types of drones
Drones have become incredibly popular in recent years, with options for everyone from hobbyists to professionals. For beginners, choosing the right types of drones can be a bit overwhelming due to the wide range of features, prices, and complexities. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best drones for beginners, breaking them down by price, ease of use, camera quality, and durability.
What to Look for in a Beginner Drone
Before diving into specific models, it’s essential to understand the key factors to consider when purchasing your first drone.
1. Ease of Use
A beginner drone should be easy to fly, with intuitive controls and possibly automated flight modes. Features like altitude hold, headless mode and one-key takeoff/landing help make flying stress-free.
2. Price
As a beginner, you don’t want to invest too much initially. Thankfully, many budget-friendly drones are both affordable and feature-packed.
3. Camera Quality
If you’re interested in aerial photography or videography, consider drones with built-in cameras. For beginners, 720p or 1080p resolution is usually sufficient, though some models offer 4K.
4. Durability
Crashes are inevitable for beginners. Drones made from sturdy materials or with propeller guards are more forgiving of mistakes.
5. Flight Time
Most beginner drones have a flight time of 5 to 15 minutes. While not much, it’s enough to learn basic flying skills.
Top 5 Best Drones for Beginners
1. DJI Mini 2
- Price: $$
- Camera Quality: 4K video, 12 MP photos
- Flight Time: 31 minutes
- Range: 10 km
- Key Features: GPS stabilization, auto return home, intelligent flight modes
Why it’s great for beginners: The DJI Mini 2 is incredibly easy to use with a long flight time and advanced camera features. Its GPS ensures stability in the air, and it has automatic return-to-home functionality in case you lose control. Despite being packed with advanced features, it’s intuitive enough for beginners to pick up quickly.
2. Ryze Tello
- Price: $
- Camera Quality: 720p video, 5 MP photos
- Flight Time: 13 minutes
- Range: 100 meters
- Key Features: Lightweight, programmable, easy to fly
Why it’s great for beginners: The Ryze Tello is one of the most affordable drones for beginners. It offers an easy learning curve and comes with a user-friendly app. It’s also programmable, making it a fun choice for anyone interested in STEM or coding.
3. Holy Stone HS720E
- Price: $$
- Camera Quality: 4K video, 13 MP photos
- Flight Time: 23 minutes
- Range: 1 km
- Key Features: GPS-assisted, brushless motors, follow-me mode
Why it’s great for beginners: The Holy Stone HS720E offers excellent value for money with GPS features and impressive 4K camera quality. Its brushless motors make it quieter and more efficient, while the GPS ensures stability during flight.
4. Potensic T25
- Price: $
- Camera Quality: 1080p HD video
- Flight Time: 10 minutes
- Range: 300 meters
- Key Features: GPS positioning, altitude hold, one-key return
Why it’s great for beginners: The Potensic T25 is perfect for those looking for a budget-friendly drone with good camera quality and essential features like altitude hold and one-key return. It’s simple to control, even for those new to flying.
5. Hubsan X4 H107C
- Price: $
- Camera Quality: 720p HD video
- Flight Time: 7 minutes
- Range: 100 meters
- Key Features: Durable, beginner-friendly controls, small size
Why it’s great for beginners: The Hubsan X4 is a small, affordable drone that’s durable enough to withstand crashes. It’s an excellent option for those wanting to practice flying without worrying about damaging an expensive drone.
Beginner Drone Buying Guide
1. Budget Considerations
While it’s tempting to go for the most advanced drone right away, start with something affordable and easy to fly. Drones under $200 offer a good balance between price and features.
2. Safety Features
Look for drones with built-in safety features like propeller guards, low battery alerts, and automatic return to home. These features help prevent accidents and give you peace of mind while flying.
3. Battery Life
Battery life is often a concern for beginner drones, with flight times averaging 5–15 minutes. Consider buying spare batteries to maximize your flying time.
4. Portability
If you plan on traveling with your drone, portability is key. Many beginner drones are lightweight and compact, with foldable designs for easy transport.
Flying Tips for Beginners
1. Practice in an Open Space
When you first start flying, practice in an open, obstacle-free area. Avoid crowded spaces, and make sure you understand your drone’s controls before taking off.
2. Use Beginner Mode
Many drones come with a beginner mode that restricts speed and range. This mode helps new pilots learn how to fly without risking accidents.
3. Take It Slow
Learn to hover and control your drone’s movements before attempting more complex maneuvers like flips or high-speed flying.
4. Watch the Battery Life
Always monitor your drone’s battery life during a flight. If your drone has a low battery alert, pay attention to it and land safely.
FAQs
Q: What is the best drone for absolute beginners?
The DJI Mini 2 is often recommended for beginners due to its ease of use, intelligent flight modes, and long battery life. For a budget option, the Ryze Tello is a great pick.
Q: Do I need a license to fly a drone?
In many countries, you don’t need a license to fly drones under a certain weight (usually around 250 grams), but it’s essential to check your local regulations. For larger drones, you might need to register or take a certification test.
Q: How much should I spend on my first drone?
For beginners, it’s best to spend between $100 and $400. This price range offers quality drones with features like cameras, GPS, and stability modes without being too overwhelming.
Q: Can I fly my drone indoors?
Yes, many smaller drones like the Ryze Tello or Hubsan X4 can be flown indoors. However, make sure you have enough space and avoid fragile objects.
Q: What is the difference between brushed and brushless motors?
Brushed motors are typically found in cheaper drones and tend to wear out faster. Brushless motors are more efficient, powerful, and durable but are usually found in higher-end drones.
Conclusion
Choosing the right drone as a beginner comes down to finding a balance between ease of use, durability, and price. Whether you’re looking to dip your toes into aerial photography or just enjoy flying, the models listed above offer something for everyone. Remember to start slow, practice in open areas, and most importantly, have fun!
