Best drones under 500
If you’re a photography enthusiast, you might have come across aerial view photography with the help of drones. Be it a professional or a beginner, you should accept that owning a drone is cool!. At the beginning of the RC drone era of late 2016, Drones were either pricy with basic features or low cost which didn’t have much use and were regarded as just flying toys. Due to the technological improvement and ever since the competition has become a lot harder, it is easy to buy the best drones under $500 with amazing features.
How can you know the best drone on the market? Because you don’t want to put in all your life savings and end up with flying disappointment. And if you crash your highly expensive drone, you can kiss your hard-earned cash goodbye. But don’t worry. We’ve put together for you the list of best drones under $500 of 2021. After various extensive research and going through various user reviews these are our results.
The list of best drones under $500:
- DJI Mavic mini
- DJI spark
- Hubsan Zino pro
- Holystone HS720
- Altair Outlaw SE
- Potensic 4K Dreamer
- Ruko F11 Pro
- Force1 F100GP
[amazon table="2570"]
1. DJI Mavic Mini
| Camera | 12MP, 2.7K |
| Flight Time | 30 mins |
| Dimension | 5.5×3.2×2.2 in |
| Price | $$ (Amazon) |
| Recommendation meter | 5 |
No wonder DJI is the leading brand in the drone industry. With its featherweight (250 gms) which is equivalent to an average smartphone, DJI Mavic mini, it has created a revolution in the RC drone industry. Due to it's lightweight, you can fly in Canada and the US without getting aviation permission. It can stay much longer in the air due to its lightweight design and you can enjoy the flight time for about 30 minutes when fully charged which is an unbeatable flight time for this price range.
But for this price range, you would expect a camera with 4K resolution, but Mavic mini is provided with 12MP camera for still photos and 2.7K resolution for video transmission which is still pretty good compared to others. To top that it is also mounted with a 3-axis motorized gimbal which results in a steady camera movement and Super smooth video footage. You can connect the DJI Fly app with your mobile (iOS Version 10.0 Android Version 6 above) and can experience the aviation experience in your hands.
Some of the notable special features are
- DJI Geofencing
- Visual positioning system
- Obstacle sensors
- ReturnToHome (RTH) feature
Why we chose this drone:
- Easy to fly
- Design is compact and lightweigh
- Excellent battery time
Things to note:
- This drone doesn’t have spare batteries with package
Bestseller (lists)
DJI Mavic Mini - Drone FlyCam Quadcopter UAV with 2.7K Camera 3-Axis Gimbal GPS 30min Flight Time, less than 0.55lbs, Gray Everything Else
- The compact yet powerful Mavic Mini camera drone is the perfect creative companion, capturing your moments in a way that effortlessly elevates the ordinary
- Weighing less than 0.55lbs / 250 grams, Mavic Mini is almost as light as the average smartphone. In the United States and Canada, you can fly this camera drone without the need to register your drone with the government
- Mavic Mini supports 12MP aerial photos and 2.7K HD videos. A 3-axis motorized gimbal provides superior c... Read More
2. DJI Spark:
| Camera | 12MP, 1080pi |
| Flight Time | 16 mins |
| Dimension | 10.2 x 8.5 x 6.61 in |
| Price | $$ |
| Recommendation meter | 5 |
When first launched, The DJI Mavic Spark gained everyone’s attention. With its irresistible look and Ultra-compact design, it had become the talk of the town. With the camera of 12MP for still photos and 1080pi video quality at 30FPS, it had become the favourite drone for beginner level aerial photographers. It is also mounted with 2-axis stabilized gimbal, you can take stable photos and videos anywhere.
The Video gesture feature and TapFly control are some of the added advantages for this little UAV. And if you are a newbie and are worried about controls, it is embedded with Obstacle detention and subject tracking which is a very useful feature. The top speed is 31mph and the control range is up to 1.2 miles. But unlike Mavic mini which has a flight time of about 30minues, it has only 16 minutes flight time. So prepare your shooting schedule.
Some of the notable special features are
- TapFly
- ActiveTrack
- Gesture control
Why we chose this drone:
- Travel friendly
- Lightweight and compact design
- Quality camera
- FPV aviation
Things to note:
- Average flight time
- Can't fly in windy weather
Bestseller (lists)
DJI Spark with Remote Control Combo (White) Toys & Games
- DJI spark remote control Combo includes remote controller and standard spark accessory Kit (see details below)
- 2-Axis Stabilized Gimbal Camera 12MP Still Photos/ 1080P/30 Video gesture and Tap Fly control
- Flight autonomy with obstacle detection subject tracking from various angles GPS- & vision position-based navigation
- Top speed of 31 mph in sport mode up to 16 minutes flying time
- Up to 1. 2 mile control range control, edit, share with DJI go app... Read More
3. Hubsan Zino pro
| Camera | Full HD, 4K |
| Flight Time | 23 mins |
| Dimension | 10.51 x 8.94 x 7.09 in |
| Price | $$ |
| Recommendation meter | 5 |
Hubsan has always been the brand to go for budget customers. So their newcomer Hubsan Zino pro is a winner. If you are an aspiring photographer/cinematographer and want to excel in drone photography this Hubsan Zino pro is a recommended choice. It has a 3-axis gimbal and is capable of taking 4K UHD video footage at amazing clarity. What makes the camera of this drone exceptional is that it has a removable lens and you can also equip wi filters.
The flight time is 23 minutes which is a reasonable bargain. The flight distance extends for 4Kms so you can have smooth coverage from distance.
Some of the significant special features are:
- 4K panoramic shot- The rotation angle ranges from 90-360 degrees.
- Accurate GPS and 5g WiFi
- Four flight modes: Line fly mode, orbit mode, headless mode, Waypoints. Why we chose this drone:
Why we chose this drone:
- RTH feature
- 5G WiFi and 1Km FPV coverage
- Removable lens and filters
Things to note:
- The transmitter quality is poor
- Doesn’t have obstacle sensors
Bestseller (lists)
HUBSAN Zino Pro Drone with 4K UHD Camera 3-Axis Gimbal FPV RC Quadcopter, 4KM 5G WiFi Transmission Brushless Motor GPS Return to Home Foldable Arm RTF Electronics
- Hubsan Zino Pro drone equipped with 4K Ultra HD camera mounted on a 3-axis gimbal camera stabilizer that offers smooth and stable footage.
- Up to 4KM video transmission; With brushless motor; Max flight time (no wind): 23 minutes. Auto Return to Home: One-button RTH / Low Batery RTH / Failsafe RTH
- Detachable Filter: it allows you more leeway in selecting an aperture and shutter speed by preventing overexposure and gives you more creative control over your shots.
- Func... Read More
4. Holystone HS720
| Camera | 4K UHD |
| Flight Time | 26 mins |
| Dimension | 14.37 x 13.19 x 2.4 iin |
| Price | $$ |
| Recommendation meter | 5 |
For the past few years, the HolyStone company has earned its place in the drone industry. The HolyStone HS720 adds to its reputation. The camera quality is 4K UHD which comes with Image Stabilization and also has Shock absorption holder which helps to shoot high-resolution clarity images and videos without vibration. The fascinating feature is its GPS Assisted intelligent Flight. It has RTH feature and battery charge detection which allows returning to its original destination when the battery is low.
Another notable feature is that it has a brushless motor which helps for a more efficient aerodynamic aviation. The design is pretty handy and easily portable. And it also comes with a carrying bag. And the excellent advantage is its flight time which is 26 minutes. For this price range, no other drone offers these specifications. Even DJI might be a little expensive. The controller is user friendly and has a range of 2.4 GHz which can reach 3000 feet.
Why we chose this drone:
- Excellent casing
- User-friendly controller
- GPS Assisted Intelligent Flight
- Flight time is excellent
Things to note:
- The RTH feature needs improvisation
- Poor camera quality
Bestseller (lists)
Holy Stone HS720 Foldable GPS Drone with 4K UHD Camera for Adults, Quadcopter with Brushless Motor, Auto Return Home, Follow Me, 26 Minutes Flight Time, Long Control Range, Includes Carrying Bag Toys & Games
- 4K UHD Camera with Image Stabilization: The optimized full HD Camera built with Shock Absorption holder ensures shooting 3840 x 2160 high resolution images and videos without camera vibration. 5GHz FPV transmission and 90°adjustable lens enables you to see the word from different angle.
- GPS Assisted Intelligent Flight: Never lose the drone. It returns automatically whenever battery is low, signal is lost or you press one key return. Also, it is so smart to fly at your will, followi... Read More
5. Altair Outlaw SE
| Camera | 1080 HD |
| Flight Time | 20 mins |
| Dimension | 16.4 x 12 x 5.3 in |
| Price | $$ |
| Recommendation meter | 5 |
The Altair Aerial has given some of the best budget drones in recent times. The Altair Outlaw is the latest addition to the list of the best drones under 500$. The camera is capable of taking high-resolution photos and videos and also comes with a first-person view. The drone has an excellent package and is highly compact. This drone is sure to provide a lot of fun for any drone beginners.
One thing to be noted before buying them is that it has a flight range of 600meters which is pretty low when compared to other drones on the list.
Some of the significant special features are:
- Altitude Hold
- Headless Mode
- One-Touch Takeoff and Landing
- Point of Interest Mode
- Follow Me Mode
- Fail-Safe Return Home
- GPS Return Home Functionality
Why we chose this drone:
- Best for beginners
- Good camera quality
- Excellent flight time
- User-friendly controls
Things to note:
- Low flight range (600meters)
- Heavier than other drones (3.12 pound)
Bestseller (lists)
Altair Outlaw GPS Drone with Camera & Live Video, 1080p Return Home, WiFi Long Range & Long Flight Time RC FPV Quadcopter, Remote Control GPS Drone For Beginners Kids & Adult Pilots Electronics
- CAMERA DRONE FOR ADULTS: Top Notch drone Photography with 1080p sharp HD video in first person view and high resolution photos with barometer altitude hold.
- GPS DRONE: Cover incredible distance with this GPS capable drone up to 1000-1500 Meters and Wi-Fi video distance up to 500 Meters.
- RETURN HOME: Tired of losing your drone this custom MJX Bugs2 has three return home functions built in one touch return, low power return, and lost contact automatic return.
- PROFESSI... Read More
6. Potensic 4K Dreamer
| Camera | 13MP, 4K |
| Flight Time | 30 mins |
| Dimension | 14.5 x 13.5 x 7.4 in |
| Price | $$ |
| Recommendation meter | 5 |
If you’re looking for a drone that doesn’t compromise on stability and flight time, then look no further. Potensic 4K Dreamer is the best user-friendly drone at this price. The 13MP camera has auto-exposure function powered by the Sony sensor is capable of shooting high-quality photos and videos with better photosensitivity and colour fidelity.
The drone is simple to install and doesn’t need second-time calibration but please make sure that you’ve installed correctly. If you are planning to take photos for a long time, this drone comes with a 31-minute flight charge which is a deal-breaker. And the remote control is equipped for holding your smartphones from 97-178 cm for a different size. If you ever lose this drone, you don’t have to worry. The Protensic Pro app helps you to navigate your lost drone to its last checkpoint.
Some of the significant special features are:
- FollowMe feature
- Circle flight
- Waypoint flight
Why we chose this drone:
- Budget-friendly
- ProtensicPro app helps find the lost drone.
- Higher flight time
Things to note:
- Overweight (4.99 pounds)
Bestseller (lists)
Potensic Dreamer Drone with Camera for Adults 4K 31Mins Flight, GPS Quadcopter with Brushless Motors, Auto Return, 5.8G WiFi FPV Transmission, Long Control Range Flycam, Easy for Beginner and Expert Toys & Games
- [4K CAMERA WITH SONY SENSOR, CLEAR IMAGE, SMOOTH VIDEO]: -Built-in powerful 1/3 CMO Sony sensor with auto-exposure function, Potensic Dreamer allow you to take 3840 x 2160 photos, and clearly restore the shooting scene with 4k images. The anti-shake ball is designed to reduce vibration and ensures clear and ultra-smooth footage. Record more details of your daily life and make the video more smooth and delicate.
- [31MIN EXTENDED PLAYTIME]: -Thanks to the integration of 3000 mAh 4S smart ... Read More
7. Ruko F11 Pro
| Camera | 4K UHD, 2.9K video |
| Flight Time | 30 mins |
| Dimension | 6.9 x 4.1 x 3.15 in |
| Price | $$ |
| Recommendation meter | 5 |
If you are looking for drones like DJI Mavic but couldn’t afford it? Well then Ruko F11 Pro is the suitable replacement for the Mavic family with an affordable price. It comes with 4K UHD photo quality and 2.9 video which results in stunning photos and videos. It’s the best drone under $500 who likes to take scenic photography and videos.
If you are a professional photographer and think that 30 minutes flight time is not enough, the package comes with one extended battery which extends your flight time for 60 minutes. The drone is capable of video transmission of 300-500 meters and with the advanced GPS controls, you can receive stable and clear images and videos. This drone is highly recommended for beginners who want a hassle-free flight experience.
Some of the significant special features are:
- 3-speed mode
- Adjustable camera
- RTH feature
- One key takeoff/landing
- Intelligent flight mode
Why we chose this drone:
- Best camera quality
- Extra flight time (1 extra battery provided)
Things to note:
- No propeller guard
- 500 meters image transmission range is less.
Bestseller (lists)
Ruko F11 Pro Drones with Camera for Adults 4K UHD Camera Live Video 30 Mins Flight Time with GPS Return Home Brushless Motor-Black（with Carrying Case） Toys & Games
- 【 】Experience splendid 4k Ultra HD picture quality and 2.9k video for stunning clarity,high contrast, vivid colors. Bring amazing view sight. The camera with a °FOV lens and °adjustable camera gives a broad view of your memorable moment.
- 【3 】Equipped with upgraded 2500mAh intelligent battery provides up to 30 minutes flight time, gives you more ... Read More
8. Force1 F100GP
| Camera | 1080 HD |
| Flight Time | 30 mins |
| Dimension | 16.6 x 13.3 x 6.1 in |
| Price | $$ |
| Recommendation meter | 5 |
If you are looking for kids or beginner level drones then Force F100 is a great choice. It is a great drone for people who are new to drone handling and is highly affordable. The camera provided is capable of taking HD 1080 resolution photos and videos for recording memorable moments.
You can choose your own ghost shell since it comes with three colours of shell. It includes a GoPro camera mount, so it could be utilized by experts simply breaking into aeronautical photography. The Ghost Drone additionally has its own camera, which is nothing to sniff at. It's a separable 1080p HD camera that could work consummately for those hoping to make great airborne efforts without using up every last cent.
The F100GP Ghost Drone accompanies an amazingly long flight time—at 30 minutes, it prevails over a few different automatons at this value point for one of the longest battery lives out there. It likewise has brushless engines, which make for a calm, smooth flight, and furthermore assist you with keeping up more exact control, and also expands battery life.
Reasons to buy:
- Highly affordable
- 360 flip
Things to note:
- Camera quality can be improved.
Bestseller (lists)
Force1 F100GP Drone with Camera for Adults - GoPro Compatible RC Drone with 1080p HD Video Drone Camera Long Range Brushless Quadcopter with Remote Control, 2 Drone Batteries, 3 Drone Shells Toys & Games
- GoPro Compatible Camera Drone for Adults: The F100GP RC drone is built for adventure with a 1080p HD action camera and GoPro action camera mount compatible with GoPro Heroes 3 and 4; expertly capture HD photos and video footage with this drone for GoPro
- High-Powered Brushless Drone Motors: Tougher, more powerful brushless motors give you a long flight range of up to 500 meters; this drone with 30 minutes long flight time races in 2 speeds and includes 3 swappable RC drone shells (white... Read More