Because of their wide range of uses, drones (or unmanned aerial vehicles) have become increasingly popular in recent years. From photography and videography to delivery services and rescue missions, drones are becoming the world’s favorite flying buddy. 

Not everyone can afford a DJI Mini 3 Pro or a Parrot ANAFI. If you are one of those people, then this article is for you! We will look at 5 of the best budget drones under 100 USD and how they’re better (or worse) than others. 

best drones under 100 USD

1. Holy Stone HS110D

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The Holy Stone HS110D boasts impressive features that make it a popular choice among budget-conscious flyers. With a pre-set button for flips and a landing feature, it is one of the best budget drones under 100 USD. 

The drone has a 1080p FOV 120-degree HD FPV Camera with a distortion-free, wide-angle lens, and altitude hold, which allow anyone to have fun aerial picture-taking. Its camera is positioned beneath its body, facing forwards, with a micro SD card slot located at the back. 

This HD FPV video drone has a reasonably fast speed, executing swift turns and flying at a decent pace. While it may not be the quickest drone available, it possesses sufficient power on its higher speed settings, and the camera’s wide-angle view gives a feeling of speed when flying low over the terrain.

It is equipped with two 1000mAh Li-polymer batteries, each providing roughly 8 minutes of flight time (about 16 to 18 minutes in the air, depending on how vigorously it’s operated). Keep in mind though that the batteries must be charged inside the drone, and only one battery can be charged at a time, so it can take around 45 minutes to charge each battery.

Holy Stone HS110D has an accompanying mobile app that offers various control features, including voice control, speed control, and gravity sensor control. Simply connect your phone via Bluetooth, and, voilà, you have an easy-to-navigate and use a drone. With the app, you can take your creativity to the next level and share instant memories on social media.

Pros and Cons:

Pros

  • 1080p camera capabilities
  • Easy to use remote
  • Two battery support

Cons

  • Built is on the flimsier side
  • Not wind-proof
  • No SD card

Read more: Best Drones Under 500 [Honest Review]

2. Ryze Tech Tello

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Another amazing and beginner-friendly drone under 100 USD is the Ryze Tech Tello. This cool-looking camera drone is incredibly easy to use thanks to its user-friendly app and intuitive controls. It can be programmed using Scratch (an open-source programming language created by MIT) or flown using either an app or an optional Bluetooth remote.

Scratch’s user-friendly interface makes programming as easy as assembling a Lego model. Although flying this cheap drone is a straightforward experience, the programming could benefit from some enhancements. The app, on the other hand, is free and very user-friendly, making it perfect for starters. It is worth noting that any photos and videos captured are stored within the app because the drone itself does not have internal storage.

Aside from its accessibility, the Tello drone has a high-capacity battery that delivers competitive flight times. It is remarkably swift and agile considering its size. In fast flight mode, it can run up to 20 mph and execute quick stops and turns at about 6 feet. 

(Tip: To ensure safety, start with the slower speed mode until you become accustomed to its controls.)

It has a short flight time. The 1100 mAh battery only lasts for about 3 to 5 minutes, which is especially challenging if you’re planning to use the drone’s programmable features. It’s still an excellent starter drone under 100 USD you should definitely consider buying.

Pros and Cons:

Pros

  • 720p camera
  • Lightweight and easy to maneuver
  • High capacity battery 

Cons

  • No GPS
  • No return to home feature
  • 99 feet altitude limit

3. Dragon Touch DF01

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If you’re looking for a drone under 100 USD that’s neither too small that it’s difficult to control nor too large that it’s bulky and difficult to transport, then go for Dragon Touch DF01. 

The drone measures a foot long and more than 7 inches wide (with its rotors extended), and can be folded down to less than seven inches long and 5.5 inches wide for easy and safe transportation. Not only that, the drone’s arms fold tightly against the body, eliminating any extending pieces that could snap off.

Besides its unique, collapsible design, the DF01 comes packed with attractive features, including one-button landing, takeoff controls, speed controls, and the capability to perform various stunt flips, which makes it a perfect option for both novice and expert drone enthusiasts. 

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

Like the other two drones we talked about, the DF01 can be controlled using either the remote control or the compatible app via your smartphone. The app allows you to draw a flight course directly on your phone, making it very convenient to use.

Equipped with a 1080P HD camera, this drone features a fish-eye lens and a 120-degree field of view, allowing you to capture stunning footage during the daytime. The camera also supports FPV, so you can easily monitor the camera’s behavior in various environments. 

Its inner sensors are not the best, so if you’re looking for good-quality night time footage, then this may not be for you. Users also report a short flight time of about 5 minutes, which pales in comparison with other drones under 100 USD.  

Like the other two drones we talked about, the DF01 can be controlled using either the remote control or the compatible app via your smartphone. The app allows you to draw a flight course directly on your phone, making it very convenient to use.

Pros and Cons:

Pros

  • 1080p HD camera
  • Lightweight and easy to fly
  • Automatic flight functions

Cons

  • Poor low-light performance
  • Long time charging
  • Can be difficult to control

Read more: Can You Fly A Drone In The Rain?

4. Tomzon A31 Flying Pig

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Another awesome drone under 100 USD is Tomzon A31. This basic mini drone may not have a camera, but it’s a perfect gift for those just starting to explore the world of flying machines. 

The A31 quadcopter weighs just about 2.4 ounces, so you won’t need to register it with the FAA. It’s also compact enough to fly indoors, and it has propeller guards to protect it from damage when bumping into other objects. 

Aside from its size and compact design, the drone boasts a 360-degree rotation feature, and intuitive controls like a one-key landing/takeoff function, push-to-flip, and three-speed settings.

With four LED lights on the motors, the drone also provides an exciting light show in seven different colors and is perfect for nighttime use. Unfortunately, the colors can’t be changed manually and appear to cycle randomly.

The A31 also has a short battery life and can only stay in the air for about 6 minutes before recharging (which can take up to 80 minutes). The manufacturer includes two batteries that can be easily swapped out to extend the drone’s flight time, the replacement batteries are not available on Amazon, so you’ll have to make do with the two batteries or buy another drone. 

Overall, the Tomzon A31 is a compact and resilient toy drone that you should definitely consider purchasing. With a price tag of 50 USD, it is relatively inexpensive, and as long as you don’t expect so much from it, you and your kids will have a great time flying it both indoors and outdoors.

Pros and Cons:

Pros

  • Easy to control
  • One control keys
  • Safety guards

Cons

  • No camera 
  • Long charging time

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

5. UDI U818A 

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Last, but definitely not least, is the UDI Force1 U818A. Compared to the other drones previously mentioned, Force1 is more on the larger side because of its built-in rotor blades. 

The blades are made of lightweight plastic and have a diameter of 5.25 inches. Unlike many low-end quadcopters that use friction to attach the rotors to the motor shaft, U818A uses a screw to lock them in place, reducing the likelihood of them coming loose during flight. 

It is difficult to replace the screw, so the manufacturer included a spare set of rotors and a small screwdriver with the drone.

Keep in mind that since the product is under 100 dollars, the lightweight plastic case can feel flimsy. And like any other drone with a flimsy build, it may break easily in a moderate-speed collision.

Aside from its large build, the drone is also known for its stability, maneuverability, and battery life. Not particularly fast, the U818A flies smoothly and you can expect pretty good flight time from its two batteries. The UDI U818A also features several LED lights throughout its frame, including white strips beneath the center, blue and red lights indicating the front and back of the motors, and a white LED facing forward.

Unfortunately, the printed manual included with the quadcopter has poor English translation. The descriptions of features are unclear, with phrases like “four-direction rolling mold on-off,” and “enough room is needed for this motion, or danger may occur.” 

It also has a subpar camera resolution. The colors appear excessively vivid and the video quality has a soft and noisy appearance, causing details to get lost in a slight haze of fuzzy camera noise. 

Read more: The Best Drones Under 300 [Honest Review]

Pros and Cons:

Pros

  • Good flight time
  • Remote control
  • Dual battery power

Cons

  • Relatively large construction
  • Short battery life
  • Poor camera capabilities

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

Things to consider before purchasing drones under 100

If you’re interested in purchasing a drone under 100, there are several things to consider. Here are some of them:

Camera Quality: If you’re interested in using your drone for photography or videography, you’ll want to pay attention to the camera quality. Drones under 100 USD typically have lower-quality cameras, so don’t expect professional-level results.

Ease of Use: If you’re a beginner, look for a drone that’s easy to fly and has simple controls. Some drones come with beginner-friendly features like auto takeoff and landing or headless mode.

Read more: Best Drones Under 400 [Honest Review]

best drones under $100

Flight Time: Drones under 100 USD tend to have a shorter flight time than higher-end drones. Consider the length of time you’ll need the drone to fly and how often you’ll need to recharge the battery.

Range and Stability: Look for a drone with a good stabilization system and a decent range. A shorter range could limit the places you can fly the drone, while poor stability could lead to shaky footage and crashes.

Customer Reviews: Always read customer reviews before making your purchase. This will give you a good idea of the pros and cons of the drone you’re interested in.

Conclusion

These are some of the best drones under 100 USD that are available in the market. They may not have the most advanced features, but they are still very capable of providing a fun flying experience, especially for beginners. If you’re just starting with drones and don’t want to spend a ton of money, then hopefully this article helps!

Read more: Can You Fly A Drone Below Freezing?

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