With the advent of affordable drones, almost anyone can now experience the thrill of taking stunning photos and videos from above. But with so many drones on the market, choosing the perfect one can be a challenge.
That’s why we’ve taken the time to research and test various models to bring you a list of the best drones under 400. Whether you’re a professional photographer, a hobbyist, or just looking for a thrilling way to spend your free time, we’ve got you covered.
Best Drones Under 400 | Honest Review
Drones are becoming increasingly popular for aerial photography and videography, as well as for recreational flying. However, finding a high-quality drone that fits your budget can be a challenge.
That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to the best drones for under $400. Our experts have scoured the market to bring you a carefully curated list of drones that offer exceptional performance and value.
Ruko F11 GIM
The first drone on our list is the Ruko F11 GIM. It’s the newest version of the Ruko F11 Pro and it has simple, easy-to-follow flying instructions and a bunch of different basic and advanced flight modes to choose from.
Design and Build Quality
The Ruko F11 GIM drone boasts an innovative design that allows it to fold up neatly for easy storage and transportation. When it’s unfolded, it measures 17.7 by 15.9 by 3.2 inches and 6.9 by 4.1 by 3.2 inches when folded.
Note: Due to its weight of 585g, make sure to abide by international drone laws by registering with the FAA or relevant civil aviation authority. Registration can be conveniently completed online for a nominal fee of $5.
Regarding flight performance, the Ruko F11 GIM professional drone is equipped with advanced brushless motors that deliver optimal performance and require minimal maintenance. These motors can keep the drone airborne for extended periods without the risk of overheating.
The body of the drone is made from top-notch ABS plastic, which provides a sturdy build while keeping it lightweight for ease of use. Expect ample protection and long-lasting use, even in challenging outdoor environments.
Battery and Flight Time
You will be delighted with its impressive 28 minutes of flight time per battery, and with the inclusion of two batteries, you can enjoy almost 60 minutes of uninterrupted flight time. If you need even more flight time, you have the option to purchase an additional battery.
The drone’s battery charging time is 4.5 hours, which may seem a bit long, but it’s justified given the extended flight time it provides. Additionally, the batteries can be easily removed, inserted, and charged outside of the drone, making the charging process more convenient for users.

Camera and Video Quality
The drone has a 4K HD camera with an electronic image stabilization (EIS) feature and a 2-axis gimbal, which help maintain distortion-free photos and video footage even in low-velocity winds.
The camera also boasts 5x zoom ability for more detailed shots, and videos and photos can be saved to a TF card with a capacity of up to 128GB.
Note: The card is not included and must be purchased separately
Not only that, it allows FPV (first-person view). Simply download the Ruko Pro app, and you’re good to go.
DJI Mini 2 SE
Another amazing camera drone under 400 is the DJI Mini 2 SE. Although it resembles its predecessor, the Mavic Mini, the DJI Mini 2 has significantly more power under the hood.
Design and Build Quality
Compared to its predecessor, the DJI Mini 2 SE has made significant improvements, especially in terms of its controller design. While the original Mini had a fold-out plastic controller that resembled a video game controller, the Mini 2 features a sturdier build with a more substantial weight.
The controller’s front face features several buttons and toggles that are easy to access, including a switch for the three intelligent flight modes, an RTH/pause button, and two small function buttons. This streamlined design not only adds to the drone’s clean aesthetic but also gives the operator a sense of confidence when flying.
The Mini SE has a slightly more angular airframe compared to the new bug-eyed Mini 3 Pro and can be folded down to the size of a large phone for easy portability.
The drone’s front arms are equipped with legs that offer sufficient clearance for the gimbal to maneuver over the ground when the drone is placed on a level surface. Although this design feature is common in many DJI drones, it is still beneficial to have a landing pad.
Battery and Flight Time
In terms of battery life, DJI claims that the drone can fly for up to 31 minutes. However, it’s important to note that the return to home function activates at 25% battery, which means that the actual flight time per battery is around 23 minutes.
To maximize your flight time, we suggest getting the Fly More Combo, which comes with three batteries and gives you over an hour of total flight time.
Charging the drone batteries is a breeze, as you have two options available. Firstly, you can charge the batteries using the charging hub, if you have one.
Alternatively, you can use the drone itself, as it comes equipped with a USB-C socket at the rear for charging. In addition, the drone has a MicroSD card slot, but keep in mind that it doesn’t have any onboard memory, so you’ll need to provide your own MicroSD card.

Camera and Video Quality
The DJI Mini 2 SE drone’s primary selling point is its much-improved 4K video system, but it also boasts other advanced features like the Panorama camera function, which automatically stitches together a sequence of images in 180 and 360 degrees or a wide format.
When shooting videos, the footage is remarkably stable, even in choppy air conditions. It can handle up to Force 4 conditions and excel at coping with sharp changes in direction or abrupt stops.
The camera also performs decently in overcast conditions and can handle flare sensitively. But, because of its small sensor, it may struggle to produce high-quality photos and videos in very dark or overcast environments.
Simply download the DJI fly app, and you’re ready to fly.
Holy Stone HS720E
Another great drone under 400 is the Holy Stone HS720E. The drone may not be as advanced as a Parrot or DJI aircraft, but it’s a fantastic drone for starters.
Design and Build Quality
If you’ve been keeping up with Holy Stone, you’ll know that their drones continue to improve in quality. And it’s no different with the HS720E model. The drone has a foldable design, measuring 3.3 x 9.5 x 2.3 inches when unfolded, and even smaller when folded.
Equipped with brushless motors, the HS720E is durable, easy to maintain, and has minimal noise output and non-overheating features.
The drone’s base also has an optical flow sensor, which prevents drift without GPS, as well as two landing lights that can aid the sensor in low-light conditions.
Battery and Flight Time
The HS720E drone comes equipped with a 7.4V 2800 mAh rechargeable battery, which offers an impressive flight time of 23 minutes per battery. With two batteries included, you can enjoy up to 46 minutes of flying time, which is plenty of time to have fun.
The modular batteries are long-lasting, safe, and easy to remove and insert into the drone. Plus, the batteries are shipped fully charged, so you can fly your drone immediately.
Camera and Video Quality
Another great feature this drone has is its true 4K camera with electronic image stabilization and a high-quality Sony sensor. These functions compensate for slanting, particularly when the drone is in Circle Mode or cornering.
When using phone storage, the camera can capture photographs with a resolution of 1920 by 1080P. And 3840 by 2160P with TF card storage. It can also take videos at 4K at 30FPS or 1080P at 60FPS when stored on a TF card.
The drone also provides an exceptional FPV (first-person view) experience with an image transfer latency that is virtually non-existent in 1080P resolution.
Contixo F24 Pro
Last but not least is the Contixo F24 Pro. This budget drone is an amazing choice for children and first-time drone flyers. It has a 4K UHD camera that can capture high-res photos and 2.7K video. Plus, it’s got powerful brushless motors to ensure a smooth and stable flight.
Design and Build Quality
The metallic gray body of the Contixo F24 Pro gives it a sleek and stylish appearance. With fully extended arms, the drone measures about 11.7 by 9.2 by 4.8 inches and weighs just over 500 grams.
Each rotor arm is equipped with LED lights, making it easier to fly in low visibility conditions. In addition to their visibility-enhancing feature, the LED lights also aid in calibrating the drone’s compass before takeoff.
The drone also has powerful brushless motors known for their superior performance and durability. While they may be more expensive than brushed motors, they provide increased efficiency and longevity for smooth and virtually noiseless flights.
Read more: Can You Fly A Drone Below Freezing?
Battery and Flight Time
The Contixo F24 Pro is powered by a large, intelligent battery, which makes the drone slightly bulky. It operates on a 7.4v 2500 mAh lipo battery, which fits perfectly into the slot on top of the drone.
While the official flight time provided by the manufacturers is approximately 30 minutes, the drone actually provides a flight time of 26 minutes, and the drone battery takes about 3 hours to fully charge, which is still good considering its low price. To increase the flight time, we recommend buying an extra battery.
Camera and Video Quality
The Contixo F24 Pro drone has an awesome HD camera that can capture wide-angle views and can be adjusted up to 90° for better shots. It doesn’t have a gimbal system, so the images and videos might be a bit shaky, but they still look pretty good overall.
The drone’s camera allows you to record videos in 2.7K resolution, which you can store on a micro SD card (not included in the package). Additionally, the live stream video is available in 720p quality. When it comes to still images, the camera captures images at 4K, equivalent to around 9 megapixels, resulting in high-quality photos.
Buying Guide
What makes a good drone? Choosing the best drone for you can be a daunting task, as there are a wide variety of drones available in the market with different features and specifications. Here are some important considerations when selecting the best professional drone for you:

Purpose
The first thing to take note of when choosing a drone is the purpose for which you will be using it. Drones can be used for professional drone photography, videography, racing, surveying, inspection, and many other purposes.
Size
The size of the drone is also an important consideration. Most drones, if not all the drones, that are on the larger side are generally more stable and can carry heavier payloads, while smaller high end drones are more agile and easier to transport.
Camera
If you plan to use a drone for photography or videography, choose a drone with a good camera. Look for drones with high-resolution cameras and stable gimbals to capture clear and stable footage.
Flight time
Flight time is an important consideration, especially if you plan to use the drone for professional purposes. Look for drones with longer flight times to avoid frequent battery charging.

Range
The range is also important, as it determines how far the drone can fly from the remote controller. If you plan to use the drone for long-distance flights, you will want to choose a drone with a longer range and better wireless communication technology.
Price
Drones can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Consider your budget and choose a drone that fits within it.
Ease of use
If you are new to drones, you will want to choose an easy-to-use toy drone with a beginner-friendly interface.
Safety features
Look for drones with safety features like obstacle avoidance, return-to-home function, and GPS tracking to avoid accidents and loss. GPS-enabled drones provide increased stability and precise navigation, making them capable of more advanced functions than other drones.
By considering these factors, you’ll find a drone that soars above the rest. Take your time to do your research and make a calculated decision to take your aerial adventures to new heights!
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