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10 Best Drones Under 500 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
DJI Mini 4K, Drone with 4K UHD Camera for Adults, Under 249 g, 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilization, 10km Video Transmission, Auto Return, Wind Resistance, 1 Battery for 31-Min Max Flight Time, Intelligent Flight
The DJI Mini 4K is an excellent choice for beginners looking to explore the world of drones without the need for FAA registration, thanks to its lightweight design under 249 grams. One of the standout features of this drone is its 4K UHD camera paired with a 3-axis gimbal, which ensures smooth and stable footage, making it perfect for capturing stunning landscapes or events in high resolution. With a maximum flight time of 31 minutes and a range of up to 10 kilometers, it offers plenty of opportunity for exploration and creativity.
Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,372
Camera Quality
Flight Time
Range
Most important from
1996 reviews
#2
DJI Mini 4 Pro Fly More Combo with DJI RC 2, Drones with Camera for Adults 4K, Under 0.549 lbs/249 g, 3 Batteries for up to 102 Mins Flight Time, Smart Return to Home, Drone for Beginners
The DJI Mini 4 Pro Fly More Combo offers an impressive package for those looking for a quality drone under $500. Its lightweight design at under 249 grams means you can enjoy the convenience of flying without needing to register it, making it ideal for beginners or casual users. The drone's camera is a strong point with 4K video capability and 48 MP stills, providing high-quality footage and photos straight from the sky.
Rating
9.8
Camera Quality
Flight Time
Stability and GPS
Most important from
5482 reviews
#3
DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo (DJI RC), Drones with Camera for Adults 4K, 3 Batteries for 114-min Flight Time, Vertical Shooting, 32800ft (10km) Video Transmission, Lightweight Mini Drone for Beginners
The DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo drone is a solid choice for those seeking a feature-packed drone under $500. With its 4K UHD camera, you can capture stunning aerial shots and videos that stand out for their clarity and detail, even in low light conditions. The drone's vertical shooting mode is great for social media enthusiasts who want to share tall landmarks directly to platforms like Instagram or TikTok.
Rating
9.8
Camera Quality
Flight Time
Range
Most important from
4469 reviews
Top 10 Best Drones Under 500 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
9.9 score
DJI Mini 4K, Drone with 4K UHD Camera for Adults, Under 249 g, 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilization, 10km Video Transmission, Auto Return, Wind Resistance, 1 Battery for 31-Min Max Flight Time, Intelligent Flight
DJI Mini 4K, Drone with 4K UHD Camera for Adults, Under 249 g, 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilization, 10km Video Transmission, Auto Return, Wind Resistance, 1 Battery for 31-Min Max Flight Time, Intelligent Flight
Camera Quality: 4K UHD, 12 MP
Flight Time: 31 minutes
Range: 10 kilometers
Stability and GPS: Level 5 wind resistance, 3-axis gimbal
Ease of Use: QuickShots, Auto-Landing, Auto Return
Build Quality and Durability: Lightweight composite, under 249 grams
Chosen by 1372 this week
DJI Mini 4 Pro Fly More Combo with DJI RC 2, Drones with Camera for Adults 4K, Under 0.549 lbs/249 g, 3 Batteries for up to 102 Mins Flight Time, Smart Return to Home, Drone for Beginners
DJI Mini 4 Pro Fly More Combo with DJI RC 2, Drones with Camera for Adults 4K, Under 0.549 lbs/249 g, 3 Batteries for up to 102 Mins Flight Time, Smart Return to Home, Drone for Beginners
Camera Quality: 4K video, 48 MP photos
Flight Time: 102 minutes
Range: 20 km
Stability and GPS: Omnidirectional sensing, ActiveTrack, smart return
Ease of Use: Beginner-friendly design
Build Quality and Durability: Plastic, lightweight, not for rough use
DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo (DJI RC), Drones with Camera for Adults 4K, 3 Batteries for 114-min Flight Time, Vertical Shooting, 32800ft (10km) Video Transmission, Lightweight Mini Drone for Beginners
DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo (DJI RC), Drones with Camera for Adults 4K, 3 Batteries for 114-min Flight Time, Vertical Shooting, 32800ft (10km) Video Transmission, Lightweight Mini Drone for Beginners
Camera Quality: 48 MP, 4K UHD
Flight Time: 114 min, 51 min per battery
Range: 10 km
Stability and GPS: 3-axis gimbal, wind resistance, GPS
Ease of Use: auto takeoff/landing, precise hovering
Build Quality and Durability: decent, less durable in crashes
DJIXJ Mini 4 Pro Fly More Combo with DJI RC 2, Drones with Camera for Adults 4K, Under 0.549 lbs/249 g, 3 Batteries for up to 102 Mins Flight Time, Smart Return to Home, Drone for Beginners
DJIXJ Mini 4 Pro Fly More Combo with DJI RC 2, Drones with Camera for Adults 4K, Under 0.549 lbs/249 g, 3 Batteries for up to 102 Mins Flight Time, Smart Return to Home, Drone for Beginners
Camera Quality: 4K video, 48MP photos, 4K/60fps HDR
Flight Time: 34/45 min flight, 3 batteries total
Range: 20 km FHD video transmission
Stability and GPS: Omnidirectional obstacle sensing
Ease of Use: DJI RC 2 controller, ActiveTrack 360°
Build Quality and Durability: Under 249 g, portable and foldable
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
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
Camera Quality: 4K UHD
Flight Time: 20 minutes
Range: 10,000 feet
Stability and GPS: GPS, smart return home
Ease of Use: Intelligent flight modes
Build Quality and Durability: Plastic materials
Related Products
Up to 15% off
DJI Neo, Mini Drone with 4K UHD Camera for Adults, 135g Self Flying Drone that Follows You, Palm Takeoff, Subject Tracking, QuickShots, Stabilized Video, Built-In Propeller Guard (Controller-Free)
DJI Neo, Mini Drone with 4K UHD Camera for Adults, 135g Self Flying Drone that Follows You, Palm Takeoff, Subject Tracking, QuickShots, Stabilized Video, Built-In Propeller Guard (Controller-Free)
Camera Quality: 4K UHD, 12 MP
Range: 10 Kilometers
Stability and GPS: 4K Ultra-Stabilized Video
Ease of Use: Palm Takeoff, App Control, Voice Control
Build Quality and Durability: Lightweight, Propeller Guards
Potensic ATOM SE GPS Drone with 4K EIS Camera, Under 249g, 62 Mins Flight, 4KM FPV Transmission, Brushless Motor, Max Speed 16m/s, Auto Return, Lightweight and Foldable Drone for Adults, Beginner
Potensic ATOM SE GPS Drone with 4K EIS Camera, Under 249g, 62 Mins Flight, 4KM FPV Transmission, Brushless Motor, Max Speed 16m/s, Auto Return, Lightweight and Foldable Drone for Adults, Beginner
Camera Quality: 4K EIS, Sony sensor, 12MP photos
Flight Time: 62 minutes with 2 batteries
Range: 4KM FPV transmission
Stability and GPS: GPS auto-return, stable in winds
Build Quality and Durability: Lightweight, foldable, durable, brushless motors
DJI Avata 2 (Drone Only), FPV Drone with Camera 4K, Immersive Flight Experience, Built-in Propeller Guard, Easy Flip/Roll, Super-Wide 155° FOV, Compatible with RC Motion 3, FAA Remote ID Compliant
DJI Avata 2 (Drone Only), FPV Drone with Camera 4K, Immersive Flight Experience, Built-in Propeller Guard, Easy Flip/Roll, Super-Wide 155° FOV, Compatible with RC Motion 3, FAA Remote ID Compliant
Camera Quality: 4K, 12 MP, 1/1.3-inch sensor, 155° FOV
Stability and GPS: RockSteady, HorizonSteady stabilization
Ease of Use: intuitive motion control
Build Quality and Durability: built-in propeller guards, robust build
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
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
Camera Quality: 4K Ultra Clear, 110° wide-angle, 90° adjustable
Flight Time: 46 minutes with two batteries
Stability and GPS: GPS Auto Return, Altitude Hold, Optical Flow
Ease of Use: One Key Take Off/Landing, user-friendly
Build Quality and Durability: decent, less durable than higher-end models
#10
8.1 score
DJI Flip (RC-N3), Drone With 4K UHD Camera for Adults, Under 249 g, 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilization, 44000ft/13km Video Transmission, Palm Takeoff, Auto Return, 31-Min Flight Time, Intelligent Flight
DJI Flip (RC-N3), Drone With 4K UHD Camera for Adults, Under 249 g, 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilization, 44000ft/13km Video Transmission, Palm Takeoff, Auto Return, 31-Min Flight Time, Intelligent Flight
Camera Quality: 4K UHD, 1/1.3-inch CMOS, 48 MP
Flight Time: 31 minutes
Range: 44000 feet (13 km)
Stability and GPS: 3-axis gimbal, intelligent flight system
Ease of Use: palm takeoff, no FAA registration
Build Quality and Durability: lightweight carbon fiber propeller guards
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Buying Guide for the Best Drones Under 500
When choosing a drone under $500, it's important to consider what you plan to use it for. Whether you're interested in aerial photography, racing, or just casual flying, understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision. Here are some key specs to consider and how to navigate them to find the best fit for your needs.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. Camera quality is often measured in megapixels (MP) for photos and resolution (e.g., 1080p, 4K) for videos. For casual use, a camera with 1080p resolution and around 12MP is sufficient. If you want higher quality images and videos, look for drones with 4K resolution and 20MP or higher. Your choice should depend on how important image quality is for your intended use.
Flight TimeFlight time refers to how long the drone can stay in the air on a single battery charge. This is important because it affects how much you can do in one flight session. Flight times for drones under $500 typically range from 10 to 30 minutes. If you plan to use the drone for extended photography sessions or exploring larger areas, look for a drone with a longer flight time, ideally closer to 30 minutes. For casual flying or short bursts of activity, a shorter flight time may be acceptable.
RangeRange is the maximum distance the drone can travel from the controller while maintaining a stable connection. This is important for both safety and functionality, especially if you plan to fly the drone over large areas. Drones under $500 usually have a range between 100 meters to 1 kilometer. If you need to cover more ground or fly in open spaces, opt for a drone with a longer range. For backyard flying or close-range activities, a shorter range will suffice.
Stability and GPSStability and GPS features help keep the drone steady and allow for precise navigation. Stability is often enhanced by features like altitude hold, which maintains the drone's height, and GPS, which provides accurate positioning and can enable features like return-to-home. These features are particularly important for photography and videography, as they help in capturing smooth and stable footage. If you are a beginner or plan to use the drone for professional purposes, prioritize drones with good stability and GPS capabilities. For casual flying, these features are less critical but still beneficial.
Ease of UseEase of use encompasses how user-friendly the drone is, including the complexity of its controls and the availability of features like one-key takeoff/landing, headless mode, and obstacle avoidance. These features make it easier for beginners to operate the drone without extensive training. If you are new to flying drones, look for models that emphasize ease of use with intuitive controls and beginner-friendly features. Experienced users might prioritize more advanced features and manual control options.
Build Quality and DurabilityBuild quality and durability refer to how well the drone is constructed and its ability to withstand crashes and rough handling. This is important for the longevity of the drone, especially if you are a beginner who might experience more crashes. Drones made with high-quality materials and robust construction are more likely to survive impacts. If you plan to use the drone frequently or in challenging environments, prioritize models known for their durability. For occasional use in controlled environments, build quality might be less of a concern.