Drones are becoming more and more popular given their use in photography, videography, and racing. There are so many different types on the market it can be overwhelming to choose one. Here is a list of some of the best drones under $500 that people might want to consider when they’re looking for a new drone.
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What is the Best Drone Under 500?
We could say that we traveled the world to find for you the Best Drone Under 500 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 $500 that you can buy today. We read the comments left by people who bought and used these drones under 500 dollars.
We also wrote a brief drones under 500 dollars Buying Guide and FAQ sections to address most questions you may have.
Without further ado, here’s the list of top 11 drones for less than $500 based on their pricing, specs and ratings by real users.
1. RUKO U11 Pro Drone
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.61 pounds (0.28 kg) Max Flight Time: 26 Minutes Control Range: 500 meters SD Card Slot: Micro SD Charging Time: 3.5 Hours |
U11 Pro is a good drone for entry-level pilots. It has cool flight modes like a return to home, follow-me, and preset waypoints. It also integrates GPS tracking to find the lost one easily.
Launched in a beginner mode, it comes with restricted distance and altitude. You can increase these specs through the app. It’s equipped with a 4K UHD camera, supporting photos, videos, and a 5GHz FPV transmission. The maximum range is 500-meters under light air conditions.
As you take your thumbs off the transmitter, it automatically hovers in a locked position. However, the wobbly camera captures shaky videos. Shock absorbers – whatever they’re – are not helpful.
Pros
- 4K UHD camera,
- Level-V wind resistance,
- Firm altitude hold,
- Two Li-Pol batteries
Cons
- Unstable videos,
- Frail connection
2. DJI Mini 2 Quadcopter
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.55 pounds (0.25 kg) Max Flight Time: 31 Minutes Control Range: 10 Km Gimbal/ Stabilization: 3-axis SD Card Slot: Micro SD Charging Time: 4 Hours |
DJI is an industry-dominant manufacturer. Mini 2 welcomes you at the entry of lineups. Its boundless rock-steady coverage will blow your mind if you want to capture cinematic shots.
The 12MP camera has 4x zoom, 4K/30fps resolution, 4000-meter max altitude, and OcuSync 2.0’s 10-kilometer range. Coupled with a motorized 3-axis gimbal, it processes panoramic masterpieces with fine details. Fly App can further enhance and share them on the go!
Take a sunny coastline’s bird-view with the crisp sound of seagulls and clear footmarks on the sand! It weighs less than 250g. Meanwhile, you won’t have to register the aircraft in the US. Achieving smooth operation in the level-5 wind (20mph) is surprising with such a petite frame.
Pros
- Lightweight and discreet,
- Strong wind-resistance,
- Long battery life,
- 10Km transmission distance
Cons
- Night shots degrade quality,
- No obstacle avoidance
3. DEERC D20 Mini Drone
| Specs |
|---|
| 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
4. Holy Stone HS110G FPV Drone
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.33 pounds (0.15 kg) Max Flight Time: 20 Minutes Control Range: 328 ft (100 m) Gimbal/ Stabilization: No SD Card Slot: Yes |
Holy Stone HS110G is the best cheap drone with a camera. If you cannot spare over a hundred dollars and still want to see where you’re flying in real time, then this model is for you.
While it doesn’t have stabilization, it may actually record a better quality footage than the quadcopters that do but lack SD Card Slot. Recording to SD Card ensures the videos aren’t spotty and make for a much better watching.
A lot of people sing praises of the remote controller and the App for this drone so if you’re new to flying quadcopters, you should have an easy time learning with this one.
One of the biggest advantages are the batteries that hold for long time and are cheap to get, so that you get more air time. However, to charge them, you won’t be able to fly, which is the biggest disadvantage.
Pros
- Great value for money,
- Very good footage quality for a beginned quadcopter,
- Batteries last as long as advertised and are cheap to buy extra,
- Great and easy-to-use remote controller,
- You can record your videos to SD card or directly to your phone,
- Well-developed and beginner-friendly App
Cons
- Doesn’t hold position outdoors and may get tossed around in the wind,
- Batteries can only be charged while in the drone, so can’t fly while charging
5. EMAX Tinyhawk RTF Micro Racing Drone
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.93 pounds (0.42 kg) Size: 4.3 x 3.7 x 1.5 inches (10.9 x 9.4 x 3.8 cm) Max Flight Time: 4 Minutes |
The EMAX Tinyhawk RTF micro drone is the premium choice on my list. It is an excellent choice for entry-level quadcopter pilots, and it comes ready to fly out of the box. The drone comes with an FPV kit that includes FPV goggles, the remote controller, and a small carry case. Although the drone is slightly larger than some of the other drones on the list, it is considerably lightweight at 42g.
The drone features a durable polypropylene frame with impact protection guards for the propellers. It also includes an FPV camera which transmits high-quality FPV video to the goggles or an external monitor. Another thoughtful feature is the motor beeper function that helps you find the micro drone if it lands in a busy place.
Tinyhawk is a racing drone, and it has the fastest speed of all the drones on this list at 35 miles per hour. The quadcopter’s controller comes with Level, Horizon, and Full Acrobatic FPV flight modes. On the downside, its battery performance is the shortest on my list of the best micro-drones at four minutes.
Pros
- Ready to fly out of the box,
- Can achieve 35mph racing speed,
- Comes with a camera and FPV goggles,
- Sturdy and durable construction
Cons
- Short flight time of four minutes
6. Holy Stone HS720E GPS Drone
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 1.09 pounds (0.49 kg) Max Flight Time: 23 Minutes Control Range: 999 meters Gimbal/ Stabilization: EIS SD Card Slot: Micro SD Charging Time: 5 Hours |
HS series deals with intermediate users. Likewise, this GPS-enabled drone comes with a 4K camera, Sony sensor, and brushless motors. You can master aerial photography. However, it’s not fit for commercial gigs (ones that pay!)
Try recording slow-mo videos at 1080p/60fps. Despite missing gimbal, EIS technology helps out the lens. With pressure and optical flow sensors, the quadcopter hovers like an eye in the sky. Smart flight modes allow you to pre-program the route. LED lights sit beneath each arm. Apart from calibration, they also make a spectacle in the night sky.
It’s powered with a 2800mAh Li-Pol battery – slow to drain, slower to recharge.
Pros
- Auto return mode,
- High-quality, stable imaging,
- Double altitude hold,
- Up to 128GB of microSD support
Cons
- Not professional-grade,
- >5hr 0-100% charging
7. SANROCK U52 Drone
| Specs |
|---|
| 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
10. SIMREX X900 Quadcopter
| Specs |
|---|
| 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
11. DJI Mavic Mini Light Foldable Drone
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.55 pounds (0.25 kg) Max Flight Time: 30 Minutes Control Range: 1312 ft (400 m) Gimbal/ Stabilization: Yes SD Card Slot: Yes |
I used this quadcopter for a month in Scotland and, I have to say, this is the reason why I decided to buy one. Flying DJI Mavic Mini is a bliss – easy, intuitive and satisfying. It’s also a lightweight and perfect for outdoors because its battery lasts up to 30 minutes so you have plenty of time to find the best shot, making it the best hiking drone out there. Footage also positively surprised me with good quality, especially when it comes to photos. The 3-axis gimbal stabilizes the camera so that the videos are very smooth and look professional, even in strong wind.
DJI Mavic Mini also excels in control range of around 1300 feet. Then, with the built-in SD card, even when your smartphone loses contact with the drone, the footage continues to be recorded in the highest quality, which you’ll be able to download to your computer later.
If you have even bigger budget, you can go for the newest version, DJI Mini 2, which is a Premium Choice here.
Pros
- 3-axis gimbal ensures superior camera stability and ultra-smooth footage,
- Very long flight time (up to 30 minutes),
- lightweight and not requiring FAA registration,
- Crisp video footage in all weather conditions,
- Extremely easy to use even for those who never flew a drone before,
- Very reliable with a long control range,
- Fly More Combo is a great value add
Cons
- Price is a limiting factor for most users,
- No smart controller support
Verdict
TLDR: Quick summary of our findings as to what can be considered the Best Drone Under 500 is below:
Overall best drone under $500 out there: RUKO U11 Pro Drone
Premium Pick if money is not much of an issue: DJI Mini 2 Quadcopter
Budget Choice – there’s no shame in spending prudently: DEERC D20 Mini Drone
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying drones under 500 dollars
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.
Live video feed
Most drones will give you the option to see what your camera sees via WiFi or a phone app but some allow for live video feeds directly from the drone’s built-in camera. If this matters then make sure your drone has one before making any purchases.
Camera Accessories
Some drones will come with extra camera add-ons such as a vibration dampening system for capturing smooth videos during flight or you can choose from several different camera lenses that are compatible with your GoPro.
Connectivity
Most drones will have WiFi connectivity built-in but not all of them do. Some cheaper drones may run off of a controller while others come with their own dedicated app for controlling the drone.
Controller
This is the remote control that you will use to fly your drone and it comes in various shapes, sizes, and designs. Most of them come with adjustable controls so that you can customize it for a better flying experience but they all serve the same purpose of controlling the flight modes as well as taking pictures or videos from the air. Many of them also include optional add-ons such as extra battery packs for added flight time or attached cameras so that you can record everything while up in the air.
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.
Questions and Answers About drones under 500 dollars
Can you hook a GoPro to a drone?
Some drones admit GoPros; others don’t! Swapping in a high-quality camera is more convenient than buying the latest drone model. Thus, take future upgrades into account.
There are fixed drone cameras, which aren’t exchangeable. Then, we have quadcopters with stationary or gimbal mounts. You can hook a GoPro with such types. Gimbals don’t produce blurry images. Make them the priority.
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.
Do I need to register my drone with the FAA before using it legally in the US?
If you’re running a drone for commercial purposes, aka as a professional or an entrepreneur who generates income through flights and images taken by drones, then the law requires registration with the Federal Aviation Administration before your first flight. If you are not flying for commercial purposes, and only want to drive a drone recreationally around your backyard, no registration is needed, provided you fly a drone under 250 grams (0.55 pounds). More information at: https://www.faa.gov/uas/registration/.
Do you need a wi-fi connection to fly an indoor drone?
It might depend on the particular model of your drone but in most cases the answer is no. Without a wi-fi signal outdoors, your drone will be without navigation and may land in your neighbor’s backyard. But indoors, the RF frequencies are more tightly controlled to ensure they stay within the house or building you’re in. If you run out of power inside there is no way for the drone to return home automatically like on a GPS-controlled outdoor flight where it may fail to realize that you entered an indoor space if not connected to wifi with GPS enabled.
8. Potensic D58 Drone
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 1.3 pounds (0.59 kg) Max Flight Time: 18 Minutes Control Range: 1640 ft (500 m) Gimbal/ Stabilization: No SD Card Slot: Yes |
Fun to fly drone equipped with great camera and and long control range. It’s rather heavy and so it will respond better than most on this list in windy conditions. It’s also very durable which makes it good for less experienced drone operators.
Pros
- Responsive and agile drone that delivers crisp and clear 1080P HD videos,
- Long flight time,
- 3 speed modes
9. DJI Mavic Mini
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.55 pounds (0.25 kg) Max Flight Time: 30 Minutes Control Range: 4 Km Gimbal/ Stabilization: 3-axis SD Card Slot: Micro SD Charging Time: 1.5 Hours |
Mavic Mini does wonders with a tiny form factor. It supports 12MP JPEG photos and 2.7K Quad HD videos, which is more than enough for travelers or hobbyists. A Motorized 3-axis gimbal keeps the camera focused and stable.
Mini stays in the skies for half an hour. You can guide it through the controller alone. If losing the line of sight, rely on Fly App. It already has templates. You must dig up its Sport and CineSmooth from app settings, whereas newer models possess mode switches on transmitters.
It was a revolution in 2019. But drone technology is moving at a lightning pace. It’s better to get your hands on Mini 2 if the budget warrants it!
Pros
- Impressive flight duration,
- Easy to use,
- 3-axis stabilization,
- Pocketable, collapsible design
Cons
- DNG RAW format is unsupported,
- Not 4K oriented
10. SIMREX X900 Quadcopter
| Specs |
|---|
| 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
11. DJI Mavic Mini Light Foldable Drone
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.55 pounds (0.25 kg) Max Flight Time: 30 Minutes Control Range: 1312 ft (400 m) Gimbal/ Stabilization: Yes SD Card Slot: Yes |
I used this quadcopter for a month in Scotland and, I have to say, this is the reason why I decided to buy one. Flying DJI Mavic Mini is a bliss – easy, intuitive and satisfying. It’s also a lightweight and perfect for outdoors because its battery lasts up to 30 minutes so you have plenty of time to find the best shot, making it the best hiking drone out there. Footage also positively surprised me with good quality, especially when it comes to photos. The 3-axis gimbal stabilizes the camera so that the videos are very smooth and look professional, even in strong wind.
DJI Mavic Mini also excels in control range of around 1300 feet. Then, with the built-in SD card, even when your smartphone loses contact with the drone, the footage continues to be recorded in the highest quality, which you’ll be able to download to your computer later.
If you have even bigger budget, you can go for the newest version, DJI Mini 2, which is a Premium Choice here.
Pros
- 3-axis gimbal ensures superior camera stability and ultra-smooth footage,
- Very long flight time (up to 30 minutes),
- lightweight and not requiring FAA registration,
- Crisp video footage in all weather conditions,
- Extremely easy to use even for those who never flew a drone before,
- Very reliable with a long control range,
- Fly More Combo is a great value add
Cons
- Price is a limiting factor for most users,
- No smart controller support
Verdict
TLDR: Quick summary of our findings as to what can be considered the Best Drone Under 500 is below:
Overall best drone under $500 out there: RUKO U11 Pro Drone
Premium Pick if money is not much of an issue: DJI Mini 2 Quadcopter
Budget Choice – there’s no shame in spending prudently: DEERC D20 Mini Drone
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying drones under 500 dollars
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.
Live video feed
Most drones will give you the option to see what your camera sees via WiFi or a phone app but some allow for live video feeds directly from the drone’s built-in camera. If this matters then make sure your drone has one before making any purchases.
Camera Accessories
Some drones will come with extra camera add-ons such as a vibration dampening system for capturing smooth videos during flight or you can choose from several different camera lenses that are compatible with your GoPro.
Connectivity
Most drones will have WiFi connectivity built-in but not all of them do. Some cheaper drones may run off of a controller while others come with their own dedicated app for controlling the drone.
Controller
This is the remote control that you will use to fly your drone and it comes in various shapes, sizes, and designs. Most of them come with adjustable controls so that you can customize it for a better flying experience but they all serve the same purpose of controlling the flight modes as well as taking pictures or videos from the air. Many of them also include optional add-ons such as extra battery packs for added flight time or attached cameras so that you can record everything while up in the air.
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.
Questions and Answers About drones under 500 dollars
- Tags: Drone, Photography, Product Review, Under $500
- Categories: Photography
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