Drones require some extra bucks, but investing in it will give you some great value for sure. There will be an extra zing to your projects or travel vlogs with a good quality drone. So, are you looking for your drone? We have narrowed it down to take you in the right direction. A good buy is what heightens creativity and use when it comes to a quality drone. Thereby let us go through our list of 10 best drones under $500 that will give you a new angle where you will best represent moments.
Our List of Best Drones under $500
Holy Stone HS100
The dimensions of the Holy Stone HS100 are 16.9 x 16.9 x 6.9 inches and weigh 750 grams. The 2K camera gives you a clearer and broader view. It comes with an adjustable 90′ angle. It is easy and quick to assemble, start with the camera, then landing gears and finally the battery, and it is good to go. Holy Stone comes with a unique feature of returning home of the drone whenever the battery is low, or the signal is lost. Losing Holy Stone is near to impossible.
The battery life is for 18 minutes and can go up to a height of 1968 feet. These features give you an extra hand for better shooting than any other drones found in the market. The motor is powerful to keep it stable when in the wind. The drone will keep you in the frame and follow you with its follow me mode, making it possible for complicated selfies. The one press take-off and landing makes it best for beginners. The app for it also provides beginner mode.
Pros
- Good quality camera
- Easy and quick to assemble
- Returning home feature
- Good battery life
- Reach of higher height
- Wind resistant
- Follow me mode
- Best for beginners
Cons
- Problems with mini-screws
- Not a brushless motor
- Bad instructions
- Problems with landing
Holy Stone HS720
Holy Stone HS720 comes with a 4K camera that gives you perfect videos and pictures. It has a shock absorption feature, and an adjustable 90′ lens makes it a must-buy product any day. You can see the world through its FPV transmission efficiently, where the normal eye lacks. The battery is durable and lasts for 26 minutes, and a dual balance charger comes with the package. The motor is powerful and brushless. The plus point of aviation propellers makes it an efficient drone.
Other features include GPS return to home, no worries of losing your drone. It will be back to you when the battery is low, or the signal is weak. It keeps you in the frame and can follow you in orbits with the way you set it to. Control your drone through an app that makes it easy to monitor. The follow-me feature will make it follow you no matter where you go. The design is very portable and comes with a carrying bag. It weighs 16.2 Oz.
Pros
- GPS return home
- Brushless motor
- High battery life
- Optical flow sensor
- Follow me features
- Foldable design
- Shock absorption
Cons
- Problems with return home feature
- Problems with adjusting the camera
- No 3-axis gimbal
DJI Mavic Mini
DJI Mavic Mini weighs 250 grams. It is light, thereby easy to carry around. The app’s interface is easy and smooth to use, making it perfect for beginners. The app comes with tutorials to start your experience of great cinematic shots. The USA and Canada do not require registration to the government to fly this drone. Its aerial photos are of 12 MP and HD videos of 2.7K. The quality of the pictures is smooth and clear as to the presence of a 3-axis gimbal.
30 minuteS of battery life is provided that is far more than any in the market. The temperature for charging ranges from 41′ F to 1- 104′ F. It is a reliable portable product that gives professional camera stability. Its product dimensions are 6.3 x 3.15 x 0.39 and weigh 1.79 pounds. It is a value for money product.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- 3-axis gimbal
- Stable camera
- High battery life
- No government registration
Cons
- Doesn’t work in Geo zone for androids
- Problems with shutting it down
- Limited range
- Delays on customer servicing
DJI Mavic Air 2
DJI Mavic Air 2 comes with a still resolution of 12MP and video resolution of 4K HD. It is lightweight and thereby portable. Its battery life is high of 34 minutes, enabling more time to stay in THE air and capture the magnificence. In sports mode, its flight speed is 42.3 mph. Its auxiliary light gives superior visibility. Other features include 4k/60fps video, D-Cinelike flat color profile, and HEVC video codec that uses less storage but keeps more records and more image info. These features help in giving smooth and better image quality.
It is capable of live streaming in 1080p. Mavic Air 2 comes with a video range of 10 km. The function of spotlight 2.0 helps in keeping the subject locked while flying. It can sense obstacles from 3 directions, forward, downward, and backward making it safe and convenient for beginners to learn. It weighs around 0.57 kilograms. Its product dimensions are 7.09 x 3.82 x 3.31 inches.
Pros
- Lightweight
- High battery life
- Auxiliary light
- D-cinelike flat color profile
- HEVC video codec
- 10 km range
- 1080p live streams
- Spotlight 2.0 lock features
- 3 directions obstacle recognizable feature
Cons
- 4k 60fps only works when manually controlled
- Boomerang doesn’t work with moving subjects
- Instructions not good
- Difficult to make a WiFi connection
Holy Stone HS700D
Holy stone HS700D can give you a panoramic view. It comes with a high resolution of 2K and 5G transmission. No worries about losing it as it comes with GPS Auto return home feature; it will come back to you whenever there is a signal problem or battery is low. You can give it a fixed path or make it stay around a point of interest; the flight can be customized. The follow-me mode helps it follow you and keep you in frame always. The motor is brushless and powerful, runs quietly. Other features include quick-release propellers giving you efficient force for best results.
The video transmission can be from 2600 feet. Its camera provides adjustable 90′ stability. The battery of 2800 mAh comes with a life of 22 minutes and is easy to replace or put in. The controls are accessible in one press, and it is capable of altitude lock. Holy Stone comes with 3 variants of color. Its product dimensions are 15.2 x 15.2 x 6.1 inches and weigh 3.99 pounds.
Pros
- Good quality camera
- GPS Auto return home
- Custom flight modes
- Follow me modes
- Brushless motor
- High battery life
- Quick-release propellers
- Simple controls
- Available in 3 colors
Cons
- The battery takes time to charge
- No camera adjective possible while flying
- No blade guards
- No beginners mode
Contixo F18
Contixo F18 comes with durable brushless motors that work efficiently with fast ESCs to make you hover quickly and responsively. The 4 motors make it able to change altitude or stop when required quicky. It comes with a water-resistant elegant looking bag, making it easy and safe to carry around. It comes with a battery life of 20 minutes. Other features would be its GPS Follow me where it can record anything from running to swimming. Contixo comes with 2K HD cameras giving you clear and superior image quality.
Contixo’s auto-return home system makes it possible to come back to you if it senses any problem with signal or battery. You can have your customized route in the app to control its movement. Its feature of ‘’orbit mode’’ makes it possible to take 360’ shots or rotate around a particular point of interest. The control range feet of Contixo F18 is 2,000. The required charging time is 120 minutes. Its product dimensions are 12 x 12 x x 3 inches and weigh around 1 pound.
Pros
- Brushless motors
- Water-resistant bag
- Quick-propeller
- Good quality camera
- Follow me feature
- Auto return home
- Custom flight mode
Cons
- Complaints about the controls
- No gimbals
- Poor customer service
- Complaints about the battery
HUBSAN H501S
Hubsan H501S comes with a product dimension of 13.4 x 8.8 x 4.8 inches and weighs 2.2 pounds. HUBSAN comes with a GPS positioning system where it can go back home if there is a signal or battery problem. The cameras are of superior quality giving you 720 HD pictures. Another amazing feature of it is its real-time video transmission system. 5.8G FPV makes it easy to transfer your shoots to LCDs. The follow-me mode makes it possible to shoot all your adventures with you in a consistent frame.
HUBSAN makes it possible to be locked in mid-air, its hands-free flight makes it best for beginners. HUBSAN max time is 12 minutes, and the battery is of 450 mAh. It’s charging time is about 150 minutes. The drone is smooth in functioning and value for money products.
Pros
- GPS positioning
- Good quality camera
- Follow me mode
- Altitude hold function
- Easy to use
- Good for beginners
Cons
- Durability issues
- Complaints of crashing down when the battery is low
Potensic T35
Potensic T35 comes with a 120′ wide lens and gives a superior quality of 120′ FOV 1080p photos. It has a GPS auto return system that if there is a signal problem or low battery, it will return. There are 3 2500 mAh detachable batteries included that give it each 15 minutes of flight time, thereby in total 45 minutes. It comes with a follow-me technology, which makes it follow you in the frame in anything you do. It is known for its great selfies and panoramic captures.
Other features of Potensic will be, to be able to customize a route by simply drawing a path on the app. Potensic will move according to the set route. It is capable of live transmission from 390-590 feet away, and the transfer is easy and quick with no delay. Potensic has a 9-axis gyro making it more sturdy and wind-resistant as a result of better quality shoots. Sharing your moments in social media can be done by just one click. The dimensions of it are 16.5 x 16.5 x 16.5 inches.
Pros
- GPS Auto return system
- High-quality camera
- 3 Detachable batteries
- Follow me technology
- Route customization
- 9-axis gyro
Cons
- Complaints about the app
- Bad instructions
- Battery issues
Holy Stone HS100G
Holy stone HS100G comes with full HD 120′ 1080p adjustable cameras giving you high-quality shots. Its GPS accurate positioning will return to you if there is a signal problem or the battery is low, assuring the drone’s safety. It works on a WiFi of 5.0 G for a quicker and more extended range of accessibility. Its follow-me technology keeps you in a consistent frame and can capture doing anything. Its battery life is up to 15 minutes.
The controls are smooth, one press for take-off and landing makes it best for beginners. Holy Stone’s weight is about 200 grams. One of its innovative features is its app gravity control, where you can make the drone move in a way you move your smartphone. Battery capacity is about 2500 mAh.The maximum charging time will be 3-6 hours. The voltage for the USB is 5 V. Its product dimensions are 13.9 x 13.5 x 7.7 inches.
Pros
- High-quality adjustable camera
- GPS accurate positioning
- Follow me feature
- App gravity control
- Headless mode
- One press landing and take off
Cons
- Complaints about charging
- Complains about the app
Potensic D80
Pinpoint your route, and Potensic D80 will move according to it and send you back to every beautiful scenery. The point of interest features makes it possible to circle clockwise to a particular object for the required shoot. The GPS follow me mode will make the drone follow and capture you in frame consistently. You can be easily hands-free with Potensic D80 and thereby increase your creativity. The camera is of 2K high-quality and comes with an anti-shake system. It comes with 120′ FOV and good FPV 5G transmission. There is no delay in videos.
The battery life is for 16 to 20 minutes of aN 1800 mAh battery and comes with a brushless motor. The charging time required is for about 5 hours. The live video transmission range is up to 1000 feet, and the control range is about 2600 feet. Its product dimensions are 16.9 x 5.5 x 11.6 inches and weigh 5.98 pounds.
Pros
- Customization of flight
- Point of interest features
- GPS follow me system
- High-quality camera
- Anti-shake system
- Brushless motor
Cons
- No gimbal
- Problems with operation
- Complaints about the range
What to look for when buying Drones?
Material
The material of the drone decides how long it will last. Plastic as a building material gives cheap and lightweight drones. While it is cheap, it cannot guarantee durability. ABS Plastic is known to be better than regular plastic. Carbon and fiberglass are good options to go with if you wish to invest in the long term.
Battery life
A well-charged drone is what will keep capturing for you. Good flight time is essential when you are traveling, or you may miss out on many sceneries. Make sure to opt for a drone with fast charging and high battery life. Buying extra batteries is also a reasonable precaution.
Camera
Buying a drone is not about just a camera in the air or the capacity to mount an external camera. It is crucial to look into the specificity of the camera. The higher the quality of the camera, the better will be your picture and videos. On the other hand, an external camera can reduce your battery life.
Live feed
If you have a budget for this feature, go for it. Live feed will help you capture better pictures. You will know to manage what goes in the record and what does not. This feature also makes flying the drone safer.
Extra-features
Other than the basic functionalities, there are features you must consider looking when buying drones. GPS navigation will make sure your drone knows where it is flying or to put on a customized path. Another feature is the GPS home function, and this will enable the drone to return to you if it senses a signal problem or is low in battery.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Do I need a drone?
A. If you are a person who likes recording your trips and wishes to capture a wide range of views, you must buy a drone. A drone can give beautiful aerial footage, whereas, by hand, it’s not possible. You can capture yourself while enjoying it at the same time. You can also do footage where you might not be able to visit physically.
Q. How important is the feature of the live feed?
A. If your budget allows you, go by a drone that has the feature of live feed. Live feed will help you coordinate your image. You will know what you are recording and thereby enhancing the results. This feature will also keep the drone safer, as you will know where it is heading.
Q. What is a headless mode?
A. Headless mode is a feature that makes the drone have specific directions. When you press left, it will go left no matter in what position the drone is. It is a must-have feature for beginners. Headless Mode will make the task of learning quick and straightforward
Q.What are the simplest tips to make sure I don’t crush my drone?
A. Some drones are wind resistant, but it is always wise to fly in good weather. Bad weather can crash land your drone anywhere. If you are a beginner, avoid hovering at night. Visibility is vital for good maneuver. Even if it comes with lights, make sure you are perfect at daylight first.
Q. Which is the best drone in the market?
A. If you ask us, Holy Stone HS100 is the best drone in the market. The features that make it the top are that it comes with a good quality camera, easy and quick to assemble, has returned home features, good battery life, wind resistance, comes with follow-me mode and is suitable for beginners and pros.
Q. What material should I prefer when buying a drone?
A. Drones made of plastic are cheap and lightweight. Durability is not there in most of the cases. ABS plastic is known to be a better version of regular plastic. Fiberglass and carbon are popular options if you wish your drone to last longer and as well as function better at the same time.
Q. Ways to have a longer battery life?
A. The first step for longer battery life is to buy the drone that provides it so. Ensure you check the time it requires to charge and the time it gives for staying in the air before buying. Another thing to keep in mind is the camera. Make sure you don’t need to mount an external camera that can drain out more battery. It is always good to have extra batteries.
Q. Do I need a gimbal?
A. Yes, you will need a gimbal if you wish to record stunning videos. This piece of equipment helps make steady videos. Cheap drones generally provide gimbals as accessories or none. Expensive ones are known to provide the right gimbal technology. You can also survive without gimbals, but the videos will be shaky, so it is on your budget and your need to decide.
Our top pick from our list of products
As per our review and customer feedback, Holy Stone HS100 is the best pick from our list of products. The qualities that make it to the top are
- Good quality camera
- Easy and quick to assemble
- Returning home feature
- Good battery life
- Reach higher heights
- Wind resistant
- Follow me mode
- Best for beginners
Bottom line
There is a reason why drones are so popular these days. There must be a lot of research to be done before purchasing anything. Don’t worry; we have all sorted out for you. Go ahead and pick any of the options above; they are according to what customers have rated. They are bound to give an only good experience.
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