Are you new to drones? Do you want one that works like the others but is incredibly cheap?
If you say “yes” to any of the questions above, then you probably need a “nano drone.” A nano quadcopter is small, lightweight and not to mention, cheap! In addition, these are featherweight so you don’t have to register them with FAA.
Nano drones are great for beginners because they are small and easy to operate. They are also affordable making them a great platform to build up your skills before you move to a bigger rig.
If you are looking for a small drone, then you have come to the right place. I’m here to share with you my experiences with nano drones and I’ll be giving you a list of my top picks of small drones in the market!
Best Nano Drones
There are a lot of nano drones in the market and all of them are small and lightweight. However, these small quadcopters have unique features that make them stand out from the rest.
Are you ready to know the best nano drones in the market? Without further ado, here are the small drones that I highly recommend.
1. Holy Stone HS170
Specs
Dimensions: 5.3 x 5.3 x 1.6in
Weight: Less than 500g
Control range: 30-50 Meters
Flying time: 6-8 minutes
Charging time: 45-60 minutes
Recommended age: 14+
HS170 Predator is a great nano drone. It has a 6-axis gyro stabilization system that enables it to recover immediately after performing stunts and sudden moves. It is also wind-resistant which helps in its stability during flights.
This comes with 3 different speed modes that allow both beginners and experts to enjoy it regardless of their skill level. It is so fast at the highest speed for a micro quad that even pros will love it.
This nano drone is capable of performing flips and rolls for a more fun flying experience. It is also super stable that after a few clicks you can leave it hovering handsfree.
Wait, there’s more! This is equipped with Headless Mode that adds confidence for beginners and young children when piloting the drone because no matter what the direction of the aircraft is, the forward stick is always forward and back stick is always backward. So, this helps them avoid confusion when flying this drone.
I’m super happy with HS170 Predator because it’s what I expected it to be and it worked as promised. It doesn’t have a camera, but it has everything you need to get started in flying drones. This is one of the best nano drone available on market.
PROS
- Durable frame
- 3 flight speeds
- Stable
- Ideal for indoor flyer
- Fun fast and easy to fly
- Decent battery life
- Performs awesome tricks and flips
- Has LED lighting for night-flyer
- Best value for money
CONS
- No camera
2. Blade Nano QX
Specs
Dimensions: 7.2 x 6.3 x 2.5in
Weight: 16.5g
Motor 6mm
Flight time: 4min
Blade Nano QX fits this category because it is so small you can fit it in your palm. This tiny Nano QX only weighs a little more than half an ounce and is small enough to fly in spaces no bigger than an office cubicle.
If you have never flown a drone before, don’t worry, this is equipped with SAFE (Sensor Assisted Flight Envelope) technology system that keeps itself stable in a hover while in “Stability” mode. If you get in trouble, don’t panic, simply let go of the sticks and the SAFE technology system will come into play and bring the Nano QX back to a hover all by itself.
The Stability mode keeps the quadcopter in control. When in this mode you will feel an immediate sense of confidence as if you’re a pro.
Once you have mastered the basics, you can then switch to SAFE technology’s “Agility” mode that offers a faster flying speed and better maneuverability. However, this doesn’t include a camera.
Blade Nano QX is small but powerful drone. It is lightweight but is packed with cool features at a very affordable price. I consider this an indoor drone as it doesn’t suit the outdoors weather well but I’m still happy with it. I highly recommend this to beginners and kids. This is one of the best nano drone available on market.
PROS
- Stable
- Durable
- Easy to set up
- Easy to control
- Responsive controls
- Small, lightweight and portable
- Great for novice and experts alike
- Supports first person view
- Batteries are cheap
CONS
- No camera
- Short flight time
- Not stable in windy weather
- No transmitter for BNF version
3. Cheerson CX-10
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Specs
Brand: Cheerson
Model: CX10
Main Rotor Diameter: 1.14″ / 2.9cm
Speed Control: Integrated
Required Radio: 4Channel
Frequency: 2.4G
Flight Time: Approx. 4-8min
Charging Time: About 30-40min
Battery: Rechargeable 3.7V 100mAh Lithium Battery
Control Distance: About 40m
Body Material: ABS Plastic
Dimensions: 1.65 x 1.65 x 0.79in
Weight: 1.02oz / 29g
Suitable for: Ages 14+
Cheerson CX-10 is one of the smallest drones you will ever find in the market. However, it has a compact frame similar to that of the DJI Phantom 3.
I’m very impressed with CX-10 because despite its size it can really fly well. Also, even if it lacks windproofing, it flies well in the wind. I didn’t expect so much from this that’s why I was blown away.
When you get this in the air, you will hear a little noise, but it is very stable. It’s also very easy to control even beginners can fly this without problems. That’s not all; This nano drone can flip in the air, too.
If you love flying drones at night, it has 4 lights on each motor that enable you to see it in the dark and detect the orientation for better flying. Its remote control fits well into the palm of your hands and you won’t have trouble controlling it because the buttons are well-placed and coated with an adhesive material to prevent your thumb from flipping while you pilot the drone.
It has a short flight time as it can only last in the air for about 8 minutes, but charging time isn’t too long either. For its size, this flight time is already very good.
This doesn’t come with a camera, but given its price, you don’t expect one from it. Overall, I’m generally happy and satisfied with Cheerson CX-10. This is one of the best nano drone available on market.
PROS
- Very versatile
- Easy to operate
- Good flight time
- Excellent maneuverability
- Can perform stunts
- Intuitive remote control
CONS
- No camera
- Lacks windproofing
- Propeller guard is not included
- No Return Home feature
4. Wingsland S6
Specs
Dimensions (unfolded): 138 x 169 x 26.8mm
Dimensions (fold): 138 x 79 x 26.8mm
Weight: 230g
Diagonal size: 190mm
Speed: 8m/s
Altitude: 100m
Transmission distance: 100m
Live view quality: 480p, 720p
Sensor: 1/3.06 inch (CMOS), Effective Pixels: 13M
Lens: FOV 117°, f/2.2, focus at ∞
Video resolution: 4K@30fps,1920*1080@60fps
Flight time: 10min
Wingsland S6 is popularly known as the “Pocket Selfie RC Quadcopter.” It is small and lightweight but it is very powerful. In fact, this is the thinnest 4K drone in the world equipped with the latest drone technology.
This only weighs 230 grams and is about the same size as the iPhone 6, but it comes with a 4K camera for best photos and videos from different heights and angles.
It has object avoidance attachment and auto takeoff/landing feature that decreases the chance of damage to S6. In addition, it is foldable, so you can easily fold away its arms and conveniently store it without snapping off any parts.
That’s not all; you can fly this with confidence because it has a low-voltage landing, motor stalling protection, and propeller protection cover that help you protect your drone.
Overall, I’m very impressed with this nano drone because even if it’s small, it’s great to fly outdoors. Also, this is one of the few nano drones with camera.
For those looking for a nano drone for commercial purposes or indoor real estate photography, this is highly recommended. This is one of the best nano drone available on market.
PROS
- Foldable
- Portable
- 4K camera
- Compact design
- Multiple intelligence modes
- Powerful dynamic system
CONS
- Poor battery
- No remote control
- Short flight time
5. Eachine e010
Specs
Dimensions: 3.7 x 3.7 x 2in
Weight: 1.8oz
Range: 30m
Flight time: 5min
Camera: None
Battery: 3.7V 150mAh
Charging time: 30-50min
Eachine E010 is another impressive nano drone. This is so small that you can hold both the drone and the controller in one hand. But don’t ever doubt its capacity because this is packed with amazing features that you probably think are too much for its size.
This has a built-in positioning system and a One-Key Return button that ensures that the drone will fly back to the remote control’s location. It also features Compass Mode that enables the drone to change its flight direction with the change of the direction of remote control.
It is also very easy to use, making it a great option for beginners. You won’t get bored with this because it can flip and roll. You can also switch between high and low-speed mode to make piloting more fun and challenging.
This toy is probably one of the cheapest drones you will ever find in the market with the aforementioned advanced features. It’s a great machine to practice the basics about drones. But this is very lightweight, so better stick to indoor flying. It also doesn’t include a camera, so this is not for those who are into aerial photography.
Overall, Eachine E010 is a great value for money. It is affordable, well-designed and self-protective which helps you keep it longer. This is one of the best nano drone available on market.
PROS
- Durable
- Easy to fly
- Self-protective
- Can perform flips and rolls
- Has 6-axis gyro technology for stability
- LED lights for visibility
- Can detect the direction of the remote
- Can withstand a number of crashes
CONS
- No camera
- Short flight time
- Not recommended for outdoors
6. JJRC H36 Mini Quadcopter
Specs
Product name: REALACC H36 Mini Quadcopter
Frequency: 2.4G
Channel: 4CH
Gyro: 6 axes
Quadcopter Size: 8.5X8.5X3cm
Size of blade: 30mm
Flight time: 5 minutes
Flight distance: 30m
Charging time: 30-50 minutes
Battery: 3.7V (150MAH) (included)
REALACC brings us an impressive treat through JJRC H36. This small quadcopter is affordable but makes a great starter drone for beginners.
This is very easy to fly which makes it great for a novice. It includes Headless Mode and One-Key Return button that ensure your device will fly back to your location because it will follow the direction of the controller.
This is fairly stable because it is equipped with 6-axis gyro. JJRC H36 is recommended for indoor flights, but it still works perfectly well outside because it is highly resistant to winds. However, I don’t suggest flying this when it is very windy because it’s too small and lightweight.
To add more fun to your flying experience, this can perform full 360-degree flips and rolls. With just a push of a button, you can impress your friends by showing off these moves to them. You can also change the speed from high to low.
Overall, JJRC H36 was very satisfying, I’m happy I tried this one because it performed as expected. I’m also confident playing this with my nephews because the blades have a protective surrounding, so their hands are safe in case they touch it.
PROS
- Fast
- Affordable
- Attractive design
- Stable at high speeds
- Responsive controller
- Has Headless mode feature
- Has One Key Return button
- Performs 360-degree flips and rolls
- LED lights for night time visibility
CONS
- No camera
- Poorly designed remote control
7. Syma X20
Specs
Size: 10.5 x 10.5 x 2.5cm
Flight Time: About 5min
Charging Time: Approx. 50min
Control distance: 66 ft / 20m
Battery for quadcopter: 3.7V 180mAh Li-Po battery
Battery for controller: 4 “AAA” batteries required (not included)
Manufacturer recommended age: 8 years and up
Syma X20 is another small drone that makes a great toy for kids. It doesn’t have a camera on board, but it has advanced features that make flying easy, more fun and enjoyable.
This nano drone has 6-axis gyro that makes it stable. Have no fears because this is also resistant to strong winds. That’s not all; It can implement various flight movements smoothly and easily, so 360-degree rolls and flips are easy to achieve.
This also makes a great drone for beginners because of its ready-to-fly design. It has Altitude Hold for stable flights and Headless modes that eliminates the need for focusing on the drone’s orientation while piloting it.
For a more convenient flying experience, this also comes with One Key Takeoff that allows the drone to hover at a certain altitude automatically after taking off and One Key Landing that makes the drone fly down slowly and land on the ground automatically before the motor stops working.
Cheerwing Syma X20 also comes with an intuitive remote control that’s very easy to use. It is simple and small but so comfortable to hold which makes your flying experience better. One more thing, this is durable, it can survive pretty good crashes.
I highly recommend Syma X20 for beginners and kids. This will make a great starting drone before you try bigger and more expensive quadcopters.
Read more: 10 Best Drones for Kids in 2019 – Ultimate Buying Guide
PROS
- Portable
- Easy to assemble
- Agile controls
- 360-degree stunt rolling
- Ideal for indoor flying
- Ergonomic joystick design
- Compact design
CONS
- No camera
- Short flight time
What is a Nano Drone
What really is a nano drone? There are different opinions as to what really nano drones are. Half Chrome considers micro drones and nano drones the same. They consider both micro and nano super small drones like Cheerson CX-10
Meanwhile, for Ryan Harrell micro and nano drones differ depending on their frame size. Nano drones have 80-100mm frame size while micro drones have 120-160 mm.
In general, nano drones and quadcopters are miniature in size. They are small and lightweight and can fit in the palm of your hand.
Nano drones are usually cheaper in price because they are small. None of the nano drones exceed the 0.55lb weight limit imposed by the FAA, so you do not have to register them.
Although they are small, they fly in a similar manner to the other recreational drones and are generally easier to operate which makes them better for beginners. This also makes a perfect choice for children who want to fly drones and parents who don’t want to spend a lot of money on their kids’ toy.
The downside, they are too small that you are stuck with flying them indoors because the wind can easily take them away if you fly them outdoors. However, some of them are wind resistant and can fly well outdoors, but not during windy days.
Although nano drones are small they still come with cool features. For instance, there are also nano drones with camera and with advanced features like Headless Mode, Altitude Hold, 3D flips and more.
Nano Drone Price
Since nano drones are small and lightweight, the manufacturers don’t use many materials to create them. These type of drones are generally affordable.
You can purchase a nano drone from $15 to $100 depending on the built and features of the aircraft. If the drone includes tons of advanced features and a 4K camera like Wingston S6, expect it to be more expensive.
In general, nano drones are cheap which makes them a great beginner drone. If you are considering giving someone his or her first drone, I suggest that you get a nano drone.
Conclusion
Nano drones are very tiny that they fit into your palm. Most of them don’t come with cameras, but there are nano drones with camera too.
Nano drones are great for beginners because they are cheap and easy to control. They make a good platform to practice your flying skills before you move to bigger and more expensive rigs.
Have you tried any of the nano drones above? What’s your favorite? Feel free to share your experience with us to help other readers decide what drone to get.