Best Drones for Beginners

Getting started with a drone, where to start?

A drone is an unmanned aircraft on board, which encompasses a number of monstrous devices. Beginner drones are often small and very light. Very easy to use, beginner drones can be picked up very quickly by most people.

First of all, you have to know what you want to start with, as beginner drones can offer different concepts to discover. You want to quickly make quality films and aerial photos, in this case start with the DJI Spark drone may be an option (quite high budget to be expected)! You want to practice piloting more, in this case, the Hubsan X4 H107Plus beginner drone will offer solidity and practicality. Want to start in a drone with immersion flight? So the Archos Drone VR beginner drone will certainly meet your expectations, especially thanks to its excellent value for money!

Image	Product	Feature	Price
Top Pick	DJI Mavic Air 2	48MP Camera; 1/2″ CMOS Sensor; 4K Video 8K Hyperlapse; 3-Axis Gimbal; ActiveTrack 3.0 Ocusync 2.0; 34min Flight Time	Check On Amazon
	DJI Spark	12MP Camera; 1/2.3″ Sensor; Weight 10.58oz / 300g; 16min Flight Time	Check On Amazon
	EACHINE E520S	GPS Drone with 4K Camera; 1200Mah; 5G WiFi; 16mins Flight Time; FPV Live Video	Check On Amazon
	Ryze Tech Tello	5MP Camera HD720 Video 13min Flight Time Education Scratch Programming Toy Selfies, Powered by DJI, White	Check On Amazon
	DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0	Drone Quadcopter UAV with 20MP Camera; 4K H.265 Video; 1″ CMOS Sensor; 3-Axis Gimbal White	Check On Amazon

The Criteria for Choosing a Drone for Beginners

Before you embark on the purchase of your first drone, study what is on the market and choose according to your needs and expectations. Certain criteria will determine your final choice.

Compare Prices

The budget is usually the first criterion that guides you on a particular range of drones. No need to break the bank to buy a drone to start. Some entry-level models are perfect for learning to ride and having a good feeling.

Compare Performance

Automated flight modes, speed, features, range… all these factors must be taken into account. Do not hesitate to compare what is done with the different manufacturers. Warning! The most advanced drones are also the most complicated to handle. So if you want to focus on piloting, opt for a simple but powerful model that is easy to learn.

Compare Cameras

The great interest of the drone, the one that unites the general public, is aerial photography. The vast majority of drones today carry a camera to take photos and videos. Mechanical or electronic stabilization, resolution, sensor, wide-angle? If this is the image you prefer, consider all of these elements before you decide.

1# Ryze Tech Tello: Best Drones for Beginners

Product Description

At less than $100, here we have a complete drone that shows good performance. All the ingredients for an excellent beginner drone!

Main characteristics:

Ergonomics and handling: The Ryze Tech Tello marks a good point in terms of design with fairly futuristic lines, an all-white fairing, and quality plastic. For a drone for less than $100, we leave here the world of the toy drone or the drone for children. The application is installed in seconds using the QR code and the remote control that looks like a living room console controller is very ergonomic.

In-flight: the Ryze Tech Tello is a GPS drone that requires calibration before first use. The remote control has an automatic take-off/landing button, which is very practical for a beginner. The Ryze Tech Tello once launched shows surprising stability, even in the case of fairly strong wind. The range level, the quadcopter is clamped by default at 30m. You can remove this limitation once you have it in hand. Then count on a range of up to 300m.

The camera: photo and video enthusiasts will not be left out with a perfectly decent 1080 HD camera. However, you will need to insert an SD card to be able to shoot in 1080p, otherwise you will be limited to 720p. The camera has 90 levels of settings to test as many different shots as possible.

Autonomy: thanks to its 2500mAh Lipo battery, the Ryze Tech Tello offers an average flight time of around 13 minutes. Intensive use of the camera or automated flight modes, however, reduces the battery life by a few minutes.

2# SIMREX X300C: Best Stunt Drones for Beginners

Product Description

For a drone under $50, the SIMREX X300C offers incomparable qualities and a long list of features. This ultra-complete quadcopter will appeal to beginners for its quite affordable price and experienced pilots for its performance worthy of a top-range drone.

Main characteristics:

Ergonomics and handling: the first surprise when you unpack the SIMREX X300C is the quality of the materials. The case is made of a solid plastic of very good quality which inspires confidence. The design itself lacks a bit of finesse, but that’s a matter of taste. The remote control is large and offers a very pleasant grip.

In-flight: ideal for budding remote pilots, the SIMREX X300C is equipped with RTH (automatic return to take-off point) which engages on request or automatically in the event of a loss of link or low battery. In terms of speed, this quadcopter registers good peaks up to 40km / h, enough to attract novice racers. Finally, the SIMREX X300C is distinguished by its brushless motors which give it twice the power of current models on the market.

The camera: the SIMREX X300C has a 1080p HD camera (maximum resolution by inserting an SD card). The wide-angle adjustable up to 110° will delight lovers of beautiful panoramas by offering a beautiful opening. Finally, the excellent stability of the drone and the altitude hold position allow you to refine your framing and take very precise images.

Autonomy: the 7.4V 1800 mAh Lipo battery provides the SIMREX X300C with an autonomy of 10 minutes, which is remarkable for a drone of this range. However, the full charge time of 60 minutes. Better to equip yourself with an additional battery to make the pleasure last.

3# Eachine e520s: Best Beginner Drone with Camera and GPS

Product Description

For a drone under $150, the Eachine e520s drone, made in China, wins all the awards. 4K camera, robustness, and many automated flight options make it a cheap starter drone to put in everyone’s hands. An outsider who deserves to be known!

Main Characteristics:

Ergonomics and handling: from a design point of view, the Eachine e520s drone is a real success with a lively look and contemporary lines. The finishes are not left out with excellent quality materials which give it strength and resistance. Very compact, this foldable drone can be transported everywhere in a large pocket or even in the beautiful bag that is provided in the pack.

In-flight: the Chinese Eachine e520s drone is arguably one of the easiest drones to fly and novice remote pilots will love it. The GPS drone is equipped with a dual GPS/ Glonass system which will allow it to be located with great precision, a major advantage when starting out. In terms of functionality, you can count on RTH, FollowMe mode (the drone follows you remotely), Orbit Mode, hovering… a whole host of options that make the experience even more fun.

The camera: exception for this type of cheap drone, the 4K camera. It offers excellent rendering and fills all lovers with beautiful shots. This is the best resolution currently available on the consumer drone market. In addition, the mechanical stabilization on 1 axis allows great precision in the framing.

Autonomy: the powerful battery and brushless motors give you an average flight time of 16 to 17 minutes, a very good result for an entry-level model.

4# DJI Spark: Best Drone for Photography

 

Description

The Spark is a great mini video drone at a truly affordable price that gives novices a solid entry point into the world of aerial photo and video. Do not be fooled by its size, its technical characteristics are really solid before, among other things, the detection of obstacles on the front of the drone.

Main Characteristics:

Admittedly the Spark is far from being the best DJI drone for photo or video, but be careful, do not be fooled by its mini sensor, and it’s gimbal-stabilized only on 2 axes. The photos and videos produced by this mini drone are really good in Full HD and offer an excellent level of detail for those who want to start in the world of the drone.

A tip here, choose the version with integrated remote control (especially if you are using Android) to take advantage of better video signal return and better overall signal range! I personally tested the version without a radio controller when taking out the drone and the experience and testing were somewhat spoiled by connection issues.

PROFESSIONAL DRONES

Needless to say, these Pro models are well established and used nowadays in several industries such as real estate, missing person search, first aid … These drones with impressive features can take the strain off your staff and save you hours of labor. work by automating part of your work process. So, with that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the best professional grade drones in 2021!

5# DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2: Best Drone for the Money

Product Description

The Phantom 4 Pro V2 is an update to version 1 released 2 years ago now. DJI has listened to criticism as usual and offers us here a concentrate of technology and improvements to offer us the best drone ever made in the Phantom range. Without a doubt, the best semi-professional civilian drone available today!

Main Characteristics:

The camera remained the same here with a 1 inch 20 MPX sensor with a mechanical shutter which gives an incredible rendering. It is also equipped with a stabilized 3-axis gimbal and can record videos in 4K resolution at 60 frames per second which is a must for slow-mo enthusiasts! Combine that with a plethora of smart, self-contained features and I’m sure you will realize how much of a valuable ally this quadcopter is in your business.

The special thing about this model (alongside the Mavic Pro and Inspire 2) is that it comes equipped with OcuSync transmission technology which I really appreciate. The price may seem high for this type of drone but it is in my opinion an excellent investment over time, no doubt about it.

6# DJI Mavic Pro 2: Best Drones for Beginners

Description

Ultra-portable, relatively easy to use, excellent 1 inch CMOS photo/video sensor, omnidirectional obstacle detection, and avoidance, excellent range and signal quality and many intelligent flight modes make this LA drone benchmark this year.

If your budget doesn’t allow it, take a look at the DJI Mavic Mini below or the Parrot Anafi, you won’t be disappointed!

DJI Mavic 2 Pro

DJI drones are clearly not perfect, but it is obvious that the technology that the Chinese brand develops and implements in its drones year after year is impressive. And there is nothing much new about their Mavic 2 Pro model compared to the older models except still more sensors, onboard intelligence, and the long-awaited arrival of a 1-inch CMOS sensor. It basically takes the strengths of the previous models, improves them, and condenses them into an incredibly light and compact drone!

Main Characteristics:

A good place to start here is its ability to capture video in 4K quality at 30 fps with a bit rate of 100 Mb/s. Of course, that’s not all – the Mavic 2 Pro’s sensor is mounted on a gimbal. stabilized on 3 axes allowing to take ever more kinematic shots. Needless to say, it does an absolutely brilliant job of stabilizing the image and controlling the camera in the air.

All the smart GPS-powered flight modes you’ve come to expect from the Phantom and Mavic drone series are available. Some obstacle avoidance and gesture control options from the latest models are also available, offering a varied experience that will appeal even to novices.

DJI is now recognized for constantly pushing the boundaries of aerial imagery. This is mainly reflected in their technical specifications, which tend to be miles ahead of the competition. If we look at the maximum range and signal quality, this feature alone proves DJI’s lead over the competition (up to 7 kilometers of range and a signal via ultra-rugged Ocusync technology). Battery life is also of crucial importance here and the Mavic Pro 2 doesn’t fail to impress for its size with its patented smart LiPo battery, providing over 30 minutes of flight time.

7# Yuneec Typhoon H Plus: Best Cheap Drone for Photography

Description

DJI Inspire 2 is too expensive for your liking, maybe the next drone will be more suited to your wallet. The Yuneec Typhoon H, a very powerful hexacopter, comes with one of the most complete radio controls on the market, even including an integrated touchscreen FPV monitor. Even though it’s mostly used for aerial photography/video, the Yuneec Typhoon H  is much more than that. It can be equipped with a thermal imager for example, which makes it attractive for a wide variety of industrial applications.

Main Characteristics:

Even without thermal cameras, you will still be happy with the original equipment included. It is mounted on a 3 axis gimbal and does its job really well. It can record videos in 4K at 30 frames/second and even allows you to shoot slow-motion if you lower the resolution.

In terms of technical characteristics, the most important is probably the obstacle avoidance (on the version with the Intel RealSense module). Here you can choose between the standard version and the version with the Intel RealSense module. The hexacopter also offers live video streaming, a bunch of smart features like RTH …

It is powered by a bulky Lipo battery that allows it to fly for around 25 minutes. It can reach around 1.5 kilometers of range with the supplied transmitter, which is sufficient for most industrial applications.

Still lost in your selection? Here is a quiz to help you

Before starting the quiz, which will help you find the most suitable camera drone, if you’ve never flown drones or other radio-controlled devices, I highly recommend that you get your hands on a cheap mini drone, you avoid unnecessary expenses.

If you are serious, want to make it a hobby, and quickly progress, you are the careful type, you can start with one of these drones but it is still safe to develop your flying skills on a low-cost model!

8# DJI Mavic Air 2: Cheap Drones Amazon

Description

The Mavic Air 2 is another entry-level drone from DJI in its Mavic foldable drone line. Due to its design, it can easily fit into almost any camera bag. The camera has a Quad Bayer design for crisp, and HDR videos in 4K. The shots are quality and this drone offers excellent value for money.

Main Characteristics:

Flying the DJI Mavic Air 2 is a real treat as the device has everything a drone needs: fast speed, high-resolution camera, long battery life, impressive range, and obstacle avoidance systems. And it’s relatively inexpensive compared to the technology it embeds.

9# DJI Inspire 2: Easy to Fly Outdoor Drones

Description

Here is the most expensive drone in this presentation, the famous  DJI Inspire 2. A downright monstrous drone, packed with technology and with several unique features to offer. The best known is undoubtedly its retractable landing gear and the position of its arms which place the camera at the lowest point, allowing full 360° rotation without hindering the path of the gondola on which the camera is placed. Goodbye, here propellers in your plans!

Main Characteristics:

The DJI Inspire 2 is a professional-grade drone specifically designed for aerial photography and cinematography. It is not surprising to see it equipped with professional quality cameras. Technically, you can choose between several packs (Standard, Professional, Premium, and Cinema Premium) and several optional DJI cameras (including the Zenmuse X4S, X5S, and X7), all of which support the CineCore 2.0 image processing system.

The best camera, the X7, lets you capture videos up to 6K! Ian Arthus-Bertrand couldn’t stand it here!

As for the features, you really don’t have to mention them all as that would take up the majority of this page. I will just say that this is one of the most sophisticated and feature-rich drones on the market.

10# DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2: Best Indoor Outdoor Drone for Beginners

Description

The Phantom 4 Pro V2 is an update to version 1 released 2 years ago now. DJI has listened to criticism as usual and offers us here a concentrate of technology and improvements to offer us the best drone ever made in the Phantom range. Without a doubt, the best semi-professional civilian drone available today!

Main Characteristics:

The camera remained the same here with a 1-inch 20 MPX sensor with a mechanical shutter which gives an incredible rendering. It is also equipped with a stabilized 3-axis gimbal and can record videos in 4K resolution at 60 frames per second which is a must for slow-mo enthusiasts! Combine that with a plethora of smart, self-contained features and I’m sure you will realize how much of a valuable ally this quadcopter is in your business.

The special thing about this model (alongside the Mavic Pro and Inspire 2) is that it comes equipped with OcuSync transmission technology which I really appreciate. The price may seem high for this type of drone but it is in my opinion an excellent investment over time, no doubt about it.

11# Mavic Mini: New Drone Flying off Shelves

Product Description

A simple glance at the design of the Mavic Mini makes it possible to understand that DJI here sought to propose a miniature version of the Mavic 2. An approach allowing to give an overview of their flagship model to people such as beginners or people on a budget lesser. The Mini’s controller and handling are quite similar to what the Chinese brand on their top-of-the-line Mavics – although I don’t recommend flying it in harsh weather conditions given its size and lack of sensors for obstacle avoidance.

Main Characteristics:

The key to the success of the Mavic Mini comes first and foremost from its 249g weight. While the Mavic Mini is ideal for novice pilots for a number of reasons, the onboard technology makes it a great value drone. It is equipped with a 3-axis gimbal with a camera for filming in 2.7K, offers a flight time of 30 minutes, a vision sensor, and a GPS for precise hovering. It is the size of a smartphone and fits easily in the palm of your hand.

This is what makes it a perfect drone for beginners. If you just want to start experimenting with your piloting skills before committing to a more serious and costly investment, the Mini Mavic is a great choice and will give you a great door to ride.

12# Parrot Anafi: Best Drones under $200

Description

The Parrot Anafi is an excellent drone for beginners anxious to progress quickly in aerial photography and videography.

Its price of less than 1000 euros for the extended version and its technical characteristics make it a 4K drone at an ultra-competitive price with few equivalents on the market in 2021.

Its pack is really complete, the Parrot Freeflight 6 application is surprisingly easy to use and receives numerous fixes and other updates to remedy the shortcomings of previous versions.

The drone also offers creative options that other drones can bring through its digital zoom and its 180-degree tilt gimbal.

UAV VIDEOS  THE CHEAPER

At Drones Amateurs, I often suggest my readers start with a less expensive drone. This is how you can hone your piloting skills before moving on to the biggest models on the market and indulge yourself in terms of technical characteristics (like the DJI Phantom 4 Pro or the Yuneec Typhoon Plus).

The models below don’t necessarily have as many options and don’t compete with high-end drones in terms of specs, but you’ll be surprised how advanced their features can be for their price!

They have also proven themselves since their launch and have undergone many improvements through regular updates from their respective manufacturers.

Parrot Anafi

Parrot came back to us in 2018 with its  Anafi which is a compact and foldable drone, offering excellent technical characteristics and a notable point, the possibility of shooting in 4K, which makes it the first Parrot civilian drone offering 4K! It is also the only quadricotpère on the market allowing you to tilt your nacelle 180 degrees up and down!

Main Characteristics:

The Anafi is equipped with a Sony IMX230 sensor and an Ambarella video processor which allows it to take 21MP photos! Its sensor Sony® 1 / 2.4 ” CMOS sensor (Wide-angle f / 2.4) coupled with a 2.8X optical zoom (1.4X in 4K) offers a full range of creative options, all at an extremely competitive price. This drone is piloted using the Skycontroller remote control revised in Parrot version 3 and despite the lack of obstacle detection here, it still has excellent assets such as a camera allowing you to shoot in 4K as well as HDR mode and its 180-degree swivel gimbal. A great option if you are just starting out and want to progress on a low budget!

Before starting the quiz, which will help you find the most suitable camera drone, if you’ve never flown drones or other radio-controlled devices, I highly recommend that you get your hands on a cheap mini drone, you avoid unnecessary expenses.

If you are serious, want to make it a hobby, and quickly progress, you are the careful type, you can start with one of these drones but it is still safe to develop your flying skills on a low-cost model!

Read More Guides:

Best Mini Drones for Kids

Best Drones Under $100