Mini 2 | 31 minutes | 4km |
| Consumer Drone | Autel Evo 2 | 40 minutes | 9km |
| Long Range with Camera | DJI Mavic 3 Pro | 43 minutes | 20km |
Affordable drones are pushing the limits of flight time and range. Many options exist for beginners and experienced pilots. You can find budget-friendly drones with extended flight times to suit your needs.
Cheap FPV Drones for Immersive Flying Experience
Affordable FPV drones offer thrilling, immersive flying without breaking the bank. These budget-friendly options let you experience FPV racing and exploring. They’re perfect for beginners entering the exciting world of drone flying.
Eachine E013 Micro FPV
The Eachine E013 Micro FPV is tiny but mighty. It comes with a simple FPV headset, ideal for beginners. This budget drone offers an impressive flying experience despite its small size.
The Eachine EV800 goggles are often recommended for their value. They balance features and affordability, making them a great choice for new pilots.
BETAFPV Beta75X
The BETAFPV Beta75X is another great affordable FPV drone. It’s designed for indoor flying and racing. This compact drone helps you hone your skills before tackling outdoor challenges.
The Beta75X is durable and responsive. It delivers exciting, immersive flights at a fraction of high-end drone costs.
High-end FPV goggles like Orqa FPV.One offer premium features but cost more. Affordable options like Skyzone Sky04L or DJI Goggles N3 still provide great immersion.
These budget-friendly FPV drones let you enjoy first-person view flying affordably. They’re perfect for testing the waters before investing in advanced setups.
Where to Find the Best Deals on Budget Drones
Looking for budget-friendly drones? You can find great drone deals with some research. Cheap drone sales offer value without sacrificing quality. Here’s where to find budget drone discounts and affordable drone promotions.
Amazon
Amazon offers competitive prices on drones. You’ll find popular models like the Holy Stone HS360S 4K GPS Foldable Quadcopter Drone. It’s priced at $199.99, with a $10 discount.
The Potensic ATOM SE GPS Drone is $229.99, saving you $70. Watch for Lightning Deals and special promotions to save even more.
Banggood
Banggood frequently offers sales on various drone brands. The Ruko F11PRO 4K Drones With GPS Auto Return Home is $224.99. That’s a big $165 discount from its original price.
Geekbuying
Geekbuying has affordable prices on tech gadgets, including drones. The Holy Stone HS360S GPS Drone is $149.99, reduced by $60. The Potensic ATOM SE GPS Drone is $250, a $50 discount.
Check specialized drone retailers and manufacturer websites for exclusive offers. For latest drone updates, visit https://owndrones.com. With patience, you’ll find a great budget drone at an unbeatable price.
Conclusion
Affordable drones offer a wide range of options for pilots of all levels. From the $160 Holy Stone HS110G to the $679 Autel Robotics EVO Nano+, there’s a drone for every budget. Each model provides unique features to match your needs and preferences.
Key factors to consider include camera quality, flight time, and user-friendliness. The Potensic Atom SE boasts a 4K camera and 31-minute flight time, weighing under 249 grams. For a budget-friendly option, the Holy Stone HS120D offers decent specs at just $100 (used).
This guide helps you make an informed choice for your perfect budget drone. You’ll experience the joy of flying and capturing aerial footage without overspending. Choose a model that fits your skill level and requirements.
Whether you pick a beginner-friendly Holy Stone HS110G or the advanced Ruko F11 GIM2, you’re ready to explore. Dive into the exciting world of drones and discover new perspectives from above.
