Best Cheap Drones to Buy in 2024
Introduction
Drones are becoming more popular among hobbyists, photographers, and tech enthusiasts. For beginners or those on a budget, finding an affordable yet reliable drone can be challenging. This article will guide you on what to look for in a budget-friendly drone and provide details about the best cheap drones to buy in 2024.
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What to Look for in a Cheap Drone
Affordability
When considering a budget-friendly drone, it’s essential to define what “cheap” means. Typically, this range is below $200. These drones offer good value without breaking the bank.
Build Quality
Even at a lower price point, a drone should be durable. Look for drones made from sturdy materials that can withstand minor crashes.
Camera Quality
While cheap drones won’t have the highest quality cameras, you can still find decent options. Look for at least a 720p resolution for clear images and videos.
Battery Life
Budget drones generally have shorter flight times. Aim for drones that offer at least 10 minutes of flight per charge.
Ease of Use
User-friendly controls and features like one-key takeoff/landing and altitude hold are crucial for beginners.
Additional Features
Features such as GPS, headless mode, and FPV (first-person view) can enhance your flying experience.
Top 8 Cheap Drones to Buy in 2024
1. Ryze Tech Tello
Overview
The Ryze Tech Tello is a compact, lightweight drone perfect for beginners. It features a 5MP camera with HD720 video.
Key Features
- 13 minutes of flight time
- Educational features with Scratch programming
Price
- Approx. $129
Why It’s Great
- Affordable and beginner-friendly
- Offers an educational programming experience
Read our in-depth review: DJI Ryze Tech Tello
2. Holy Stone HS110D
Overview
The Holy Stone HS110D boasts a sleek and durable design with a 1080P HD camera.
Key Features
- 20 minutes of flight time
- FPV live video transmission
Price
- Approx. $89.99
Why It’s Great
- High-quality camera for the price
- Long flight time for a budget drone
3. Potensic A20
Overview
The Potensic A20 is a mini drone with a simple design, suitable for kids and beginners.
Key Features
- 6 minutes of flight time
- One-key takeoff/landing
Price
- Approx. $29.99
Why It’s Great
- Extremely affordable
- Very easy to control
4. Syma X5C
Overview
The Syma X5C is a classic, reliable drone with a 2MP HD camera.
Key Features
- 7 minutes of flight time
- 360-degree flips and rolls
Price
- Approx. $49.99
Why It’s Great
- Durable and easy to repair
- Great for beginners to practice flying
5. Eachine E520S
Overview
The Eachine E520S features a foldable design for portability and a 4K camera with FPV transmission.
Key Features
- 16 minutes of flight time
- GPS positioning
Price
- Approx. $159.99
Why It’s Great
- Advanced features at a budget price
- High-quality camera and stable flight
6. Hubsan X4 H107C
Overview
The Hubsan X4 H107C is a small and agile drone with a 2MP camera and 720p video.
Key Features
- 7 minutes of flight time
- LED lights for night flying
Price
- Approx. $28.99
Why It’s Great
- Compact and fun to fly
- Ideal for indoor and outdoor use
7. Snaptain S5C
Overview
The Snaptain S5C has a stylish design with robust features, including a 720p HD camera.
Key Features
- 15 minutes of flight time
- Voice and gesture control
Price
- Approx. $69.99
Why It’s Great
- Unique control features
- Good camera quality for the price
8. DBPOWER X400W
Overview
The DBPOWER X400W is a sleek, modern drone with an FPV camera for real-time video.
Key Features
- 10 minutes of flight time
- One-key return and headless mode
Price
- Approx. $59.99
Why It’s Great
- Easy to control with useful features
- Great for learning FPV flying
Comparison Table
| Drone Model | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Ryze Tech Tello | Scratch Programming, Compact | $129.00 |
| Holy Stone HS110D | 1080P HD Camera, FPV Transmission | $89.99 |
| Potensic A20 | One-key Takeoff/Landing, Mini Drone | $29.99 |
| Syma X5C | 360 Flips, Durable | $49.99 |
| Eachine E520S | 4K Camera, GPS | $159.99 |
| Hubsan X4 H107C | LED Lights, Compact | $28.99 |
| Snaptain S5C | Voice/Gesture Control, HD Camera | $69.99 |
| DBPOWER X400W | FPV Camera, One-key Return | $59.99 |
Conclusion
Budget-friendly drones offer great opportunities for beginners and hobbyists to experience the joy of flying without a significant financial investment. The options listed above provide a variety of features and capabilities to suit different needs and preferences. Choose the one that best fits your requirements and budget to get started on your drone-flying adventure.
Additional Tips for Buying Cheap Drones
- Check Reviews: Look for user reviews to gauge reliability and performance.
- Consider Spare Parts: Ensure availability of replacement parts.
- Warranty and Support: Opt for brands with good customer support.
FAQs
Q1: Are cheap drones good for beginners?
A: Yes, many cheap drones offer easy controls and are designed for beginners.
Q2: What should I expect from a budget drone?
A: Expect basic features such as decent flight time, camera quality, and user-friendly controls.
Q3: How can I extend the life of my cheap drone?
A: Practice safe flying, avoid crashes, and follow maintenance tips provided by the manufacturer.
