9 Best Drones Under $100 of 2026

This indoor stability powerhouse redefines what a sub-$100 drone can do, especially for first-time flyers who want crisp visuals and smart handling. With its brushless motor and optical flow positioning, it locks onto surfaces like glue, hovering steadily even in tight rooms—no more drifting into walls. The 4K shock-absorbing camera delivers surprisingly stable footage, and the 90° adjustable lens gives you full framing control via the app, making it ideal for capturing smooth indoor shots or family moments without jitter. It solves the common beginner frustration of losing control in confined spaces with headless mode and indoor obstacle avoidance, turning shaky test flights into confident aerial exploration.

In real-world testing, this drone shines brightest indoors or in sheltered backyards where GPS isn’t needed. The 40-minute total flight time across two batteries is solid for its class, letting you capture extended clips or practice maneuvers without constant recharging. The 4000-foot control range sounds impressive on paper, but in practice, signal stability drops beyond 300 feet—typical for Wi-Fi-based FPV drones. While the 5GHz transmission helps reduce lag, video feed can stutter in areas with high wireless interference. It handles light breezes decently thanks to the brushless motors but starts to wobble in anything stronger than a light gust, so outdoor flights are best kept to calm days.

Compared to the GPS-equipped B0FBR5JHJ6, this model trades satellite-based navigation for superior indoor precision and ease of use—a clear win for users prioritizing stability over long-range tracking. It’s not built for follow-me stunts or automated flight paths, but that simplicity makes it perfect for kids, teens, or adults learning the basics in a living room or gym. If you’re looking for a no-fuss, high-value starter drone that captures sharp video and stays put in the air, this one outperforms many pricier rivals in controlled environments. It delivers more polished indoor performance than the basic X29, though with less flair than gesture-heavy models.

This drone grabs attention with its game-changing LED controller screen, offering real-time telemetry that most budget drones skip—making it a standout for pilots who want instant access to flight data without glancing at their phone. The GPS-guided smart features like Follow Me, Circle Fly, and Waypoint Flight work impressively well, turning solo adventures into cinematic shoots with minimal effort. Its 46-minute flight time on two 1800mAh batteries and 4K UHD camera with 90° tilt deliver serious value, especially when paired with 5GHz transmission that keeps the FPV feed responsive up to 300 meters. For under $70, it bridges the gap between toy-grade and prosumer drones by offering true hands-free flight intelligence.

In field tests, the GPS lock is fast and reliable when calibrated properly—critical for the auto return function to work as promised. Flying in open parks or coastal areas, the drone maintains stable positioning even in moderate winds, thanks to its brushless motors and altitude hold. The camera captures vibrant 4K photos and smooth 2K video, though low-light performance is grainy, as expected at this price. The gesture control feature works intermittently—best used in bright daylight with clear hand signals. One quirk: the app requires multiple steps to connect, and some users may struggle with Wi-Fi pairing, but once linked, the FPV experience is immersive.

Against the B0FHPN67S5, this model sacrifices a bit of camera stabilization (no gimbal) but wins with its on-controller display, giving it a tactical edge for situational awareness. It’s more intuitive than drones that force you to rely solely on your phone, making it ideal for beginners who want GPS smarts without complexity. While not as polished as higher-end models, it offers better flight intelligence and real-time feedback than the budget G9 or basic mini drones. It’s the smartest pick for users who want a teachable drone with room to grow into advanced modes.

When it comes to pure 4K image quality under $100, the HK33 sets a new benchmark with its F2.15 large aperture and 110° ultra-wide lens, capturing dramatically richer scenes than most rivals in its class. Toss in a 2-axis gimbal, and you get noticeably smoother footage—especially during forward flight or windy conditions—where other budget drones produce shaky results. The 45-minute flight time and 500-meter signal range (with repeater) make it a serious tool for landscape videography or outdoor exploration, while the GPS-powered smart modes like Follow Me and Route Planning add pro-level convenience. For aspiring creators who want cinematic aerial shots without breaking the bank, this drone delivers where it matters most.

In real-world use, the gimbal makes a tangible difference, reducing micro-vibrations that plague fixed-camera models. Flying along trails or over lakes, the drone maintains crisp video even at higher speeds, and the tap-to-fly function in the app works smoothly for quick repositioning. The 5G Wi-Fi transmission keeps latency low, though dense tree cover can cause brief dropouts. While it handles Level 5 winds admirably, aggressive stunts aren’t its strength—this is a drone built for steady, scenic flight, not acrobatics. The lack of a controller screen (unlike B0FL2PPXQT) means you must rely on your phone for telemetry, which can be awkward in bright sunlight.

Positioned against the G9 (B0DJQDPTC1), it offers superior image stabilization and wider field of view, though with a slightly less intuitive controller layout. It’s not the most portable, but the foldable frame and sub-250g weight mean no FAA registration—perfect for travelers. This drone is best for hobbyists who prioritize photo quality and smooth footage over flashy features. It doesn’t have dual cameras or VR mode, but for 4K clarity and gimbal stability, it outshines nearly every other model under $100.

The G9 drone stakes its claim as the best all-around performer under $100, balancing top-tier build quality, smart flight features, and real-world usability in a way few budget drones can match. Its 120° wide-angle lens captures breathtaking landscapes, while the 90° adjustable camera lets you frame perfect shots on the fly—no post-crop needed. Backed by two 2200mAh UL-certified batteries, it delivers a rock-solid 45-minute flight time, outlasting most competitors and reducing downtime between shoots. The GPS Auto Return and optical flow system ensure reliable comebacks, even in signal-challenged areas, giving beginners peace of mind during early flights.

In testing, the G9 proved remarkably resilient in gusty conditions, maintaining stable hover and smooth tracking thanks to its high-torque brushless motors. The 5G FPV transmission delivers a crisp, low-latency live feed up to 500 meters, though signal clarity dips slightly in urban environments with heavy Wi-Fi congestion. The remote control with built-in display is a major upgrade over phone-only models, showing battery, distance, speed, and active functions at a glance—critical for safe, focused flying. While it lacks a gimbal, the software stabilization is effective for casual content creators.

Compared to the HK33, the G9 trades some camera smoothness for greater convenience and control, making it more accessible to new pilots. It doesn’t have a 2-axis gimbal, but its integrated screen and superior battery specs give it broader appeal. For users who want one drone that does everything well—fly long, return safely, shoot wide, and stay in control—this is the most complete package. It offers more holistic performance than the feature-limited B0FG31CMZY, while remaining easier to use than complex GPS models.

This night-flying marvel turns darkness into a playground with its vibrant multi-color LED lights, making it the most fun and visually striking option for beginners who want to fly after sunset. The 1080P HD camera with 90° remote angle adjustment captures decent daytime footage, and the real-time WiFi FPV lets you see what the drone sees through your phone—perfect for showing off to friends at parties or backyard hangouts. With one-key takeoff, headless mode, and 3D flips, it’s designed for instant gratification, letting new pilots pull off stunts without mastering complex controls first. It solves the boredom of basic indoor drones by adding light shows, voice commands, and gesture selfies—all in a compact, beginner-friendly design.

In practice, the drone excels in low-light environments where its LEDs create a dazzling aerial display, but daytime video quality is just adequate—fine for social media clips but not serious content. The 25-minute flight time on two batteries is respectable for its size, though aggressive flying drains power quickly. Control range is limited to about 100 meters before video breaks up, typical for WiFi drones. It handles indoor flight well thanks to altitude hold, but outdoor use in wind is shaky—best kept for calm, open fields. The gesture selfie function works reliably in good light, adding a playful touch.

Against the JY02 (B0FHKRK8XB), this model offers more visual flair and night performance, though with similar core specs. It’s not built for long-range or GPS-assisted flight, but as a fun, social drone for teens and kids, it’s unmatched. While the B0FF9HT96W offers longer flight time, this one wins with brighter lights and more interactive features. For anyone seeking a low-pressure, high-fun entry into drone flying, especially at night, this is the most entertaining pick under $30.

For those seeking GPS smarts on a tight budget, this drone delivers surprisingly robust intelligence at just $60, making it the most affordable true GPS model in the lineup. It packs auto return, follow-me, and waypoint flight—features usually reserved for pricier units—along with a 2K HD camera and 110° wide-angle lens that outresolves many 1080P rivals. The brushless motor ensures quieter, more durable performance than brushed alternatives, and the altitude hold system keeps it steady for cleaner shots. It solves the biggest pain point for new pilots: fear of losing the drone, with GPS-guided return and app-tracked flight paths that help recovery even if it flies out of sight.

Field testing confirms it performs well in open outdoor areas, locking GPS quickly and maintaining stable hover. The 5GHz FPV transmission reduces interference, delivering a smooth live feed up to 300 meters, though it can pixelate in dense environments. The 2K video is sharp in daylight but softens in shade, and the lack of a gimbal means footage jitters on windy days. It handles light breezes decently but struggles in gusts over 15 mph. The headless mode and one-key takeoff make it accessible, but the app interface feels dated compared to newer models.

Versus the B0FL2PPXQT, it lacks a controller display but still offers 90% of the GPS functionality at a lower cost, making it the best value for budget-conscious beginners. It doesn’t have 4K, but the 2K resolution is more than sufficient for social sharing. Ideal for teens, parents, or casual flyers who want real GPS safety nets without overspending, it’s the smartest entry point into intelligent drones. It offers more advanced flight logic than the X29, while costing less than most 4K models.

Priced under $40, this value-packed flyer punches above its weight with solid build quality, gesture control, and FPV live streaming—making it the best bang-for-buck drone for cautious first-timers. The upgraded altitude hold is its standout feature, locking the drone at a fixed height with impressive consistency, which drastically reduces crashes during learning curves. The 1080P HD camera with adjustable angle captures clearer video than most sub-$35 drones, and the Redrie Fly app enables real-time FPV viewing, waypoint flight, and gesture selfies—features typically found in more expensive models. It’s engineered to minimize frustration, with propeller guards, emergency stop, and low-power alerts building user confidence.

In real-world use, it flies smoothly in calm indoor spaces or sheltered backyards, with 3 speed modes letting beginners start slow and build skill. The 20-25 minute flight time is adequate, though not class-leading. The FPV feed works well within 80 meters, but latency increases beyond that. While it lacks GPS, the altitude hold and headless mode compensate well for basic navigation. Outdoor flights are possible in no-wind conditions, but it’s best treated as an indoor learning tool with occasional outdoor jaunts.

Compared to the X29 (B0FQNV3JWR), it offers better altitude stability and app integration, though with less flashy lighting. It doesn’t have GPS like the B0FBR5JHJ6, but for pure beginner-friendliness and reliability, it’s a smarter starting point. This drone is perfect for parents buying a first flyer for kids or teens, offering a safe, forgiving, and feature-rich introduction. It delivers more consistent control than the X-shop model, while costing less than most GPS drones.

This budget-friendly flyer stands out with a 30-minute flight time—the longest in its price tier—thanks to two well-optimized batteries, making it ideal for extended practice sessions or group fun. The 1080P HD camera with 90° adjustability captures clear aerial views, and the real-time FPV transmission via app lets you pilot like a pro, sharing live streams directly to social media. With obstacle avoidance, headless mode, and 3D flips, it balances safety and excitement, appealing to both cautious learners and thrill-seekers. It solves the short-flight frustration common in mini drones, letting you explore, film, and play without constant recharging.

In testing, the drone flies smoothly indoors and in calm outdoor areas, with altitude hold keeping it steady for stable shots. The obstacle avoidance is basic but effective for avoiding walls in rooms, though it won’t stop all crashes. The gesture selfie works reliably in good light, and the 3-speed modes allow gradual skill progression. Control range is about 100 meters, beyond which video becomes choppy. It’s not built for wind, but for backyard use or park flights on still days, it performs admirably.

Against the JY02 (B0FHKRK8XB), it offers longer flight time and better obstacle sensing, though with a slightly bulkier design. It lacks GPS, but for pure fun and flight duration, it’s hard to beat under $40. This drone is best for families, teens, or educators wanting a durable, long-flying starter model. It provides more airtime than the B0FQNV3JWR, while costing less than GPS-enabled options.

With a massive 2,625-foot transmission range and 50-minute flight time, this drone is built for explorers and adventurers who want to fly far and stay airborne longer than almost any other sub-$100 model. The dual 4K UHD cameras—one forward, one downward—open creative possibilities, like simultaneous landscape and tracking shots, while the shock-absorbing 90° adjustable lens ensures stable footage even during bumpy landings. Powered by two modular batteries and 5G WiFi, it maintains a strong FPV signal over long distances, and the GPS auto return reliably brings it home when signal fades. It solves the range anxiety that plagues most budget drones, making it perfect for open-field exploration or rural filming.

In real-world trials, it achieved near-maximum range in open areas with minimal interference, though video quality softened slightly at extreme distances. The dual-camera setup is fun but not fully synchronized—best used for supplemental angles, not professional dual recording. The altitude hold and brushless motor keep it stable in light winds, though it’s not designed for stormy conditions. The SD card slot is a welcome addition, allowing offline storage without relying solely on your phone. Setup is straightforward, and the foldable design makes it travel-ready.

Compared to the G9 (B0DJQDPTC1), it trades some camera polish for sheer range and flight duration, making it better for long-range scouts than cinematic shooters. It doesn’t have a controller screen, but the extended airtime and dual cameras give it unique appeal. For users who prioritize distance and battery life over gimbal smoothness, this is the ultimate explorer’s drone. It offers more range and dual-camera versatility than the HK33, while costing less than premium models.