Hello and welcome to my guide on the best rated drones under $500! If you’re a drone enthusiast like me, you know that finding a high-quality drone at an affordable price can be a challenge. That’s why I’ve researched and compiled a list of the top-rated drones that won’t break the bank.
One of the best drones under $500 is the DJI Mavic Mini. This compact drone is packed with advanced features like a 3-axis gimbal for stable footage, a 12-megapixel camera for stunning photos and videos, and a range of up to 2.5 miles. Despite its small size, the Mavic Mini boasts a flight time of up to 30 minutes, making it perfect for capturing those epic aerial shots.
Another top-rated drone that won’t break the bank is the Holy Stone HS720. This drone is equipped with a 4K camera and a 5G Wi-Fi transmission system, allowing you to live stream high-quality footage directly to your smartphone. With a flight time of up to 26 minutes and a range of up to 0.43 miles, the HS720 is great for capturing those breathtaking panoramic shots.
If you’re looking for a drone that can handle rough weather conditions, the Autel Robotics EVO is a great choice. This foldable drone is equipped with a 4K camera on a 3-axis stabilized gimbal, allowing you to capture smooth and steady footage even in windy conditions. With a flight time of up to 30 minutes and a range of up to 4.3 miles, the EVO is perfect for outdoor adventurers and aerial photographers alike.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced pilot, these top-rated drones under $500 offer the perfect combination of performance and affordability. So, go ahead and take your aerial photography and videography to new heights with one of these fantastic drones!
DJI Mavic Mini: My Top Pick for a Budget-Friendly Drone
As an avid drone enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for high-quality drones that are not only feature-packed but also affordable. The DJI Mavic Mini has quickly become my top pick for a budget-friendly drone, offering an impressive range of capabilities at a price tag of under $500.
One standout feature of the DJI Mavic Mini is its compact and lightweight design, making it incredibly portable and convenient to carry around. Weighing just 249 grams, this mini drone can easily fit into your backpack or pocket, allowing you to take it anywhere you go without any hassle. Despite its small size, the Mavic Mini still delivers exceptional performance and stability in the air.
One of the key highlights of the DJI Mavic Mini is its camera capabilities. Equipped with a 12-megapixel camera, this drone can capture stunning aerial shots and videos with incredible clarity and detail. The camera also supports 2.7K video recording, allowing you to capture smooth and cinematic footage. With the included remote controller, you can easily control the positioning of the camera and access various shooting modes to enhance your creativity.
Another impressive feature of the DJI Mavic Mini is its flight time. Thanks to its efficient aerodynamic design and intelligent battery management system, this drone can fly for up to 30 minutes on a single charge. This extended flight time ensures that you have enough time to explore and capture the desired shots without worrying about running out of battery power.
Overall, the DJI Mavic Mini offers exceptional value for its price range, providing users with a feature-packed and affordable drone option. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced drone pilot, this compact and capable drone is sure to elevate your aerial photography and videography to new heights.
Autel Robotics Evo: A High-Quality Drone Under $500
If you’re in the market for a top-rated drone under $500, look no further than the Autel Robotics Evo. As an avid drone enthusiast, I can confidently say that the Evo offers an exceptional combination of advanced features, ease of use, and affordability. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced pilot, this drone has everything you need to capture breathtaking aerial footage.
One of the standout features of the Autel Robotics Evo is its impressive camera capabilities. Equipped with a 4K UHD camera that can shoot stunning 12-megapixel photos and record videos in up to 60 frames per second, this drone allows you to capture professional-grade footage with ease. The camera is mounted on a 3-axis gimbal, ensuring stable and smooth shots, even in windy conditions. Additionally, the Evo’s camera has a wide-angle lens, allowing you to capture a wider perspective of the world below.
Aside from its exceptional camera, the Autel Robotics Evo offers a range of intelligent flight modes that make flying this drone a breeze. With features like GPS and GLONASS dual positioning systems, the Evo can maintain its position accurately and hover in place effortlessly. It also has obstacle avoidance sensors that automatically detect and avoid obstacles, ensuring a safe and worry-free flight experience. Additionally, the Evo offers a range of flight modes, including Follow Me, Orbit, and Waypoint Navigation, allowing you to capture dynamic footage from different angles and perspectives.
With its advanced features and affordable price tag, the Autel Robotics Evo is undoubtedly one of the best drones you can find under $500. Whether you’re a professional filmmaker or simply want to capture stunning aerial shots for fun, this drone is sure to exceed your expectations.
Holy Stone HS720 – A High-quality Drone for Under $500
In my search for the best rated drones under $500, I came across the Holy Stone HS720, and it immediately caught my attention. This drone offers a high level of quality and impressive features at an affordable price.
The Holy Stone HS720 is equipped with a 4K UHD camera that allows you to capture stunning aerial footage and images. The camera is mounted on a 3-axis gimbal, ensuring stable and smooth footage even in windy conditions. Whether you’re a professional photographer or an enthusiast looking to capture breathtaking shots, the HS720 will not disappoint.
- GPS Assisted Flight: One of the standout features of the HS720 is its GPS assisted flight capability. This allows for precise positioning, accurate hovering, and automatic return home functions. You can also set custom flight paths and have the drone follow you for hands-free operation.
- Long Flight Time: With a fully charged battery, the Holy Stone HS720 can stay in the air for up to 26 minutes. This extended flight time gives you ample opportunity to explore and capture your surroundings without the need for frequent battery changes.
- Easy to Fly: Even if you’re a beginner, you can easily pilot the HS720 thanks to its intuitive controls and beginner-friendly features. The drone has multiple flight modes, including headless mode and altitude hold, which make it easier to control and maintain stability in the air.
- Foldable and Portable: The HS720 is designed to be foldable and portable, making it a great option for travelers or anyone who wants to take their drone on the go. It can be easily packed into a backpack or a carry-on bag, allowing you to capture stunning footage wherever your adventures take you.
In conclusion, the Holy Stone HS720 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality drone under $500. Its 4K camera, GPS assisted flight capabilities, long flight time, and user-friendly features make it a standout option in its price range. Whether you’re a professional photographer or a drone enthusiast, the HS720 is sure to provide you with an exceptional flying and filming experience.
Yuneec Typhoon H Pro: My Top Pick for a Professional Drone Under $500
If you’re in the market for a professional-grade drone on a budget, look no further than the Yuneec Typhoon H Pro. This drone has everything you need to capture stunning aerial footage, all without breaking the bank.
One of the standout features of the Typhoon H Pro is its impressive camera. Equipped with a 4K ultra-high-definition camera, this drone is capable of capturing breathtaking aerial shots with remarkable clarity and detail. Whether you’re shooting scenic landscapes or action-packed events, the Typhoon H Pro will deliver professional-quality footage that will impress even the most discerning viewer.
One of the key advantages of the Typhoon H Pro is its advanced flight control capabilities. With its intelligent flight modes, such as Follow Me, Orbit, and Waypoints, you can easily capture complex shots with ease. The drone’s obstacle avoidance system also ensures that you can fly confidently and safely, even in challenging environments.
Another notable feature of the Typhoon H Pro is its long flight time. With up to 25 minutes of flight time on a single charge, you’ll have plenty of time to explore and capture the shots you need. The drone’s retractable landing gear and foldable arms also make it easy to transport and store, ensuring that you can take it with you wherever you go.
If you’re looking for a reliable, feature-rich drone without breaking the bank, the Yuneec Typhoon H Pro is an excellent choice. With its professional-grade camera, advanced flight control capabilities, and long battery life, this drone truly offers exceptional value for its price.
Potensic D88: Excellent Performance at an Affordable Price
If you’re looking for a high-performance drone without breaking the bank, the Potensic D88 is a great option. With its impressive features and affordable price tag, this drone offers excellent value for money.
One of the standout features of the Potensic D88 is its powerful brushless motors, which provide superior speed and stability, making it ideal for capturing smooth aerial footage. The drone also has a flight time of up to 20 minutes, allowing for extended flying sessions without the need for constant battery changes.
The Potensic D88 comes equipped with a 2K HD camera, which delivers clear and crisp images and videos. Whether you’re a professional videographer or an amateur photographer, this drone will surely impress you with its image quality. Additionally, the drone has a built-in GPS module that enables precise positioning and accurate return-to-home functionality.
This drone also offers a range of intelligent flight modes, including Follow Me mode, Waypoint mode, and Gesture Control mode, providing users with a variety of creative options for capturing unique and dynamic shots. With its intuitive controls and user-friendly interface, the Potensic D88 is suitable for both beginners and experienced drone pilots.
In conclusion, the Potensic D88 is a top-rated drone under $500 that offers impressive performance and a range of features at an affordable price. Whether you’re an aerial photography enthusiast or simply looking to have fun with a high-quality drone, the Potensic D88 is definitely worth considering.
About Parrot Anafi
As a drone enthusiast, I have had the opportunity to test out several drones in the market, and one that stands out to me is the Parrot Anafi. This drone offers an impressive combination of features and performance, all at an affordable price point.
Design and Portability: One of the first things that caught my attention about the Parrot Anafi is its sleek and lightweight design. The drone weighs just under 1 pound, making it highly portable and easy to carry around. The foldable arms also add to its portability, allowing me to quickly set up and pack away the drone without any hassle.
Camera Quality: The Parrot Anafi is equipped with a 4K HDR camera, which captures stunningly clear and vibrant footage. The camera is mounted on a 3-axis gimbal, allowing for smooth and stable shots even in windy conditions. The camera can tilt upwards to 180 degrees, enabling creative shots from unique perspectives. Additionally, the drone comes with a zoom feature, allowing me to get closer to my subjects without compromising on image quality.
- Performance and Flight Experience:
- The Parrot Anafi offers a flight time of up to 25 minutes, which is impressive for a drone in this price range. The drone has a maximum speed of 34 mph and can reach a height of 2.5 miles, providing a thrilling and immersive flight experience.
- One feature that I particularly love about the Parrot Anafi is its ability to fly quietly. The drone’s propellers have been designed to reduce noise, making it less disruptive when flying in both urban and natural environments.
- The drone also offers several flight modes, including Follow Me, Orbit, and Waypoints, allowing me to capture dynamic and cinematic shots effortlessly.
Controller and App: The Parrot Skycontroller 3 that comes with the Anafi is intuitive and easy to use. It has a smartphone holder, allowing me to view the live feed from the drone’s camera. The FreeFlight 6 app offers a user-friendly interface and provides access to advanced settings and flight modes.
In conclusion, the Parrot Anafi is a highly capable and feature-rich drone that offers excellent value for its price. Its portability, camera quality, and flight performance make it a top choice for both beginners and experienced drone enthusiasts.
Hubsan Zino Pro
When it comes to drones under $500, the Hubsan Zino Pro is a top choice for enthusiasts and professionals alike. With its impressive features and affordable price, this drone offers a lot of value for its cost.
One of the standout features of the Hubsan Zino Pro is its 4K UHD camera, which allows you to capture stunning aerial footage with ease. The camera is equipped with a 1/3-inch Sony sensor and a 3-axis gimbal stabilization system, ensuring smooth and stable video footage even in windy conditions. Whether you’re filming beautiful landscapes or capturing high-speed action, the Hubsan Zino Pro’s camera will not disappoint.
- The Hubsan Zino Pro also stands out in terms of flight performance. With its powerful brushless motors, this drone can reach speeds of up to 22 mph, making it an excellent choice for capturing fast-paced action shots. Its precise GPS positioning and intelligent flight modes, such as follow me and orbit mode, make it easy to get the perfect shot every time.
- Additionally, the Hubsan Zino Pro boasts an impressive flight time of up to 23 minutes, allowing you to have more time in the air and capture more footage before needing to recharge. Its long-range transmission system ensures a stable and reliable connection between the drone and the remote controller, preventing any signal interference.
- With its compact and foldable design, the Hubsan Zino Pro is also highly portable, making it easy to take on your outdoor adventures. Whether you’re traveling to a remote location or simply exploring your own backyard, this drone is ready to accompany you and capture breathtaking aerial shots.
In conclusion, if you’re in the market for a high-quality drone under $500, the Hubsan Zino Pro is definitely worth considering. With its advanced camera, impressive flight performance, and portability, this drone offers a great balance between affordability and functionality.
Holy Stone HS100 – My Personal Review of a High-Quality Drone Under $500
Being an adventurous person who loves exploring new perspectives and capturing breathtaking moments, I always wanted to own a high-quality drone that fits my budget. After thorough research and personal experience, I can confidently say that the Holy Stone HS100 is one of the best choices available in the market for under $500. This drone has exceeded my expectations in terms of performance, ease of use, and impressive features.
One of the standout features of the Holy Stone HS100 is its advanced GPS-assisted flight system, which allows for precise positioning and stable flight even in windy conditions. This technology has proven to be a game-changer, as it helps in capturing smooth and clear aerial footage without any major interruptions. Moreover, the Return-to-Home (RTH) feature ensures that the drone safely returns to its starting point with just a single button press, providing peace of mind and preventing any potential accidents or flyaways.
Powerful Motors and Long Battery Life
The Holy Stone HS100 is equipped with powerful brushless motors that provide efficient and stable flight performance. These motors not only increase the drone’s agility and maneuverability but also contribute to its longer flight time. With the included 2500mAh battery, I was able to fly the drone for up to 15 minutes on a single charge. This allowed me to explore various landscapes and capture stunning aerial shots without worrying about running out of battery power too quickly.
- Easy to Control and Stable Flight
- The Holy Stone HS100 is designed to be user-friendly, making it suitable for beginners and experienced drone enthusiasts alike. The intuitive remote controller provides precise control over the drone’s movements, and the built-in altitude hold feature allows for stable hovering at a desired height.
- Immersive FPV Experience
- The HS100 drone also offers a thrilling First Person View (FPV) experience. By connecting your smartphone to the drone’s Wi-Fi, you can view real-time footage on your mobile device. This feature adds a whole new dimension to the flying experience and allows for better framing and composition of shots.
In conclusion, the Holy Stone HS100 has proven to be an exceptional drone under $500, prioritizing performance, stability, and impressive features. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced pilot, this drone offers an easy-to-use and immersive flying experience. Capturing stunning aerial footage and exploring new perspectives has never been easier, thanks to the incredible capabilities of the Holy Stone HS100.
Contixo F22
The Contixo F22 is an incredible drone that offers a combination of advanced features and affordability. With its sleek design and powerful performance, it has quickly become one of the best choices available for drone enthusiasts on a budget.
One of the standout features of the Contixo F22 is its built-in GPS and intelligent flight modes. This allows for precise flight control and the ability to execute professional-level aerial shots. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced pilot, you can easily navigate the skies and capture stunning images or videos with this drone.
The Contixo F22 also boasts an impressive flight time of up to 15 minutes, thanks to its high-capacity rechargeable battery. This means you can enjoy longer flights and more time capturing breathtaking moments from above. Additionally, its durable construction ensures that it can withstand crashes and minor accidents without sustaining significant damage.
Another great aspect of the Contixo F22 is its versatility. It is equipped with a 1080p HD camera that can be adjusted for different angles, allowing you to capture wide-angle shots or focus on specific details. Whether you’re documenting your travels, exploring nature, or simply enjoying aerial photography, this drone has everything you need.
In conclusion, the Contixo F22 is a fantastic drone that offers impressive features at an affordable price. Its GPS and intelligent flight modes, long flight time, and high-quality camera make it a top choice for both beginners and experienced pilots. If you’re looking for a reliable and capable drone under $500, the Contixo F22 is definitely worth considering.
Ryze Tello
The Ryze Tello is a compact and lightweight drone that offers an impressive set of features at an affordable price point. Powered by a DJI flight controller, this drone delivers stable and precise flight performance, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced pilots.
One of the standout features of the Ryze Tello is its camera. Despite its small size, the Tello is equipped with a 5-megapixel camera that can capture both photos and videos with decent quality. It also has an electronic image stabilization system, which helps to reduce shakes and vibrations during flight, resulting in smoother footage.
- Flight Performance: The Tello is equipped with a vision positioning system that enables it to hover in place and fly steadily indoors or in areas without GPS signals. It also has an auto takeoff and landing feature, making it easy for beginners to operate.
- Control Options: The Tello can be controlled using a smartphone app or a remote controller. The app offers intuitive flight controls and a variety of intelligent flight modes, such as circle, 360-degree flips, and bounce mode.
- Battery Life: The Tello has a flight time of approximately 13 minutes on a single charge. While this may not be the longest flight time compared to other drones in this price range, it is still sufficient for most aerial photography and fun flying sessions.
- Price: The Ryze Tello is priced under $500, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious shoppers who want a reliable and feature-packed drone.
In conclusion, the Ryze Tello is a highly capable drone that offers impressive features and performance at an affordable price. With its stable flight performance, decent camera, and user-friendly controls, the Tello is an excellent choice for beginners and enthusiasts alike who are looking for a budget-friendly drone under $500.
Best rated drones under $500
RC Viot GPS Drone with Camera for Adults 4K with Brushless Motors, Auto Return Home, Long Flight Time and Distance,5G WIFI Transmission, Smart FPV Drone RC...
Features
| Part Number | EC120 |
| Color | Black |
| Release Date | 2023-09-29T07:00:00.000Z |
| Price history for RC Viot GPS Drone with Camera for Adults 4K with Brushless Motors, Auto Return Home, Long Flight Time and Distance,5G WIFI Transmission, Smart FPV Drone RC Quadcopter for Beginners Kids (Under 250G) | |
|---|---|
|
Latest updates:
|
|
Didn't find the right price? Set price alert below
| 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 | |
|---|---|
|
Latest updates:
|
|
Didn't find the right price? Set price alert below
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...
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 | |
|---|---|
|
Latest updates:
|
|
Didn't find the right price? Set price alert below
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...
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) | |
|---|---|
|
Latest updates:
|
|
Didn't find the right price? Set price alert below
ScharkSpark GPS Drone with Camera for Adults 4K, Drone with Brushless Motor, Auto Return, Circle Fly, Waypoint Fly, Follow me, 50+ Mins Long Flight for...
Features
| Part Number | JSD128 |
| Color | Gray |
| Price history for ScharkSpark GPS Drone with Camera for Adults 4K, Drone with Brushless Motor, Auto Return, Circle Fly, Waypoint Fly, Follow me, 50+ Mins Long Flight for Beginner, Gifts for Adults/Kids with 2 Batteries | |
|---|---|
|
Latest updates:
|
|
Didn't find the right price? Set price alert below
| Price history for Ruko U11S Drones with Camera for Adults 4k, Compliance with FAA Remote ID, 40 Mins Flight Time, Foldable FPV GPS Drones for Beginners with Live Video, Follow Me, Auto Return Home, Encircling Flight | |
|---|---|
|
Latest updates:
|
|
Didn't find the right price? Set price alert below
| Price history for Holy Stone HS720E GPS Drone with 4K EIS UHD 130 FOV Camera for Adults Beginner, FPV Quadcopter with 2 Batteries 46 Min Flight Time, Brushless Motor, 5GHz Transmission, Smart Return Home, Follow Me | |
|---|---|
|
Latest updates:
|
|
Didn't find the right price? Set price alert below
| Price history for Holy Stone GPS Drone with 4K Camera for Adults, HS175D RC Quadcopter with Auto Return, Follow Me, Brushless Motor, Circle Fly, Waypoint Fly, Altitude Hold, Headless Mode, 46 Mins Long Flight | |
|---|---|
|
Latest updates:
|
|
Didn't find the right price? Set price alert below
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...
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 | |
|---|---|
|
Latest updates:
|
|
Didn't find the right price? Set price alert below
| Price history for 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 | |
|---|---|
|
Latest updates:
|
|
Didn't find the right price? Set price alert below
Question and answers:
What are some of the best rated drones available for under $500?
Some of the best rated drones available for under $500 include the DJI Mavic Mini, Autel Robotics Evo, Holy Stone HS720, Potensic D85, and Hubsan Zino Pro.
What features should I look for in a drone under $500?
When looking for a drone under $500, it is important to consider features such as camera quality, flight time, range, and stability. Additionally, GPS and intelligent flight modes can greatly enhance the flying experience.
Can I get a drone with a 4K camera for under $500?
Yes, there are several drones available for under $500 that feature 4K cameras. Some examples include the DJI Mavic Mini, Autel Robotics Evo, and Hubsan Zino Pro.
Are there any compact drones under $500 that are easy to carry around?
Yes, the DJI Mavic Mini is a compact drone that is highly portable and can be easily carried around. It weighs only 249 grams and has a foldable design, making it perfect for travel.
What is the average flight time for drones under $500?
The average flight time for drones under $500 is around 20-30 minutes, although some models may offer longer flight times. It is important to consider the battery life and whether additional batteries can be purchased separately.
