7 Best Drones Under $300 in 2022 – Buying Guide for Beginners

Are you looking for a drone under 300 Dollars? Do you want to know what’s the best quad to purchase at this price range?

Drones are growing in popularity and they have become more accessible and affordable. Before you had to spend thousands of dollars to get one, but today, you can already get a great aircraft with just a couple of hundred dollars.

If your drone budget is only $300 and you are having a hard time choosing the best quad, don’t be, I’m here to help you. On this page, I’ll be giving you a list of the best drones under 300 Dollars, so you will know the best options available for you.

I understand that you are already very excited. So, without further ado, let’s get started!

1. Parrot Bebop 2

*This line has been discontinued, but you can click here for a selection of used models*

Parrot Bebop 2 FPV Drone

Specs

Camera: 14MP with fish-eye lens
Video: 3-axis full HD 1080P
Stabilization: Digital stabilization (Parrot system)
Flight Time: 25 minutes
GPS: Yes
Processor: Dual core processor with quad-core GPU
Storage: 8 GB flash storage system

Parrot Bebop 2 is a lightweight, compact HD video drone. The people behind this quad worked for two years to give this the best aesthetic.

Bebop 2 is lightweight and only weighs 500g and offers 25 minutes of autonomous flight time. Due to its compact design and aerodynamic, you can easily transport it. You can conveniently take this with you wherever and whenever you want to record your adventure.

This quad can stand strong winds. It is built for speed. In fact, it can fly up to 37.28mph horizontally and 13.05mph vertically without affecting the image quality. It also boasts of a record braking time by halting completely in just over four seconds. Yes, this quad is very responsive and agile.

This quad also offers you the opportunity to feel like a real pilot. Because this is highly intuitive, it responds to the movements of your smartphone. Maneuvering this aircraft is easy because you can easily take off and land with a single push of a button.

If you are after the camera of the drone you are about to purchase, I’m pleased to tell you that this films in 1080p full HD and take incredibly sharp photos even in low light. It has a wide-angle 14mp lens offering you horizontal and vertical 180-degree pictures. With this, taking aerial photos is so easy and simple. You can also choose RAW or DNG from the formats available.

Another standout feature of Bebop 2 is its Follow Me feature. Actually, this is one of the best Follow Me drones in the market.

It uses advanced visual recognition technology and GPS tracking system on your smartphone so you can leave your smartphone in your pocket and let the drone record your favorite activities whether it’s cycling, running, rowing, climbing or snowboarding. The Follow Me – GPS & Visual tracking feature is available as an in-app purchase in the Freeflight Pro application.

Overall, this quad is very impressive for its price. Its high-performance specs also enable it to take brilliant photos and footage both indoors and outdoors. This quad is highly recommended and one of the best drones under 300 dollar.

PROS

  • Extremely lightweight
  • Extended range
  • Decent camera for its price
  • Doesn’t need a gimbal
  • Can capture 14MP shots with relatively stable movement
  • Long flight time up to 25 minutes

CONS

  • Image distortions
  • Lack of clear instruction
  • Control sticks are sometimes unresponsive

2. Holy Stone HS700D FPV Drone

Holy Stone FPV Drone with 4K FHD Camera Live...
  • 4K FHD 90°Adjustable Camera with 5G...
  • GPS Assisted Flight: With GPS location, the...
  • 22 Mins Max Flight Time: The High-capacity...

Specs

Weight: 608g
Dimensions: 8.66 x 8.66 x 6.10in
Flight Time: 22min
Charging Time: 5-7hr
Camera: 2048*1152p / 2k
Live Video Transmission Range: 1300ft
Max Control Range: 3280ft
Battery Capacity: 2800 mAh
Motor: 2204 1500KV Brushless Motor

If you are looking for a big drone, no problem, you can find one under $300. Holy Stone HS700D is a high-quality and high-performance quad that offers you an impressive flying experience.

It comes with an upgraded camera with 110-degree FOV (field of view) lens giving you a panoramic view which is best for recording unforgettable memories. Its 5G transmission ensures fast and high-quality FPV real-time video over 1300ft, which makes it ideal for a selfie.

HS700D also offers GPS assisted flight enabling it to hover stably and automatically return to Home when its battery is low or the signal is lost. Thanks to these features you have safe flying experience. No matter what happens, you are sure that your quad will fly back to you.

Also, you can shoot with ease because the drone can follow you or fly in a circle along the path you set via its Follow Me mode feature. It automatically records your every move with the camera pointing to you. So, if you want to document your favorite hobby whether it’s cycling, biking, skating or snowboarding, this drone will make it easier for you.

You will surely enjoy piloting this drone because it offers custom flight path. Its TapFly feature allows you to just tap the screen and set the track for your quad.

Holy Stone understands that long flight time is also very important. So, they equip this quad with high-capacity 2800mAh intelligent battery that can last up to 22 minutes. It has a low-power alert that informs you when the power is about to run out.

Plus, this drone is very quiet because it is powered by a brushless motor. This type of motor is long-lasting and maintenance-free. You can fly your drone powerfully and with confidence because breakdown rarely occurs.

Overall, I’m very happy and satisfied with HS700D. For its price, it offers a lot of features that make piloting more fun and enjoyable. So, yes, I highly recommend this, anyway this is one of the best drones under 300 dollars.

PROS

  • Fast and quiet
  • Very stable in the wind
  • Long flight time
  • Removable camera
  • No need to spend on additional accessories
  • Supports GoPro 2/3/4

CONS

  • Limited range
  • Heavy
  • Requires a lot of space for storage
  • Full battery charge takes 5-7 hours

3. UPair One Quadcopter Drone

Specs

Weight: 2.97lbs
Dimensions: 11.4 x 11.4 x 9.1mm
Flight time: 18-20min
Charging Time: 1-1.5hr
Camera: 2.7k
Image Transfer Distance: 2624ft
Max Control Area: 3280ft
Battery Capacity: 5400 mAh
Motor: 2212 950KV brushless motor

UPair One comes with a plethora of features that enhance your flying experience. This quad comes with a 2.7K camera and gimbal that lets you take stable photos and footage. You can also adjust the camera’s shooting angle to achieve the shot you want.

Its advanced Sony camera lens with a 110-degree FOV lens also helps the drone capture high-quality video and clear photos.

Aside from its impressive camera, this is equipped with GPS that protects your flight. Its reliable GPS enables the drone to offer One Key Return to Home function and intelligent orientation control. All of these features make the flight control easy for beginners.

That’s not all; this also comes with a smart battery that cannot overcharge or discharge. In addition, it has a battery indicator that lets you keep an eye of the battery level. Thanks to these additions, you are bound to experience a secured flight experience.

For a more convenient flight experience, this comes with a smart remote control with intuitive flight control keys and a 7-inch LED screen. The controller has a transmission rate of 1000 meters and a working frequency of 2.4GHz and an FPV frequency of 5.8Ghz.

Overall, UPAIR One offers so much more than what I expected from it. It comes with multiple features that aim at giving you the most enjoyable flight experience.

Most beginners drone lack a lot of features, but this one has it all from impressive photos and footage, intuitive controller, to the large screen that enables you to watch the videos captured by the camera drone. I’m very happy with this quad, so I highly suggest that you consider this, too. One of the best drone in this price range, you won’t regret buying it.

PROS

  • Well-built
  • Affordable
  • Easy to fly
  • Great camera
  • Has a built-in 7-inch TFT display controller
  • 3-axis camera gimbal for stability and consistent shots

CONS

  • Short range and flight time compared to other drones
  • Not upgradable

4. Contixo F20

Contixo F20 GPS RC Quadcopter Photography...
  • ✅ ADVANCED FEATURES FOR ALL LEVELS OF...
  • ✅ BUILT-IN INTEGRATED 1080P HD WiFi CAMERA...
  • ✅ PRE-ASSEMBLED & COMPACT DESIGN - No need...

Specs

Max Speed: 37mi/h
Camera WiFi Transmission Distance: 600ft-1000ft
Built-In Gyro: 6-Axis Gyro
Remote Controller/Transmitter Power: 4x AA Batteries (not included)
Battery for RC Quadcopter Drone: 7.4V 2100mAh Li-Po Battery
Weight: 397g
Dimension: 13.8 x 13.7 x 3.5in

Contixo F20 RC drone is one of the most impressive drones under $300 in the market. It offers tons of advanced features for all skill levels that will surely make your flying experience enjoyable.

It has the following features Follow Me, Automatic Hovering, Altitude Hold, First Person View, One-Key Takeoff/landing, Auto Return, TapFly, FailSafe Return to Home and more. With all of these features, buying Contixo F20 is more than worth it.

This also comes with a built-in integrated 1080p HD Wi-Fi camera that allows you to take both photos and record live videos using your smartphone. The app works for both iOS and Google Android devices. The app allows you to conveniently control the drone during live stream video, giving you a first-person view, bird’s eye view and more.

For easy and safe storage and transport, this includes a custom storage carrying case. Thanks to this case, you need not worry about removing or uninstalling the propellers. By placing the drone in its storage, you know that it’s secured.

Overall, I’m very impressed with Contixo. It offers so much for its price. Also, it is preassembled and flies straight out of the box and comes with tools and extra set of propellers for any repair needs. There’s nothing to complain about this drone. I highly recommend this.

PROS

  • Easy to fly
  • App is easy to download
  • Fast speed
  • Includes onboard microSD
  • Includes many advanced flight features
  • Has brushless motors
  • Use modular battery

CONS

  • Short flight time
  • Takes too long to charge
  • Doesn’t perform well in high speed winds

5. Walkera Rodeo 110

walkera rodeo 110

Specs

Dimensions: 101 x 117 x 55mm
Main Rotor Dia: 70mm
Flight Time: 7-8min
Working Temperature: -10℃~ +40℃

Walkera Rodeo 110 is a mini FPV quadcopter. This is probably the smallest racing drone you will find in the market.

However, despite its size, it is compact and is made of a carbon fiber frame that enables it to survive intense crashes. This is also abrasion resistance, impact resistance, and corrosion resistance.

Due to its size, this mini drone can’t last for so long in the air. It can only fly up to 6 minutes provided that there is no harsh weather condition as that could decrease its flight time, too.

It has a decent camera, but not the best. However, this has high-speed mini brushless motors that enable the drone to perform well for indoor racing and excel in air acrobatics. This can turn, hover and roll in any direction you prefer, provided that you have already mastered the remote control.

Overall, this drone is durable, agile and very responsive. It is small and lightweight which makes it ultraportable.

I enjoyed my time flying this drone. Considering its size, I must say, it performs well and is very impressive except for the short flight time. Overall, if you want an FPV racing drone under $300 this is worth considering.

PROS

  • Easy to fly
  • Easy setup
  • Steady and smooth
  • Decent range
  • Has plenty of power

CONS

  • No GPS
  • No auto takeoff/landing
  • Heavy for a micro
  • FPV camera could be improved

6. Parrot AR Drone 2.0 Elite

parrot ar.drone 2.0

Specs

Dimensions: 23 x 0.5 x 23in
Weight: 4lb
Flight time: 12min
Camera: 720p at 30fps
Battery: 1000 or 1500mAh LiPo

Parrot AR Drone is one of the most popular drones in this price range. It has an HD 720p camera and a user-friendly control interface that appears over the video feedback. It also allows you to stream straight from the AR.

The recording is very easy and it is saved straight on your device. It doesn’t need any cables, SD cards or PC. Just press the record button to start and end the recording. If you wish to shoot longer videos without using your smartphone’s memory, no problem, there’s a US plug inside the AR Drone for easy USB recording.

As for performance, you will not be bored with this because it is programmed with a unique acrobatic move that is specifically designed for it. Just press a button and it will do forward and backward flips or barrel roll while flying. It has an embedded navigation system that enables it to automatically recover.

AR Drone 2.0 also offers unique stability and embedded sensors and navigation system, so you can fly higher and faster. It provides automatic stability even further by making sure that it remains stable whatever the altitude is. It can also last up in the air for 36 minutes, which is very impressive.

Overall, AR drone exceeded my expectations. It is very easy and fun to fly. It is also small and super fast which makes it all the more fun to pilot. I’m adding this on my list because you can still purchase this on Amazon. However, the brand has already discontinued selling this, so what you see online are only a few pieces left of this model.

PROS

  • Easy to use
  • Agile and stable
  • Lightweight and durable
  • Good camera quality
  • Repair instructions available
  • AR games are fun

CONS

  • Poor battery
  • Limited range
  • Lacks physical controller
  • Connectivity problems when drone exceeds 50 meters
  • Limited stunts

7. Force1 F200W Drone with Camera and GPS

Force1 F100GP Drone with Camera for Adults -...
  • GoPro Compatible Camera Drone for Adults: The...
  • High-Powered Brushless Drone Motors: Tougher,...
  • 1080p HD Wide-Angle Drone Camera: Enjoy...

Specs

Dimensions: 16 x 16 x 4in
Weight: 3.45lb
Flight time: 30min
Flight range: .6mi
Camera: 1080p
GPS tracking: 500m

Force1 F200 Shadow is your new partner in taking your selfie to the next level. It is one of the Best Follow Me drones which makes it a good tool if you want to document your favorite hobby.

This is also perfect for aerial photography because it delivers crips HD photos and offers live video feed on its custom camera drone monitor app for both iPhone and Android users.

This drone is super easy to fly because it has One Key Return Home, and Low Power and Low Signal Return features that ensure a safer flying experience. With these features, you will surely not lose your drone even if it is out of sight.

For easier control, this comes with a high-tech remote control that helps you land safely. The package also includes an extra battery to extend the flight time, which means that you will enjoy this drone longer.

The company is very confident with their product that they offer a full refund if you are not satisfied with their drone. The products are tested-in-house in the company’s Seattle-area offices. They also include user manuals that are easy to follow and comprehend.

Overall, Force1 F20W Shadow is a force in the drone market. It is high-quality and high-performance. This quad is a must-try!

PROS

  • Child-friendly and beginner-friendly
  • Propellers hold up against crash landings
  • Good value for money

CONS

  • No FPV
  • Lack propeller guards

Conclusion

There are many great drones under $300 and if you are looking for the best one, you won’t have a hard time. The ones on my list stand out in terms of quality and performance. So, I can say that these drones are worth it.

For those who have flown a high-performance drone under $300 please feel free to share your experience with us. We would love to hear from you and your recommendations would be greatly appreciated.