Best Affordable Drones of 2024: Most Bang for the (Least) Buck

Reviews of Our Top Cheap Drones 2023

Cheap drones have evolved significantly over the years. They're now much easier to control, and even most toy drones come with beginner-friendly features that make flying a breeze.

We’ve flown the most popular drones on the market and compiled this list of the best cheap drones that don’t compromise on quality and have the necessary features to ensure your investment lasts and gives you the excitement you're looking for, even if you're on a tight budget.

QuadRanger Drone: Best Overall Budget Drone

Specifications

• Weight: 4.2 oz (with battery)
• Dimensions (unfolded): 10.6 x 7.7 x 2 inches
• Dimensions (folded): 4.92 x 2.95 x 1.97 inches
• Controller: Yes
• Camera: 720p HD video
• Battery Life: 12 minutes
• Max Range: 265 feet
• Max Speed: 13 mph

The QuadRanger Drone, a budget version of the Mavic III, sets a benchmark in the affordable drone market.

It's a great starter drone and a perfect first drone for those new to the hobby. At its competitive price point, this drone successfully blends quality with cost-effectiveness, allowing users to get the best of both worlds. It's crafted with durability in mind, ensuring your investment isn't short-lived.

At the heart of the QuadRanger is its high-definition camera which records in 720p 30fps and even in slow motion. This, combined with its helpful flight modes such as Headless mode, one button take off, return, and land, ensures that novice users can navigate the skies with ease and confidence. But even more, experienced pilots will enjoy this drone with its FPV compatibility and 265-foot transmission range.

The Drone's high-quality HD camera allows you to record with pre-programmed 360, boomerang, and asteroid camera moves, slow motion recording, insane Camera HD quality, and 12-megapixel photos.

Ryse TECH TELLO: Best for Coding Enthusiasts

Specifications

• Weight: 2.8 oz
• Dimensions: 3.9 × 3.6 × 1.6 inches
• Controller: Yes
• Camera: 720p
• Battery Life: 13 minutes
• Max Range: 330 feet
• Max Speed: 17 mph

The Ryse TECH TELLO is an embodiment of a technological marvel in a compact form.
Designed with a focus on photography and programming, it offers unparalleled stimulation for a curious mind. The drone is programmable from an app with programming software that is easy to use. All you have to do is drag and drop blocks of code to program the drone's flight path and behavior.

Moreover, its adaptability is commendable. While its lightweight design screams indoor use, it doesn't falter when exposed to the challenges of the outside world. It's a rugged little machine that can stand its ground even in moderate wind.

Buy it here

POTENSIC A20 Mini: Best for Kids and Indoor Fun

Specifications

• Weight: 3.2 oz
• Dimensions: 3.5 x 3.1 x 1.25 inches
• Controller: Yes
• Camera: No
• Battery Life: 8.5 min (6-8 minutes during our tests)
• Max range: 100 feet

With a price point hovering around USD 30, this is the staple of toy drones.
It comes with the features your kid needs to fly a drone without frustration, but no more than that. no unnecessary gyroscope gimbals, and no camera.
It is so small and light that it can’t do much harm to anything it bumps into. But since it’s made for kids, it comes with incorporated propeller guards which is a big plus.

The A20 Mini boasts a headless mode, simplifying flying by eliminating the need for the pilot to keep track of the orientation of the drone, it will instead fly in reference to you, making it exceptionally user-friendly. The altitude hold function adds to its beginner-friendly nature, maintaining a steady height without manual adjustments. When you combine these features with its one-button takeoff and landing, it's clear this drone was crafted with simplicity in mind.

Want more options for your child? Check out our list of drones for kids.

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BETA FPV Cetus Pro Kit: Best for FPV Beginners

Specifications

• Weight: 1.6 oz (with battery)
• Dimensions: 4.6×4.6×1.4 inches
• Controller: Yes
• Camera Resolution: 1200TVL
• Battery Life: 5 minutes
• Max Range: 260 - 290 feet
• Max Speed: 18 mph

The BETA FPV Cetus Pro Kit is your all-inclusive package to dive into the thrilling world of first-person view (FPV) drone racing. It's tailored for newcomers, allowing them to experience the thrill of FPV without the usual steep learning curve associated with such drones. Normally, you also have to build your own kit and learn about transmitters, receivers, and flight protocols, but this drone comes ready to fly out of the box, pre-assembled with everything you need.

This kit isn't just about the drone; it's an ecosystem. The package includes a LiteRadio 2 SE transmitter and VR02 FPV Goggles, ensuring you have everything to embark on the FPV journey. The drone's optical flow positioning and altitude hold make flying a breeze, allowing beginners to focus on the immersive experience without being overwhelmed by intricate controls.
Durability is another highlight. Given that FPV piloting comes with its share of crashes, especially for newbies, the Cetus is robustly built to withstand most impacts. It's not just a drone; it's a rite of passage into the mesmerizing world of FPV flying.

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Cheerwing Syma X5C: Best for Learning Basics

Specifications

• Price: $54.98
• Weight: 2 lb
• Dimensions: 12.4 × 12.4 × 3 inches
• Controller: Yes
• Camera Resolution: 720p
• Battery Life: 5-7 minutes
• Max Range: 150 feet
• Max Speed: 11 mph

Cheerwing Syma X5C stands as a beacon for those venturing into the realm of drones for the first time. It's not about flashy features but mastering the basics. With its 6-axis gyro stabilization system, even the most novice pilots can maintain steady flights and gentle landings.

The Syma X5C's HD camera might not compete with high-end models, but it's more than enough to get a taste of aerial photography and videography. The drone's robust design ensures that the inevitable beginner's crashes don't spell the end for this sturdy flier. Moreover, with its wind-resistant capabilities, it's also adept at handling outdoor conditions.

Considering its price, the Syma X5C offers a lot. It's a tool for learning, experimenting, and understanding the intricacies of drone flight without breaking the bank. It's a stepping stone, ensuring that by the time you transition to more advanced drones, you're already a competent pilot.

Buy it here

DJI MINI 2 SE: Best Lightweight Drone for Professionals

Specifications

• Price: $339
• Weight: 8.8 oz
• Dimensions: 5.4 x 3.2 x 2.3 inches
• Controller: Yes
• Camera Resolution: 2.7K at 30fps
• Battery Life: 30 minutes
• Max Range: 2.4 miles
• Max Speed: 29 mph

With a bigger price tag compared to the rest of the drones on this list, it might seem expensive. But in regard to the general price of quality drones, DJI MINI SE is still on the cheap side of the spectrum. It’s with a featherweight in terms of its mass but a heavyweight champion when it comes to features.

DJI, a renowned name in the drone industry, has packed professional-grade capabilities into a drone that weighs less than 8.8 oz (249 grams).
Its 3-axis motorized gimbal ensures ultra-smooth footage, making every capture seem like it's been shot with Hollywood-grade equipment. The MINI SE doesn't skimp on image quality either, with its 12MP camera and 2.7K Quad HD video capabilities ensuring every shot is worth framing. Its 30-minute flight time, which is impressive for its size, ensures that you can stay airborne for longer.

Despite its diminutive size, the DJI MINI SE doesn't falter when it comes to range and connectivity. With up to 2.4 miles (4 km) of HD video transmission and robust interference resistance. It's evident that DJI has crafted this drone for those who demand perfection in every frame.

Buy it here

If you're looking in to becoming a proffessional drone pilot, look into this guide on how to get a drone license.

Buyer's Guide to Choosing the Perfect Budget Drone

Entering the vibrant drone flying and photography realm can be an unparalleled experience. With the vast range of drones available, understanding how to choose the right one for your budget and needs becomes crucial. Are you looking for a beginner drone or are you looking for a cheap camera drone? Follow these steps to find your best match:

Step 1: Price - Finding Value Beyond the Tag

The old saying, "You get what you pay for," often rings true when it comes to drones. While many drones are available at affordable rates, it's essential to strike a balance between quality and cost. A super-cheap drone might save you a few bucks now, but it could need more performance and durability, leading to additional expenses. Conversely, mid-range drones may cost a tad more but come with enhanced features and robust build quality. These drones often offer better flight stability, controls, and overall experience, making them worth the investment.

Step 2: Camera Quality - Ensuring Vivid Aerial Imagery

Today, drones aren't just flying toys; they're aerial photographers. For many, the primary purpose of owning a drone is to capture breathtaking photos and videos from the sky. Beyond just the megapixels, consider the camera's quality, lens type, and sensor. Stabilization features, such as gimbals, can drastically improve the clarity and quality of your shots. Some budget drones come equipped with adjustable camera angles, allowing dynamic shots without moving the drone excessively. Moreover, drones that support camera upgrades or attachments provide the flexibility to enhance your captures as you become more proficient.

Step 3: Battery Life - Maximizing Your Flight Adventures

Nothing can be more frustrating than having your drone run out of juice just as you're lining up the perfect shot. Battery life is pivotal in how long and far you can fly. While many budget drones offer flight times between 10 to 30 minutes, it's worth noting the real-world performance. External factors like wind conditions and usage patterns can affect battery life. Additionally, consider drones that allow for easy battery swaps. Investing in spare batteries can also ensure that your aerial adventures aren't cut short.

Step 4: Range - Exploring the Sky Without Boundaries

The range defines the distance a drone can travel from its controller. Casual flyers might be content with shorter distances, but a more extended range becomes vital for those venturing into aerial photography or explorative flights. It opens up possibilities, from vast landscape shots to tracking dynamic subjects. However, always be aware of local regulations, as many mandate drones to remain within the pilot's line of sight. This safety rule ensures you always have control over your drone and can prevent potential mishaps.

Step 5: Ease of Use - Prioritizing a Seamless Experience

The learning curve associated with drones can vary considerably. Newcomers might appreciate drones tailored for beginners.
Here is our list of the best beginner drones.
Features like auto-takeoff, landing, hover stability, and obstacle detection can make initial flights less daunting. These intuitive features ensure that new users can focus on enjoying the experience rather than wrestling with controls. Conversely, as you gain experience, you might lean towards drones that offer more intricate manual controls, granting you more creative freedom in flight and photography.

Navigating the drone market requires a keen eye for detail and a clear understanding of what you seek from your flying companion. While budget is a guiding factor, ensuring that your chosen drone meets your performance and quality benchmarks is essential. Take to the skies confidently, knowing you've made an informed decision. Safe and joyous flying awaits!