Looking for the best RC drones for sale? Then look no further because we’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find the ultimate buyer’s guide to buying a drone you won’t be able to keep up in the air.
Flying drones can be an incredible amount of fun, especially if you’re a beginner just starting out. And if you get really good with flying them, just wait until you get into racing drones. Big rush. Big.
As with any hobby, drone flying can be as immersive as you’d like it to be. There is simply a huge variety of quadcopters and accessories out there for you to enjoy and purchase if you wish.
Whether you’re looking for the latest 4K drone from DJI, a racing drone to test your speed and skill against a friend, or a high-end drone for the latest in aerial photography features, our list is bound to have the perfect quadcopter for you.
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1.
DJI Mavic Air 2 Fly More Combo
Pros:
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Foldable and compact
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Three batteries provide over 90 minutes of flight time
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Huge number of accessories for a great price
Cons:
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Expensive point of entry for beginners
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Follow Me mode limited to 1080p video
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Obstacle avoidance only good front and back, not sides
DJI has built their company into one of the world leaders of drone-making vendors. When it comes to civilian quadcopters like this Mavic Air 2 and the Fly More Combo pack, DJI is really hard to beat in terms of price and quality. Power and portability are what you’ll get with the Mavic Air 2, all housed in a foldable, efficient package.
The artificial intelligence and operational simplicity of DJI’s drones have grown by leaps and bounds from just three years ago. Battery life for the Mavic Air 2 is an impressive 34 minutes. Flight speeds of over 42 miles per hour allow for amazing, quick video no matter where you may be. Obstacle avoidance features provide security so you’ll be able to focus on what shots are possible versus losing your drone altogether.
Photos of 48MP are possible with the Mavic Air 2 as well as 4K video at 60 frames per second. The video codec is H.265 meaning you’ll have more information per frame, use less storage, and preserve the dynamic detail of your footage.
The Fly More Combo package includes the Mavic Air 2 foldable drone, remote controller, three batteries, six propellers, cables, control stick, gimbal protector, battery charger, charging hub, and a padded shoulder bag. Recommended for beginners and advanced fliers alike. If you’re looking to get into the drone flying game or want to up that game entirely, this combo is a great way to do it.
Find more DJI Mavic Air 2 Fly More Combo information and reviews here.
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2.
Parrot Anafi Drone
Pros:
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Price vs. Mavic Air
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180-Degree Gimbal Can Look Up
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16GB MicroSD Included
Cons:
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Controller Looks Toy-like
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Only One Color Available
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Not as Fast as Mavic Air
The Parrot Anafi features an impressive design that rivals the Mavic Air. The Anafi has some impressive specifications including a 26-minute flight time, 3X zoom feature, and a 4K HDR 21MP camera. It charges via USB-C which is so much better than previous USB standards. It’s also foldable like the Mavic Air and comes with a foldable controller.
It’s clearly built with portability in mind as it weighs a slight 11.3oz. The Anafi drone also has a 180-degree tilt gimbal that allows you to shoot snapshots from unique angles. It uses a 3-axis hybrid image stabilization system so that your photos are still and your videos are ultra-smooth.
There’s also a new Anafi thermal option available that allows users to take heat-sensitive photos. The camera is equipped with a nice f/2.4 wide-angle ASPH lens that provides highly detailed photos, complete with HDR. It also has a 2.8x digital zoom. It can take videos in 4K, 1080p, or 2.7k, and it can take up to 21MP still photos. The camera can snap up to 10 photos per second. It can capture in Adobe DNG Raw format or JPEG.
Find more Parrot Anafi Drone information and reviews here.
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3.
DJI Inspire 2
Pros:
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The choice for filmmakers around the globe
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Smart and quick return home feature
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Intelligent flight modes
Cons:
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Expensive
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Large in comparison to other drones
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Not for beginners; easier with two operators
Although the DJI Inspire 2 has been around for a while, it’s still one of the best professional drones you can buy, especially for cinematics and photography. This clearly isn’t a drone for beginners or the faint of heart and clearly, it’s expensive. The Inspire 2 is a professional drone for directors and only the most enthusiastic of drone enthusiasts.
The DJI Inspire 2 was the first filmmaking drone in the world to integrate an HD video transmission system, 360-degree rotating gimbal, and a 4K camera, as well as simple control via app. DJI markets the Inspire 2 as a critical tool for filmmakers around the world and with the features it provides, it’s easy to see why.
The image processing system records at up to 5.2K in cinema DNG raw, Apple prores, and more. It goes from 0 to 50mph in just five seconds with a maximum speed of 58mph. The maximum descent speed of 9M/s gives incredible speed and agility for a drone this size. A dual battery system prolongs the flight time to a maximum of 27 minutes, while self-heating technology allows it to fly in low temperatures.
Flight autonomy provides two directions of obstacle avoidance and sensor redundancy. Increased intelligence adds multiple intelligent flight modes, including Spotlight Pro, giving pilots the ability to create complex, dramatic shots even when on their own in the field. The video transmission system is capable of dual signal frequency and dual channel, streaming video from an onboard FPV camera and the main camera simultaneously, for better collaboration between the pilot and the camera operator.
Find more DJI Inspire 2 information and reviews here.
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4.
Parrot Bebop 2
Pros:
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Seven sensors for stable flight
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14MP photos
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Fantastic control response
Cons:
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No 4K video capability
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Easy to lose in the bright sunlight
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Requires registration with FAA
Although an older model, the Parrot Bebop 2 features a streamlined design and a simple control system that has made it a favorite among drone enthusiasts. It’s easily identified flying through the air, that’s for sure. The drone has a whopping seven sensors placed around the housing so that flight is incredibly stable.
It also has the capability to shoot in full 1080P HD video and snap 14MP photos. With 25 minutes of flight time per battery charge, the Parrot Bebop 2 is a solid choice for beginners and advanced fliers alike. This drone can hit speeds up to 37 MPH and can reach that top speed in just 14 seconds. The battery is a sizable 2700mAh.
The Bebop 2 is controlled by your smartphone once the app is downloaded so no transmitter is included with the drone. However, you can use it with a superior Skycontroller 2, also made by Parrot, if you prefer but you’ll pay a premium for it. The drone comes with a battery, cables and adapters, extra propellers, and a quick start guide.
Find more Parrot Bebop 2 information and reviews here.
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5.
DJI Phantom 3 Advanced
Pros:
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Live stream directly to YouTube
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14MP photos
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Intuitive controller
Cons:
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Better options for the price
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No 4K video
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Older model
The DJI Phantom 3 has gained a lot of respect from drone enthusiasts since it first debuted. The majority of fliers that have picked one up praise the video quality and how easy it is to use. The Phantom 3 features 4K UHD video recording with a fully stabilized 3-axis gimbal. DJI’s Lightbridge digital streaming option allows users to view their stream in 720p while recording in 1080p.
The Phantom 3 has GPS navigation, auto landings and takeoffs, an intelligent high-power flight battery, a built-in database of no-fly zones, and a power mobile app with all of the settings and tweaks you’d want available. Flight time is approximately a reasonable 23 minutes and the battery can be recharged with a standard AC adapter or 12V car charger.
The Auto-Return Home function will return the drone to the exact spot it took off from as long as GPS connectivity is present. The Phantom 3 uses FailSafe technology which will send the Phantom 3 back to you if it loses connection to the remote controller for any reason or if the battery is running low. The drone also has a “Vision Positioning System” which allows for stable flight indoors when a GPS signal isn’t available. The Phantom 3 uses DJI’s Pilot app making it very easy to fly.
Here’s a nice feature: fliers can stream their drone footage to YouTube directly. There’s a lot to like about the Phantom 3. With all of these features, DJI keeps building better quality drones without necessarily raising the price.
Find more DJ Phantom 3 Professional information and reviews here.
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6.
DJI Mini 2 Fly More Combo
Pros:
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Ultra-portable size and function
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Comes with three batteries, each with a 31-minute flight capability
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Great price point for the capabilities and performance
Cons:
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The case is nice but it could have used a tougher exterior
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Some reports of flight drift
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Flight distance may not be as advertised
So, yes, there are a lot of DJI products, like this Mini 2 Fly More Combo. There’s a reason for that. There are a lot of “Fly More Combo” packages on here, too. And there is a reason for that as well.
Reason #1: DJI makes some seriously great drones. They sell a ton of them, they’re all very highly rated, they’re designed well, and to be perfectly blunt, the things just work. The Mini 2 is a great portable size, features 4K ultra-clear video, several intelligent modes, and it’s incredibly lightweight and foldable.
This little drone can fly for up to 31 minutes in moderate wind. With the DJI flight app, the Mini 2 is instantly flyable for beginners and sophisticated enough for veterans. It’s also hyper-cute which is never a bad thing.
Reason #2: Packages like this Mini 2 Fly More Combo just make a lot of sense. Look, if you’re going to the trouble (and expense) to fly drones in the first place, I know that you know that you’re going to need extra propellers. You’re also going to need more batteries because getting out to fly then forced home after just 30 minutes is a real drag.
The combo also comes with a battery charger hub and a sweet case to keep your new baby safe. It’s seriously worth the extra money to keep things exciting and fun. For the price of the combo, your drone flight trips will be much more satisfying and productive.
Find more DJI Mini 2 Fly More Combo information and reviews here.
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7.
PowerEgg X Wizard 4K/60FPS Multi-Purpose Waterproof Drone
Pros:
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Drone can fly in wind, rain, and snow
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Impressive facial recognition
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Decent transmission range
Cons:
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Reports of some firmware upgrade issues
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Parts and accessories may be difficult to find
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No FPV option
The PowerEgg X Wizard Multi-Purpose Waterproof Drone has a couple of nice gimmicks going for it. First, it’s promoted as featuring a unique shell that allows the drone to fly and film through inclement weather. If you’re a surfer and want your drone to capture you shredding some killer waves, this is a very nice advantage. It can also stand up to level five wind resistance during flight.
Removable water landing floats make it possible for the PowerEgg X Wizard to take off and land on water as well. This is also a great feature for anyone shooting photos or video at a lake or ocean. Speaking of photos and video, this drone is equipped with a 4K UHD camera that can shoot at 60 frames per second.
The PowerEgg X Wizard can also be used as a high-tech camera when attached to a tripod or as a handheld gimbal camera with a hand strap. Advanced facial recognition and learning capabilities deliver quick, accurate results for following commands from even long distances. Flight time is a reasonable 30 minutes per charge but luckily for you, this combo pack includes an extra battery.
Find more PowerEgg X Wizard Multi-Purpose Waterproof Drone information and reviews here.
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8.
DJI Mavic Air
Pros:
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Ultra-portable
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Foldable drone and camera
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32MP panoramic photos
Cons:
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No 60fps at 4K
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Might look too much like a toy for some
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Slows against the wind
The DJI Mavic Air is a quadcopter RC drone for sale from one of the premier drone vendors: DJI. The Mavic Air’s biggest selling point is the incredible sphere panoramas. This feature allows the drone to take 25 photos in eight seconds and splices them together for one ultra clear 32MP image.
Being one of the top-of-the-line consumer options from DJI available, the Mavic Air supports 4K video at 30fps. It also utilizes a full three-axis gimbal that’s able to stabilize images and video even when the drone is at full speed, allowing you to take ultra-smooth 4K video and super sharp photos.
The second big pro here is that it’s specifically made for portability and you can fold it down for easy traveling. That means you can take it everywhere you want to go.
Another big selling point is that it can be controlled from up to an enormous 6,562-feet away (that’s 1.24 miles for those keeping score at home). Pilots can utilize the included dedicated remote controller (which also folds) to take their drone for a max 2-1/2 miles. It also has a 21-minute battery life.
The Mavic Air has a new APAS system that will allow the drone to detect any obstructions in real-time and it can stay stable in high winds. It has sensors on every side of it. This means that whether it’s going to bump into something in front of it or it’s going to back up into something behind it, the Mavic is able to detect the obstruction super quickly and avoid as necessary.
It can also be controlled with the DJI Go App on any smartphone, which adds features like ActiveTrack, SmartCapture, QuickShots, and TapFly, and It’s available in three colors: Black, White, and Red. There are a ton of accessories that come with the drone as well making this package a great out-of-the-box solution so you can get flying quickly.
Find more DJI Mavic Air information and reviews here.
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9.
Holy Stone HS720E Drone Fly More Combo
Pros:
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Three batteries included
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Great price point for all this gear
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Multiple automatic flight features
Cons:
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Proprietary battery connection
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Non-existent customer service
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Wi-Fi connection to phone can be shaky
The Holy Stone HS720E Drone Fly More Combo is a cost-effective way to get some great photos and video as well as stay up in the air for over an hour. Nothing ruins a drone flight day like drained batteries. The Fly More Combo includes three (three!) batteries so you can keep flying for 69 minutes. That’s pretty rad.
With the 4K EIS (Electric Image Stabilization) anti-shake camera, blurring is reduced and video quality is excellent. An onboard Sony sensor is equipped with advanced image-capture technologies for superior image quality compared with other common sensors as well. Photos taken with the 4K camera catch many more details and a resolution of 3840 x 2160. Videos recorded with 1080p at 60 frames per second or 4K at 30 frames per second will play more smoothly and with 5GHz FPV image transmission.
Air optical flow and air pressure altitude control system features allow the HS720E to smoothly hover both indoors and outdoors. GPS location and auto-return functions will help make sure your new quadcopter doesn’t get lost. Intelligent flight modes enable the drone to fly automatically so you can focus on creating video.
Brushless electric motors run stronger and with less noise compared to brushed motors which will enable stable and peppy drone flights. Plus, they have a longer life span without maintenance. Each battery supports a 23-minute flight time and as we stated above, there are three of them included so you’ll have a full 69 minutes of soaring through the skies.
Find more Holy Stone HS720E Drone Fly More Combo information and reviews here.
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10.
Ruko F11 Pro
Pros:
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Reinforced aluminum frame
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30-minute flight time
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Good power against moderate wind
Cons:
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Somewhat louder than other drones in its class
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No stabilizing gimble for camera
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It's just heavy enough to warrant FAA registration
Great for beginners and featuring enough amenities to impress veteran fliers, the Ruko F11 Pro UHD Camera Drone offers solid performance and a lengthy flight time. Impressive 4K ultra HD picture quality with 2.9K video can be counted on to make some seriously good imagery. The price point is a nice balance between cheap toys and mega-expensive professional drones, too.
The kit comes with two 2,500mAh intelligent batteries that each provide up to 30 minutes of flight time. Fly this quadcopter for 60 solid minutes? Yes, please. Charging each battery takes less than four hours and a universal adapter to do so is included as well.
Depending on conditions, live video transmission is possible from as far away as 500 meters. The F11 Pro is simple for rookie fliers to learn with necessary functions such as auto-return, FPV, tap fly, headless mode, one-key takeoff and landing, and more. Seriously, for the price and for how much punch this drone brings, the Ruko F11 Pro is a great choice.
Find more Ruko F11 Pro information and reviews here.
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11.
DJI Spark
Pros:
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Facial recognition and Follow Me functionality
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Quick and nimble quadcopter
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Automatic object avoidance
Cons:
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Just a 16-minute flight time
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More advanced drones available
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Older phones may not work with the DJI Spark
If you’re looking for a mid-tier hobby drone for snapping selfies and great video footage, look no further than the DJI Spark. In fact, DJI even calls it their “Selfie Drone” internally. Although the Spark has been out for a while and DJI has introduced the Mavic Mini, this little drone is still a great option.
The Spark has some cool features including Quick Launch that uses facial recognition to allow the unit to take off once the drone recognizes a face. Gesture control and editing and sharing video footage straight from the app also are nice tools. ActiveTrack will make the Spark follow you or someone else you choose while active like riding a bike, skateboarding, playing basketball, and more.
If you’re looking for a drone that can fly itself, the Spark is fully capable of flight autonomy thanks to advanced obstacle detection and GPS capabilities. Return to Home functionality is provided as well. The DJI Spark has a top speed of 31 MPH when put into sport mode with a flying time of up to 16 minutes. The cost has gone down on this package making it a really good point of entry for new fliers.
Find more DJI Spark information and reviews here.
What Kind of Drone Should I Buy?
That is a question with an enormous number of answers! We'll walk you through some of the different types of models below. See what piques your interest the most then go check them out.
Camera Drones: the most popular (and best-selling) drones on the market for the most part are camera drones. When new models are first announced, you may see them trending on your social media feeds if you've been looking for drones online.
Camera drones are often aimed at tech consumers who really enjoy the hobby. Drone makers also target dads that want to take excellent photos and video footage of their kid's sporting events. And let's not forget active sports enthusiasts: snowboarders and mountain bikers who want to get sweet shots of their runs down the mountain are also big fans.
Some of the drones featured above like the DJI Mavic Air or Phantom 3 are excellent camera drones. They're overloaded with features to make flying and capturing the best video footage easier. Once you become acquainted with the "Follow Me" setting, you'll be amazed.
Professional Drones: specifically aimed at business applications, these flyers are often used in warehouses, real estate agencies, and land management firms to capture video used to showcase homes or property for sale.
A highly rated example of a professional drone is the DJI Inspire which can be controlled by two different controllers at once, one for the drone and one for the camera. The Yuneec H920 is also an excellent professional drone, as well as the DJI Matrice 200.
Racing Drones: these babies are intended for - wait for it - racing! These drones are built specifically for racing like you'd find in the Drone Racing League or MultiGP. That means they're built for speed, agility, and include FPV (first-person view). You can read more about the best racing drones here.
Toy Drones: these are intended for young teens to older teens as well as adults just getting into flying quadcopters. Toy drones are a lot less expensive than any of the others on our list. And because of that, a new pilot will have a lot easier (and cheaper) time making mistakes.
Sky Viper is one of the most well-known toy drone brands. Traxxas, best known for their RC cars and boats, also has some very good drones available. Toy drones are designed with a cool factor in mind so that consumers make impulse buys. That factor may take the form of slick design or simple, one-button flips.
You may find some toy drones with small cameras included however, you won't find 4K quality although you can find 720p and 1080p models available. Toy drones are significantly cheaper than racing or hobbyist drones, but they don't come with as many features. They're intended to be used for one thing only: fun!
How Much Does a Decent Drone Cost?
Believe it or not, you can find 4K capable camera drones for less than $100. Your mileage may vary on these fliers, of course, but for anyone just getting into the sport, it's a great port of entry. Batteries on these models only last around ten minutes so by the time you get it in the air and try to get the perfect shot, you'll be low on battery.
The lowest-tier option I would personally purchase is the Visuo XS816. You'll have double the flight time of other cheaper drones at roughly 20 minutes per battery charge while still getting sweet 4K video.
When you buy any of the hobbyist camera or professional drones, you're going to want to protect your new investment with a quality drone case. When it comes to the best drone cases, our current go-to brand of choice is Pelican (which also is well-known for its high-end camera cases).
For example, if you are looking for a Mavic 2 Pro drone case, they've got that available. Or if you want a generalized Pelican case that can be customized for virtually any drone, you're going to want the Pelican 1510.
You Won't Find Most of These at Walmart
Many of the drones we've outlined here are readily available on Amazon but likely won't be found at your local Wal-Mart. Some may be available through their online store, but they're a bit too niche to carry in-store. The majority of the drones you'll find on shelves at Walmart and Target are toy drones, brands like Sky Viper.
We should note that any drone specifically not labeled as a toy drone can be dangerous. Any drone that's tricked out with lights and features can be ridiculously cool like a toy but understand that in many cases, drone makers specifically warn against providing these devices to children under 14.
With four spinning blades rotating at high speed, serious injury can result to anyone. Of course, some drone professionals warn against giving them to children at all because, well, they're just too much fun for adults.
See Also:
Best Drones for Beginners
Best Racing Drones for Sale
Best Small Drones for Sale
Best Tech Toys for Adults
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