Unlike nano drones, which are generally just toys, mini drones are fully functioning fliers. They come in options to suit every level of experience and budget, so whether you want an advanced quadcopter packed with sensors capable of professional-quality aerial imagery, or an affordably-priced drone that would make an ideal gift for a teen, there is a mini drone for you. Here’s what to consider before deciding which mini drone to buy.
What to know before you buy a mini drone
Size
When it comes to small drones, there are a few terms thrown around that can be confusing — specifically nano, micro and mini. What makes things difficult is the fact that there are no guidelines a manufacturer must adhere to in order to market their drone as one of these classifications. Using a general consensus from interviews with various experts, we use the following specifications:
Mini: drones 150-300 millimeters
Micro: drones 90-150 millimeters
Nano: drones smaller than 90 millimeters
Flying a mini drone
Generally speaking, drones are easy to fly. They take a little bit of practice, but most people will feel comfortable flying their drone after just an hour or so of use. Despite that, it can be intimidating to get started piloting a drone, especially if it is your first time and you have purchased an expensive model. However, you’ll find that the more costly drones are actually easier to fly than very cheap ones. This is because they feature more advanced software that aids in flight, such as auto-hover, auto take-off and landing, obstacle sensors and headless flight mode.
Mini drone features
Battery life
Battery life, which is sometimes described as flight time, varies greatly between mini drones and is often correlated with the price. The most budget-friendly mini drones often have a flight time of just 8-10 minutes while premium models may have a battery life of up to 30 minutes.
Control range
The control range determines how far and high you can fly your drone. For entry-level mini drones it may be as little as 30-40 meters, while high-end models can have control ranges of several miles. If buying a model for a young teen, a shorter control range is often better as it reduces the chances of loss and ensures they never fly it out of their line of sight. Adults and older teens will appreciate a farther control range.
Camera
If you want to take stunning aerial imagery with your drone, you’ll need to buy one with a built-in camera, ideally with 4K resolution and a three-axis gimbal motion stabilizer. Models with 1080p and 2.7K cameras will also take more than adequate photos and videos for the average user if equipped with at least a two-axis gimbal. If buying a drone with a 720-pixel camera and no gimbal or just a single-axis gimbal, expect shaky video that may not be very crisp.
Real-time video transmission
Mini drones with cameras feature real-time video transmission. This allows you to see what the camera is recording on your smartphone or a display screen on the drone’s controller.
Rotor guards
Rotor guards protect both the rotors themselves from damage and people and objects that could potentially come into contact with the fast-spinning propellers. These guards are usually removable, so you can always take them off if preferred, but it is best to keep them on when flying a drone.
Headless flight mode
Drones look similar from all sides, which can make it difficult to tell which way they are facing, especially as they get farther away from you. To make it easier to keep track of the orientation of a drone and which way it will move when you press the joystick to the left or right, manufacturers have developed a headless flight mode. This orientates the drone with the position of the controller, so when you press left, the drone will move left no matter which way it is actually facing.
Auto hover
Auto hover makes controlling a drone and taking aerial photos and videos easier. A drone with auto hover will remain stable in the air at its current elevation when you remove your fingers from the throttle.
One-touch controls
Many drones are equipped with one-touch shortcuts for common maneuvers. These may include controls for taking off and landing, returning home and aerial acrobatics like 360-degree flips and rolls. More advanced drones will have one-touch controls for complex cinematic shots.
Mini drone cost
Entry-level mini-drones designed as toys can be found for as little as $40. Premium mini drones with 2.7K or 4K cameras, long flight times and far control ranges often cost between $200 and $1,000.
Mini drone FAQ
Are mini drones suitable for kids?
A. Most manufacturers recommend children be at least 14 years of age to fly a mini drone. If looking for a drone for a child younger than that, it is best to buy a nano drone or a hand-controlled drone instead.
Can I use my drone indoors?
A. There is nothing that says a drone cannot be used indoors, but you will want to consider the size of the drone and how much space you have indoors before doing so. Usually only nano drones are small enough to be used inside the average home. However, if you are inside a warehouse or other large building, you can safely fly a large drone.
Which mini drone should I get?
Best of the best mini drone
DJI Mini 2: available at Amazon
Our take: This ultra-light foldable drone will satisfy beginners and advanced pilots alike and it is ideal for travelers and aerial photographers.
What we like: It is capable of 4K video, offers stable flight in winds up to 24 miles per hour and has an impressive 10-kilometer control range and 4,000-meter altitude ceiling.
What we dislike: It has a higher price tag than most other mini drones.
Best bang for your buck mini drone
Holy Stone HS510: available at Amazon
Our take: Packed with impressive hardware and software for the cost, the Holy Stone HS510 offers unrivaled value for the money.
What we like: It offers several autonomous features including smart return home, GPS-based “follow me” controls and point-of-interest cinematic shots all for a low price tag.
What we dislike: The camera angle cannot be adjusted remotely.
Honorable mention mini drone
Simrex X300C: available at Amazon
Our take: The Simrex X300C is an affordably priced entry-level drone that is great for young pilots to learn on.
What we like: It has auto-hover, headless flight mode and can perform 3D stunts at the touch of a button.
What we dislike: The 8-10 minute flight time is very short.
Brett Dvoretz is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
