Drones have rapidly evolved over the past decade, becoming more accessible and user-friendly than ever before. Whether you’re looking to explore aerial photography, try your hand at drone racing, or simply enjoy the experience of piloting, drones offer a wide variety of options suited for all interests. For beginners in 2024, it’s essential to choose a drone that is not only easy to operate but also packed with features that allow you to grow and enhance your flying skills.
In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of over 80 drones that are ideal for beginners. This selection covers a wide price range, from affordable starter drones to more sophisticated models with advanced capabilities. We’ve taken into account ease of use, flight time, camera quality, and overall value, ensuring that you’ll find the perfect drone to fit your needs and budget.
1. DJI Mini 3 Pro
DJI is a well-known name in the drone industry, and the DJI Mini 3 Pro stands out for beginners due to its lightweight design and ease of use. It boasts a 4K camera, 34 minutes of flight time, and various intelligent flight modes, making it a versatile choice for photography enthusiasts and casual flyers alike.
2. Ryze Tello
One of the most affordable drones for beginners, the Ryze Tello offers a perfect entry-level experience. It’s equipped with a 720p HD camera, 13 minutes of flight time, and features simple controls, making it an excellent choice for kids and adults looking to get started with drone flying.
3. DJI Mavic Mini
The DJI Mavic Mini offers high-end features at a reasonable price. With a 12MP camera capable of 2.7K video recording and up to 30 minutes of flight time, this drone is ideal for users seeking portability and easy-to-use functionality.
4. Hubsan X4 H107C
An excellent drone for beginners on a budget, the Hubsan X4 H107C comes with a 720p camera and a 7-minute flight time. It’s easy to control, making it a great choice for indoor and outdoor flying, and it includes basic features like flips and rolls.
5. Potensic T25 GPS Drone
For those wanting GPS functionality without breaking the bank, the Potensic T25 is an outstanding option. It has a 1080p camera, up to 10 minutes of flight time, and GPS-assisted flight, which helps beginners fly confidently and safely.
6. Holy Stone HS720E
Holy Stone’s HS720E is a powerful yet beginner-friendly drone equipped with a 4K camera and GPS. The brushless motors allow for smooth flying, and the 26-minute flight time is more than sufficient for most beginner pilots. With features like Return to Home and Follow Me, it’s a great choice for users wanting a more advanced experience.
7. Snaptain S5C
Affordable and fun to fly, the Snaptain S5C offers a 720p camera and about 10 minutes of flight time. It’s equipped with voice control and gesture recognition, which makes flying feel interactive and enjoyable for beginners.
8. DJI Mini 2
The DJI Mini 2 is the upgraded version of the original Mavic Mini and brings significant improvements. With 4K video capabilities, a 31-minute flight time, and an impressive 10km range, this drone is perfect for users who want an ultra-light and portable drone without compromising on quality.
9. Eachine E58
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly foldable drone, the Eachine E58 might be just what you need. It offers a 720p HD camera, 7-9 minutes of flight time, and it’s small enough to fit in your pocket, making it perfect for casual flying sessions.
10. DEERC D20
The DEERC D20 is an excellent starter drone for kids and beginners. With its easy-to-use controls, 720p camera, and 10-minute flight time, it offers a balance of fun and performance. It also features a one-key take-off/landing and altitude hold for added convenience.
11. Parrot Anafi
While slightly more advanced, the Parrot Anafi is a fantastic drone for those interested in aerial photography. It features a 4K camera with a 180-degree tilt, 25 minutes of flight time, and impressive zoom capabilities, making it one of the best drones in its price range for video capture.
12. Autel Robotics EVO Nano+
The Autel EVO Nano+ competes directly with DJI’s Mini series. It’s equipped with a 50MP camera, obstacle avoidance, and offers around 28 minutes of flight time. For beginners who want top-tier camera capabilities and safety features, the Nano+ is a worthy investment.
13. Snaptain A15H
A compact, foldable drone, the Snaptain A15H features a 1080p HD camera and around 10 minutes of flight time. It’s equipped with features like voice commands and gesture control, making it both fun and practical for new users.
14. Force1 U49WF Blue Heron
The Force1 U49WF is an affordable, durable drone with a 720p HD camera and 15 minutes of flight time. Its stable flight performance, easy controls, and value-packed features make it a popular choice among beginners.
15. Holy Stone HS510
Another quality option from Holy Stone, the HS510 is a compact, foldable drone equipped with a 4K camera and GPS functionality. It offers 16 minutes of flight time and is easy to transport, making it a solid choice for those on the go.
16. Simrex X900
The Simrex X900 is a foldable, compact drone designed for easy portability. It features a 1080p HD camera, 10 minutes of flight time, and has several beginner-friendly features, including headless mode and one-key return.
17. DJI Air 2S
Though on the higher end of the spectrum, the DJI Air 2S is an incredible option for beginners looking to take drone flying seriously. With a 1-inch CMOS sensor, 5.4K video capabilities, 31 minutes of flight time, and obstacle sensing in four directions, this drone is perfect for those wanting to capture high-quality video while having a smooth flying experience.
18. Potensic A20 Mini Drone
The Potensic A20 is a simple, toy-like drone designed for beginners, especially children. It offers about 6-8 minutes of flight time and includes features like altitude hold and one-key take-off/landing, making it easy to learn the basics.
19. Syma X5C
The Syma X5C is one of the most popular beginner drones due to its durability and ease of use. It features a 720p camera, a 7-minute flight time, and is capable of performing flips, which adds an extra level of excitement for beginners.
20. Contixo F24 Pro
The Contixo F24 Pro offers a great combination of value and performance for beginners. It’s equipped with a 4K camera, 30 minutes of flight time, and a foldable design, making it both practical and portable for users who want high-quality features in an affordable package.
21. Snaptain SP510
The Snaptain SP510 is a GPS-enabled drone with a 2.7K camera and up to 16 minutes of flight time. Its GPS-assisted features such as Return to Home and Follow Me make it easy for beginners to enjoy flying with peace of mind.
22. Cheerwing CW4
The Cheerwing CW4 is an affordable beginner drone that comes with a 720p HD camera and a 7-minute flight time. It’s simple to operate, featuring altitude hold and one-key take-off/landing, making it perfect for new drone pilots.
23. Holy Stone HS100
The Holy Stone HS100 is a feature-packed GPS drone for beginners, equipped with a 2K camera and up to 18 minutes of flight time. It includes features like Follow Me, altitude hold, and a headless mode, making it a solid option for those looking to improve their flying skills.
24. JJRC H68
With its 720p camera and 20 minutes of flight time, the JJRC H68 is a great budget drone for beginners. It offers basic controls and functions such as one-key take-off and landing, making it user-friendly for those new to the hobby.
25. Drocon Ninja
The Dragon Ninja is an easy-to-use drone designed for beginners. It features a 720p HD camera, 7 minutes of flight time, and includes altitude hold and one-key functions, which simplify the flying experience.
26. Altair AA108
The Altair AA108 is an affordable drone that offers great value for beginners. It comes with a 720p HD camera, 10 minutes of flight time, and multiple flight modes that help users gradually improve their skills.
27. Yuneec Breeze
The Yuneec Breeze is a small, compact drone with a 4K camera and GPS-assisted flight modes. With a flight time of around 12 minutes, it’s perfect for beginners who want to capture high-quality images and video without needing an overly complex drone.
28. HS110D by Holy Stone
Another excellent option from Holy Stone, the HS110D features a 1080p HD camera and about 10 minutes of flight time. It’s designed for beginners, offering features like altitude hold, headless mode, and one-button take-off/landing.
29. Wingsland S6
The Wingsland S6 is a pocket-sized drone that comes equipped with a 4K camera. With about 10 minutes of flight time and GPS support, it’s an excellent choice for those looking for a compact yet capable drone.
30. Potensic D58
The Potensic D58 offers a 1080p camera, 18 minutes of flight time, and GPS features, making it an ideal choice for beginners who want a more sophisticated flying experience without overwhelming controls.
31. DJI Spark
Although it’s a bit older, the DJI Spark remains a fantastic option for beginners. With a 12MP camera, 1080p video, and 16 minutes of flight time, the Spark is small but powerful. It’s designed to be intuitive and offers gesture-based controls, making it perfect for those new to drone flying.
32. Force1 F100GP Ghost
The Force1 F100GP Ghost comes equipped with a 1080p HD camera and offers about 15 minutes of flight time. Its brushless motors ensure smooth flying, and it features multiple speed modes, making it an excellent option for beginners ready to advance their skills.
33. UDI U818A HD+
The UDI U818A is another budget-friendly option that’s easy for beginners to fly. It has a 720p HD camera, 8-10 minutes of flight time, and comes with additional features like altitude hold and headless mode to simplify operation.
34. Ruko F11 Pro
With a 4K UHD camera, 30 minutes of flight time, and GPS functionality, the Ruko F11 Pro offers a high-end experience at an affordable price. Its foldable design and robust features make it a great choice for beginners looking for more advanced capabilities.
35. Snaptain SP650
The Snaptain SP650 features a 1080p camera and offers about 12 minutes of flight time. It’s a beginner-friendly drone with features like gesture control, voice commands, and easy-to-use flight modes such as altitude hold and one-key take-off/landing.
36. Parrot Bebop 2
The Parrot Bebop 2 is known for its durability and easy flight controls. Equipped with a 14MP camera capable of 1080p video, 25 minutes of flight time, and GPS support, this drone is a great option for beginners who want a more stable flying experience.
37. JJRC H36
Perfect for indoor flying, the JJRC H36 is a small, affordable drone that’s ideal for kids and beginners. It doesn’t have a camera, but its stability and ease of use make it great for learning the basics of drone piloting.
38. Holy Stone HS165
The Holy Stone HS165 offers a 2K camera and 15 minutes of flight time. This GPS-enabled drone includes intelligent flight modes like Follow Me and Return to Home, making it a solid choice for beginners who want a reliable, feature-packed drone.
39. Hubsan H501S
The Hubsan H501S is a GPS-enabled drone with a 1080p camera and about 20 minutes of flight time. Its headless mode, altitude hold, and follow-me mode make it beginner-friendly, while its advanced controls allow for gradual skill improvement.
40. Potensic A30W
The Potensic A30W is a mini drone equipped with a 720p HD camera and offers about 7 minutes of flight time. It’s ideal for beginners, especially kids, due to its easy controls, headless mode, and one-key take-off/landing.
41. DJI Phantom 3 Standard
Though an older model, the DJI Phantom 3 Standard is still one of the best beginner drones due to its reliability and ease of use. It features a 2.7K camera, 25 minutes of flight time, and GPS-assisted flight, making it a great choice for aerial photography enthusiasts.
42. Holy Stone HS700D
The Holy Stone HS700D features a 2K camera and 22 minutes of flight time. With GPS functionality, altitude hold, and a high-quality camera, it’s designed to be beginner-friendly while offering enough features to satisfy intermediate users as well.
43. Eachine E520S
The Eachine E520S offers a 4K camera, 16 minutes of flight time, and GPS functionality. Its foldable design makes it easy to transport, and features like altitude hold and one-key return make it a great drone for beginners.
44. Force1 U45W Blue Jay
The Force1 U45W Blue Jay is an affordable drone that features a 720p camera and about 8 minutes of flight time. With its headless mode and altitude hold, it’s perfect for beginners who want to get comfortable with flying a drone.
45. Snaptain H823H
This mini drone is perfect for kids and beginners. It doesn’t have a camera but offers simple controls, 7 minutes of flight time, and fun features like flips and rolls. It’s durable and safe, making it ideal for indoor use.
46. Altair 818 Hornet
The Altair 818 Hornet is a larger, more robust drone designed for beginners. It features a 720p HD camera and 15 minutes of flight time, along with features like headless mode and altitude hold that make it easier to fly.
47. Eachine E010
The Eachine E010 is a toy drone that’s perfect for beginners, especially kids. It’s easy to fly, durable and doesn’t have a camera, which simplifies the flying experience for those just getting started.
48. Holy Stone HS120D
The Holy Stone HS120D features a 1080p camera and offers about 16 minutes of flight time. With GPS-assisted flight and intelligent flight modes like Follow Me, this drone provides a user-friendly experience for beginners.
49. Syma X8 Pro
The Syma X8 Pro is a GPS-enabled drone with a 720p camera and about 9 minutes of flight time. It’s designed for beginner pilots, with features like altitude hold and headless mode to simplify flying.
50. Potensic T18
The Potensic T18 comes with a 1080p HD camera and offers about 10 minutes of flight time. Its GPS functionality and user-friendly controls make it a great choice for those new to drone flying.
51. JJRC X5
The JJRC X5 is a budget-friendly drone equipped with a 1080p HD camera and about 18 minutes of flight time. It features GPS, one-key return, and intelligent flight modes, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
52. Hubsan X4 H502S
The Hubsan X4 H502S is a GPS drone that features a 720p camera and about 12 minutes of flight time. With headless mode, altitude hold, and GPS-assisted flight, it’s perfect for beginners who want a reliable, easy-to-fly drone.
53. MJX Bugs 2W
The MJX Bugs 2W is a GPS drone with a 1080p camera and up to 18 minutes of flight time. Its GPS-assisted flight and Return-to-home feature provide beginners with extra peace of mind while flying.
54. Holy Stone HS100G
The Holy Stone HS100G offers a 1080p HD camera and about 15 minutes of flight time. With GPS-assisted flight and intelligent flight modes like Follow Me, this drone is designed to provide beginners with a smooth flying experience.
55. Syma X5UW-D
The Syma X5UW-D is an affordable drone with a 720p HD camera and about 7 minutes of flight time. Its easy controls, altitude hold, and headless mode make it ideal for beginners.
56. Contixo F22
The Contixo F22 features a 1080p HD camera, 13 minutes of flight time, and a foldable design. It also comes with GPS-assisted flight and intelligent modes like Follow Me, making it a good option for beginners looking for advanced features at an affordable price.
57. JJRC H12C
The JJRC H12C is a budget drone that offers a 720p HD camera and about 8 minutes of flight time. It’s easy to control and comes with features like headless mode and altitude hold, making it great for beginners.
58. Force1 F200W Shadow
The Force1 F200W Shadow is equipped with a 1080p HD camera and offers around 15 minutes of flight time. With GPS-assisted flight and intelligent flight modes, it’s designed to be user-friendly for beginners.
59. Eachine E511S
The Eachine E511S offers a 1080p camera, 16 minutes of flight time, and GPS functionality. Its foldable design and advanced features like one-key return make it an excellent drone for beginners.
60. Parrot Mambo
The Parrot Mambo is a mini drone that’s perfect for beginners and kids. It offers 9 minutes of flight time and is easy to control with a smartphone or remote. It’s a great option for learning how to fly without worrying about advanced features.
61. Holy Stone HS110G
The Holy Stone HS110G features a 1080p HD camera and about 13 minutes of flight time. It includes GPS-assisted flight and intelligent modes, making it easy for beginners to fly confidently.
62. Snaptain SP300
The Snaptain SP300 is a fun, hand-controlled mini drone designed for beginners and kids. It doesn’t have a camera, but it’s perfect for indoor flying and offers a simple, interactive flying experience.
63. Hubsan H216A
The Hubsan H216A features a 1080p HD camera and about 12 minutes of flight time. With its GPS-assisted flight and easy controls, it’s a good option for beginners looking for a reliable drone.
64. Syma X20
The Syma X20 is a compact, affordable drone designed for beginners. It doesn’t have a camera, but its small size and easy controls make it perfect for indoor flying and practicing basic maneuvers.
65. Altair Outlaw SE
The Altair Outlaw SE features a 1080p camera and offers about 20 minutes of flight time. It’s a GPS drone that’s easy to fly and comes with advanced features like Return to Home and Follow Me, making it a solid choice for beginners.
66. Holy Stone HS160
The Holy Stone HS160 is a foldable, pocket-sized drone with a 720p HD camera and about 8 minutes of flight time. It’s designed to be beginner-friendly, with easy-to-use controls and a compact design for portability.
67. Snaptain S5C WiFi FPV
The Snaptain S5C offers a 720p HD camera and 10 minutes of flight time. It’s equipped with voice control and gesture recognition, making it both interactive and easy to fly for beginners.
68. Hubsan X4 H107D
The Hubsan X4 H107D is a mini drone with FPV (First Person View) capabilities and about 7 minutes of flight time. It’s perfect for beginners looking to explore FPV flying without investing in a high-end model.
69. Syma X11C
The Syma X11C is a compact drone that features a 720p HD camera and offers about 8 minutes of flight time. It’s simple to control and perfect for indoor flying or outdoor practice.
70. Potensic U36W
The Potensic U36W is a mini drone with a 720p HD camera and about 6-8 minutes of flight time. It’s equipped with altitude hold and headless mode, making it a great choice for beginners.
71. Eachine H8 Mini
The Eachine H8 Mini is one of the most affordable drones on the market. It doesn’t have a camera, but its easy controls and durability make it a great option for beginners learning to fly.
72. Holy Stone HS230
The Holy Stone HS230 is a racing drone with a 720p HD camera and about 10 minutes of flight time. It’s perfect for beginners who are interested in drone racing but don’t want to invest in high-end models right away.
73. Force1 UFO 3000
The Force1 UFO 3000 is a fun, LED-lit mini drone designed for kids and beginners. It doesn’t have a camera, but its simple controls and durability make it great for flying indoors and outdoors.
74. Potensic D80
The Potensic D80 is a GPS-enabled drone with a 2K camera and about 20 minutes of flight time. It offers intelligent flight modes and stable flying, making it a solid option for beginners looking for a feature-packed drone.
75. Snaptain A10 Mini
The Snaptain A10 Mini is a pocket-sized drone with a 720p HD camera and about 8 minutes of flight time. It’s great for beginners due to its easy controls and compact design.
76. Holy Stone HS170 Predator
The Holy Stone HS170 is a mini drone designed for beginners. It doesn’t have a camera, but its simplicity, stability, and ease of use make it perfect for learning how to fly.
77. DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0
Though on the higher end, the DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 offers a 20MP camera, 4K video recording, and about 30 minutes of flight time. It’s suitable for beginners who are serious about aerial photography and want a top-tier experience.
78. JJRC H47 Elfie
The JJRC H47 Elfie is a foldable, pocket-sized drone with a 720p camera and about 7 minutes of flight time. It’s great for beginners who want a compact drone that’s easy to carry around.
79. Eachine E61HW
The Eachine E61HW offers a 720p HD camera and about 7 minutes of flight time. It’s easy to control, making it a perfect choice for beginners who want a simple, fun flying experience.
80. Holy Stone HS100 Navigator
The Holy Stone HS100 Navigator is a GPS drone with a 2K camera and about 18 minutes of flight time. With intelligent flight modes and GPS-assisted flight, it’s perfect for beginners looking for a more stable flying experience.
81. Snaptain A15 Foldable Drone
The Snaptain A15 is a foldable drone with a 720p HD camera and about 10 minutes of flight time. It’s a beginner-friendly option with features like voice control, gesture recognition, and altitude hold.
82. Force1 F111 Phoenix
The Force1 F111 Phoenix is a compact, foldable drone with a 720p camera and about 12 minutes of flight time. Its intuitive controls and compact design make it an excellent choice for beginners.
83. Hubsan X4 Desire Pro
The Hubsan X4 Desire Pro is equipped with a 1080p camera and offers about 12 minutes of flight time. With GPS functionality and beginner-friendly controls, it’s a solid choice for those new to drone flying.
84. Eachine E33C
The Eachine E33C is a budget-friendly drone with a 720p camera and about 8 minutes of flight time. It’s perfect for beginners who want a simple, affordable drone to learn the basics of flying.
85. Parrot Swing
The Parrot Swing is a unique drone that can switch between quadcopter and plane modes. It doesn’t have a camera, but its fun, easy-to-use design makes it great for beginners who want to try something different.
In 2024, the drone market continues to offer a vast selection of beginner-friendly models, catering to various budgets and skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a drone for casual flying, photography, or racing, there are plenty of options that deliver a seamless, enjoyable experience for newcomers. Brands like DJI, Holy Stone, and Snaptain dominate the list with feature-packed drones that combine ease of use with advanced capabilities, allowing you to grow and improve your flying skills over time.
For those on a budget, drones like the Ryze Tello, Snaptain S5C, and Eachine E58 provide excellent performance at affordable prices, making them perfect entry points into the world of drone flying. On the other hand, if you’re ready to invest a bit more in quality and features, drones like the DJI Mini 3 Pro, Autel Robotics EVO Nano+, and Ruko F11 Pro offer stunning camera quality, longer flight times, and GPS functionalities that ensure safer and more stable flights.
