Overview
PROS
CONS
SPECS
Size
Weight
Distance
Flight Time
Extras
Our Top Choice
Autel Robotics X-Star Premium Drone
In the USA, Autel Robotics is a tech company with a focus on customizable robotics that offers excellent customer service.
Great HD aerial photography with a live view video range of 1.2 miles. Hover & orbit features. Comes with a bonus hard carry case. Available in orange or white.
Great deal for all the high-end features, but still costs several hundred dollars. Ideal for someone who wants a stellar drone under $1K.
19.5 x 19.5 x 8.5”
50.08 ounces
1.2 miles
Up to 25 minutes
GPS & GLONASS navigation
Best Value
Holy Stone Quadcopter Drone with HD Camera
Holy Stone offers a wide array of drones with easy-to-use functions at an affordable price.
Feels like you’re a member of the Air Force with flip and roll features. 720-pixel camera to capture all the action. Easy takeoff and landing. 2 batteries included.
While this drone has limited flight time and distance, it is relatively inexpensive for a drone with an HD camera and one-key homing button.
12.2 x 12.2 x 3.5”
5 ounces
0.03-0.06 miles
7-10 minutes
360 flip-n-roll feature
DJI Mavic Pro Fly Drone Combo Pack
DJI has offices around the globe, where it produces high-end aerial photography devices for professionals and drone enthusiasts.
True 4K video smart drone. Flies up to 40 MPH. Folds into tiny bundle for travel anywhere. Obstacle sensors. Control with phone & Wi-Fi. 27-minute max fly time.
Priced over $1K, but still a good deal for a top-of-the-line drone and worth the investment.
10.5 x 9.5 x 9.5”
25.6 ounces
4.3 miles
Up to 27 minutes
GPS & GLONASS navigation
DBPOWER FPV Drone with Wifi Camera
DBPOWER makes a wide variety of active camera gear including FPV drones, and other products such as gaming keyboards and projectors.
Great for beginners. Wi-Fi with live view video camera. Compatible with 3D VR Headsets. One-key return home. Practice flying with 2 speeds.
Need to purchase the 3D VR Headset separately to enjoy a bird’s-eye virtual reality view while flying.
11.8 x 11.8 x 3”
25.6 ounces
0.06 miles
8-9 minutes
360 flip-n-roll feature
Syma X5C Explorer RC Quadcopter
Syma makes great, affordable, radio-controlled helicopters, FPV drones, and quadcopters for kids.
Fun little mini-quad that’s perfect for beginners. Performs 360-degree rolls with Hi/Low speed switch and a 6-axis gyro for stabilization. 7-minute fly time.
Cannot travel long distances, but definitely touches the sky at a great price.
16.5 x 12.2 x 3.8”
25.6 ounces
0.018 miles
7 minutes
Colorful LED lights