Flying a drone can feel amazing, even if you’re not a photographer looking to get a really impressive shot. They can be fun to maneuver, and all of their included tech means that you’ll have a fun time with one, even if you’re a rookie. But one thing that might be stopping you from getting a drone is the price.
$500 is a good budget for buying a drone. Drones at this price point and below are smooth to maneuver, give a nice aerial, record footage at up to 4k resolution, and good GPS.
While you can find plenty of expensive drones that offer a better build quality and camera, you can also get a pretty good drone under $500. Following is the list of the best drones under 500 dollars.
List of drones under $500
We focused on a few drones that all offer a range of benefits, while keeping your budget fairly low.
We have listed some of the drones for you to check out if you are looking for crafts under $500, then these are the best drones you can find.
1. DJI Mini 2: Best Camera
DJI Mini 2 drone is one of the best drones under $500, and its 4k camera is worth the price. It is also a go-to portable machine you can carry around effortlessly.
You might find better drones with a better camera out there, but this one is a simple airframe that helps you learn how to fly a craft and is hard to beat.
The Mini 2 has a 4-K camera mounted on a 3-axis gimbal, great range, and long lasting battery that can let you run the drone for over 30 minutes.
The Mini 2 is our top pick for a drone to put in a backpack and take on a trip due to its simplicity, small size, and mobility.
2. DJI Mavic Mini: Value GPS
The DJI Mavic Mini is the first DJI drone to feature a high-quality camera weighing less than250 grams. It means you can fly it without registering it with the FAA. Although it may not be the first DJI drone in this price range, you can’t compare the old features with the more recent Mavic series drones.
The Mavic Mini features a solid 2.7K camera and approximately 1 mile of connectivity, but that’s great value for its price.
The Mavic Mini is a fantastic product. Although it isn’t the greatest drone out there, it is unquestionably the best drone under 500, making it fun, safe, and dependable.
It is perfect for first time buyers and people willing who just want to throw this drone into their backpack and easily carry it around. It’s an especially great camera for filming, holidays, vlogging, and other outdoor events.
3. HubsanZino Pro: A toy but pro
The Mavic line of drones appears to be the source of inspiration for the Hubsan Zino Pro. It has a similar general shape and foldable construction with a decent camera too. The outcome is comparable to the new Mini drones or an older Mavic drone.
It is fantastic to see Hubsan manufacture a competitor in the GPS-enabled camera drone market, seeing how they’re usually known for their toys.
The Hubsan Zino Pro is a reliable drone that performs really well considering its price. So if you’re looking for an alternative to DJI lineup of drones, the Zino pro can be a great place to start.
4. RyzeTello: Beginner drone for fun
The RyzeTello makes for an excellent drone for beginners or people who are looking to get comfortable with riding a drone. Despite its smaller size, it offers plenty of entertainment features that anyone can enjoy.
You can fly this drone while using your phone, or you can just use the remote that comes with it. Tello is a safe indoor drone with various tools that help you learn about flight and flight controls, so it is a wonderful choice to help you improve your learning environment.
Granted the RyzeTello doesn’t compare to some of the more expensive drones in the market, but it is a great drone for beginners. It’s especially great to fly indoors so you can learn how to properly maneuver a drone.
5. Hubsan H501S: Powerful GPS
Although the Hubsan H501S is an older drone, it’s one of the best GPS models that is also strong, dependable, and simple to fly. Even if the camera is not very good, it can at least provide you with a pleasant aerial perspective. For less experienced pilots who wish to bounce around the park, this is a fantastic alternative and a good option to start learning how to fly.
Hubsan H501S is a good option for a basic drone that you want to fly in the park, but don’t anticipate the H501S to deliver stunning aerial pictures.
6. Xiaomi Flmi X8: Best for photography
Xiaomi Flmi X8 has a 4k camera with a range of 5 km that lasts 30 minutes. Along with great battery life, it also comes with a 3-axis gimbal stabilization. Its camera is capable of taking good photos and makes it a good choice if you are looking for the perfect camera in this price range.
The only limitation of the Xiaomi Flmi X8 has is that you have to launch it from an aircraft as it does not have clearance on the ground. It is powerful and steady in the wind, which makes it better than smaller devices.
7. Holy Stone HS720E
Holy Stone HS720E features a 4k full HD camera capable of recording 1080p video with incredible image stabilization. You will love this one if you want a drone that can cover a long distance. They can stay in the air for approximately 26 minutes with a 1600 meters flight range. It has plenty of great features at an affordable price.
Holy Stone HS720E is the closest competitor to the DJI lineup of drones, and it has manufactured some of the best drones in the market. It delivers incredible performance and it can give a feeling similar to flying a professional drone on a budget.
Holy Stone is a better choice if you prefer aerial photography and videography yet want to stay within your budget.
Conclusion
If you plan to buy a drone, you usually look for a high-quality camera, battery life, GPS, and a good rangein your rig. If you are a novice or already got your drone, you can still find some good drone options in this article, considering your budget for the best drone under $500.
