Mini drones provide fun for all ages, but they are especially enjoyable for anybody who is newer to flying drones. Many of them utilize special features to make the experience easier and safer for beginners. We’ll tell you about a few of our favorite mini drones in this list. We’ve picked each option here based on the specific features they offer, including their fly time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will I be able to fly my drone?
Most drones on this list can fly between 20 and 30 minutes on a single charge. In some cases, the drone may have three separate batteries that each provide between eight and ten minutes of fly time. While it’s slightly inconvenient to replace the battery each time, it’s usually a quick fix and then you’ll be able to get back to flying.
Is it hard to learn to fly a drone for the first time?
Many of these drones include features that will make it much easier for first timers to learn how to fly. For example, you’ll read about drones that include optical sensors that can detect whether or not the drone is coming close to an obstacle. These motion sensors prevent the drone from hitting the object, which could cause damage to both the surface and drone. Other drones have a setting that will cause the drone to simply float in place without moving forwards or backwards. We’ll tell you more about these different features as we go.
Buying Guide
As you shop for your new mini drone, here are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind:
- Headless Mode: This refers to a mode of operation where your drone will move in the direction that you are facing, regardless of where the front of the drone is pointed.
- Colors: Depending on which drone you choose, you might have several colors to pick from.
- Tricks: If you’re new to flying, you may not be thinking about tricks yet. However, over time, as you learn how to use your drone, you might want to perform some flips or rotations in the air. So, as you shop, you might think about which drones are best equipped to perform these types of tricks.
- Material: Since there’s a chance your drone crashes or falls at some point, you want to think about how durable the drone you’re purchasing will be.
Holy Stone Mini Drone
Best Overall
Great for Children and Beginners
The three included batteries allow you to fly your drone for up to 21 minutes on a single charge. If you simply want to hover at your current height, you can enable the auto-hovering function. You can also engage “headless mode” to ensure that the drone always moves in the direction the pilot faces, regardless of where the head of the device is pointed.
You can fly your drone in a circle with the simple press of a button on the remote control. As you gain more experience, you’ll be able to perform tricks such as 3D flips.
Why We Love It:
- Sold in two colors (red or blue)
- Easy to launch by simply tossing
- Delivers elite performance while in rotation
Something to Consider:
- Can sometimes drift up or down without warning
Deerc Mini Drone
Best Sensor
Auto Obstacle Avoidance
The upgraded five-piece motion sensor allows your drone to determine when it’s close to an obstacle and prevents it from coming into accidental contact. If an accident ever occurs, the drone is flexible and lightweight, and made to resist damage from most collisions. It charges quickly when connected to any USB power source.
This drone is easy to control. You can toss it to launch it into the air, catch it when you’re ready to be done flying, and direct it with your hand to fly in a certain direction or to make it rise.
Why We Love It:
- Designed to be safe and easy to operate – even for children
- Made with high-grade ABS material
- Includes full protection guard so your children won’t be hurt by the propellers
Something to Consider:
- Best for children at least six years old
DJI Mini Drone
Best Battery
Flies Up to 30 Minutes
This drone is great for creators, as it allows you to capture pictures and moments from a variety of angles. It’s capable of capturing photos at 12MP along with 2.7K HD videos. The three-axis gimbal is motorized, and helps the camera capture more stable and smooth footage.
This drone is highly wind resistant, and can withstand wind speeds up to 29-38kph. It can fly as high as 4,000 meters while still capturing high-quality and stable images.
Why We Love It:
- Sold in two styles (DJI mini SE or DJI mini SE fly more combo)
- Weighs only 0.55 pounds
- Pairs with the DJI Fly app, which offers a variety of templates and helps you create excellent videos even with no prior editing experience
- Compatible with microSD cards
Something to Consider:
- Can frequently lose connection
Holyton Mini Drone
Best for Flips
Rotates 360 Degrees
This drone can do flips and turn in circles even while flying at high speeds. The drone is compact, light, and easy to carry. It features three different possible speed modes to provide fun and easy maneuverability for pilots of all experience levels.
The one-key button allows you to easily take off and start flying. When you release the throttle stick, the drone can hover in one place at its current height level.
Why We Love It:
- Flies for 24 minutes on a single charge (includes three batteries that provide up to eight minutes of flight time each)
- One-key start makes it easy to get your drone in the air
- Headless mode improves flight control
- Includes emergency stop function to help keep newer pilots from losing their drone
Something to Consider:
- Propellers may need occasional fixing
HassoKon Mini Drone
Most Durable
Collision-Resistant and Flexible
This drone uses four rotary motors, enabling the device to turn in 360 degree rotations. There is also a built-in gyroscope that helps you fly with the best possible accuracy and sensitivity. This leads to better balance, no matter where you’re flying or how fast you’re going.
The drone comes equipped with advanced LED infrared sensors that will automatically detect nearby objects and prevent the drone from colliding. It only takes around 40 minutes to charge, and the LED light will indicate which of the two speed modes the device is currently operating on.
Why We Love It:
- Made with high-quality PP material that is soft and flexible
- Easy to grab out of the air if you need to stop flight
- Charges via USB port
Something to Consider:
- Battery doesn’t last very long
