When it comes to drones, there are various options you can choose from. The market is flooded with all types of drones. It’s high time that you understand how to get the one that is the best in terms of quality, as well as your requirements. For the beginners out there who have learned the very basics of flying and are now looking to upgrade to a more premium section. We have handpicked some of the best drones under $200.
There is one thing that you need to know is that this price segment is the one where there are a plethora of crappy drones available. You should pay very close attention while making the purchase.
This review will help you significantly in getting the best drone for yourself. These drones are a good upgrade over the cheaper ones where you don’t have to pay way extra. These are highly affordable ones with a range of features to enhance the flying experience. We are a guide about the top best drones under $200 for beginners.
These drones can also be a perfect gift and as some of them are lightweight. You will not need to register them with authorities like the FAA. Without delaying it any further, let’s dive into the review with pros and cons.
Choose from Our Top 10 Best Drones Under $200 Picks
For those who are thinking that deciding on a drone is a very difficult and tiring task, this review article will help you. The drones that we are providing you here are some of the best in this category. You can decide after going through each of them. In the latter part of the article, we will also provide you our recommendations so don’t miss that.
Here is a comparison table of the top 10 best drones Under $200 that you can purchase:
| Name | Image | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Potensic D80 Drone |  | 4.6/5 | |
| Altair 818 Hornet Drone |  | 4.3/5 | |
| Altair AA300 Drone |  | 4.4/5 | |
| Holystone HS165 Drone |  | 4.7/5 | |
| HUBSAN H501SS Drone |  | 4.5/5 | |
| HolyStone HS110D Drone |  | 4.2/5 | |
| UDI Force1 U49W Drone |  | 4.1/5 | |
| Snaptain SP510 Drone |  | 4.3/5 | |
| Tello Quadcopter Drone |  | 4.6/5 | |
| Potensic T25 GPS Drone |  | 4.8/5 |
1. Potensic D80 Drone
With a very compact and modern design, this drone is one of the most feature-rich ones that you will find in this top best drones under $200. The Potensic D80 can be the perfect fit for the experts and also for those who have learned the basics and are now looking for an upgrade.
This drone sports a brushless motor and you will be able to get full 600-meters of range. However, if you never flew a drone or just started learning, in other words, you are a beginner, this drone isn’t the one for you. Well, if you are asking who, it’s because this drone is extremely fast and beginners will find it way more difficult to control and maneuver. The top speed this drone can reach is 40 km/h.
The flight time offered to you on this drone will be a whopping 20 minutes. You will be able to stream in full HD while flying up to 300 meters. Depending on the signal interference, the drone can easily fly up to 500-600 meters.
You will also get alerts/alarms for low battery along with weaker signals. The drone is also equipped with object tracking and auto-return.
- The drone is compatible with the VR headset where you will be able to get a very good FPV.
- The brushed motors that are present on this drone will also be very helpful in giving it the stability that it needs.
- The features and the price combination are just exceptionally good where anyone can afford it very easily.
- The ‘Follow Me’ mode that you will get on this drone will help you in getting very stable shots without going through the hassle of continuously keeping you in the frame.
- The drone will automatically return to the take-off position in just one-button touch.
- The drone is strictly not for beginners. Though the pricing can fit your budget, the features definitely don’t.
2. Altair 818 Hornet Drone
When we are looking for the best drones under $200, we can’t miss Altair. The brand is in the drone business for years and has a very good understanding of what the users need. You can easily set the route map where you will be able to fly it even more easily.
The drone comes with good quality propeller guards that will allow you safe flying. The compact size of the drone will also allow you to fly it indoors, as well as outdoors. The drone is also a perfect choice for beginners, as well as kids, thanks to the gentle maneuvering and good stability.
- The drone comes with 3-speed modes that will allow you a better learning. You can start from the very low speed and as you progress in learning, you can level it up.
- The drone package will come with 2 batteries so that you will be able to automatically double the flying time.
- Hornet 818 will be equipped with a 2 MP 720p resolution camera with a good range of 150 meters. The field-of-view offered by the drone’s camera is 120-degrees.
- You will be able to attach a smartphone to the controller and then get a very clear FPV.
- Along with the headless mode and altitude-hold, you will also be able to draw the path you want your drone to go and press the take-off button to send it on the route.
- This is one of the numerous mind-boggling ramble models as it has many highlights inside.
3. Altair AA300 Drone
This one is also a great pick when it comes to getting a drone in an affordable segment of best drones under $200. This drone will be a feature-packed one where you will get to explore creativity to the very next level.
The in-built GPS on this drone will be significantly helpful in giving drones the stability it needs. You will be able to capture some way better aerial pictures and videos.
As the camera comes with more advanced features to help the experts enjoy equally as the beginners or those who are yet to perfect this skill. Above all that, Altair is known for its great customer service. You will be able to get it repaired or resolve any technical issue in no time.
- The range of 150 meters is more than enough for the beginner pilots to fly and master the flying skills.
- The drone also comes with a very good flight time of 15 minutes where you will be able to get the video of 1080p resolution.
- The FPV mode on the drone will allow you to have better shots as you will actually be able to see the shot that is being recorded.
- The headless mode that you will get on this drone will also be very helpful for beginners. It will allow you to fly the drone in the direction of the controller and not according to the direction of the drone.
- You can enable the Follow Me mode where you will be able to get very stable shots by keeping yourself in the frame.
- The FPV that the drone has to offer will require a mobile device to work as the controller has no screen.
- The maximum size of the SD card that is supported is 32 GB.
4. Holystone HS165 Drone
If you are the one that is just starting to fly the drones, it’s wise for you to first get the cheaper ones and once you master the skill, think of investing in a professional one. This drone can be the best option for you to get where you will get all the advanced features in the top 10 best drones under $200.
This drone is a myth buster for those who think that cheaper drones aren’t up to any good. You will not be able to learn anything. The drone can go as far as 400 meters where you will be able to control its very good response system, thanks to the controller. The drone will be able to stay in the air for up to 15 minutes on a single charge. Here are the pros and cons.
- The camera provided to you on this drone will offer you to record up to 1080p resolution and the field-of-view offered is 90-degrees.
- The drone provides the connectivity of Wi-Fi 5 GHz where you will be able to eliminate all the latency and lag in video recording.
- The propellers of this drone can be folded into the body and it will give this drone an extremely portable design.
- The drone is also compatible with VR where you will be able to enhance the drone experience significantly, thanks to the first-person view feature.
- Other features include 360-degree flip, headless mode, altitude hold, etc.
- The drone has no auto-return feature and it will be missed by many.
- This feature is extremely helpful for beginners to learn flying.
5. HUBSAN H501SS Drone
This is one of those drones that offer the complete package. You won’t need anything extra after getting this drone. From propeller guards to an LCD screen, this drone includes everything in the package. This is one of the very best drones under $200. You will be able to fly it without much input from the pilot.
The flight time offered by this drone ranges between 16-20 minutes and the range is around 300 meters. The USP of the drone is 5.8/2.4 GHz live transmission where you will be able to get clear picture quality on the controller while flying. The design of the drone is also pretty modern. You will be able to carry it very easily as well.
- The altitude-hold feature of the drone will be helpful in getting more stable shots where you will be able to fix it on height and then maneuver easily.
- The interface of the drone is pretty simple where you will be able to get hold of it very easily.
- The live transmission of the drone will allow you to have better shots by getting the first-person view on the controller’s 4.3-inch screen. It will also be compatible with VR.
- The pricing of this drone is very aggressive and it will be feature-rich in terms of headless mode, etc.
- The LED lights will be helpful in maneuvering the drone very easily at night. The LCD monitor will help accompany it.
- The drone doesn’t come with the propeller guards that may be a deal-breaker for some beginners.
6. HolyStone HS110D Drone
The drone comes with a very good list of features that are made available for the pilots. However, we don’t recommend you to buy this one if you are a beginner. The drone features high speed which can be tough for them to fly. The drone comes with cockpit glasses that will be used for a much immersive racing experience.
The camera present on the drone is a 0.3 MP one where you will be able to get live transmission on 2.4 GHz wireless connection and there’s one thing to note that it’s not adjustable. However, the Bluetooth range of the drone to transmit the video live is strictly average at 60 meters.
The lightweight and compact design of this drone helped it to get on the list of best drones under $200. It is also significantly helpful in giving a long battery life of 10 minutes.
The drone is also fully compatible with VR where you will be able to get a very good FPV and it will help you in capturing exactly the way you want.
- The drone comes with 3 flight speeds that will be significantly helpful in mastering the skills. The modes that you will get are easy, drift, and racing.
- The FPV goggles, i.e., similar to VR headset will be included in the package and you will not need to invest anything extra.
- The 1080p camera with a wide 120-degree FOV will allow you to get some very good shots.
- The low battery alarm will help you take it back to the starting point and you will be able to recharge the batteries in just 120 minutes.
- Getting all these features including altitude-hold in this price segment is a pretty good deal.
- The Bluetooth range provided to you by this drone to fly it using your smartphone is very low.
7. UDI Force1 U49W Drone
The drone comes with a very compact design where you will be able to carry it very easily. It also comes with integrated propellers where you will be able to fly it with good peace of mind. The drone is fit for all levels of pilots. If you are looking for the best drone under $200 that is priced at an entry-level and offers you features like live transmission and altitude-hold, this one can be a perfect choice for you.
The drone will provide you with a very simple and easy interface and it can be flown without much input. On the performance front, this drone offers good stability and the provided controller will give you very responsive feedback.
The compact design will also allow you to fly it outdoors, as well as indoors with the same ease. Though the drone comes with 3 flight speed settings, we will not recommend you to fly it in breezy weather.
- UDI Force1 offers you a very good flight time of 15 minutes and as it includes 2 batteries in the package, you can fly it for 30 minutes.
- When it comes to the range that it can cover, Blue Heron will stay connected up to 100 meters.
- This drone is also equipped with the live video feature that will work through WiFi and will be directly connected to the smartphone.
- It also sports basic features that will include headless mode, altitude-hold, one-touch landing, and take-off, etc.
- The drone will also give you alerts/alarms on reaching low battery which will help you in landing it safely.
- As it doesn’t have 360-degree spin, you will not get a 3D flip and it can be a deal-breaker, especially if you are getting it for some kid.
8. Snaptain SP510 Drone
When you get into the market to buy the drone in this price segment, you will get a whole range of options. However, you will need to find the one that perfectly fits your needs and also cross-check the brand from which you are buying. This Snaptain SP510 will cover all your requirements and won’t disappoint you in any way.
This quad-copter is the foldable one where you will be able to fold its propellers into its body. Then, it will be much easier to carry around.
Coming to the build and construction of the drone, all the top-notch materials are used that make sure you can last this drone with you for a long time. This addition to the list of best drones under $200 has a lot to offer. This can be a very good choice for all the beginners and intermediate pilots out there.
Though the company claims to provide you with a flight time of 16 minutes, we will recommend you to get an extra pair. It’s so because the battery will take 3 hours to be fully charged
- The drone is equipped with the ‘auto-return’ feature that will let you bring the drone to the starting point in just one click.
- The range offered by this drone when connected to the controller will be up to 500 meters. It is also equipped with a GPS module that will let you create a flight path.
- You will also get a ‘follow me’ mode where you will be able to set the drone to track you. It will allow you to get way more stable shots than you doing it manually.
- The Geofence technology will allow you to set an area so that the drone doesn’t escape the fence and it will allow you to fly the drone stress-free.
- The camera installed on this drone can record up to 2.7K HD and comes with a field-of-view of 110-degree and it can be further adjusted at a 90-degree angle.
- If you want to use the FPV, the drone will require you to connect a smartphone with the controller.
9. Tello Quadcopter Drone
The drone comes with a full package. You will not need any other accessory to pair it up to be able to fly. The drone will also be the best value for money and anyone can easily afford it. It also features a very easy interface, but the aimed audience for this drone is the pilots having an intermediate and expert level of skill. It is one of the best drones under $200 available on this list.
The design of the controller is also very modern and futuristic and it’s actually quite ergonomic. The drone is compatible with VR and will give you a pretty good view of what’s being shot. Here, The drone battery will last up to 13 minutes on a single charge. The drone will be able to go up to a range of 100 meters. The camera provided to you by Tello will be an HD one where you will be able to get the video output up to 720p resolution.
- The headless mode present on the drone will allow you to maneuver it in the direction you are and not the direction drone is facing.
- The video transmission is made extremely lag-free where it will work through the 5 GHz wireless band.
- You will also get an altitude-hold feature that will be primarily used to get stable shots and it will also allow you to fly it without much input.
- The field-of-view provided by the camera on this drone is also pretty good where it gives a wide 120-degree view.
- There is no screen provided on the controller and you will require to attach a smartphone.
- The materials used in this drone can be more premium and it needs a more sturdy look.
10. Potensic T25 GPS Drone
Coming towards the end of the list, the drone will feature a range of options that will help you in getting better at your flying skills. Just like some other drones discussed earlier in this review, this drone will also have features like one-touch landing and take-off, altitude-hold, etc.
The drone will also get back to the starting point in case it goes to a lower battery or the signals get any weaker. Coming to the camera, the drone is added to the list of best drones under $200 because of its full HD sensor and the stability that it provides. While flying, it can go up to a range of 300 meters. You will get a stand integrated with the drone on which it will land
- You will get a ‘follow me’ feature that will allow you to let the drone track you and record without giving it any input.
- The drone is also compatible with the VR functionality where you will be able to get a good first-person view which will help get the shot in the first take.
- The live transmission of the video is being done through Wi-Fi and you will get a totally lag-free experience.
- The GPS system will allow you to create a path for the drone to go. You can draw the path and then hit take-off so the drone can fly without any input.
- Though the company is providing Full HD support, there is no SD card included in the box. It’s a big downside as you won’t be able to record even a single shot
Complete Guide for Affordable Drones
If you are in the market looking for the best drone under $200 that will last you for a long time, there are some factors that you should and must look for. These factors will decide the quality and practicality of the drone that you are getting. In this price segment, you shouldn’t settle anywhere less from the following factors. These will give you the best value for your money.
Flight time
An average drone in this segment will give you a flying time of 9-11 minutes. There are many brands that try to focus on their high flying time to attract customers but on other hand. There are some as well that focus on the features and compact build. You should also know that the size of the drone doesn’t always mean higher flying time. As it can be restricted due to heavy payload.
Range
Who doesn’t want a drone that can fly in a range of multiple kilometers and can shoot in HD? Everyone right? However, in this price segment, you will get an average range of 200-300 meters. There is nothing to worry about the drone getting lost as almost all of them come with a Return-to-home feature. It will send you an alert when it’s getting out of range or low on battery. This feature is extremely important to have to get a drone in the list of best drones under $200.
Performance
Coming to performance, these drones are capable of giving you very good stability and maneuvering. The controllers of these drones are also very responsive where you will be able to fly them very easily under windy conditions as well. In this review, we have only handpicked the drones that are above average on the performance front in this segment.
Set of features
After the performance, it’s the features that you should look out for. These drones are providing a range of features like headless mode, altitude hold, one-button landing and take-off, low battery alerts, 360-degree flip, LEDs, etc. Along with some advanced features like object tracking, selfie, waypoints, etc. on a few drones.
Camera
Getting to see the live feed and having a crystal clear picture are the basics of the drones that fall under this price segment. The quality of the video is highly usable. You will be able to get some very good aerial shots to share. Some of these drones are also capable of carrying external cameras such as GoPro that will allow you to capture up to 4K.
Final Verdict!!
It’s to wrap the review in the hope that you may find it helpful in making the decision. For those who never owned a single drone, it’s obvious to get all confused up. If you couldn’t find yourself making a decision and are still confused, we are recommending you 2 drones that will further ease it out for you. These recommendations will not let you complain about a single issue as these are the ones that fit each and every criterion of having a good quality drone.
The first one that we recommend from this list of best drones under $200 is Altair AA300. The drone will be a perfect choice for beginners who don’t want to learn even cheaper options. This drone comes with orbit and object tracking features and the camera will record up to Full HD.
The second one is UDI Force1 U49W, this drone will come with in-built propeller guards and it will be a very good addition for those who are flying a drone for the first time. It will give you a resolution of 720p with a 120-degree field-of-view.
Get one now: Some FAQs
- How high can you fly the drone?
It depends on the quality and the price segment of the drone but there are some countries that put a restriction on the height you can go to. It’s generally 120 meters from the ground.
- What is FPV?
It’s an abbreviated form of the first-person view. This feature allows the drone to transmit the footage to your smartphone, controller screen to see what the drone is seeing.
- What is the average flight time?
It also depends completely on the drone that you are getting. You can understand it as the cheaper ones offer 5-10 minutes. The mid-rangers will give you 10-12 minutes, whereas the premium ones will offer you up to 30 minutes of flying time.
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