Drones have taken the world by storm, offering beginners an exciting and accessible way to capture stunning aerial footage, explore new perspectives, and even try their hand at racing or videography. Whether you’re looking to buy a drone for the first time or upgrade to something more versatile, it’s essential to know what makes a drone suitable for beginners. In this guide, we’ll review the ten best drones for beginners, focusing on ease of use, affordability, features, and value for money. Let’s dive into what makes these drones the best entry points for newcomers.
1. DJI Mini 3
Price: $450
Flight Time: 38-51 minutes
Camera: 12 MP, 4K at 30fps
Range: 10 km
The DJI Mini 3 is one of the top choices for beginners looking for a lightweight, compact, and powerful drone. Weighing under 249 grams, this drone doesn’t require FAA registration, making it a simple choice for those new to drones. Despite its size, it offers 4K video and an extended flight time of up to 51 minutes, which is perfect for practice sessions or capturing long video sequences.
Why it’s great for beginners:
- Lightweight and portable
- Long battery life
- Intelligent flight modes like QuickShots and Return to Home (RTH)
- No need for FAA registration
2. Ryze Tello
Price: $99
Flight Time: 13 minutes
Camera: 5 MP, 720p
Range: 100 meters
The Ryze Tello, powered by DJI technology, is an affordable entry-level drone perfect for those just starting. It features a stable flight system with easy controls and a variety of automated tricks. The 720p video camera is sufficient for basic aerial footage, and with a price tag under $100, it’s ideal for anyone curious about drone flying without a significant financial commitment.
Why it’s great for beginners:
- Affordable price
- User-friendly controls
- Programmable via Scratch, great for kids or tech-savvy beginners
- Lightweight and durable
3. Holy Stone HS720E
Price: $299
Flight Time: 23 minutes
Camera: 4K UHD
Range: 1 km
For beginners looking to dive deeper into aerial videography, the Holy Stone HS720E offers impressive 4K UHD video with electronic image stabilization (EIS). It’s an excellent choice for those who want professional-quality footage without breaking the bank. The foldable design makes it convenient to carry, and the brushless motors provide a quieter and more stable flight.
Why it’s great for beginners:
- Foldable and portable
- Advanced features at a reasonable price
- GPS-assisted intelligent flight
- 4K camera with EIS for stable footage
4. DJI Mavic Mini
Price: $399
Flight Time: 30 minutes
Camera: 12 MP, 2.7K video
Range: 4 km
The DJI Mavic Mini is a slightly older model but remains an excellent option for beginners due to its ease of use, high-quality camera, and compact design. Like the Mini 3, the Mavic Mini weighs under 249 grams, meaning it also doesn’t require FAA registration. With intuitive controls, automatic takeoff and landing, and several QuickShot modes, it’s designed to help new pilots get the hang of things quickly.
Why it’s great for beginners:
- Compact and portable
- Easy-to-use flight features
- 30 minutes of flight time
- Affordable for a DJI drone
5. Potensic T25
Price: $169
Flight Time: 10 minutes
Camera: 1080p
Range: 300 meters
If you’re on a tight budget but still want a drone with a camera, the Potensic T25 is a fantastic option. This GPS-enabled drone offers one-key takeoff/landing, return-to-home functionality, and a 1080p HD camera for good-quality video. Although the flight time is shorter than some other models, it’s a solid choice for beginners who don’t want to spend much upfront.
Why it’s great for beginners:
- GPS-assisted flight for stable control
- Affordable price point
- 1080p camera for decent video quality
- Compact and easy to use
6. Snaptain SP500
Price: $169
Flight Time: 15 minutes
Camera: 1080p
Range: 200 meters
The Snaptain SP500 is an excellent drone for beginners looking to explore GPS-based flying without spending too much. With features like Follow Me mode, GPS auto-return, and Waypoint Flight, it offers advanced functionality typically found in more expensive drones. The camera captures clear 1080p video, and the foldable design makes it easy to transport.
Why it’s great for beginners:
- Foldable and portable
- GPS-assisted flight for added safety
- Affordable price
- Advanced modes like Follow Me and Waypoint Flight
7. Parrot Anafi FPV
Price: $699
Flight Time: 25 minutes
Camera: 21 MP, 4K HDR
Range: 4 km
The Parrot Anafi FPV is a drone for beginners interested in FPV (first-person view) flying. It offers an immersive experience with the included FPV goggles, allowing pilots to see from the drone’s perspective in real-time. Its 21 MP camera delivers stunning 4K HDR footage, and the drone is foldable, making it easy to carry around.
Why it’s great for beginners:
- Immersive FPV experience
- Lightweight and portable
- High-quality 4K HDR camera
- Easy to control, even for beginners
8. Hubsan X4 H107D+
Price: $99
Flight Time: 7 minutes
Camera: 720p
Range: 100 meters
The Hubsan X4 H107D+ is one of the most affordable FPV drones available for beginners. While its camera and flight time are modest compared to more expensive models, it’s a great way to experience FPV flying without a significant investment. The small, lightweight design makes it suitable for indoor flying as well, making it a fun option for practicing skills in various environments.
Why it’s great for beginners:
- Affordable FPV option
- Easy to fly indoors
- Lightweight and durable
- Simple controls for novice pilots
9. Altair AA108
Price: $129
Flight Time: 10 minutes
Camera: 720p
Range: 100 meters
The Altair AA108 is designed for beginners and younger pilots who want a simple drone with a reasonable price. It comes with three skill levels, making it easier to learn and gradually improve your piloting abilities. It features headless mode, altitude hold, and one-button takeoff/landing, ensuring that first-time flyers can control the drone without overwhelming complexity.
Why it’s great for beginners:
- Simple controls and skill levels for learning
- Affordable price
- Headless mode and altitude hold for easy flying
- Durable build for beginner mishaps
10. Snaptain S5C
Price: $75
Flight Time: 10 minutes
Camera: 720p
Range: 80 meters
For a beginner-friendly drone that won’t break the bank, the Snaptain S5C offers a fun and affordable option. With easy-to-use features like one-key takeoff and landing, voice control, and gesture control, this drone is designed for newcomers. While the camera isn’t the best on the market, it still provides clear 720p footage for practice and fun.
Why it’s great for beginners:
- Very affordable
- Fun voice and gesture control features
- Simple controls
- Good option for kids or casual users
What to Look for in a Beginner Drone
Before deciding which drone to buy, it’s important to understand the key factors that make a drone beginner-friendly. Here’s what you should consider when choosing your first drone:
Ease of Use
Look for drones with intuitive controls, automatic takeoff/landing, and Return to Home (RTH) features. These functions make it easier for beginners to get comfortable flying without worrying about complex maneuvers.
Durability
Crashes are inevitable when learning to fly, so it’s wise to choose a drone with a sturdy build and replaceable parts. Drones with propeller guards and strong frames are especially good for beginners.
Flight Time
Flight time varies from around 7 minutes for cheaper drones to over 30 minutes for more expensive models. A longer flight time gives beginners more room to practice without constant battery swaps.
Camera Quality
While many beginner drones come with cameras, the quality can range from 720p to 4K. Depending on whether you want to use your drone for professional photography or just casual shots, choose a camera that suits your needs.
Price
Beginner drones range from $50 to $500 or more. If you’re testing the waters, it might be worth starting with a budget-friendly option. Once you’re more comfortable, you can upgrade to a more expensive model with better features.
Additional Features
Drones with GPS, intelligent flight modes, or FPV features can significantly enhance your flying experience. For example, drones with GPS offer more stability, automatic return-to-home (RTH) features, and intelligent modes like Follow Me or Waypoint navigation. These features make the flying experience smoother and safer for beginners, as you’ll have more control and can focus on learning without constantly worrying about manual control.
Understanding the Drone Regulations
Before flying a drone, it’s essential to understand the regulations that come with it. While beginner drones are generally easy to use, certain laws must be followed depending on the drone’s weight and location of use.
FAA Registration
In the U.S., drones weighing more than 249 grams (0.55 pounds) need to be registered with the FAA. This includes most mid-range and high-end drones, but there are some exceptions, like the DJI Mini 3, which falls under the registration weight limit. Registration is simple and can be done online. Additionally, pilots should be aware of the rules for flying in restricted areas, such as near airports or over crowds.
Flying in Restricted Areas
Check the airspace restrictions in your location before flying. Many areas, such as airports, national parks, and some urban zones, are no-fly zones. Most modern drones have built-in geofencing features that prevent them from flying into restricted airspace, but it’s always good practice to verify the area before launching your drone.
Line of Sight
All beginner pilots should keep their drone within visual line of sight at all times. This means you should always be able to see your drone while it’s in the air to avoid accidents and ensure it’s flying safely.
Max Altitude
In many countries, including the U.S., drones are restricted to flying below 400 feet (120 meters) to ensure they don’t interfere with manned aircraft. Make sure you’re familiar with the height limitations in your area and avoid exceeding them.
Local Regulations
Different countries and even regions may have their own specific regulations for drones. Always check the local drone laws before flying, especially if you plan to travel with your drone. Some areas might require additional permits, while others may have restrictions on using drones in public places.
Tips for Beginner Drone Pilots
Now that you’ve explored the best beginner drones, here are some useful tips to help you get started with your drone flying journey.
1. Start Slow
When learning how to fly a drone, it’s best to start with simple maneuvers at low speeds. Begin in an open space where there are no obstacles or people around. This way, you can focus on learning the basic controls without worrying about crashing.
2. Practice Hovering
Hovering is one of the most essential skills for drone flying. Spend time practicing how to keep your drone in one spot without drifting. This will help you develop better control and prepare you for more advanced maneuvers.
3. Use Beginner Mode
Many drones come with a “beginner mode,” which limits the speed, altitude, and range of the drone. It’s a good idea to enable this mode while you’re learning, as it reduces the chances of an accident and keeps the drone within safe boundaries.
4. Understand the Weather
Drones are affected by wind, rain, and other weather conditions. Avoid flying in strong winds, as this can make the drone difficult to control and increase the risk of crashes. Additionally, never fly in rain unless your drone is specifically designed to be water-resistant.
5. Master the Controls
Spend time familiarizing yourself with the different controls on your drone’s transmitter or app. Understand what each joystick and button does so that you can react quickly and efficiently when flying.
6. Respect Privacy
When flying your drone, be mindful of people’s privacy. Avoid flying over private property or areas where people may feel uncomfortable being filmed. Respect the rights of others and always fly your drone responsibly.
7. Watch Tutorials
There are countless tutorials available online that can help you understand drone flying techniques, troubleshooting, and maintenance. Watching these videos can help you avoid common beginner mistakes and quickly improve your skills.
8. Join a Drone Community
Becoming a part of a drone community, whether online or in-person, can provide valuable support as you learn. Experienced pilots can offer tips, share experiences, and recommend new techniques or accessories.
Essential Accessories for Beginner Drone Pilots
Once you’ve selected your drone, you might want to consider some accessories to enhance your flying experience. These can help you fly longer, keep your drone safe, and expand your drone’s capabilities.
Extra Batteries
One of the biggest limitations of any drone is its flight time. Most drones come with a flight time of 10 to 30 minutes, so having spare batteries on hand can significantly extend your flying sessions.
Propeller Guards
Propeller guards are essential for beginner pilots. These protective barriers help prevent damage to your propellers (and the drone itself) in the event of a crash or collision with an object.
Carrying Case
A sturdy carrying case ensures that your drone and its accessories are protected when you’re on the go. Many drones, especially foldable ones, can fit neatly into compact cases designed for easy transport.
Landing Pad
A landing pad can be especially useful when flying in outdoor areas with rough or uneven terrain. It provides a safe surface for takeoff and landing, protecting your drone’s camera and sensors from dirt and debris.
Extra Propellers
Propellers are one of the most commonly damaged parts of a drone, especially for beginners. Having extra propellers on hand means you can quickly replace them after a crash and get back to flying.
ND Filters
Neutral density (ND) filters help control exposure when shooting video in bright conditions. If you’re interested in using your drone for videography or photography, ND filters are a worthwhile investment for capturing high-quality footage.
Conclusion
Choosing the right beginner drone can significantly enhance your first flying experience and ensure a smooth learning curve. Whether you’re interested in videography, FPV racing, or simply exploring the skies, there’s a perfect drone for every aspiring pilot.
For those looking for high-end quality with a small learning curve, the DJI Mini 3 stands out as an excellent choice with its portability, long flight time, and robust features. If you’re on a tighter budget and just want to get started, the Ryze Tello or Potensic T25 offer solid performance at an affordable price.
No matter which drone you choose, remember to practice in open spaces, familiarize yourself with the controls, and follow the local laws and regulations to ensure safe and responsible flying. Happy flying!