As a tech enthusiast and hobbyist, I have always been fascinated by drones and their capabilities. Over the past few years, drones have become increasingly popular for recreational use, and with the advancements in technology, there are now a wide variety of drones available on the market.
If you’re looking to purchase a drone but don’t want to break the bank, there are plenty of options available for under $200. These drones may not have all the bells and whistles of their more expensive counterparts, but they still offer a great flying experience and come with a range of features.
In this article, I will be taking a look at some of the best drones for under $200. Whether you’re a beginner looking to dip your toes into the world of drones or an experienced pilot looking for an affordable option, there’s something here for everyone.
From compact foldable drones to those with built-in cameras and advanced flight features, these drones offer great value for money without compromising on quality or performance. So let’s dive in and find the perfect drone for you!
My Experience with the Best Drones for Under $200
As an avid drone enthusiast, I have had the opportunity to test out various models and brands of drones within the budget of $200. While these drones may not have all the high-end features and capabilities of more expensive drones, they still offer an impressive range of features and performance for their price. Here are a few of the best drones that I have personally found to be excellent options for those on a budget.
The DJI Tello
The DJI Tello is one of the best drones available under $200, offering an impressive set of features and capabilities. It is equipped with a high-quality camera, allowing you to capture stunning aerial photos and videos. The drone is easy to control, thanks to its user-friendly interface and intuitive app. It also comes with a range of intelligent flight modes, such as auto takeoff and landing and programmable flight paths. Overall, the DJI Tello offers great value for its price and is perfect for both beginners and more experienced drone pilots.
The Holy Stone HS720
The Holy Stone HS720 is another great option in the under $200 price range. This drone boasts an impressive flight time of up to 26 minutes, allowing you to capture more footage and explore further distances. It features a 4K camera with a wide-angle lens, delivering high-quality aerial shots. The HS720 also has GPS-assisted intelligent flight modes, including follow me mode and return to home function, making it easy to control and navigate. With its foldable design and easy portability, the Holy Stone HS720 is perfect for travelers and adventurers.
The Potensic D80
The Potensic D80 is a powerful and feature-packed drone that comes at an affordable price. It is equipped with a 2K camera with a 130-degree wide-angle lens, providing clear and vibrant aerial footage. The drone has a robust construction and can withstand harsh weather conditions, making it suitable for outdoor use. It also has an impressive flight time of up to 20 minutes and features intelligent flight modes like follow me and waypoint navigation. The Potensic D80 offers a great balance between performance and affordability, making it an excellent choice for beginners and drone enthusiasts alike.
These are just a few examples of the best drones available for under $200. With advancements in technology, drones in this price range continue to offer more features and performance, making it easier than ever to enjoy the thrill of aerial photography and exploration without breaking the bank.
DJI Tello: The Perfect Drone for Beginners on a Budget
As a drone enthusiast and a budget-conscious consumer, I was thrilled to discover the DJI Tello. This compact and affordable drone is the perfect choice for beginners who want to experience the thrill of flying without breaking the bank.
The DJI Tello offers an impressive array of features that make it stand out in the under $200 category. Equipped with a high-quality camera, this drone allows you to capture stunning photos and videos from a new perspective. The built-in stabilization technology ensures that your footage is smooth and steady, even during fast-paced maneuvers.
- User-friendly: One of the things I love the most about the DJI Tello is its user-friendly design. With intuitive controls and easy-to-understand instructions, even those who have never flown a drone before will be able to get the hang of it in no time.
- Durable and Portable: The DJI Tello is built to withstand the occasional bumps and crashes that are bound to happen when you’re learning to fly. Its lightweight and compact design make it easy to carry around, so you can take it with you wherever you go.
- Enjoyable Flight Experience: With a flight time of up to 13 minutes, the DJI Tello allows you to make the most out of every session. Whether you’re flying indoors or outdoors, this drone offers a smooth and enjoyable flight experience.
In addition to its impressive features, the DJI Tello also offers a range of intelligent flight modes. From 360-degree flips to automated flight paths, these modes allow you to create unique and exciting aerial shots with just a few taps on your smartphone.
Overall, I can confidently say that the DJI Tello is one of the best drones available for under $200. Its affordable price, along with its impressive features and user-friendly design, make it an ideal choice for beginners who want to explore the world of drones without breaking the bank.
Holy Stone HS720: A Reliable and Affordable Drone Option
When it comes to finding the best drones for under $200, the Holy Stone HS720 is a top contender. This drone offers a variety of features and benefits that make it a reliable and affordable option for drone enthusiasts.
One of the standout features of the Holy Stone HS720 is its impressive flight time. With a fully charged battery, this drone can fly for up to 26 minutes, allowing you to capture stunning aerial footage without worrying about constantly needing to recharge. This long flight time is especially impressive for a drone in this price range.
The HS720 also comes equipped with a 4K UHD camera, which allows you to capture high-quality photos and videos from the sky. Whether you’re looking to document a scenic landscape or capture action-packed footage, the camera on the Holy Stone HS720 delivers excellent image quality.
In addition to its impressive flight time and camera capabilities, the Holy Stone HS720 is also easy to control. It offers beginner-friendly features such as GPS-assisted flight, which helps the drone maintain a stable position in the air. This makes it an ideal choice for both experienced pilots and those who are new to flying drones.
Overall, the Holy Stone HS720 offers a range of features and benefits that make it a top choice for those in search of a reliable and affordable drone. With its long flight time, high-quality camera, and easy-to-use controls, the HS720 is sure to provide a satisfying drone flying experience without breaking the bank.
Potensic D85
As a passionate drone enthusiast, I have tried many different models in my quest for the ultimate flying experience. Out of all the drones I have flown, the Potensic D85 definitely stands out. This powerful and versatile drone offers a range of features that make it a top choice for both beginners and experienced pilots.
One of the standout features of the Potensic D85 is its impressive flight time. With a fully charged battery, this drone can stay in the air for up to 20 minutes, which is much longer than many other drones in its price range. This extended flight time allows me to explore more areas and capture breathtaking aerial footage without worrying about the battery dying too quickly.
Another feature that sets the Potensic D85 apart is its advanced GPS positioning system. This technology enables the drone to precisely hold its position in the air, making it easier for me to capture smooth and stable footage. The GPS positioning system also comes in handy when flying in windy conditions, as it helps the drone maintain stability and prevent drifting.
In terms of control and navigation, the Potensic D85 offers incredible responsiveness and agility. It has a maximum control range of up to 500 meters, allowing me to explore vast areas with ease. The drone also features intelligent flight modes, such as follow me mode and waypoint mode, which make it even more fun and convenient to use.
The Potensic D85 is equipped with a high-definition camera that can capture stunning 2K aerial footage and 1080p photos. The camera is mounted on a 1-axis gimbal, which ensures smooth and vibration-free footage. Additionally, the drone has a built-in 5GHz Wi-Fi module, which enables me to view real-time footage on my smartphone via the Potensic app.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and feature-packed drone for under $200, I highly recommend the Potensic D85. Its long flight time, advanced GPS positioning system, agile control, and high-definition camera make it a great choice for both beginners and experienced pilots.
Hubsan Zino: My Favorite Drone Under $200
As a drone enthusiast, I have tried several drones in the under $200 range, but the Hubsan Zino stands out as my favorite. This compact and lightweight drone offers impressive features that make it a great choice for both beginners and experienced pilots.
One of the key features of the Hubsan Zino is its impressive camera capabilities. Equipped with a 4K UHD camera, this drone allows you to capture stunning aerial photographs and videos with exceptional clarity and detail. The camera also has a 3-axis gimbal stabilization system, which helps in achieving smooth and steady footage even in windy conditions.
The Hubsan Zino is also equipped with intelligent flight modes that enhance the overall flying experience. One of my favorite features is the Follow Me mode, which allows the drone to automatically follow and track the user, capturing their every move. This is particularly useful for filming action shots or outdoor adventures.
In terms of performance, the Hubsan Zino offers a flight range of up to 2.5 miles, which is impressive for a drone in this price range. It also has a flight time of around 23 minutes, thanks to its powerful battery. Additionally, the drone has a GPS system that enables precise positioning and accurate return to home functions.
Overall, the Hubsan Zino is a reliable and feature-packed drone that offers great value for its price. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced pilot, this drone will surely enhance your aerial photography and videography skills.
Snaptain SP510: A Budget Option with Impressive Features
If you’re looking for a drone that delivers exceptional performance and features without breaking the bank, the Snaptain SP510 is an excellent option to consider. As a budget-friendly drone, it offers a range of impressive features that make it a worthy choice for both beginners and experienced pilots.
One of the standout features of the Snaptain SP510 is its powerful camera capabilities. Equipped with a 2.7K HD camera, this drone allows you to capture stunning aerial photos and videos with remarkable clarity. Whether you’re taking scenic landscape shots or recording thrilling action sequences, the SP510 ensures that you can capture every moment in high definition.
Another notable feature of the Snaptain SP510 is its intelligent flight modes. With built-in GPS functionality, this drone offers precise positioning and autonomous flight capabilities. You can easily program the SP510 to follow a specific route, fly in a circle, or track a moving object, giving you the freedom to focus on capturing great footage without worrying too much about controlling the drone itself.
Additionally, the Snaptain SP510 offers a range of flight assistance features, such as altitude hold, one-key takeoff and landing, and automatic return home. These features make it easy for beginners to fly the drone with confidence, while also ensuring stability and safety during flight.
Overall, the Snaptain SP510 is a budget-friendly drone that packs a punch in terms of performance and features. With its impressive camera capabilities, intelligent flight modes, and flight assistance features, it offers an excellent value for money. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the ropes of drone piloting or an experienced flyer in need of an affordable option, the Snaptain SP510 is definitely worth considering.
My Experience with the Parrot Bebop 2
As an avid drone enthusiast, I have had the opportunity to try out various models and brands. One drone that has stood out to me in the under $200 price range is the Parrot Bebop 2. This compact and lightweight drone offers an impressive array of features, making it a great option for both beginners and more experienced pilots.
Right from the start, I was impressed with the build quality of the Parrot Bebop 2. It feels sturdy and well-made, which is important when flying a drone. The drone’s design is sleek and modern, with a streamlined body that allows for smoother flights and better control. The propellers are also durable and easily replaceable, which is a bonus in case of any accidents or crashes.
The Parrot Bebop 2 is packed with advanced features that set it apart from other drones in its price range. Its camera capabilities are particularly noteworthy. The drone is equipped with a 14-megapixel camera that captures stunning, high-quality photos and videos. The camera is also capable of recording in Full HD resolution, allowing users to capture footage with excellent clarity and detail.
One of the standout features of the Parrot Bebop 2 is its long battery life. With a flight time of up to 25 minutes, it surpasses many other drones in its price range in terms of endurance. This extended flight time allows for longer explorations and more time to capture breathtaking aerial footage. The drone also features a nimble and responsive flight performance, making it easy to navigate and control.
In conclusion, the Parrot Bebop 2 is a fantastic drone for under $200. With its solid build quality, advanced camera capabilities, and impressive battery life, it offers great value for the price. Whether you are a beginner looking to enter the world of drones or an experienced pilot in need of an affordable option, the Parrot Bebop 2 is definitely worth considering.
Altair Aerial AA108 – My Experience with an Affordable and Versatile Drone
The Altair Aerial AA108 is a drone that offers an exceptional flying experience at an affordable price. As an enthusiast with a limited budget, I was impressed by the variety of features and the overall performance of this drone.
One standout feature of the AA108 is its durability. Unlike many other drones in this price range, the AA108 is built with high-quality materials that make it resistant to crashes and falls. This robust construction gives me the confidence to fly it in different environments without worrying about damaging it.
The AA108 also boasts an impressive flight time of up to 10 minutes. This allows me to have longer and more enjoyable flying sessions without constantly worrying about the battery life. Additionally, the drone comes with two batteries, which means I can double my flying time by simply swapping out the batteries.
Features and Control
One of the key features of the AA108 is the Altitude Hold function. This allows the drone to hover in place, making it easier to capture stable and smooth footage. It also has a headless mode, which is especially handy for beginners as it simplifies the control and orientation of the drone.
The AA108’s control is also straightforward. It comes with a user-friendly remote controller that allows for easy maneuverability. The drone also has three different speed modes, which I find useful depending on the environment and my flying preferences.
Furthermore, the AA108 has a built-in 720p HD camera. Although the quality of the footage may not be as high-end as some more expensive drones, it is still impressive considering the price range. The camera can also be adjusted remotely, allowing for versatile filming angles and perspectives.
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Overall, the Altair Aerial AA108 is an excellent option for anyone looking for an affordable drone without compromising on quality and performance. Its durability, flight time, and user-friendly controls make it a versatile choice for both beginners and experienced drone enthusiasts.
Ryze Tech Tello: A High-Performance Drone at an Affordable Price
As a drone enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for high-performance drones that won’t break the bank. That’s why I was excited to discover the Ryze Tech Tello, a drone that offers impressive features at an affordable price.
The Ryze Tech Tello is a compact and lightweight quadcopter that is perfect for both beginners and experienced pilots. Despite its small size, this drone packs a punch in terms of performance. It is equipped with a high-quality camera that can capture stunning 720p videos and clear, sharp photos. The images and videos captured by the drone are incredibly detailed and vibrant, making it a great choice for aerial photography and videography.
The Tello is not just a great camera drone, but also boasts impressive flight capabilities. It is powered by a high-performance Intel processor, which allows for precise and responsive flight controls. Whether you’re performing flips and tricks or simply flying around, this drone offers a smooth and stable flight experience.
One of the standout features of the Ryze Tech Tello is its intelligent flight modes. It comes with a range of pre-programmed flight modes, such as Throw & Go, 8D Flips, and Bounce Mode, which make flying the drone even more fun and exciting. Additionally, it has a built-in collision detection system, ensuring that the drone will automatically avoid obstacles and return safely to its takeoff point if needed.
Overall, the Ryze Tech Tello is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-performance drone at an affordable price. Its impressive camera capabilities, responsive flight controls, and intelligent flight modes make it a versatile and enjoyable drone to fly. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pilot, the Tello is sure to provide hours of entertainment and stunning aerial footage.
EACHINE E58
The EACHINE E58 is a popular choice for those looking for a budget-friendly drone. Priced under $200, this drone offers several features that make it a great option for beginners and casual users.
One of the standout features of the EACHINE E58 is its compact and foldable design. This makes it easy to carry and store, making it a great option for those who are always on the go. Despite its small size, the drone still offers a stable flight experience and can withstand moderate winds.
The EACHINE E58 comes equipped with a 720p HD camera, allowing users to capture impressive aerial photos and videos. The camera can be remotely controlled through the accompanying app, providing an intuitive and user-friendly experience. Whether you want to capture stunning landscapes or record your outdoor adventures, this drone has you covered.
In addition to its camera capabilities, the EACHINE E58 offers a range of flight modes that cater to different skill levels. Beginners can take advantage of features such as altitude hold and one-key takeoff/landing, which provide added stability and ease of use. For more experienced users, the drone offers a headless mode and 360-degree flips, allowing for more creative and adventurous flying.
Overall, the EACHINE E58 is a solid option for those looking to dip their toes into the world of drones. With its compact design, HD camera, and user-friendly features, it offers a great balance between affordability and functionality. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the ropes or a casual user wanting to capture some memorable moments, the EACHINE E58 is definitely worth considering.
Best drones for under $200
Potensic ATOM SE GPS Drone with 4K EIS Camera, Under 249g, 62 Mins Flight, 4KM FPV Transmission, Brushless Motor, Max Speed 16m/s, Auto Return, Lightweight and Foldable Drone for Adults, Beginner
$249.99
Features
| Part Number | ATOM SE |
| Color | Gray |
| Is Adult Product | |
| Size | ATOM SE Fly More Combo |
| Edition | Expansion Kit |
| Price history for Potensic ATOM SE GPS Drone with 4K EIS Camera, Under 249g, 62 Mins Flight, 4KM FPV Transmission, Brushless Motor, Max Speed 16m/s, Auto Return, Lightweight and Foldable Drone for Adults, Beginner | |
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Holy Stone HS440 Foldable FPV Drone with 1080P WiFi Camera for Adult Beginners and Kids; Voice Gesture Control RC Quadcopter with Modular Battery for long flight time, Auto Hover, Carrying Case
Features
| Part Number | HS440 |
| Is Adult Product | |
| Size | 14 years and up |
| Price history for Holy Stone HS440 Foldable FPV Drone with 1080P WiFi Camera for Adult Beginners and Kids; Voice Gesture Control RC Quadcopter with Modular Battery for long flight time, Auto Hover, Carrying Case | |
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InfinityTech S8000 Drone with 90° electrically adjustable 4k Camera for Kids and Adults - FPV Live Video Quadcopter equipped with 2 Batteries for up to 40 minutes of flight time - Long range distance up to 300m - 360° flip - Follow me - Auto return - One key take off/landing - Altitude hold - Indoor & Outdoor Toy
Features
| Part Number | S8000 |
| Color | Black/Red |
| Price history for InfinityTech S8000 Drone with 90° electrically adjustable 4k Camera for Kids and Adults - FPV Live Video Quadcopter equipped with 2 Batteries for up to 40 minutes of flight time - Long range distance up to 300m - 360° flip - Follow me - Auto return - One key take off/landing - Altitude hold - Indoor & Outdoor Toy | |
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Ruko F11PRO Drones with Camera for Adults 4K UHD Camera 60 Mins Flight Time with GPS Auto Return Home Brushless Motor, Compliance with FAA Remote ID, Black (with Carrying Case)
$299.99
Features
| Part Number | Ru44771 |
| Model | F11 Pro |
| Color | Black |
| Is Adult Product | |
| Release Date | 2019-07-01T00:00:01Z |
| Size | Folding dimension 6.9*4.1*3.15 IN |
| Edition | F11Pro |
| Price history for Ruko F11PRO Drones with Camera for Adults 4K UHD Camera 60 Mins Flight Time with GPS Auto Return Home Brushless Motor, Compliance with FAA Remote ID, Black (with Carrying Case) | |
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VTI FPV Duo Camera Racing Drone with Flight Immersive Goggles for Adults and Kids, Photo, Video, FPV drone, Easy to Use Controls, 28 Minute Flight Time
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Veeniix V11 Drones with Camera for Adults 4K UHD, 70Min Flight Time, 2-Axis Gimbal & EIS, 9800ft Digital Transmission, GPS Auto Return, FAA Remote ID Compliance, FPV RC Quadcopter
$469.98
Features
| Part Number | Veeniix-001 |
| Color | Blue & Purple |
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HOVERAir X1 Self-Flying Camera, Pocket-Sized Drone HDR Video Capture, Palm Takeoff, Intelligent Flight Paths, Follow-Me Mode, Foldable Action Camera with Hands-Free Control Black (Combo Plus)
Features
- Intelligent Follow-Me Camera: Harnessing advanced tracking algorithms and a following speed of up to 15 mph, the HOVERAir follow-me self-flying drone becomes your intuitive cameraman, seamlessly tracking your every move. Ideal for cycling, skateboarding, and various sports, it effortlessly captures breathtaking moments, ensuring you're always at the center of the action.
- Portability and Simplicity Redefined: Weighing a mere 125g (4.41oz), lighter than an iPhone and exempt from the hassle of FAA registration. The foldable design makes every adventure just a fold away. Operating the HOVERAir X1 self-flying camera is simple and user-friendly. lt takes off from your palm with one click, making it easy for everyone!
- Automatic and Intelligent Flight Paths: Experience hands-free flying with the pre-programmed flight paths, including Hover, Follow, Zoom Out, Orbit, Bird’s Eye, Manual Control, etc. Take control with Manual Control mode, tailoring your flight experience to perfection. With Each battery supporting approximately 20 intelligent flight paths(11 minutes), your 100% flight time is dedicated to creating captivating and shareable content.
- Amazing Image & HDR Video Shooting: HOVERAir camera drone supports a maximum of 2.7K@30fps and 1080P HDR video shooting. The triple stabilization system ensures smooth video effects and excellent fast motion capturing capability, easily recording beautiful moments during hikes or journeys.
- Live Monitoring and Manual Control: Utilize the Hover X1 App for real-time previews of the drone's camera feed. Take charge with manual control through the App, optimizing flight paths to capture that perfect shot! Kindly note that video previews through the Hover X1 App album may display high-speed, low-resolution thumbnails.
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Ruko F11GIM2 Drones with Camera for Adults 4K, 3KM Long Range Video Transmission, Professional Gimbal Drone with EIS, 64Mins Flight Time GPS Auto Return Integrated Remote ID, Level 6 Wind Resistance
$499.99
Features
| Part Number | 5465884 |
| Color | Dark Grey |
| Price history for Ruko F11GIM2 Drones with Camera for Adults 4K, 3KM Long Range Video Transmission, Professional Gimbal Drone with EIS, 64Mins Flight Time GPS Auto Return Integrated Remote ID, Level 6 Wind Resistance | |
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Bwine F7 GPS Drones with Camera for Adults 4K Night Vision, 3-Aix Gimbal, 2Mile Long Range, 75Mins Flight Time Professional Drone with 3 Battery, Auto Return+Follow Me+Fly Around+Beginner Mode for Kid
Features
| Part Number | F7GB2 3B |
| Color | Black |
| Edition | F7GB2 3B |
| Price history for Bwine F7 GPS Drones with Camera for Adults 4K Night Vision, 3-Aix Gimbal, 2Mile Long Range, 75Mins Flight Time Professional Drone with 3 Battery, Auto Return+Follow Me+Fly Around+Beginner Mode for Kid | |
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Drone with 1080P Dual HD Camera - 2024 Upgradded RC Quadcopter for Adults and Kids, WiFi FPV RC Drone for Beginners Live Video HD Wide Angle RC Aircraft, 2 Batteries ,Trajectory Flight, Auto Hover, Carrying Case.
Features
| Part Number | 32465 |
| Color | Black |
| Price history for Drone with 1080P Dual HD Camera - 2024 Upgradded RC Quadcopter for Adults and Kids, WiFi FPV RC Drone for Beginners Live Video HD Wide Angle RC Aircraft, 2 Batteries ,Trajectory Flight, Auto Hover, Carrying Case. | |
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Question and answers:
What are some of the best drones under $200?
Some of the best drones under $200 include the DJI Tello, Holy Stone HS720, and Potensic D88.
Are there any drones under $200 with a good camera?
Yes, there are several drones under $200 with good cameras, such as the Holy Stone HS720 and Potensic D88, which both have 2K HD cameras.
