Best 15 Drones for Beginners. 2024 Review

Looking to get into drone photography? Drones have really taken off (literally and figuratively). But to make sure your dream of becoming a pilot doesn’t come crashing down along with your drone, it’s best to start with a drone designed for beginners. The following are some of the best drones for beginners that’ll fit any budget. Choose the best drone around this list.

Understanding the world of drones is not as easy as it may seem at first glance. There are many factors to consider when choosing good drones for beginners, we will also talk about this at the end of the article. So you can buy one of the best beginner drones to get perfect shots.

1. Yuneec Typhoon H Pro

This is one of the most expensive drones with obstacle avoidance for beginners. It boasts eight strong propellers and more than five autonomous flight modes. The camera is also perfect in this drone for beginners. But its most impressive feature is its 10,000-meter range. Some of its other features include a built-in camera, excellent obstacle avoidance, and a flight time of 30 minutes. Just bear in mind that as it’s quite big, it’s not really portable.

Specifications

• Sensor type: 1"- CMOS
• Sensor resolution: 20 megapixels
• Max takeoff weight: 73.6 oz / 2.09 kg
• Max descent speed: 5 mph / 8.0 km/h
• Max wind resistance: 35 mph / 56.3 km/h
• Flight ceiling: 16,404' / 4999 m
• Max flight time: 30 minutes

Price

You can purchase the best drone with a camera for beginners for around $1899 from several retailers. It really is a top pick and a great drone, but only if you are willing to shell out the money for it. You can look at the manufacturer's official website for more details on the specifications.

2. Force1 F100GP Drone with Camera

This drone will have you walking on stratus cloud nine. Equipped with a 1080P HD camera, this entry-level drone allows you to take pictures and videos of excellent quality. It boasts a flight range of almost 500 feet, which is sufficient if you’re still new to drones. The flying experience is straightforward thanks to flight modes that you can program beforehand. Once you’ve flexed your flying muscles, you can customize the throttle, which will make the whole flying experience even more fun.

So, you can fly the drone very easily. Although some customers have complained about the shock mount not being good enough, this drone’s frame is strong and solid. Overall, the medium-sized F100 little drone and its easy-to-find replacement parts are affordable. This is the best beginner drone with a camera. It’s the ideal choice for more experienced beginners in terms of camera. 

Specifications

• Camera: 1080p HD Wide-Angle
• Max flight distance: 500m
• Flight time: Up to 30 minutes
• Battery: 7.4v; 1,800mAh

Price

You can purchase this model for about $169.99, and there are frequent promotional offers as well. Before you fly a drone, be sure to read the instructions. Get a drone for the best price!

3. DJI Mavic Mini

If you don’t really have much of a budget and don’t care much to learn how to fly a drone, consider getting the DJI Mavic Mini. This drone comes with a built-in camera and boasts a flight time of 15 minutes and a range of 2,000 meters. Some of its other features include impressive obstacle avoidance and an advanced gesture mode. Thanks to the automated flight modes in DJI Mavic Mini, there’s not really a lot you have to worry about other than taking awesome pictures and videos. These drones are easy to control.

Specifications

• Sensor: 1/2.3" CMOS
• Number of Effective Pixels: 12 million
• Shutter Speed: 4-1/8000s
• Max image size: 4:3 - 4000x3000; 16:9 - 4000x2250
• Video resolution: 2.7K - 2720x1530 at 24/25/30fps; FHD - 1920x1080 at 24/25/30/48/50/60fps

Price

It's not the newest model of a good starter drone, but it can still be found on the market for an estimated price of $389.99. If you want to find a more modern model at a reasonable price, consider the DJI Mini 2.

4. DJI Mavic Air 2

Now you find the best drones. This model isn’t as complicated as the Mavic 2 whichthat boasts countless features and settings. Such a camera is a good option (as in all devices from the DJI). Though what makes it so great is that it has a sleek design that beginners will really like. This is a great choice for beginners. Compared to other top-end drones, it doesn’t offer as many features, but it does offer a flight time of 27 minutes and a 4,000-meter range. Also, you’ll love the capabilities of its built-in high-definition camera with Cinema 4K support. The camera is so impressive that you could even use it for professional photography. You can fly drones as easily as ever before! So, this is one of the best video drones for beginners.

Specifications

• Effective pixels: 12 and 48
• Lens: FOV 84°
• Equivalent focal length: 24mm
• Aperture: f/2.8
• Max photo resolution: 48 MP; 8000x6000 pixel
• Video resolution: 4K Ultra HD HDR - 3840×2160 24/25/30fps; 2.7K HDR - 2688x1512 24/25/30fps; FHD HDR - 1920x1080 24/25/30fps
• Weight: 570g
• Max service ceiling: 5000m

Price

You can buy this great drone with a camera for beginners for $799.

5. Parrot Bebop 2

Drones like this would be a great choice for newcomers. Created for first-person view photography and videography, this drone with a built-in camera is not too complicated to fly. As a matter of fact, thanks to intelligent flight assistance, it actually flies on its own to some degree and therefore you don’t have to do too much. These drones make your flying experience truly unforgettable. One of the best camera drones for beginners boasts a range of 2,000 meters and a total flight time of about 25 minutes. That being said, some might say that it’s behind the times and that durability is not its strong suit.

Specifications

• Sensor: 1/2.3" CMOS
• Photo resolution: 14 megapixels (4096x3072)
• Video resolution: 1080p30
• Image stabilization: 3-axis electronic 
• Recording media; 8 GB built-in flash memory
• Weight: 500g

Price

You can order this beginner's quadcopter for $249.99. It's great value for money in today's market.

6. Parrot Anafi

This is one of the more top-end drones aimed at beginners. What makes it so great is that it offers the complete package, yet it’s still really simple to fly. Anafi is a really good drone for beginners. Some of its best features are its excellent HDR, impressive 25-minute flight time, and these drones can fly at 4,000-meter range. Be sure to use its easy-to-understand app to edit your pictures and videos. Though just like with everything else in life, the Anafi is not perfect. One drawback is that its obstacle avoidance features aren’t that great compared to the DJI.

Specifications

• Sensor: CMOS 1/2.4", 21 megapixels
• Video format: MP4 (H264)
• HDR: 4K UHD, 2.7K et 1080p videos, JPEG photos
• Photo formats: JPEG, DNG (RAW)
• Photo modes: single, burst, bracketing, timer, and panorama
• Weight: 386g

Price

The price of the easiest drone to fly is about $369.99. You can easily find great deals on Amazon.

7. AKASO A31 Drone with Camera

One of the best budget options among many drones. For beginners who value speed and durability, this is a good choice. The Akaso Drone is really fast! A camera isn’t included, but you can attach your GoPro or another similar drone camera. You’re looking at a flight time of about 16 minutes and a range of 300 meters, which is a lot considering its price. So, this is one of the best drones for beginners.

Specifications

• Control range: Remote distance - 100m; WiFi - 50m
• Drone rechargeable battery: 3.7V 750mAH
• Remote control: 3 x 1.5V AAA battery
• Flight time: up to 9 minutes
• Drone weight: 750g
• Charging time: up to 100 minutes

Price

Compared to the other models on the list, this one sells for $59.99. Try a good beginner drone. It's a really affordable option that will work if you're on a tight budget.

8. SIMREX X300C Mini Drone

This is one of the best drones a beginner can buy. It boasts excellent features, a built-in camera, and a strong design. This is one of the best beginner drones for adults which is easy to fly. Overall, it’s great value for the money. What makes it so simple to fly is its headless hold mode and its ability to hold altitude. It offers a flight time of about 10 minutes, a 100-meter range, and three different flight modes. In short, it offers virtually everything that a beginner could need. Pick the best beginner drones!

Specifications

• Compatible devices: Smartphones
• Max flight time: 8-10 minutes
• Video capture resolution: 720P HD
• Batteries: Included
• Weight: 221.13g

Price

This is a very affordable option, priced around $39.99.

9. Protocol Director Foldable Drone

The Protocol Director is a GPS-enabled drone with a built-in camera. Similar to the Parrot Bebop 2, it can basically fly on its own when it’s in GPS flight mode (the only thing you have to do is steer it). One drawback is that it doesn’t come with propeller guards, so it’s not as durable as some of the other beginner drones. The Outlaw has a flight time of almost 20 minutes and a 1000-meter range.  

All things considered, the Protocol Director is an easy-to-fly drone thanks to advanced stabilization and three different flight modes, including headless flight mode. If you want to buy one of the best entry-level drones, this is exactly what you need.

Specifications

• Camera Resolution: 480p
• Auto launch, hover, & land with an altitude sensor
• Live streaming video capability
• 6-axis motion-sensitive stabilizers
• Recharges through provided USB cord
• Simultaneous video and photo

Price

You can order this model from the manufacturer's official website for only $99.99.

10. Protocol Kaptur GPS Drone

This drone is a specialized version of the Protocol Drone. One of the top drones for beginners. It boasts great battery life (although it comes with only one battery, unfortunately) and a range of 150 feet. All things considered, anyone will enjoy flying this drone. It’s easy to fly, comes with a built-in camera, and boasts a stable design. On top of that, it offers additional features like automatic altitude hold and different flight modes to suit your skill level. This drone will follow you everywhere!

Specifications

• Camera Resolution: 720p, HD 
• Two selectable speeds 
• Crash-resistant materials
• 6-axis motion-sensitive stabilizers 
• 2.4 Gig remote transmitter with phone mount 
• VR capable – VR goggles supplied separately

Price

This model is more expensive than the previous version, you can order it for $159.99. Choose the best starter drone!

11. Holy Stone HS170 Predator

Just because a drone doesn’t cost a fortune doesn’t mean the design has to be any less stylish. The Holy Stone proves this. In addition to its unique design, the HS170 Predator boasts three flight modes to suit your skill level and a six-axis gyro to boost stability. Although its overall performance and flight range of 50 meters is good, it doesn’t come with a camera and its battery doesn’t last too long (you can expect about seven minutes of flight time max).

Specifications

• Altitude hold: Auto-hovering stably. 
• Headless mode: Orients the quadcopter's flight on the controller
• 3-speed modes: From low to high, satisfy different users.
• One-key take-off/landing
• Flight Time: Up to 16 minutes with 2 batteries
• Control range: 30-50m

Price

Quite an affordable option that can be ordered for about $35 from various suppliers.

12. Holy Stone HS190 Foldable

This drone with a built-in camera, is made from an elastic plastic and comes with blade guards, which means it’s ideal for beginners as the durable material offers protection against those inevitable crashes.

Although it doesn’t boast a long flight time, an extra battery is included. But let it first cool down for a couple of minutes before you pop in the extra battery to make sure the motors last longer.

Specifications

• Control type: Remote
• Media type: SD
• Maximum range: 50m
• Material: Plastic
• Wireless communication technology: Wi-Fi
• Battery cell composition: Lithium polymer
• Weight: 25.5g

Price

You can purchase this device for only $29.99. It's a good option just to try your hand at drone photography if you've never attempted it before.

13. Syma X8HC Quadcopter Drone

This is one of the most durable drones aimed at beginners. Sadly, though, its features aren’t as great as its robust design. For instance, it doesn’t come with any additional flight modes. Also, its battery doesn’t last very long and takes a long time to charge. This is a really easy drone to fly. But enough with the cons. The X8HC boasts a built-in camera, a six-axis gyro that ensures stable hovering, and an altitude hold mode – to mention only a couple of its features. Its flight range is 45 meters, and you can expect about seven minutes of flight time.

Specifications

• Camera: 1280P HD
• Battery: 7.4V 2000mAh Li-ion (included)
• Transmitter Battery: 4"AA" batteries (not included)
• Charging time: About 200 minutes
• Flying time: About 5-7 minutes
• Controlling distance: About 70m

Price

The price for this model is about $52.20. Quite reasonable price-performance ratio.

14. UDI RC Discovery 2.4

If you’re a beginner who’s looking for a fun flying experience, look no further than the UDI RC Discovery 2.4, you can perform fun 360-degree flips with this daring drone. Thanks to its robust design and elastic plastic blade guards, a crash won’t be the end of the world or of your drone.

What makes the UDI RC Discovery 2.4 so great is that it comes with a forward-facing camera that lets you take pictures and videos with sound. Considering its price, the quality is really good. Plus, it comes with an easy-to-use remote control that means it’s really oh-so-easy to fly.

Specifications

• Video capture resolution: HD 720p
• Control type: Remote
• Media type: Micro SD
• Maximum range: 30m
• Material: Plastic
• Wireless communication technology: Radio frequency
• Batteries: Included
• Weight: 30g

Price

This drone costs about $24.99, so you can buy it even for a child.

15. DJI FPV

Finally, we look at a more solid model, which is also used by professionals. The FPV drone is a universal means of shooting, which will change the usual use of quadcopters. The fact is that the pilot observes the flight from the first person. And this radically changes the very perception of the flight - the drone pilot is literally floating in the air like a bird at top speed.

This is one of the best drones for aerial photography. In terms of flight, this model offers pilots a completely different experience that is really hard to match. The Goggles V2 offers an ultra-wide field of view. In turn, the new OcuSync 3.0 transmission system provides high-resolution images and extremely low latency for a realistic flying experience when operating drones. This type of drone offers the best 4K video. Finally, the new controller gives pilots the ability to control flight with intuitive hand movements, making the FPV copter even more exciting and unlike any other drone.

It is safe to say that this is the best DJI drone for beginners. In their new quadcopter, DJI has managed to combine the advantages of traditional drones and applied the advantages of their FPV system to it. Now even beginners can get an incredible flying experience and keep the drone intact. If you need to find the best professional quadcopter option that is easy to control, this is a great choice.

Specifications

• Sensor: 1/2.3” CMOS
• Effective pixels: 12 million
• Lens: FOV 150°, 35mm Format Equivalent: 14.66mm
• Aperture: f/2.8
• Focus mode: Fixed Focus
• Camera quality: 4K - 3840×2160 at 50/60fps, FHD - 1920×1080 at 50/60/100/120fps
• Takeoff weight: 795g
• Max speed: 15-39 39 m/s

Price

You can buy this drone at the manufacturer's official store for $739. If you want to see all the specifications in more detail, visit the DJI brand page.

How to Choose the Best Beginner Drone?

Looking for the best drone for a beginner? Technology has advanced dramatically over the past few years. What was once a developing field is now a major industry not only for beginners but also for professional photographers. If you are looking for a drone to fly and take excellent shots, there are several things to consider. Consumer drones have become a must-have tool in the arsenal of many photo and video makers. Let's sort out what to consider when choosing your first model:

• The main parameter of choice is the drone camera. Depending on the power of the drone's built-in camera, you will be able to shoot 4K video and high-resolution photos.
• Flight time depends on the battery - it will determine how much flight time you get from a single charge. Many beginner drones can fly for no more than 30 minutes, so you'll need an extra battery to take longer shots.
• Stable drone photography is possible because of the built-in suspension. Many drones, including beginner drones, have a 3-axis stabilizer that helps keep the drone level during photo and video shooting.
• The drone's weight will determine how fast and long it can fly. Also, keep in mind: drones that weigh more than 250 grams need to be registered with the FAA. With a small drone, you can avoid this procedure. Don't forget to check the weight of the drone in the specifications.

Your budget is also crucial. Of course, if you plan to take this type of photography professionally, it is worth saving up for a better device. If you are just trying your hand, it's better to start with an affordable drone, such as the RYZE Tello or other low-cost models from the list above. This mini drone at a much lower price point is a great choice for first-time users who want to experiment and aren't ready to invest in an expensive model. This is one of the best cheap options.

If you are not sure which model you want to buy, some sellers offer test drones or even a rental option.

Final Thoughts

Best drones with cameras for beginners are often cheap because they offer fewer frills. In addition to the best starter drones, there are professional models that are also suitable for novice pilots. We've recommended the easy to fly drones for both beginners and advanced users looking to take their skills to the next level. Choose the option that fits your budget, provides excellent shooting quality, and at the same time is easy to operate. 

Now you know the answer to the question of what is the best drone for beginners. Don't forget that you can also improve your drone photography with the photo editor. The AI-powered Luminar Neo is ideal for this purpose.