Best Drones for Under $30

1. TOYK Drone Mini RC

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Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5.0

My first and top pick may surprise you because it’s not a name that everyone knows. But it’s here for good reason. This Mini RC quadcopter gives a lot of people a lot of pleasure for around 25 bucks.

• Best feature 1: 6-Axis gyro stabilization system
• Best feature 2: Headless flight mode makes it easier to master
• Plus points: Easy to control, one-touch takeoff and landing, nice design
• Minus points: Not ideal for outdoor use on blustery days, needs a break between flights

If you want a quality drone for less than 30 bucks this could be it. The TOYK Mini RC quad is a popular seller on Amazon with plenty of glowing user reviews on this little beaut. So what’s all the fuss?

Well, it has 6-axis gyro stabilization. This helps to deliver unshakable stability while this puppy’s in the air. The performance is outstanding for a mini quad at this price. It’s fairly crash resistance and recovers well from sudden moves and fancy stunts. Kids love it, but it’s a popular big boy’s toy as well.

The headless flight mode helps newbie pilots master flying much quicker. You can fly the TOYK Mini in any way you want. Ascent, descend, forward, back, turn, accelerate, it’s all at your control. And yes, you can perform those fancy 360-degree flips too.

The powerful little motors are super-responsive and simple to handle thanks to the intuitive design of the 2.4G remote controller. You can expect up to 8-minutes fun flight time in windless conditions. Charging time takes about one+ hour for the 300mAh Li-Ion battery (carry a spare or two).

The Conclusion

There’s really not much to gripe about with the TOYK Drone Mini RC. Just remember it’s a tiny craft so let it cool down for at least 10 minutes if you have it in the air for the maximum flight time. I’m not comparing it to drones that cost 100s of dollars. I will say it’s a perfect choice—for the price tag.

2. The Amazing GoolRC T100 Mini

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Editor’s Rating: 5.0/5.0

The difference between the GoolRC T100 Mini and the TOYK Mini RC above is its gesture control. Other than that they both offer the same quality and great flying experience but with very different looks.

• Best feature 1: Built-in positioning system for one-key return button
• Best feature 2: Fast 30-minute battery recharging time
• Plus points: Perfect learner drone, gesture control, intuitive remote controller (RC)
• Minus points: The RC can take a while to get used to

As soon as you open the box there’s only one thing you’ll want to do with the GoolRC T100 Mini and that’s fly it. It’s so cute looking too. And although GoolRC aims this little quad at the entry-level I challenge anyone to resist having a go. Being able to use your hands to control and maneuver the craft with a mouse-like controller is pretty unique. It may take some practice but it’s worth the effort.

You’ve got one-key motion control options and of course, a standard 360° (motion-controlled) flip function that pilots like. I love this controller. It has everything at your fingertips. There’s a speed adjustment, turning, 3D flip, height adjustment, auto takeoff/landing, and the power switch.

Expect a control distance of around 20m with the GoolRC T100. With tiny little drones that’s more than enough. A fully-charged 3.7V 280mAh Li-Po battery will give you a maximum flight time of 6-8 minutes. The really good news is that it only takes around 30 minutes to fully recharge the battery.

The Conclusion

If you’re a beginner drone enthusiast the GoolRC T100 RC quad will provide you with hours of enjoyment and plenty of flying practice. It’s also for experienced drone pilots who just want some indoor fun on bad-weather days. This is a beautiful, lightweight copter that’s responsive, cheeky, fun, and affordable. The only thing that might put some folks off is the initial awkwardness of the 2.4G Motion Controller. Other than that it’s all good.

3. Cheerwing Syma X20 Mini Pocket Quadcopter

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Editor’s Rating: 4.2/5.0

You can open your hand and the Cheerwing Syma X20 will sit there quite comfortably. This thing may be small in size but it’s big on features as you’re about to find out.

• Best feature 1: Six-axis gyro quadcopter-rotorcraft flight
• Best feature 2: Altitude hold
• Plus points: Indoor/outdoor flights, bright LEDs for night flying, headless flight mode
• Minus points: Fixed prop guards, 5-minutes flight time per charge

You have a choice of two colors with the little Syma X20 quadcopter, black or white. Its tiny size and light weight make it an ideal first drone to practice with at home. Just be careful the dog doesn’t mistake it for a new fun toy—it happens! It’s a tough little craft and comes equipped with blade protectors but even they won’t protect it from the jaws of Rover.

A new Syma X20 comes with everything you need aside from the batteries for the remote controller. The box contains the quad, the RC, one 180 mAh battery, a spare set of props (nice touch), and a USB charging cable. There’s the user manual of course. You even get a tiny screwdriver in the box.

This is one of the best beginner quads for less than 30 bucks, especially for young pilots. It’s so easy to manipulate from the off. The headless flight mode helps newbies as they don’t have to worry about the orientation of the craft when flying it. One-key takeoff and landing add further to the drone’s simplicity. There are also some colorful LED lights if you fancy taking to the skies after dark.

The control range for the Cheerwing Syma X20 is somewhere in the neighborhood of 20 meters. Even 20 meters is an ambitious distance to travel considering the size of this tiny quadcopter.

The Conclusion

The Syma X20 has a nice design. There’s the comfortable pebble-shaped transmitter with slider controls and lots of friendly flight features. It’s a perfect UAV for beginners and indoor flying enthusiasts. Removing or replacing the prop guards is not easy though. Despite this, I think it’s a minor gripe for a competent little drone that cost less than $30.

4. JJRC H36 Mini Quad

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Editor’s Rating: 3.8/5.0

The JJRC H36 Mini Quadcopter is one of the more inexpensive drones in this review. So what can you expect for a cheap quad that doesn’t even break the 20 dollar price tag? Okay… let’s find out.

• Best feature 1: 6-axis gyroscope for enhanced control at higher speeds
• Best feature 2: Headless mode for easier flying
• Plus points: Affordable, fast, smooth flyer, user-friendly
• Minus points: Tiny size, transmitter

This is another of Amazon’s popular mini drones and it’s not just about the price. Plenty of users have taken the time to rate this little puppy and the feedback’s mostly favorable.

As for the appearance, well… you could say it appears a tad awkward though looks—in this case—are deceptive. And its added protection makes is safer for children to use than some of the other models. The JJRC H36 is an exceptional flying robot for the money.

What we have here is a crash-resistant mini quad despite its minuteness and low price tag. It can take more knocks than drones that cost far more. You’ll be executing 3D flips with the simple touch of a button in no time. You might want to practice outdoors first but remember this is an incredibly lightweight drone. In windy conditions, there’s always a chance that a gust will carry your quad away.

The longest you can expect to stay in the air is 7-minutes on a fully charged battery. The recharging can take as little as 30 minutes to an hour depending on the power source. The control range is around 30m which is crazy for such a tiny model. My advice is to always make sure it’s in your line of sight.

The Conclusion

For less than $20 the JJRC H36 Mini Quad has it all. The ducted motors for added protection can take heaps of abuse. The crash resistance of the H36 is impressive to say the least. And the no-nonsense controller does exactly what it should, though it can be a bit awkward for bigger hands to operate.

5. TheeFun TX4 Quadcopter

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Editor’s Rating: 3.6/5.0

Sometimes we just want an inexpensive drone to practice our piloting skills. Others want a simple craft as an introduction to flying consumer UAVs. So does the TheeFun TX4 Quadcopter fit the bill?

• Best feature 1: Precision 6-axis Gyro stabilization for added stability
• Best feature 2: High Quality and Sturdy HBS Body
• Plus points: Handles really well, short battery recharge time
• Minus points: Challenging at first for the newbie

This is a robust, crash-resistant drone (see below) for the money. Having a robust design has to be one of the deciding factors when shopping for cheap drones. After all, it’s not so cheap if you have to replace the craft or its parts with every little collision.

Consider the TX4 if you like the idea of having different high/low speed rates to practice with. There’s also a protective mainframe (circle) that does an amazing job of shielding the quad when it does crash. It may look flimsy but it works a treat. There are even an extra frame and a spare set of props with a new product—just in case.

This is an unusual looking quad compared to some. It’s still a fun toy or practice drone that provides plenty of power and nice controls. The TheeFun TX4 sports a headless mode like most other models in this guide. It’s a useful feature for anyone but especially beginners.

It’s easy to maneuver the TX4 in the air and perform sharp turns and flips once you get the hang of it. I’d go as far to say that it flies better than some of the costlier larger machines. You can expect a maximum flight time of around 8-minutes and a quick battery recharging time of just 30+ minutes.

The Conclusion

I’m supposed to find a few faults when I review any products but I’m hard-pushed in this case. At just under 30 bucks it’s the most expensive drone in this guide. And it may take a little getting used to when compared to some of the others on the page. But all in all, you get a lot more than you pay for.

6. Syma X11 RC Quad Drone

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Editor’s Rating: 4.0/5.0

If ever there was a drone designed specifically for the beginner it has to be the Syma X11 RC. Syma is currently one of the largest producers of consumer drones. That fact alone speaks volumes.

• Best feature 1: Two speed modes
• Best feature 2: 6-axis stabilization ensures smooth flights
• Plus points: Performs intricate stunts, fast recharging time, indoor/outdoor flying
• Minus points: Not very wind resistant, cheap plastic construction

What you get with the Syma X11 RC is a low-cost high-quality quad. By quality, I mean the design, brushless motors, flight performance, and user-friendly features. There’s not much quality going on with the cheap plastics used in the construction. Don’t let that put you off too much. After all, this craft only costs about 26 bucks and it gives any beginner heaps of fun and flying experience.

I’d say the Syma X11 RC is probably the best all-beginner drone available right now. It’s light, easy to fly, does some fancy maneuvers, and looks great in the air. It also comes with prop guards to protect it against those inevitable crashes. So despite those cheap plastic materials, the X11 is still a crash-resistant little drone. Heck, there’s even a spare set of propellers just in case.

If I was to find any criticism with this drone it would be the absence of a headless mode. If it had that it would be the undisputed beginner craft rather than one of the best learner drones available. Then again, not having a headless mode is not all bad. It makes the user concentrate more and thus become a better pilot because of it.

You’ll get 8-minutes flight time in ideal conditions, and the battery recharges in just 40 minutes. If you’ve flown quadcopters before—or read about them—you’ll know that the recharging time here is impressive. Warning! Always let the craft cool down for a few minutes between flights.

The Conclusion

The remote controller is basic but gets the job done. It gives you around 40m flight range and feels okay in the hands. The drone is remarkable for the price and the reason it’s an Amazon’s Choice product. It’s a smooth flyer and performs fancy 360-degree evasions, flips, and impressive rolls.

7. EACHINE Mini E010 UFO Quadcopter

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Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5.0

The EACHINE Mini E010 is a RC toy drone that delights all who fly it. It comes with a ducted fan design much like the JJRC H36 Mini or the more costly Tiny Whoop. It’s also an Amazon Best Seller.

• Best feature 1: Stable self-level mode
• Best feature 2: Practically indestructible
• Plus points: Built-in positioning system, new 3D rolling special effects, compass mode
• Minus points: Tiny transmitter too small for some hands, not very wind-resistant

The first thing to point out about the EACHINE Mini E010 UFO Quadcopter is that it’s almost indestructible. That makes it a great gift for kids just learning how to use a drone indoors. And spare parts are easily obtainable if something does break. There are even four spare props in the box.

I don’t know how EACHINE can offer so much for so little. This is, after all, one of the cheaper quads in this price category. For the money, you get two speed ranges, headless mode, and lots of fancy flying features. And the colorful LED lights make flying at night a fun experience.

Here’s the range of flight control options at a glance:

• Up / down / left turn / right turn / forward / back
• Left side fly / right side fly
• Speed file / 360° flip
• One key return
• Duel speed rates
• Stable self-level mode
• Memory function
• Compass mode

The compass mode is a great addition for learner pilots. It works by changing the drone’s flight direction simply by changing the direction of the remote controller (RC). The only problem I have with the RC is that it’s tiny so bigger hands could find it awkward to use. The thumbsticks are especially short. Other than that, the controls are fairly intuitive and laid out well.

The maximum flight time of 5-minutes is average for a cheap drone. The battery recharge time is below average at just 30-50 minutes depending on the power source used. The flight range for the Mini E010 UFO is around 30 meters (98 ft.) which is more than enough for a tiny craft.

The Conclusion

It might not be as user-friendly as the Syma X11 RC above, but it certainly packs in a lot of value for a low-cost drone. The biggest features have to be the compass mode and one-key return from a beginner perspective. But this is a craft that operates well and offers fun for all who fly her.

8. Eachine H8 Mini Drone

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Editor’s Rating: 3.7/5.0

Here we are again with yet another affordable drone from Eachine. This time it’s their H8 Mini ready-to-fly (RTF) costing a little over 20 bucks at the time of writing this review.

• Best feature 1: 40% and 100% flight speeds
• Best feature 2: Lightweight durable airframe
• Plus points: 6-axis gyro for added stability, headless mode, battery protection
• Minus points: No extra blades with product

The Eachine H8 Mini RC Quadcopter has all the features of most other drones in this guide. There’s a thin line between my top picks as they all offer exceptional value for money. Choosing one is as much to do with personal preference as anything else.

The remote controller (RC) that comes with the Eachine H8 Mini is also small but it’s not as fiddly as the Mini E010 above. Another nice touch with the RC is that you can swap the stick tops with something taller. That makes handling it much easier for users with larger hands.

The headless mode is an increasingly familiar feature with these smaller crafts. It means there’s no need to adjust the position of the drone before flying it. This makes operating the quad a lot easier for newbie pilots. The one-key return feature is another nice touch that you don’t see on every model.

The Eachine H8 Mini is a stable flyer and easy to control. The two speeds of 40% and 100% are welcome modes. The slower one gives you more time to practice and build confidence. Once in the air, you can exploit all the usual fancy moves. You’ve got sideward flying and 360° rolls to name a couple.

The Eachine H8 Mini Drone will give you around 7-minutes of flight on a fully-charged battery. Recharge time is an impressive 40 minutes or less. The control range is 30 meters. Mind you, I wouldn’t send this tiny craft too far out or it’ll end up the size of an insect. For night flying you’ve got the four colorful LED lights to guide you, but it’s still wise to keep the craft close by.

The Conclusion

The Eachine H8 Mini is another of my tiny quad picks that’s perfect for the entry-level pilot. It’s also one of the most affordable quadcopters on sale today. Not all drones out there offer so much for so little. That’s why the H8 has made the eighth place in this under $30 guide. And if you’re ready for a cheap drone with a camera, well, there’s always the Eachine H8C Mini 2MP for an extra 15 bucks.

9. Cheerson CX-10 RC Quadcopter

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Editor’s Rating: 3.9/5.0

The Cheerson CX-10 is a nano (very small) recreational quadcopter. It helped to boost the popularity of low-cost tiny drones. Let’s take a look at what it has to offer and why it’s in this guide.

• Best feature 1: 3-level adjustable speed flip function
• Best feature 2: Intuitive remote controller
• Plus points: Perfect beginner drone, short recharge time, fast and durable craft
• Minus points: Propeller guards an optional extra cost, flimsy blades, not good in wind

I’m not sure if the Cheerson CX-10 is the smallest drone out there. If it’s not it’s close to it. Don’t let the tiny size deter you. This is a fun craft that’s perfect for developing flying skills indoors. You can fly it outside but take heed. It’s easy to lose because of its tiny size. I’m serious. A sudden gust of wind could whip it away forever. It happens! This is ideally an indoor craft.

Despite weighing little more than 8-grams the CX-10 quad is powerful—for its size—and highly versatile. When I first took to the air I couldn’t believe just how versatile it was. The intuitive remote control (RC) gives plenty of freedom and control to perform some pretty nifty tight flips.

The controller was another nice surprise. It has the usual power button, a couple of analog sticks and sensitivity adjusters. You’ve also got three flight modes to choose from depending on experience:

1. Beginner mode
2. Intermediate mode
3. Advanced mode.

I did find that takeoffs were smoother in advanced mode. If you’re still learning you can use this mode for takeoff-only, and then switch back to the intermediate or beginner mode. It’s all very simple. Anyone who’s familiar using a PlayStation will get to grips with the CX-10 in minutes.

The maximum flight time is a little under 8-minutes which beats a lot of the competition. The control distance is also impressive at around 40 meters. My advice, however, would be to keep the CX-10 much closer than that if you fly it outdoors. Seriously, it’s as easy to lose in foliage as a small coin.

The Conclusion

This nano drone is an amazing flying robot overall. At around $16 you’re gonna love the Cheerson CX-10. Think fun, fast, durable, and intuitive flight modes. My only gripe is that the blades are a bit flimsy and you have to pay extra for protective guards. That’s the bad news. The good news is that four sets of propellers and a couple of propeller protective guards shouldn’t cost much more than $6.

10. Blomiky DM003 | Headless 3D-Roll Drone

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Editor’s Rating: 3.7/5.0

The last quadcopter in my under $30 guide is the Blomiky DM003.

• Best feature 1: Sports the Latest 6 axis flight control with variable gyro-sensitivity
• Best feature 2: Long 10 minute maximum flight time
• Plus points: Lightweight frame, durable, steady flyer, coreless motors
• Minus points: Fairly long battery recharge time, not as well-known as other brands

The Blomiky DM003 isn’t as well-known or as well-rated as the other drones in this guide. It still has a lot to offer, though, hence getting a slot at the end of this review page.

It’s a stable and capable flyer that’s easy for beginners to master. It also offers plenty of agility and speed for more experienced pilots. The powerful motors make it one of the better drones for outdoor use. It also has a durable build making it crash resistant.

The maximum 10 minutes flight time is the most impressive of all the drones here. The 90-minute battery recharge time is the least impressive, though. I wasn’t able to find the control range from an authoritative source but it’s thought to be in the region of 100 meters.

The Conclusion

The Blomiky DM003 sports headless mode and enjoys all the usual flight functions & features as other models on this page. Being one of the heavier crafts makes it more suitable for outdoor use than some of the tiny lightweight UAVs. It’s good looking quadcopter and a decent performer for around $26.