(Last Updated On: March 2, 2018)
After taking a closer look at entry level price points, today we’ll be focusing on mid-tier models! More specifically, we will be considering the top drones under $500. Unquestionably, there are several drones from which to choose, so it’s of decisive standing that you simply don’t come up with a bad choice!
Best Drones Under $500 Reviewed (Comparison)
| Drone Name | Camera | Range | Flight Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZeroTech Dobby | 4K | 100 Meters | 9 Minutes | Check Price |
| Yuneec Breeze | 1080p | 500 Meters | 20 Minutes | Check Price |
| 3DR Solo | GoPro | 800 Meters | 22 Minutes | Check Price |
| Traxxas Aton | GoPro | 300 Meters | 20 Minutes | Check Price |
| UP Air One | 4K | 500 Meters | 20 Minutes | Check Price |
| Hubsan H501S | 1080p | 300 Meters | 18 Minutes | Check Price |
| MJX Bugs 2W | 1080p | 1000 Meters | 18 Minutes | Check Price |
| Parrot Bebop 2 | 14 Megapixels | 2000 Meters | 22 Minutes | Check Price |
| Hubsan H109S | 1080p | 1000 Meters | 25 Minutes | Check Price |
| DJI Spark (Editor’s Choice) | 1080p | 2000 Meters | 15 Minutes | Check Price |
ZeroTech Dobby
We made a decision to start this list using a miniature selfie drone called Dobby. It’s expressed by Zerotech and has now gained a lot of media space, being known as the best selfie drone out there”¦ News flash – that title is owned by DJI Spark”¦ but we’ll arrive at that one down the road in this list. For now, our concentration goes solely to Zerotech Dobby!
GPS and GLONASS – both satnav systems have found their way into this miniature birdie. Together, they give Zerotech Dobby with pinpoint precision and provide it another dose of charm and additional features including follow me, come back to home, altitude hold and many others.
Furthermore, what’s more, it needs to be declared that this baby has software image stabilization and preps a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. Finally – it truly is operated fully via smartphones (both iOS and Android) over the official app.
Best thing about Zerotech Dobby is obviously its awesome built-in camera. Zerotech states it incorporates 4K image acquisition and 1080p vibration-free video. All we can think are that it shoots great selfies and it is even effective at providing with solid FPV quality approximately 100 meters away. Regarding airtime, it’s not looking so great though – just 9 minutes on average”¦
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Good Camera | Low Battery Life |
| Follow Me Feature | |
| Android & iOS App |
Yuneec Breeze
After making a few stellar high-end drones like Q500 and Typhoon H, Yuneec get home at it again”¦ but these times with a miniature fella by having an excellent camera. From this introduction, you may all conclude we are referring to another miniature selfie drone”¦ although not a foldable model for something different. What does it provide? Let’s see”¦
First of the, it requires to be noticed that this insanely small drone comes which has a 4K-ready integrated camera. So, that said, no doubt Yuneec Breeze is really a powerful selfie machine.
Moving forward, it’s also noteworthy to incorporate the sheer stability and easy flight this birdie possesses. Even though you are only able to control it together with your smartphone, the schematic is intuitive, and you may get used to it very quickly!
Furthermore, Yuneec Breeze carries a whole few advanced features. More precisely, we have been referring to its indoor positioning system, altitude hold, come back to home and auto land.
Last however, not least – if you need your selfie game to get stronger than ever before, then Yuneec Breeze has you covered with instant web 2. 0 sharing of taken photos and videos. If that is season reason to obtain this little fella, then I really don’t know very well what is”¦
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 4K Brilliant Camera | Firmware Updates are Not Good |
| Easy to Use | |
| Safe to Fly |
3DR Solo
As far as Solo’s specifications are worried, the matter looks rather awesome. It sports slight more range than Yuneec Q500 (800 meters altogether) and it is priced at simply a fraction of the company’s price tag. However, battery duration is nearly of a different story with 3DR Solo falling behind to roughly 18 minutes”¦ even less together with the gimbal and camera mounted. While it is beneficial by any means, I was still a tad disappointed the number wasn’t a little higher.
Moving to the actual packaging, you will appreciate that 3DR Solo standard package is included with just the drone and all sorts of necessary parts to obtain it up and running. So, if you wish silk smooth footage, you won’t just have to get the dedicated gimbal for 3DR Solo but a GoPro Hero action camera too. Those things aren’t cheap and may set the entire price of 3DR Solo better than the initial package”¦ so bear that at heart, guys.
Features-wise, 3DR Solo shines entirely light. We are speaking about an incredibly smart drone that may be bound to amaze you. Among its list of features, you will discover Smart Shot technology for cinematic aerial footage, Follow Me mode, Selfie, Cable Cam, Orbit and several others. They’re all powered by 3DR Solo’s twin microcomputers running on 1GHz processors which do all the work. Their synergy does wonders which can be something you’ll witness”¦ should you end up buying 3DR Solo, obviously.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Good Flight Operational Range | Battery Life not so Good |
| Comes with Extra Hardware | |
| Quick in terms of Speed |
Traxxas Aton
It’s the powerful Traxxas 7909 Aton. Traxxas is USA based company that’s famous because of their RC cars, trucks. It looks like they’ll become famous for drones too”¦ all because of their Alias and Aton models.
If you’d like to learn more useful info regarding this birdie, why don’t we start out with it’s specifications. You see, Traxxas Aton has a 5000mAh 3-cell LiPo battery, which will provide you with 20 to 25 minutes of flight time (with camera). Also, it has a 2-axis gimbal that’s made to work with GoPro as well as other action cameras, but only if you’re buy Traxxas Aton Plus package. It’s under $500 so it’s worth a go if you are into aerial photography.
In relation to features, Aton comes with a huge load of which: one key return, GPS, LED lights, air brake and many others. It is also extremely important to say that Aton has 3 different flight modes: Film mode, Sport mode and Expert mode. So, it’s clear that drone is an excellent choice for any drone fanatic thinking of getting into more professional quadcopters.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| One Key Return Feature | Operational Range |
| GPS | |
| LEDs | |
| Air Brakes |
UP Air One
With 2 different versions available (50$ would be the price gap), Up Air One is an intriguing drone. The models are identical regarding design and features together with the only thing differentiating them being their cameras. We are referring to 2.7K and 4K ones; obviously, the 4K model costs roughly $50 more. Sleek design isn’t the only plus side to them, not by the long shot.
You see, these mid-tier drones represent the modern generation of smart models accessible to the masses. They’re not ridiculously expensive as certain high-end models (I won’t mention any names, but I think everyone knows who I’m referring to) and in addition they possess great hardware along with a ton of features. It’s a win-win situation if I’ve seen one!
The initial thing you will notice about UP Air One is its design which looks as being like the Phantom series by DJI. People usually commence to assume it’s merely a cheap knockoff, but that’s far away from reality. With a solid camera and gimbal combination, excellent smart battery (can endure a lot more than 16 minutes of flight time) and GPS, it’s safe to visualize UP Air One is serious.
Likewise, range is not short of excellent too – roughly 800 meters for controlling and 500 meters for FPV. The controller is nearly the same as the old DJI models at the same time, except it provides a giant 7-inch LED screen for FPV monitoring. All in all, if you’re hoping to get a great drone with the outstanding camera, UP Air One is surely worth considering!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Brilliant Camera | Controller is Outdated |
| Best Value for Money | |
| Gimbal Integrated |
Hubsan H501S
It’s a terrific entry level drone which could make up for an enjoyable flying experience for first-time users. It’s stable, intuitive and sports a lot of features to create your lives easier. Let’s begin with that and understand why do many families love this birdie so much!
First off, it must be declared Hubsan H501S is amongst the cheapest drone that provide a dedicated GPS module. I’m sure several of you know that GPS brings lots of useful features alongside, including altitude hold, follow me and another key resume takeoff location.
All of them replace a highly enjoyable experience, permitting you to focus read more about capturing aerial shots than flying the damn thing. Additionally, Hubsan H501S also sports a FHD camera which can record excellent footage.
When looking at specifications, Hubsan H501S doesn’t don’t impress. This little birdie is rather a lengthy flier with as much as 18 to 20 minutes of airtime. On the other hand, range perhaps isn’t the most important treat with as much as 300 meters of interference-free fun. Luckily, because FPV properties, great camera, and smart flight features, It can only covers 300 meters.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Smart Flight Feature | Operational Range |
| HD Camera |
MJX Bugs 2W
MJX Bugs 2W may come as a mystical descendant for the ever so popular Bugs 3 model. If you are not accustomed to it, MJX Bugs 3 offered a fantastic entry-level experience to wannabe aerial photographers. With a camera mount supporting GoPro along with other brands of action cameras, the number of choices were endless because of this bulky (and cool looking) drone.
However, many people were unhappy with just the mount so MJX were forced to fix this issue”¦ plus they did with Bugs 2W. With a reduced arrangement feature advantageous a built-in camera, MJX Bugs 2W is looking to conquer entry-level aerial photography market exactly like its predecessor did a little while back. Can it accomplish that? Well, let’s see”¦
First of most, we should instead say anybody searching for about its brilliant built-in camera. We are discussing a micro lens that could, surprisingly, capture aerial footage at full HD. Despite the obvious insufficient any kind of stabilization (software or hardware), there’s still virtually no vibration and jell effect present. For those two reasons I really recommend MJX Bugs 2W for folks wanting to get the very best aerial footage out of their drone.
The fun doesn’t end there. You see, this birdie also sports many features and may be considered a smart drone due to integrated GPS module. It allows a small number of additional features we rarely see as of this price point. Among them you’ll find the likes of telemetry, FPV, Altitude Hold and in many cases, Return to Home.
As for specifications, MJX Bugs 2W deliver. This is partially due to the excellent airtime (because of 2S 1800mAh LiPo battery) which works from 15 to 18 minutes; plus, operating range that may supposedly reach over 800 meters. Not bad for this sort of small drone, right? Lastly, FPV range is shorter, ranging in at approximately 150 to 200 meters. Once you reach 150 you’ll undoubtedly experience some cutbacks so don’t go further or you’ll risk losing your brand-new drone.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Full HD Camera | Low FPV Range |
| Best Aerial Footage | |
| Return to Home Feature |
Parrot Bebop 2
Parrot Bebop 2 is among the best-looking quadcopters that’s available today on the market. But it’s besides design that sticks out, Bebop is additionally loaded with awesome features while stating of the art specifications finely poised with great building. You want to know more details on it? Well, here are several useful insights!
Parrot Bebop 2 consists of ABS Plastic, heat-resistant, lightweight and impact resistant, to guarantee great resistance it really is reinforced with glass fiber. It is incredibly stable and is also generally simple to control change anything if you’re utilizing your smartphone or optional Sky Controller (sold separately).
Regarding flight time, you’ll need to agree with me that there is really a huge upgrade than the original Bebop. We’re discussing roughly 20 to 22 minutes which greatly surprise that in the first Bebop.
Furthermore, I’d love to make a very important factor clear – Parrot Bebop 2 is often a high-performance quad, no doubt about it. It’s using four brushless motors and is also able to fly 13 meters per second horizontally. The 14MP camera is built-in and it has a recording angle of 180º. It is controlled only by smartphone or tablet, allowing FPV (real-time video) right to your device’s screen.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Beautiful Design | Have to buy Controller Separately |
| Heat Resistance | |
| Good Flight Time |
Hubsan H109S
This is sophisticated drone Hubsan renders, ever! It’s basically their only truly “premium” model that’s building a decent good name for itself on the market. Why is that so? Well, let’s see its features,
Hubsan H109S combines all up-to-date features this latest GPS, headless mode, altitude hold, automatic return, follow me and many others. Also, Hubsan H109S is available in two 3 different versions: low, standard and high. The main differences are usually in gimbals and controllers – other specifications are indifferent across all 3 versions.
When you are looking for camera, Hubsan didn’t disappoint all of us. Their H109S integrates 1080p HD camera with provision for live video broadcast to its steadfast remote controller.
We also need to mention that remote controller is included with Android 4.2 OS. It has an abundance of options and features that will make life easier for you. Everything is smartly designed and intuitive, and that means you shouldn’t get problems making use of it. Flight use of Hubsan H109S is approximately 25 minutes. Hubsan claims it is 30 minutes but I believe 25 is little more realistic figure.
And finally, Hubsan H109S has as much as 1 kilometer of operating range. All in all, there’s without a doubt this little bird is a good quadcopter. It sports premium grade features (and build quality) in an aggressive price tag”¦ so it’s unsurprising to discover it be a big hit with drone devotees.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Contemporary Technology | Battery Storage Issues Reported |
| Great Range | |
| Excellent Build Quality |
DJI Spark
And to conclude, you’ve all arrive at the best drone that can be purchased for less than $500 during the time of writing this article. As if there are any questions – the most recognized spot goes unanimously to DJI Spark, a totally brilliant drone that can never cease to amaze you. What’s so special regarding it and why is it our top ranked drone under $500? Find out that will more within the next 2 paragraphs!
Before jumping to its large choice of potential features and outstanding specifications, first we’ll keep an eye on at its camera. Believe it or not, this soda can have sized drone carries a FHD camera with 1-axis gimbal stabilization system. Yup! Talk about pushing the limits”¦ It’s absurd when you visit think of it – hardware image stabilization and clear FHD quality in the smartphone-sized drone. Crazy!
Now we got the digital camera out of our way, let’s talk a little bit about the features that offer DJI Spark that premium feel into it. It includes GPS, altitude hold, follow me and plenty more smart functions which will come in useful. Active Track and Tap Fly are here as well, and tend to be 2 additional features called Palm Launch and Palm Control. Their abilities are self-explanatory so there’s no reason at all to dig into that.
DJI Spark is very fast and agile (that was kind of expected from this sort of lightweight drone) and flies smoothly with no issues. True, wind can mess its path a tad, but realistically speaking – DJI Spark just isn’t meant for extremely windy conditions.
When you are considering performance information, DJI Spark (when followed by its dedicated controller instead of via Cellphone) could go as far as 2 kilometers and possesses airtime of roughly 15 to 16 minutes. With such numbers, it’s clear that it’s not only the most beneficial selfie drone around but undoubtedly the most effective drone under $500, period.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Active Track Feature | Doesn’t Perform Well in Windy Conditions |
| Tap Fly Feature | |
| Palm Launch | |
| 2 km range (1.2 miles) |
Drones Under $500 Buyer’s Guide
Look out for following features in drones under $500.
- Camera
- Flight Time
- Flight Range
- Specs
Camera
Truthfully speaking, drones on this price range usually include FHD camera without hardware image stabilization. Despite that, you’ll be able to still look for a few models sporting 4K cameras”¦ In fact, a lot of them even feature specialized gimbals which can be, unfortunately, sold separately in many instances.
Flight Time
In terms of flight time, it’s pretty sure that drones under $500 aren’t much not as good as than top ones. If we are for being more particular here, almost all the drones under $500 can fly (normally) for about 20 minutes, 2-3 minutes give or take. When you consider that premium designs include approximately 25 minutes, it truly puts things into perspective and demonstrates these under $500 drones are not being taken for ceded.
Flight Range
In standings of range, things heavily count on the type of drone you want to buy. If you’re investing in a drone for sightseeing or aerial photography, it’s likely that you’ll be checking out 600, 700 meters or maybe a kilometer. On the other hand, for anyone who is aiming to get a fast FPV racer, those birdies normally have much lesser ranges. We are discussing just 200 or 300. But we do have covered the km and 2 km drones under $500 above.