If you’re a beginner when it comes to the best beginner drones, you may find yourself overwhelmed with the seemingly endless options that are available on the market. Drones have become increasingly popular over the last several years, and they can be found everywhere from backyards to high above lakes and cities. I had some fears before I could get going so If you have some fears that may be slowing you down go here for some help.
Drones can be used for a number of different purposes. Depending on what you plan to use your drone for, you could be faced with a big decision and it’s important to do your research first. You definitely don’t want to invest in something that might be a little more than you bargained for in terms of features and controls, at least not while you’re still learning. Here are a few tips to help you fly drones.
Best Beginner Drones with Extra Features
Some drones come with all the bells and whistles, and it can be very tempting to scoop up one of these ultra-fancy models. However, keep in mind that with all of those extras comes a sizable price tag to go with them. If you’re new to the drone game, then all of these fancy extras can quickly become roadblocks to your learning. When you’re first starting out, it’s best to stick with simpler drones that offer beginner-friendly controls and easy-to-use features.
Models like the Potensic A20 mini-drone are a great way to learn how to operate your drone successfully and at a comfortable pace without getting frustrated, or worse, causing damage to something on which you just spent a pretty penny. Start with safety and know the dangers of drones, then you can slowly start to learn the basics and move up to more advanced models as you get more confident in your skill level.
Drones can offer a great way to spend time with friends and family, help you market a business, take incredible photos and videos, and so much more. If you’re new to the world of drones, then check out this list for the 7 best beginner drones.
1. Potensic A20
Roughly the size of a smartphone, the Potensic A20 is considered a mini-drone. This may make it a little less intimidating for beginners, as it isn’t capable of flying the altitude or distance of a larger drone. Beginner-friendly features such as crash protection and an easy-to-use remote control make the A20 ideal for those who want to master the basics of flying before jumping into a more advanced drone.
The small unit comes with convenient features like a detachable battery and one button for both takeoffs and landings. It also comes in several color options and is even a great choice for older kids that are ready to flex their flying muscles. There are four propeller guards that help protect your drone from damage in accidental collisions; always a handy element for beginners. Additionally, headless mode makes it easy to send your drone where you want it to go.
Headless mode eliminates the need for you to know which way your drone is facing and instead moves your drone in alignment with the controller. In other words, no matter which way your drone is facing, if you push forward on the controls, your drone will fly forward and so on. There’s even an emergency button that will automatically land your aircraft.
Get daily lessons that start with how to choose a drone.
2. Eachine E016H
Worried that a smaller drone will give you too short a flight time? Look no further! This fully-enclosed model comes with an extra bonus battery, giving you 16 minutes of exciting, fun-filled flight. Plus, the low-battery alarm alerts you when it’s time to recharge so you won’t be surprised with a dead battery when you’re ready to fly. The detachable protective case lets you soar worry-free, keeping you safe from injury and protecting the Eachine E016H from damage as you learn the ins and outs of how it operates.
This remote-controlled drone features 3 different speeds so you can choose the one that makes you most comfortable when you first start out, and extras like 3D flips let you try your hand at a few stunts. The altitude-hold button makes maintaining your altitude a breeze, even when your hands are off of the control. This drone is a great choice for beginners and can also be used by kids 12 years of age and older.
3. Drocon X708W Cyclone Drone
If a built-in HD camera is important to you, consider the Drocon X708W Cyclone Drone. Featuring the ability to transmit footage wirelessly in realtime to your smartphone, the Cyclone Drone is a slightly more advanced beginner drone. That does mean you’ll want to be careful, but this makes me put this one near the top of the best beginner drone list for the price point.
In addition to transmitting footage to your iPhone or Android smartphone, this drone comes with APP control, so you can also fly your drone from your phone. The bright LED lights allow you to easily identify the orientation of your drone as it flies, and the navigation lights also make this model a good choice for a little night flying. Featuring 2 speeds and the ability to do 3D flips, this drone is sure to provide lots of fun as you learn the ropes.
4. ScharkSpark Thunder Drone
ScharkSpark’s Thunder Drone will definitely catch your eye as it flies through the sky. This is a rather large drone, helping to increase your wind resistance and stability while flying. It is also foldable and portable, allowing for easy transport. Plus, with a built-in camera and in-app control, you’ll be able to practice your photography as you learn to fly.
The enhanced removable battery increases your drone’s flight time, and since it comes with two batteries, you get an impressive 24 minutes to fly! The auto-hovering function enables you to maintain your current altitude, while propeller guards help protect against collision damage.
5. Holy Stone Mini Drone
The second mini drone to make this list, the Holy Stone Mini Drone is an easy-to-learn option for beginners and kids. With added stability features, altitude hold, and three batteries that allow for a total of 21 minutes of flight time, this is a beginner-friendly mini drone that won’t break the bank. It even comes with added propeller protectants, making this drone safe for children as well as beginners.
With this drone, you’ll never doubt that big fun can come in small packages, with the ability to perform 3D flips and fly in three different speed modes. The easy one-key start and stop operation makes launching and landing a breeze, and you’ll never run out of steam with the low-battery alert feature.
6. Altair 818 Hornet
This is the first and only drone on our list that tops $100, but it’s a bargain! If you’re looking for a beginner drone that comes with some of the features of a higher-end model, look no further than Altair’s 818 Hornet. The Hornet comes standard with two long-lasting batteries capable of 15 minutes of flight time each, giving you the longest flight time yet! The Hornet comes with adjustable skill settings on the controller, altitude-hold button, and a built-in HD camera.
This drone also features one-button take-offs and landings, which makes getting started simple. All you need to do is press one button, the controls, and your drone will be airborne in no time. While the price tag may be a bit steeper than the others on the best beginner drone list, this is a durable beginner’s drone for photographers and hobbyists alike.
7. Potensic U36
The second Potensic drone to make this list, the U36 is another solid option for beginners. With the capability to capture wide-angle live video, and the inclusion of a 720P HD camera, photographers will have no problem snagging those coveted perfect drone shots. And custom flight routes and smartphone controls mean you can plan out your drone’s route beforehand and watch the flight live from your phone. You can even fly your drone forward and backward, left and right, just by moving your phone thanks to APP control and the Gravity Induction Mode feature.
The addition of altitude-hold mode and three adjustable speed levels make this drone a great choice for beginners. You can start off slow and then move up to faster speeds as you get used to the controls. Additional features like low-battery alert and an out-of-range-alarm ensure that you don’t get prematurely grounded on future flight expeditions.
Final Thoughts on Best Beginner Drones
Whether you’re a hobbyist, a photographer interested in incorporating drone photography into your repertoire, or someone hoping to learn more about how drones can be an asset to you in your work or business, these are some great models to get you started. Any of the drones on this list would be an excellent beginner drone. Once you have mastered operating a beginner drone you may want to try a more feature rich drone. If you’re looking for a gift for someone that has an interest in drones, or even aerial photography, these are also some great options for that as well. Keep in mind that due to the expense of drones you may want to protect your investment by using a drone tracker. With a variety of features and easy-to-learn controls, you’ll be flying before you know it.
Hal Simmons
When I first started flying drones I was always afraid of damaging my drone. I would always be thinking what if. I questioned myself often and as a result it made me question various aspects of flying drones. In the process I learned a lot. This is why I feel I have a lot of information that will be helpful to beginners and intermediate drone enthusiasts. Of course I still have a lot to learn so join me on this journey and I am sure you will enjoy the adventure ahead of us.Get daily lessons that start with how to choose a drone.