ErinLooking for the best drones under 200 dollars? Look no further!
Who doesn’t want a drone these days? People of all ages love these awesome pieces of technology. They are fun to fly and can take great pictures – there are even toy drones for kids.
In the past, these devices were expensive. Luckily, you no longer have to break the bank to get a decent quadcopter. They are more affordable than ever before.
There are, of course, plenty of poor quality, cheaply-made drones on the market. To protect your investments, we’ve done the research and made your buying decision much easier.
Top 12 Drones Under 200 Dollars
In this guide, we’re going to be presenting the top quadcopters under 200 dollars. We’ll also be telling you everything you should look for when buying drones under $200.
[amazon box=”B07GTJ31ZM,B07JK4BNLQ,B07TW59T86,B075RFWDN7,B07CSG9R72,B07L3QQQY1,B076VRF9GW,B07GZZT6TS,B015YGGO0E,B0751GHH8N,B07GYZCXNZ,B076VV1TRP” template=”table”]These are the Top Drones Under $200:
- Holy Stone HS120D Drone
- Potensic D80 GPS Drone
- Teegi MJX Bugs 5W Drone
- Altair 818 Hornet Drone
- Potensic T25 GPS Drone
- Holy Stone HS110G Drone
- Hubsan X4 H501S Pro
- Force1 Brushless Motor GoPro Drone
- Syma X8G Quadcopter
- Altair #AA108 Camera Drone
- Force1 U49WF Drone
- Altair Aerial Blackhawk Drone
Holy Stone HS120D Drone
The Holy Stone HS120D offers a lot of bang for your buck. This FPV quadcopter under 200 dollars is packed full of neat features.
Holy Stone HS120D Features:
- 18 minute maximum flight time
- 1080p full HD camera with a 120° wide-angle lens
- GPS that can follow and track the user
- FPV live video feed
- TapFly via the app on your phone
- 300M maximum range
- One key for takeoff and landing
Pros:
- It has a relatively long flight time and range.
- It offers an easy user experience and is great for beginners.
- The camera takes high-quality pictures.
- The mobile app makes it easy for users to get the most out of its features.
Cons:
- It doesn’t come with a bonus battery. We recommend purchasing this separately as this will allow you to fly again before having to charge your battery.
- The app doesn’t work across all devices. Users have reported issues with the app not being compatible with certain Android devices. It is worth seeing how the app works on your phone before purchasing the Holy Stone HS120D.
Verdict
Looking for a reliable quadcopter under 200 dollars? The Holy Stone HS120D is the perfect option for kids or anyone new to drones. For one, it is very easy to fly thanks to its GPS capabilities. It can automatically return home when the battery is low, or the signal is weak or lost.
This option is also great because of the fun users can get out of it. The high-quality camera takes amazing pictures, which you can send directly to your phone. You can turn on the Follow Me mode to free your hands and have the drone track your movements. With the app, you can use Tapfly to draw a path that your drone will follow.
So, if you want one of the best drones under 200 that is both fun and easy for anyone to use, check out the Holy Stone HS120D on Amazon.
Potensic D80 GPS Drone
The Potensic D80 GPS is a popular choice among many different consumers. It’s easily one of our top recommendations for the best GPS drones under 200 dollars.
Potensic D80 GPS Drone Features:
- 1080p HD camera with live video
- Brushless motors
- 1800mAh lithium battery
- 20 minute maximum flight time
- GPS return home capabilities
- 600M flying range
- 5GHz WiFi
Pros:
- The brushless motors are strong yet low power. Because they are so efficient, they can sustain a longer flight time. These also allow the quadcopter to operate quietly.
- The strong WiFi connection allows the user to transmit high-quality footage in real-time. The connection is smooth and latency-free.
- The accurate GPS capabilities help ensure that your device won’t be damaged or lost.
Cons:
- The device does not come with prop guards.
- The directions it comes with are not very clear.
Verdict
Users often describe the Potensic D80 GPS as the next step up for beginners. It allows one to go on more daring ventures because of the strong brushless motors. It can stand colder, windier weather and reach speeds of up to 25 mph.
Available for purchase on Amazon, the Potensic D80 GPS is a great choice for those looking for a little more versatility.
Teegi MJX Bugs 5W Drone
The Teegi MJX Bugs 5W is #3 on our list of top drones under 200 dollars. It possesses many of the same features as the previous two options. However, we’re going to be focusing on the unique elements that set this one apart.
Teegi MJX Bugs 5W Features:
- Point of interest tracker
- 6 luminous LED lights
- Modular battery promotes safety of charging and storing
- Anti-interference, two-way 2.4GHz radio technology
- 4 undercarriages that create an anti-break structure
- Double alarm system (alerts user of weak signal and low power)
- Mechanical gimbal stabilization
Pros:
- The mechanical gimbal stabilization allows for high-quality pictures and videos.
- Motor protection capabilities allow the drone to fly in varying conditions.
- GPS is accurate and enables many cool features. Users can use Follow Me, point of interest tracking, takeoff and landing features, etc.
Cons:
- The flight time is relatively short at a maximum of 15 minutes. The mechanical gimbal stabilization uses a lot of power, thus limiting the amount of time the quadcopter can be in the air.
Verdict
This option is ideal for those on a budget looking for a reliable device. It is durable and can withstand the elements. The luminous LED lights make it perfect for night adventures.
While great for intermediate flyers, the multiple safety features make this a suitable option for even novices. If you think the Teegi MJX Bugs 5W might be for you, check out the most recent price on Amazon.
Altair 818 Hornet Drone
The Altair 818 Hornet is the perfect starter kit for beginners of all ages. It’s one of our top picks for the best drone for the price under $200.
Altair 818 Hornet Features:
- 15 minute maximum flight time
- 2 batteries included
- 720p HD camera with a 120° wide lens
- 150M maximum flight range
- Stability features
- Single-touch takeoff and landing
- Ability to hold a certain altitude
- Headless mode
Pros:
- It is good for both indoor and outdoor use. This flexibility allows users to enjoy it wherever they may be.
- It comes with multiple easy-to-fly features. The pilot assistance systems make it easy for anyone to use.
- You can stream the camera to your phone, tablet, or FPV headset.
Cons:
- It does not have GPS capabilities, meaning that beginners shouldn’t take it too far from the launch point.
Verdict
Even if you are completely new to drones, the Altair 818 Hornet has got you covered! You can easily fly and take pictures without having to worry about complicated controls. Check out the price on Amazon.
Potensic T25 GPS Drone
Another device from Potensic, the T25 GPS model is an option favored by many.
Potensic T25 GPS Features:
- One key takeoff and landing
- Headless mode
- Automatic return when the device is experiencing low power, signal loss, etc.
- 1080p HD camera with a 90° adjustable angle and built-in WiFi
- Range of up to 300M
Pros:
- The Follow Me feature allows users to record themselves hands-free.
- It has a 3D VR function, making it possible to experience flight from the “pilot” seat.
- The Return Home function sends the drone home to prevent it from getting damaged or lost.
Cons:
- It does not come with an SD card.
Verdict
Although many of the options on this list come with GPS, it is worth mentioning the significance of this. Drones under $200 that feature accurate GPS are rare.
The GPS incorporated into the Potensic T25 is great for flyers of all experience levels. It allows an adventurous experience without the worry of losing the quadcopter. Check out the most recent price for the Potensic T25 GPS on Amazon.
Holy Stone HS110G
The Holy Stone HS110G is another great budget-friendly option for beginners.
Holy Stone HS110G Features:
- 1080p HD camera with a 110° field of view
- GPS that allows for auto-return
- 13 minute maximum flight time
- Follow Me
- The app allows you to map its route
- Headless mode
- Altitude hold
Pros:
- It captures better quality pictures.
- It boasts a wider angle than the typical drone camera.
- It’s easy to operate for everyone, even newbies.
Cons:
- It has a shorter-than-average flight time.
Verdict
The Holy Stone HS110G could not be easier to operate with functions such as simple press. If you are a beginner or looking for a gift for your young child, check out the Holy Stone HS110G on Amazon!
Hubsan X4 H501S Pro
Looking for a more professional approach to flying drones? The Hubsan X4 H501S Pro might be for you.
Hubsan X4 H501S Pro Features:
- 1080p HD camera
- Brushless motor
- Maximum flight radius of 400M
- Transmission of wireless video—maximum distance of 400M
- 20 minute maximum flight time
Pros:
- Effortlessly streams high-quality footage with the HD camera.
- Advanced GPS capabilities allow you to complete accurate flights.
- Brushless motors allow for quiet flights.
Cons:
- The design is relatively bulky.
Verdict
The Hubsan X4 H501S Pro is a very reliable device. It hits all the marks from good camera quality to decent flight time and range. Most notably, it is a strong contender for the best quadcopter with an HD camera under 200. Check out the Hubsan X4 H501S Pro on Amazon if you’re seeking a professional-grade model.
Force1 Brushless Motor GoPro Drone
The Force1 Brushless Motor can take your GoPro game to the next level.
Force1 Brushless Motor GoPro Features:
- Brushless motors
- 500M maximum flight distance
- 2 rechargeable batteries, each with a 15 minute maximum flight time
- Comes with quality assurance
- Spare motor blades
- 3 F100GP white, blue, or black ghost shells
Pros:
- It comes with a built-in 1080p HD camera. It also has a mount for your own GoPro Hero 3 or 4.
- The relatively long flight time allows you to have longer photoshoots.
Cons:
- You can only view the footage after your flight.
Verdict
The Force1 Brushless Motor GoPro (available on Amazon) is perfect for capturing action shots. Compatible with GoPros, this drone is perfect for adventurers.
Syma X8G Quadcopter
Syma X8G delivers powerful performance and a superb value for its affordable price.
Syma X8G Features:
- Comes with removable 8MP HD camera that supports 720p and 1080p HD MOV video
- Holding case can accommodate a GoPro action camera
- 6 AXIS GYRO features the latest 6-axis flight control and 3D lock
- 360° one key roll
Pros:
- Stunning performances and continuous rolls are possible with the 360° capabilities.
- You can capture great footage thanks to the stability features.
Cons:
- It is relatively light and not as durable as other models.
Verdict
The Syma X8G is perfect for getting awesome footage and showing off for your friends. Check it out on Amazon for the latest price.
Altair #AA108 Camera Drone
Last but not least is the Altair #AA108. This is one of our cheapest recommendations, yet it still offers great quality.
Altair #AA108 Features:
- 3 flight modes
- 720p HD camera
- Take photos and videos in real-time
- Alarm and advanced remote control technology
- Comes with 2 batteries
Pros:
- It is easy to fly both indoors and outdoors.
- You don’t need a smartphone to use it.
Cons:
- It only has a 10 minute maximum flight time.
Verdict
If you are looking for a gift for someone wanting to try a drone, the Altair #AA108 (available on Amazon) is your go-to to introduce them to the basics.
Force1 U49WF Drone
The Force1 is a cheap drone with camera, altitude hold, and one-key takeoff and landing. It is as easy to fly as a push of a button and is a great start for beginners and novice pilots. Its three speed flight system make for a fast learning curve.
This lightweight portable drone can hit flight ranges of 492ft, and lasts 12-15 minutes in the air. The camera is 720p HD, giving you crisp images and video. To further sweeten the deal, its two 7.4V 1000mAh batteries can enable you to reach flight times of 25 minutes.
Force 1 U49WF Features:
- Maximum flight distances of 492 feet
- 120° wide-angle 720p HD camera
- 2.4Ghz remote controller
- USB charger cable
- Micro USB cable
- 4 extra propellers
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Long range
- Lengthy flight times compared to drones of its category
Cons:
- No GPS
Verdict
The Force1 U49WF drone is one of the best cheap drones under $200 with a camera out there. Its lightweight, comes with 4 extra propellers, and can comfortably hit ranges of 492ft.
Altair Aerial Blackhawk Drone
If you love flying far and fast, this is your go-to drone. The Altair Blackhawk is the best quadcopter for the money it goes for on the shelves. Durable, quick, and easy to use, this will have you purring for joy from the very first minute it lifts off the ground.
It is equipped with a 6-axis gyro, comes with an action camera mount designed for GoPro Hero 3 or 4, and handles itself really well in high winds. It is also one of the cheapest drones for GoPro usage currently.
Altair Aerial Blackhawk Features:
- 6-axis gyro
- 984-1640 feet flight range
- GoPro compatible
- 15-17 minutes flight time
Pros:
- Heavy duty build
- Long flight times
- Lengthy flight range
- Handles winds well
Cons:
- Not great for beginner pilots
- No altitude hold
- No one-touch takeoff
Verdict
This model is one of the cheapest models for GoPro. It is built to handle winds with minimal fuss, and will give you long flight times and reliable service for a long time.
If you are looking for the cheapest drone with the longest flight time, check it out on Amazon.
What to Look for When Buying Drones Under $200
You don’t have to shell out big bucks to get a good drone. A drone under 200 dollars might seem too good to be true, but great products are out there for those on a budget.
As previously mentioned, plenty of poorly made drones are on the market. You have to know what to look for before you make your purchase. Be sure to take factors such as the following into consideration:
Why Do You Want a Drone?
Drones are all the rage – and for good reason. The possibilities are endless, letting humans strive for daring heights and capturing otherwise impossible photos, in the case of camera drones.
When you are buying one for under $200, you want to have an idea of what its primary function will be. Also, sometimes if you buy a device at such a cheap price, you’ll find that some good features come at the expense of diminishing others.
The items on this list are best in their class for a range of purposes, from basics and beginner drones to professional-grade video productions.
Research Its Camera Capabilities
Let’s say you are most interested in using your drone for its camera capabilities. You might be wondering, “How much does a drone with a camera cost?” It can be much more affordable than you think it is. There are many factors you’ll want to consider including:
- What resolution are its images? You don’t have to sacrifice image quality when purchasing a drone for under 200 dollars. Plenty of options exist for 1080p full HD cameras that capture beautiful images.
- Does it take pictures and videos? Maybe you just want to take cool pictures of nature. Drone cameras can capture beautiful shots of everything from majestic mountains to vast oceans. However, you might also want to use them for capturing the action. If this is the case, make sure the camera is capable of streaming high-quality video.
- Do you want a hands-free camera? One feature, often referred to as Follow Me, is common across many products. Follow Me makes it possible to operate your drone’s camera hands-free. With this feature, your drone will follow and record, leaving you free for daring adventures.
- Are there any stability features? A drone can have the best camera in the world, but if it doesn’t have stability features, you won’t capture high-quality images. Stability features ensure that your images don’t come out shaky or blurry even in the roughest conditions.
Look at the Mobile App Before Buying
Is the corresponding app compatible with your phone? These days, most drones can be controlled through an app on your phone. Just make sure the app is compatible with your device before purchasing. There’s nothing more frustrating than purchasing a drone only to find out that you can’t take full advantage of all of its cool features.
Research Its Safety Features
Even though you’re getting a 200 dollar drone, you still want it to return safely. This is why it must come with good safety features.
Firstly, it should have reliable GPS tracking. This can help you find your device if it were to get lost during flight.
Additional safety features include things takeoff and landing options. This makes it simple for your device to get on and off the ground without difficulties. The top devices that emphasize safety also may have an alarm system to alert you when your drone leaves a certain radius.
Research Its Flight Capabilities
Maybe you want a drone that can take on more dangerous missions. In that case, you’ll want one that can withstand the elements. Be sure to opt for one made with quality materials and a sound foundation. Additional features such as prop guards will help your drone battle rough conditions.
It’s also important to consider the flight time and range. Longer flight times and wider ranges will allow you to get the most out of your missions. Note that if a drone has extra features, this might limit how long it can be in the air.
Does It Match Your Flying Abilities?
Whether you are a total beginner or a seasoned flyer, you need a drone that matches your skill level.
A beginner-friendly device will emphasize safety features that ensure your drone gets back to you. These devices should also have features that make the operation of your device easy. Examples include simple navigation buttons and easy-to-follow operating instructions.
Final Thoughts
Even if you are on a budget, you can enjoy the fun of flying.
So what is the best drone under $200? It all depends on your preferences and needs! As long as you do your research, you can find the perfect drone for you (for under $200)!
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