When you’re first thinking about getting into the drone hobby, the idea of spending a ton of cash can be a real buzzkill. But trust me, you absolutely can find some awesome drones for under $100 that are perfect for beginners, kids, or just folks who want to have some fun in the sky without emptying their wallet. While these aren’t going to be Hollywood-level film machines, they offer a fantastic way to learn the ropes, capture some cool aerial shots, and get a feel for piloting a quadcopter. They’re a great stepping stone before you potentially invest in something pricier.

If you’re looking for some solid picks right off the bat, here are a few that often get a lot of love for different reasons:

For the budding photographer: The Ryze Tech Tello is almost always at the top of the list for its decent camera and stable flight.
For beginners who need extra flight time: The DEERC D10 often comes with multiple batteries and is super user-friendly.
For durability and a good all-rounder: The Holy Stone HS280 or HS440 are frequently recommended.
For those wanting a “real drone” feel on a budget: The LYZRC L200 Pro Max might just surprise you with its features, though it has its quirks.

This guide is going to walk you through exactly what makes a great budget drone, highlighting some of the best drones under $100 with cameras, and giving you all the tips you need to get flying safely and happily. Let’s get into it!

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Why Even Bother with a Drone Under $100?

You might be wondering if a drone this cheap is even worth it. And here’s the honest truth: absolutely! Think of it like this: if you’re learning to drive, you probably don’t start with a high-performance sports car, right? Same idea with drones.

These budget-friendly quadcopters are fantastic for a few reasons:

Perfect for Beginners: If you’ve never flown a drone before, spending less than $100 means you can learn the basics without the constant anxiety of crashing an expensive piece of equipment. You’re going to make mistakes, and that’s okay!
Great for Kids and Teens: These drones are often designed with simpler controls and more robust builds, making them ideal gifts for younger aspiring pilots. They’re usually lightweight and come with propeller guards, which helps keep little fingers and furniture safe.
Pure Fun and Entertainment: Sometimes you just want to fly something around for the sheer joy of it. These drones are nimble, can do cool flips, and provide endless backyard entertainment.
Testing the Waters: Maybe you’re curious about aerial photography or videography but aren’t ready to commit to a professional setup. A drone under $100 with a camera lets you experiment and see if it’s a hobby you genuinely enjoy.
Indoor Flying: Many of these smaller, lighter drones are perfect for zipping around indoors, especially on those rainy days.

So, while they won’t replace a DJI Mavic or a professional FPV setup, drones under $100 offer incredible value for the right user.

What to Really Look For in a Drone Under $100

you’re ready to get one. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the “best drone under 100 dollars”? It’s not just about the price tag. it’s about understanding what features are realistic and which ones give you the most bang for your buck in this category.

Camera Quality: Keep Your Expectations in Check

Let’s be real: you’re not going to get cinematic 4K footage from a drone under $100. However, many models now come with 720p or 1080p HD cameras, which is totally fine for casual photos and videos for social media. Some might even claim “2K” or “4K,” but usually, that’s just upscaled footage from a lower-resolution sensor, so don’t let those numbers fool you too much. Best Dive Watches Under $1000 Dollars

What you should look for is a camera that provides a decent, clear live feed FPV to your smartphone. This helps immensely with piloting. Also, some rare gems in this price range, like the LYZRC L200 Pro Max, might even boast a basic 2-axis gimbal for slightly smoother video, which is pretty impressive at this price point. Otherwise, expect most footage to be without strong stabilization, meaning it can be a bit shaky.

Flight Time & Batteries: More is Always Better

This is a big one. Drones under $100 typically have flight times ranging from 7 to 15 minutes per battery. That might sound short, and it is. So, here’s a pro tip: always look for drones that come with at least two or even three batteries! This doubles or triples your fun time without having to wait for a recharge. Many of the top picks in this category do include multiple batteries, giving you a combined flight time of 20-30 minutes, which makes a huge difference.

Modular batteries are also a nice-to-have, as they’re easier to swap out and charge.

Ease of Use & Controls: Beginner-Friendly Features

For new pilots, intuitive controls are key. Here are some features that make learning to fly much easier:

Altitude Hold: This feature automatically keeps the drone at a set height, so you don’t have to constantly manage the throttle. It’s a must for stability.
Headless Mode: This means the drone’s “front” is always relative to you, the pilot, regardless of which way the drone is actually facing. It simplifies orientation, especially when the drone gets farther away.
One-Key Takeoff/Landing: Press a button, and the drone automatically lifts off or lands. Super convenient!
Optical Flow Positioning: Some models use downward-facing sensors to help maintain a stable hover indoors or in areas with clear ground patterns. This isn’t GPS-level precision but definitely helps.
App Control & FPV: Being able to see what your drone sees in real-time on your smartphone is incredibly helpful and fun. Many drones offer control through an app, often with extra features like gesture control or drawing flight paths.
Multiple Speed Modes: Starting on a low-speed setting allows you to get comfortable, then you can increase it as your skills improve.

Durability: Because Crashes Happen

Especially for your first drone, durability is paramount. You’re going to bump into things, you’re going to have hard landings. Look for drones made from tough ABS material and, crucially, those that come with propeller guards. These guards protect the propellers from minor impacts and can prevent damage to the drone itself, extending its lifespan considerably. A lightweight and robust design is generally more forgiving. Best DAC Under $1,000: Your Ultimate Guide to Audio Bliss

Motor Type: Brushed vs. Brushless

Most drones under $100 will come with brushed motors. These are cheaper to produce but tend to be less efficient, noisier, and wear out faster. However, you’ll occasionally find some budget drones, like the Holy Stone HS280 or Ameta S20 Lite, boasting brushless motors. Brushless motors are a step up: they’re more durable, quieter, more powerful, and offer better wind resistance. If you can find a drone under $100 with brushless motors, that’s usually a big win for longevity and flight performance.

Portability: Easy to Carry

Many newer models feature foldable designs, which is fantastic for portability. They become compact enough to toss into a backpack or even a large pocket, making it easy to take them on adventures. Look for models that include a carrying case as well. it keeps everything organized and protected.

Range: How Far Can It Go?

For drones under $100, don’t expect a huge control range. Typically, you’ll see ranges between 50 to 100 meters 160 to 320 feet. The video transmission range for FPV might be even shorter, sometimes around 30-40 meters. For learning and casual flying, this is perfectly adequate. You want to keep the drone in sight anyway, especially when you’re just starting out.

Our Top Drone Recommendations Under $100

Alright, let’s get to the fun part – specific recommendations! Based on user reviews, features, and overall value, here are some of the best drones you can snag for under a hundred bucks.

1. Ryze Tech Tello Editor’s Choice: Best for Smart Features & Stability

The Ryze Tech Tello is often seen as the gold standard in the sub-$100 category, and for good reason. It’s actually powered by DJI technology, giving it a level of polish and stability you don’t usually find at this price. Best dive watches under 1000 usd

Why it’s great: This drone offers surprisingly stable flight thanks to its vision positioning system. It captures decent 720p HD video and 5MP photos, and even has Electronic Image Stabilization EIS, which helps smooth out footage. You can control it with your smartphone or a compatible controller, and it features cool “EZ Shots” modes for automated flight patterns. It’s also programmable using Scratch, making it an excellent educational tool.
Things to consider: Its flight time is around 13 minutes, which is average. It doesn’t come with a dedicated controller, so you’ll primarily use your phone, and it’s not ideal in windy conditions due to its light weight.
Best for: Beginners, kids, educational purposes, indoor flying, or anyone prioritizing stable flight and slightly better camera quality over raw power or long range.
Find it here: Ryze Tech Tello

2. DEERC D10 Best for Beginners & Extended Flight Time

The DEERC D10 is a consistent favorite for new drone pilots. It balances user-friendly features with solid performance, often coming with extra batteries to keep you in the air longer.

Why it’s great: It’s incredibly easy to fly with features like altitude hold, headless mode, and one-key takeoff/landing. It often boasts a 2K HD camera likely upscaled and offers Wi-Fi FPV. A big plus is that it frequently includes two batteries, providing up to 30 minutes of total flight time. Its foldable design makes it super portable, and it’s quite durable for learning.
Things to consider: The 2K camera is good for the price, but don’t expect professional-grade footage. Some users might find its speed a bit modest, but that’s often a benefit for beginners.
Best for: First-time flyers, kids, and anyone who wants a reliable, easy-to-use drone with decent flight duration.
Find it here: DEERC D10 Drone

3. Holy Stone HS280 / HS440 Great All-Rounders with Durability

Holy Stone is a big name in budget drones, and their HS280 and HS440 models consistently deliver a strong package. They’re often praised for their durability and user-friendly features.

Why they’re great: The Holy Stone HS280 is an excellent choice, often featuring an adjustable 1080P HD camera 70° electric remote control adjustment is a nice touch! and even brushless motors, which is a huge bonus for this price point. It has optical flow positioning for stable hovering, and usually comes with two batteries for up to 28 minutes of flight time. The Holy Stone HS440 is also very well-regarded for its overall balance, stability, long battery life around 22 minutes per battery, and foldable design. Both offer features like gesture control and custom flight paths.
Things to consider: While the cameras are 1080p, image stabilization isn’t top-tier, so video can still be shaky. Some intelligent flight features might not be as precise as on more expensive drones.
Best for: Beginners looking for a durable drone with a decent camera, good flight time, and a few advanced features like brushless motors or adjustable camera angle.
Find them here: Holy Stone Drones

4. Snaptain S5C Elite Durable & Feature-Rich

The Snaptain S5C Elite is another strong contender for under $100, known for its tough build and a good set of features for its price.

Why it’s great: Built with tough ABS material, it’s designed to take a few knocks, making it perfect for learning. It sports a 1080P FPV camera with a 90° adjustable wide-angle lens and, impressively, brushless motors for smoother, quieter flights and better wind resistance. It offers beginner-friendly controls like one-button takeoff/landing, headless mode, voice commands, and 360° flips for some aerial acrobatics. With two included batteries, you can expect up to 30 minutes of flight time.
Things to consider: While durable, extensive crashing can still cause issues. The camera, while 1080p, might not have advanced stabilization, so manage expectations for perfectly smooth video.
Best for: Those who need a durable drone for intense learning sessions, desire brushless motors for better performance, and appreciate a good flight time for their budget.
Find it here: Snaptain S5C Elite

5. LYZRC L200 Pro Max Closest to a “Real Camera Drone” on a Budget

This one’s a bit of an underdog, but if you’re specifically chasing that “mini drone with a gimbal” feel for under $100, the LYZRC L200 Pro Max often gets mentioned. Best Dress Watch Under 1000 USD: Elevate Your Style Without Breaking the Bank

Why it’s great: It stands out because it claims a 2-axis gimbal for its camera, which is super rare in this price range, aiming for smoother 2.7K video and 4K photos again, likely upscaled for photos. It also boasts brushless motors and GPS return-to-home, features typically found in much more expensive drones. For its price, it offers a surprisingly “pro” feel and can do intelligent flight modes like waypoints and follow-me though with typical budget drone precision.
Things to consider: While feature-rich, its stability and precision might not always match what the specs imply, and its durability after crashes can be a concern. You might need to buy it from specific online retailers, and Amazon availability can vary.
Best for: Hobbyists looking for the most advanced features possible under $100, especially if they prioritize capturing somewhat stabilized aerial video and photography to practice “drone moves.”
Find it here: LYZRC L200 Pro Max

6. Contixo F16 / F19 / F21 Feature-Packed for the Price

Contixo drones, especially models like the F16, F19, and F21, often pop up for their comprehensive feature sets at an affordable price.

Why they’re great: The Contixo F16 usually features an HD dual camera 1080p, brushless motors, and intelligent flight features like one-click takeoff/landing and optical flow hovering. The Contixo F19 can come with 4-way obstacle avoidance sensors a real rarity under $100! and intelligent functions like follow-me and gesture control. The Contixo F21 is highlighted as a great FPV drone for kids, combining user-friendly controls with impressive FPV capabilities and even obstacle avoidance. They often come with multiple batteries, extending flight time.
Things to consider: The obstacle avoidance on budget drones is usually basic and might just stop the drone rather than expertly navigate around objects. Video quality, while 1080p, might not be perfectly smooth.
Best for: Beginners and kids who want a drone packed with advanced features like basic obstacle avoidance, follow-me, and gesture control, without a hefty price tag.
Find them here: Contixo Drones

7. Syma EX300-B Stable 1080P Camera for Learning

Syma has a long history in the entry-level drone market, and the EX300-B or similar models like the X5SW-V3 continues that tradition by offering a reliable and stable platform.

Why it’s great: The Syma EX300-B typically comes with a 1080P HD camera and Wi-Fi real-time transmission, making it a good option for practicing aerial shots. It includes features like headless mode, 360° flip function, and high/low-speed settings for different skill levels. Its stability in flight is often praised, and with two batteries, you can get a decent amount of airtime some sources even suggest up to 40 minutes combined with two batteries.
Things to consider: While stable, the camera doesn’t usually have advanced stabilization, so footage can still be a bit jello-y. The design might be less sleek than some newer foldable models.
Best for: Those looking for a stable, easy-to-fly drone with a decent 1080P camera to learn the basics of aerial photography without fuss.
Find it here: Syma EX300-B Drone

Tips for Flying Your Budget Drone Like a Pro or at least, like you know what you’re doing

Getting a drone is just the first step. flying it well takes a little practice and some common sense. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your under-$100 drone:

1. Read the Manual Seriously!

I know, I know. But seriously, always read the user manual that comes with your drone. It’ll teach you about specific controls, calibration procedures which are often crucial for stable flight, and any unique features your model might have. Every drone is a little different.

2. Start Indoors or in a Wide-Open Space

For your very first flights, especially with smaller drones, start indoors in a clear room. This allows you to get a feel for the controls in a controlled environment without wind interference. Once you’re comfortable, move to a large, open outdoor area with no trees, power lines, or people nearby. A football field or a large park is ideal. The Best Graphics Card for Your $1000 PC Build: Get Max Power Without Breaking the Bank

3. Master Basic Controls First

Don’t try stunts on your first flight. Focus on these fundamental movements:

Takeoff and Landing: Practice smooth ascents and descents using one-key functions if available.
Hovering: Get comfortable maintaining a stable hover at a fixed altitude. Altitude hold is your friend here.
Forward/Backward/Sideways: Practice moving the drone gently in each direction.
Rotation: Learn to rotate the drone left and right.

4. Mind the Wind

Budget drones are usually lightweight, which means they’re very susceptible to wind. Always fly on calm days, especially when you’re starting out. Even a light breeze can carry your drone away or make it difficult to control. If you have brushless motors, you’ll have a bit more resistance, but wind is still the enemy.

5. Keep an Eye on Battery Life

Drone batteries drain faster than you think, especially when you’re having fun. Most budget drones will have low battery warnings, but it’s a good habit to bring your drone back when the battery indicator shows about 25-30% remaining. You don’t want it to run out of juice far from home! Multiple batteries make a huge difference here.

6. Practice, Practice, Practice

The more you fly, the better you’ll get. Start with simple maneuvers and gradually work your way up to more complex ones. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different speed settings once you feel confident.

Safety First: Important Considerations for Drone Pilots

Even with a small, inexpensive drone, safety is crucial. You want to have fun, but you also want to be responsible. Your Dream Ride: Finding the Best Car Under $100K

1. Know Your Local Regulations

While most drones under 250 grams like many of our recommendations don’t require FAA registration in the United States, it’s always smart to be aware of local drone laws.

Stay away from airports: This is a no-brainer.
Don’t fly over crowds of people: Even a small drone can cause injury.
Respect privacy: Don’t fly over private property or take photos/videos of people without their permission.
Maintain Visual Line of Sight: Always keep your drone in your line of sight. Don’t rely solely on the FPV feed.

2. Pre-Flight Checks

Before every flight, quickly check a few things:

Battery: Is it fully charged and securely inserted in both the drone and the controller?
Propellers: Are they securely attached and free from any cracks or damage?
Environment: Is the area clear of obstacles, people, and wildlife? Is the wind calm enough?

3. Fly Responsibly

Treat your drone like any other piece of equipment that can affect others. Be courteous, follow the rules, and prioritize safety. This ensures everyone, including you, can continue to enjoy the skies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are drones under $100 worth it?

Absolutely! Drones under $100 are definitely worth it, especially for beginners, kids, or anyone wanting to try out the hobby without a big investment. They offer a fun and low-risk way to learn flying skills and capture basic aerial footage.

What kind of camera quality can I expect from a sub-$100 drone?

You can typically expect camera resolutions ranging from 720p to 1080p HD for photos and videos. While some might claim “2K” or “4K,” this is often upscaled. Don’t expect professional-grade image stabilization or crystal-clear, high-detail shots, but they’re great for casual use and sharing on social media. The Absolute Best Watches to Buy Under €100 Right Now

How long do drones under $100 usually fly on one charge?

Most drones in this price range offer a flight time of about 7 to 15 minutes per battery. Many good models, like the DEERC D10 or Holy Stone HS280, often come with two or more batteries, which can extend your total flying time to 20-30 minutes or more.

Are these cheap drones durable enough for beginners?

Yes, many drones under $100 are designed with beginners in mind and are quite durable. Look for models made with tough ABS plastic and, importantly, ones that include propeller guards. These features help them withstand minor crashes and bumps, which are inevitable when you’re learning.

Do drones under $100 have advanced features like GPS or “follow me”?

While rare, some models like the LYZRC L200 Pro Max or certain Contixo drones might offer basic GPS or “follow me” functions. However, these features on budget drones are generally less precise and reliable than on more expensive models. More common advanced features include altitude hold, headless mode, one-key takeoff/landing, and optical flow positioning for stable hovering.

Do I need to register a drone under $100 with the FAA?

In the United States, if your drone weighs less than 250 grams 0.55 pounds and you’re flying it purely for recreational purposes, you generally do not need to register it with the FAA. Many of the best drones under $100, especially mini drones, fall into this weight category, making them hassle-free to get started with. Always double-check your drone’s specific weight and current regulations in your area.

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