Best Cheap Drones

Drones no longer cost a fortune – the latest batch of budget models pack in high-end features at low prices. Here we look at the best

- Alistair Jennings

Drones are great fun, and there’s a huge choice out there, ranging from those costing a few pounds to several thousand. DJI leads the field with advanced features, high-end build quality and innovation that have driven the drone market forward.

But not everyone can afford a DJI, or needs all of that tech. The good news is that even on a smaller budget, there’s still plenty of choice.

The budget drones we’re looking at here cost a fraction of their high-end rivals but still pack in features that will give you hours of enjoyment. They’ll help set you on the path to becoming an experienced enthusiast or pilot.

One of the most important features that you should look for is a built-in gyro – this is an absolute essential for stable flight. The addition of GPS is also a bonus and will enable you to program in-flight paths and other autonomous flight control. Signal strength is essential for good aerial control, and most drones will use Wi-Fi, which means they can connect to your phone.

Then there’s the camera; this feature is what propelled these small airborne devices into the mainstream. Look for Full HD quality, and for the most fun check to see if the footage can be streamed live to an accompanying app for your mobile device.

WHAT’S ON TEST…

1 Holystone HS100

Taking on the tried-and-tested form factor, the Holystone HS100 instantly stands out. GPS and a built-in gimbal-controlled 1080p HD camera, headless mode and ‘follow me’ make this drone an appealing proposition. holystone.com

SPECS

FLIGHT TIME 15 minutes
SENSORS Six-axis gyro, barometer, GPS
CAMERA Full HD 1080p