Technology is a wonderful thing. Gone are the days of having to pay for expensive, bulky cameras to capture your favorite moments. With drones under 100 dollars on the market, it’s never been easier or cheaper to take amazing aerial footage from above! These drones are easily controlled and most offer a camera that films in HD quality with an easy-to-use app. The best part? They’re all under 100 bucks!
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What is the Best Drone Under 100?
We could say that we traveled the world to find for you the Best Drone Under 100 and it’s partially true – we’ve been on the road since 2011 after all.
More importantly, we have done a very thorough research online and have gone through most of the available drones for less than $100 that you can buy today. We read the comments left by people who bought and used these drones under 100 dollars.
We also wrote a brief drones under 100 dollars Buying Guide and FAQ sections to address most questions you may have.
Without further ado, here’s the list of top 12 drones for less than $100 based on their pricing, specs and ratings by real users.
1. Tizzy Toy S8 Upgraded Drone
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.87 pounds (0.39 kg) Max Flight Time: 15 Minutes Control Range: 300 meters SD Card Slot: Micro SD Charging Time: 2 Hours |
Toy drone strives to present pro-level features under $100. From a 4K HD camera and 90⁰ adjustment to hovering and one-key landing options, you can do more than just backyard fun.
It operates with its controller and smartphones. You can also dictate the route pre-programmed or through gestures and voices. With the 300-meter range and 360⁰ flips, it continues the aerial venture for 15 minutes. The package has two batteries, effectively doubling the period.
There are advanced touches like 50x zoom, 60m three-way obstacle detection, and button-activated RGB fans. Don’t take it out in above-10mph wind. It threatens the drone’s stability.
Pros
- Obstacle avoidance,
- Dual-speed and headless modes,
- Visually appealing RGB fans,
- Great value for money
Cons
- Vulnerable to windy conditions,
- Weak smartphone connection
2. SANROCK U52 Drone
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.9 pounds (0.41 kg) Max Flight Time: 13 Minutes Control Range: 100 meters SD Card Slot: Micro SD Charging Time: 3.33 Hours |
Sanrock U52 is a great beginners’ drone. Its 1080p output shouldn’t be the sole reason to go for another equally-priced drone.
It takes photos and videos. Furthermore, it supports FPV transmissions. 30-meter is the farthest possible range in the case of real-time shots. The controller starts beeping as you surpass this distance. When flying indoors, it lives up to the advertised battery timing. However, outdoor conditions may have disproportionate effects. And spare batteries are not given! You can guide it through its app, remote, voice commands, or certain gestures. It also follows your phone’s motion and drawings. Gravity sensors are integrated to add more fun.
Pros
- Live transmission,
- Multiple controls,
- A smart alert mechanism,
- Durable ABS construction
Cons
- Only 1080p HD camera,
- Short battery life
3. SYMA X20 Mini Drone
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.4 pounds (0.18 kg) Max Flight Time: 5 Minutes Control Range: 50 meters SD Card Slot: N/A Charging Time: 0.83 Hours |
X20 is the most famous kid drone, and rightly so! Cheerwing currently puts up the lowest price tag on Amazon. However, several companies have rebranded it. Browse for the best deal.
It spans over 4”. It’s only a pastime toy as there is no camera. Still, it allows you to do multiple indoor and outdoor tasks. The controller moves it in all directions, allowing 360⁰ stunts and hovering. 6-axis gyro strengthens stability and wind resistance.
Four separately-sold AAA batteries are required. Gently plug the charging cord. And the only regret will be that it ends too quickly – the fastest five minutes spent!
Pros
- Compact size,
- 3D flips and movements,
- Altitude hold mode,
- One of the cheapest drone
Cons
- Batteries are not included,
- Fragile charging port
4. Holy Stone HS210 Mini Drone
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.05 pounds (0.02 kg) Max Flight Time: 7 Minutes Control Range: 50 meters SD Card Slot: N/A Charging Time: 1 Hours |
HS210 reinforces the newfound love for unmanned aircraft. The multitude of color schemes, aerial stunts, and safety features put it among the best toy-grade drones.
It can fly in circles at multiple speeds while performing 360⁰ flips. Three batteries and a dual charger enrich you with a lasting flight experience.
You can either tap fly or simply toss the drone. It keeps facing the user throughout the flight. This realignment wins the name headless. Its motors stop colliding with obstacles, preventing permanent damage. Automatic, fixed-height hovering is an adventurous sight but needs prior trimming. Thus, adult supervision is suggested.
Pros
- Toss to launch,
- Altitude-hold function,
- One-key start and stop
- Low, medium, and high speed
Cons
- Only for indoors,
- No storage case
5. HASAKEE Q9S Mini LED Drone
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.64 pounds (0.29 kg) Max Flight Time: 6 Minutes Control Range: 60 meters SD Card Slot: N/A Charging Time: 0.92 Hours |
This drone comes with four-blade propellers wrapped in sturdy lightning rings. They protect people and home furniture in case of a collision. Secondly, the neon frames emit blue and green lights, making an eye-catching show. And there are three different illumination displays.
The feathery flier is structured with a six-axis system. It enables tilting and rolling. If you don’t do anything, altitude-hold jumps in for a stable hovering. Long-press the button, and it’s time for auto-rotation – a spinning LED extravaganza!
The drone sometimes loses its connection to crash on the spot or continue flying to an unknown one! Also, it costs twice as much as an average toy drone.
Pros
- Fancy and functional guards,
- Auto rotation,
- Double flight time,
- Durable ABS plastic
Cons
- Batteries are not included,
- Remote failures
6. SIMREX X900 Quadcopter
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.4 pounds (0.18 kg) Max Flight Time: 15 Minutes Control Range: 393 ft (120 m) Gimbal/ Stabilization: No SD Card Slot: Yes Charging Time: 90 Hours |
Simrex X900 is a great beginner travel drone with a very good camera, easy to use features and overall a great entry-level option. Lightweight design and 15 minutes flight time on each charge makes it easy to carry while not compromising on usability.
Pros
- Beginner-friendly steering and optical positioning for the ease-of-use,
- You can fly it with a smartphone, remote control or VR headset,
- High-quality camera let’s you capture videos in Full HD
7. TOMZON A31 Flying Pig
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.75 pounds (0.34 kg) Max Flight Time: 8 Minutes Control Range: 100 meters SD Card Slot: N/A Charging Time: 1.25 Hours |
A31 sports an elongated fuselage with wide spans. All four propellers are illuminated with seven rainbow colors. It comes in compact (9 x 7 x 3) foam packaging. Two Li-ion batteries last more than 15 minutes. You’ll have to buy three AAA remote cells separately. However, there are replacements available for propellers that you’re going to need.
This mini toy has flipping, rotating, hovering, and variable speed modes. Its emergency stop immediately cut off the power instead of making a safe landing first. So, utilize this option carefully.
Outdoor flights are possible and quite enjoyable as long as the wind is calm.
Pros
- Multicolor LED fans,
- Stable altitude hold,
- Speed adjustments,
- Double fuel
Cons
- No wind resistance,
- Blades are not robust
8. DEERC D20 Mini Drone
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.15 pounds (0.07 kg) Max Flight Time: 10 Minutes Control Range: 40 meters SD Card Slot: N/A Charging Time: 1.33 Hours |
DEERC produces versatile RC toys for kids, and now they’ve added a drone! Anyone can buy it to get started, give a gift, or have simple fun. Integrating a 720p HD Wi-Fi camera at this low price point deserves a lot of credit. It channels a live video feed as well. However, the 40-meter space is too small. All snapshots will be saved in your smartphone gallery. It accepts voice inputs and certain gestures (V and palm) to click images or change direction. Its battery dies in about ten minutes, and there are two of them! Safety features are plenty: four propeller guards, low-battery signal, and emergency collision stop.
Pros
- Waypoints fly,
- Emergency stop,
- Two 5000mAh batteries,
- A cheap camera drone
Cons
- No SD card slot,
- Too short transmission distance
9. ATTOP A11 Toy Drone
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.04 pounds (0.02 kg) Max Flight Time: 5 Minutes Control Range: 50 meters SD Card Slot: N/A Charging Time: 0.75 Hours |
A11 is a smart choice for a gift to rattle down your chimney this Christmas. Its four-blade propellers give a spaceship appearance. They have 360⁰ guards so that children don’t get hurt.
Overall, it’s a stable and efficient RC quadcopter. It helps rookies absorb the basic controls and functions. The built-in headless function memorizes the orientation. One-key launch/land also comes in handy. Or you can kick-start by tossing it in the air. Anyways, keep the drone in sight!
A battery connects with a short type-C cable, lasting between 4-6 minutes. You get three of them for lasting enjoyment.
Pros
- 360⁰ rollover,
- Three batteries pack,
- Novice-friendly headless mode,
- Attractive kid’s drone
Cons
- Lack of calibration,
- Suitable for in-house flights
10. Holy Stone HS190 Nano Drone
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.06 pounds (0.03 kg) Max Flight Time: 6 Minutes Control Range: 50 meters SD Card Slot: N/A Charging Time: 0.67 Hours |
The red-and-black color scheme evokes a first-hand gaming experience. The drone collapses to rest neatly in the controller. Charging, storing, and transporting this thing is a breeze.
As far as operation is concerned, there is nothing like a beginner or practice drone. But such low-cost indoor flights prepare young pilots to maneuver GPS multirotor in the future. It automatically hovers and rotates. You can fly it at multiple speeds while performing tricks. Its instant-stop key lowers the drone to the starting position.
Nonetheless, it needs recharging after every five minutes of gliding. Besides an adaptor or computer, you can connect it with its controller to rejuvenate it under the open sky.
Pros
- Low-profile foldable design,
- Omnidirectional transmission,
- One button return home,
- High-speed fancy moves
Cons
- Hard to find battery replacements,
- Brief rounds in the air
11. NEHEME NH320 Mini Drone
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.06 pounds (0.03 kg) Size: 3.7 x 3.5 x 0.8 inches (9.4 x 8.9 x 2 cm) Max Flight Time: 7 Minutes SD Card Slot: 1.5 |
Although Neheme is not a well-known brand, they have made a fantastic effort in producing affordable quadcopters for children and entry-level drone pilots. The NH320 is a scaled-down model compared to the more popular Neheme NH525, and it is also the budget choice drone on my list. It features a protective cage around the propellers that serves two functions. It protects your children from getting injured by the rotating propellers, and it also protects the propellers from getting damaged on impact. Although this is a fantastic design feature, it also makes it harder to clean out the dust bunnies collected in the propellers. The NH320 also comes with some fun features that are attractive to kids, such as the 360-degree tumbling action that users have noted is exciting. Another feature is the 3-speed mode that allows you to change speed according to your skill level and LED lights that make it fun to fly in the dark. On the upside, the remote controller is highly responsive and makes it a nice educational drone for newbies. It allows a one-key lift-off and landing sequence and altitude hold, both of which make it easy to fly. The drone comes with three batteries that may give you up to 21 minutes with a charging time of 90 minutes each. However, the battery compartment is a little tight and makes removing and replacing the batteries a tedious process for some people.
Pros
- Easy to fly with one-key takeoff/ landing,
- Highly responsive 360-degree tumbling action,
- Child-safe construction with full propeller guards,
- 3-Speed mode for different skill levels,
- Great value for your money
Cons
- Tedious battery removal and installation process
12. Potensic Upgraded A20 Mini Drone
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.42 pounds (0.19 kg) Size: 3.5 x 3.1 x 1.3 inches (8.9 x 7.9 x 3.2 cm) Max Flight Time: 6 Minutes SD Card Slot: 0.5 |
The A20 mini drone is another budget-friendly option in the same price range as the NH320 and H823H mini-quadcopters reviewed here. What makes the A20 slightly different is that it is made as a kid’s toy, although it is also an excellent beginner drone for adults. It also does not feature the 3D flip. The A20 remote controller is one of its most outstanding features. It is smaller than most for kids to hold and control easily. The controller features 2.4Ghz, which delivers a stable transmission speed and makes the drone highly responsive. It features a 3-Speed Mode to use in different environments, the headless mode, and altitude hold that make it easy for newbie pilots to fly. Many users have noted that the A20 delivers smooth flying. However, it also requires calibration every time you power it up, which was a nuisance. On the upside, the transmission performance of the controller makes the pairing an easy process. The landing process is equally simple, and interestingly, the drone features a soft landing material to protect it from heavy impact.
Another outstanding feature is the Emergency Stop that allows the quadcopter to land itself if you lose control. Although the drone features a headless mode that allows you to fly it in any orientation, it also comes with an LED headlight and a red tail light for the more experienced users.
Pros
- Short battery charging time of 30 minutes,
- Affordable and high-quality construction,
- Small-sized remote controller for kids hands,
- Lightweight and durable construction for indoor flying,
- Features a headlight and taillight for orientation
Cons
- It needs calibration every time you power it on,
- Difficult to remove and replace the batteries
Verdict
TLDR: Quick summary of our findings as to what can be considered the Best Drone Under 100 is below:
Overall best drone under $100 out there: Tizzy Toy S8 Upgraded Drone
Premium Pick if money is not much of an issue: SANROCK U52 Drone
Budget Choice – there’s no shame in spending prudently: SYMA X20 Mini Drone
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying drones under 100 dollars
App control
Most of the professional drones have their proprietary apps. Having a user-friendly UI boosts the product’s long-term value. DJI Fly, Holystone’s Ophelia Go, and Parrot’s FreeFlight are a few examples. They have minimum software requirements for Wi-Fi bands and Android/iOS versions.
Open the app on your smartphone and slide it into the controller’s retractable phone clamp. From training to feature logs and camera settings to its angles, it’ll bring all possible inputs at the distance of one touch.
These apps also indicate no-fly zones, passing crewed aircraft, and weather forecasts. Some may also track the GPS position. You can customize flight routes and add soundtracks to live video as it takes place. There are shortcuts to sharing your pictures on social media.
Range
Range greatly depends on how much you want to spend. The cheapest drones are usually only able to fly up to 15 meters away but the most expensive drones can fly up to 50 kilometers away.
Camera
The camera is one of the main factors to consider when purchasing a drone and its importance cannot be overlooked. Many drones come with various built-in cameras from integrated 4K video cameras to remote mounted DSLR’s or GoPro’s.
Drone Flying Precautions
When you are flying a drone, do not fly it too high. A good height to start with is 50 meters and gradually increase your altitude as you become more confident with controlling the drone. Do not fly where there is a lot of other air traffic — especially commercial airliners — or near airports. Check local regulations before launching your drone and avoid restricted areas such as military installations. You should always stay within line-of-sight of your aircraft, so that you can react quickly in case something goes wrong – this way, you will be able to see any problems immediately and avoid collision risk.
Remember, only drones under 250 grams or 0.55 pounds don’t need to be registered with FAA (Federal Aviation Administration).
Speed
This largely depends on your needs and whether or not you have a need for long distance drone flying. The faster the drone, the more expensive it is. However, if your only need is to fly for 10 minutes at a time then speed won’t matter.
Obstacle avoidance
Some drones have an obstacle avoidance system which allows them to sense anything in front of them and will automatically adjust their flight path to avoid any collisions. However, keep in mind that this system does not work with all drones so be sure to check compatibility before purchasing it.
Questions and Answers About drones under 100 dollars
How long is the battery life on a cheap drone?
The battery life will last up to ten minutes, even with a cheap drone.
Do I need a Licence to fly a drone?
Drones are UAVs. They can interfere with other flying objects. Therefore, all countries set some rules to govern these recreational flights.
In the United States, you’ll have to register your above-250g drone. The license costs $5 and remains valid for three years. Regardless of the weight, all flyers must take a safety test and abide by the FAA regulations. Commercial expeditions come under Part 107 statuary laws.
What drone should I buy for hiking?
Not all drones make a reliable companion when you’re outdoors. If you have scheduled a backpacking itinerary, look for the following qualities to bring home epic images and videos of those craggy sun-kissed paths.
• Compact and foldable with weather-resistant backpacks
• GPS, obstacle avoidance, and waypoints fly
• Minimum video support of 1080p/30fps
• >20 minutes of flight time with interchangeable batteries
• Miles of height and control range
Life isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, so compromises are expected! Lucky for you, we’ve already shortlisted the best drones for hiking and travel photography.
Are cheaper drones really that bad?
This question can be answered both ways. When we say ‘cheap drone’ we mean cheap in price, and not necessarily quality for the purposes of this article – although it is true that if you do not spend a lot on a drone then you will get less features and overall value for your money. However, there are some very good drone brands that offer affordable flying platforms which may lack advanced features such as GPS but still manage to deliver an excellent user experience. The important thing to note here is how much you actually need these extra features and what level of drone piloting experience you have already acquired; because if this is your first time buying a drone or you only intend to use it for casual flying, then a cheaper model will suit your needs just as well.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a drone that can fly on its own and takes aerial footage from an IP camera with little input from yourself but will cost more money; then you might be better off saving some cash than buying a cheap drone.
What is the best price of drones with GPS?
Your basic beginner drone does not have GPS (global positioning system). This means that it will not automatically return home safely when the battery starts running low. A beginner drone typically has 4 channel or 6 channel options which allows users to move forward/backward, left/right, up/down or rotate clockwise/counterclockwise. The benefit of these drones is that they are cheaper to buy and easier to use, however if the drone is out of sight you will have to use your hand to steer it back.
Newer drones are better, bigger and faster than older ones – but they’re also more expensive. There are some very good drones available in the market at cheap prices that still perform well and have advanced features such as GPS, FPV camera, and app-based flight experience.
The best price of drones with GPS fall into the $200 to $500 category. These drones can return home safely when the battery is running low. These drones with GPS typically come with better quality parts and components, meaning that they will fly more stably and for longer, while also being able to take better aerial photos and videos.
How many miles can a drone fly?
A drone’s total flight range might be limited by the length of its battery charge, the payload it can carry, and other factors.It is important to keep in mind that as a rule of thumb, a typical quadcopter on a standard 2200mAh battery will fly for 6-8 minutes per charge. The maximum length of drone flight range that a person can expect will vary depending on factors such as:Drone weight (drones made from lightweight materials will potentially fly farther). Battery capacity (larger batteries will typically allow for longer flight).Propeller size (props that have larger diameters require more energy to spin, so a drone can fly farther with smaller props).Drone motors (some types of motors draw more current than others and will drain the battery faster).How much weight is being carried by the drone (the heavier the payload, the shorter your flight range will be). The weather conditions. Strong headwinds or storms can significantly shorten your flight range.
- Tags: Budget, Cheap, Drone, Photography, Product Review, Under $100
- Categories: Photography
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