Best Drones for Kids in 2019

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Today there are drones for everyone, at all experience levels, and for all age groups. Even youngsters can get in on the action now. This is thanks to a whole new range of drones for kids.

Drones for beginners are not always suitable for kids under a certain age if the maker targets them at the older novice. Purpose-built drones for young people have designs that make flying them easier.

The last thing a kid wants to experience with their new drone is frustration and discouragement. None of the picks in this guide will cause these upsets.

Children have been interested in flying objects forever. Competing with paper airplanes has always been a great way to have fun. And kite flying continues to be popular.

Now we have kid’s drones as ‘the next best thing’. They certainly provide heaps of fun. They can also help kids learn something about the technology and mechanics of their new flying robot.

Budget
budget-drone
Holy Stone HS170 Predator
4.7/5.0
8 Minute Flight Time
80 Meter Range
Fun and crash resistant drone for kids with no camera.
Check Amazon
Best Value
best-value-drone
DJI Tello
4.7/5.0
13 Minute Flight Time
100 Meter Range
Programmable drone with good flight time.
Check DJI.com
Top Pick
top-pick-drone
Altair #AA108
4.7/5.0
8 – 10 Minute Flight Time
100 Meter Range
Decent camera plus extra batteries included.
Check Amazon

Choose Your Budget:






I’ve included some low budget drones for kids in these reviews, plus one in the mid-price range, and everything else in between. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to make better-informed decisions.

I’ve also arranged these reviews in order of price category—cheapest first to most expensive. The categories are under $50, under $100, and one midrange drone for the more experienced teenager.

Best Kids Drones Comparison Table

The table below shows the most popular drones for kids at the time of writing this buyers’ guide.

Make and ModelCameraFlight TimePrice Check
Holy Stone HS170 Predator Mini RC (Best Budget)No8 minutesCheck Price
GoolRC T36 Mini DroneNo5 minutesCheck Price
SYMA X5CYes7 minutesCheck Price
EACHINE H8 MININo7 minutesCheck Price
SYMA X11CYes8 minutesCheck Price
DJI Tello (Best Value)Yes13 minutesCheck Price
UDI 818A Discovery HD+Yes9 minutesCheck Price
HAKTOYS HAK907CYes10 minutesCheck Price
Altair #AA108 (Top Pick)Yes8 – 10 minutesCheck Price
Parrot Airborne Night MiniDroneNo9 minutesCheck Price

 

Summing Up Kids Drones for 2018

Father and son flying drone at the beach
This guide contains no-nonsense reviews for eight of the most popular drones for kids. There are others—many others—but these are the ones that have proved to be winners among younger pilots.

Kid Drones Under $50

Don’t let the low price of these drones put you off. It’s amazing how well these crafts fly and how robust they are. Seriously, you get a lot of bang for your hard-earned buck here.

I’ve organized each model by Editor’s Rating—highest to lowest. These are not simply ratings based only on my opinions. I also take real user feedback into consideration and expert views.

1. Holy Stone HS170 Predator Mini RC (Best Budget)

holy-stone-hs170-droneView on AmazonEditor’s Rating: 4.7/5.0

This nifty little quadcopter is a perfect drone for kids and anyone else at the entry-level. It’s from the mini category of smaller drones which means it’s about the same size as an adult’s hand.

What we have here is a fast and fun quadcopter for youngsters. The manufacturers recommended minimum age is 14 years. It means adults should supervise younger kids who want to fly.

The Holy Stone HS170 has a high rating on Amazon and thousands of positive reviews from users. It’s reassuring to know that others have flown the drone and rave about its features and capabilities.

Here’s a quick look at what’s in the box of this affordable little craft:

  • The Predator Mini quadcopter
  • Remote controller (RC)
  • 350mAh battery
  • Spare set of rotator blades
  • USB cable
  • User manual
  • Small screwdriver

Flying the Holy Stone HS170

The Holy Stone HS170 is easy to grasp and a great drone to learn from. It comes with a headless mode or carefree mode. This is great for newbies as you don’t have to differentiate the front from the back.

There are three Speed Modes and the slowest is perfect for beginners. The super-fast mode gives plenty of fun for more advanced drone pilots. Be mindful of the speed options when flying indoors.

Take advantage of the 6-Axis Gyro Technology and perform impressive rolls and flips with a little confidence and experience. This is all push-button flying so nothing here is too complex.

You control the Holy Stone HS170 with its 2.4G remote controller (included). It’s a simple yet practical design that fits neatly in the hands. The only problem with the RC is that the buttons are unmarked.

You’ll soon work out which button does what function. Even so, it’s a bad design flaw on what would otherwise have been the perfect kid-friendly quadcopter—for the money at least.

Flight Time and Control Distance

You can fly 80m from the controller and for as long as 8-minutes in ideal conditions. That doesn’t sound long but it’s an average time for a drone in its class. Always carry a spare battery or two.

Recharge time is about one hour. I’d suggest swapping batteries before they run out of power for optimal control. You can also upgrade the battery to a Lithium-Polymer to improve the flight time.

The Holy Stone HS170 doesn’t come with a camera. Kids who want to get into aerial photography and filming can look at the other options in this guide. The drone is primarily a fly-only robot.

The Verdict

This is a robust little craft despite its small size and lightweight. It will stand up well to a few collisions and crash landings. If you do damage the propellers it’s nice to know there’s a spare set in the box.

The other great thing worth pointing out is the availability of spare parts if you need them. My main disappointments are the unmarked buttons on the RC and the overly basic user guide.

Overall, though, there’s very little to beef about for 40 bucks. This kid’s drone is tough, it’s user-friendly, and it has some great flight modes. It can also perform a few impressive stunts.

amazon

 

Tech Specs
Size: 5.3 x 1.6 x 5.3 inches
Weight: 408g (14.4 oz.)
Recommended age: 14
Flight time: 8 minutes
Flight range: 80m (262 ft.)
Charging time: 60+ minutes (1+ hr.)
Camera type: None
Controller type: 2.4G RC
The Pros
User-friendly kids drone
Affordable (very popular too)
Light and robust (crash resistant)
Comes with spare blades
Fun to fly
Three speed modes
Can upgrade battery
No FAA registration required
The Cons
Control buttons not marked
User guide overly basic
No camera

2. GoolRC Scorpion T36 Mini Review

goolrc-drone-reviewView on AmazonEditor’s Rating: 4.6/5.0

The GoolRC T36 Mini is a kid’s drone that looks pretty toy-like. That makes it appealing to younger children in particular. Despite this, it’s still a fun craft for anyone at the entry level.

Because it’s mini lightweight RC quadcopter it’s perfect for the indoor environment. It’s also ready to fly (RTF) right out of the box. The makers recommend a minimum operating age of 14 years.

There’s not a lot in the box but you have everything you need to fly:

  • GoolRC T36 Mini Drone
  • 4GHz remote controller (RC)
  • User manuals
  • Batteries (including a bonus battery)
  • Screwdriver
  • Extra fans
  • Battery charger

Flying the GoolRC T36

You have to be careful if you fly this drone outdoors. Its small size means it’s easy to lose in bushes, long grass, trees, and other spaces where there’s a lot going on. It’s best to fly in clear open spaces.

It may be necessary to fine-tune the way the craft responds to the controls before taking to the skies. That means left, right, forward, and back tweaks. The manual explains how to do all that.

You might find this drone a bit fast and fiddly if you’ve never flown a drone before. It’s certainly got a lot of power for a tiny machine so it does take a bit of getting used to.

The 2.4GHz Mode 2 Remote Controller

The remote control (RC) is also light and toy-like just like the drone. It works well, though. Anyone who’s comfortable with a standard video games controller will have no problem getting used to it.

It doesn’t take long for kids to get comfortable with both the drone and its controller. It even has a 6-axis gyro flight control system. This helps to keep the GoolRC T36 steady in the air.

Once you’re comfortable flying around you can then move on to 360° flips and rolls. The pilot achieves these fancy moves using a single key. That makes them easy to perform yet impressive to watch.

There’s no need to panic if you lose sight of the drone as it has a handy inbuilt positioning system. The single press of a ‘Return’ button brings it back to base—as long as there’s still power in its battery.

Flight Time & Control Distance

At just 5-minutes the flight time of the T36 Mini is not so good. They do include a bonus battery which in effect gives you 10 minutes in the air. The charging time is around 50 minutes which is quite fast.

The control range is about 30m. With a drone this small you won’t want to fly it any further than that. It’s also plenty of distance to buzz around inside most houses as you perfect your piloting skills.

The Verdict

The GoolRC T36 Mini is a great choice for kids who want to explore the consumer drone phenomenon. It’s robust too. That means it can take a few of those inevitable knocks, crashes, and collisions.

It’s not a feature-rich quadcopter but then it couldn’t be for a drone in this price range. I see it as a great learner craft. Seriously, get good at flying the T36 and you’ll be ready to move on in no time.

amazon

 

Tech Specs
Size: 3.3 x 3.3 x 1.4 inches
Weight: 21g (0.7 oz.)
Recommended age: 14
Flight time: 5 minutes
Flight range: 30m (98 ft.)
Charging time: 50 minutes
Camera type: None
Controller type: 2.4GHz mode 2 RC
The Pros
Affordable toy drone
Powerful and responsive
Robust (crash resistant)
Bonus battery included
Quick battery recharge time
6-axis gyro flight control system
Return to base button
The Cons
Poor flight time (battery life)
Takes a bit of getting used to

3. Syma X5C-1 Explorers Camera Drone for Kids

syma-quadcopter-with-cameraView on AmazonEditor’s Rating: 4.3/5.0

The Syma X5C-1 Explorers is a value-for-money flying quad for kids. It’s a bigger drone than the previous pick. It’s still lightweight and easy to handle for flying safely indoors as well as outside.

This drone comes with an HD camera (removable) and we’ll be looking at that in more details shortly. It’s the perfect gift for any kid looking to get into aerial photography and shooting video.

The manufacturer’s recommended age for flying this drone unsupervised is 14 years.

When the new drone arrives it’s almost ready for you. You can put the propeller guards on (optional) and the batteries into the remote controller. You’re now the pilot in charge and ready to fly.

Here’re all the items that come in the box:

  • Syma X5C RC quadcopter
  • One set (4) rotating blades
  • Four blade protection guards
  • 4G remote controller (RC)
  • 7V 500mAh LiPO battery
  • USB charging cable
  • Card reader
  • Screwdriver
  • Instruction manual

Flying the Syma X5C-1

The most important feature for any kids drone—especially the first one—is its ease of use. Well, the Syma X5C-1 is simple for children to control, a smooth flyer, and a real showoff in the sky.

The 6-axis Gyro stabilization helps to steady the craft making it more flexible and wind-resistant. The modular design structure provides simple assembly and aids easy maintenance.

Flight Time and Control Distance

As with the first pick, there’s not much to complain about for the money. The flight time is a bit below average at 7-minutes. The biggest gripe is that the battery takes a long time to charge.

The battery recharge time is at least 90 minutes so it’s not impressive. It’s always a good idea to take an extra couple of fully-charged batteries with you when you go flying.

The 2.4G transmitter is pretty ugly but perfectly functional. The control sticks are spring loaded and feel nice to the touch. There’s even a small LCD display at the bottom which shows status indicators.

There are about nine control options to help you fine-tune your flights and operate the camera. Control distance from the transmitter is 30 meters.

The Syma X5C-1 Camera

The small 2MP HD 720P camera won’t win any awards. But then most kids are not overly fussed about exceptional footage anyway. It’s still a great first camera drone for youngsters to practice with.

You can remove the camera when you’re just flying for fun. The lighter payload will give you a little more flight time and agility so it’s a handy feature. The average flight time is around 7-minutes.

The Verdict

In summing up, I recommend this as a great first camera drone for children. It’s fun to fly, easy to control, stable in the air, and can take a few knocks. It’s certainly an affordable choice.

amazon

 

Tech Specs
Size: 12.2 x 12.2 x 3.1 inches
Weight: 726g (1.6 lbs.)
Recommended age: 14
Flight time: 7 minutes
Flight range: 30m (98 ft.)
Charging time: 90 minutes
Camera type: 2MP HD 720P
Controller type: 2.4G RC
The Pros
Value for money kids drone
2MP HD 720P removable camera
Steady flyer, easy to control
6-axis Gyro stabilization
Crash resistant
Easy to source spare parts
Headless flight mode
High landing skids
FPV upgrade potential
The Cons
Long battery recharge time
Shortish flight time

4. EACHINE H8 Mini Quad Review

eachine-h8-quadcopter-headless-modeView on BanggoodEditor’s Rating: 4.1/5.0

This is one of the cheapest Kids drones around but don’t let its low price tag deter you. There’s a lot of good stuff going on with this 7-ounce Eachine H8 Mini quadcopter. It’s a good looking craft too.

The manufacturers recommended minimum age is 12 years. That’s two years younger than most of the drones on this page. It suggests that children under 12 have someone older to supervise them.

Here’s what you get in the box of a new H8 Mini:

  • RC quadcopter
  • Battery
  • Remote controller/transmitter
  • USB cable
  • Screwdriver
  • User manual

That’s about it—a few bits for a simple craft. OK, let’s see how she performs in the air.

Flying the Eachine H8 RTF Mini Quad

The plastic materials used in this drone are quite strong despite the cheap price. There are propeller guards too. They do a reasonable job protecting the drone from those beginner crashes.

Start flying on the 40% flight mode. Not even an experienced pilot could control this little beaut on 100% flight mode out of the box. The yaw-rates (angle/rotation speeds) are off the charts at 100%.

Flying on the 40% flight mode provides plenty of fun and stable flying experiences. The 360° roll-over lets you perform some impressive flips and rolls with the effortless push of a button.

The Headless Mode also makes flying easier for young pilots. It allows them to maneuver the drone using its controller without worrying about the direction of the craft.

There are also four colorful LED lights if you fancy flying the H8 Mini in the dark. These lights look pretty but they also serve a purpose. They make it easy to recognize the craft’s orientation at night.

Eachine H8 Mini 2.4GHz Remote Controller

The remote controller is nothing fancy but it’s big enough and easy enough for kids to get to grips with. You can change the stick tops to make controlling the drone easier for larger hands.

The RC has everything you need for controlled flights despite its basic appearance:

  • Power on switch
  • Power indicator light
  • Auto-return key (brings the drone back to you)
  • Single flip button
  • Left / right control levers
  • Left/right/forward/backward fine-tuning

Flight Time and Control Distance for the Eachine H8

At 6-7-minutes the flight time is standard for a tiny quadcopter like this one. That’s not long to have fun so make sure you invest in a couple of extra 3.7 V 150 mAh batteries if you want more time.

The battery recharging time is a reasonable 45 minutes with the USB cable (included). The flying distance is 30m which is average. If you try to fly further than that the motors will stop.

This auto-cutout feature is a good thing as it prevents those dreaded flyaways.

The Eachine H8 Mini is lightweight (just 20g with the battery). That means there’s little risk of damage if it falls onto a soft grassy surface.

The Verdict

When you first unbox this cute little quad you’ll wonder how Eachine can offer so much for so little. It really is a value-for-money kids drone. The only major gripe is its high yaw-rate.

I wouldn’t suggest it for anyone under ten as it takes more skill to fly than some of the others in this guide. It’s a small investment, though, for an amazing RTF drone this fast, this stable, and this cheap.

amazon

 

Tech Specs
Size: 13.5 x 13.5 x 2.8 cm
Weight: 20g (0.7 oz.)
Recommended age: 12
Flight time: 7 minutes
Flight range: 30m (98 ft.)
Charging time: 45 minutes
Camera type: None
Controller type: 2.4GHz RC
The Pros
Very cheap to buy
Good beginner flight mode
Fast battery charging time
Great fun to fly
Performs nice pirouettes
Headless Mode
LED lights for night flight
The Cons
High yaw rates
Motors can get very hot
No camera

5. Tenergy Syma X11C Drone Review

tenergy-syma-x11cView on AmazonEditor’s Rating: 4.0/5.0

The Syma X11C is the last of my kid’s drones for less than 50 bucks. Syma is renowned for producing quality drones at affordable prices. The makers suggest supervision for anyone under the age of 14.

You not only get a low-cost drone but one that boasts good quality too. By quality I mean for its class and the craft’s durability. It obviously doesn’t use the same materials as costlier drones.

This great little flyer also sports a tiny 2-megapixel camera. The Syma X11C provides an affordable opportunity for kids who want to try their hand at aerial filming.

Here’s what comes in the box of a brand new Tenergy Syma X11C quadcopter:

  • Syma X11C 4CH quadcopter w/ 2MP HD inbuilt camera
  • Spare propeller set
  • All-in-one blade protector
  • 4Ghz transmitter
  • USB battery charging cable
  • 4GB MicroSD card
  • Card reader
  • Battery: 3.7V 250mAh Lithium
  • User manual

Flying the Eachine Syma X11C Camera Quadcopter

This is a nice stable camera drone in the air—even in blustery conditions. That’s something to think about if you intend to fly quadcopters outdoors when it’s windy. Not all drones can hack it.

Once you’re familiar with the controller and drone you can take your maiden flight indoors or outside. Everything is straightforward. The craft is a smooth flyer and responds well to commands.

It’s also durable—crash resistant—up to a point. Minor accidents are unavoidable, especially with kids just starting out. I suggest novice pilots keep the blade protector on until they’re more competent.

The flying features include a one-key 360° roll for performing impressive aerial tricks and flips. The transmitter is quite basic and fits nicely in the hands. It’s very similar to an Xbox controller.

The inbuilt 2MP camera shoots reasonable quality footage considering the price of the X11C. It’s not awesome but it’s good. It gives kids a great introduction to aerial photography and videography.

The camera does nothing to impress indoors or outside in low-light conditions. But don’t forget you’ve got a flying camera quadcopter for less than 50 bucks. It’s important to have realistic expectations.

Flight Time and Control Distance for the Syma X11C

A fully-charged battery gives between 7-8 minutes flight time in optimal conditions. If you’ve read the other reviews you’ll know this is about average. Make sure you buy one or two extra batteries.

The recharging is done via USB (cable included) and takes anywhere between 40-50 minutes. The control range of the Syma X11C is around 30 meters. Again, this is about average for a small craft.

The Verdict

There’s no doubt that this smart little camera drone is exceptional value for money. It flies really well and responds to the controller seamlessly. Any kid who’s had a games controller in their hands will master this one without any problems at all.

Check out the specs, pros, and cons below to see if the Syma X11C checks enough of your boxes.

amazon

 

Tech Specs
Size: 14.2 x 7.6 x 3.6 inches
Weight: 422g (14.9 oz.)
Recommended age: 14
Flight time: 8 minutes
Flight range: 30m (98 ft.)
Charging time: 50 minutes
Camera type: Built-in HD 2MP
Controller type: Syma 2.4Ghz RC
The Pros
Great quality kids drone
Affordable price tag
Smooth and stable flyer
Wind-resistant, crash resistant
360° flips respond well
Blade protection
Inbuilt 2MP camera
Reasonably fast recharge time
The Cons
Camera poor in low light
User manual could be clearer

Kid Drones Under $100

The drones in between $50 – $100 have a few more bells and whistles than the previous picks. There’s not a lot between some of them, though, so make sure you don’t pay extra for what you don’t need.

If you plan to fly indoors always opt for small craft from the nano or mini-drone categories. Note that some nano drones are too small to fly outdoors. They’re far too lightweight and very easy to lose.

6. DJI Tello (Best Value)

udi-818a-quadcoperView on DJI.comEditor’s Rating: 4.7/5.0

The DJI Ryze Tello is a terrific little quadcopter for kids. It’s not only a fun drone, it’s educational too. Young pilots can control this puppy using a regular smartphone or a laptop computer with a coding system called Scratch. Don’t let that scare you. Scratch allows kids to easily create new features and functions using Tello’s SDK (Software Development Kit).

Flying the DJI Ryze Tello Camera Quad

The Tello is a super easy quad to fly for kids at the entry-level, but it’s not only for youngsters. The tiny drone has enough advanced features to keep older pilots entertained too.

All you do to start flying the Tello is throw it into the air and away you go. There are plenty of other kid-friendly flight features as well (see below). The long flight time is also worth a mention. You can expect around 13 minutes with the DJI Ryze Tello in normal conditions. That’s double a lot of other camera quads in its class. And the 100 meter range is more than enough for a small model.

DJI Tello Flight features include:

  • One-touch takeoff/landing
  • Altitude hold function: keeps the quad at a constant altitude
  • Vision positioning: hover over selected areas
  • Bounce mode
  • 8D tricks and flips (aerial stunts)

Video and Stills Capability

The onboard camera can take 5MP aerial stills and shoot 720P video at 30fps (frames per second). The lens has a field of view (FOV) of 82.6°. The footage won’t take your breath away but it’s surprisingly good considering the camera specs. The quad has two antennas and electronic image stabilization. Combined, these things make the video transmission and footage smoother and more stable.

Best of all is that you can share the footage on social media straight from a smartphone. The drone is also compatible with virtual reality (VR) headsets for the ultimate First Person View (FPV) experience.

amazon

 

Tech Specs
Size: 3.9 x 3.7 x 1.6 inches
Weight: 272g (9.6 oz.)
Recommended age: 8 plus
Flight time: 13 minutes
Flight range: 100m (328 ft.)
Charging time: 60+ minutes (1+ hr.)
Camera type: 5MP 720P HD
Controller type: Not included
The Pros
Affordable, fun, programmable
Easy to fly kids drone via smartphone or laptop
Compatible w/ Bluetooth controllers
Automated flight modes
First Person View (FPV) capable
The Cons
Average camera and footage
No GPS feature
No 1-key return to home (RTH)

7. UDI 818A Discovery HD+ Quadcopter Review

udi-818a-quadcoperView on AmazonEditor’s Rating: 4.7/5.0

This fast and affordable camera drone puts the pilot firmly in the flying seat. It’s a great first craft for kids and anyone else who wants to improve their flying skills before moving on to costlier quads.

The makers of the UDI 818A quadcopter suggest supervision for children under the age of 14 years. Younger kids love to fly the UDI 818A once they get to grips with the controls.

The design of this kid’s drone is minimal to the extreme. That might sound like a criticism but it’s not. The fewer distractions there are the less a newbie pilot has to worry about.

Here’s what you get inside the box with a new Discovery model:

  • The UDI 818A camera quadcopter
  • One spare set of props
  • Remote controller (RC)
  • One 3.7V 500mAh LiPo battery (includes bonus battery)
  • Battery charger
  • USB connector: camera to computer
  • 4GB microSD card
  • Screwdriver
  • User Manual

Flying the UDI 818A Camera Quadcopter

This drone sports big rotors that are widely spaced apart. It’s a design that makes flights more stable than smaller crafts. Despite its size, though, it’s still very light at just 131g or 4.6 ounces.

It’s not the best flyer in blustery conditions so be cautious about taking to the skies when it’s windy. On calm days you’ll find it quick, responsive to controls, and really easy to maneuver.

The UDI 818A quad comes with two simple flight modes. Beginners will want to stay on Low Mode until they get more confidence. The High Mode is where you can experience quick climbs and fast turns.

Kids love to impress with acrobatic flips and rolls and this drone doesn’t disappoint. For fancy flying use the 360 Eversion Key and control those moves with the simple push of a button.

The Discovery Controller

The chunky looking UDI 818A 2.4 GHz controller is straightforward. It feels quite nice in the hands and the markings on the buttons are clear. It’s equipped to control the camera, stunts, and flight modes.

The controller also has a digital LCD display that shows the throttle setting. You can even turn the LED lights on and off from the RC. Let’s now take a look at the camera capabilities.

The Discovery Camera

The 720p HD camera is small, flat, and light. It attaches to the drone’s body and connects via thin power wires. The 4GB MicroSD Card (included) stores all the aerial stills and video footage.

The video quality is more than ok for a drone in this price range. The upgraded 1080 x 720 resolution @ 30fps is better than a lot of the cheaper camera drones in this class.

UDI 818A Control Distance & Flight Time

The maximum flight time is 9-minutes. The bonus battery that comes with the UDI 818A Discovery effectively doubles your flying fun to 18 minutes. You may still want to invest in one or two extras.

The long battery recharge time is disappointing. It can take between 90-minutes to 2-hours to fully recharge. Compared to a lot of other drones that’s quite long, hence the suggestion for extra batteries.

The control range is 30 meters (98 ft.). This is on a par with most of the kid’s drones in this guide. It’s important to always keep any entry-level drone in the line of sight (LOS), especially the tiny ones.

The Verdict

A lot of drones are fully-autonomous but this one gives more control back to the pilot. Any kid who wants to learn how to fly a drone—rather than just watch it fly—should consider the UDI U818A.

It may not be the best drone in windy conditions but it flies beautifully in good weather. It stands up quite well to crashes too. And there’s always the spare set of props if you damage the blades.

The quick tech specs along with pros and cons in the table below should help you decide.

amazon

 

Tech Specs
Size: 13 x 13 x 3 inches
Weight: 130g (4.6 oz.)
Recommended age: 14
Flight time: 9 minutes
Flight range: 30m (98 ft.)
Charging time: 90+ m (1.5+ hrs.)
Camera type: 720p HD
Controller type: 4-channel 2.4GHz RC
The Pros
Good value for money
Nice design
Provides lots of controlled flying experience for kids
Flies well, responsive to controls
Reasonable 720p HD camera
Impressive flip & roll feature
The Cons
Not great in windy weather
Rigid camera angle

8. Haktoys HAK907C Kids Drone Review

haktoys-hak907cView on AmazonEditor’s Rating: 4.0/5.0

The Haktoys HAK907C is a kid’s drone that looks a little different from the others. It’s also a camera ready drone. There’s no inbuilt camera but it comes with a camera kit and an assembly manual.

The recommended age for flying the HAK907C unaccompanied is 14 years. It’s a perfect choice as a child’s first drone. The makers have reduced the price in recent times making it even better value.

Here’s what comes in the box of a new Haktoys HAK907C:

  • HAK907 quad with built-in battery
  • 4GHz remote controller (RC)
  • USB charger for inbuilt battery
  • Screwdriver
  • User’s instruction manual
  • CAM900 camera set
  • Camera assembly manual

It’s a ready to fly (RTF) drone so you just need batteries for the transmitter and you’re away.

Flying the Haktoys HAK907C Camera Ready Quad

This little drone flies like a dream. More good news is that it’s super-easy to learn and handle. The not so good news, though, is that it’s not as wind-resistant as some others in its class.

Almost everyone who flies the HAK907C enjoys the experience. You’ll soon spin through those thrilling 360° loops and showoff turns with a little confidence. It’s what you might call a spirited performer.

There are three different speed modes: 30%, 60%, and 100%. Other flight features are the 6-axis gyroscope. This has auto-stabilization to keep the craft steady in the air and reduce camera shake.

This drone is probably too big for kids to fly in the home even though it’s lightweight. It’s okay to practice vertical takeoffs and touchdowns indoors but that’s about it—unless you’re highly-skilled.

The Haktoys HAK907C has quite a sophisticated remote controller (included) for an affordable drone. The controls to maneuver this powerful quad include elevator, aileron, throttle, and rudder.

Control Distance & Flight Time for the Haktoys HAK907C

This drone flies up to 91m (300 ft.) from its controller. The other drones we’ve looked at so far could only manage 30m. The maximum flight time of 10 minutes beats all the previous picks too.

It falls short on the battery recharge time, though. At 90 minutes it’s double that of some of the smaller craft. If you want more flight time then invest in one or two extra batteries.

The Verdict

There’s a lot to like with this drone not least because of the recent price drop. If you’re looking for a capable and user-friendly craft for your kid to learn with, look no further than Haktoys HAK907C.

It flies well, comes camera-ready, sports some intuitive controls, and has kid-friendly flight modes.

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Tech Specs
Size: 15.2 x 3.7 x 15.2 cm
Weight: 200g (7.1 oz.)
Recommended age: 14
Flight time: 10 minutes
Flight range: 91m (300 ft.)
Charging time: 90 minutes
Camera type: Built-in 2.0MP HD
Controller type: 2.4G RC
The Pros
Ready to Fly (RTF)
Easy for kids to handle
Excellent value for money
CAM900 camera set & guide
Performs impressive 360° loops
Three flight modes
6-axis gyroscope
Long flight range
Decent flight time
The Cons
Not good in windy conditions
High average charging time

Kid Drone Under $200

The camera drone in this category is mostly for older kids—14 and above. These are great options if you want a more powerful drone that will last longer.

9. Altair #AA108 (Top Pick)

altair-aa108-top-pick-droneView on AmazonEditor’s Rating: 4.7/5.0

The Altair Aerial AA108 is a capable camera quad that’s ideal for kids and advanced pilots. The three flying modes and one-button takeoff and landing get youngsters off to a confident start.

  • Best feature 1: Three flying modes
  • Best feature 2: 120° Wide-Angle 720P Camera
  • Plus points: Smartphone-ready, kid-friendly, easy/safety flight modes, bonus battery & props
  • Minus points: Short flight time, not good in winds over 10mph, no camera stabilization

The Altair Aerial AA108 is a proper camera quad suitable for younger pilots on a mission. It rewards kids with an immersive First Person View (FPV) flying experience. The best part is that newbies can take it easy and learn how to fly this puppy at their chosen pace. You can switch to Mid-level and finally Advanced flying when it’s time to leave Beginner’s mode. That’s three levels in one drone.

Here are some of Altair’s AA108 RC Camera Quad’s impressive flight features:

  • Altitude Hold Function
  • One-touch Take Off & Landing
  • Heading Hold, aka Headless Mode (ideal for kids starting out)
  • FlyingSee App for Apple/Android
  • Custom Flight Routes using the smartphone app
  • Virtual Reality Mode (needs VR Goggles (not included))
  • Real-time First Person View (FPV) video

Why It’s a Great Drone for Kids

The list of features above are things you’d expect to find on much costlier camera quads. This feature-packed drone is an excellent choice for kids because it acts as a training craft. Its flight range is around 300 feet (100 meters) which gives young pilots a decent ride. And there are low battery and out-of-range alarms to make sure they don’t lose their new Aerial AA108.

Your Eye in the Sky

The Aerial AA108 includes a 720P, 120° wide-angle camera that takes good stills and video. The camera lets you see what the drone sees from a smartphone screen. FPV blows young pilots away and gets them excited about flying camera quads. The remote controller has a clamp that holds most regular smartphones in place. By the way, you don’t need a smart device just to fly the AA108.

You do need a smartphone to fly in FPV, though. You also need the phone to draw a flight path for your quad to follow. The smartphone and FlyingSee App by UDI RC add extra features. It’s probably better to fly using only the controller at first. FPV is something best suited for intermediate and advanced flyers. There’s more to experience with this drone as skills develop, and that’s the point.

The Not So Good

It’s hard to find fault with the Altair Aerial AA108 camera drone when comparing it to similar products. The only real bummer—as a learner quad for kids—is the short 8–10-minute max flying time. There is a bonus battery included so that something at least. And battery charging time only takes around 45 minutes when done at room temperature. Another minus is that the drone doesn’t fly well in the wind.

My advice is to avoid winds over 10 mph. You can always fly this lightweight drone indoors if the weather’s bad outside. Just make sure you know how to control it before you do that. The final gripe is that there’s no camera stabilization. The camera’s stills and video footage is good but far from exceptional. Still, we can’t expect cinematic quality for a quadcopter in this price bracket.

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Tech Specs
Size: 9.9 x 9 x 4.1”
Weight: 3 oz. (85g)
Recommended age: 14
Flight time: 8–10 minutes
Flight range: 100m (328 ft.)
Charging time: 45 minutes
Camera type: 120° Wide-Angle 720P
Controller type: 2.4G RC
The Pros
Ideal camera quadcopter for kids
Great value for money
3 experience level flying modes
120° wide-angle 720P camera
First Person View (FPV) capable
Smartphone-ready
Easy/safety flight modes
Bonus battery included
Spare set of props
The Cons
Short flight time
Not good in winds over 10mph
No camera stabilization

10. Parrot Airborne Night MiniDrone

Parrot Airborne Night MiniDroneView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: x/5

This funky-looking flight-ready quadcopter is the Parrot Airborne Night Mini Drone. It’s a fun, futuristic camera quad for kids made for both day and nighttime flying adventures.

The drone has two powerful front-facing LEDs to illuminate the way. You can also adjust the LED sensitivity to suit changing light levels. Other control effects include Blink, Flash, and Wave.

In the box of a Parrot Airborne Night Drone:

  • Airborne Night MiniDrone
  • Flight Battery
  • USB/micro–USB cable
  • 2 Hulls
  • Stickers
  • Quick Start Guide

Flying the Parrot Airborne Night Drone

This small and agile camera quad is super-easy for kids to fly, especially indoors. The Free Mini App gives you full control from a regular smartphone or tablet. It doesn’t take long before young pilots can perform fancy flips and stunts to impress friends. And the durable, shock-resistant build protects the quad against moderate crashes and collisions.

Flight Time and Control Distance

Few toy-grade drones have impressive flight times, this one included. But 9 minutes on a single charge is high average for a model in its class. Better still is the fast 25 minutes charging time. The control range is around 65ft (20m) without obstruction. That’s ideal for a night flyer because it keeps the quad within the line of sight or LOS.

Using the Camera

The drone has an ultra-lightweight built-in VGA (480X640) down-facing mini-camera. Taking aerial photos adds another fun element to this already enjoyable quad. Images save to 1GB flash memory that you can then view later. Note that the camera only takes pictures, not video.

The Verdict

Parrot’s Airborne Night Mini Drone provides lots of fun flying adventures for kids at the entry-level. The bright lights, cool design, stunt capability, and fast charging are sure to keep the young ‘uns happy. It’s a tad expensive, but it’s excellent value all things considered. The major downside is that it’s best suited to indoor flying more so than outside. That’s because of its small size and lightweight.

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Tech Specs
Size: 7.3 x 7.1 x 1.6”
Weight: 63.5g (2.24 oz.)
Recommended age: 8+ years
Flight time: 9 minutes
Flight range: 20m (65ft.)
Charging time: 25 minutes
Camera type: None
Controller type: Phone or tablet
The Pros
Ready-to-fly (RTF)
Attractive blue design
Bright, adjustable LED headlights
Easy to use at the beginner-level
App and phone/tablet control
Flips and stunt capable
Durable crash-resistant build
Fast charging time
Built-in VGA camera (stills only)
The Cons
Short flight time
Doesn’t shoot video
Not good outdoors in a wind


4.4/542 ratings