10 Best Quadcopters of 2019

1. Holy Stone F181

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Editor’s Rating: 4.2/5.0

One of the best quadcopters under $100 with a HD camera is the Holy Stone F181. It’s black in appearance and has a protective barrier around each of the 4 rotors. It comes packed with a myriad of features that makes this one of the best value deals.

Included is 720p HD camera, which can be used to take good quality videos and pictures. You can record an event you’re having such as a pool party or sports game. The camera is clear enough to provide superb detail.

Additionally, you’ll receive a 4GB Micro SD card to store the data. You can upgrade to SD cards with higher data storage capacity, but it’s nice knowing you having something to work with from day 1.

The 6-axis Gyro Technology with altitude hold function is impressive. It can stay at the desired altitude in a stable manner. This is perfect for getting accurate video shots without unwanted vibrations. Also the function allows flips and rolls to be executed by the press of the button. Therefore, you can be a bigger quadcopter pilot yet execute a number of advanced flying manoeuvres.

There are 4 flying speed modes, which accommodates beginners and experts alike. If you’re just starting out one of the slower modes gives you room to learn. However, if you just want to get the quadcopter in the air as fast as possible the fastest flying mode is ideal.

The Conclusion

The Holy Stone F181 quadcopter is one of the best budget options on the market. The combination of a 720p camera, 4GB Micro SD card, 4 speed modes, and advanced automated flying manoeuvres means there is a lot of value.

2. Hubsan X4 Quadcopter with FPV Camera

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Editor’s Rating: 4.3/5.0

For beginner quadcopter pilots that need to learn how to fly with a budget model the Hubsan X4 is the ideal option. It’s priced at around $65 and small in size. These two factors means you can easily fly it around your home or garden without worrying about damaging an expensive piece of kit.

The lightweight design is actually quite durable. It can take a lot of damage before signs of wear and tear begin to show. As with most lightweight aerial remote control quadcopters the impact upon crashing is not as severe because of the low weight. The biggest weakness of a quadcopter is the rotor blades. However, they come equipped with a protection cover to reduce the chances of damage.

One of the standout features of the Hubsan X4 quadcopter is the controller which comes with a POV LCD screen. This allows you to control the quadcopter without looking at it. Instead you can use the LCD to navigate the quadcopter. The added benefit of this is flying to areas that are out of sight

The 6-axis flight control system is beginner friendly. It’s designed in mind with first time quadcopter pilots. Also the stability of the flight is great. You won’t find yourself constantly fine tuning the controls in order to position the quadcopter as desired.

A 480p camera is included, which isn’t the best when compared with other entries on this list of top quadcopters. However, at the budget price point the Hubsan X4 the camera is adequate.

The Conclusion

The Hubsan X4 is the purchase to make if you’re trying to learn the art of flying quadcopters at a budget price point. The combination of a POV controller and beginner friendly flight stability means this is perfect as your first quadcopter.

3. Syma X5C

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Editor’s Rating: 3.9/5.0

Another competitively priced quadcopter that’s ideal for the beginner pilot is the Syma X5C. It’s a small white quadcopter that’s around the $40 price mark. The different features and camera on this Syma model makes it one of the best value to cost propositions in the marketplace.

You don’t have to go outdoors to use this quadcopter as the small size makes it suitable for indoors. It’s also easy to setup, especially if you’ve handled other RC quadcopters before. The learning curve for learning to fly the Syma X5C is not steep. At first you may need to get used to controls, but you’ll quickly get the hang of it.

The remote control functions on the 2.4Ghz frequency and has included anti-interference. You’ll find a small LCD screen on the controller that displays info about the flight of the quadcopter. This provides information such as the speed, height, and battery life.

The build quality of the Syma X5C is excellent for a budget RC quadcopter. It’s made out of hard plastic that can absorb light collision without damage. Also the plastic will not scratch easily, which means the new look will remain for some time to come.

In the package you’ll receive protective guards for the 4 rotors. It’s especially important for beginners to equip these. Otherwise you’ll risk damaging the most vulnerable part of the quadcopter. However, replacement parts can easily be bought from a number of online vendors.

Included is a USB charger and 3.7V 500 Mah Li-Poly batteries. However, because of the short 7 minutes flying time you should invest in additional batteries. This means you’ll get more flying time when making the trip to the local park.

The Conclusion

The Syma X5C provides excellent value for the small investment of around $40. The combination of a sturdy build, HD camera, and well-designed remote control means you’re getting fantastic quadcopter.

4. UDI U818A (Best Budget)

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Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5.0

One of the cheapest quadcopters on the market that doesn’t sacrifice on the quality is the UDI U818A. It’s black and comes setup ready to go. If you’re looking for a quadcopter that can be used to learn how to fly, then the UDI U818A is a choice that’s budget friendly.

Equipped is a 640×480 camera, which doesn’t provide the best detail on the market. However, at the budget price point you really can’t complain. It can be used to take videos and photos just like any other quadcopter on this list.

Included you’ll have access to functions like 360 degree flips and rolls by pressing a single button. Therefore, you do not have to be an experienced quadcopter pilot to show of some cool manoeuvers to your friends.

The build is plastic, but don’t expect it to break down after a few crashes. The lightweight nature of the quadcopter and hard plastic means it can take a beating.Also the protection around the rotor area is adequate enough to prevent one of the rotors from breaking quickly. The downside of the lightweight nature means it doesn’t have the feel of the weight during flight.

The 2.4Ghz remote control is rather basic, but to be expected at this price point. There is a small LCD screen that displays information about the flight of the drone in real-time. This information can be used to improve the way you handle the UDI U818A in the air.

The Conclusion

The UDI U818A is an excellent choice if you want to spend the least amount of money yet have access to the important features. This includes a camera and ability to execute advanced manoeuvres via the press of a single button. At this price point you’re unlikely to find anything that’s going to beat it.

5. DJI Phantom 3 Standard

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Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5.0

For under $500 one of the best options you can buy is the DJI Phantom 3 Standard. The combination of a 2.7K video camera and 12MP photo capture ability makes this quadcopter a dream for content creators. It even comes with a number of features that allows piloting the DJI Phantom 3 a straightforward process.

One of the standout features for easy flying is the GPS. The GPS assisted flight means you can input the flying instructions and the drone will automatically position itself via GPS. Therefore, you’ll be able to concentrate on the content production with a higher degree of attention.

A clever feature is to turn your smartphone into an LCD screen that can be used to aid the flying process. There is an attachment that can hold the phone, and the connectivity is via an app. The app can be downloaded free of charge and is compatible with the Apple and Android platforms.

There is also feature that allows the remote control drone to return to you at the press of a button. This is excellent if the quadcopter is out of view or you simply want it to return as fast as possible. Once you get the hang of the controls you’ll realize how stable the quadcopter is.

In total you’ll have around 25 minutes of flying time, which is great for most applications. You can invest in additional batteries to get more flying time per trip. A 8GB micro SD is included in the package. Therefore, you can still record video and photos from day 1. However, if you’re interested in more storage space then buy solutions with higher levels of data capacity.

The Conclusion

The DJI Phantom 3 Standard is one of the best options right now under $500. The mix of a superb camera, GPS aided navigation, and durable design is implemented well. The design visually oozes of class. It’s not the most sophisticated of designs, but the premium touch means you can expect high-performance

6. DJI Spark

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Editor’s Rating: 4.3/5.0

If you need a portable quadcopter that has plenty of impressive features at a reasonable price, then the DJI Spark is worthy of your consideration. The myriad of clever features makes this quadcopter easy to use and deliver excellent performance.

The small size of 2.2 x 5.6 x 5.6 inches allows it to be easily transported to the area of use. It’s the best quadcopter out there at this small size and in the similar price bracket. As an added benefit a fewer number of people are going to notice the drone in the air.

The take-off feature is one of the cool aspects of the DJI Spark. The drone recognizes your face and takes off automatically. It hovers right away and waits for your instructions. All this can be done within seconds from turning it on. However, it is recommended that the rotor guards are used when this feature is activated.

The TapFly functionality is another cool feature you will not get enough of. You can download an app to sync the drone up with your smartphone. Then on the smartphone screen you can tap in the direction you want the drone to fly and it will respond. This makes it extremely easy for novice drone pilots to handle this product.

Included is 1080p camera which is good enough for most applications. The camera performs at 12MP level, which is competitive with quadcopters at twice the price point. From a media creation point of view this drone performs above expectations. For example, the deep learning gesture recognition learns your hand gestures to identify when a selfie should be taken.

The Conclusion

The DJI Spark is one of the best micro sized quadcopters you can buy today. The video and photo capture options allows a high-degree of creativity to be established. The camera is only 1080p, but for the price it’s great value. Also you’ll appreciate the quick launch feature. It lets you get going within just seconds.

7. Parrot Bebop 2 FPV (Best Value)

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Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5.0

The Parrot Bebop 2 is a great experience because of the inclusion of goggles. If you’ve never tried handling a quadcopter via a pair of goggles then you’re in for a surprise. The experience is unique and plenty of fun. However, at the price point of just under $500 is it worth the cost?

The package includes a camera capable of shooting 1080p video and taking photos at 14MP. The latter is competitive, and an improvement over the 12MP that’s expected with competitors in the marketplace. Furthermore, the data can be captured in DNG, JPEG, and RAW.

The 2700mAh battery allows for up to 25 minutes of flight time, but this does depend on the type of manoeuvres you’re executing. The intuitive controller uses a two analogue design that won’t take too long to get the hang of.

The size of this drone isn’t too big at 3.5 x 12.9 x 12.9 inches. Therefore, you can take it out and about ready to shoot footage in a number of locations. You can even take it on vacation for some memorable video capture.

The control range is up to a staggering 1.2 miles. This is more than enough for most users, and gives you the freedom to explore the local area without constant relocation. Don’t worry about the quadcopter flying out of reach. The return home button orders the quadcopter to fly back to the starting location automatically.

Additionally, the FreeFlight Pro app is an excellent way to control the drone by using your smartphone. It’s free to download and the setup process is explained within the app.

The Conclusion

The Parrot Bebop 2 FPV is an innovative quadcopter that allows goggles to be used when piloting. You can tune out the world around you in order to navigate your local area from the skies. With an extended range of 1.2 miles you’re not going to feel restricted.

8. DJI Mavic Pro (Top Pick)

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Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5.0

The DJI Mavic Pro is a superb choice if you’re in a need of a fast quadcopter capable of true 4K video capture. This is a tool for professionals and drone hobbyists alike. The level of craftsmanship makes this one of the more advanced quadcopters on this list.

The control range is a staggering 7km of range, which means you can explore a very big area around you. The battery life allows the quadcopter to fly for 27 minutes per charge, which is more than most other entries on this list.

Portability is a big consideration for this brand and the DJI Mavic Pro doesn’t disappoint. It can be folded up so that in size it’s not bigger than a single bottle of water. Therefore, it is the perfect quadcopter for travelling.

Don’t be worried about the quadcopter colliding with obstacles when it is out of sight. The included obstacle avoidance feature ensures that it will fly around obstacles such as lamppost and trees. Furthermore, the quadcopter has GPS features which allows it to be positioned accurately. If you’re concentrating on video shooting then flying the drone itself is the last thing you want to be thinking about.

You’ll need to install a beefy micro SD storage card to handle the 4K video footage. The recordings can be used to take holiday shots or even record the events of your wedding. If you’re an artistic content creator then this quadcopter gives you a lot of freedom to realize your vision.

The Conclusion

The DJI Mavic Pro is a choice for the experienced quadcopter pilot. Priced at just under $1,000 this model offers extreme range, 4K video capture, and GPS navigation. It would be a dream purchase for any quadcopter hobbyist that’s looking to get model packed full of useful features.

9. DJI Phantom 4

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Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5.0

The DJI Phantom 4 is a noteworthy improvement over the DJI Phantom 3 series of quadcopters. The design at first glance looks similar, but under the hood there are a lot of differences. The implementation of the features here ensures smooth content creation no matter what surroundings you’re in.

The intelligent flight support systems work with a dual positioning satellite to accurately figure out the terrain around you. The result is a safer and more reliable flight. Therefore, you can concentrate on the fun and content creation.

The sturdy design of the DJI Phantom 4 camera means you can take professional grade videos and images. 4K video capture at 30fps and 1080p at 120fps is possible. The footage will be impressive and it justifies the premium price point of this quadcopter.

The intelligent flying features of the DJI Phantom 4 means the experience can be hands-off. For instance, the seamless tracking shots can be used to fixate on an object and follow it while shooting. It can also fly around objects to avoid collisions. It’s one of the most intelligent flying cameras in the sky.

The top speed of the flight is at 45mph, which means you’ll need to be experienced to handle such speeds. Also the 3 axis frame camera stabilization means the camera will not move during abrupt changes in speed and direction. Therefore, you can rely on the quality of the videos to be stutter-free.

The Conclusion

The DJI Phantom 4 is one of the best drones that money can buy at under $1,000. You’ll love the array of intelligent flight features and quality of the video. If you’re a seasoned content producer who has prior experience with flying drones, then the DJI Phantom 4 is for you.

10. YUNEEC Q500

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Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5.0

A drone that is dubbed as for intermediates is the YUNEEC Q500. It’s black in appearance and comes factory tested ready to fly. For transportation an aluminium trolley is included in the price. The YUNEEC Q500 is a choice for the content creator that’s already had some hands-on experience with quadcopters in the past.

The stability of the camera remains during fast movements via the 3 axis gimballing mechanism. Also when there are light gusts of wind the auto-correcting nature of the drone allows it to remain level. Consequently, the video that you shoot will have a more professional feel to it.

The 4K video can be taken at 30fps and the 1080p can be taken at 120fps. Slow motion video is also available to vary up the type of content you’re creating. The no-distortion lens is capable of 12MP shots that get a lot of detail. A memory card is also included.

The controller has a built-in touchscreen, which gives you more options to fly the YUNEEC Q500 the way that suits you best. However, sticking to the controller frees up the screen for flight related information to be displayed.

The Conclusion

The YUNEEC Q500 is a great choice for experienced hobbyists and professional content creators. The combination of a high quality camera and advanced flying features means the overall package justifies the expensive price. Just make sure you have prior quadcopter flying experience before taking this on.