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10 Best Drones Under $200 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Holy Stone GPS Drone with 4K UHD Camera for Adults Beginner; HS360S 249g Foldable FPV RC Quadcopter with 10000 Feet Control Range, Brushless Motor, Follow Me, Smart Return Home, 5G Transmission

The Holy Stone HS360S is a lightweight and user-friendly drone that stands out in the under $200 category, primarily due to its impressive 4K UHD camera and a control range of up to 10,000 feet. With a flight time of around 20 minutes, it offers a decent duration for capturing aerial footage, making it an excellent choice for beginners and casual users looking to explore photography or videography from new heights.

One of the standout features is its advanced GPS functionality, which ensures not only stable flights but also a reliable return home feature. This is especially useful for new drone pilots who might feel anxious about losing their drone. The inclusion of smart features like Follow Me and Waypoint Flight adds a layer of creativity for capturing dynamic shots.

The construction is generally stable and durable, though it's important to handle it carefully due to its lightweight nature. Although it is designed for ease of use, absolute beginners might still face a learning curve with some of the more advanced features, which could be overwhelming at first. The HS360S is a solid choice for beginner drone enthusiasts who want a good camera and user-friendly features without the complexity of higher-end models.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Camera Quality
Impressive camera quality for the price, capturing good pictures without needing extreme detail.
Flight Time
Battery life is around 15-20 minutes, so investing in extra batteries is recommended for longer sessions.
Stability and Ease of Use
The beginner mode is a big help in learning to use the controls without feeling overwhelmed.
Build Quality and Durability
Durable and easy to learn how to fly, making it a great first drone.
Additional Features
App connectivity can occasionally be inconsistent, but overall it's a solid choice for beginners and hobbyists.
#2

Holy Stone GPS Drone with 4K Camera for Adults, HS175D RC Quadcopter with Auto Return, Follow Me, Brushless Motor, Circle Fly, Waypoint Fly, Altitude Hold, Headless Mode, 46 Mins Long Flight

The Holy Stone HS175D GPS Drone is an appealing choice for those looking for an affordable drone under $200, especially for beginners and hobbyists. One of its standout features is the impressive 4K ultra-clear camera that captures high-resolution photos and videos, paired with a wide-angle view which enhances the overall imaging experience. Its GPS-assisted auto return feature is a great safety net, ensuring the drone returns home in case of lost signal or low battery, which is particularly reassuring for new users.

With a flight time of up to 46 minutes thanks to its two batteries, the HS175D offers ample opportunity for exploration and capturing footage compared to many drones at this price point. The control range of 1148 feet is also noteworthy, giving users a good amount of space to operate the drone.

In terms of ease of use, features like Altitude Hold and Headless Mode make it user-friendly, which is ideal for beginners. Moreover, the drone includes intelligent functions like Follow Me and waypoint flying, allowing for a more engaging flying experience. The build quality, while decent, is primarily plastic, which may raise concerns about durability, especially if the drone encounters tough conditions. The maximum control range, while adequate, might not satisfy more experienced users who are looking for longer distances. Additionally, the drone operates best in optimal weather conditions; wind can affect its stability, despite the brushless motors. The absence of advanced features found in pricier models might limit some creative options for more experienced drone enthusiasts.

The Holy Stone HS175D offers a solid package for beginners and casual users looking for an easy-to-fly drone with good camera capabilities and safety features, making it a great entry point into the world of drones.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Camera Quality
Picture and video quality are impressive, with stable footage even in moderate winds.
Flight Time
Battery life is great, offering about 20 minutes per battery, which is quite good for a drone in this price range.
Control Range
While the range is limited compared to high-end drones, it offers a similar experience at a much lower price.
Stability and Ease of Use
The HS175D is incredibly easy to fly, making it perfect for beginners.
Build Quality and Durability
The drone comes well organized in a high-quality case, adding to its appeal.
#3

Holy Stone Mini Drone for Kids and Beginners RC Nano Quadcopter Indoor Small Helicopter Plane with Auto Hovering, 3D Flips, Headless Mode and 3 Batteries, Great Gift Toy for Boys and Girls, Blue

The Holy Stone Mini Drone for Kids and Beginners is an affordable and fun option for those new to flying drones. One of its strengths is that it offers a variety of fun features like Toss to Launch, Circle Fly, 3D Flips, and Auto Rotation, which are sure to entertain kids. The drone also has user-friendly features such as Altitude Hold and Headless Mode that make flying easier for beginners.

With three batteries included, the drone can achieve a total flight time of up to 21 minutes, reducing downtime and increasing fun. The low battery power alarm is a handy feature that helps prevent accidents due to power loss. Its compact and portable design makes it easy to carry around to various locations, and the protection guard around the propellers adds a layer of safety for both users and the drone itself.

The control range is relatively short at 160 feet, which limits how far the drone can be flown. The build quality is lightweight and plastic, which while making it easy to transport, might not provide the durability needed for rougher handling. This drone is ideal for kids and beginners who are looking for a fun, easy-to-use, and safe entry into the world of drones.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Flight Time
Including three batteries is a wonderful thing, allowing for almost non-stop flying while others charge.
Stability and Ease of Use
The Holy Stone Mini Drone is super easy to use and can withstand a fair amount of bumps without any damage.
Build Quality and Durability
The drone's propeller guards make it rugged enough to handle multiple crashes without damage.

Buying Guide for the Best Drones Under $200

When it comes to buying a drone under $200, it's important to focus on the key specifications that will ensure you get the best value for your money. Drones in this price range can be great for beginners and hobbyists, offering a good balance between features and affordability. To make an informed decision, consider the following key specs and how they align with your needs and preferences.
Camera QualityCamera quality is crucial if you plan to use your drone for photography or videography. It determines the resolution and clarity of the images and videos you capture. In this price range, you can expect cameras with resolutions ranging from 720p to 1080p. If you want clearer and more detailed footage, go for a 1080p camera. However, if you're just starting out and don't need high-definition quality, a 720p camera might suffice. Consider what you'll be using the footage for and choose accordingly.
Flight TimeFlight time refers to how long the drone can stay in the air on a single charge. This is important because it affects how much you can do with your drone before needing to recharge. Drones under $200 typically offer flight times between 7 to 20 minutes. If you plan to use your drone for extended sessions, look for models with longer flight times. For casual use or short flights, a drone with a shorter flight time might be adequate. Think about how long you want to fly your drone and choose a model that meets those needs.
Control RangeControl range is the maximum distance you can fly the drone from the controller before losing connection. This is important for determining how far you can explore with your drone. In this price range, control ranges usually vary from 50 meters to 300 meters. If you want to fly your drone over larger areas or higher altitudes, opt for a model with a longer control range. For indoor use or close-range flights, a shorter control range will be sufficient. Consider where and how far you plan to fly your drone when making your choice.
Stability and Ease of UseStability and ease of use are critical, especially for beginners. These factors determine how easy it is to control the drone and how well it can handle wind and other environmental factors. Look for features like altitude hold, headless mode, and one-key takeoff/landing, which make flying easier and more stable. If you're new to drones, prioritize models with these features to ensure a smoother learning curve. More experienced users might be able to handle drones without these aids, but they still add convenience and reliability.
Build Quality and DurabilityBuild quality and durability are important to ensure your drone can withstand crashes and rough handling, which are common, especially for beginners. Drones made from high-quality materials like ABS plastic are more likely to survive impacts. Check for user reviews and product descriptions that mention the durability of the drone. If you plan to fly your drone in challenging environments or are prone to accidents, prioritize models known for their robust build. For more careful or indoor use, durability might be less of a concern.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance your flying experience and add value to your purchase. Features like GPS, follow-me mode, and gesture control can make flying more fun and versatile. While not all drones under $200 will have these features, some might offer a few. Consider what extra functionalities you might enjoy or find useful. If you want a more interactive and engaging experience, look for drones with these additional features. If you prefer a straightforward flying experience, basic models without these extras might be more suitable.

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