Dreaming of soaring through the skies and capturing amazing aerial shots without breaking the bank? You’re in luck! While professional drones can cost thousands, there are indeed some fantastic options available if you’re looking for the best drone for around 100 dollars. This price point is perfect for beginners, kids, or anyone just wanting to dip their toes into the exciting world of drone flying.
But flying isn’t just about the drone itself. To get the most out of your aerial adventures, you’ll also want to consider some crucial accessories that enhance your experience, extend your flight time, and even protect your investment. In this guide, we’ll dive into an excellent entry-level drone that perfectly fits our budget and explore some must-have gear that every drone pilot, especially those new to the hobby, should consider.
Let’s find the best drone for around 100 and gear up for some unforgettable flights!
Reviews: Drones and Essential Accessories
JOBY Fly X, Mini Drone with HD Camera, Enclosed…
For those seeking the best drone for around 100, the JOBY Fly X truly stands out as a fantastic entry point. This mini drone is designed with beginners in mind, offering a user-friendly experience without skimping on fun. Its enclosed propellers provide an extra layer of safety, making it ideal for indoor flights or for new pilots learning the ropes. With an included HD camera, you can start capturing your first aerial photos and videos right out of the box, making it a great choice for budding videographers or just capturing cool shots of your backyard.
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Key Features:
- 6-AXIS GYRO: Ensures stable flying experience
- ONE BUTTON TAKEOFF & LANDING: Make it easy for beginner
- THE 360-DEGREE FLIP: This features lets you perform amazing stunts
- EMERGENCY LANDING: Ensures safe landing in case of an emergency
- HD CAMERA: The Included HD Camera captures stunning aerial footage and images with ease
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Pros:
- Excellent for beginners with easy controls
- Enclosed propellers for added safety
- HD camera for basic aerial photography
- Fun features like 360-degree flips
- Stable flight with 6-axis gyro
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Cons:
- Limited advanced features compared to higher-end drones
- Flight time might be short, common for mini drones
- Camera quality is basic HD, not professional grade
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User Impressions: Users love how easy this drone is to fly, calling it a perfect “first drone” for kids and adults alike. Many appreciate the durability provided by the enclosed design and the joy of performing flips. It’s often praised for its ability to get new pilots comfortable with drone controls.
DJI Mavic 4 Pro Drone with DJI RC 2, Flagship… (A Glimpse into High-End Drones – Not Around $100)
It’s important to set realistic expectations when searching for the best drone for around 100. While the DJI Mavic 4 Pro is an absolute marvel of aerial engineering, boasting a 100MP Hasselblad camera and 6K video, it sits at the absolute pinnacle of professional drones and is significantly outside our budget. We’re including it here to showcase the kind of cutting-edge technology and features that professional-grade drones offer, helping you understand the capabilities available at the very top end of the market. This isn’t a budget option, but rather a benchmark for what’s possible in drone technology.
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Key Features:
- 100MP Main Camera – DJI Mavic 4 Pro’s 100MP Hasselblad camera with 6K/60fps HDR video captures stunning drone footage with vivid detail.
- Versatile Tele Images – Dual tele cameras on this drone deliver crisp, detailed zooms for professional aerial photography.
- Dynamic Angles Unleashed – The camera drone’s 360° Infinity Gimbal offers dynamic camera movement for cinematic shots.
- Safe Night Flights – This drone’s 0.1-Lux Nightscape Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing detects obstacles in low light, great for night shoots.
- Extended Flight Time – Enjoy 51 minutes of flight with this camera drone, ideal for capturing long professional scenes.
- Long-Range Video Transmission – The drone’s 30km/18.6mi O4+ delivers 10-bit HDR video transmission, ensuring smooth feeds for pros on the move.
- Pro Display On-the-Go – The drone’s 7″ rotatable, high-bright remote controller RC Pro 2 collapses for easy carry and pro control anywhere.
- Includes DJI Mavic 4 Pro, DJI RC 2, one battery, 100W USB-C Power Adapter, and more to get you started.
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Pros:
- Unrivaled image and video quality (100MP, 6K HDR)
- Advanced obstacle avoidance for extremely safe flights
- Exceptional flight time and range
- Professional-grade remote controller and transmission
- Ideal for serious aerial photographers and videographers
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Cons:
- Extremely expensive, far exceeding the $100 budget.
- Complex features may be overkill for beginners.
- Larger size makes it less portable than mini drones.
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User Impressions: Professionals and serious hobbyists laud the Mavic 4 Pro for its groundbreaking camera, extended battery life, and robust flight performance. It’s considered an industry leader for high-quality aerial content creation.
See the advanced tech on Amazon here
DJI Mavic 4 Pro Drone Fly More Combo (DJI RC… (Premium Drone Package – Not Around $100)
Similar to its standalone counterpart, the DJI Mavic 4 Pro Fly More Combo represents the pinnacle of drone technology, offering an enhanced package for professional users. This combo often includes extra batteries, charging hubs, and other essential accessories that significantly extend flight time and convenience for serious projects. Again, this is not a budget drone for around $100, but rather a comprehensive solution for those requiring the highest performance and versatility in aerial imaging. It underscores the vast difference in capabilities and price between a beginner drone and a professional system.
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Key Features:
- 100MP Hasselblad Camera: 4/3 CMOS sensor with Hasselblad Natural Color Solution delivers 6K/60fps HDR video and ultra-detailed 100MP photos for professional-grade imaging.
- Dual Telephoto Cameras: 1/1.3″ 48MP medium tele and 1/1.5″ 50MP tele lenses capture stunning portraits and distant details with crisp clarity and compressed perspectives.
- Infinity Gimbal 360° Rotation: Revolutionary gimbal design enables gravity-defying shots, dynamic Dutch angles, and full cinematic freedom.
- 0.1-Lux Nightscape Vision: Advanced omnidirectional obstacle sensing and LiDAR ensure safe, precise flights even in near-total darkness.
- 51-Minute Flight Time: High-capacity 95Wh battery with aerodynamic efficiency supports extended missions and longer creative sessions.
- DJI O4+ Transmission: Ultra-reliable 10-bit HDR live video feed up to 30 km, optimized for interference-heavy environments and multi-drone flights.
- ActiveTrack 360° Tracking: Keeps subjects locked in cinematic focus with enhanced stability, even in challenging low-light or obstructed conditions.
- 4K/120fps Slow Motion Recording: Capture smooth, high-frame-rate footage for sports, wildlife, and cinematic projects.
- Up to 512GB Onboard Storage: Creator Combo supports ALL-I 4:2:2 encoding with ultra-fast UFS memory, ideal for high-spec filmmaking.
- QuickTransfer with Wi-Fi 6: Transfer 100MP RAW images and 6K video files at 80MB/s without powering on the drone, for seamless workflows.
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Pros:
- Comprehensive package for professional aerial work
- Extended flight capabilities with multiple batteries
- Top-tier camera system with advanced tracking and slow-motion
- Massive onboard storage and fast data transfer
- Unparalleled safety and intelligent flight features
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Cons:
- Significantly more expensive than the $100 target.
- Overkill for casual users or beginners.
- Requires a substantial investment.
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User Impressions: This combo is highly regarded by professional filmmakers and photographers for its complete suite of tools, making it a reliable workhorse for demanding projects. The extra accessories are seen as indispensable for prolonged shoots.
See the ultimate combo on Amazon here
Power Up Your Flights: LKTOP Drone-specific Super Fast Battery Charger for DJI…
Even if you find the best drone for around 100, extra batteries and a good charger are often your next essential purchase. This LKTOP 100W Battery Charger is a fantastic accessory, especially for DJI drone owners (though its USB-C ports make it versatile for many devices). Longer flight times mean more fun, and this super-fast charger ensures you spend less time waiting and more time flying. Its compact, foldable design also makes it incredibly convenient for travel, so you can keep your drone powered up wherever your adventures take you.
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Key Features:
- 【Super Fast Charging】Our 100W Battery Charger for DJI features 2 USB-C ports, which supports PD/QC/PPS protocols.
- 【2-in-1 Design】With a design featuring 2 ports, a single USB-C port supports 100W blind insertion, allowing you to charge 2 devices at once.
- 【Wide Compatibility】Compatible with a range of DJI products (Mini series, Air series, Mavic series, Avata, Goggles) and other USB-C devices.
- 【Safe & Portable】Intelligent temperature control, 100V-240V global input, and airplane-safe.
- 【Package & Service】Includes 100W USB-C Power Adapter for DJI1, 100W USB-C to USB-C Cable1, with a 1-year warranty.
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Pros:
- Blazing fast 100W charging speeds
- Charges two devices simultaneously
- Broad compatibility with DJI products and other USB-C devices
- Excellent safety features (temperature control)
- Portable and travel-friendly design
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Cons:
- Primarily beneficial for DJI drone owners, less universal for other brands
- May require additional cables for non-USB-C devices (not included)
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User Impressions: Customers frequently praise this charger for its rapid charging capabilities and convenience. The ability to charge multiple devices at once is a big plus for drone pilots who often carry multiple batteries and remote controllers. Its compact size is also a hit for travel.
Stay Charged Anywhere: Newsmy Portable Solar Power Station 270Wh/72000mAh…
For drone enthusiasts who love flying outdoors, especially in remote locations, a reliable power source is a game-changer. The Newsmy Portable Solar Power Station, while not a drone itself, is an incredible accessory for extending your drone’s flight time and charging all your gear on the go. Imagine being able to recharge your drone batteries, phone, and remote controller multiple times, far away from any wall outlet. This robust power station, with its high capacity and solar charging capability, ensures your drone adventures never get cut short due to a drained battery.
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Key Features:
- High-Capacity Versatility: 72000mAh/270Wh, charges laptops multiple times, phones up to 20 times.
- Ultra-Fast USB-C PD: Two 100W USB-C PD outputs for simultaneous laptop charging.
- Multiple Charging Options: Five output ports (2x 100W USB-C, 2x 18W USB-A, 1x DC5521) for 268W total output.
- Rapid Dual Input: 200W fast recharging via dual USB-C PD or USB-C PD + DC (MPPT) for 1.75-hour full charge.
- Lightweight & Compact: Weighs just 5.07 lb (2.3 kg) for easy portability.
- Built-In LED Spotlight: 6W LED light for illumination in dark conditions.
- Long-Lasting LiMnFePO4: 2500+ charge cycles for extended product lifespan and safety.
- Complete Charging Kit: Includes MC4 to DC35135, USB-C to USB-C, cigarette lighter adapter, and 65W PD wall charger.
- Solar-Powered Convenience: Recharge with a solar panel (up to 100W) via built-in MPPT controller.
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Pros:
- Massive power capacity for multiple device recharges
- Fast USB-C PD output ideal for laptops and drone batteries
- Multiple output ports for versatile charging
- Solar charging capability for off-grid power
- Durable LiMnFePO4 battery for long lifespan and safety
- Integrated LED light is a useful bonus
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Cons:
- Higher price point for an accessory, but a worthwhile investment for serious outdoor use
- Solar panel not included (needs to be purchased separately)
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User Impressions: This power station receives rave reviews for its reliability and versatility. Campers, travelers, and drone pilots frequently highlight its ability to keep all their gadgets charged during extended trips, especially appreciating the solar charging option for true off-grid capability.
Enhance Your Aerial Shots: Wide Angle Lens Filter for Flip Drone…
While finding the best drone for around 100 often means a basic camera, accessories like this Wide Angle Lens Filter can significantly upgrade your photographic capabilities. Specifically designed for Flip Drones, this lens expands your field of view from 82° to 100°, allowing you to capture more expansive and breathtaking landscapes. For drone pilots wanting to add a cinematic touch to their videos or capture grander scenes without investing in a much more expensive drone, a wide-angle lens is an incredibly cost-effective upgrade.
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Key Features:
- [For Flip Drone] This wide angle lens is designed for Flip drone, allowing you to catch amazing landscapes, will not affect the installation of original lens cover.
- [Expand Field of View] With the wide angle lens, you can expand the angle of view from 82° to 100°, enhancing photography experience.
- [Clear Images] The wide view lens can catch more of the scene, eliminating unnecessary polarized light for clear and transparent images, suitable for landscape photography.
- [Anti Distortion] Almost no distortion optical design for premium image quality.
- [Lightweight Frame] Aerospace grade aluminum frame, sealed and easy to clean, lightweight and sturdy, providing all around guard for the lens, no fading or rusting.
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Pros:
- Significantly expands the drone’s field of view
- Improves landscape photography capabilities
- High-definition coating for clarity and scratch resistance
- Lightweight and durable aerospace-grade aluminum frame
- Easy to install without affecting the original lens cover
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Cons:
- Specific to Flip Drones, not universally compatible
- May introduce minor edge distortion (though designed to minimize it)
- Only enhances the field of view, not the sensor quality
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User Impressions: Users with compatible Flip Drones are thrilled with the expanded views this lens provides, noting a dramatic improvement in their landscape and architectural shots. The quality of the optics for the price is frequently praised.
Versatile Charging: YAODHAOD USB C to XT60 Connector Charging Adapter…
For hobbyists with multiple types of battery packs – from drone batteries to RC toys and other outdoor power solutions – having a versatile charging adapter like the YAODHAOD USB C to XT60 Connector is incredibly useful. While not a drone, this little adapter bridges the gap between modern USB-C power delivery (PD) systems and the common XT60 connectors found on many drone batteries and RC devices. It allows you to use your powerful USB-C chargers (like the LKTOP one we reviewed earlier!) to rapidly charge your drone batteries, offering convenience and flexibility, especially for field repairs or on-the-go charging.
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Key Features:
- 【XT60 Charging Connector】Input Connector:USB Type C Female, 5-20V;Output Connector: XT60 Female, 5-20V, Suitable for Drones, Solar Cells, Vehicles and RC Toys. (Note: This adapter only supports usb c to xt60 unidirectional transfer).
- 【100W Fast Charging】XT60 Adapter can up to 100W Fast Charging, and it can realize the maximum 20V/5A, can provid the fastest possible charging for your devices.Also it passed though the PD2.0,PD 3.0, QC2.0 Charging protocol.
- 【Durability High】XT60 female to USB C female adapter, securely connected, with excellent performance and stable transmission performance. Temperature resistance range: -10 ℃~+40 ℃.
- 【Easy to Use】XT60 Connector Plug and play, compact and lightweight, easy to carry around and easy to store.
- 【Wide Use】Designed for Drone, Model, energy storage power, outdoor power, solar battery, Remote Control Toys, PD protocol fast charging devices and more.
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Pros:
- Connects modern USB-C PD to XT60 devices, offering great flexibility
- Supports up to 100W fast charging
- Compatible with various PD and QC protocols
- Durable construction and stable transmission
- Extremely portable, plug-and-play design
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Cons:
- Unidirectional transfer (USB-C to XT60 only)
- Requires a separate USB-C power source
- Specific to XT60 connectors, not universal for all drone batteries
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User Impressions: FPV pilots and RC hobbyists rave about the convenience of this adapter, allowing them to use their existing high-wattage USB-C chargers for their drone batteries in the field. Its robust build and reliable fast charging are frequently highlighted.
Understanding Drones for Around $100: A Buyer’s Guide
When looking for the best drone for around 100, it’s important to manage your expectations. You won’t get professional-grade cameras or extended flight times, but you can find a ton of fun and a great learning experience. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Target Audience: These drones are primarily for beginners, children, or casual hobbyists. They’re excellent for learning basic controls and having some indoor/backyard fun.
- Camera Quality: Expect basic HD cameras, suitable for casual photos and videos, not professional-grade content.
- Flight Time: Typically 5-10 minutes per battery. Investing in extra batteries is highly recommended.
- Durability: Look for enclosed propellers or robust frames that can withstand a few bumps and crashes, which are inevitable for new pilots.
- Ease of Use: Features like “one-button takeoff/landing” and “altitude hold” are fantastic for making learning easier.
- Features for Fun: Tricks like 360-degree flips add an extra layer of enjoyment.
FAQ: Your Top Questions About Budget Drones Answered
Q1: Can I really get a good drone for under $100?
A: Yes, absolutely! While you won’t get a professional camera drone for this price, you can find excellent beginner-friendly mini drones, often equipped with HD cameras, robust designs, and easy-to-use controls. They’re perfect for learning the basics and having a lot of fun without a huge investment.
Q2: What’s the typical flight time for a drone around $100?
A: Most drones in this price range offer about 5 to 10 minutes of flight time per battery. This is why many users recommend buying extra batteries or a multi-battery charging hub to extend your flying sessions.
Q3: Are drones under $100 difficult to fly for beginners?
A: Not at all! Many budget drones are specifically designed with beginners in mind. They often come with features like “one-button takeoff and landing,” “altitude hold,” and 6-axis gyros for stable flight, making them very forgiving for new pilots.
Q4: Do budget drones have cameras? What’s the quality like?
A: Many drones under $100 do come with cameras, typically capable of recording in 720p or 1080p HD. While they won’t offer cinematic quality like professional drones, they’re perfectly adequate for capturing fun aerial photos and videos for social media or personal enjoyment.
Q5: What are LSI keywords and why are they important for SEO?
A: LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) keywords are terms and phrases that are semantically related to your main keyword but aren’t direct synonyms. For example, if your main keyword is “best drone for around 100,” LSI keywords might include “beginner drone,” “mini quadcopter,” “affordable UAV,” “first drone purchase,” or “cheap drone with camera.” They help search engines understand the full context and topical relevance of your article, improving its SEO ranking for a broader range of related searches.
Q6: What kind of accessories should I consider for my budget drone?
A: Even with a budget drone, a few accessories can greatly enhance your experience:
– Extra Batteries: Essential for longer flight sessions.
– Fast Charger: To quickly recharge your batteries.
– Propeller Guards: For added durability and safety, especially for indoor flying.
– Portable Power Bank: For charging batteries on the go, especially if you fly outdoors.
– Landing Pad: Helps with clean takeoffs and landings.
Q7: Do I need to register a drone that costs under $100?
A: In many countries, small drones weighing under a certain threshold (e.g., 0.55 pounds or 250 grams in the US) do not require FAA registration when flown for recreational purposes. However, it’s crucial to always check your local aviation authority’s regulations, as rules can change and vary by region.
Ready for Takeoff!
Finding the best drone for around 100 dollars is an exciting journey into the world of aerial photography and flying fun. While you won’t be capturing Hollywood-level footage, you’ll gain invaluable experience, master basic flight controls, and definitely have a blast. Remember that the JOBY Fly X is a fantastic starting point for your aerial adventures, and pairing it with essential accessories like fast chargers and portable power stations can significantly elevate your overall drone experience. So go ahead, choose your budget-friendly flying machine, grab some gear, and get ready to see the world from a whole new perspective!
