Thinking about diving into the exciting world of drones but don’t want to break the bank? You’re in luck! While high-end drones can cost a pretty penny, there are some fantastic, feature-packed options available that won’t empty your wallet. We’ve scoured the market to find the best drone for under $50, proving that you don’t need a huge budget to experience the thrill of flight.
Whether you’re looking for a gift for a budding pilot, a fun toy for yourself, or just want to dip your toes into drone photography, these budget-friendly mini drones offer a surprising amount of capability. Let’s take a look at our top picks!
Why Go for a Drone Under $50?
Choosing a drone in this price range is perfect for beginners, kids, or anyone who just wants some casual flying fun without the commitment of a more expensive model. These cheap drones often boast impressive features like HD cameras, extended flight times (thanks to multiple batteries), and user-friendly controls. They’re excellent for learning the ropes, capturing quick aerial shots, or simply enjoying some outdoor (or indoor) entertainment.
Our Top 5 Picks for the Best Drone for Under $50
Here are our detailed reviews of the top contenders for the best drone for under $50:
1. Drone with Camera 1080P HD, Mini Drone for Beginners Kids
This mini drone is a real standout, especially for its 1080P HD camera and suite of beginner-friendly features. It’s designed to make aerial photography accessible and fun, allowing you to capture clear photos and videos with simple gesture controls. With its optical flow positioning, it offers surprisingly stable hovering for a drone in this price bracket, making it a joy to fly for both kids and adults just starting out. Plus, it comes with two batteries for extended flying sessions, ensuring the fun doesn’t end too quickly!
Key Features:
* 1080P HD and 90° adjustable camera with real-time video transmission.
* Gesture control for photos (“V” gesture) and videos (palm gesture).
* Multiple functions: 3D flips, headless mode, three-speed modes, one-key takeoff/landing/return/emergency stop, gravity control, trajectory flight.
* Optical Flow Positioning for stable hover altitude.
* Comes with 2 batteries for up to 25 minutes of flight time.
* Foldable, compact design with included carrying case.
* Propeller guards and spare fan blades for safety.
Pros:
* Excellent 1080P camera quality for the price point.
* Gesture control adds a fun and intuitive way to capture content.
* Very beginner-friendly with stable hover and one-key operations.
* Extended flight time thanks to two included batteries.
* Highly portable with a foldable design and carrying case.
Cons:
* Camera adjustment is manual, not remote.
* Advanced users might find the features basic.
User Impressions:
Customers frequently praise this drone for its ease of use and the surprisingly good camera quality for such an affordable price. Parents especially love it as a gift, noting how quickly kids pick up the controls and enjoy capturing moments. The stable flight and extra battery are often highlighted as major perks.
2. FLYVISTA Cool Mini Drone with Camera for Kids Adults
Sporting a unique and “cool” shark-shaped design, the FLYVISTA mini drone instantly grabs attention. But it’s not just about looks; this drone packs a punch with its 1080P HD manually adjustable camera and FPV (First Person View) capabilities, letting you see the world from above in real-time on your phone. What truly sets it apart is the generous inclusion of three batteries, providing up to 30 minutes of total flight time, which is fantastic value for a drone under $50. Its optical flow positioning ensures a stable flight, making it easy for anyone to control.
Key Features:
* Unique shark-shaped design.
* 1080P HD 90° manually adjustable camera with FPV function.
* Connects to phone/iPad via WiFi for real-time viewing and automatic photo/video saving.
* Equipped with three 1,800mAh rechargeable batteries for up to 30 minutes total flight time.
* User-friendly features: one-click take off/landing, optical flow positioning, headless mode, emergency stop, propeller guards.
* Multiple functions: 360° flips, 3-gear speeds, gravity sensing, gesture control, path flight.
Pros:
* Stylish and eye-catching design.
* Three batteries offer impressive total flight duration.
* Stable flight with optical flow positioning, great for beginners.
* FPV camera allows for immersive real-time viewing.
* Good range of smart features for its price point.
Cons:
* Camera adjustment is manual.
* Outdoor use in windy conditions may be challenging.
User Impressions:
Reviewers love the extended flight time provided by the three batteries, noting it significantly enhances the fun. The shark design is a hit with kids, and the stable flight performance often surprises users given its low cost. The FPV camera is a big bonus for those wanting to see what their drone sees.
3. Q9s Drones for Kids,RC Drone with Altitude Hold and Light Up the Sky
The Q9s isn’t just a drone; it’s a light show in the sky! Featuring vibrant neon green and blue LEDs across its entire frame, this drone provides a dazzling visual experience, especially when flown in dimmer conditions. Beyond the cool lights, it’s designed with durability and ease of use in mind, making it an excellent choice for kids and first-time pilots. With robust propeller guards and simple one-button controls, it’s built to withstand inevitable bumps and provide a forgiving learning experience.
Key Features:
* Bright neon GREEN & BLUE LEDs with three different display modes.
* Structured style with four sturdy propeller guards for secure flight and durability.
* High-quality ABS material to withstand crashes.
* User-friendly controls: one-button take-off/landing, three-speed modes, headless mode, altitude hold.
* Comes with two 500mAh UL-certified batteries for double the flight time.
* Multiple fun tricks: 360-degree flips and auto-rotation functions.
Pros:
* Stunning LED lights make it fun to fly, especially at dusk.
* Extremely durable and crash-resistant, ideal for kids and beginners.
* Simple and intuitive controls with altitude hold for stable hovering.
* Two batteries provide good flight duration.
* UL-certified batteries add an extra layer of safety.
Cons:
* No camera functionality.
* Focuses more on entertainment flying than photography.
User Impressions:
Customers rave about the “light up the sky” effect, calling it a fantastic show for kids. The durability is a consistent highlight, with many parents reporting it stands up well to enthusiastic young pilots. Its ease of control and the fun flip tricks make it a great entry-level RC drone.
4. Drone with 1080P Camera – Foldable Remote Control
This foldable drone is another strong contender for the best drone for under $50 for those prioritizing camera capabilities and ease of use. Equipped with a 1080P HD 80° adjustable lens, it’s perfect for capturing selfies or even inspecting hard-to-reach areas around your home. What makes it particularly user-friendly is its upgraded hover system for stable flight, combined with multiple control modes including remote, app, and even voice control! Its compact, lightweight design means no FAA registration is needed, making it a grab-and-go option for fun anywhere.
Key Features:
* 1080P HD 80° adjustable lens for photos and videos, perfect for selfies.
* Real-time HD pictures and videos via APP with gesture photo/video.
* Two enhanced batteries for up to 25 minutes of flight time.
* Controller has a built-in battery and comes with 2 USB charging cables.
* Safety features: emergency stop, 4 propeller guards, child lock, low power alarm.
* Easy to use: One Key Start, upgraded hover system, no FAA registration needed.
* Multiple control modes: remote, APP, and voice control.
* Fun features: one-click 360° flips, 3D flip, waypoint flight, gravity control, circle fly, rotation fly, 3 speed gears.
Pros:
* Versatile 1080P camera with both gesture and voice control.
* Excellent battery life with two included batteries and a rechargeable controller.
* Very stable flight thanks to the upgraded hover system.
* Multiple control options cater to different preferences.
* Lightweight and foldable for ultimate portability and no registration hassle.
Cons:
* Voice control might have a slight learning curve.
* 80° adjustable lens is good but not as wide as some others.
User Impressions:
Users frequently comment on the drone’s stability, making it ideal for beginners to learn and capture decent footage. The voice control feature is a particular highlight for its novelty and convenience, and the foldable design is appreciated for travel. It’s often recommended as a thoughtful gift for budding photographers or tech enthusiasts.
5. Drone with 1080P Camera for Beginners and Adults, Foldable
Rounding out our list, this foldable drone is specifically touted as an excellent starter drone for beginners and adults alike. It simplifies the flying process, reducing the steps needed to get airborne, making it incredibly approachable. With a 1080P manually adjustable camera, you can experiment with different angles for your photos and videos, whether you’re capturing scenic shots or doing a quick roof inspection. The inclusion of two batteries ensures you get a good 24 minutes of total flight time, allowing ample opportunity to discover new adventures and hone your piloting skills.
Key Features:
* 1080P manually adjustable camera for diverse photo/video angles.
* Two rechargeable batteries providing up to 24 minutes of total flight time.
* Can be controlled via remote control or the “Hiturbo FPV” app.
* Altitude hold, 3D flip, headless mode, one key take off/landing, speed adjustment, and voice control.
* Designed for ease of operation with fewer steps to fly and no manual pairing required.
* Helpful tips for gyroscope calibration and stable flight provided.
* Foldable design for portability.
Pros:
* Extremely easy to operate, perfect for absolute beginners.
* Good 1080P camera for experimentation and casual photography.
* Decent flight time with two included batteries.
* Flexible control options (remote or app).
* Helpful instructions for optimal flight stability.
Cons:
* Voice control and trajectory flight require app-only connection (disconnecting remote).
* Manual camera adjustment, no remote control for angle.
User Impressions:
Many customers consider this their go-to first drone, praising its simplified operation and quick learning curve. The camera is generally well-received for its price point, and the extended battery life keeps the fun going. The helpful tips for calibration are also a frequently mentioned positive, ensuring a smoother initial flight experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I really get a good drone for under $50?
A1: Absolutely! While they won’t have the advanced features of professional drones, the models we’ve reviewed demonstrate that you can get an excellent mini drone for under $50. Many come with HD cameras, stable flight modes, and multiple batteries, offering great value for money, especially for beginners and kids.
Q2: Are drones under $50 easy for beginners to fly?
A2: Yes, they are specifically designed with beginners in mind! Most drones in this price range include features like one-key takeoff/landing, altitude hold for stable hovering, and headless mode, which simplifies orientation. These features make the learning curve much smoother for first-time pilots.
Q3: Do these budget drones come with cameras? What’s the quality like?
A3: Many do! Several options on our list boast 1080P HD cameras. While you shouldn’t expect professional-grade footage, these cameras are more than capable of capturing clear photos and decent videos for sharing on social media or personal enjoyment. Some even offer FPV (First Person View) and gesture control.
Q4: How long do the batteries last on a cheap drone?
A4: Single batteries typically offer 7-10 minutes of flight time. However, a major perk of many drones under $50 is that they often come with two or even three rechargeable batteries. This significantly extends your total flight time to 20-30 minutes, allowing for much more fun per session.
Q5: Do I need to register a drone that costs under $50 with the FAA?
A5: In the United States, most drones that weigh under 0.55 pounds (250 grams) do not require FAA registration when flown for recreational purposes. The mini drones in the under $50 category almost always fall below this weight limit, making them hassle-free to fly right out of the box! Always check local regulations in your area.
Q6: Are these drones suitable for kids?
A6: Definitely! With durable designs, propeller guards, simple controls, and often colorful LED lights, drones under $50 are fantastic toys for kids. They encourage outdoor activity, teach basic piloting skills, and can even spark an interest in photography or technology. Always supervise young children during flight.
Q7: Can I fly these mini drones indoors?
A7: Yes, most mini drones are perfectly suitable for indoor flight, especially in larger rooms or open spaces. Their smaller size and lighter weight make them less prone to causing damage. Starting indoors can be a great way for beginners to get comfortable with the controls before taking their drone outside.
Ready for Takeoff?
Finding the best drone for under $50 doesn’t have to be a scavenger hunt. As you can see, there are some truly impressive and fun options available that pack in a ton of features for their price. Whether you prioritize a camera, long flight time, or dazzling LED lights, there’s a budget-friendly drone waiting to take flight with you. Happy flying!
