Best Drones under $500 – Drones have been among the most popular tech toys for the last few years. The market is flooded with myriad choices that offer different price ranges, specs, and features as well as sizes. Consequently, picking the right one can give you a headache. But if you need a high-quality drone without draining your savings, take a look at the recommended and best drones under $500 below.
These drones offer exciting features to give engaging experience while flying the device. Here, the specs and features will be focused on the camera though some other specs are also reviewed. If you plan to purchase a drone, make sure to pick one of the following choices!
Best Drones Under $500 with Specs and Features Review
1. DJI Mavic Mini – Compact & Portable
If you want a quadcopter under $500 with the DJI logo on it, Mavic Mini can be a good bet. It might be surprising as DJI which has been known as a top-tier brand releases a mid-range drone dubbed DJI Mavic Mini. This drone unlocks engaging experience when flying a quadcopter, thanks to professional quality and myriad features wrapped in an impressive design.
Mavic Mini features a 2.7K HD camera to deliver splendid HD videos and pictures. It supports a 3-axis gimbal that boasts camera stability for ultra-smooth and clear footage. The camera also supports 12MP aerial photos to produce jaw-dropping photographs from a birds-eye view. It makes Mavic Mini a superior choice for professional use or hobby.
DJI rates its flight time at 30 minutes on a fully-charged battery. With a maximum operating range up to 4km, this drone is more prominent than Hubsan’s Zino. It also features GPS and downward vision sensing system that makes it suitable for indoor and outdoor. Moreover, the aircraft comes with the foldable shaft so it can slip easily into your pocket.
DJI Mavic Mini seems a perfect drone for beginners and professionals. However, the fact that it comes with a 2.7K camera makes it a little disappointing, especially for this price range. But if you don’t mind with the camera, DJI Mavic Mini can be a great alternative to take aerial photos or record videos from the sky.
2. Hubsan Zino – 4K Camera
Hubsan is a mid-tier brand that has released a number of drones, one of which is Hubsan Zino. This mid-range product is on the top list since it offers copious features and exceptional specs to bring your experience to the next level, and is the best drones under $500.
Zino comes with a reliable 4K camera which is capable of recording video at 30fps. The aerial camera sports hardware and software stabilization to deliver anti-vibration footage for professional use. The bitrate is rated at up to 60 Mbps, allowing you to capture more details. Given that it receives a 4K camera, it can produce sharper images with higher resolution.
In addition to camera features, it is equipped with a 3-axis gimbal that reduces blurring by stabilizing drone movement. The 3-axis gimbal camera can also detect horizontal lines so that it can maintain a stable tilt position.
What makes it more attractive? It’s surely the high-end features such as dual GPS and auto return to home. Both features prevent you from losing the drones wherever it hovers. Amazingly, this drone is equipped with vision auxiliary landing that allows the aircraft to automatically search the apron in order that it can land on it safely and precisely.
Unfortunately, Hubsan rates Zino’s flight time at 22 minutes, which is much shorter than DJI Mavic Mini that can tackle up to 30 minutes. However, the flight range of Zino and Mavic Mini is roughly the same, as far as 4 km.
3. (Renewed) Parrot Anafi
Parrot Anafi is one of the best drones under $500 available on the market. This fantastic quadcopter comes with a foldable design that boasts flexibility during transport. Measuring 9.4 inches by 6.9 inches by 2.6 inches and weighing around 2.65 pounds, this drone is slightly heavier than DJI Mavic Mini. And yet, Anafi is constructed with a lightweight carbon frame for a stable and longer time in the air.
The drone sports a 4K HDR camera that supports a 180-degree vertical rotation and 2.8 times digital zoom, allowing you to capture breathtaking videos. The quadcopter also lets you take 21 MP photos with excellent, professional-grade quality. In addition, the camera features a timer as well as a Burst mode that allows you to capture 10 photos per second.
More about the camera, it is equipped with an f/2.4 wide-angle ASPH lens so you can capture a wider area. Wizards to professional settings make Anafi more attractive for both beginners and professionals. If you want a silent and autonomous mini aircraft, Parrot Anafi can be a perfect choice.
The drone supports up to 25-minute flight time with operating ranges up to 4 km. It’s almost the same as of Hubsan Zino, though Anafi is more prominent with the longer flight time. Additionally, you can enjoy the moment it unfolds as it can stretch the legs in less than 3 seconds. Unluckily, this style of Anafi does not support FPV video transmission so you cannot enjoy sharing live video from the sky.
4. Ruko F11 – Pro Drone 4K Quadcopter
Another foldable and stylish best drones under $500 are Ruko F11. This drone is made of compact and lightweight material, allowing the device to offer extended flight time. Measuring by 17.51 inches by 15.94 inches by 3.15 inches and weighing 1.15 pounds, Ruko F11 is ultra-light and can slip easily into your pocket. Coming with easy operation, this is a great choice for beginners.
The quadcopter features 4K Ultra-HD camera to deliver stunning pictures with sharp and vivid colors. The 2.9K video provides breathtaking videos with deep contrast so you can witness jaw-dropping panorama from altitude. For a better photo-taking and video-recording experience, you can easily adjust the camera angle by remote controller.
Its camera feature is getting better with a 120-degree FOV lens. This kind of lens allows you to capture a broader area so you can enjoy a wider, panorama view. The camera also sports FPV transmission for live video from altitude. GPS Hold Function provides more stability during outdoor flight so it can produce stable and clear pictures.
As with other mid-range drones, Ruko F11 sports brushless motor for quiet performance. When it comes to flight time, Ruko F11 boasts 60 minutes max flight time. Thanks to the 2500mAh battery that offers up to 30 minutes of flight time and an extra battery that extends up to 60 minutes. Unfortunately, the drone’s low operation range can be troublesome.
5. UPair Two – Long Flight Time
UPair Two is an exceptional quadcopter with copious features and reliable performance. This is a stylish drone with four small propellers and double stands that provide flight stability and extended flight time. Weighing around 2.98 pounds and measuring 11.4 by 11.4 by 9.1 inches, UPair is lightweight so it can fit nicely into your bag.
The drone sports 3-eye camera: two 2K full HD assisted camera and one 4K Ultra HD main camera. The 90-degree adjustable camera is combined with 3-axis stable gimbal to produce captivating photos and videos with deep contrast, vivid color, and amazing clarity making it one of the best drones under $500.
For improved picture quality, the camera features a 2.3-inch CMOS Panasonic image sensor for high definition pictures. With this feature, it is capable of taking 16MP ultra HD pictures. The camera is also equipped with 5.8G FPV real-time transmission. It lets you enjoy a clear live video from the sky without delay or lag.
UPair Two brings GPS Auto Return that allows the device to return automatically when a signal is lost or the battery is low. Follow Me Mode makes the drone follow and capture your activity wherever you go. Thanks to FPV Real-time Transmission that enables you to enjoy live video from a birds-eye view. The device supports up to 24-minute flight time, which makes it less attractive than DJI Mavic Mini.
6. Holy Stone HS720 – Includes Carrying Bag
Holy Stone presents HS720 to meet your demand for an exceptional quadcopter at a reasonable price. This aircraft comes with foldable design for easy and practical transport. The metallurgical gear shaft boasts a smooth and hassle-free movement that makes it easy to carry and store. The ultra-light drone weighs around 1.01 pounds so it can stay longer in the air up to 26 minutes.
The aircraft features a 2K Full HD camera with shock absorption and image stabilization that ensure clear shooting without vibration. It supports up to 2048 x 1152 pixels for high-resolution videos and images. The camera is equipped with a 90-degree adjustable lens that allows you to adjust the camera to the desired angle. Now you can find an angle for the best photo view.
Do you like to share stunning videos? The 5G FPV transmission provides distinct experiences to see the world from a different perspective that you can share with family or friends. This aircraft enables you to explore the hardest terrain in a different way.
HS720 supports GPS Assisted Intelligent Flight that ensures the aircraft returns automatically when a signal is lost or the battery is low. Follow Me features help the drone follow wherever you move to capture memorable moments or selfies. However, narrow operation range up to 800m can be troublesome if you want to explore a hard terrain or untouched area.
7. Potensic D85 – 5G WiFi Live Video Brushless
Do you have a tight budget? Potensic D85 is among the best drones under $500 that will not drain your savings. This budget-friendly quadcopter offers respectable features, allowing you to enjoy much better performance than its price. Despite it weighs only 2.9 pounds, Potensic D85 supports up to 20-minute flight time.
The quadcopter receives a 2K HD camera with 130 FOV wide-angle lens that helps capture wider area and jaw-dropping panoramic pictures. The camera also supports 2K FPV for aerial shooting mode which can be enjoyed through 5G Wi-Fi transmission. Whether you want to capture memorable moments or selfies, this is an ideal drone to opt for.
Amazingly, the Potensic drone is compatible with an action camera for distinct flight experience. If you want to fly your action camera, this aircraft comes with a sturdy and secure frame to hold it. Simply slip the camera into the frame and it’s ready to fly. Please note that the weight difference can affect aircraft performance.
What’s more? Potensic D85 features a brushless motor that gives a quiet yet powerful performance. You don’t need to lose this drone since it is designed to return automatically when the signal is interrupted or the battery is low. Thanks to the GPS feature that provides an accurate and stable positioning system. It supports up to 1.2 km operation range which is acceptable for quadcopter at this price range. But minimum battery capacity can be troublesome as it gives relatively short flight time.
8. Parrot Bebop 2 – High Performance
Parrot Bebop 2 is designed to let you enjoy the freedom of flight. The impressive quadcopter comes with aerodynamic and stylish build to ensure stable flight for indoor and outdoor. The ultra-light drone weighs 1.11 pounds, allowing you to carry or store the device effortlessly. This is a compact aircraft with a respectable flight time up to 25 minutes with a 2700 mAh battery.
When it comes to the camera, Parrot Bebop 2 sports an enhanced 14 MP camera with a fish-eye lens that boasts better clarity and exposure. The camera is redesigned to capture more landscape instead of the sky so you can focus on the picturesque scenery. It is capable of recording videos at 1080p and capturing breathtaking landscape images from a birds-eye perspective.
The drone also supports a 90-degree angle video recording and photograph without sacrificing the quality. It gives you a lot of control to produce stunning pictures and recordings. Additionally, Bebop 2 is able to work well even in low lighting. If you want to fly the aircraft at night or on a cloudy day, this drone can be an ideal option.
Parrot Bebop 2 is a budget-friendly quadcopter with a number of features. Powerful motors are ready to take the aircraft into greater altitude. Besides, it also prioritizes safety with the propeller’s automatic shutdown when a collision occurs. As with other mid-range drones, it features an auto return to home so you don’t need to worry about losing the drone. And yet, this drone does not support FPV real-time transmission.
Conclusion
Being a drone pilot can give you an extraordinary experience to explore nature. Plenty of drone choices are ready to redefine your flying, simply choose one that suits you best. You can find one based on budget consideration or performance. Either way, make sure your aircraft does not violate the local regulation.
If you want drones with prices under $300, you can see the following link: Best Drones Under $300