16 Cheap Drones for Beginners (Under $180)

The F100 Ghost GoPro Drone is an amazing value for the price.

The F100G rc quadcopter is both tough and nimble, and comes with a mount for a GoPro Hero 3 or 4, which means you could get professional quality shots. As you can see in the video below, it can be flown in windy weather and still allow for a controlled flight.

The brushless motors on the F100G not only make for a smoother, quieter flight, but allow for precise control while flying and longer flight times—at 19 minutes, this drone has one of the longest battery lives of drones on the market for this price point.

The F100G is also a good beginner/intermediate drone for still photography and aerial videography. It comes with High/Low Speed modes, which allow for greater control when it comes to getting the perfect shot.

If you decide to buy the F100G, make sure to register your drone with Force1 to get your free extra battery (value of $25).

Key Specs and Details

• GOPRO CAMERA DRONE: Now you can sync compatible GoPro Hero 3 and Hero 4 action cameras with your drone thanks to the convenient camera mount on the F100 drone
• BRUSHLESS MOTORS FOR SMOOTH CONTROL: The powerful motors on this drone are much quieter than others. Plus, they provide a longer flight time and offer smoother and more precise control
• IDEAL DRONE FOR VIDEO & PICTURES: Equipped with a High/Low Speed mode to easily control the speed of your flight & it’s ultra quiet to help eliminate unwanted noise on your videos
• EXTRA LONG FLIGHT TIMES – GREAT DRONE FOR BEGINNERS: The flight time on the F100 Ghost puts other drones to shame lasting up to 19 minutes per flight

The U49W Blue Heron drone, boasts altitude-hold and a first-person-view (FPV) screen with Camera Live Video, so you can see exactly what the HD camera of your drone sees in real time.

It also comes with an extra battery to help you fly for even longer before having to charge, and a great 720p camera for clear HD pictures and live video.

Add to that it’s impressively long flight time of 15 minutes, and you’re looking at a great drone for beginners (or intermediate pilots, for that matter) at an inexpensive price.

Features & Specs

• GET GREAT PICS & LIVE VIDEO VIA WI-FI DRONE FPV: Take great HD drone pics & live video w/ the 720p video drone camera
• ONE OF OUR BEST DRONES FOR BEGINNERS: Use Alt. Hold for stable flight & the rubber-damping quadcopter drone camera to capture clear HD imagery
• HEADLESS MODE, LOW-BATTERY & SIGNAL ALARMS: Headless Mode makes flight easy for drones with camera live video capability, & alarms alert you when it’s time to land
• EXTRA-LONG FLIGHT TIME + EXTRA DRONE BATTERY & MOTORS: Stay in the air longer at up to 15 minutes per flight, and enjoy a bonus battery for even more fun between charges; we also include spare motors to keep you flying
• 3 SPEED MODES & 1-KEY CONTROL MAKES FLYING EASY: Low-, medium- and high-speed settings plus 1-key takeoff and landing makes flying easy for new pilots

An exclusive training quadcopter from USA Toyz / Force1 RC, the U45 Blue Jay is one of the more durable beginner quadcopters out there. As you can see by those propeller guards, they can take quite a beating.

This makes it great for beginners, but more experienced pilots will enjoy this quad as well. The Blue Jay has a skillful Custom Route Mode as well, where you can drag your fingers across your mobile or tablet app screen to create an automated flight path.

Box Contents

• U45W Drone
• 2.4Ghz Controller
• 3.7V 500mAh Battery x 2
• USB Battery Charger
• 4GB SanDisk Micro SD Card
• SD Card Reader
• Spare Propellers x 4
• Screwdriver
• User Manual

Features and Specs

• FIRST PERSON VIEW with VR HEADSET COMPATIBILITY: Watch live video feed of your flight from your iPhone or Android Smart mobile device with the FPV WiFi feature.
• ALTITUDE HOLD FUNCTION: SUPER EASY DRONE FOR BEGINNERS TO FLY: Makes controlling the drone a breeze for beginners and stabilizes aerial photography. This is the ideal beginner drone with a lot of the latest features typically found on higher end models.
• ONE TOUCH TAKE OFF AND LANDING: Drone automatically hovers at a set altitude after take off and before landing making it easy to control and maneuver, especially for beginners who are not yet skilled.
• CUSTOM ROUTE MODE -Trace the desired flight path on the mobile app screen and the drone will fly along the path unassisted
• HD CAMERA: Capture 720p high definition aerial photos and videos with 2MP camera; Sync it to your controller to really bring life to your flights!

The U49C Red Heron quadcopter looks sleek and is a great gift for the newbie drone pilot.

The retailer Force1 includes an extra battery in this model, which doubles your flight time and is great for folks logging those first few hours of flight. The Red Heron also comes with spare motors, which is a great value add, especially for beginner drone pilots.

Features & Specs

• GET CRISP PHOTOS and VIDEO WITH A 720P DRONE CAMERA: Watch how drone FPV (first-person view) flight comes to life with this camera drone. TAKE OFF & LAND WITH 1 BUTTON WHEN FLYING THIS REMOTE CONTROL DRONE: Learn the ropes in no time – easier than many drones with camera live video features
• USE DRONE ALTITUDE HOLD & HEADLESS MODE FOR STABLE FLIGHT: Get better drone HD video quality when you add increased flight stability
• USE YOUR IPHONE OR ANDROID IN CUSTOM ROUTE MODE: Trace a route with your finger and this drone for iPhone or Android will follow it on autopilot
• EXTRA BATTERY & POWER BANK: Get double the flight time and charge on the go with a bonus battery for this HD drone (search ASIN B01MFDPQ5B for additional batteries if needed)

The X5UW Thunderbolt is a powerful drone with a high quality camera for the price point.

Because of its low-latency FPV video transmission straight to a built-in controller screen, the Thunderbolt is ideal for anyone who wants a fun drone to learn on, but also wants to learn how to race around obstacles with ease.

A big bonus with the Thunderbolt is that it comes with two extra batteries, which is a great value add and will allow you to fly for a lot longer before having to go back and recharge your batteries.

Features & Specs

• STORM THE SKIES W/ AN RTF DRONE MADE FOR STUNTS & EASY FLYING: This RC quadcopter drone with camera features 1-Key Takeoff, Landing & 360° Flip, Altitude Hold, Headless Mode & Custom Route Mode
• CAPTURE DAZZLING HD 720P PICS & VIDEO W/ THIS WI-FI FPV DRONE CAMERA: Drones with camera capability come and go, but the Thunderbolt leaves its mark in crystal-clear 720p HD
• FLY ONE OF OUR BEST DRONES W/ CAMERAS: The X5UW remote control drone is the perfect easy-to-fly drone for kids or adults, and can be flown by tilting your smartphone
• VIEW IT ALL IN REAL TIME W/ WI-FI FPV DRONE CAMERA TECHNOLOGY: Mount your smartphone on the included remote control clip and fly while seeing what your drone sees
• SPEND MORE TIME IN THE AIR W/ 2 EXTRA BATTERIES: This RC drone comes with 2 bonus batteries (for a total of 3) for max flight time between charges

Even in moderate winds, the Syma X5C held up really well during my test flights. This exclusive package comes with an extra battery, effectively doubling your flight time. You’re also getting extra propellers as well.

The Syma X5C also comes with a forward-facing HD camera (720p) and 2GB SD card. That, plus a few autonomous features like headless mode and one-button flips and barrel rolls, makes this a great drone for beginners.

Note: We have other lists of drones, similar to this one but covering different, more advanced models. Check out our Top Remote Control Drones to Buy in 2018.

Extras

These extra parts are available for the Syma X5C:

• 4-to-1 Battery Charger
• 6 Extra Batteries

Features

• With Headless Mode, no need to adjust the position of aircraft before flying
• One key to return function makes it easily find the way home
• 4 Channel can do ascend, descend, forward, backward, left sideward fly, right sideward fly and rolling 360°
• HD VIDEO CAMERA: 2MP HD video camera (Resolution: 1280 x 720; Framerate: 30 FPS) lets you take high-resolution pictures and videos during flight. Comes with 2GB Micro SD Card!
• Lightweight airframe with nice durability
• Battery protection

Specs

• Frequency: 2.4Ghz
• Charging time: 90-120mins
• Flying time: 7-9mins
• Control distance: about 30m

Gizmodo calls the Blade Nano “The Best Drone for Advanced Beginners.”

First, it’s got SAFE technology. SAFE stands for Sensor Assisted Flight Envelope. It helps you prevent crashing your drone and assists you in takeoff (two necessary skills for any newbie pilot).

If at any time you lose control or need to take a breather, simply let go of the sticks and the quadcopter will hover in place.

When you get more advanced, switch the quad to agility mode to perform skillful maneuvers and hit top speeds.

The Blade Nano is a beginner drone (for under $100) that will carry you into the veteran landscape. (Blade was also featured in our list of drone companies to watch, among a few of the other manufacturers in this article.)

Extras

These extra parts are available for the Blade Nano QX:

• 4 Extra Batteries
• Extra Propellers (Clockwise and Counter-Clockwise)

Features

• Features exclusive SAFE™ (Sensor Assisted Flight Envelope) technology with stability and agility modes (if you get in trouble, just let go of the sticks)
• Small enough to fly in any room or office
• Tough, lightweight airframe with blade guards
• Potent brushed motors that provide smooth and powerful lift
• Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can switch the SAFE system to agility mode for faster flying speeds and more maneuverability

Specs

• Frequency: 2.4G
• Gyro: 6 axis
• Size: 35.8 x 21.3 x 11.4cm
• Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Flying time: 10 minutes

The MJX X400W FPV is a drone with a camera that offers an affordable option for pilots looking to experiment with low-level aerial videography and an FPV experience.

You can control the X400W drone from 100 meters away, and your flight time is about 8-9 minutes.

The MJX X400W FPV drone is stable enough for newbies, but packed with enough features for more advanced pilots.

Extras

These extra parts are available for the MJX X400W FPV drone:

• Landing Gear, Propellers, and Prop Guards

Features

• HEADLESS MODE: Usually, the forward direction of a flying multi-rotor is the same as the nose direction, by using Headless, the forward direction has nothing to do with nose direction, the direction will be the same as your remote controller
• 3D SPLIT SCREEN DISPLAY: Compatible with 3D VR HEADSET on MJX FPV APP, use your own VR HEADSET (NOT INCLUDED) to see the world in a different way
• FPV REAL TIME TRANSMISSION: Connect your phone with the drone and the view will be shown directly on your phone, thus enjoy the world above the horizon
• ONE KEY 3D ROLL: With the latest technology of 6-Axis Gyro flying control system, it can fly very stable and take better pictures and it can finish the 3D roll with one key, it is very easy to use even for the beginner

Ever wished you could walk on walls? Well, now you can live vicariously through your drone.

The Parrot Rolling Spider comes with detachable wheels on both ends. You can fly the drone like normal, or attach the wheels and roll across the floor, up walls, or across the ceiling.

You can also control this drone with your smartphone or tablet, using the FreeFlight 3 app.

Extras

These extra parts are available for the Parrot Rolling Spider:

• Extra Propellers
• Extra Axis and Wheels

Features

• Fitted with a propeller circuit-breaker in the event of a crash
• Removable wheels to roll anywhere: across the floor, up the walls or across the ceiling
• Take aerial shots like selfies from the sky with the embedded vertical mini-camera
• FreeFlight 3 app offers an intuitive control from your smartphone or tablet through Bluetooth® Smart and is free
• The first quadcopter to fly and roll on the ceiling

Specs

• Frequency: 2.4Ghz
• Charging time: 1 hour
• Flying time: 8 minutes (6 minutes with wheels)
• Control distance: 20 meters

The Syma X11C Quadcopter is one of the most affordable quadcopter options a beginner UAV pilot has. With its 6-axis gyro direction stabilizer flight control system, 3D lock to help for more precise flying, and blade protector to help with minor crashes, this is a great inexpensive quadcopter for beginners.

Features

• 6-axis gyro direction stabilizer flight control system
• 3D lock for more precise flying
• No assembly required
• 360 degree eversion – lets you continuously roll the quadcopter in the air, do flips and tricks.

Specs

• Includes 2MP HD Camera
• Frequency: 2.4Ghz

For a new pilot who’s looking to experiment with aerial photography, you might want to consider the NightHawk DM007.

It comes with prop guards and landing gear standard, which is nice for a drone this size. However, I have read that the blades tend to pop off (but a little super glue can solve that).

Features

• 2MP Camera (comes with 2GB memory card and card reader)
• Dual mode (Beginner mode and Professional mode)
• LCD monitor can show the throttle, LED light, battery and signal conditions
• Ready to fly
• Strong anti-drop capabilities, uses high strength metallic materials, and equipped with a full range of multi-angle crash protection cover
• Replaceable aircraft batteries
• Two different speed modes

Specs

• Frequency: 2.4Ghz
• Charging time: About 80-90 mins
• Flying time: 6-8 mins
• Control distance: About 150 meters

The Hubsan X4 H107L is the model I learned how to fly on.

It’s pretty basic but flies well. It has a built-in 720 pixel camera. Its compact size still makes it an excellent indoor flyer. Please note that this model does NOT come with an extra battery, propeller guards, etc. Consider getting a “crash pack” from the link below. I wish I would have bought one when I first started flying this thing back in 2014.

The Hubsan X4 H107L is a great first model for the newbie pilot, but pretty bare bones compared to some of the other models on this list.

Extras

These extra parts are available for the Hubsan X4 H107L:

• 1-to-4 Battery Charger

Features

• Lightweight airframe with nice durability
• 2.0MP, HD 720p (1280×720)
• 4 “super bright” LEDs
• Video recording module included (requires a Micro SDHC card)
• The transmitter (TX) supports both Mode 1 and Mode 2 stick configurations

Specs

• Frequency: 2.4Ghz
• Charging time: about 30-40 minutes
• Flying time: about 8 minutes
• Control distance: 100m

The U45 Raven is another awesome Force1 drone, with a great value at $59.99.

This drone comes with an HD camera for 720p high def aerial photos and videos with 2MP. It’s great for beginners, in part because you can fly it right out of the box without needing to adjust the drone’s position or orientation prior to flying.

Another feature to note for the Raven is one touch take off and landing, which means the drone automatically hovers at a set altitude after take off and before landing. This makes it easy to control and maneuver, especially for beginners who are not yet skilled.

It also has an “Altitude Hold” function, which makes it super easy for beginners to fly, since this allows for stability in the air, and comes in handy when you’re trying to get just the right photograph.

Features & Specs

• ONE TOUCH TAKE OFF AND LANDING: Drone automatically hovers at a set altitude after take off and before landing making it easy to control and maneuver, especially for beginners who are not yet skilled.
• ALTITUDE HOLD FUNCTION – SUPER EASY DRONE FOR BEGINNERS TO FLY: Makes controlling the drone a breeze for beginners and stabilizes aerial photography. This is the ideal beginner drone with a lot of latest features typically found on higher end models
• HD CAMERA: Capture 720p high definition aerial photos and videos with 2MP camera and included 4GB SanDisk Micro SD Card
• HEADLESS MODE: Fly it straight out of the box; No need to adjust aircraft position or orientation prior to flying
• 360º FLIPS & STUNTS: Impress your friends and family with awesome 3D tricks with the push of a button
• Flight time of 7-9 minutes

UDI is a highly reputable (and affordable) drone manufacturer that’s been constantly upgrading their training / beginner sUAS models over the last couple of years.

This model, the U818A, boasts altitude-hold and a first-person-view (FPV) screen, so you can see exactly what the HD camera of your drone sees…in real time. Great practice for those of you looking to get into FPV racing.

But that’s not all! You also get bonus VR goggles, an extra battery, extra propellers, AND and a bonus power bank for your additional charging needs.

Box Contents:

• 1 U818W
• 1 Controller
• 2 Batteries
• 1 USB Battery Charger
• 1 SC Card reader
• 1 4GB SD card
• 4 Spare Blades
• 1 Spanner
• 1 Manual

The camera can capture 720P video at 30 frames per second (with an SD card). This is one of the most popular training quadcopters on the market, and I like this particular package because it comes with an extra battery.

The LCD screen on the transmitter displays a full range of flight stats to keep you in the know. Its light but durable frame makes it a great quad for new pilots to practice with.

Extras

These extra parts are available for the the U818A:

• U818A Drone Carrying Case

Features

• Forward-facing camera takes HD video and HD photos with color and white balance
• Movie resolution upgraded to 1280 * 720 at 30 frames per second
• FPV and VR headset compatibility
• Removable Micro-SD (TF) card stores enough for several flights
• Data port and USB Data Cable – upload your new AVI and JPEG files to Facebook, Email, Photoshop LCD radio controller
• LCD screen displays full flight status
• Extra battery to double your flight time
• Photo Button snaps pictures, Video Button starts & stops video recording

Specs

• Frequency: 2.4Ghz
• Size: 13.4 x 13.0 x 2.2 in
• Weight: 1 pounds
• Charging time: about 90-120 minutes
• Flying time: about 8-10 minutes

The U28W Wifi FPV Drone is a tiny but mighty drone that can reach fast top speeds. And because of the low-latency FPV video transmission straight to a built-in controller screen, it’s ideal for anyone who wants a fun drone to learn on, but eventually be able to race around obstacles with ease.

Given the size of the frame, the motors are pretty powerful, making this drone super fast and agile. As with many of the other models on this list, it has an easy “flip” button which is fun to see through the built-in FPV controller screen.

Extras

These extra parts are available for the U28W Wifi FPV Drone:

• Extra Batteries

Features

• FIRST PERSON VIEW with VR HEADSET COMPATIBILITY: Watch a live video feed of your flight on an android or iPhone device with the FPV WiFi feature; Syncs instantly and brings life to your flights!
• CUSTOM ROUTE MODE – Trace the desired flight path on the mobile app screen and the drone will fly along the path unassisted
• WIDE ANGLE HD CAMERA & EXTRA BATTERY FOR LONG FLIGHT TIME: Capture pristine aerial videos and photos in 720P high definition on 4GB Micro SD, 120º wide angle format; Double your flight time with extra battery
• 3D STUNTS: Perform 360º flips and rolls with the push of a button; View all of your flips and twists in real time straight from the controller screen
• EASY TO FLY FOR BEGINNERS: Custom route mode allows pilots to draw out their desired flight path in the Flyingsee app. High/Low Speed Mode makes drone easy for beginners to master; FAA Registration NOT Required

Allow me to introduce one of the best-selling RC multirotors on Amazon—the Cheerson CX-10 Mini.

It’s a best seller for a reason. This thing is a perfect quadcopter for beginners, and veterans will enjoy flying it as well. It’s great for all skill levels.

The Cheerson CX-10 Mini is (super) small and durable, so even if you do end up losing a few propellers, spare parts are inexpensive. Despite its size, Cheerson still managed to pack a 6-axis flight control board in there for advanced maneuvers.

Extras

These extra parts are available for the Cheerson CX-10:

• Propeller Guard + Propellers
• Extra Propellers

Features

• Model: CX10. Color: Bright Orange. Body Material: ABS Plastic. Main Rotor Diameter: 1.14″ / 2.9cm. Speed Control: Integrated. Required Radio: 4Channel. Frequency: 2.4G.
• Flight Time: Approx. 4-8 minutes. Charging Time: About 30-40 minutes. Battery: Rechargeable 3.7V 100mAh Lithium Battery. Transmitter Battery: 2 x 1.5V AAA Batteries (Not Included)
• Control Distance: About 40 meters. . 6-axis design makes the gyroscope adjustable, promoting flying stability. Suitable for: Ages 14+
• Powered by a piece of rechargeable 3.7V 100mAh lithium battery. 3-level adjustable speed flip function.
• Package Includes: 1 x Mini UFO QuadCopter 1 x USB Cable, 1 x Transmitter, 2 x Main Blades, 1 x User Manual