4 Best Drones for Beginners in 2024
When looking for the best drones for beginners, we like to focus on two areas: how easy it is to fly the drone and how affordable it is.
A drone with obstacle avoidance or the ability for it to return home, for example, are the safest bets for anyone looking for their first drone. An affordable drone is also important because you don’t want to make a huge investment if you’re not sure that you’ll fall in love with flying drones. (Although, we think you will after checking out this list!)
Whether you’re looking for the cheapest drone, something with a long flight range, or camera drones for aerial photography, this list of the best beginner drones is what you need:
DJI Mavic Mini
Price: $399
Features
- Weight: 0.75 grams
- Dimensions: 11.42″L x 9.65″W x 2.17″H
- Video Recording: 1080p
- Wireless Technology: Wi-Fi
- Control Type: Remote control
Pros
- No government registration required.
- Can return home with GPS.
- Super lightweight.
- Flight tutorial built-in.
- Full coverage for water damage or collision.
- Includes batteries (works via charging base).
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a carrying bag.
- Isn’t waterproof.
- No propeller guard.
- Prone to faulty hardware.
- Takes a long time to charge the controller.
Mavic Mini is the ideal companion for your creative adventures! It’s a camera drone that lets you capture moments with ease. It’s very light and doesn’t require registration in the US or Canada. It has a high-quality camera with a stabilizing gimbal that delivers clear and smooth footage. This beginner drone also has a long battery life that allows you to fly for up to 30 minutes. Make it your own with the included color markers and blank stickers that you’re free to decorate. Although it’s called a mini drone, it’s actually a bigger drone than the others listed below.
RADCLO Mini Drone
Price: $52.99
Features
- Weight: 480 grams (1.06 pounds)
- Dimensions: 11.7″L x 7.8″W x 1.8″H
- Video Recording: 1080p
- Wireless Technology: Wi-Fi
- Control Type: Remote control
Pros
- Very affordable.
- Useful features for beginners.
- Includes a carrying case.
- Company offers 24-hour tech support.
Cons
- Relatively short maximum flight time (some users report even shorter times).
- Glitchy mobile app.
- Directions are hard-to-read/understand.
- Feels like a cheap build.
Although this drone weighs more than the others in this list, it’s the best drone if you’re looking for a low cost drone.
The RADCLO Mini Drone is another camera drone that offers an immersive aerial experience with its manually adjustable 1080p HD lens, enabling a wide field of view for capturing breathtaking moments from a bird’s-eye perspective. This drone lets you enjoy real-time panoramic views and easily share HD photos and videos on social media. Featuring stable Altitude Hold technology, one-key take-off/landing, and a powerful engine, it ensures smooth flights and high-quality footage.
This drone includes a carrying case, two 800mAh batteries for a decent 22-minute flight time, and various accessories. With multiple functions like Gesture Control, Headless Mode, and Emergency Stop, this drone caters to both beginners and skilled pilots. Plus, it comes with a reliable after-sales guarantee, offering technical support, quality warranty, and a money-back service for any issues encountered during flight (which is great considering the written instructions are difficult to interpret).
EMAX Tinyhawk 2
Price: $138
Features
- Weight: 0.28 grams
- Dimensions: 8″L x 6″W x 4″H
- Video Recording: 1080p
- Wireless Technology: Wi-Fi
- Control Type: Remote control
Pros
- Durable build materials.
- Mid-tier price point.
- Very stable.
- Includes a case.
Cons
- Extremely low flight time (often less than 5 minutes).
- Might experience motor connection issues and other quality problems.
The EMAX Tinyhawk 2 is an awesome drone for the price. It’s the perfect indoor drone for beginners, great for when the weather is too bad to fly outdoors (although it does also work outside). It’s incredibly resilient, able to withstand multiple direct hits on walls and cement. If durability is a must for you, this is the best drone to get. It’s also reasonably priced.
ScharkSpark GPS Drone
Price: $179
Features
- Weight: 220 grams
- Dimensions: 9.18″L x 10.8″W x 2.96″H
- Video Recording: 4K
- Wireless Technology: Wi-Fi
- Control Type: Remote control
Pros
- Long flight time.
- Automatic tracking.
- Customizable flight paths.
- Hands-free photo and video capture.
- Includes a carrying case.
- 24-hour tech support.
Cons
- Only one color option.
Explore advanced drone photography capabilities with this 4K camera-equipped drone. Its camera boasts a 90° adjustable angle, enabling you to capture stunning Ultra HD views. For an immersive experience, you can establish a WiFi connection between your smartphone and the drone, offering first-person view functionality. This drone also has GPS that lets it autonomously return home when the battery is depleted or the signal is lost.
Designed with power in mind, this drone features brushless motors and two rechargeable batteries, granting you more than 50 minutes of flight time. It’s an ideal choice for beginners taking their first steps into the world of drones. For newcomers, it offers practical features to simplify the learning curve.
(PS: We’ve seen discounts as high as $50, so be sure to check into that before you buy this drone!)
Buying guide: How to choose the best drone for you
When selecting the perfect drone for you, a few key considerations can make all the difference in your satisfaction and enjoyment.
First, determine your primary purpose for the drone. Are you an aspiring aerial photographer or videographer looking for high-quality shots? Are you an adrenaline junky interested in drone racing? Different drones cater to varying niches, so clearly defining your goals is crucial.
Next, think about your skill level. If you’re a beginner, it’s wise to opt for a user-friendly, entry level drone with features like obstacle avoidance and easy flight controls. More experienced pilots might prioritize advanced features like long flight times, 4K cameras, or programmable flight paths. Budget might also be important to you; consider what you’re willing to invest and find the best balance between your desired features and affordability.
Don’t forget to also research local regulations regarding drone usage, including flight restrictions and registration requirements. Safety and compliance should always be a top priority.
With these factors in mind, you can confidently fly through the drone market to choose the perfect drone for you.
How much does a beginner drone cost?
Consumer drones come in many forms, so they also are available at many different price points.
Most beginner drones can cost as little as $20 to as much as a few hundred dollars. Cost can vary depending on features, the size of the drone, how it’s built and what it’s made of, etc. Our list has beginner drones that range from $50 to $400.