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!
What is the Best Drone Under 100?
We have compiled for you the top 8 Best Drone Under 100 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 for less than $100 and having used several drones under 100 dollars 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 100 dollars.
1. Holy Stone HS210 Mini Drone
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Max Flight Time: 7 Minutes Control Range: 50 meters 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
2. HASAKEE Q9S Mini LED Drone
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Max Flight Time: 6 Minutes Control Range: 60 meters 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
3. TOMZON A31 Flying Pig
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Max Flight Time: 8 Minutes Control Range: 100 meters 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
4. Holy Stone HS190 Nano Drone
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Max Flight Time: 6 Minutes Control Range: 50 meters 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
5. 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 |
Meet the SANROCK U52, the drone specifically engineered with beginners in mind. Boasting a 1080p HD camera, this lightweight flying machine lets you capture life’s unforgettable moments from a staggering new perspective.
What sets the SANROCK U52 apart from other drones priced in a similar range is its multifunctionality and convenience. Designed to be user-friendly, this drone comes with various control methods that include an app, remote, voice commands, and even gesture recognition. The adaptability it provides is unmatched, offering not just a flying experience but a fun and engaging way to interact.
The SANROCK U52 is built for both indoor and outdoor use. While it stays true to the advertised battery life for indoor flight, be alert that changing weather conditions outdoors might affect its performance a tad. A smart alert mechanism alerts you with a distinctive beep if you surpass the 30-meter range for real-time shots — a useful feature to ensure you never lose sight of your drone.
However, we unfortunately found a couple of minute shortcomings. While the 1080p HD camera delivers crisp and clear images for casual users, professional photographers might find the resolution drawback considering other drones in this category often offer a higher image quality. Moreover, the battery life could be improved, especially for those seeking prolonged flight times. Spare batteries might be an optimal addition, but they aren’t included in the standard package.
Pros
- Multifaceted control options,
- Smart alert system,
- Robust ABS construction,
- Live transmission feature
Cons
- 1080p resolution camera,
- Battery life could be better
6. SYMA X20 Mini Drone
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Max Flight Time: 5 Minutes Control Range: 50 meters Charging Time: 0.83 Hours |
Meet the SYMA X20 Mini Drone, a delightfully compact flyer that’s widely recognized as one of the best picks specifically for kids. This pint-sized drone measures just over 4 inches, a convenient size that—for all its diminutiveness—doesn’t compromise on functionality.
Without an onboard camera, the X20 is more of a hobbyist’s toy than your standard photography tool. However, this doesn’t limit its versatility in the slightest. Whether you use this drone indoors or outdoors, it promises a stable, fun-filled flight experience. Aided by a 6-axis gyro enhancement, it handles wind resistance effectively, supporting stable flight and fun stunts like 360° flips and rotations.
This nimble drone is controlled via a user-friendly remote that maneuvers it smoothly in every direction. Keep in mind that it will need four AAA batteries, sold separately, to operate. Once you equip it with power, charging is a breeze—though, fair warning, it can end quite swiftly. Users often wish their flight could last longer than its roughly five-minute duration!
Pros
- Super compact design,
- Supports 3D flips,
- Offers altitude hold mode,
- Extremely budget-friendly
Cons
- AAA batteries not included,
- Delicate charging port
7. Tizzy Toy S8 Upgraded Drone
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Max Flight Time: 15 Minutes Control Range: 300 meters SD Card Slot: Micro SD Charging Time: 2 Hours |
Advancing the world of affordable drones, the Tizzy Toy S8 upgraded model is chock full of features typically seen in higher priced models, all for less than $100. Possessing a 4K HD camera with adjustable 90-degree tilt, this remarkable gadget paves the way for more than just recreational flying, offering a vista for capturing stellar aerial shots.
Coupled with control options for both remote and smartphones, this drone also keeps your hands loose by accommodating pre-programmed routes as well as voice and gesture commands. Adventurous flyers will appreciate its 300-meter range and the capability of executing a full 360-degree flip. Anticipate uninterrupted flight time of roughly 15 minutes, extended with the inclusion of an extra battery.
Additional frills include the breathtaking 50x zoom, impressive three-way obstacle detection up to 60 meters, and mesmerizing RGB fans ignited at the push of a button. Note though, this lightweight drone tends to grapple with stability in winds exceeding 10 miles per hour.
Pros
- Excellent avoidance of obstacles,
- Dual-speed and directionless modes,
- Aesthetically pleasing RGB fans,
- Exceptional value for cost
Cons
- Struggles in breezy conditions,
- Inconsistent smartphone synchronization
8. SIMREX X900 Quadcopter
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Max Flight Time: 15 Minutes Control Range: 393 ft (120 m) Gimbal/ Stabilization: No SD Card Slot: Yes Charging Time: 1.5 Hours |
In the realm of economical yet high-quality UAVs, the SIMREX X900 Quadcopter truly stands out. Aptly regarded as an ideal pick for beginners, this travel drone pairs its easy-to-use features with a robust camera module, effectively serving as an efficient entry-level purchase.
Sprightly and compact, its lightweight design ensures portability while its commendable 15-minute flight time grants ease in usability. The user-friendly accommodation is further elevated by the drone’s simplified steering options and adept optical positioning. These attributes combine to create an interface that offers a seamless flight experience for novice users.
Accompanying its practical design is a high-definition camera setup, capable of capturing full HD footage, thereby enhancing the overall drone flying experience. The drone can be operated via a smartphone, remote control, or a Virtual Reality (VR) headset, offering versatile control options that suit varying user preferences and styles.
Pros
- Offers intuitive steering and optical positioning,
- Supports multiple control options including smartphone, remote control, or VR headset,
- Houses a high-definition camera for Full HD video capture
Cons
- Limited speed range might not suit advanced users,
- Fairly shorter flight time compared to similar drones in the market
Verdict
To summarize, we have gone through dozens of drones under 100 dollars and decided that 8 are worth your consideration. Out of these, the absolute Best Drone Under 100 is Holy Stone HS210 Mini Drone which we highly recommend as our overall best.
If money is not an issue, you can consider SANROCK U52 Drone as this is our Premium Pick.
Otherwise, there’s no shame in spending prudently, SYMA X20 Mini Drone is the Budget Option.
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying drones under 100 dollars
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.
App control
In the realms of professional drones, look out for those coupled with their own apps. This makes for better handling and adds long-term value to your purchase. Notable ones include DJI Fly, Holystone’s Ophelia Go, or Parrot’s FreeFlight. Remember though, they have specific software needs like Wi-Fi bands and Android/iOS versions.
With these apps, controlling the drone is a breeze. Simply slide open the app on your phone and mount it in the controller’s retractable clamp. You now hold the reins to all kinds of settings ranging from training modules and feature logs, to camera angles.
What’s more, these apps clue you in on no-fly zones, upcoming manned aircraft, and even weather up ahead. GPS position tracking is a common find, as is the ability to draw out flight paths and add music to live videos. Oh, and show off your aerial photography chops with straight-forward social media sharing shortcuts!
Range
When it comes to the range of drones, there’s quite a spectrum, and it’s directly proportional to the price you’re willing to pay. At the more budget-friendly end of the scale, drones can typically reach up to 15 meters. However, if you’re planning to shell out a bit more, the premium drones can be your eye in the sky for up to an astounding 50 kilometers.
Questions and Answers About drones under 100 dollars
Do I need a Licence to fly a drone?
Drone users need to be aware that certain rules govern their operation, for potential safety concerns relating to other airplanes. In the U.S, for drones weighing over 250g, there’s a need for registration and the purchase of a $5, three-year license. Regardless of drone size, passing a safety test and following FAA norms are obligatory. Commercial use is subject to extra regulations termed as “Part 107.
What drone should I buy for hiking?
For hiking, seek a portable, bendable drone fortified with GPS and obstruction evasion capabilities. It should support video output of 1080p/30fps, provide a flight time exceeding 20 minutes with exchangeable batteries, and have an impressive control range. Though exceptions are inevitable, we’ve compiled a selection of the superior drones suited for travel photography and hiking.
What is the price range of a cheap drone?
The answer to that is up to you! It all depends on what the drone does, how many features it comes with, and its size. Some drones are inexpensive for a beginner while others can be quite costly for someone who has been flying for years. However, there are general prices that a cheap drone can cost. At the low end of the price range is $20 to $50. These drones don’t come with many features and they tend to be quite small. The larger ones in this price range tend to have fancy lights or a camera but are still on the smaller side.
Most drones fall into the middle price category which ranges from $250-$500 taking into consideration inflation, as well as for users who are looking for value for money at an affordable price point. These drones give you more advanced features such as GPS technology and FPV (First Person View) and may also include a 720 or 1080p HD-capable Camera/Video Recorder depending on the model. Some of the more expensive drones however can cost $1000 and above, but you do get a more professional looking drone in return for your money; so it is really about what features you are after.
