Best Indoor Drones: Compact, Lightweight, and Fun!

Why Choose an Indoor Drone?

Indoor drones are the new cool kids on the block. Why? For starters, their compact design and lightweight build make them perfect for flying in smaller spaces. Experience the thrill of flying from a drone's perspective with our top picks for FPV Drones. Imagine zipping a drone around your living room, dodging furniture, and surprising your cat. Sounds fun, right?

But it's not just about fun. Indoor drones are designed with precision, ensuring ease of control even for beginners. And the best part? You don't need a license to fly them indoors. That's right, no paperwork, no hassle!

Safety is another big plus. These drones come equipped with features that prevent collisions with walls, ceilings, and other obstacles. So, even if you're a newbie, there's little chance of your drone crashing into your precious vase.

On a tight budget? Don't worry! Explore our curated list of the Best Cheap drones that offer great value without compromising on quality.

For those specifically looking for drones suitable for younger enthusiasts, check out our list of the Best drones for kids.

Top 5 Indoor Drones for 2024:

QuadRanger Drone - Best overall indoor drone

The QuadRanger, inspired by the DJI Mavic, is a beginner-friendly drone that offers a mix of functionality and fun. Its foldable design makes it easy to carry, and its features are perfect for those just starting out. The included propeller guards and dual controls (you can choose to either control it with the included RC controller or use your smartphone) make it perfect for indoor flying. The controller also has a smartphone mount that lets you fly from the drone's perspective.

Speaking about seeing from the drone's perspective, the QuadRanger Drone is compatible with FPV goggles through Wi-Fi.

Specs

• 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, included
• Camera: 2MP, 720P wide-angle HD video
• Fly Time: 12 minutes
• Max range: 265 feet
• Max speed: 13 mph

Buy it here

Ryze Tech Tello - Best for Kids

The Ryze Tech Tello is a kid-friendly drone that packs a punch. It's not just a toy; it's a learning tool. With its Scratch programming system, kids can learn coding while having fun. It also comes with propeller guards which makes it safe for indoor flying.
However, note that the drone can only be flown from your smartphone and can’t be controlled with an RC controller.

For those specifically looking for drones suitable for younger enthusiasts, check out our list of the Best drones for kids.

Specs

• Weight: 2.8 oz
• Dimensions: 3.9 × 3.6 × 1.6 inches
• Controller: Smartphone only
• Camera: 720p
• Fly Time: 13 minutes
• Max range: 330 feet
• Max speed: 17 mph

Buy it here

DJI Avata - Best for Enthusiasts

The DJI Avata is for those who want more than just a basic drone. It's feature-packed, offering professional-grade photography and videography options.
The drone comes equipped with tri-directional collision sensors which makes it great for indoor flying. It can detect obstacles in its path, both in front, behind, or below the drone.
A great feature to avoid collisions with walls and furniture.

The included FPV goggles are my favorite part of this drone. The resolution of the display is great and the transmission feels seamless without any lag.

Specs

• Weight: 14.5 oz
• Dimensions: 7.1 x 3.15 x 7.1 inches
• Controller: Included
• Camera: 4K/60fps video
• Battery life: 18 minutes
• Max range: 6 miles
• Max speed: 60 mph

Buy it here

TinyHawk 3 - Best for Racing

Flying the TinyHawk 3 was a breeze, especially since it includes everything you need for a proper FPV experience. It's pre-configured with three modes: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced, catering to pilots of all skill levels. In its beginner mode, it offers a smooth and stable flight experience, perfect for those just dipping their toes into the drone world. And for the more adventurous, the advanced mode offers a thrilling flight experience.

But what truly impressed me the first time I tried the TinyHawk 3 was its resilience. This drone can take a beating and bounce back, ready for more. It's perfect for beginners, ensuring that those minor mishaps don't put an end to the fun.

Specs

• Weight: 1.1 oz
• Dimensions: 4.1 × 4.1 × 1.8 inches
• Controller: Yes
• Camera: RunCam Nano 4
• Resolution: 800TVL (horizontal lines)
• Battery life: 4 minutes
• Max range: 20-30 feet
• Max speed: 33.5 mph

Buy it here

DJI Mini 3 Pro - Best Indoor Camera Drone

The DJI Mini 3 Pro quickly became my go-to for indoor flights. Despite its compact size, weighing just under 249g, it's a powerhouse. Its agility is unmatched, making tight turns around my living room furniture seem effortless. The camera, boasting 4K videos at 60fps, captures every indoor detail beautifully, from the sun's rays filtering through curtains to the intricate patterns on rugs.

Even though this is a list for indoor drones, DJI Mini 3 Pro doesn’t come with propeller guards which might seem like a miss. but the drone compensates with a great collision avoidance system, preventing accidental bumps with walls or decor. It’s such a well-balanced premium drone that it definitely deserves a spot on the list of best indoor drones, especially when it has a battery life of up to 34 minutes.

Specs

• Weight: 8.8 oz
• Dimensions (unfolded): 14.3 x 2.8 x 9.9 inches
• Dimensions (folded): 3.5 x 2.4 x 5.7 inches
• Controller: Yes
• Camera: 4K/60fps video
• Battery life: 34 minutes
• Max range: 7.5 miles
• Max speed: 36 mph

Buy it here

Factors to Consider When Buying an Indoor Drone

When it comes to choosing the perfect indoor drone, there's a lot to consider. Here's a quick rundown:

• Size Matters:
  For indoor flying, compact is king. You want a drone that can easily navigate tight spaces without causing havoc. And if you do crash into something, a lighter and smaller drone packs less energy. Some small drones can’t even knock a coffee cup off a table.
• Battery Life:
  No one likes a drone that dies mid-flight. Look for drones with a decent flight time, or spare batteries so you can fly for as long as you want to.
• Camera Quality:
  Whether you're capturing memories or creating content, camera quality is crucial. For those passionate about aerial photography, our comprehensive list of the Best Drones with cameras offers a range of options to capture stunning visuals. From 720P to 4K, choose what suits your needs, but I highly recommend opting for a drone with a camera and FPV headset compatibility.
• Control Range:
  While indoor drones don't need a vast control range, it's still essential to have a stable connection, especially if you have a larger home.
• Safety Features:
  Look for drones with propeller guards, obstacle detection, or collision avoidance. Safety first, always!

Remember, the best drone isn't necessarily the most expensive one. It's the one that fits your needs and budget.

And if your budget is tight, don't worry! Explore our curated list of the Best Cheap drones that offer great value without compromising on quality.

Tips for Safe Indoor Flying

Indoor drone flying is a blast, but safety is paramount. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth flight:

• Know Your Drone:
  Familiarize yourself with its controls and features. A well-understood drone is a safely flown drone.
• Clear the Area:
  Remove any breakables, put out any candle that could get knocked over, and ensure there's enough space for flying.
• Avoid Pets and People:
  While it's fun to chase your cat around, it's best to keep pets and people out of the drone's path.
• Stay Low:
  Especially if you're a beginner, keep the drone at a lower altitude to avoid collisions with ceilings and lights.
• Creative Challenges:
  A great way to have fun and enhance your skills is to make an obstacle course for your drone. Fly under a table, zoom around a chair, and land on a pillow.

New to the world of drones? Our comprehensive guide on How to fly a drone will equip you with all the skills and knowledge you need for a safe and enjoyable flight.

Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you fly, the better you'll get!

Conclusion

And there you have it! The world of indoor drones is vast and exciting, offering something for everyone.

Interested in turning your drone hobby into a profession?
Discover a range of opportunities in our Drone Jobs guide.

Whether you're a newbie looking for some indoor fun or a professional seeking the perfect shot, there's a drone out there for you.

Remember, it's not about having the fanciest gadget; it's about finding the one that brings you joy and fits your needs.

So, why wait? Dive into the world of indoor drones and let the fun begin!