I’m thinking about getting my first drone and I’ve been reading a lot about starting with a cheap practice drone before going for something more expensive. Has anyone tried out some good drones under $160? Would love some recommendations.
I’ve been looking for a cheap drone that isn’t made in China. Any recommendations for something that can take basic aerial shots?
Riley said:
I’ve been looking for a cheap drone that isn’t made in China. Any recommendations for something that can take basic aerial shots?
Honestly, most affordable drones are made in China. I haven’t come across any American-made ones that are cheap and good. It’s tough to find something under $160 with a decent camera from outside China.
If you’re on a tight budget, the Potensic A20 Mini Drone is a great starter. It’s $35, so no big loss if you crash it. No camera, but it’s perfect for practicing flight basics before you move to more advanced stuff.
@Presley
I got the Potensic too. Really helps with getting comfortable behind the controls. Plus, it has a decent flight time with all the batteries included. Worth it for the price.
What about the Skyline drone? I’ve been seeing a lot of ads for it at around $99. Anyone have experience with it?
Zan said:
What about the Skyline drone? I’ve been seeing a lot of ads for it at around $99. Anyone have experience with it?
I bought one after seeing all the ads, but honestly, it feels pretty flimsy. It’s fine as a toy for indoor practice, but don’t expect much. The camera is grainy, and it only flies for about 6 minutes on top speed. I wouldn’t recommend it.
How similar is flying the Tello compared to a DJI Air 2s? I’m planning to get the Air 2s eventually, but I want a practice drone first.
Ash said:
How similar is flying the Tello compared to a DJI Air 2s? I’m planning to get the Air 2s eventually, but I want a practice drone first.
The Tello’s flight experience is pretty close to what you’d get with a DJI drone. It’s built with DJI parts, so it handles similarly, especially with auto takeoff and landing features. It’s a solid choice for practice if you’re working up to the Air 2s.
Has anyone used the Tomzon Mini Drone? I saw it’s a bit cheaper than the Potensic A20 but not sure if it’s as good.
Harper said:
Has anyone used the Tomzon Mini Drone? I saw it’s a bit cheaper than the Potensic A20 but not sure if it’s as good.
It’s good for practicing, but it’s basically the same as the Potensic. The only real difference is the price and the fun LED lights on the Tomzon. Either way, you can’t go wrong if you’re just looking to get the hang of flying.