Best Beginner Drone

What Is the Best Beginner Drone?

You will never buy an expensive car never tried to drive inexpensive one because even a tiny scratch will cost you hundreds of dollars.

Flying the drone is almost the same. Agree, that it’s better to pay $30 rather than $1000 accidentally directing you drone into the water or neighbors’ house.

Best Beginner Drone in 2020

That is why I recommend all first-time users using one of the following cheap beginner drones.

1. Hubsan H501A

Hubsan manufacturer produced an advanced version of the H501S beginner drone, having improved reliability and flight safety. Drone is released in two versions: without a remote control (control is maintained with a smartphone) and with remote control. GPS helps to hold a horizontal position of the copter and a barometer indicator (height sensor) holds a drone in the vertical plane. If the battery runs down, Hubsan H501A not only warns about the low battery charge but also starts returning home to the take-off point. If that the drone fails to return, the autoland function is activated to prevent accidental falling. When Follow Me function is turned on, this best drone for beginners is controlled by the integrated GPS module. In such a way, the drone follows the remote control/smartphone and its camera is always directed towards it. Thanks to this function, you may take cool selfies and record your walk.

Photo by Hubsan H501A

• View more about the best 4K drone.

2. DJI Spark Fly More Combo

DJI Spark is the latest drone in the line of DJI, a famous drone manufacturer. However, it has features of the previous drones including all smart flight modes, capacious battery and gesture control. But the main thing that distinguishes this model among other starter drones in this price range is the camera. In spite of its size and compactness, this camera is equipped with a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor which makes it possible to record videos at 1080p and take pictures at 12 MP. Thanks to bigger pixels, Spark is sensitive to light and can take clear photographs. This camera is equipped with an f/2.6 wide-angle lens with a 25 mm equivalent focal length. Thanks to Spark’s 2-axis mechanical gimbal and UltraSmooth system, shaking is reduced and the picture quality is really impressive. Fly More Combo complete package of DJI Spark, includes a minimal kit for flying and an additional battery, propeller protection, a battery charging hub, the main charger, and a travel bag. It is the best beginner quadcopter kit for convenient drone usage. Still, I suggest buying the third accumulator battery to maintain almost continuous flights anywhere you like.

Photo by Dji Spark Fly

• View more about professional aerial photography drones that you can use for breathtaking landscape photos.

3. Yuneec Breeze

Breeze is a handy drone created by the Yuneec Company. It is controlled with your iOS or Android device using Breeze Cam application and weights not more than one pound. You can record videos in 4K Ultra High Definition and take 13 MP shots. Thus, Breeze can compete with drones oversizing it twice. Breeze is equipped with flow sensors and infrared positioning allowing it to keep its position in buildings as well as outdoors, which is great for different types of shooting. Besides, it is one of the best drones for beginners since it has an auto-landing and automatic return home functions. No flying experience is needed.

Photo by Yuneec Breeze

• Check out what is the best drone for photography you can buy for affordable price.

4. Ryze Tello

This beginner drone from DJI is also called a selfie drone although it has rather good flying features such as a barometer, Collision Detection sensors on the lower side and other characteristics more expensive devices can boast of. It is also equipped with the changeable battery system which is not common among cheap drones with cameras. The maximum flying height is limited up to 10 meters and the radius is not very big ? 100 meters. It happens because Tello is controlled with a smartphone via WLAN-net which transmits a stable signal only over 100 meters. This device offers two speed modes: Fast and Slow. Slow mode is better for indoor flights, while Fast mode provides an opportunity to fly in the open air. Pay attention that video form the camera is recorded on your smartphone, not on a drone Micro-SD card. It may cause some problems. We would prefer to have a video recorded directly on the device. However, when the signal is lost, all video material may disappear.

Photo by Ryze Tello

5. Syma Z1

Equipped with an HD camera, optical flow and height hold function, Syma Z1 has proven to be a great selfie drone. It is a compact device and may be controlled with your smartphone. Syma Z1 may be deservedly called the best beginner mini-drone since portability and small weight are its main features. Its size doesn’t exceed the size of a big smartphone while its weight is even lower. It is actually suitable for indoor flights but the 720 p camera is also appropriate for outdoor shooting when there are good lighting and no wind.

Z1 is definitely an easy drone to fly as it is activated with the button click on your phone. It takes off and lands keeping stability. You may quickly share your pictures since they are stored on your smartphone. The only thing I am not satisfied with is the absence of a remote control. Drone flying is controlled via a mobile application which is not accurate and may actually lag. In other words, you will have to wait for a few seconds for a response from the drone. Frankly speaking, it is really a disaster for beginners.

Photo by Syma Z1

6. Hubsan H507A

Although Hubsan is rather cheap, it features a GPS function and basic smart modes, such as Return To Home, Follow Me, Waypoint Missions and Circle. This cheap drone with the camera also transmits live video to your device via Wi-Fi and may also be flown from your smartphone. It has a 85-degree FOV angle. The headless mode is also available.

Despite being rather cheap, this drone has all the necessary features. Of course, it isn’t the best drone in the world but the price definitely corresponds to its quality. Brushless motors are replaced with brush ones and the camera, of course, isn’t Full HD. However, Hubsan may boast of a 720p camera for taking pictures and videos.

Photo by Hubsan H507A

7. Blade Nano QX

You may carry the miniature Nano QX anywhere and enjoy operating it with the radio control system. Its small weight (about 14 grams) allows flying it even in the smallest rooms and restricted places. Don’t worry if you are just a beginner in flying drones. The SAFE™ technology system installed in Nano QX provides advanced flight control and stability in a hover when you use the stability mode. Moreover, the SAFE technology system will get the drone back to a hover in case there are some problems. If you have already improved your flying skills, you may switch to higher speeds and better maneuverability. Though Nano QX is considered to be one of the best entry-level drones, it is not equipped with a video camera and you can’t add it because of the drone’s small weight and size.

8. Syma X22W

A compact drone Syma X22W  is available in several color versions. It is suitable for indoor and outdoor flights, has a barometer and a modern stabilization system with an integrated multi-axis gyroscope. Thus, it may be called a good drone for beginners. The quadcopter holds the current height, takes-off and lands with a button click, performs 360-degree rollovers and also flies in Headless mode. Bright light-emitting diodes allow flying Syma X22W even at night.

Flight is controlled by a 2.4 GHz remote control from the standard kit or via a smartphone with iOS or Android. In this case, apart from abovementioned functions, Syma may fly along the specified route. Simply draw the trajectory with your finger on the screen and the drone will follow it.

Photo by Syma X22W

9. Eachine E010

This is the best drone for beginners, with small dimensions and attractive price. It also can be suitable for children. Despite the low weight, it is quite sturdy. It is the easiest drone to fly thanks to the detailed guide. Using the ONE-KEY RETURN on your remote control panel, you can return your drone, if it has accidentally lost the trajectory. This is really cool and convenient if you work outdoors. Since many drones lack GPS, ONE-KEY RETURN may be of little help. If you want to enjoy longer flights, you should purchase an extra set of batteries, since the drone’s flight time is quite short - only 5 minutes. But some users claim that their drones can fly up to 10 minutes. Before your battery comes to the end, the special indicator will warn you when the battery charge is low.

• Check out these best drones for real estate photography.

10. MJX Bugs 5W

The MJX B5W best beginner drone is a stylish and compact device from MJX. The drone is equipped with advanced electronics and professional brushless motors with an automatic locking system. Aerodynamic propellers are designed specifically to improve the balance, management, and maneuverability of the drone in the air. Thanks to the integrated GPS module, you will always know the position of MJX B5W, and the bright marker lights will not let you lose sight of it in the evening sky. The functions will allow even inexperienced pilots to manage MJX B5W in a simple way. It is equipped with Headless Mode, automatic take-off and landing at a button click, and Follow Me function in case the battery charge is low.

The drone also has an 8-megapixel Full-HD camera with a single-axis stabilizing mount, adjustable with the remote control. The FPV broadcast function will allow you to enjoy views from a height of up to 500 m.

Photo by MJX Bugs 5w

11. JXD 512W

JXD 512W beginner drone is equipped with a camera and Wi-Fi to transmit video to a smartphone in real time. The smartphone is easily fixed on the control panel. To view the video and control the device with a smartphone, you need to install a special application (iOS or Android). The main device to control the drone is the radio equipment with a frequency of 2.4 GHz. In addition to this, the copter can be controlled via the application that is installed on the smartphone. Having trained a little, you can master control from your smartphone, so you won’t need to take the control panel with you. The tracker power is enough for 30+ meters. But if you suddenly fly off the signal zone, the emergency return system will make the drone turn around and fly back until a signal appears. Usually, this function is available on most expensive drones.

JXD 512W is not designed to conquer large open spaces. Taking into account its miniature size, you will simply lose its sight. It is meant for spacious rooms or courtyard in windless weather. Following these simple recommendation, you will enjoy stable and flawless management. The six-axis gyroscope ensures high accuracy.

Photo by JXD 512W

12. Cheerson CX-10W

The Cheerson CX-10W is a good beginner drone that is smaller than your palm and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor shooting. It is available in three colors: gray, gold and pink. The quadcopter weighs 17 g, while the package dimensions are 85x85x40 mm. You can take it out of the box and start using. Cheerson CX-10W has a 0.3MP camera. You can see the live broadcast from the camera in the Cheerson CX-10W mobile app. The video is displayed in the "background" behind flying controls. At the top of the mobile application screen, there are camera controls, such as: take photos and record/stop videos. With the 3.7V 150mAh original battery, you will have the flight time approximately 4-5 minutes.

Photo by Cheerson Cx-10w

13. Hubsan X4 H107C

This is one of the best drones for beginners thanks to its durable case and flight characteristics. Though it is initially designed for the studio use, you can test this device outdoors in windless weather. It has 4 different flight modes, depending on your flight experience. With this best drone under 50, you can greatly improve your skills.

It may resemble some other models, but it really attracts attention with beautiful modern design. Besides, Hubsan X4 H107C is equipped with a rather powerful camera (0.3 MP), which is quite good for such a price. This quadcopter has no FPV features but it doesn’t screw up the shooting process. Most drones don’t have cameras, and they are more expensive than Hubsan X4 H107C with a mere gimmick. If you're looking for a cheap quadcopter to learn how to fly drones, Hubsan X4 H107C is exactly what you need.

Photo by Hubsan X4 H107c

14. Parrot Rolling Spider

The company paid great attention to the look of The Parrot Mini Drone Rolling Spider and though it is made of plastic (like most drones), this quadcopter has a beautiful design and is very sleek. The most fascinating feature is the two big wheels. Thanks to this, you can drive it on the floor like a remote-controlled car. Moreover, when flying indoors, you can prevent it from bumping into walls/ceiling. That’s why it is often called the best beginner drone with lots of interesting features.

Parrot Mini Drone Rolling Spider can fly no more than 8-9 minutes with a battery capacity of 550 mAh and the ultrasonic sensor. To activate the drone, you can drop it on purpose and turn on the drone mid-air.

List of 14 Best Beginner Drones

Image	Name	Features
	Hubsan H501A OUR CHOICE	20 minutes 300 ft	Check PRICE →
	DJI Spark BEST KIT	16 minutes 1.2 miles	Check PRICE →
	Blade Nano QX	8 minutes 50 ft	Check PRICE →
	Yuneec Breeze	12 minutes 100 ft	Check PRICE →
	Ryze Tello MINI DRONE	13 minutes 100 ft	Check PRICE →
	Syma Z1 RACING DRONE	7 minutes 70 ft	Check PRICE →
	Hubsan H507A UNDER $100	9 minutes 80 ft	Check PRICE →
	Syma X22W	5 minutes 70 ft	Check PRICE →
	Eachine E010	7 minutes 30 ft	Check PRICE →
	MJX Bugs 5W UNDER $200	16 minutes 300 ft	Check PRICE →
	JXD 512W	8 minutes 30 ft	Check PRICE →
	Cheerson CX-10W CHEAP	4 minutes 30 ft	Check PRICE →
	Hubsan X4 H107C UNDER $50	7 minutes 100 ft	Check PRICE →
	Parrot MiniDrone Rolling Spider FOR KIDS	8 minutes 30 ft	Check PRICE →

Drone Flight Training Courses

To learn how to operate your drone, you need to contact a specialized store. Surely there is a school of pilots or an instructor who can give you a practical lesson. As a rule, training does not take much time, since the lesson consists of a theoretical part (the principles of drone flying, its functional features) and practical stage. Next, the beginner pilot independently increases the flying time, thereby mastering what he/she’s learned and gaining more confidence.

There are also special schools where beginners may learn the basics of drone piloting. In such schools, as a rule, you will officially register your drone and get the permission to fly it.

An instructor will teach you various flight tricks on a special platform. This is convenient if you do not want to study in your backyard, especially if it is quite small. Also, you can learn from those people, who are engaged in aerial shooting for some time.

Here are the 3 best US schools that I recommend all beginners:

If there is no possibility to train with an instructor, then video lessons will be useful for self-study. A lot of people shoot and share with tutoring lessons on the web. Here you can find the answer to many questions. The main thing is to do only the things that you are sure about. Check if your action is correct and then do it. The drone can hurt people and animals around, so take it seriously. Wish you accident-free flights and good luck!

Ann Young

Hi there, I'm Ann Young - a professional blogger, read more