Between the moment when the drone flew over our screens through science fiction movies and the one when it landed in our homes, a few years have passed. The profession of pilot not being accessible to all, the drone has the merit of waking up the child who sleeps in us to pilot a motorized flying object. You dream to offer you a drone, but your budget is limited? Don't panic, here is our guide to the best cheap drones.
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Our selection
"Excellent gift idea for a little budding aviator, this drone should introduce him to piloting. It offers a range of features worthy of a high-end…"
"The Hubsan H501s has a headless mode for better control and more stable flight. This inexpensive drone is suitable for 14 years and older, but…"
"Its light weight and maneuverability make the DJI Mavic Combo a very practical drone. We especially like it for its range of action which goes…"
"4K camera with 3-axis stabilizer, 12 MP photo module, 31 minutes of autonomy, real-time video transmission via OcuSync 2.0 HD or QuickShots system, the DJI…"
Excellent gift idea for a little budding aviator, this drone should introduce him to piloting. It offers a range of features worthy of a high-end drone. Parents can borrow it to learn to fly too!
55,99 £ on AmazonThis mini drone has simple and basic controls to familiarize the user with the controls. The main functions are starting, landing and headless mode. The Sanrock U61W has 4 propellers wrapped in protective frames for safer operation. The 720P HD camera has a wide-angle lens to encompass the entire surrounding landscape. The elevation hold mode makes it easy to control the camera and allows it to take clear, crisp images.
Being able to operate via Wifi, the Sanrock U61W offers in-camera photo shooting controllable by an iOS or Android app. The mini drone is sold with 2 removable batteries totaling a flight time of 14 min. The alarm is triggered when the signal weakens, ie in case of low battery drone out of control. At less than 100 euros, it is difficult to find better.
The Hubsan H501s has a headless mode for better control and more stable flight. This inexpensive drone is suitable for 14 years and older, but also for an expert. The difference will be in the handling of the various controls.
160 £ on AmazonWith its unbrushed electric motor, the Hubsan H501s can reach a flight speed of 20 m/s. The motor and battery also ensure a longer lasting flight with a battery life of up to 20 min. Thanks to the safety mode as well as the GPS, this cheap drone can return and land automatically at the starting point in case of loss of connection with the transmitter.
Note the 1080p HD camera mounted on the device. It can transmit real-time images of great clarity. The capture of images and videos is also facilitated by the GPS and the Follow Me mode to follow step by step the tracked subject or the Orbit mode. Also thanks to the GPS, you can set the drone to a certain altitude to get more accurate shots.
Its light weight and maneuverability make the DJI Mavic Combo a very practical drone. We especially like it for its range of action which goes up to 2 km and its various modes of shooting. Moreover, this model has a 30 min autonomy.
303 £ on Amazon
4K camera with 3-axis stabilizer, 12 MP photo module, 31 minutes of autonomy, real-time video transmission via OcuSync 2.0 HD or QuickShots system, the DJI Mini 2 does not make the lace.
318 £ on AmazonLike the DJI Mavic Mini, the Mavic Mini 2 weighs in at 249g, which is about as much as an apple. This ultra-compact drone will change the way you capture subjects for your photos and videos. Agile, the device embeds a 12MP photo sensor. And for video, take advantage of the 4K camera at 30 fps with 3-axis motorized gimbal. It's clear that the Mavic Mini 2 is not kidding when it comes to shooting.
This drone has a range of 10 km thanks to Ocusync 2.0. Beyond this distance, HD video transmission is no longer possible or will be subject to interference. In addition, the DJI Mavic Mini 2 can withstand level 5 winds, reach an altitude of 4,000 m and fly for 31 minutes. The Quickshots function allows you to shoot or record professional quality videos with just a few clicks.
Any specific needs?
The best cheap drone under 100 euros
The best cheap drone under 200 euros
The best cheap drone under 400 euros
The best cheap drone under 500 euros
Your guide :
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| LESS THAN 100 € | LESS THAN 200 € | LESS THAN 400 € | LESS THAN 500 € | |
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
6/10 |
7/10 |
8/10 |
9/10 |
| OUR SELECTION |
Sanrock U61W
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Hubsan H501s
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DJI Mavic Mini Combo
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DJI Mavic Mini 2
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Excellent gift idea for a little budding aviator, this drone should introduce him to piloting. It offers a range of features worthy of a high-end drone. Parents can borrow it to learn to fly too!
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The Hubsan H501s has a headless mode for better control and more stable flight. This inexpensive drone is suitable for 14 years and older, but also for an expert. The difference will be in the handling of the various controls.
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Its light weight and maneuverability make the DJI Mavic Combo a very practical drone. We especially like it for its range of action which goes up to 2 km and its various modes of shooting. Moreover, this model has a 30 min autonomy.
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4K camera with 3-axis stabilizer, 12 MP photo module, 31 minutes of autonomy, real-time video transmission via OcuSync 2.0 HD or QuickShots system, the DJI Mini 2 does not make the lace.
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Dimensions (L x W H)
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20 x 14 x 9.3 cm
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35 x 35 x 8 cm
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14 x 5.7 x 8.2 cm
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18.8 x 14.4 x 14 cm
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Weight
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440 g
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450 g
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250 g
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249 g
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Photo/video module
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720 P HD
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HD at 1080p
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12 Mpx / 2.7 K
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12 Mpx / 4K
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Transmission distance (video signal)
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0.3 km
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0.3 km
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2 km
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10 km
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Maximum flight time
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14 min
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20 min
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30 min
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31 min
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If you are going to choose a cheap drone, you'd better take advantage of the latest technology. The minimum requirement for a cheap drone is connectivity, namely the ability to connect it via Wifi to the controller, even without a screen. In this case, the joysticks will suffice. The presence of anti-shock or LED light are little extras not to be overlooked.
It is during the test that you can really judge if the range of the drone corresponds to the data marked on the manufacturer's manual. For a cheap drone, check anyway that it has a good range so you don't lose sight of your device. It must also be always within sight and fly at less than 150 m height.
If you buy a cheap drone, it is recommended to choose a model with an average autonomy of 10 min. As a general rule, the maximum autonomy of a drone is 30 min. But a drone at less than 500 euros will hardly have such an autonomy. However, a cheap drone can be proposed with 2 batteries. So, also carry the spare battery when you use the drone.
This is an important criterion in choosing a drone under 500 euros with camera. Also, be demanding on the resolution of the camera and opt for a good resolution without requiring HD or full HD or even 4k resolution, given your limited budget.
To fly your cheap drone, you need to move to a suitable location, perhaps quite far away. Therefore, your cheap drone must be compact and robust enough not to damage your toy at the first shock such as a badly negotiated landing for example.
Flying a drone requires certain precautions to be taken, whether before, during or after the flight.
The 2 most important things to do when preparing your drone for flight is to check the software update, as well as the radio control update. Make sure that the battery is fully charged so that it gives its maximum during the flight. Always carry rechargeable batteries. Don't forget to check the integrity of the propellers, making sure they are not cracked or split. The sensors on the detectors should also be thoroughly cleaned.
.Be aware that now, flying a drone is strictly regulated. Impossible to fly a drone in urban areas and if you do, you will need at least a permit from the municipality! Find out where you can use your drone, the amount to pay. Also choose to fly your drone on a clear day without wind, very early in the morning, for example.
Don't miss any parameter settings on your drone. While flying, keep an eye on the drone's battery status, and be ready at all times to recharge or to bring your drone back. To do this, it is best to dedicate one person to this mission, while the second person focuses on piloting. A tip to make the drone take off and land: do the take off and landing by hand. This will prevent the drone from nose-diving into water or dust.
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If the objective is to discover the drone and its features, this is the perfect model. It is often a small drone, like the DJI Mini2 or the Ryze Tello. To start out, you'll need a solid drone in anticipation of small accidents along the way. Be aware that drones for beginners have a reduced autonomy, 10 min for most. Also, buy a second battery.
With some cheap drones for beginners, you have the possibility to train indoors. For this, the drone must be small, but above all be equipped with propeller protection. If you want to initiate yourself indoors, the AcroBee 75 BNF model which is part of the Tinywhoop is quite appropriate.
We like cheap drones especially for their cameras and the shots they allow. We have to distinguish between cheap drones with a built-in camera and cheap drones with an onboard camera. The integrated camera is not removable. In this case, buy a model with a Full HD or UHD camera for optimal image quality.
The drone with onboard camera allows you to choose your external sensor. The latter is therefore removable, fixed on a pod. It is important here to have a good stabilizing pod to avoid blurred images. With its mini price and its HD 0.5 camera, the Hubsan X4 H107C drone takes 720 x 420 pixel shots. It is this second variant that you need if you already have an action cam.
The drone with integrated camera is relatively simple to use. Just charge its batteries and connect a storage device such as a USD card or a USB key. In addition, you can view on your smartphone or tablet everything that your drone records. Finally, the integrated camera ensures a good stability of images.
The performance of the integrated camera is however less, and their functionality remains basic. The integrated camera is not able to customize its controls or settings. As for the autonomy, the integrated camera works on the battery of the drone, thus limiting the autonomy of the latter.
The drone with onboard camera allows you to take photos and videos in high resolution, the camera films at least 14 to 20 Mpx. Designed to take pictures or film, they have a good autonomy. The camera is equipped with various features, including programming.
However, as the camera is attached to the drone by means of a cradle, there is a risk that the camera will become destabilized when moving. Also, you are forced to invest extra to find a good quality pod. The drone with integrated camera requires more time to learn.
If you are a professional photographer or film maker, the on-board camera is recommended. If you take pictures to immortalize your events and family vacations, then the drone with integrated camera is more than enough.
Flying a drone is fun for kids from 7 to 77 years old. You can already find models suitable for 11 year olds. Each temperament will find its happiness: the sportsmen and the turbulent will opt for the racing drone, while the artist will enjoy the shots of his camera drone.
The drones are now accessible to all budgets. You can already get a drone from 50 euros. Excellent idea for a birthday gift or for Christmas.
It must be recognized that taking pictures at altitude and in a wide field gives an added value to the amateur or professional photographer. The quality of the images coming from the cameras are excellent.
Some drones support a certain weight. Thanks to this, you will be able to improvise letter or meal deliveries by means of a drone, a job opportunity that is coming up.
You don't need to have a deep learning curve to use a drone, unless you choose it as a work tool. If you choose a drone for fun, you'll learn how to handle it in no time.
In our opinion, the best brands of cheap drones in 2022 are :
DJI has a big share of the drone market. As a global reference, the Chinese brand has the advantage of offering cheap models equipped with the latest cameras like GoPro. In addition to flagship lines like DJI Phantom or DJI Mavic, the brand also offers virtual reality goggles.
Relatively young in the list of Chinese brands, Husban offers cheap drones, while not compromising on quality. The various models of Husban drones are particularly recommended for beginners.
This French manufacturer is positioned among the innovators in the field of drones. Its drones are distinguished by an impeccable quality of manufacture. You will find models for beginners, models for professionals, as well as drones for leisure.
This brand born in Hong Kong is now based in the United States. Specialized in aeronautics, Yuneec offers drones adapted to different professions. Thus, it manufactures drones for firefighters or rescuers, drones for police officers, etc. Among the products of this brand, we distinguish the Mantis Q, the H920.
A brand that can boast of constant innovation. Its greatest current pride is the manufacture of aerial drones, but also underwater drones. So you will see models intended for seabed shots, such as PowerEgg or PowerDolphin.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Protect your drone in an appropriate case
When you travel, store your drone in a hard case to protect it from various shocks or falls. Do not forget to remove the batteries if you travel by plane. It is also recommended to do the same with the remote control.
Update the control software regularly
To optimize all the features of your drone, remember to update it regularly. It can be as much a minor update as an important one, but it's better not to neglect anything, so that it offers you the best of itself.
Disable some functions so that the drone can better withstand the wind
To capture beautiful images in strong winds, the trick is to improve the speed of your drone. In order for it to perform its mission, you'll need to disable any features that can slow it down, such as proximity sensors.
Don't hesitate to fix the wiring of a cheap drone with tape
Finish is not really the forte of cheap drones. In order to extend the life of your drone, make sure when assembling it to secure the cables and wires so that they don't get caught on branches. Sheaths, scotch tape, anything is good to fix them on the chassis.
Maintain your drone regularly
Your drone is constantly exposed to dust, moisture and insects. Clean the interior with compressed air, the lenses with a cotton swab. Maintaining the propellers and other components is also an important step. This advice is still valid, no matter how much you paid for your drone.
Dropping a drone can lead to the destruction of some parts, or even the destruction of the device. The drone will crash if it is in front of an obstacle and you do not tap the remote control to stop its momentum. Some people manage to crash a drone by cutting the link between the remote control and the drone.
It would be tempting to do this to increase the autonomy of a cheap drone. However, this manipulation leads to a longer flight time of the device. A more powerful battery is also heavier, risking altering the drone's maneuverability and performance.
There are currently drones that can carry packages or letters. Some, notably DJI, can carry a weight up to 7 kg in addition to the accessories they already carry.
The use of a drone is now regulated. Thus, it is forbidden to fly a drone in urban areas. Even if you are not in an urban environment, you cannot fly a drone over people's heads either. An interactive map is available to inform you about the places allowed and those forbidden to drones.
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