Ready to impress your friends and defy gravity? Trick flying with drones isn’t just a hobby; it’s an art form that combines skill, precision, and a whole lot of fun! Whether you’re a beginner looking to pull off your first flip or an experienced pilot aiming for complex aerial acrobatics, choosing the right drone is crucial. You’ll want something durable, responsive, and capable of executing those cool maneuvers.
In this guide, we’re diving into the world of aerial acrobatics to find the best drone for trick flying for every skill level. We’ve hand-picked five fantastic options that promise to elevate your piloting game, from simple hand-controlled flips to full-on FPV freestyle action. Let’s get soaring!
1. Hand Operated Flying Toy Drone for Kids
This little UFO is perfect for beginners and kids who want to experience the thrill of trick flying without a traditional remote control. Its intuitive gesture induction system makes it incredibly easy to perform 360° flips – just a quick swipe of the hand! Made with a safe, webbed shell, it’s designed to bounce off walls and withstand countless tumbles, making it an ideal entry point for learning basic drone acrobatics indoors.
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Key Features:
- 360° Motion Sensors with Gesture Induction for hands-free control.
- Safe and durable webbed shell design made of non-toxic PP material.
- Equipped with smart obstacle avoidance for beginners.
- 12 cool colorful LED lights that change with flight status.
- Portable USB charging with 6-10 minutes working duration.
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Pros:
- Super easy to learn and control with gestures.
- Highly durable and safe for indoor use, even for kids.
- LED lights add a cool visual element to tricks.
- Excellent for developing basic coordination and fun.
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Cons:
- Limited flight time per charge.
- Not designed for advanced or outdoor trick flying.
- No camera functionality.
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User Impressions: Parents and kids rave about how much fun this drone is, especially its ability to perform flips with simple hand movements. Many highlight its durability, noting that it can take a beating and keep flying, which is essential for new pilots trying out tricks.
- See it on Amazon here
2. Air Hogs Gravitor with Trick Stick
The Air Hogs Gravitor takes hand-controlled flying to the next level, offering over 12 amazing tricks you can master with just your hands or body. It senses altitude, allowing it to hover precisely above and below obstacles, which opens up a whole new world of creative maneuvers. The included “trick stick” makes it simple to grab, launch, and even use as a prop for specific stunts, making it a fantastic choice for those wanting to explore more structured drone tricks beyond basic flips.
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Key Features:
- Wave-control technology for hand-powered, gravity-defying movements.
- Senses altitude for hovering above and below obstacles.
- Master 12+ tricks like shoulder slide, kick flip, and alley-oop.
- Includes a trick stick for easy grabbing and launching.
- Durable construction designed to bounce and rebound without damage.
- USB rechargeable for convenience.
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Pros:
- Engaging and interactive control method without a remote.
- Encourages learning a variety of defined tricks.
- Very durable and safe for indoor environments.
- Trick stick enhances stunt possibilities.
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Cons:
- Relatively short flight time.
- Not suitable for outdoor or high-wind conditions.
- Performance limited compared to remote-controlled drones.
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User Impressions: Users love the interactive nature of the Gravitor, praising its ability to perform specific stunts with a bit of practice. It’s often described as a great gift for active kids who enjoy unique gadgets and hands-on play. Its durability is a consistent highlight.
- See it on Amazon here
3. Drone with Camera, 1080P HD FPV Foldable Drone
Stepping up the game, this foldable drone combines entry-level trick flying with the added benefit of a 1080P HD camera and FPV transmission. It’s designed with beginners in mind, offering features like one-key takeoff/landing, headless mode, and, importantly, 360° flips at the touch of a button. Beyond simple stunts, you can use voice control and gesture selfies for hands-free photo/video capture, adding another layer of “trick” to your flying experience. It’s a versatile option for anyone looking for their best drone for trick flying that also captures great footage.
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Key Features:
- 1080P HD adjustable camera with Wi-Fi FPV real-time transmission.
- Stable hovering with optical flow sensor and brushless motors.
- Smart flight modes for beginners: one-key takeoff/landing, headless mode, 360° flips.
- Voice control and gesture selfie functions.
- Foldable and lightweight design (under 249g) with carrying case.
- Comes with 2 batteries for up to 30 minutes total flight time.
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Pros:
- Combines trick flying with HD camera and FPV capabilities.
- Beginner-friendly features make it easy to learn basic stunts.
- Foldable design makes it highly portable.
- Brushless motors offer quieter and more efficient flight.
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Cons:
- Camera quality might not satisfy serious videographers.
- 360° flips are pre-programmed rather than fully manual.
- Wind can affect stability more than advanced drones.
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User Impressions: Customers appreciate the balance of ease of use and features, especially the camera. It’s a popular choice for older kids and teens, with many noting that it’s a solid drone for learning the ropes of piloting while also being able to snap some cool aerial shots and execute simple flips.
- See it on Amazon here
4. Drone with Camera, 2K HD FPV Drones with GPS Auto
For pilots seeking more precision and stability in their aerial maneuvers, this 2K HD FPV drone with GPS is a strong contender. While it might not perform flashy pre-programmed flips, its robust brushless motors and advanced GPS system (including Follow Me, Circle Fly, and Waypoints) allow for incredibly stable and repeatable flight paths – perfect for choreographed “tricks” or complex cinematic movements. The 5G Wi-Fi transmission ensures smooth FPV, giving you excellent control for fine-tuning your flight. This drone is about mastering controlled aerial dynamics, making it a powerful tool for sophisticated drone maneuvers and filming tricks.
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Key Features:
- 2K HD camera with 5G Wi-Fi real-time transmission and 90° electric adjustable lens.
- Advanced GPS flight system: Auto Return-to-Home, Smart Tracking (Follow Me, Circle Fly, Waypoints).
- High-efficiency brushless motors for powerful thrust and Level 5 wind resistance.
- Extended battery life with 2 intelligent batteries, offering up to 32 minutes total flight time.
- Foldable, portable design (under 249g) with carrying bag.
- Includes propeller guards and spare blades for safety and reliability.
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Pros:
- Excellent stability and precision for complex, controlled flight paths.
- GPS features allow for hands-free “tricks” like circling or following.
- Durable brushless motors and good wind resistance for outdoor flying.
- Longer flight time compared to smaller, toy drones.
- High-quality 2K camera for capturing impressive footage.
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Cons:
- Less focused on simple, button-push flips and rolls.
- Requires calibration for optimal performance.
- More advanced features might have a steeper learning curve for absolute beginners.
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User Impressions: Pilots appreciate the stability and advanced features, noting that it’s a great drone for learning more complex piloting skills and capturing high-quality aerial content. The GPS functionality and long flight time are frequently praised, making it a reliable option for extended practice sessions and precise aerial artistry.
- See it on Amazon here
5. DJI Avata 2 Fly More Combo (3 Batteries)
If you’re serious about FPV freestyle and pushing the boundaries of what a drone can do, the DJI Avata 2 is your ultimate weapon. This drone isn’t just for tricks; it is a trick machine. With intuitive motion control via the DJI RC Motion 3 (included in this combo) and compatibility with DJI Goggles 3, you get an adrenaline-pumping, immersive flying experience. Its “Easy ACRO” mode allows you to perform jaw-dropping flips, rolls, and drifts effortlessly, even without extensive training. Built-in propeller guards ensure durability during those inevitable close calls, making it the top choice for advanced FPV stunts and exhilarating drone acrobatics.
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Key Features:
- Immersive FPV flying experience with Goggles 3 and Motion Control (RC Motion 3 included).
- “Easy ACRO” mode for effortless flips, rolls, 180° drifts, and power loops.
- Super-wide 155° FOV with 4K/60fps video and 4K/100fps slow-motion.
- Built-in propeller guard for enhanced safety and durability.
- 1/1.3-inch image sensor for stunning cinematic footage.
- Lightweight, portable, and FAA Remote ID Compliant.
- Fly More Combo includes drone, 3 Intelligent Batteries, RC Motion 3, and Goggles 3.
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Pros:
- Unparalleled immersive FPV experience for true trick flying.
- “Easy ACRO” mode democratizes advanced aerial maneuvers.
- Exceptional video quality for capturing freestyle flights.
- Extremely durable with integrated propeller guards.
- Motion controller offers intuitive and natural control for stunts.
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Cons:
- Significant investment compared to other drones.
- FPV flying has a learning curve for some (though Avata 2 eases this).
- Requires DJI Fly app download from official website for activation.
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User Impressions: Pilots consistently highlight the Avata 2’s incredible immersive experience and its ability to make complex FPV tricks accessible. The “Easy ACRO” mode is a game-changer for many, allowing them to perform stunts they never thought possible. Its durability and the quality of the video footage are also frequently praised, making it a beloved choice for serious drone enthusiasts.
- See it on Amazon here
FAQ: Your Trick Flying Questions Answered!
Q1: What makes a drone good for trick flying?
A good drone for trick flying typically has responsive controls, excellent stability (or the ability to be manually controlled for instability in FPV), and robust durability to withstand crashes. For beginners, features like pre-programmed flips and obstacle avoidance are helpful. For advanced pilots, a powerful motor, long flight time, and FPV capabilities are key for executing complex drone acrobatics.
Q2: Are these drones suitable for beginners who want to learn tricks?
Absolutely! The Hand Operated Flying Toy Drone and Air Hogs Gravitor are perfect entry points for young kids and absolute beginners to learn basic hand-controlled tricks. The 1080P HD FPV Foldable Drone offers programmed flips and beginner-friendly modes, while the DJI Avata 2’s “Easy ACRO” mode makes advanced FPV tricks accessible even without extensive prior experience.
Q3: Do I need to register my drone for trick flying?
In the US, drones weighing 0.55 pounds (250 grams) or more generally require FAA registration if flown outdoors. The Hand Operated, Air Hogs, 1080P HD, and 2K HD drones are typically under 249g and usually don’t require registration. The DJI Avata 2, however, is FAA Remote ID Compliant and generally requires registration due to its weight and capabilities. Always check your local aviation regulations, as rules can vary.
Q4: How important is durability for trick drones?
Durability is paramount for trick flying! Learning new maneuvers inevitably involves crashes, especially when pushing limits. Drones with robust frames, prop guards, and flexible materials (like the Hand Operated and Air Hogs options) are invaluable. The DJI Avata 2 even has integrated propeller guards, specifically because it’s designed for dynamic, close-quarters FPV freestyle.
Q5: Can I fly these drones indoors to practice tricks?
Yes, many of the drones on our list are great for indoor trick practice. The Hand Operated Flying Toy Drone and Air Hogs Gravitor are explicitly designed for indoor use. Smaller, lightweight drones like the 1080P HD FPV Foldable Drone can also be flown indoors in spacious areas. For larger, more powerful drones like the DJI Avata 2, you’d typically want a very large indoor space like a gym or warehouse for safe practice, but their durability allows for experimentation.
Q6: What is FPV, and how does it enhance trick flying?
FPV stands for First-Person View. With an FPV drone, you wear goggles that display a live video feed from the drone’s camera, making it feel like you’re sitting in the cockpit. This immersive perspective allows for much greater precision and control, which is essential for executing complex, high-speed freestyle flying tricks and navigating tight spaces. The DJI Avata 2 is a prime example of an FPV drone built specifically for this thrilling experience.
Q7: How long do the batteries typically last on these trick drones?
Battery life varies significantly. Smaller, simpler toy drones like the Hand Operated and Air Hogs Gravitor offer around 6-10 minutes of flight time per charge. Drones with cameras like the 1080P HD and 2K HD models typically provide 15-16 minutes per battery, often coming with two for a total of 30+ minutes. High-performance FPV drones like the DJI Avata 2 generally offer around 18-23 minutes per intelligent battery, with combos often including multiple batteries for extended sessions.
