Best Drones For Under $300: Top Affordable Picks in 2023

As a technology enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for the latest gadgets and advancements.

Drones have taken the world by storm in recent years, offering a unique way to capture stunning aerial shots and provide a thrilling flying experience.

One might assume that quality drones come with a hefty price tag, but there are affordable options for those looking to jump into the world of drones without breaking the bank.

For less than $300, you can find a variety of drones that offer user-friendly controls, impressive camera quality, and decent flight times.

These budget-friendly options are perfect for beginners or individuals simply looking to dabble in the drone hobby without making a substantial investment.

As the demand for affordable drones continues to grow, so does the quality and diversity of these budget models.

When selecting the best drone for your needs, it’s essential to consider critical factors like battery life, control range, camera quality, and stability during flight.

These aspects will contribute to the overall enjoyment and usefulness of the drone, ensuring that you get the most value out of your purchase.

It’s also crucial to take note of the learning curve associated with flying a drone and whether any additional features, such as obstacle avoidance, are included to aid new pilots.

In order to assist you in finding the perfect drone within this budget, I have thoroughly researched and tested various options available on the market.

By considering aspects like performance, ease of use, and customer satisfaction, I have compiled a list of the best drones available for under $300 that will help you capture those incredible aerial shots and enjoy a thrilling flight experience.

Best Drones For Under $300

Here’s my carefully curated list of the top drones available for under $300.

REC S550 DIY Hexacopter Drone Development Kit

The REC S550 Hexacopter is perfect for those seeking a hands-on learning experience and a quality drone for under $300.

Pros

• Ideal for DIY enthusiasts
• Comprehensive development kit
• Carbon fiber and glass fiber materials provide durability

Cons

• Not suitable for beginners
• Assembly required
• Propellers not included

As someone who loves learning by doing, the REC S550 DIY Hexacopter Drone Development kit gave me the perfect chance to delve into the world of drones.

The kit comes with everything necessary to build the hexacopter, including a Pixhawk 2.4.8 flight controller, a 16GB SD card, and various cables and connectors.

One thing I appreciated about this kit was the quality of the materials.

The carbon fiber and glass fiber components ensured that the drone was sturdy and durable once assembled.

The brushless motors provided smooth and reliable operation.

I also enjoyed the fact that the kit came with a shock absorber, which helped protect sensitive electronics from any rough landings.

However, it’s important to note that this kit isn’t ideal for beginners.

You need to have some knowledge about drones and how they work in order to successfully assemble and operate this hexacopter.

The kit does not include propellers, so you’ll need to purchase them separately.

I’d recommend the REC S550 DIY Hexacopter Drone Development kit to anyone looking for a hands-on experience and a quality drone under $300.

Ruko F11PRO Drone with 4K Camera

The Ruko F11PRO is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly drone with a 4K camera, impressive flight time, and easy operation.

Pros

• 60 minutes of total flight time with two included batteries
• Remarkable 4K UHD camera for stunning clarity and vivid colors
• Beginner-friendly settings and GPS features for stress-free flying

Cons

• Limited customer support and repair options in some countries
• Photo and video output may be unsatisfactory for some users
• Aluminum alloy casing, while durable, can add extra weight

After trying the Ruko F11PRO drone for myself, I found it extremely easy to set up and fly, thanks to the beginner settings and helpful guidebook provided.

I genuinely appreciate the long 60-minute flight time, allowing for more opportunities to capture eye-catching aerial footage.

The 4K UHD camera did not disappoint either, as it captured outstandingly clear images and videos.

With 120° FOV lens and 90° adjustable camera, I was able to experiment with a variety of angles during my flights.

The drone’s built-in GPS features also added an extra layer of safety, making me feel more confident while in the air.

However, it’s worth noting that while the aluminum casing of the drone is designed for durability, it may contribute to the drone being slightly heavier than other models.

Some users have reported limited repair options for this drone in certain countries, which could be a concern for those who may need support or maintenance.

I would highly recommend the Ruko F11PRO as a fantastic drone for anyone looking to enjoy the thrill of aerial photography without breaking the bank.

Holy Stone HS720E GPS Drone with 4K EIS Camera

I recommend this drone for those seeking a high-quality, user-friendly option under $300, thanks to its great camera and ease of use.

Pros

• Superior image quality with 4K EIS camera
• Stable hovering and GPS location
• Advanced flight modes for creative users

Cons

• Slightly heavier than other models
• May struggle in low light conditions
• Maximum flight time of 46 minutes with two batteries

After flying the Holy Stone HS720E GPS drone, I was impressed by its 4K EIS Anti-Shake camera utilizing a Sony sensor, which delivers stunning and stable images.

The electric image stabilization technology greatly reduced blurring in my videos, even during windy conditions.

I appreciated this drone’s ease of use.

The air optical flow and air pressure altitude control systems allowed the drone to hover stably both indoors and outdoors.

The GPS location feature and auto-return to home function provided extra assurance that I wouldn’t lose my drone during flights.

The Holy Stone HS720E also offers advanced flight modes which made my flights more enjoyable and allowed me to be creative with my video and photography.

One thing though is that I found that the drone’s 1.09-pound weight made it slightly harder to carry around compared to other models.

The drone struggled a bit in low light conditions, so I recommend using it on sunny days to get the best image quality.

Holy Stone HS700E 4K UHD Drone

The Holy Stone HS700E is an excellent choice for those seeking a feature-rich drone under $300.

Pros

• Stable 4K EIS Anti-Shake Camera
• Reliable GPS & GLONASS Navigation
• User-friendly design and features

Cons

• App navigation could be improved
• Camera may have connectivity issues
• Learning curve for beginners

When I got my hands on the Holy Stone HS700E, I’m quite impressed with its performance.

The 4K EIS Anti-Shake Camera delivers crisp and stable footage, making my aerial photography much more enjoyable.

I also appreciate how the GPS and GLONASS Navigation keep the drone steady and significantly reduce the risk of loss.

Operating this drone has been a breeze for me, thanks to its user-friendly features, such as Altitude Hold, Headless Mode, and Air Pressure Sensor.

I particularly enjoy the Follow Me and Custom Flight Path options that allow for more creative flights, easily controlled through the Ophelia smartphone app.

However, there’s some room for improvement.

The app’s interface can be a bit cumbersome to navigate, and I experienced occasional camera connectivity issues.

Fortunately, the customer support for Holy Stone has been responsive and helpful in resolving my concerns.

The Holy Stone HS700E is a solid drone for its price range, offering a great combination of features and performance for those looking to invest in a sub-$300 drone.

Drone-Clone Xperts Limitless 2 USA Patriotic Design

This impressive drone is an excellent choice for enthusiasts looking for reliable performance, advanced features, and an eye-catching patriotic design under $300.

Pros

• Accurate GPS with Auto Return Home function
• 4K UHD Dual Camera with Gimbal stabilization
• Generous 25-minute flight time

Cons

• Connectivity limited to Wi-Fi
• Limited distance capability (1200m)
• Gesture control might not always be precise

Flying the Drone-Clone Xperts Limitless 2 has been quite a breeze and I couldn’t be happier with its performance.

The GPS tracking and Auto Return Home feature ensured I never had to worry about losing my drone — it always came back to the exact take-off location with a single press of a button.

The 4K UHD Dual Camera provided remarkably clear images and videos from various angles, and the Gimbal stabilization kept the footage steady despite any turbulence.

I especially enjoyed using the “Follow Me” mode, where the drone automatically followed and recorded my every move without needing the remote control.

Despite having limited distance capability (1200m) and Wi-Fi connectivity, the 25-minute flight time and overall performance of the Drone-Clone Xperts Limitless 2 left me with a feeling of satisfaction.

I would highly recommend this drone to enthusiasts looking for a reliable and feature-rich drone under $300.

Buying Guide

When I’m looking for the best drone under $300, there are a few factors I consider to ensure I select a high-quality product.

In this buying guide, I’ll share my insights on choosing the best drone without breaking the bank.

Flight Time and Battery Life

For me, flight time and battery life are essential factors to consider.

Drones within this price range typically offer a flight time between 15-30 minutes.

I look for drones that come with replaceable batteries, so I can keep several backups and enjoy extended flight sessions.

Camera Quality

The camera quality of my drone is crucial.

I look for drones with at least a 1080p resolution and a gimbal stabilization system to capture smooth and high-quality aerial footage.

Range and Connectivity

I find it important to choose a drone with a suitable range and reliable connectivity.

While drones under $300 may not offer the longest range, I check for devices with at least 500 meters of range and use GPS or GLONASS technology for more accurate location tracking.

Stability and Ease of Use

I prefer devices that are stable and easy to use.

I search for drones featuring dedicated beginner modes and automatic hover functions, so I can focus on capturing great shots instead of constantly adjusting my flight path.

Additional Features

The final piece of the puzzle for me is to look for drones with additional features that enhance usability and make flying even more enjoyable.

I keep an eye out for drones that offer functions like Follow Me mode, return-to-home, and collision avoidance systems.