Top Budget Drones Under 100 for New Pilots
For most beginners, the Holy Stone HS440 is the top pick under 100. It offers GPS-assisted flight, 1080p HD video, and intelligent flight modes that make it easy to fly and capture smooth footage. Its main limitation is short flight time, around 12 minutes per battery, but extra batteries are affordable. The HS440 is the best balance of features and ease for new pilots.
Drones under 100 have improved dramatically, offering stable flight, decent cameras, and beginner-friendly controls. Whether you want to practice flying or capture aerial photos, there is a budget drone that fits.
We compared the best-selling models to help you choose. Our picks range from mini quads for kids to feature-packed GPS drones for adults. Read on to find the one that matches your skill level and needs.
How to choose
What we recommend
Holy Stone HS440 Foldable GPS Drone
The Holy Stone HS440 is a foldable GPS drone that offers exceptional value. It features a 1080p HD camera with a 120-degree wide-angle lens and a 5GHz FPV transmission for real-time video. GPS assisted flight ensures stable hovering, and the included intelligent flight modes like Follow Me and Custom Flight Path make it easy to capture cinematic shots. With two batteries, you get about 24 minutes of flight time total, which is generous in this price range. Owners report it is easy to set up and fly, though the camera quality is not DSLR-level, it is more than adequate for social media.
Pros
- GPS assisted flight for stable hovering
- Includes two batteries in the box
- Intuitive app and controller for beginners
Cons
- Camera lacks gimbal stabilization
- Not suitable for strong winds
Potensic A20W Mini Drone
The Potensic A20W is a tiny, lightweight drone designed for safe indoor fun. It features propeller guards and a sturdy build that can handle bumps and crashes. The Wi-Fi camera streams 720p video to your phone, and the app includes voice control and gesture selfies. It has altitude hold and headless mode, making it simple for kids to fly. Flight time is around 8 minutes, which is typical for mini drones, but the quick charging and low price make it a great first drone.
Pros
- Propeller guards for safety
- Voice control and gesture selfies
- Easy to fly with headless mode
Cons
- Short flight time
- Limited range with Wi-Fi
Snaptain A15H Drone
The Snaptain A15H is one of the most affordable drones on the market, yet it still offers a 1080p camera and a host of beginner-friendly features. It has altitude hold, headless mode, and one-key takeoff/landing. The controller uses a phone holder, so you can see the live feed from the camera. It comes with three batteries, which is a great value. However, it lacks GPS and has no wind resistance, so it’s best for calm days and indoor use.
Pros
- Very low price
- Three batteries included
- Simple controls for beginners
Cons
- No GPS or return to home
- Not suitable for windy conditions
DEERC D20 Mini Drone
The DEERC D20 is a compact drone that comes with two batteries, providing up to 20 minutes of flight time. It has a 720p HD camera and features like 3D flips, altitude hold, and headless mode. The controller is easy to use, and the drone is built to withstand crashes with its durable frame. It’s an excellent choice for those who want to learn to fly without spending much. Owners note that the camera quality is decent for the price, and the app is user-friendly.
Pros
- Two batteries for longer play
- Durable and crash-resistant
- Beginner-friendly controls
Cons
- No GPS features
- Camera resolution is lower
SANROCK U52 Drone
The SANROCK U52 is a foldable drone that is easy to carry in a backpack. It offers a 1080p camera with a wide-angle lens and comes with two batteries for a total of 20 minutes of flight. It has GPS-assisted flight, return to home, and follow me mode, which are rare at this price. The controller has a phone holder, and the app allows for custom flight paths. While it’s not as refined as the Holy Stone, it provides excellent features for the cost.
Pros
- Foldable design for portability
- GPS and return to home
- Follow me mode
Cons
- Build quality feels less premium
- App can be glitchy on some phones
Holy Stone HS210 Mini Drone
The Holy Stone HS210 is a top-selling mini drone for kids. It comes with three batteries, giving about 21 minutes of flight time. It has propeller guards, is very durable, and features simple controls with one-key takeoff and landing. The drone can perform 3D flips, and its headless mode helps kids orient it. It’s not a camera drone, but it’s perfect for learning to fly and having fun indoors. The high rating from thousands of owners confirms its quality.
Pros
- Three batteries for longer play
- Very durable with guards
- Great for kids and beginners
Cons
- No camera
- Limited to indoor or calm conditions
Ruko F11 Mini Drone
The Ruko F11 Mini is a small drone with a surprisingly long flight time of 20 minutes per battery. It comes with two batteries, so you can fly for up to 40 minutes total. It has a 2K camera with a 120-degree lens, GPS assisted flight, and return to home. The app is feature-rich with waypoint navigation and auto return. It’s slightly above the 100 mark but often found under it during sales. If you can catch a deal, it’s a great option.
Pros
- Long flight time
- 2K camera quality
- GPS and return to home
Cons
- May be above 100 at regular price
- Larger size not as portable
The lineup, side by side
| # | Model | Flight Time | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Holy Stone HS440 Foldable GPS Drone | 12 min per battery, 2 included | Best overall for beginners | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Potensic A20W Mini Drone | 8 minutes | Best for kids and indoor flying | 9.0 | Check price |
| 3 | Snaptain A15H Drone | 10 minutes per battery, 3 included | Best budget pick under 50 | 8.6 | Check price |
| 4 | DEERC D20 Mini Drone | 10 minutes per battery, 2 included | Best for beginners on a tight budget | 8.4 | Check price |
| 5 | SANROCK U52 Drone | 10 minutes per battery, 2 included | Best for foldable portability | 8.2 | Check price |
| 6 | Holy Stone HS210 Mini Drone | 7 minutes per battery, 3 included | Best for kids and indoor play | 8.8 | Check price |
| 7 | Ruko F11 Mini Drone | 20 minutes per battery, 2 included | Best for longer flight time | 9.1 | Check price |
Frequently asked questions
Can I fly a drone under 100 without prior experience?
Yes, most drones under 100 are designed for beginners. They have features like one-key takeoff, altitude hold, and headless mode that make flying easy. However, it is recommended to practice in an open, calm area.
Are drones under 100 good for kids?
Yes, many budget drones are suitable for kids, especially mini models with propeller guards. They are durable and simple to operate. Always supervise younger children and follow safety guidelines.
Do I need to register a drone under 100 with the FAA?
If the drone weighs more than 0.55 lbs, it must be registered. Many drones under 100 weigh less than this, but check the specifications. Registration is inexpensive and valid for 3 years.
How long do the batteries last on drones under 100?
Battery life varies from 5 to 20 minutes per battery. Some models come with multiple batteries, extending your total flight time. Always order extra batteries if available.
Can I fly a drone under 100 in the wind?
Most budget drones are lightweight and not designed for windy conditions. They can be easily blown away. Fly in calm weather, preferably under 10 mph winds.
What is the range of a drone under 100?
Range depends on the drone’s transmission technology. Wi-Fi drones typically have a range of 50 to 150 meters. Drones with a dedicated controller can reach up to 500 meters, but in practice, you should keep it within sight.
Can I use a drone under 100 for aerial photography?
Yes, many drones under 100 have 1080p cameras that produce decent footage for social media. However, they lack gimbal stabilization, so videos can be shaky. For best results, fly slowly and edit later.
Are replacement parts available for these drones?
Most popular models have replacement parts like propellers, batteries, and guards available on Amazon. It’s wise to buy spare propellers because they are the most likely to break.
Do drones under 100 come with a remote controller?
Yes, they typically include a remote controller. Some also support smartphone control via Wi-Fi. Check the product description to see if a controller is included and if it has a phone holder.
How do I choose between a camera drone and a toy drone?
If you want to capture aerial photos and videos, choose a camera drone with at least 1080p. If you only want to fly for fun, a toy drone without a camera is often more durable and cheaper.
The bottom line
After comparing these seven drones, the Holy Stone HS440 stands out as the best overall for most beginners. Its GPS features, 1080p camera, and two batteries provide a superior flying experience at a price that won’t break the bank. However, if you are buying for a child or want a drone just for indoor fun, the Holy Stone HS210 is the safest and most durable option. For those who want the longest possible flight time, keep an eye on the Ruko F11 Mini, but be mindful of its price. Ultimately, the HS440 offers the best combination of features, ease, and value, making it the drone we recommend for anyone starting out.
