For me, freedom is when I don’t have to ask for permission every time I want to use my quadcopter. If you’re like me, and you’re looking for a new drone, you can get one that is up to 249 grams (8.8 oz / 0.55 pounds).
What is the Best Drone Under 250 Grams?
We have compiled for you the top 6 Best Drone Under 250 Grams in 2024. In this article we go through the products that we have used ourselves, checked what other users thought about them and we ranked them accordingly.
With years of experience with drones under 0.55 pounds and having used several drones under 250 grams you can trust our review.
Moreover, you can scroll to the end of this review to see our mini buying guide as well as the answers to some of the frequently asked questions about drones under 250 grams.
1. DJI Mini 2 Quadcopter
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Max Flight Time: 31 Minutes Control Range: 10 Km Gimbal/ Stabilization: 3-axis SD Card Slot: Micro SD Charging Time: 4 Hours |
When it comes to top-notch drones, DJI is the leading name and their Mini 2 Quadcopter is a masterpiece. This entry-level gem delivers formidable, steady coverage, making it an ideal choice for those keen on capturing breathtaking cinematic shots.
Powered by a stellar 12MP camera equipped with 4x zoom and 4K/30fps resolution, the DJI Mini 2 can climb to a maximum altitude of 4000 meters. It doesn’t stop there – boasting OcuSync 2.0, this drone offers a mind-blowing range of 10 kilometers. Coupled with a motorized 3-axis gimbal, it precisely crafts panoramic views with exquisite details. Plus, with the Fly App, you can further enhance your photos and share them instantly, wherever you are!
Imagine capturing from high above, a sun-soaked coastline, complete with the crisp echo of seagulls and vivid footprints in the sand! Weighing less than 250g, this lightweight drone doesn’t need registration in the United States. You might be surprised to find that despite its petite frame, the DJI Mini 2 successfully operates even in level 5 wind speeds (20mph), ensuring smooth operation every time.
Pros
- Sturdy, despite being lightweight,
- Handles wind up to 20 mph,
- Extended battery life for longer flights,
- Transmission distance of a whopping 10 km
Cons
- Night photography could be improved,
- Lacks an obstacle avoidance feature
2. DJI Mini 3 Pro
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Max Flight Time: 34 Minutes Control Range: 18 Km Gimbal/ Stabilization: 3-axis SD Card Slot: Micro SD Charging Time: 1 Hours |
The DJI Mini 3 Pro embodies a powerful punch in the world of compact drones. Designed with professional content creators in mind, it’s undeniably an upgrade from its predecessor, the Mini 2, albeit at a steeper price point. The notable feature in the Mini 3 Pro is its advanced 1/1.3″ CMOS sensor, elegantly stabilized at both ends, allowing users to capture superior 48 MP images.
Not to mention, its ability to deliver striking stills in both landscape and portrait modes sets it apart. This feature is particularly advantageous for social media enthusiasts who’d love to enrich their Instagram and TikTok feeds with high-quality verticals.
The Mini 3 Pro boasts an impressive battery life of 34 minutes on a single charge, great for those prolonged capture sessions. You even have the option to extend this duration using DJI’s Intelligent Flight Battery, although this bumps up the drone weight above the 250g mark.
Pros
- Boasts advanced obstacle sensing,
- Exceptional low-light capabilities,
- Records at 60fps in 4K resolution,
- Powerful, despite its portable size
Cons
- More expensive than its predecessor,
- Battery run time has only a slight increase
3. 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 |
A notch beneath the NH320 and the H823H mini-copters in cost, our next favorite drone under 250 grams is the upgraded Potensic A20 Mini Drone. Frequently seen as a kid’s toy, this drone is also a brilliant choice for adults learning the ropes. Unlike many of its competitors, it doesn’t boast a 3D flip feature, but what it offers is a strikingly miniature remote controller. The snug and compact design of the remote is aimed at children, intended for a more comfortable grip. However, it doesn’t compromise in functionality. The 2.4Ghz tech incorporated within the controller ensures stable transmission and makes the drone highly-responsive. It includes an adaptable 3-Speed Mode for various flying environments and headless mode, an altitude holding feature, which effectively simplifies the flying process for beginners. The critical issue to note is the requirement for calibration at each startup, which can be time-consuming.
Intriguing additions in this drone include the Emergency Stop function where the drone initiates a self-landing sequence when control is lost, potentially saving you from expensive drone crashes. Also, for the drone enthusiasts who are more confident in their maneuvering, there’s an LED headlight and red tail light to identify the drone’s orientation in the air.
Pros
- 30-minute rapid battery charge time,
- Reasonably priced and sturdy built,
- Compact controller suitable for kids,
- Made from durable material for indoor flying,
- Features a headlight and tail light for flight orientation
Cons
- Repeated calibration with every startup required,
- Battery removal and placement can be challenging
4. SANROCK U52 Drone
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Max Flight Time: 13 Minutes Control Range: 100 meters SD Card Slot: Micro SD Charging Time: 3.33 Hours |
Embarking on your drone journey? Consider the SANROCK U52. This compact device is perfect if you’re just starting out, pairing user-friendly features with solid technical specifications.
Impressively, included is a 1080p HD camera providing clear and crisp photo and video quality. Coupled with the ability to support FPV (First Person View) transmissions, this lightweight drone is capable of sending real-time shots up to a maximum distance of 30 meters. To prevent overreaching this boundary, a smart alert mechanism triggers a beep from the controller, ensuring you remain within limits and in control. Bear in mind, this range may vary slightly based on specific indoors or outdoors conditions.
From a control perspective, the SANROCK U52 shines through its versatility. You can maneuver this device using the app, the controller, voice commands, or even specific gesture protocols. Better still, it offers a smart follow feature, tailing your phone’s movements. Illustrating its innovative design, integrated gravity sensors have been incorporated, making piloting this device a truly enjoyable experience.
However, the SANROCK U52 isn’t without its minor drawbacks. Some enthusiasts might prefer a camera beyond the offered 1080p, particularly if high-definition aerial photography is a primary pursuit. Additionally, though ample for beginners, the battery life may not meet the needs of more avid enthusiasts. Extra batteries are not included within the package, which could interfere with extended flying sessions.
Despite these minor limitations, the SANROCK U52 drone has much to offer novices, particularly those interested in gaining experience in flight dynamics and control. It’s a compact, easy-to-use drone that lays the foundation for a future in aerial exploration.
Pros
- Real-time image transmission,
- Versatile control options,
- Smart alert mechanism for boundary awareness,
- Robust ABS construction for enhanced durability
Cons
- Limited to 1080p HD camera,
- Shorter battery lifespan and no extra batteries included
5. Altair Falcon AHP Mini Drone
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.32 pounds (0.15 kg) Size: 10.5 x 9.6 x 2.3 inches (26.7 x 24.4 x 5.8 cm) Max Flight Time: 10 Minutes Control Range: 590 SD Card Slot: 2 Charging Time: 1 Hours |
Meet the Altair Falcon AHP Mini Drone, a superior model in the realm of lightweight drones. The AHP in its name refers to its unique Autonomous Hovering and Positioning System. This cutting-edge technology allows the drone to hover independently, creating a steady flying environment with minimal effort, a treasure for both beginners and experienced pilots.
Right when you unbox this mini quadcopter, you’ll find it is fully assembled, saving you the time and complexity of setting it up. For convenience, it comes with an intuitive remote controller, meaning you can start flying as soon as possible. The drone’s live streaming feature allows the pilot to capture and stream 720p HD videos via WiFi, or simply take stunning still photos using an embedded camera. Just mount your smartphone on the remote controller, and using the Custom Flight Routing feature, you’ll experience First Person View (FPV) flying that’s unparalleled in precision and control.
Though lightweight, at just 4oz, this drone boasts of robust construction, thus making it perfect for indoor flying. Its expert engineering for weight and balance might make it sensitive to wind gusts, but the indoor maneuverability is a breeze. Its durability is enhanced by removable propeller guards and additional parts like extra propeller blades and landing gear. It delivers a flight time of around 20 minutes courtesy of its two batteries, which may take up to three hours to charge fully. Regardless, the Altair Falcon AHP Mini Drone is an ideal choice for drone enthusiasts at all levels, especially those seeking a user-friendly, ready-to-fly experience straight out of the box.
Pros
- Pre-assembled and ready for immediate use,
- Autonomous Hovering and Positioning System for simplified piloting,
- Great for beginners and young drone enthusiasts,
- Bundled with spare parts and an extra battery,
- Robust construction ensuring durability
Cons
- Extended battery charging time up to 3 hours,
- Sensitive to wind conditions during outdoor use
6. ATTOP A11 Toy Drone
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Max Flight Time: 5 Minutes Control Range: 50 meters SD Card Slot: N/A Charging Time: 0.75 Hours |
The ATTOP A11 Toy Drone redefines the joy of flying with its innovative features and user-friendly interface. Engineered with four-blade propellers that mimic the allure of a spaceship, it boasts a robust design equipped with 360-degree guards. This key detail ensures the safety of young enthusiasts, eliminating the risk of injury while handling the drone.
This RC quadcopter stands out due to its extraordinary stability and efficiency, making it an ideal pick for beginners. The built-in headless function is a standout feature that remembers the drone’s orientation, easing control for newcomers. Additionally, its one-key launch/land function streamlines operations. For a touch of fun, users can also initiate the drone by simply tossing it into the air. Be mindful to keep the drone within sight to ensure optimal usage!
The A11 is powered by a battery that hooks up via a short type-C cable, providing 4-6 minutes of flight time. The package includes three batteries to maximize flight time and as such, enhances the overall user experience.
Pros
- Excellent beginner-friendly features,
- Innovative 360-degree rollover,
- Comes with three batteries,
- Aesthetically pleasing kid-friendly design
Cons
- Absence of calibration function,
- Primarily recommended for indoor flights
Verdict
To summarize, we have gone through dozens of drones under 250 grams and decided that 6 are worth your consideration. Out of these, the absolute Best Drone Under 250 Grams is DJI Mini 2 Quadcopter which we highly recommend as our overall best.
If money is not an issue, you can consider DJI Mini 3 Pro as this is our Premium Pick.
Otherwise, there’s no shame in spending prudently, Potensic Upgraded A20 Mini Drone is the Budget Option.
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying drones under 250 grams
Range
We’re looking at range in our drone shopping guide; it’s a key component you should consider. Simply put, the more bucks you’re eager to splurge, the farther your drone can fly. You’ll get a modest 15 meters with the most budget-friendly models. However, with the upper echelon of drones, you can explore as far as 50 kilometers away. Bottom line: The cost of your drone has a direct impact on the distance it can cover.
Connectivity
Understanding the connectivity options of your prospective drone is crucial. While the majority of drones come equipped with built-in WiFi, it’s important to note that this is not the case for all. Inexpensive models might operate solely off a handheld controller. For those seeking controlled flight via smartphone or tablet, be sure you opt for a drone that includes a dedicated application for this purpose.
Controller
Think of a drone’s controller as its conductor, where size, shape, and design vary but its purpose remains constant. These controllers can be adjusted to enhance your flying experience. However, they offer more than just flight control. Many controllers have added functions such as providing the ability to capture aerial pictures or videos. Some even offer added extras like bonus battery packs, extending your flight time and ensuring you have added time to capture those unique aerial shots. For a more in-depth understanding of drone controllers, check out this article.
Extra batteries
When you’re on the hunt for the perfect drone, there’s one aspect you need to give a good thought to – batteries. Specifically, the number of extra batteries you might require, especially for long flight times. Remember, larger drones may need up to three or four batteries, which, as you’d probably guess, would take up a good chunk of space in your drone backpack. Don’t underestimate the power of a well-stocked battery arsenal for those longer, more adventurous flights.
Questions and Answers About drones under 250 grams
Can you fly a drone under 250 grams anywhere?
In most countries around the world you do not need a registration or special permission to fly a drone under 250 grams. However, you cannot fly it in restricted or no-fly zones. You can use Apps like AirMap for Drones to check these.
What makes drones under 300 different than other drones?
Cheap drones under 300 differ from more expensive drones because they are small. This makes them convenient for children because they are less dangerous and can also easily be hidden. More expensive drones may offer better video quality, providing HD images, and higher flying abilities.
The drones with a lower price typically have the most basic features only; this includes the resolution of videos taken. As you increase the price point you get to drones that provide both excellent videos and flight stability.
One last factor to note is the warranty on your drone (which will be shorter for cheaper drones) which affects how trustworthy your drone might be if something were to happen while in use or even in storage (such as it being brittle).
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.
