Drones have become increasingly popular for a variety of uses, ranging from aerial photography to deliveries and even recreational flying. As these devices continue to evolve, the integration of GPS has become a key feature, offering numerous benefits for drone operators.

GPS systems provide crucial navigational assistance, improving the stability, safety, and overall performance of drones.

Incorporating GPS in drones allows users to track their device’s position in real-time, enables features such as return-to-home, and enhances the accuracy of aerial photography. This technology enables drones to maintain their position and altitude, even in challenging environments or under less-than-ideal weather conditions.

As a result, GPS-equipped drones offer a more user-friendly experience, opening up the world of drone flying to both casual hobbyists and seasoned professionals.

When considering the purchase of a GPS-equipped drone, it is important to focus on factors such as accuracy, compatibility, and overall performance. Additionally, buyers should take into account the ease of use and the level of support offered by the manufacturer, as operation and maintenance can be complex for first-time users.

After extensive research and testing, we have identified the top GPS-equipped drones that cater to a variety of needs and budgets, ensuring that you can find a suitable drone to capture stunning aerial footage or simply enjoy hours of flying fun.

Best GPS Drones

We have compiled a list of the best GPS drones to help you choose the perfect one for your needs. Browse through our top picks to find the most suitable and feature-rich drone for your next adventure.

Vivitar DRC-445 VTI Skytracker GPS Drone

The Vivitar Skytracker GPS Drone is an affordable and user-friendly choice for those looking to capture stunning aerial shots.

Pros

• 720p HD camera for clear photos and videos
• Built-in GPS for automatic return and stability
• Suitable for beginners and experienced users

Cons

• Camera quality could be better for some users
• GPS setup may be inconsistent
• Slow speed compared to other drones

As we flew the Vivitar DRC-445 VTI Skytracker GPS drone, we noticed how easy it was to control, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned pilots. With its built-in GPS, the drone performed well and ensured stability during the flight, automatically returning to us when needed.

The 720p HD camera allowed us to capture clear photos and videos, which we could stream directly to our smartphone using the mobile app provided. Overall, we enjoyed the drone’s remote control features, which made capturing aerial shots a breeze.

The Follow Me function enabled the drone to follow us automatically, delivering stable videos, images, and selfies without any hassle.

However, we did notice that the camera quality might not meet the expectations of some users looking for high-end drone imagery. Additionally, the GPS setup could be inconsistent at times, requiring repeated attempts to get it working properly. We also found that the drone’s speed was somewhat slow compared to other options on the market.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the Vivitar Skytracker GPS Drone remains a solid option for those looking to purchase their first drone or simply enjoy having fun with aerial photography.

Its easy-to-use controls, built-in GPS, and compatibility with both experienced and novice users make it an excellent choice at an affordable price point.

DJI Naza-M V2 Flight Controller with GPS

A reliable and high-performance flight controller, perfect for both hobbyists and professionals alike.

Pros

• Easy setup and user-friendly
• Precise GPS and stable flight performance
• High-quality, trusted brand

Cons

• Troublesome driver installation for some users
• Occasional glitches reported
• Price may not suit all budgets

The DJI Naza-M V2 Flight Controller is a fantastic piece of equipment that significantly enhances the performance of your drone. We’ve personally experienced its benefits in terms of accuracy and stability, as its GPS functionality offers precise positioning and smooth flight performance.

On top of the impressive flight stability and GPS features, setting up the Naza-M V2 is relatively straightforward. The DJI Naza Assistant software helps guide you through the process, and we found it to be an easy and enjoyable experience.

However, some users have reported difficulties with driver installation, particularly on Windows 10, so it’s something to be aware of when purchasing this product.

Despite the occasional glitches that have been reported, we’ve found that this flight controller is quite dependable and delivers excellent results. The DJI brand is a significant factor in this reliability, as they are known for producing high-quality and trustworthy drone accessories. That said, the higher price point associated with this brand may not suit all budgets, so it might not be the ideal choice for everyone.

The DJI Naza-M V2 Flight Controller with GPS is an outstanding product that we highly recommend to anyone looking to upgrade their drone’s performance. It offers unmatched precision, stability, and reliability, making it well worth the investment for a fantastic flying experience.

Zuhafa T5 GPS Drone

The Zuhafa T5 GPS drone is a feature-packed option for those seeking a drone with an impressive camera and ease of use.

Pros

• Powerful 4K HD Anti-Shake Camera
• Fly More Kit with 40 minutes of flight time
• Easy and enjoyable for beginners

Cons

• Battery charge time is lengthy
• Limited availability of spare parts
• Transmission distance may vary

After experiencing the Zuhafa T5 GPS drone, we find it an impressive option for those looking to dive into the world of drones. One of its most notable features is the 4K HD anti-shake camera, which ensures crisp and sharp aerial footage. With its adjustable 60° lens, you can explore various perspectives from the skies above.

The Fly More Kit is also an attractive selling point, offering up to 40 minutes of flight time with the inclusion of an extra battery. That means you can stay airborne longer without constant interruptions to recharge. However, it’s worth noting that the batteries do take a significant amount of time to charge, so planning ahead is key.

As beginners ourselves, we found the Zuhafa T5 a breeze to operate. Its GPS mode and optical flow positioning mode make it easy to switch between indoor and outdoor flights, allowing the drone to hover steadily and perform 360° rotations. Furthermore, the built-in safety features like Auto Return, FPV, and Headless Mode ensure that even novice pilots can confidently take control.

Unfortunately, we encountered difficulty when attempting to find spare parts for the Zuhafa T5, such as upgraded batteries or additional sets. This drawback may limit the potential for customization and may prove frustrating for those who wish to expand their drone’s capabilities.

The Zuhafa T5 GPS drone is an excellent choice for beginners and casual users who value camera quality and ease of use. The Fly More Kit adds to its appeal, providing ample flight time for pilots to fully adjust to their new airborne companion. Keep in mind, though, that charging times can be lengthy and spare parts may be scarce.

Holy Stone HS720 Foldable GPS Drone with 4K UHD Camera

The Holy Stone HS720 is a reliable drone for those seeking quality footage and a smooth flight experience.

Pros

• 4K UHD camera with image stabilization
• GPS-assisted intelligent flight
• 52 minutes total flight time with 2 batteries

Cons

• Takes time to pick up a satellite signal
• The camera might wobble during the flight
• The range might be shorter than advertised

We recently tested out the Holy Stone HS720 drone and our experience was generally positive. The 4K UHD camera provided excellent shots and the image stabilization helped reduce any camera vibration. The GPS-assisted flight features, such as one key return, follow me, and flying along a set path, making it extremely convenient to use.

However, we did encounter a few setbacks during our flight. The drone took some time to pick up satellite signals and the range it could fly was not as great as advertised. Additionally, we noticed that the camera could wobble while in motion, affecting video quality.

Regardless of these minor issues, we truly enjoyed using the Holy Stone HS720 drone. The two included intelligent batteries provided a total of 52 minutes of flight time, which is impressive. The foldable design and carrying case made it easy to transport and the brushless motors provided a quiet and energy-efficient flight experience.

The Holy Stone HS720 is a solid choice for those looking to purchase a GPS drone with an impressive 4K camera. While it does have some minor drawbacks, we believe its exceptional flight time and user-friendly features outweigh the cons.

Contixo F24 Pro Quadcopter GPS Drone

The Contixo F24 Pro is a drone worth considering, offering great features and exceptional quality for its price range.

Pros

• 4K Ultra HD Camera with adjustable angles
• 60 minutes of total flight time with two batteries included
• Strong GPS signal for stable flight and precise return-to-home

Cons

• Controls might need some getting used to for beginners
• Limited flight range compared to high-end drones
• Needs additional smartphone or compatible device for live feed

The Contixo F24 Pro drone is an excellent choice for those who are looking to capture stunning aerial footage without breaking the bank. Its 4K Ultra HD camera with a 120° FOV lens allows you to take breathtaking photos and videos with remarkable clarity, deep contrast, and vivid colors. The camera is vertically adjustable up to 90°, providing versatility in capturing various angles and scenes.

The F24 Pro comes with two upgraded 2500mAh intelligent batteries, giving you up to 60 minutes of flight time (30+30) which is quite impressive in this category. This longer flight time allows you to explore more of your surroundings and capture incredible footage without worrying about the battery running low.

When it comes to flying the drone, the strong GPS signal ensures a stable flight and precise return-to-home features, allowing you to focus on capturing the perfect shots. The foldable brushless motors make for easy storage and transportation without the need to uninstall the propellers after each use.

The drone offers several smart performance features such as Follow Me, Orbit Mode, and Gesture Control. These features make it even more convenient to take ideal selfies and fly the drone smoothly. With Point of Interest and Tap to Fly, you can program the drone to follow custom paths using up to 16 waypoints.

However, the Contixo F24 Pro has its drawbacks. It may take some time for beginners to get used to the controls. Additionally, the flight range is limited compared to high-end drones, and you need a smartphone or a compatible device for live feed and camera control.

Overall, the Contixo F24 Pro Quadcopter GPS Drone offers an excellent balance of features, functionality, and value, making it a highly recommended choice for both beginners and experienced drone enthusiasts.

Buying Guide

When choosing the best GPS for your drone, there are several key features to consider. Here, we will discuss the most important aspects to keep in mind when selecting a GPS module to ensure the highest level of accuracy and reliability for your drone navigation needs.

One of the primary factors to consider when buying a GPS for your drone is the number of satellite constellations it supports. Using GPS modules that are compatible with multiple constellations such as GPS (US), GLONASS (Russia), Galileo (EU), and BeiDou (China) can provide improved accuracy and faster satellite acquisition. This is because, with more satellites available, the module has a better chance of obtaining a strong and accurate signal.

Another important consideration is the update rate of the GPS module. The update rate refers to the frequency with which a GPS receiver can obtain new position data. A higher update rate, usually measured in Hz, means that the module provides faster and more frequent position updates. For drone navigation, an update rate of 5 Hz or higher is generally recommended.

In addition to the update rate, the Time To First Fix (TTFF) is worth considering. TTFF is the time it takes for a GPS module to acquire satellite signals and provide its initial position fix. A shorter TTFF indicates a faster and more efficient GPS module, which is critical for drones as it allows them to quickly establish their position and begin navigation.

Next, consider the accuracy of the GPS module. A high level of accuracy, typically measured in meters, is essential for precise navigation and maintaining a stable hover.

Look for GPS modules that guarantee a horizontal accuracy of around 2.5 meters or better. Keep in mind that factors like signal interference and environmental conditions can impact the actual accuracy achieved in real-world situations.

Lastly, consider the size, weight, and power consumption of the GPS module. Ideally, you want a lightweight and compact GPS module that won’t significantly impact your drone’s payload or flight time. Additionally, look for GPS modules with low power consumption to minimize battery drain and extend your drone’s flight time.

By focusing on these key features and carefully comparing available options, you can confidently select the most suitable GPS module for your drone, ensuring accurate and reliable navigation performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages of GPS in drone navigation?

GPS technology provides many benefits to drone navigation. It enhances stability, accuracy, and reliability while flying. With GPS, we can program predetermined flight paths, which allows drones to fly autonomously. Additionally, GPS enables geofencing features, which can restrict drones from entering no-fly zones.

How does the Return Home feature work with GPS?

The Return Home feature relies on GPS coordinates to enable drones to navigate back to their starting point automatically. When activated, the drone calculates its current position and compares it to its takeoff point. It then follows a return path based on the GPS data and lands safely at its initial location.

Can GPS modules be added to existing drones?

Yes, GPS modules can be added to existing drones that may not already have these capabilities. Many aftermarket options are available and can be easily integrated into the drone’s existing systems. However, it is essential to ensure compatibility between the module and the drone’s controller or software to ensure smooth operation.

What are the differences between GPS and Wi-Fi drones?

GPS drones use satellite-based navigation systems to determine their position and maintain stability during flight. In contrast, Wi-Fi drones rely on a wireless network connection to communicate with the user’s device and utilize location data.

While Wi-Fi drones may offer lower costs, GPS drones provide more accurate positioning and robust navigation capabilities.

What types of GPS modules are commonly used in drones?

There are various GPS modules available for drones, including the popular U-blox series and the DJI Naza GPS. Additionally, some modules offer advanced features such as support for multiple satellite constellations, such as GLONASS and Galileo, increasing accuracy and positioning capabilities. It is essential to select a module compatible with the drone’s control system and software.

How do drones navigate in GPS-denied environments?

In GPS-denied environments, drones rely on alternative navigation methods, such as visual or inertial navigation systems. Visual navigation uses cameras and sensors to process information about the environment and identify landmarks, while inertial navigation systems use accelerometers and gyroscopes to track position and orientation changes.

These methods contribute to a drone’s ability to navigate without the availability of GPS signals.