Drones have become incredibly popular over the years. They are not just used for photography and videography but also for racing, recreation, and even professional applications. If you’re new to drones and want to know which one to buy as a beginner, this guide is for you. We’ll look at the top starter drones, what features to consider, and what makes each one a great choice for those just getting into drone flying.
Why Choose a Starter Drone?
When starting with drones, it’s essential to pick one that’s easy to use and affordable. Beginner drones are designed to be user-friendly, with simple controls and helpful features. They allow new users to learn the basics of flying without being overwhelmed by complicated functions or the risk of expensive equipment. The best starter drones are lightweight, stable, and durable, offering a smooth learning experience for all new pilots.
Key Features to Look For in a Starter Drone
1. Price Range
Price is one of the most important factors when choosing a drone for beginners. Starter drones usually range from $50 to $500. For beginners, it’s best to stick to drones on the lower end of the price spectrum. These drones are affordable and less likely to cause stress if something goes wrong during your early attempts at flying.
2. Ease of Use
Beginner drones should be easy to control. Look for drones that come with stable flight features, such as altitude hold, one-key takeoff and landing, and headless mode. These features simplify the learning process and help keep the drone in control, especially during the early stages.
3. Durability
Since crashes are likely to happen when you’re first learning to fly, it’s important to choose a drone that’s built to withstand the occasional bump or fall. Look for drones made of durable plastic or flexible materials that can handle small crashes without breaking apart easily.
4. Battery Life
Battery life is another crucial consideration. Most beginner drones offer a flight time of around 5-15 minutes per charge. Longer battery life means more flying time, but it may also increase the cost. Consider buying extra batteries to extend your flight sessions.
5. Camera Quality (Optional)
While a camera is not always necessary for a beginner, many new drones come with built-in cameras for aerial photos and videos. If you are interested in photography or videography, choose a drone with at least a 720p camera for decent image quality.
6. Safety Features
Safety features are important for any drone, but especially for beginners. Look for drones with features such as automatic return to home, which brings the drone back to its takeoff point in case of signal loss or low battery. Additionally, some drones include geofencing, which prevents them from flying too far out of a designated area.
6 Best Starter Drones to Buy
Now that we know what to look for, let’s dive into some of the best drones for beginners.
1. DJI Ryze Tello
Overview
The DJI Ryze Tello is one of the best drones for beginners. It’s affordable, easy to fly, and offers a lot of advanced features. The Tello is also small, which makes it perfect for indoor flying.
Features:
- Camera: 5MP photos and 720p HD video
- Flight Time: 13 minutes
- Range: 100 meters
- Stability: Advanced flight stabilization system
- Price: Around $100
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
The DJI Ryze Tello is lightweight and designed for ease of use. With a 720p camera, it’s great for taking simple photos and videos. Its compact size makes it ideal for indoor flying, and its stability features help beginners feel more confident. Plus, it’s from DJI, a leading name in drone technology, so you can trust its quality.
2. Holy Stone HS170 Predator
Overview
The Holy Stone HS170 Predator is a great choice for those who are just starting to fly drones. It’s easy to fly and offers good stability for beginners. This drone is also very durable, making it a good option for those who expect a few crashes while learning.
Features:
- Camera: None
- Flight Time: 6-8 minutes
- Range: 30-50 meters
- Stability: 6-axis gyroscope for stable flight
- Price: Around $40
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
The Holy Stone HS170 is very affordable and built to withstand crashes. It doesn’t come with a camera, which helps keep the cost low. However, its stable flight system and easy controls make it an excellent choice for someone who wants to learn the basics without spending a lot of money.
3. SYMA X5C-1
Overview
The SYMA X5C-1 is one of the most popular beginner drones. It’s not too expensive, and it offers a good combination of features for new pilots. It’s also durable and comes with a decent camera for the price.
Features:
- Camera: 2MP camera with 720p video
- Flight Time: 6-8 minutes
- Range: 50 meters
- Stability: 6-axis gyroscope for stable flight
- Price: Around $60
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
The SYMA X5C-1 is a fantastic drone for learning to fly. It’s lightweight and easy to control, and the built-in camera allows you to capture fun aerial shots. Its affordable price makes it a great option for beginners who want to get started with drones without breaking the bank.
4. Potensic A20
Overview
The Potensic A20 is a small, compact drone that is easy to fly, making it ideal for indoor use. It’s also one of the most affordable drones on the market, making it an excellent option for beginners who are just learning the ropes.
Features:
- Camera: None
- Flight Time: 10 minutes
- Range: 30 meters
- Stability: 3D flips and one-key takeoff/landing
- Price: Around $40
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
The Potensic A20 is a mini drone, which makes it easy to handle and maneuver. Its small size makes it ideal for indoor flying, and it comes with one-key takeoff and landing, which helps beginners gain confidence in their flying skills. Its affordable price makes it an excellent choice for those on a tight budget.
5. DJI Mini 2
Overview
If you’re willing to invest a bit more, the DJI Mini 2 is an excellent starter drone that comes with professional-level features. It’s compact, easy to fly, and offers stunning 4K video, making it perfect for beginners who want to take their drone flying to the next level.
Features:
- Camera: 12MP camera with 4K video
- Flight Time: 31 minutes
- Range: 10 kilometers
- Stability: GPS-assisted stabilization
- Price: Around $449
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
The DJI Mini 2 is one of the best drones in terms of camera quality and overall performance. It’s also very user-friendly, with GPS-assisted stabilization that makes it easier to control. Although it’s a bit more expensive, the features it offers make it an excellent choice for beginners who want a high-quality drone.
6. DJI Spark
Overview
The DJI Spark is a compact drone with a lot of powerful features packed into a small body. It offers excellent stability and comes with a decent camera, making it perfect for beginners who want to take both pictures and videos.
Features:
- Camera: 12MP camera with 1080p video
- Flight Time: 16 minutes
- Range: 2 kilometers
- Stability: GPS and vision positioning system
- Price: Around $399
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
The DJI Spark is perfect for beginners who want to learn how to fly a drone but also want a drone with good camera quality. It has GPS and vision positioning to help keep the drone stable during flight, making it easy for new pilots to control. Its compact size makes it easy to transport, and its price is relatively reasonable for the features it offers.
Tips for Beginner Drone Pilots
1. Start Slow
As a beginner, it’s important to take your time and not rush into things. Start with easy maneuvers, and gradually work your way up to more complex tricks as you gain experience.
2. Fly in an Open Area
Choose an open, safe location to fly your drone. Avoid areas with lots of obstacles, like trees or power lines, especially when you’re first learning how to control your drone.
3. Practice Indoor Flying
Before you venture outside, practice flying indoors. This will help you learn the controls without worrying about wind or other outdoor elements.
4. Read the Manual
Make sure you read the user manual that comes with your drone. Understanding the controls and features of your drone will make it easier to fly and avoid accidents.
5. Check Local Laws
Make sure you understand the local laws regarding drone flying. Some areas may have restrictions on where and when you can fly a drone.
Conclusion
Choosing the best starter drone depends on your budget, goals, and experience level. Drones like the DJI Ryze Tello and Holy Stone HS170 Predator are great for beginners due to their ease of use, durability, and stability. As you progress, you can upgrade to more advanced drones like the DJI Mini 2 or DJI Spark. Whatever drone you choose, always remember to fly safely and have fun learning this exciting new hobby!
