Get ready to take your photography and videography game to new heights with the best drones for under 300 USD. 

Whether you’re a seasoned pilot or just starting out, there’s no denying that drones have revolutionized the way we capture and explore the world. And with so many affordable options on the market, it’s easier than ever to get your hands on a high-quality drone without breaking the bank. 

From sleek and stylish models with impressive camera capabilities to agile drones perfect for flying indoors, we’ve scoured the market to bring you the ultimate list of inexpensive but feature-packed drones for under 300 USD. 

best drones under 300

Holy Stone HS720

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First on our list in the Holy Stone HS720. If you’re looking for an entry-level camera quadcopter made with high-quality, lightweight material, then the HS720 may be for you.

Design and Build Quality

The HS720 drone is convenient for those who like to travel light. With its foldable arms, it’s easy to pack and carry around. When folded, it measures 164 x 90 x 63 mm, which increases to 305 x 230 x 63 mm when unfolded. And it only weighs 1.01 pounds, making it reasonably lightweight. 

Aside from the drone and controller, the package includes spare parts, a USB cable, a charging station, and a smart carry case. You’ll also get a full set of spare propeller guards with a matching screwdriver.

The Holy Stone drone is equipped with brushless motors, which reduce noise, increase flight time, and enhance power output. The drone has no prop guards, so you’ll need to be extra careful when flying indoors.

Read more: The Best Drones Under 200 [Honest Review]

Battery and Flight Time

The Holy Stone HS720 drone comes equipped with a 2950 mAh battery, which takes around five hours to fully charge. Although the advertised flight time is 26 minutes, our tests revealed that the batteries lasted only about 16 minutes before being limited to a distance of 100 meters and a height of 30 meters.

This restricted flight time lasted for five minutes, allowing for a total of 21 minutes of flight time before the drone automatically activated the Return to Home feature.

Camera Quality

The Holy Stone HS720 drone has an awesome 4K UHD video resolution, which is impressive for a beginner’s drone. Usually, you’d only find that level of quality on more expensive drones like the Phantom 4 Pro and Mavic 2 Air.

If you’re new to drones, you’ll be thrilled with the level of detail and quality you can achieve with the HS720. The drone can capture smooth video clips at 4K at 30 FPS and take stunning photos with plenty of detail, making it ideal for creating impressive drone shots to share online.

Not only that, you can adjust the camera angle and point it in any direction you want to take photos or videos, thanks to its well-built integrated flight control and GPS module systems. 

Read more: Best Drones Under 500 [Honest Review]

Potensic ATOM SE

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Next on our list is the Potensic ATOM SE. The demand for highly portable drones weighing less than 250g is on the rise, and the Atom SE, an affordable drone designed for beginners, is undoubtedly filling a gap in the market.

Design and Build Quality

The Potensic Atom SE is a highly portable, budget-friendly drone perfect for starters. Its front and rear propeller arms can be folded for easy storage and transportation, and it measures only 88x143x58mm when folded and 210x152x58 (excluding propellers) when unfolded. Best of all, it only weighs 8.64oz/245g with a battery and a microSD card.

Since it’s under 250g, it can be flown closer to built-up areas than heavier drones. And despite its low cost, the Atom SE is built to last. It also looks just like the DJI Mini SE with its light gray airframe and overall design!

Battery and Flight Time

The batteries weigh only 103g but pack a punch with a 2500mAh capacity. They’re supposed to last up to 31 minutes, though when we tested them in chilly 0°C weather while flying, hovering, and taking videos, they lasted a good 20 minutes.

The drone and controller can be charged using a USB-C cable, which is super convenient. You already have many of these cables at home or can buy them at the store without problems. 

Camera Quality

You can shoot videos in 4K at 30fps, 2.7K at 30fps, and 1080p at up to 60fps, with a maximum bitrate of 40Mbps. It can also take both JPEG and Raw photos in a 16:9 ratio. Raw files are awesome because they give you more control over editing than JPEGs.

The camera on the drone has a wide-angle view of 118 degrees and comes with a 12-megapixel Sony CMOS sensor. You can adjust the camera angle vertically from +20 to -90 degrees (but note that it won’t show a straight-down view of the ground). It also uses Electronic Image Stabilization which works well to avoid shaky videos. 

The drone doesn’t have a mechanical stabilization feature to keep it steady in windy conditions. Sometimes the drone might tilt, and your video might look crooked.

The camera controls are also limited. You can only adjust the exposure compensation, but everything else is automatic. It would be great if they added the ability to control ISO, white balance, and shutter speed.

Read more: Can You Fly Drones In The Rain?

Ruko F11 PRO

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Another amazing drone on our list is the Ruko F11 Pro, a user-friendly camera drone perfect for beginners and hobbyists alike. It boasts an array of smart flight features and impressive performance. Its foldable design makes it very easy to transport and store.

Design and Build Quality

At first glance, the Ruko F11 Pro may appear bulky, but it’s constructed with high-quality aluminum material built to last. The thick frame provides protection against rough impacts and minor crashes.

Its camera is located at the front and can capture video up to 4K HD camera resolution. Thanks to its built-in GPS module, the camera can also be adjusted remotely via the controller.

Another cool thing about the F11 Pro is its brushless motors. They don’t create a lot of friction, which means they last longer than other motors. They’re fairly affordable and don’t need a lot of maintenance.

Battery and Flight Time

The Ruko F11 Pro boasts an impressive 30-minute flight time with its 11.1V 2,500mAh battery. And if that’s not enough, the package includes an extra battery that can give you up to 60 minutes of flying time.

Although the maximum video transmission control range is up to 500 meters, the drone’s remote control can command it up to 1,200 meters or 0.75 miles, providing ample flight time and distance.

It also has a maximum flight speed of 38 miles per hour and can resist wind levels up to level 7, or near gale force winds. Its built-in GPS module ensures precision and ease of control, eliminating the need for manual commands.

Read more: Can You Fly A Drone Below Freezing?

Camera Quality

When it comes to smart camera drones, photography enthusiasts know that the quality of the camera and video quality is paramount. The Ruko F11 Pro is a remarkable entry-level camera drone priced under $300, equipped with a 2.9K HD video resolution. 

This feature is quite impressive for an entry-level drone. It allows you to capture footage at 2.9K HD videos and stills at 4K resolution, providing ample flexibility to create stunning visuals for a wide audience on social media.

Contixo F24 Pro

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Last but definitely not least is the Contixo F24 Pro!

Design and Build Quality

One of the most important factors that drone buyers consider is durability. After all, no one wants to spend their hard-earned money on a drone that will break after the first crash. The Contixo F24 has been designed with longevity in mind.

The Contixo F24 Pro flaunts a metallic gray body and a medium-sized frame, measuring about 11.79.24.8 inches with the arms completely extended. It weighs just over 500 grams, and features LED lights at the end of each rotor arm. These LED lights are extremely useful when flying in low visibility conditions or at night.

The drone’s powerful brushless motors are also one of its top features, contributing to a smooth and noiseless flight experience. While these motors are pricier than their brushed counterparts, they offer greater efficiency and longevity.

Read more: Can You Fly A Drone From Inside Your Car?

Battery and Flight Time

The battery slot is located on the top of the drone and can hold a 7.4v 2500 mAh lipo battery. LED lights serve as an indicator for their power level and charging status through a USB port. The drone’s battery takes about three hours to fully charge. 

While the manufacturer claims a flight time of 30 minutes, in reality, it provides a flight time of around 26 minutes, which is still impressive considering its low price.

We recommend purchasing an extra battery to extend the flight time without waiting for the battery to charge fully.

Camera Quality

The Contixo F24 Pro comes with a 1080P HD adjustable video camera, 90 degrees of up and down adjustability, and a wide field of view. You can enjoy real-time video transmission for up to 1800 feet as long as there are no obstacles in the way.

Not only that, the Hand Gesture control or selfie mode is a convenient feature in well-lit areas. Simply wave at the camera, and it will take your selfies from above. Using the Contixo app, you can instantly share those selfies with your loved ones on social media.

Read more: What Is Drone Trimming And Ways to Trim It?

Questions to ask yourself when looking for the best drones under 300

If you’re in the market for the best drone under 300 USD, here are some essential questions to ask yourself:

What are the protocols for flying a drone? 

Familiarize yourself with the local drone regulations and guidelines before flying a drone. Different countries and regions have different rules regarding drone flight, and it is essential to comply with these regulations to avoid any legal trouble.

What is your level of drone knowledge? (Flight path, speed, gimbal actions, etc.)

Different drones have different features, specifications, and capabilities suited for varying levels of experience and needs. For example, a beginner may want a drone that is easy to fly and has basic features, while professional flyers may require an advanced, high-quality camera and intelligent flight modes. 

If you’re planning to purchase a new drone, it’s important to start with a beginner-friendly model that’s easy to operate. As you gain more experience, you can upgrade to high-tech models offering all the necessary features.

What type of drone is suitable for your needs? (Camera drone with electronic image stabilization, toy drone with one key takeoff/landing, other drones)

Many types of drones are available in the market, each with unique features and capabilities. It is essential to determine your needs and goals before buying a drone. 

For example, if you are interested in aerial drone photography, you need a drone with a high-quality camera and stable flight performance. But, if you’re simply looking for a fun Christmas gift for your children, a toy drone might be the perfect choice.

What makes a perfect budget drone? 

A perfect consumer drone offers a good balance between affordability and functionality. It should have a stable flight performance, easy-to-use controls, and decent camera quality for basic photography and videography. It should also be durable, portable, and have a reasonable battery life. Additional features such as obstacle avoidance and GPS can be a plus but are not a necessity.

Read more:

5 Amazing Budget Drones Under 100

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