Top 10 Drones Under $100 in 2024: Affordable Flying Wonders
Drones have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering both recreational fun and practical applications. As technology continues to advance, more and more people are discovering the joys of piloting these aerial devices and exploring their creative possibilities.
In particular, drones under $100 have become a popular choice, providing an affordable yet capable entry point into the world of unmanned aerial vehicles.
These budget-friendly drones provide an opportunity for enthusiasts to hone their piloting skills, capture stunning aerial photographs and videos, and even race against fellow drone enthusiasts. As with any purchase, it’s essential to consider several factors when choosing the best drone for your needs, such as flight time, camera quality, range, and ease of use.
When shopping for a drone under $100, you’ll want to pay close attention to the aircraft’s stability and durability, as well as any limitations in flight performance due to its more budget-friendly nature. Additionally, considering any extra features such as headless mode, altitude hold, or advanced photography capabilities can make all the difference in ensuring your drone experience is enjoyable and rewarding.
With these factors in mind, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 drones under $100 in 2024 to help guide you in finding the perfect fit for your drone-flying needs and interests. So without further ado, let’s dive in and see which drones made the cut!
Top 10 Drones Under $100 in 2024
In this article, we’ve curated a list of the top 10 drones available for under $100 in 2024. Explore our recommendations to find the perfect drone for your needs and budget.
RADCLO Mini Drone with Camera
We highly recommend the RADCLO Mini Drone for its outstanding features, ease of use and budget-friendly price, suitable for both beginners and skilled players.
Pros
- 1080P Adjustable FPV Drone & APP Control
- Stable Altitude Hold function for easy flying
- Full accessories and larger body size
Cons
- Not suitable for flying in strong winds
- Lightweight build may feel flimsy
- Remote control might need troubleshooting
The RADCLO Mini Drone left us impressed with its 1080P adjustable camera, offering a 90° manually adjustable lens for stunning panoramas and easy sharing via the RADCLOFPV APP. When we connected our phones to the drone, we enjoyed real-time views and conveniently shared our pictures on social media.
Using the RADCLO Mini Drone was a breeze, thanks to its stable Altitude Hold function and one key take-off/landing button. We noticed a powerful engine performance compared to other drones in this price range, making it an effortless experience even for beginners. Additionally, it offered multiple functions such as High-Speed Rotation, Circle Fly, Gesture Control, and 3D Flip, among others.
The package includes a carrying case for travel and two 800mAh batteries, giving a flight time of 22 minutes. It also comes with controller batteries, spare fan blades, and a propeller guard.
However, we felt that the drone’s lightweight design made it susceptible to strong winds and felt a bit flimsy.
We also had minor difficulties with the remote control sometimes, but the RADCLO Mini Drone is a great and affordable option for those looking to purchase a drone under $100 in 2024.
ATTOP 1080P Live Video Drone
The ATTOP 1080P Live Video Drone is an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced users seeking an affordable and feature-packed drone.
Pros
- Easy to use with one-key controls and various flight modes
- 1080P 120° wide-angle camera for crisp aerial footage
- Increased flight time and safety features
Cons
- Mediocre build quality for its price point
- Doesn’t handle strong winds well
- May not be suited for high-altitude flights
Having flown the ATTOP 1080P Live Video Drone ourselves, we found its simple operation and intuitive features impressive for its price range. With one-key controls for takeoff, landing, and return, users can worry less about navigation and focus more on capturing stunning shots.
The drone’s 1080P camera boasts a wide 120° field of view, perfect for capturing breathtaking aerial footage. Connecting to the “ATTOP CLUB” App allowed us to stream FPV video directly to our phone and enjoy a real-time bird’s-eye view. The camera’s capability to take photos with a simple hand gesture is also a standout feature that adds to the user experience.
However, a few downsides are its build quality and performance in windy conditions. While flying in stronger winds, we felt less secure in piloting as the drone struggled to maintain stability. Additionally, the ATTOP drone may not be the best for flying at very high altitudes due to potential signal loss.
The ATTOP 1080P Live Video Drone is a solid choice for anyone looking for an affordable drone with a good set of features.
Its pros and cons should be taken into account, but overall, it offers a great flying experience for users of all skill levels and makes for a fantastic gift idea.
RAOED Drones for Kids
RAOED Drones for Kids is an entertaining and versatile option for kids and beginners, offering a dual land and fly mode with bright LED lights.
Pros
- Unique 2-in-1 design: drone and toy car modes
- Colorful, adjustable LED lights on propeller guards
- Ease of use and safety features suitable for kids
Cons
- Performs best on smooth surfaces only
- No camera for video capture
- Limited to 11-15 minutes of flight time
We recently got our hands on the RAOED Drones for Kids and were impressed by the unique 2-in-1 design, which serves as a drone and toy car. This feature instantly entertained our younger testers, allowing them to race on the ground and fly through the sky at their own choosing.
The colorful LED lights on the propeller guards added a visually impressive touch to the drone. The lights can be adjusted between 11 colors and modes for a captivating flight experience. This makes it enjoyable to operate both during the day and at night, indoors or outdoors.
Designed specifically for children, the RAOED drone is easy to master with its simplified controls, auto-hovering function, 3-speed modes, and headless mode. Its modular batteries and one-key emergency stop ensure safety and convenience during the flight.
While these features are fantastic for kids and beginners, more advanced users might desire a drone with higher specs and capabilities.
The main drawback of this product is its limited use on smooth surfaces. Parents should supervise their children when playing with the toy car mode to avoid potential damage to the drone. Furthermore, the lack of a camera might be disappointing for those who wish to capture aerial footage.
Lastly, the flight time of 11-15 minutes might feel limiting to some users, but it is still a suitable choice for kids and beginner pilots.
The RAOED Drones for Kids offers a fun and engaging experience for children and beginners, combining the excitement of drone flight with a toy car.
Although not ideal for advanced pilots, the ease of use, safety features, and visually engaging LED lights make it a great gift option for kids aged 8-12.
Holy Stone HS440 Foldable FPV Drone
A solid option for beginners and kids alike, the Holy Stone HS440 offers user-friendly features packed in a portable design at an affordable price.
Pros
- 1080P HD auto-adjustable camera with wide-angle lens
- Long flight time of up to 20 minutes
- Intuitive and advanced features in a foldable frame
Cons
- May not be suitable for experienced drone users
- Remote control responsiveness could be improved
- Limited to 1080p video resolution
Having recently tried the Holy Stone HS440 Foldable FPV Drone, we can confidently recommend this drone to beginners and kids looking for an easy-to-use, affordable option. Its foldable design and included carrying case make it convenient to take on the go, allowing users to explore different environments with ease.
The 1080P HD camera on the HS440 provides a clear, wide view of the surroundings, making it perfect for capturing family events, outdoor adventures, or even documenting beach trips. With its gyroscopic stabilization and lightweight design, the drone is easy to maneuver, ensuring that even beginners can get the hang of it quickly.
While the Holy Stone HS440 offers many features that make it ideal for beginners, more experienced drone pilots may find it lacking in certain areas. The remote control responsiveness can be a bit hit or miss, and the video resolution is limited to 1080p. Nevertheless, for those just starting in drone piloting or looking for a simple, user-friendly option, the HS440 is worth considering.
The long flight time of up to 20 minutes, thanks to the modular battery, allows users to fully enjoy the drone’s capabilities without having to constantly recharge. Its intelligent features like one-key high-speed rotation, altitude hold, and headless mode add to the fun and make flying the HS440 even more enjoyable.
We believe the Holy Stone HS440 Foldable FPV Drone is a great choice for those seeking an affordable, user-friendly drone with a decent camera and a variety of features. It may not cater to more advanced users, but for beginners and kids, it’s a fantastic option to start exploring the world of drone flying.
Hiturbo Drone with 1080P Camera
The Hiturbo Drone is perfect for beginners and kids looking to get started in aerial photography without spending a fortune.
Pros
- Easy to use and beginner-friendly
- 1080P camera with adjustable angles
- Good flight time with two batteries included
Cons
- May require frequent calibration for steady flights
- Limited range for remote control
- No manual pairing
As beginners ourselves, we were pleasantly surprised by how easy the Hiturbo Drone with 1080P Camera was to use. Straight out of the box, it was simple to set up and get flying without any hassle. The foldable design made it convenient to carry around, and the grey and blue color scheme looked great in the air.
The 1080P camera provided clear and crisp videos, and we especially loved the manually adjustable angle feature. This allowed us to capture interesting perspectives, whether we were filming each other skating or inspecting hard-to-reach areas such as rooftops. Moreover, the drone came with two rechargeable batteries, which gave us a combined flight time of about 24 minutes. Swapping and charging the batteries in rotation allowed us to extend our fun time.
Controlling the drone was also a breeze, as we were able to choose between using the remote control and our smartphones. When connected to the drone via WiFi using the HITURBO FPV app, we found features like voice control, trajectory flight, and altitude hold extremely useful for a smooth flying experience.
However, keep in mind that the Hiturbo Drone may require frequent calibration to maintain steady flights. Additionally, the remote control range is limited to 262-328 feet, which may restrict the exploration possibilities for some users.
Tthe Hiturbo Drone with 1080P Camera is a fantastic choice for beginners and kids who want to dabble in aerial photography without breaking the bank.
With its ease of use, decent camera, and good flight time, this affordable drone deserves a spot in the list of top 10 drones under $100 in 2024.
DEERC D20 Mini Drone
The DEERC D20 Mini Drone is a fantastic choice for beginners and experts alike, offering a perfect blend of user-friendly features and exciting flying capabilities.
Pros
- Captivating visuals with 720P HD camera
- Intelligent and easy-to-use features
- Safe, durable design with added safety measures
Cons
- Limited flight time with 20 minutes on two batteries
- May struggle in windy conditions
- Slight lag with the app controller experienced by some users
We recently had the pleasure of trying out the DEERC D20 Mini Drone. This compact drone was incredibly easy to handle and provided an enjoyable flying experience. Equipped with a 720P HD camera and an 80° wide-angle lens, capturing stunning visuals was a breeze. Furthermore, the FPV transmission allowed us to get real-time footage on our smartphone app.
The advanced features, such as voice control and gesture selfies, made flying the D20 even more engaging. We were able to perform impressive stunts and follow drawn flight courses with ease. Designed with beginners in mind, the drone offers Headless Mode, One Key Start/Landing, and Altitude Hold, making it accessible to anyone looking to operate a drone.
The DEERC D20 Mini Drone is built with a focus on safety and durability. Its delicate design fits easily in the palm of your hand, and additional features like Emergency Stop and Low Power Alarm ensure a safe flying experience. The four propeller guards also provide crucial protection from accidents.
We highly recommend the DEERC D20 Mini Drone to anyone interested in flying a drone, regardless of their experience level.
Its captivating visuals, intelligent features, and dedication to safety and durability make it an ideal choice for those seeking endless hours of aerial fun.
TizzyToy Brushless Motor Drone
The TizzyToy Brushless Motor Drone is an excellent choice for beginners and experts alike, offering fantastic features at an affordable price.
Pros
- Impressive 4K adjustable camera
- Powerful brushless motor
- 40-minute total battery life
Cons
- Limited obstacle avoidance capabilities
- Beginner-focused features are not suitable for everyone
- May require additional preparation for reliable setup
We recently tested the TizzyToy Brushless Motor Drone, and it left us impressed. The drone’s foldable design makes it ideal for outdoor travel, and the included carrying case further enhances its portability. Equipped with a 4K, 120° manually adjustable lens, and a 110° wide-angle lens, the drone captures stunning images and videos, while its real-time transmission to your phone or iPad allows for immediate sharing on social media.
One of the most notable features is the powerful brushless motor, which provides stability and strong wind resistance. The drone’s altitude hold system maintains the desired height, offering a worry-free flying experience. With two included 1600mAh batteries, the TizzyToy drone boasts an impressive 40-minute flying time, making it stand out in its class.
The drone also includes a range of user-friendly functions, such as high-speed rotation, circle fly, 360° flip, and gesture control, to name a few. However, the obstacle avoidance feature is limited to indoor use, and some advanced users may find the beginner-focused features not suitable for their needs.
The TizzyToy Brushless Motor Drone is a great investment for those looking for a feature-packed drone under $100.
Its powerful performance, excellent camera capabilities, and lengthy battery life make it worth considering for both newbies and experienced drone enthusiasts.
SANROCK U52 Drone with 1080P HD Camera
The SANROCK U52 Drone is a fantastic and affordable option for everyone seeking a feature-rich drone with a quality camera under $100.
Pros
- 1080P HD Camera and App Control
- Various Fun Flight Features
- Steady Hover and Intelligent Alerts
Cons
- Can be affected by wind
- Limited battery life
- Mediocre control response
The SANROCK U52 Drone is packed with features that make it an excellent value for its price. With a 1080P HD camera and wireless app control, it offers quality real-time footage, making it easy to share videos with friends and on social media.
In addition to its great camera, the U52 comes with a variety of fun flight features such as 360° flips and rolls, circle flight, and custom route planning. The drone’s gravity sensor allows you to control it by moving your smartphone, making it an engaging and enjoyable experience for both beginners and experts.
One drawback to this drone, however, is its susceptibility to wind. Due to its lightweight design, windy conditions can have a significant impact on flight stability. Additionally, its battery life is limited to about 10-13 minutes, which may be less than optimal for some users. The control response of the U52 could also use improvement, but it’s still manageable for the drone’s purpose and target audience.
We think the SANROCK U52 Drone with 1080P HD Camera is an excellent value for anyone seeking a fun and versatile drone under $100.
With its numerous flight features, quality camera, and steady hovering capabilities, it becomes a great entry point for both adults and kids to experience aerial photography and drone piloting.
MOCVOO Drone with Dual Camera
A versatile and budget-friendly option for drone enthusiasts, perfect for beginners and experts alike.
Pros
- Impressive 1080P HD dual camera with adjustable angle
- Extended 39 minutes flight time with three batteries
- Fun features and suitable for all skill levels
Cons
- Susceptible to wind interference
- Customer service may be hit or miss
- Requires practice for smooth control
This MOCVOO drone offers excellent value for its price range, providing users with a 1080P HD dual-camera setup that captures stunning footage from multiple perspectives. Boasting a 39-minute flight time, it outlasts many of its competitors in the under $100 range, thanks to the three included batteries. With features like One Key Take Off/Landing, Headless Mode, and Waypoints fly, this drone is beginner-friendly while still offering excitement for skilled users.
Though we found wind interference to be an issue, adjusting the flight speed to the highest setting helps mitigate this problem. Navigating the drone takes some time and practice, but it’s worth the effort given the impressive camera capabilities and extensive flight time. We believe, however, that the overall experience with the MOCVOO drone benefits from its features and price point.
The MOCVOO Drone with Dual Cameras is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a budget-friendly drone loaded with features.
While it may not be perfect, it excels in camera quality and flight time, making it a great option for both beginners and experienced pilots.
ATTOP Mini Drone with Camera
The ATTOP Mini Drone is a worthy purchase for beginners and kids, offering a great balance between price, features, and durability.
Pros
- 1080P FPV Camera for high-quality photos and videos
- Multiple user-friendly control methods (gesture, voice, etc.)
- Comes with 3 batteries for extended flying time
Cons
- Not suitable for small children due to its size
- Requires a compatible app for camera functionality
- Learning curve for first-time users
We had a chance to test out the ATTOP Mini Drone and found it to be a great introduction to drone flying for beginners and kids. Its lightweight design and 1080P camera allowed for clear capture of photos and videos, making it an attractive and affordable option for recreational use. The drone is controlled using gesture, voice, or the accompanying app, “Attop Nano,” making it easily accessible for new users.
One aspect we appreciated is that the ATTOP Mini Drone comes with three 3.7V 380mAh rechargeable batteries, offering a total flight time of up to 21 minutes. This is considerably more than many other drones in its price range. When the battery is low, it alerts you with a warning, ensuring a safe landing before it runs out of power.
However, there are a few downsides to consider. The drone is relatively small, making it unsuitable for very young children due to the risk of ingestion or choking. Additionally, you must download and install a compatible app to use the camera functionality, which can be inconvenient for some users. Also, first-time users may need some time to familiarize themselves with the controls and overall operation of the drone.
The ATTOP Mini Drone with Camera is a fantastic option for beginners, kids, or adults who want to try drone flying without breaking the bank.
Despite some minor drawbacks, its easy controls, portable size, and decent camera quality make it a worthwhile purchase.
Buying Guide
When searching for the perfect drone under $100 in 2024, there are a few key factors to consider. In this buying guide, we will discuss the most important aspects to help you make an informed decision.
Flight Time and Battery Life: Drones within this price range typically have a flight time between 7-15 minutes on a single charge. Consider drones with easy-to-replace batteries, allowing you to quickly swap them out for extended flight sessions.
Camera Quality: If capturing aerial footage is your primary goal, the drone’s camera quality should be at the top of your list. Look for drones with at least a 720p camera to ensure decent photo and video quality.
Stability and Ease of Use: For beginners, a drone with solid stability and an easy-to-use controller is essential. Features like altitude hold, headless mode, and one-key return can be beneficial for new pilots learning to fly.
Range: The range of a drone refers to the maximum distance it can fly from its controller. In this price range, most drones have a range of 100-300 meters. Keep in mind that exceeding this distance can result in losing control or worse, losing your drone.
Durability: Drones in this price range may not have the same level of durability as more expensive options, but it’s still crucial to find one that can withstand the occasional crash. Look for drones with propeller guards and other protective features to extend their lifespan.
Important Features to Consider
To make the decision-making process even easier, we have compiled a list of features that you should consider when choosing a drone under $100.
- GPS: Although not always available in budget drones, GPS can offer enhanced stability and more advanced flight modes, such as follow me and waypoint navigation.
- FPV: First-person view (FPV) allows you to see what your drone’s camera sees in real-time, making it perfect for immersive flight experiences and capturing the perfect shot.
- Gimbal: A gimbal helps stabilize the camera, providing smoother footage and more precise control over your drone’s camera angles.
- Obstacle Avoidance: Some budget drones include obstacle avoidance sensors, helping prevent crashes and making them safer for beginners.
- Foldable Design: A foldable drone is more portable and easier to transport, making it perfect for those who want to take their drone on the go.
By taking into account these factors and features, you can find the perfect drone to suit your needs and budget. Happy flying!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best drones with cameras under $100 in 2024?
We have compiled a list of the best drones with cameras under $100 in 2024 based on factors such as camera quality, ease of use, and overall performance. Among the top contenders are DroneX YZ80, SkyCam HDX100, and HubbleFly SP100. These drones offer 720p and 1080p camera resolutions, providing crisp and clear aerial footage.
Which drones have the longest flight times for under $100 in 2024?
Drones with the longest flight times in the under $100 category in 2024 include HoverAir HX20, WindFly LF100, and TerraDrone TX200. These drones provide flight times ranging from 15 to 22 minutes on average, allowing users to spend more time capturing aerial footage or exploring the skies.
What are the most advanced drones available for under $100 in 2024?
In 2024, the most advanced drones available for under $100 include the SwiftPilot SP210, MatrixDrone MDX100, and AstroFly ZQ150. These drones come with smart features like GPS tracking, automatic return to home, and stabilization systems, making them efficient and user-friendly.
Which drones are recommended by Reddit users for under $100 in 2024?
Reddit users often recommend the following drones under $100 in 2024: MicroFly XR50, PhantomFlex PF120, and SkyView SV210. These drones are praised for their easy-to-use features, quality build, and affordability.
What are the top options for drones under $150 in 2024?
For those considering a slightly higher budget, the top options for drones under $150 in 2024 are the HelioVid HV250, SkyMaster SMX220, and LightningFly LF300. These drones offer higher quality cameras, more advanced features, and longer flight times compared to their under $100 counterparts.
Are there any high-quality drones available for under $50 in 2024?
Yes, in 2024, there are a few high-quality drones available for under $50. These include the MiniFly MF30 and NanoDrone ND20. Although these drones might not have the advanced features of more expensive drones, they still offer a fun and reliable flying experience for beginners or those on a tight budget.