Drones are no longer limited to tech enthusiasts or professionals. Thanks to rapid innovation and falling prices, drones have become more accessible to beginners interested in aerial photography, travel footage, or simply learning to fly.
Whether you’re looking to capture stunning vacation videos, improve your piloting skills, or explore a new hobby, there are excellent entry-level drones under $500 that balance affordability, features, and ease of use.
The ideal beginner drone should be easy to fly, durable, and equipped with basic safety features like return-to-home, GPS stabilization, and obstacle avoidance. In this guide, we’ll explore the best drones under $500 that check those boxes—and even offer more.
1. DJI Mini 2 SE – The Best All-Around Beginner Drone
Price: Around $339
Camera: 12MP photos, 2.7K video
Flight Time: Up to 31 minutes
Weight: 249g (no FAA registration required in the U.S.)
Why it’s great for beginners:
The DJI Mini 2 SE offers a premium flying experience at an entry-level price. It’s ultra-lightweight, easy to set up, and incredibly stable in flight. Thanks to GPS and altitude hold, even first-time pilots can maintain steady flight and capture smooth footage.
Key features:
-
Return-to-home function for lost signal or low battery
-
QuickShots for automated cinematic shots
-
Compatible with DJI Fly app for intuitive controls
-
10km HD video transmission (OcuSync 2.0)
This drone is a favorite for beginners who want a reliable, high-quality drone without overspending.
2. Ryze Tech Tello (Powered by DJI) – Best for Indoor Flight & Learning
Price: Around $100
Camera: 5MP photos, 720p video
Flight Time: 13 minutes
Weight: 80g
Why it’s great for beginners:
The Ryze Tello is perfect for learning the ropes without worrying about crashing an expensive drone. Lightweight and durable, it’s ideal for indoor flights and small outdoor spaces.
Key features:
-
Easy takeoff and landing with one-touch buttons
-
Electronic image stabilization
-
Fun flight tricks like flips and bounce mode
-
Programmable with Scratch (STEM education friendly)
Though it lacks GPS and advanced camera quality, the Tello is an excellent starter drone for kids, teens, and adults who want hands-on practice at a budget-friendly price.
3. Holy Stone HS720E – Best GPS Drone Under $500
Price: Around $350
Camera: 4K EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization)
Flight Time: 23 minutes (x2 batteries included)
Weight: 495g
Why it’s great for beginners:
The Holy Stone HS720E is packed with features usually found in pricier drones, making it a top pick for new flyers who want value and performance. It includes GPS-assisted flight and a return-to-home function for peace of mind.
Key features:
-
Brushless motors for quiet, powerful flight
-
5GHz FPV transmission
-
Follow Me and Custom Path modes
-
Foldable design for portability
This drone is an excellent choice if you want something more advanced than a toy drone but still well below the $500 mark.
4. Potensic Atom SE – A Lightweight DJI Mini Alternative
Price: Around $300
Camera: 4K video, 12MP stills
Flight Time: Up to 31 minutes
Weight: 249g
Why it’s great for beginners:
Potensic’s Atom SE closely rivals DJI’s Mini 2 SE, both in weight and features. It’s ideal for travel and doesn’t require FAA registration in most regions. Its Fly More Combo includes a carrying case and extra batteries—perfect for long outdoor sessions.
Key features:
-
GPS and GLONASS positioning for steady flight
-
Return-to-home and lost signal protection
-
Beginner flight modes and smart follow
-
Voice prompts and clear app interface
With 4K video and a sub-250g weight, the Atom SE stands out in both portability and performance.
5. DEERC D20 Mini Drone – Best Toy Drone for Total Beginners
Price: Around $60
Camera: 720p HD
Flight Time: 10 minutes per battery (comes with 2)
Weight: Under 100g
Why it’s great for beginners:
If you’re just testing the waters and want a no-risk drone to learn with, the DEERC D20 is a playful yet functional option. It’s perfect for younger users or anyone who wants to fly indoors or in a backyard.
Key features:
-
One-button takeoff/landing
-
Altitude hold and headless mode
-
Gesture controls and voice commands
-
Compact, foldable design
It doesn’t offer advanced features or camera quality, but it’s incredibly easy to fly and durable enough to withstand beginner mistakes.
6. Snaptain SP7100 – A Strong Underdog
Price: Around $230
Camera: 4K video (interpolated), 2.7K native
Flight Time: Up to 26 minutes
Weight: 500g
Why it’s great for beginners:
The Snaptain SP7100 comes with GPS stabilization and intelligent flight modes such as Waypoint and Orbit. It also offers impressive battery life and brushless motors for smooth, reliable flight.
Key features:
-
GPS-assisted auto return
-
5G WiFi real-time transmission
-
Foldable, travel-ready design
-
Comes with carrying case and spare parts
Though not as polished as DJI’s offerings, the SP7100 delivers a good mix of features and ease-of-use at a great price.
Snaptain SP7100Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Beginner Drone
Buying your first drone can be exciting but overwhelming. With so many models and features to consider, the most important thing is to find a drone that matches your purpose, skill level, and budget. Here are a few quick tips for choosing the right beginner drone:
🔹 Start with GPS if you want smoother flight.
GPS stabilization makes a huge difference in flight control and safety. It’s especially helpful for new pilots who aren’t confident in manual flying.
🔹 Consider your camera needs.
If you’re mainly flying for fun, a basic 720p or 1080p camera is fine. But if you’re interested in aerial photography or content creation, look for 2.7K or 4K resolution.
🔹 Don’t overlook flight time.
Drones with under 10 minutes of flight time can quickly get frustrating. Try to find models with at least 20 minutes per battery and consider getting extra batteries for extended flying.
🔹 App support and interface matter.
User-friendly apps with tutorials, intuitive controls, and quick troubleshooting are key for beginners. DJI Fly and PotensicPro are standout examples.
🔹 Weight and regulations.
Drones under 250g (like the DJI Mini 2 SE and Potensic Atom SE) don’t require FAA registration for recreational flying in the U.S.—a major plus for newcomers.
Whether you’re looking to get cinematic vacation footage or simply have fun flying, the drones listed above represent the best beginner-friendly options under $500. With the right model, you’ll learn faster, fly safer, and enjoy the sky more than ever.
