Best Drone Under $100 in 2024

Drones have long become indispensable assistants for travel photographers and those who shoot various events such as concerts or weddings. If you're looking to find your first perfect aerial training quadcopter but are worried about the price, we've got you covered. In 2024, finding a drone with the best camera quality under $100 is possible! FPV will be useful for both beginners and professionals. So we invite you to our research!

This article will give you a quick overview of the best drones available under $100. From portable to multi-functional models, we'll explore their performance, ease of use, and great value for money so you can easily choose the drone that suits your needs. Get ready to take to the skies without spending a lot of money!

Top Picks: Best Drones Under $100

Best Drone Under 100 for Beginners

If we talk about Drones for Beginners, these are not necessarily toy copters. You can find good models with decent-quality cameras. For example, Ryze Tello, DEERC D10, Holy Stone HS200, and Holy Stone HS280. They are all under $100.

Ryze Tello can be called the leader in this category. It is simple and reliable, has propeller protection for safe flights, and has high-quality automatic photo and video recording modes. It is light, therefore, relatively shock-resistant. It's the closest thing to a DJI at under $100. The HD camera with an Intel processor can shoot in 5 MP quality and has built-in image stabilization. Management is surprisingly easy. You throw the device in the air, and it flies. You can control it through your smartphone with the Tello app of the same name or use its compatible controller. The flight time is from 11 to 13 minutes, which is not long, but it is also okay for a device in this price category.

Best Drone for Under 100 with Advanced Features

Cheerwing Syma X5SW-V3 is currently one of the best-selling budget drones. It is compact, fast, and elegant. In addition, it is multifunctional, including both basic automatic functions and manual control. The six-axis gyroscope ensures stable flights and makes aerial stunts real. You can perform 360-degree spins during FPV mode on your iOS or Android device with a little practice. Its battery differs from competitors in this price category, and the camera could be better, too. However, its control features will win your heart.

Best Drone for 100 Dollars with Exceptional Battery Life

Holy Stone HS280 Compact Folding FPV Drone with 1080P HD WiFi Adjustable Camera with 80-Degree Adjustable Lens. It has two modular batteries, a gravity sensor, automatic pointing, and voice and gesture control. Its maximum flight time is up to 13 minutes, even with moderate wind. It has two speeds, which simplifies the learning process. This copter has automatic one-key take-off and landing functions and trajectory maps. Its camera is of good quality for its price but lacks stabilization. The HS280 has automatic emergency stop protection.

Best Drone With Camera Under 100

First-person view (FPV) is a method used in drone flights. In other words, you see a live video from the onboard camera on your smartphone's display, special glasses, or a monitor and control the movement of the flying device. FPVs are popular with aerial photographers and videographers looking for a more immersive way to shoot. Quadcopters with good cameras are perfect when you are looking for the best drones for travel. Let's look at the models that can give you an unforgettable drone experience for a little money.

Best Camera Drone Under 100 for Photography

NEHEME NH525 is the most popular quadcopter, selling for less than $100. Its closest competitors have prices starting at $150. This device has two removable batteries to increase flight time. It automatically lands when the battery is low, so you can rest assured that it won't fall suddenly. Its biggest selling point is its crystal-clear HD camera and wide-angle subjects. It can stream video in real-time to your smartphone. It is equipped with a gravity sensor, takes off and lands with one touch, maintains height, and performs tricks in the air. You can take high-quality photos on the fly, looking at the landscape image in real time on the monitor. 

Best Drone Under 100 with Camera for Videography

The DEERC D10 has a 2K HD FPV Live Video camera, ideal for aerial video enthusiasts. In addition to quality basic functions such as hover, altitude hold, and flip, it also has a fairly long flight time (15 min) for a small drone. It also comes with additional spare parts and protection. Although it is not fast, it has excellent stabilization for video. Its HD camera can capture photos and videos at a resolution of 1280 by 720p, which is quite impressive for the low cost of this drone. It is compact, has a nice design, and is lightweight, allowing you to take it without effort. It has a remote control, voice control, and speed control function.

Best 100 Dollar Drone for Long Range Control

The Holy Stone HS200 has a 720P HD Live Video camera with a 120-degree wide-angle lens, all the basic functions, and two replaceable batteries. It is light, compact, and easy to control. Even though its maximum flight time is only 9 minutes, the range can reach 150 meters. Its disadvantages include a long charge, but its cute design, good camera quality, and automated functions cover this disadvantage.

A standard altitude hold function helps the HS200 hover still to take photos and videos. A bonus is that it comes with a phone holder and protective shields, as well as four spare screws so you can remove and replace them if they get damaged in flight.

Buying Guide: Best Drones for Under $100

If you look at the list of most expensive drones, you will notice their wide functions and the high quality of their cameras, and you can understand the versatility of such quadcopters. However, beginners don't need to spend big on their first FPV. For a low cost of up to 100 dollars, you can choose good options to practice your aerial photography skills. Since drones of any model and price can get lost, fall into an abyss or water, or get stuck on trees or rocks, it should be inexpensive. And when you need a better camera and already have the skills of a pilot, look at more professional options. Here are some guidelines to help you choose the best $100 drone.

Camera Quality

Don't expect high camera quality, but look for models with at least HD cameras for taking photos and videos. You can also pay attention to which formats (horizontal/vertical) the drone can take pictures and videos in. Tri-axis gimbals will be more expensive, but your chosen device should have stabilization for image clarity, whether it's EIS or another feature.

Automated Features

Automatic GPS-controlled drone features are a must for beginners. They include the drone's takeoff and landing, as well as its flips in the air. In manual mode, these functions can only be performed with the appropriate skills. Therefore, automating these functions will facilitate your flight control training. Hovering, altitude hold, and headless mode are elementary functions in almost all budget models. What's more, you can find drones with gesture and voice control for under $100!

Safety Features

Refrain from expecting the durability of the housing from a budget copter. Safety settings are important to the long-term performance of your drone, so make sure the model you choose has spare parts or propeller guards. Automatic RTH is used in case of a low battery or weak signal. Automatic landing will protect the device from falling.

Speed Settings

Cheap models cannot be fast enough, but there are drones with different speed modes. Start with the minimum speed that is suitable for you. When you are confident in your piloting skills, choose higher flight modes.

Battery Life

The battery life of budget drones is, on average, 10 minutes. However, even here, you can find a model with a battery life of up to 15 minutes. Also, most FPVs come with an additional battery for a better experience using the device. Also, consider that the actual flight time will be less than the manufacturer indicates. However, the operation of the accumulator is also affected by external factors, such as wind.

Why Choose Luminar Neo for Drone Photography and Videography

Luminar Neo has an online image editor that lets you quickly edit photos from your drone and share them on social networks. This editor stands out not only as one of the free alternatives to Photoshop but also because it offers powerful photo editing tools. You can use artificial intelligence functions to process your drone images. The HDR photo editor will improve the quality of any picture, easily compensating for the low quality of the copter camera.

Luminar Neo's user-friendly interface and efficient workflow make it an ideal choice for beginners seeking professional results. In addition, Luminar Neo's compatibility with various drone file formats simplifies the editing process. So feel free to turn your hobby into art!

How to Maximize Your Drone’s Performance

First, start by familiarizing yourself with the capabilities and specifications of your chosen model. It is important to regularly check and maintain your drone, clean its propellers, and update its software. Learn to calibrate sensors and compasses before each flight and monitor battery health to avoid sudden power loss or unauthorized drops. Buy the necessary accessories, such as spare batteries and propellers, to increase flight time and reliability. Always consider weather conditions and airspace regulations. Improve your piloting skills and respect others' personal space and private property. Don't disturb other people for fun.

Conclusion

We discussed the best drones under 100. Even with a budget of up to $100, you can choose a good quality drone that will be the start of your aerial photography and aerial videography journey. Consider our advice when choosing a model to meet your needs, and boldly try yourself as an FPV drone pilot. Whether you're a beginner looking for a flying device for a hobby or a family photo and video traveler, a budget drone is a good buy and investment for fun and exciting experiences. Process your drone photos with Luminar Neo before posting to social networks to correct camera quality flaws and add brightness to your moments. We wish you a successful choice and incredible adventures!

FAQ: Best Beginner Drones Under $100

Do I Need to Register a Drone Under $100?

No, budget copters are usually small enough and do not require registration with aviation authorities.

Can I Get a DJI Drone for Under $100?

No, DJI drones tend to be priced higher due to their advanced features and technology.

What is the Best Drone Under $100?

Choosing the best model depends on your specific needs and preferences, but options like the Ryze Tello and Holy Stone HS200 are popular.

What is the maximum flight time of drones under $100?

The maximum flight time of cheap quadcopters is about 7-10 minutes, although this can vary depending on the model and conditions.