Drones for every purpose: toys, FPV racers to professional cameras Remote-controlled drones offer a lot of technology for little money. We got an overview and clarify what the budget and hobby drones can do. 4:00 p.m. tech stage
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Automatic return flight function, obstacle detection, live image transmission or 4K camera – remote-controlled drones offer a lot of technology for little money. We got an overview and clarify what the budget and hobby drones can do in practice and how much you have to invest.
RC drones cover a wide range of very different aircraft. While prices for the cheapest models start at less than 10 euros, fast racing copters cost several hundred euros and require extensive equipment. For video drones that can fly, the acquisition costs start at around 400 euros. Flagship models costing several thousand euros are only suitable for experienced users. Such investments are rather the exception for private users anyway, which is why we focus on the price range between 10 and 2000 euros in this overview.
This guide is part of our drones theme world . Here you will find individual tests for video drones such as the DJI Mini 2 (test report), for FPV sets with video glasses for beginners (test report) and general advice on the subject of multicopters and accessories.
But not everyone knows what kind of drone is suitable for their own needs and requirements. In this guide, we show what the aircraft in the different price ranges can do and where the differences in equipment and flight performance lie.
If you want to find out more about aviation law first, we recommend our EU Drone Regulation guide: How to fly drones legally – everything you need to know now .
The functionality is identical for drones of all types and price ranges. The multicopters get lift from several motor-driven propellers, which determine the flight attitude by changing the speed. The most common is the quadrocopter design with four motors. More exotic models have three, six or eight engines. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter whether they are oriented upwards or downwards. The size of the propellers is based on the power and speed of the engines. The following applies: Large propellers usually rotate more slowly than small propellers and allow longer flight times. However, large propellers are more susceptible to wind. The most unpleasant and loudest engine noises result from high engine speeds for maximum sportiness – it is practically impossible to fly inconspicuously.
Brushed motors can only be found in the entry-level class and in small drones for indoor and outdoor use. These work sufficiently efficiently, but wear out over time. Professional drones for FPV (guide) and camera flights work with brushless drives, the brushless motors. These are powerful and wear-free. FPV stands for First Person View and means that the pilot flies from the point of view of the multicopter.
Brush motor (left) and brushless motor (right) in comparison.
Drones receive their control commands either via hand transmitter and radio signal (usually via 2.4 GHz) or via app and WLAN connection. When flying smoothly at close range, the transmission via WLAN is sufficient to control the aircraft, despite the short range and a short delay. With exotics, such as the DJI Tello (test report) , self-programmed maneuvers can be sent to the mini drone via WLAN. For sporty flight maneuvers or professional photo and video recordings, however, the control must be as direct and lag-free as possible. Classic RC drones with 2.4 GHz transmission are much better suited here.
The so-called flight controller with integrated gyroscope inside the drone ensures an (easily) controllable flight. It analyzes the attitude of the multicopter and controls the motors so that the drone is in the air when it is not receiving any control commands from the pilot. With racing drones, you can deactivate this so-called leveling mode in order to fly extreme maneuvers. Manual controls are practically non-existent in the entry-level segment.
Satellite data for smooth flight
In combination with an integrated satellite receiver, drones stay rooted in the air even in windy conditions. Depending on the manufacturer, the aircraft then only move a few centimeters up to a maximum of about one meter around the specified position. Via the GPS, Glonass or Galileo data it is also possible to fly off waypoints or to return to the starting point automatically. If the radio is lost or the battery is empty, aircraft equipped in this way return to the pilot without any action. This feature can even be found on some entry-level drones. Clear and cheap examples are the Hubsan H507A X4 (test report) for just under 90 euros or the N4940 from Siumulus from around 129 euros .
The Hubsan H507A X4 for 70 euros has a GPS receiver on board.
Ultrasonic sensors on the underside of drones analyze the ground and ensure that the aircraft maintains its position and distance from the ground even without GPS. Such a sensor is available, for example, in the entry -level models Parrot Swing (test report) or Potensic Elfin . They have only been integrated in the entry-level segment for a short time.
The same applies to sensors for detecting obstacles. Such equipment is standard for the high-priced video drones from DJI, for example. However, other manufacturers such as Autel have now reacted and also offer the function with the Nano Evo+ , for example . Even with largely unknown models, such as the 4K video drone Simulus ZX5260 from Pearl , obstacle detection is available.
Camera usually on board
A camera, on the other hand, is almost part of the basic equipment even in the entry-level segment. The idea behind it is great: Thanks to a live image on a smartphone, monitor or video glasses, the pilot can see exactly what the drone is doing and press the camera trigger at the right moment. Controlling via live image is basically easier and more intuitive than flying on sight. Because left is always left. Unlike when you fly towards yourself in visual flight, for example. Then left and right are swapped.
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In practice, inexpensive drones in particular, such as the entry-level model from Pearl for around 60 euros , which has been shown to fly quite well , rely on image transmission via WLAN. However, this method is neither latency-free nor jerk-free. The range is limited to between ten and several hundred meters. The manufacturer DJI gets the maximum of classic WLAN from its Mavic Mini (test report) . Ranges of over 500 meters are possible here. In the entry-level segment, however, the distances are often much less than 100 m. Due to the delay, control via WLAN is basically not suitable for sporty maneuvers or flights in tight spaces and is at best an aid to orientation.
If you want to fly drone races with video goggles, you absolutely need latency-free image transmission via radio (5.8 GHz). These can be found in the low price segment, for example in the Eachine 013 FPV set (test report) or the Blade Inductrix FPV set (test report) . Privately we fly with the finished models Darvin Baby Ape for 100 euros , Nazgul5 V2 for 290 euros or Diatone Roma for 300 euros . For the front garden and indoors we use the Happy model Mobula7 for 130 euros, Emax Tinyhawk II (in a set with remote control and video glasses 220 euros) or Flywoo Firefly Nano for 130 euros. Here, however, we are always talking about an analogue image signal with low resolution and many visible transmission errors.
Optimal: Digital transmission with low latency
If you want to see more than just pixel mud on the FPV glasses, you should use a low-latency digital transmission. This is integrated in the DJI FPV (test report) , which has a speed of around 140 km/h . However, the manufacturer’s FPV glasses are also compatible with video transmitters from Caddx and Runcam, so the crisp live image transmission is also available in numerous ready-made FPV copters. Privately, we use the models HGLRC Rekon 5 HD , Diatone Taycan HD or the tiny hexacopter Flywoo Venom H20 HD .
The Flywoo Venom H20 mini FPV drone with HD transmission.
The flight time of entry-level drones is between four and about ten minutes. But anyone who thinks that the flight time automatically increases with the purchase price of the drone is wrong. Fast FPV drones in particular usually achieve flight times of less than five minutes. The situation is different with video copters. Even with affordable models, flight times of 20 to 30 minutes are possible.
The following applies here: Small multicopters usually fly shorter than larger ones. The actual flight time depends not only on the battery capacity but also on the flying style. The sportier you fly, the quicker the battery drains. Here is a concrete example based on the DJI FPV, which can reach speeds of up to 140 km/h (test report) . With a calm and balanced flight style, about 12 to 15 minutes flight time are possible here. If you switch the FPV to manual control and really let it rip, you have to change the battery after four to six minutes.
Even cheap drones offer a decent flight behavior
The experience of the last few years shows that even cheap drones now show decent flight behavior and are therefore easy to control. In this discipline, we have positive memories of the Super Mario Copter from Carrera (test report) , the Eachine E511 (test report) , the Parrot Swing (test report) and the inexpensive multiplayer combat drone from Amazon (test report).
There are primarily differences in response and precision. However, the control itself is the same for all models and differs at most in the assignment on the hand-held transmitter. The following assignment, the so-called Mode 2, can often be found on inexpensive drones:
Left Stick Up/Down: Drone climbs/descends
Left stick left/right: Drone rotates on its own axis
Right stick forward/backward: Drone goes into forward/backward flight
Right stick left/right: Drone flies left/right
Inexpensive multicopters are generally less stable in the air than expensive video drones due to the lack of ground sensors and satellite navigation. The aircraft generally align themselves straight, but they tend to drift. This may be due to an inaccurately calibrated flight controller or slight airflow. In order to keep the multicopter exactly in place, the pilot must therefore constantly countersteer and must not take his eyes off the aircraft. This is possible with practice without any problems, but it is a different feeling than with a video drone in the price segment from 400 euros – it stands nailed to the spot even in windy conditions and even maintains the exact height. Cheap drones with GPS also keep position and altitude, however, they work less precisely and so they still move drones minimally. As a rule, they need about 1 × 1 × 1 m space for hovering at the site. OneDJI Mini 3 (test report) moves a maximum of 10 to 20 cm in each direction.
Basically, small multicopters are livelier and behave correspondingly more nervously than large models. As nice as the tiny drones with a diagonal of a few centimeters may look – they are much more difficult to control, especially for beginners, than larger aircraft with a diagonal of around 15 to 20 centimeters and upwards. Here, for example, the Super Mario Copter (test report) or the recently flown Simulus NX4937 come closer to being chosen. In order to assert themselves against gusts of wind, the aircraft must also have sufficient power. This is not the case with brushed motors, which is why the majority of entry-level drones are only suitable for indoor use and flights in low winds.
As already mentioned, direct and precise control requires radio transmission. Controlling via WLAN basically feels spongy and not very direct. Here is a short video of the first flight with the DEERC D30 :
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In order to familiarize yourself with the controls and flying, inexpensive multicopters are generally well suited. If you have a device like the Super Mario Copter (test report) under control, you will have no problems with expensive models. In addition, entry-level models are often light and stable, which, combined with manageable speeds, ensures a certain level of safety. Expensive camera drones are less suitable for the first flight maneuvers, since even minor crashes can lead to expensive damage to the camera and frame.
Although the controls are simple and easy to understand, young children are quickly overwhelmed with the operation. Experience has shown that we recommend the first drone flights at the earliest from the age of 9 to 10 years. Model flight insurance , which is available from around EUR 20 to EUR 40 per year, is generally mandatory for outdoor use .
Photo & video quality
In addition to a live image, most drones with cameras also offer the option of taking photos and/or videos. However, there are a number of crucial differences in terms of image quality.
Inexpensive models only allow recording via WLAN and the corresponding smartphone app. With this method, however, all image disturbances that occur during transmission can also be seen. This may still be enough for photos, but ultimately only a colorful mishmash of pixels remains from videos. In terms of image quality, drones that save the image material directly to a memory card have a clear advantage. The only exception that we have come to know in almost 10 years of flying is the DJI Tello (test report) , which allows for decent shots via app at close range. Saving data directly in the aircraft is always better, since at least no transmission errors occur here. However, this alone is not sufficient for a successful recording.
The footage from the DEERC D30 looks really bad despite the (alleged) 1080p camera.
A second quality aspect is the native resolution of the recordings. If the resolution is too low, as with the Revell Quadrocopter Spot VR (test report) with a 480p camera, no respectable result can be achieved. The 4K, which is often advertised even for cheap drones, sounds tempting, but mostly these are extrapolated recordings whose quality is hardly usable. A vivid example is Pearl’s otherwise really decent 4K drone. The 350 Euro Simulus ZX5260Despite the theoretically good equipment, it only delivers a disappointing picture quality. Experience shows that a candid 720p shot is often better than a forced 4K image here. The sensor size also determines the image quality, but in the end only tiny sensors are installed in the area of entry-level drones. And the manufacturers in the price range below 100 euros are silent about the exact technical details.
The recordings from DJI Tello and Hubsan H507A X4 are still reasonably usable.
While resolution is important, camera stabilization is even more critical to a good video experience. More professional models use a two- or three-axis gimbal, which compensates for the movements of the multicopter and thus allows smooth recordings. While very simple gimbals only work with one servo and are correspondingly jerky, advanced models use brushless motors for smooth movement balancing. In the price segment up to 100 euros, however, drones with gimbals can be found from no-name providers. An example of this is Banggood’s F007 5G . The Simulus ZX5260 available from Pearl has a gimbal on board, but the overall mediocre recordings are not completely smooth.
Basically, you should not expect too much from the image quality of the inexpensive drones. Although they are just about usable for individual aerial photos, you should not expect breathtaking video recordings in Hollywood quality. If you have a certain quality requirement regarding the recordings, you should take a look at our guide How to make drone recordings with a cinema look.
If you want to buy a drone for aerial photography, you should expect costs of at least 250 euros and more. In the price segment below there are usable FPV drones with wireless image transmission, but such drones are only suitable for video recordings together with an action cam. If you want to approach the subject of flying drones in general, you should rather do without a camera with the first model and instead buy a stable drone with several batteries and radio transmission.
price ranges
Up to 50 euros
Only toys can be found in the price range up to 50 euros. But that doesn’t have to be bad. These cheap drones are also suitable for gaining the very first flight experience. Experience has shown that you should rely on a 2.4 GHz wireless connection and, if in doubt, do without a camera. Models that rely on WLAN, Bluetooth or infrared therefore do not appear in the price comparison.
In our experience, the models Simulus NX4937 , Revell Go Stunt , Carson X4 Quadcopter Dragon 330 or Mini-Mario-Copter from Carrera (test report) are recommended for learning the basic flight manoeuvres. The models mentioned are sufficiently large and are also suitable for outdoor trips when there is no wind.
Here is a beginner drone from Simulus.
If the drone is to be used indoors, you can also use smaller models such as the Hubsan X4 , Amewi Spyshadow or Potensic Mini Battle-Drone . These fly just as well, but due to their size they are only suitable for short distances and are a bit more fidgety overall.
From our point of view, the return function, obstacle detection, landing and looping function advertised by the manufacturers are not reasons to buy, as they either do not work properly or are unnecessary.
From 50 to 100 euros
In the range between 50 and 100 euros, toy copters are also mainly to be found, but there are already some very exciting models with some surprisingly good equipment available.
It starts with one of our favorite copters, the DJI/Ryze Tello (test report) for just under 95 euros. This masterpiece of technology not only flies properly, it is also the only aircraft in this price range that takes decent photos thanks to image stabilization. A real special feature is the possibility of programming the Tello via software.
We continue with the three cheapest drones with an integrated GPS receiver . These maintain their position even in windy conditions and return to the pilot at the push of a button. The cheapest is the Holy Stone HS3040 Mini , which costs 57 euros. The Hubsan X4 H507A model (test report) is only slightly more expensive for a slim 60 euros, which we liked in the test. The Hubsan X4 Desire , which is also equipped with GPS, is available from 89 euros .
The Star Wars drone (test report) in the Tie Fighter design for currently 99 euros is also exciting, although it has been available at a significantly lower price in the past . The licensed aircraft are of first-class workmanship and score with good flight performance and crisp controls. Unfortunately, the Speed-Biker and X-Wing models are currently between 150 and over 300 euros.
A live image helps with orientation and control of the camera.
Also included in the list is the 99 Euro Blade Glimpse FPV – this has a good FPV camera on board and can otherwise boast with decent flight performance – but it is a BNF (Bind and Fly) model, which no remote control is included. If you want to fly the FPV dwarf, you also need video goggles and a spectrum handheld transmitter.
Another tip: If you decide to buy drones other than those mentioned in this price range, experience has shown that you should rather rely on products from Carrera, Jamara, Hubsan, Holybro and Syma than on toy manufacturers and no-name goods.
From 100 to 300 euros
In this price region, the differences in the price comparison of drones are particularly large, so you should think carefully about which model is suitable. Some of the copters in this price range are simply overpriced toys. Cameras and live image functions are often already integrated here, but the flight characteristics, range or special functions are comparable to those of copters between 10 and 100 euros. You shouldn’t be dazzled by the popularly advertised 4K video recording or tracking function in this price range either.
From our experience, the Hubsan aircraft are recommended. These have crisp controls, sufficient range and some even have GPS and live image functions. As much fun as the various models from the manufacturer are – these copters are less suitable for video recordings, good photos or a real FPV feeling. The same applies to the revised version of the DJI Tello, the Tello Boost, Tello Edu and Tello Ironman Edition – these models fly well, offer a sufficiently high photo quality and can even be programmed, but ultimately they are hardly better than the original Tello for just under 100 euros.
If you look around in this price range, you cannot avoid the DJI Mavic Mini (test report) for 249 euros. This is the current price for the cheapest and most recommended video drone that we have ever had in the editorial office. The model, which weighs less than 250 g, is controlled via WLAN, but DJI has set completely new standards in terms of range and reliability. Compared to other models from the manufacturer, obstacle detection and automatic flight modes are missing here, but ultimately you don’t necessarily need them. The Mavic Mini scores with great flight characteristics, a long flight time and, thanks to the integrated gimbal, with a very high image quality.
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If you are interested in FPV, flying from the perspective of the drone, you should take a look at the Blade Nano QX FPV starter set from Horizon Hobby for 199 euros. We have the predecessor of the copter in our private pool and are very satisfied with it. The model comes to the customer ready to fly with a transmitter, battery, battery charger and video glasses. Graupner’s competitor, the Graupner Alpha 110 , is available for almost 50 euros less. This is a lot of fun, but comes as a BNF variant to the customer. Graupner remote control and video glasses are also required. Both drones also only have weak and vulnerable brush motors. For similar prices, there are more suitable entry-level sets here. However, these are not among the most popular models in the price comparison. Two concrete and recommendable examples are the FPV starter set from Emax for 130 to 150 euros (test report) and the somewhat more powerful set from BetFpv (test report) for around 200 euros. The cheapest bundle with the Eachine E013, video glasses and mini hand-held transmitter costs at Banggoodalmost 80 euros. The small FPV speedster is fun, but the range is below average at almost 10 meters. More recommended here are the sets with the Emax EZ Pilot for currently 108 euros or the bundle with the Tinyhawk II for 220 euros .
From 300 to 500 euros
In the price range up to 500 euros, the buyer has a comparatively manageable selection of recommended drones. Here you can find the excellent and popular DJI Mini 2 (test report) , its predecessor Mavic Mini as a Fly-More combo (with additional batteries and multiple charger) or the handy Parrot Anafi (test report) . The DJI Spark (test report) , which has since been replaced by the Mavic Mini, can still be found here. The well-tested Fimi X8 Mini from Xiaomi is available from 365 euros, the more powerful Xiaomi Fimi X8 SE is available from 430 euros.
All the models mentioned have one thing in common: They have good to very good flight characteristics, enable reliable positioning even in windy conditions thanks to GPS and also deliver a usable to excellent image quality.
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We cannot recommend Revell, Parrot, Potensic , Simulus, Holystone or Yuneec in this price range because of the significantly poorer price-performance ratio and the sometimes disappointing product tests. The same applies to the toy model from Propel, which has apparently strayed into this price range due to increased prices in collectors’ circles.
Our price tips here are the Mavic Mini SE in the Fly-More version for around 400 euros and the Fimi X8 Mini for 490 euros . Otherwise, we recommend taking a look at the individual tests of the drones.
If you want a little more action, you are well advised to use ready-made FPV copters such as the HGLRC Rekon 5 HD , Diatone Taycan HD or the tiny hexacopter Flywoo Venom H20 HD . Here, however, you need the appropriate equipment such as FPV goggles, charger, batteries and hand-held transmitter. If you can also get by with an analog image, you can get something cheaper with Darvin Baby Ape for 100 euros , Nazgul5 V2 for 290 euros or Diatone Roma for 300 euros .
From 500 euros
From our point of view, the DJI Air 2 (test report) , which is available from just under 700 euros , offers excellent value for money . Even better – but only available from around 1000 euros – is the DJI Mini 3 (test report) . The best image quality is with DJI Air 2S (test report) and Mavic 3. After the first test flights, we can also warmly recommend the Autel Evo Nano+ , which is available from around 710 euros. While it can’t quite keep up with the Mini 3, it delivers Air2-comparable quality with the dimensions of the Mavic Mini. For all those who want to fly sporty in addition to filming, it is worth taking a look at the DJI FPV (test report) orfinished FPV copter with 6S drive .
The Autel Evo Nano+.
Since the individual video drones only differ in some details, we recommend the detailed individual tests or our DJI model guide , in which we compare the different drones. The guidebook Which is the best video drone for beginners reveals what is important with the flying cameras . If you are interested in FPV, we recommend taking a look at the topic of flying with glasses .
Conclusion
Inexpensive drones are primarily designed as high-tech and fun toys. They offer hobby pilots and young people an inexpensive entry into the world of flying and differ from expensive video drones in terms of structure and control. If you want to start the hobby, you will get a perfect feeling for the topic even with budget multicopters.
In terms of equipment, inexpensive entry-level models are always a compromise solution. In the budget range, brushless motors as well as GPS and height sensors are available, but the buyer usually has to choose one of the three features. If the primary concern is the flight experience, we recommend using models with a 2.4 GHz hand-held transmitter. The range and response behavior are noticeably better here than when operated via WLAN and app.
Photos and videos should always be stored in the drone. Experience has shown that the quality of the recordings via WLAN can only rarely be used. In the price segment under 100 euros, you should not have too high demands in terms of recording quality.
If you want to concentrate less on flying and more on photography and filming, you have to pay at least 250 euros for a Mavic Mini SE . In that case, take a look at our guide to the best video drone for beginners and the video drone leaderboard . Basically, we recommend our guide to EU drone regulations for hobby beginners: How to fly drones legally – everything you need to know now .
