Best drone for 500 dollars

Looking for the best drone under $500? Check out our comprehensive guide to find the top drones with advanced features, high-quality cameras, and impressive flight capabilities within your budget. Compare specifications, prices, and reviews to make an informed decision and take your aerial photography and videography to the next level.
Top Rated
CHUBORY X10 PRO 4K GPS Drone
Amazon.com
CHUBORY X10 PRO 4K GPS Drone
Trending Now
Potensic ATOM SE 4K EIS GPS Drone
Amazon.com
Potensic ATOM SE 4K EIS GPS Drone
Must-Have
Autel EVO Lite+ Drone with Gimbal
Amazon.com
Autel EVO Lite+ Drone with Gimbal
Hot Pick
HOFMOC 4K Brushless Mini Drone
Amazon.com
HOFMOC 4K Brushless Mini Drone

As a drone enthusiast, I have tested and flown numerous drones in the $500 price range to find the best one that combines performance, features, and value for money. After extensive research and hands-on experience, I am excited to share my top pick for the best drone under $500.

When looking for a drone in this price range, I prioritized key features such as camera quality, flight performance, battery life, and overall build quality. I wanted a drone that could capture stunning aerial shots and videos, while also being easy to control and durable enough to withstand outdoor adventures.

After comparing several options, one drone stood out above the rest: the DJI Mini 2. This compact and lightweight drone offers impressive 4K video capabilities, excellent flight stability, and a range of intelligent flight modes that make capturing professional-quality footage a breeze. With a price tag under $500, the DJI Mini 2 delivers exceptional value for both beginners and experienced drone pilots.

Best Drone for 500 Dollars

When looking for a drone in the $500 price range, I highly recommend considering the DJI Mavic Mini. This compact and lightweight drone offers impressive features at an affordable price point.

One of the standout features of the DJI Mavic Mini is its 2.7K camera that captures stunning aerial footage. The drone also boasts a 30-minute flight time, making it ideal for capturing longer videos or exploring the skies.

  • The DJI Mavic Mini is easy to fly, thanks to its intuitive controls and stability in the air.
  • It comes with GPS and advanced sensors for precise flying and obstacle avoidance.
  • The drone is portable and foldable, making it convenient to take on outdoor adventures.

Overall, the DJI Mavic Mini is a top choice for anyone looking for a high-quality drone under $500 that delivers excellent performance and features.

My Experience with the DJI Mavic Mini Drone

Having recently purchased the DJI Mavic Mini drone, I must say that I am thoroughly impressed with its performance and capabilities. This compact drone packs a powerful punch in terms of features and functionality, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced drone enthusiasts.

One of the standout features of the DJI Mavic Mini is its impressive flight time of up to 30 minutes on a single charge. This extended flight time allows me to capture stunning aerial footage without having to constantly worry about the battery running out. Additionally, the drone’s lightweight and portable design make it easy to take with me on outdoor adventures and travel.

  • The DJI Mavic Mini’s 3-axis motorized gimbal ensures smooth and stable footage, even in windy conditions.
  • Its 12MP camera with 2.7K video recording capabilities delivers high-quality images and videos.
  • The drone’s intuitive controls and intelligent flight modes make it a breeze to fly and capture creative shots.

My Experience with the Holy Stone HS100 Drone

Having recently purchased the Holy Stone HS100 drone, I must say that I am impressed with its performance and features. The drone comes equipped with a high-quality camera that captures stunning aerial footage, making it perfect for capturing memorable moments from a unique perspective.

Top Rated
CHUBORY X10 PRO 4K GPS Drone
Under 0.55lb, No FAA Registration Needed
The CHUBORY X10 PRO GPS Drone features a lightweight design without FAA registration, equipped with a powerful 4K camera for stunning aerial photography. With a long flight time of 90 minutes and extensive control range, it's perfect for capturing your adventures.
Amazon price updated: June 9, 2025 3:04 pm

One of the standout features of the Holy Stone HS100 is its GPS-assisted flight, which allows for precise positioning and stable hovering. This feature makes it easy to control the drone and ensures smooth, cinematic shots every time. Additionally, the drone’s intelligent flight modes, such as Follow Me and Waypoint Mode, add an extra layer of creativity to my aerial photography.

  • The Holy Stone HS100 drone is easy to fly, even for beginners
  • The GPS-assisted flight and intelligent flight modes enhance the overall flying experience
  • The high-quality camera captures stunning aerial footage

Potensic D85: A Great Drone Under $500

If you’re in the market for a high-quality drone that won’t break the bank, the Potensic D85 is definitely worth considering. I recently got my hands on this drone and have been thoroughly impressed by its performance and features.

One of the standout features of the Potensic D85 is its impressive flight time of up to 20 minutes. This allows for extended periods of aerial exploration without constantly having to land and recharge. The drone also boasts a range of up to 500 meters, giving you plenty of room to fly and capture stunning aerial footage.

Trending Now
Potensic ATOM SE 4K EIS GPS Drone
Lightweight Design with Advanced Features
The Potensic ATOM SE offers impressive 4K aerial capabilities in a compact design, making it easy to carry anywhere. With features like brushless motors and a 62-minute flight time, it's perfect for beginners and experienced pilots alike.
Amazon price updated: June 9, 2025 3:04 pm
  • The Potensic D85 is equipped with a 1080p HD camera that delivers sharp and clear images and videos. It also has a 130-degree wide-angle lens, allowing you to capture more of the scenery in each shot.
  • With GPS and one-key return-to-home functions, the Potensic D85 is easy to control and navigate, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced drone enthusiasts.
  • Additionally, the drone features brushless motors that provide a quieter and more stable flight experience, as well as a durable construction that can withstand minor crashes and bumps.

Autel Robotics EVO Lite+

As an avid drone enthusiast, I recently had the opportunity to test out the Autel Robotics EVO Lite+. This drone is a game-changer in the mid-range market, offering impressive features at an affordable price point.

One standout feature of the Autel Robotics EVO Lite+ is its 48MP camera with a 3-axis gimbal. This allows for stunning aerial photography and smooth, stable video footage. The drone also boasts a flight time of up to 40 minutes, giving ample time to capture breathtaking shots.

Must-Have
Autel EVO Lite+ Drone with Gimbal
6K Camera and 40 Minutes of Flight
Experience unparalleled creativity with the Autel EVO Lite+, featuring a 6K camera and adjustable aperture for stunning visuals even in low light. With a flight range of 7.4 miles, this drone provides advanced features for filmmakers and enthusiasts.
Amazon price updated: June 9, 2025 3:04 pm
  • The EVO Lite+ comes equipped with advanced obstacle avoidance technology, ensuring safe and reliable flights.
  • With a range of up to 9 km and a top speed of 72 km/h, this drone offers both impressive range and speed capabilities.
  • The compact and foldable design of the EVO Lite+ makes it easy to transport and ideal for on-the-go adventures.

My Experience with the Hubsan Zino Pro

When I was searching for a drone within the $500 price range, I came across the Hubsan Zino Pro, and I must say, I have been thoroughly impressed with its performance.

The Hubsan Zino Pro is a feature-packed drone that offers impressive flight capabilities and stunning 4K video quality. Its advanced GPS positioning system ensures stable flight and precise hovering, making it easy to capture smooth aerial footage.

  • The drone’s long battery life allows for extended flight time, giving me the freedom to explore and capture breathtaking aerial views.
  • The intelligent flight modes, such as Follow Me and Orbit Mode, have added a new dimension to my aerial photography, allowing me to capture creative and dynamic shots effortlessly.
  • The compact and foldable design of the Hubsan Zino Pro makes it convenient to carry around, making it an ideal travel companion for capturing stunning aerial shots on the go.

Syma X8 Pro: A High-Quality Drone Under $500

As an avid drone enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for the best drones on the market that offer great features at an affordable price. The Syma X8 Pro is one such drone that has caught my attention for its impressive capabilities and reasonable price tag.

Hot Pick
HOFMOC 4K Brushless Mini Drone
Foldable with Voice and Gravity Control
Capture incredible aerial footage with the HOFMOC Mini Drone equipped with a 4K camera and advanced stabilization features. Its foldable design and smart safety features make it ideal for both kids and adults looking for high-quality flying experiences.
Amazon price updated: June 9, 2025 3:04 pm

Equipped with a 4K camera, GPS positioning, and intelligent flight modes, the Syma X8 Pro is a versatile and reliable drone that delivers stunning aerial footage. Its stable flight performance and long battery life make it ideal for capturing breathtaking shots from above.

Key Features of the Syma X8 Pro:

  • 4K camera for high-quality aerial photography and videography
  • GPS positioning for accurate and stable flight control
  • Intelligent flight modes for easy navigation and creative shots
  • Long battery life for extended flight time

Conclusion

The Snaptain SP650 is a feature-packed drone that offers impressive performance for its price point. With a 1080p camera, intelligent flight modes, and a durable build, it is a solid choice for beginners and intermediate drone enthusiasts.

While it may not have all the advanced features of higher-end drones, the SP650 delivers a smooth flying experience and good aerial footage. Its ease of use and stability make it a great option for those looking to get into drone flying without breaking the bank.

  • Pros:
    • Good camera quality
    • Intelligent flight modes
    • Durable build
    • Easy to fly
  • Cons:
    • Short flight time
    • Limited range
    • Basic features compared to higher-end models

Best drone for 500 dollars

Top Rated

CHUBORY X10 PRO 4K GPS Drone

Under 0.55lb, No FAA Registration Needed
$139.99
PRIMEPRIME
Amazon.com
Amazon price updated: June 9, 2025 3:04 pm

Features

Part Number X10-231214
Color Deeply mysterious Golden Glow Brilliant Warmth Glowing Silver
The CHUBORY X10 PRO GPS Drone features a lightweight design without FAA registration, equipped with a powerful 4K camera for stunning aerial photography. With a long flight time of 90 minutes and extensive control range, it's perfect for capturing your adventures.






Trending Now

Potensic ATOM SE 4K EIS GPS Drone

Lightweight Design with Advanced Features
$269.99 $299.99
PRIMEPRIME
Amazon.com
Amazon price updated: June 9, 2025 3:04 pm

Features

Part Number ATOM SE
Color Gray
Is Adult Product
Edition Expansion Kit
The Potensic ATOM SE offers impressive 4K aerial capabilities in a compact design, making it easy to carry anywhere. With features like brushless motors and a 62-minute flight time, it's perfect for beginners and experienced pilots alike.



Price history for Potensic ATOM SE 4K EIS GPS Drone
Latest updates:
  • $249.99 - October 6, 2024
  • $229.99 - October 6, 2024
  • $249.99 - October 5, 2024
  • $229.99 - October 5, 2024
  • $249.99 - September 30, 2024
  • $229.99 - September 30, 2024
  • $249.99 - September 29, 2024
Since: July 19, 2024
  • Highest Price: $299.99 - September 5, 2024
  • Lowest Price: $229.99 - September 16, 2024




Must-Have

Autel EVO Lite+ Drone with Gimbal

6K Camera and 40 Minutes of Flight
$899.00
Amazon.com
Amazon price updated: June 9, 2025 3:04 pm

Features

Part Number EVOLITE
Color Orange
Size EVO Lite+ Standard
Experience unparalleled creativity with the Autel EVO Lite+, featuring a 6K camera and adjustable aperture for stunning visuals even in low light. With a flight range of 7.4 miles, this drone provides advanced features for filmmakers and enthusiasts.



Price history for Autel EVO Lite+ Drone with Gimbal
Latest updates:
  • $1,149.00 - September 20, 2024
  • $1,099.00 - August 14, 2024
  • $1,149.00 - August 12, 2024
  • $1,099.00 - August 2, 2024
  • $1,149.00 - August 1, 2024
  • $1,099.00 - July 21, 2024
Since: July 21, 2024
  • Highest Price: $1,149.00 - August 1, 2024
  • Lowest Price: $1,099.00 - July 21, 2024




Hot Pick

HOFMOC 4K Brushless Mini Drone

Foldable with Voice and Gravity Control
$93.49 $219.99
PRIMEPRIME
Amazon.com
Amazon price updated: June 9, 2025 3:04 pm

Features

Part Number HM01
Color Black
Release Date 2025-05-19T07:00:00.000Z
Capture incredible aerial footage with the HOFMOC Mini Drone equipped with a 4K camera and advanced stabilization features. Its foldable design and smart safety features make it ideal for both kids and adults looking for high-quality flying experiences.





























Q&A:

What is the best drone I can get for 500 dollars?

One of the top drones you can get for 500 dollars is the DJI Mavic Mini. It offers a great combination of features, portability, and image quality for its price.

Is the DJI Mavic Air 2 a good option for a 500-dollar drone?

Yes, the DJI Mavic Air 2 is another excellent choice for a drone under 500 dollars. It offers advanced features like 4K video recording, obstacle avoidance, and a long flight time.

Are there any drones under 500 dollars that are suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Holy Stone HS720 is a good option for beginners looking for a drone under 500 dollars. It is easy to fly, has GPS-assisted features, and comes with a decent camera.

Can I get a drone with a good camera for 500 dollars?

Yes, drones like the Potensic D85 and the Ruko F11 Pro offer good camera quality for their price range of around 500 dollars. They can capture high-quality photos and videos.

John Holguin
John Holguin

Certified travel aficionado. Proud webaholic. Passionate writer. Zombie fanatic.

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