Best drones for under $500

As a drone enthusiast looking to expand my collection without breaking the bank, I understand the importance of finding affordable yet high-quality drones. With a budget of $500, there are plenty of options available that offer impressive features and performance.

From sleek designs to advanced camera capabilities, the drones in this price range cater to both beginners and experienced pilots. Whether you’re looking for a compact drone for aerial photography or a versatile model for capturing stunning videos, there is a drone under $500 that meets your needs.

Must-Have

Foldable Beginner Drone with 1080P Camera

Perfect for novice pilots and fun activities

This drone is ideal for beginners, featuring one-key start and altitude hold for an easy flying experience. Its foldable design and included storage case make it convenient for travel.

$99.99 at Amazon.com

Amazon price updated: June 9, 2025 9:31 pm

In this article, I will explore some of the best drones on the market that offer great value for under $500. With a focus on key features, flight performance, and overall user experience, you’ll be able to make an informed decision on which drone is the right fit for you.

Best Drones for Under $500

As a drone enthusiast on a budget, I’ve done my research and found some fantastic options for drones priced under $500. These drones offer a great balance of features, performance, and affordability, making them ideal for both beginners and experienced pilots.

Top Rated

DJI Mini 2 SE Compact Drone with QHD Video

Lightweight and perfect for adventures

The DJI Mini 2 SE is ultra-lightweight and offers impressive video quality along with a long flight time, making it perfect for capturing stunning aerial shots on the go.

$346.49 at Amazon.com

Amazon price updated: June 9, 2025 9:31 pm

If you’re looking for a reliable drone with a good camera under $500, the DJI Mini 2 is a standout choice. With its 4K camera, 31-minute flight time, and compact design, it’s perfect for capturing stunning aerial footage without breaking the bank. The DJI Mini 2 also boasts impressive stability and range, making it a top pick in its price range.

• DJI Mini 2: A compact and powerful drone with a 4K camera and long flight time.
• Holy Stone HS720: An affordable option with a 2K camera and GPS-assisted features for smooth flights.
• Potensic D85: A budget-friendly drone with a 2K camera and brushless motors for improved performance.

DJI Mini 2: A Compact and Powerful Drone

When it comes to drones under $500, the DJI Mini 2 stands out as a top choice for both beginners and experienced users. This compact drone packs a punch with its advanced features and capabilities.

The DJI Mini 2 is equipped with a high-quality camera that can capture stunning aerial footage in 4K resolution. Its lightweight and portable design make it easy to carry around and set up for flights in various locations.

• The drone’s impressive flight time of up to 31 minutes allows for extended aerial exploration.
• With a range of up to 10 km, the DJI Mini 2 offers excellent connectivity for long-distance flights.
• Its intelligent flight modes, such as QuickShots and Panorama, provide creative options for capturing unique shots.

Autel Robotics EVO Lite+: A Powerful Drone Under $500

As an amateur drone enthusiast, I was thrilled to discover the Autel Robotics EVO Lite+, a feature-packed drone that doesn’t break the bank. Priced under $500, this drone offers exceptional value for its performance and capabilities.

Trending Now

Potensic ATOM SE GPS Drone with 4K Camera

Exceptional stability for pro-level images

This drone features advanced GPS technology and a 4K camera, ensuring high-quality, stable footage and multiple flight modes for an enjoyable flying experience.

$269.99 at Amazon.com

Amazon price updated: June 9, 2025 9:31 pm

One of the standout features of the Autel Robotics EVO Lite+ is its 4K camera with a 3-axis gimbal, delivering stunning aerial footage and crisp photos. The drone’s advanced flight modes, including Follow Me and Waypoint, make it easy to capture dynamic shots with precision and creativity.

• The drone’s compact and foldable design makes it easy to transport and set up in minutes.
• With a flight range of up to 7 kilometers and a battery life of 40 minutes, the Autel Robotics EVO Lite+ offers extended flight time and exploration possibilities.
• The drone’s intelligent obstacle avoidance system ensures safe and smooth flights, even in challenging environments.

Holy Stone HS720E Review

When it comes to high-quality drones at an affordable price, the Holy Stone HS720E is a top contender. This drone offers advanced features and capabilities that make it a great choice for both beginners and experienced drone pilots.

One of the standout features of the Holy Stone HS720E is its 4K camera, which delivers stunning aerial footage and photos. The drone also has a 5G FPV transmission system, allowing you to see a live feed of what the drone is capturing in high definition.

• The Holy Stone HS720E has a flight time of up to 26 minutes, giving you plenty of time to capture the perfect shot.
• It also features GPS-assisted flight, automatic return to home function, and intelligent flight modes like Follow Me and Waypoint mode.
• This drone is easy to fly, thanks to its beginner-friendly controls and intuitive design.

Exploring the Potensic D88 Drone

When it comes to affordable drones with impressive features, the Potensic D88 stands out as a reliable option. Equipped with a 2K camera, GPS positioning, and smart features like Follow Me mode and Waypoint Flight, this drone offers a great value for its price.

One of the key highlights of the Potensic D88 is its stable flight performance, thanks to its brushless motors and intelligent flight control system. This drone is easy to control even for beginners, and the included remote controller provides a comfortable and responsive flying experience.

• The Potensic D88 comes with a sturdy carrying case for convenient transportation.
• With a flight time of up to 20 minutes and a control range of over 500 meters, this drone is ideal for capturing stunning aerial shots.
• The D88’s advanced features, such as Auto Return and Headless Mode, make it a versatile option for both recreational and professional use.

My Experience with Hubsan Zino Pro

Having recently acquired the Hubsan Zino Pro drone, I must say I am thoroughly impressed with its capabilities. The drone is equipped with a high-quality 4K camera that provides stunning aerial footage and photos. The image stabilization technology ensures smooth and clear shots even in windy conditions.

One of the standout features of the Hubsan Zino Pro is its long flight time of up to 23 minutes, allowing me to capture extensive footage without constantly worrying about recharging. The drone also has a range of up to 4 kilometers, giving me the freedom to explore vast areas and capture breathtaking landscapes.

• The compact and portable design of the Hubsan Zino Pro makes it easy to transport and set up for aerial photography or videography sessions.
• The intelligent flight modes, such as Follow Me and Orbit, add a creative touch to my shots and make capturing dynamic footage a breeze.
• The precise GPS positioning and automatic return-to-home feature provide peace of mind during flights, ensuring the drone safely returns even in case of signal loss.

Parrot Anafi: A Powerful Drone Under $500

If you’re looking for a high-quality drone that won’t break the bank, the Parrot Anafi is a great option. With its sleek design and advanced features, this drone is perfect for both beginners and experienced pilots alike.

One of the standout features of the Parrot Anafi is its 4K HDR camera, which delivers stunning aerial footage and photos. The camera can tilt up to 180 degrees, allowing you to capture unique angles and perspectives. Additionally, this drone is equipped with a 3-axis gimbal for smooth and stable footage, even in windy conditions.

• The Parrot Anafi is lightweight and compact, making it easy to transport and fly in various environments.
• It has a flight time of up to 25 minutes and a range of up to 2.5 miles, giving you plenty of time and distance to explore.
• With features like automatic takeoff and landing, return to home, and follow me mode, the Parrot Anafi is user-friendly and intuitive to fly.

Ruko F11 Pro

When it comes to drones under $500, the Ruko F11 Pro is a standout option that offers a great balance of features and performance. As a drone enthusiast, I have had the opportunity to test out the Ruko F11 Pro and I must say I am impressed with its capabilities.

The Ruko F11 Pro boasts a sleek design and comes equipped with a 4K camera that delivers stunning aerial footage. The drone is easy to fly thanks to its GPS-assisted flight mode and intelligent features such as auto return and follow-me mode. With a flight time of up to 30 minutes and a range of 500 meters, the Ruko F11 Pro provides ample time and distance to capture breathtaking shots.

• The Ruko F11 Pro is a reliable and versatile drone that is perfect for both beginners and experienced pilots.
• Its foldable design makes it easy to transport and store, while its advanced features make it a joy to fly.
• Overall, the Ruko F11 Pro is a solid choice for anyone looking for a high-quality drone under $500.

My Experience with the Holy Stone HS100D Drone

Recently, I had the opportunity to try out the Holy Stone HS100D drone, and I must say, I was impressed by its performance and features. This drone is a great option for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable drone under $500.

One of the standout features of the Holy Stone HS100D is its GPS-assisted flight, which makes it incredibly stable and easy to control. I found that the drone responded well to my commands, and I was able to capture smooth and steady aerial footage with ease.

• The Holy Stone HS100D comes equipped with a high-quality camera that can capture stunning 1080p HD video and 2K photos.
• It also has a range of up to 500 meters and a flight time of up to 15 minutes on a single charge.
• The drone is easy to set up and fly, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced drone pilots.

Eachine E520S

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly drone that still offers a good range of features, the Eachine E520S is worth considering. This foldable drone offers a 4K camera, GPS positioning, and a range of up to 100 meters. It also has a follow-me mode, making it great for capturing action shots on the go.

The Eachine E520S is easy to fly, thanks to its intuitive controls and stable flight performance. It’s a great option for beginners looking to hone their piloting skills without breaking the bank.

• Pros:
  • 4K camera
  • GPS positioning
  • Follow-me mode
  • Easy to fly
• Cons:
  • Short flight time (around 15 minutes)
  • Limited range compared to higher-end models

Overall, the Eachine E520S is a solid choice for those looking for a budget-friendly drone with decent features. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive models, it offers a good balance of performance and affordability.