So, you're thinking about getting into the world of drones, huh? That's awesome! Drones are super fun, whether you're into photography, racing, or just exploring the skies. But let's be real, some of those high-end drones can cost a small fortune. That's where the best cheap drones for beginners come in! You don't need to break the bank to get started. There are tons of affordable options that are perfect for learning the ropes without risking a huge investment. In this article, we're going to dive into some of the best cheap drones that are ideal for beginners. We'll talk about what to look for, what features matter, and give you some solid recommendations to get you off the ground.

What to Look for in a Beginner Drone

Before we jump into specific models, let's chat about what makes a drone beginner-friendly. It's not just about the price tag, guys. You want something that's easy to control, durable enough to handle a few bumps, and has features that help you learn.

• Easy to Control: This is key. A good beginner drone should have stable flight characteristics and intuitive controls. Look for features like altitude hold (where the drone maintains its height automatically) and one-button take-off and landing. These make flying so much easier when you're just starting out.
• Durability: Let's face it, you're going to crash. Maybe not on purpose, but it's going to happen. So, a durable drone that can withstand a few tumbles is a must. Look for drones made from tough plastic or with propeller guards to protect the blades.
• Flight Time: Okay, so this is always a trade-off with cheaper drones. You're not going to get 30 minutes of flight time on a budget model. But try to find something that gives you at least 10-15 minutes per battery. That's enough time to get a feel for flying without constantly having to land and recharge.
• Camera Quality: If you're interested in aerial photography or videography, the camera is important. But don't expect DSLR-quality images from a cheap drone. Look for something that shoots at least 720p or 1080p video. That'll give you decent results for sharing on social media.
• GPS: GPS is a fantastic feature to have, especially for beginners. It allows the drone to hover in place more accurately and can provide features like return-to-home, which automatically brings the drone back to its take-off point if you lose signal or the battery is low.
• Price: Of course, price is a major factor when you're looking for a cheap drone. Set a budget for yourself and stick to it. Remember, you can always upgrade to a more expensive model later once you've gained some experience.

Finding the sweet spot between these features and your budget is the key to selecting the best cheap drone for your needs.

Top Picks for Best Cheap Drones for Beginners

Alright, let's get to the good stuff! Here are some of my top picks for affordable drones that are perfect for beginners:

1. Ryze Tech Tello

The Ryze Tech Tello is often recommended as the go-to beginner drone, and for good reason. It's small, lightweight, and super easy to fly. What makes the Tello so appealing? Well, for starters, it's built with DJI technology, which means it has excellent flight stability. Even if you're a complete newbie, you'll find it easy to keep the Tello under control. The Tello also has some cool features that make it fun to fly. It can perform flips and other stunts with a simple tap on the screen. It also has a built-in camera that can shoot 720p video and 5MP photos. The image quality isn't amazing, but it's good enough for sharing on social media. One of the best things about the Tello is its programmable nature. You can use Scratch, a visual programming language, to create custom flight patterns and behaviors. This is a great way to learn about coding and robotics while having fun with your drone. The Ryze Tech Tello typically offers around 13 minutes of flight time per charge. This is fairly standard for drones in this price range and is sufficient for beginners to practice and enjoy flying without constant interruptions for battery changes. Its compact size and lightweight design make it incredibly portable. You can easily toss it in a backpack or bag, making it perfect for taking to parks, beaches, or any open space where you want to fly. It also supports indoor flying, thanks to its vision positioning system that helps it maintain stability even without GPS.

2. Holy Stone HS110D

Looking for a drone that's a little more robust? The Holy Stone HS110D is a great option. This drone is slightly larger than the Tello, which makes it a bit more stable in windy conditions. The HS110D comes with a 1080P FHD camera, which provides clear and vibrant images. While it might not compete with professional-grade cameras, it's more than adequate for beginners who want to capture their aerial adventures. The wide-angle lens also ensures you get more in each shot. One of the standout features of the HS110D is its modular battery system. This allows for easy battery swaps, extending your total flight time. Each battery provides about 13 minutes of flight, and you can purchase additional batteries to keep the fun going longer. The HS110D is packed with features that make it easy for beginners to learn how to fly. It includes altitude hold, headless mode, and one-key takeoff/landing. Altitude hold keeps the drone stable at a set height, while headless mode simplifies the controls by making the drone move relative to the remote, regardless of its orientation. These features help prevent crashes and make learning more enjoyable. The drone’s build quality is also noteworthy. It’s constructed from durable materials that can withstand minor crashes, which are inevitable when you’re first starting out. Propeller guards are included to further protect the drone and its surroundings, making it safer to fly indoors and around obstacles. The HS110D also supports app control via your smartphone, allowing you to access additional features such as trajectory flight. This mode lets you draw a path on your phone’s screen, and the drone will follow it automatically, adding a creative element to your flying experience. Its intuitive controls and beginner-friendly features make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enter the world of drone piloting.

3. Potensic A20 Mini Drone

If you're after something really small and budget-friendly, check out the Potensic A20 Mini Drone. Don't let its size fool you, this little guy is surprisingly capable. The Potensic A20 Mini Drone is incredibly user-friendly, making it an excellent choice for first-time drone pilots. It features simple controls, one-button takeoff and landing, and altitude hold, which helps keep the drone stable in the air. These features allow beginners to focus on learning the basics of flight without being overwhelmed by complex controls. Despite its small size, the A20 Mini Drone is surprisingly durable. It's designed to withstand minor crashes and bumps, which are inevitable when you're learning to fly. The included propeller guards provide additional protection, making it safe to fly indoors and around obstacles. It's perfect for kids and adults alike who want to try their hand at drone flying without worrying about damaging the drone. While the A20 Mini Drone doesn't have a camera, it's still a lot of fun to fly. It's nimble and responsive, making it great for zipping around indoors or in small outdoor spaces. It also features three different speed modes, allowing you to adjust the drone's sensitivity to your skill level. Start with the slowest mode to get a feel for the controls, and then gradually increase the speed as you become more confident. This mini drone is also incredibly portable. It's small enough to fit in your pocket, so you can take it with you wherever you go. Whether you're at home, in the park, or on vacation, you can always have a drone handy for some spontaneous fun. The A20 Mini Drone is easy to charge via USB, and it comes with two batteries, which provide a combined flight time of around 12-16 minutes. While this may not seem like much, it's plenty of time for beginners to practice and enjoy flying. Its ease of use, durability, and portability make it a standout choice for those new to the world of drones.

4. SNAPTAIN A10 Mini Drone

The SNAPTAIN A10 Mini Drone is another fantastic option for beginners, particularly those who want something compact and easy to use. This drone is designed with simplicity in mind, making it perfect for first-time pilots. The SNAPTAIN A10 Mini Drone features a foldable design, which makes it incredibly portable and easy to carry around. You can simply fold it up and tuck it into your pocket or bag, making it convenient to take with you wherever you go. Its compact size also makes it ideal for flying indoors, as it can easily navigate tight spaces without bumping into things. One of the standout features of the A10 Mini Drone is its voice control capability. You can control the drone using simple voice commands, such as