What's the story with these super cheap drones that have tons of good reviews? Are they legit or just junk?

Buying Advice Forum
1

I’ve seen lots of drones on Amazon that are priced between $50-100, with super high ratings (like 4.8 stars) and hundreds of positive reviews saying they’re amazing.

But when I try to search for these drones, like “Velcase S101” or “TMYES EC110,” I can’t find any real info about them at all. It’s like they don’t even exist outside of Amazon.

I’m looking to buy a basic drone as a gift for someone who’s new to it. The popular beginner drones on this forum are usually $200-400, but no one seems to recommend these really cheap ones.

So, what’s the deal? Are these cheap drones actually good, or is it all fake reviews?

2

Here’s the recipe: make a generic drone body, fill it with cheap parts, slap on a random company name, and create a model number. Sell it on Amazon and pump it up with fake reviews. Then repeat the whole process with a different name!

3

@Zacky
That’s why DJI stands out – it’s reliable and not super cheap, unlike these random brands.

4

Allegra said:
@Zacky
That’s why DJI stands out – it’s reliable and not super cheap, unlike these random brands.

Wait, are you saying DJI is owned by the Chinese government? Not all drones from that region are amazing, you know. Look at North Korea’s tech.

5

@Blair
Actually, China’s government has some involvement in DJI. That’s probably why DJI isn’t allowed for use by some US agencies.

DJI (大疆创新; Dà Jiāng Chuàngxīn; ‘Great Frontier Innovations’) is based in Shenzhen and has backing from state-owned companies – it’s right there in the Wikipedia article.

6

Allegra said:
@Zacky
That’s why DJI stands out – it’s reliable and not super cheap, unlike these random brands.

I don’t think DJI is directly state-owned though.

7

Marlow said:

Allegra said:
@Zacky
That’s why DJI stands out – it’s reliable and not super cheap, unlike these random brands.

I don’t think DJI is directly state-owned though.

Read the first line of the Wikipedia page. It says DJI is backed by state-owned companies in China.

8

Marlow said:

Allegra said:
@Zacky
That’s why DJI stands out – it’s reliable and not super cheap, unlike these random brands.

I don’t think DJI is directly state-owned though.

DJI operates under state influence because bigger companies in China are required to follow government guidelines.

9

Marlow said:

Allegra said:
@Zacky
That’s why DJI stands out – it’s reliable and not super cheap, unlike these random brands.

I don’t think DJI is directly state-owned though.

Well, in countries with centralized control, most businesses end up linked to the government in some way.

10

Almost every cheap drone on Amazon is junk. Not even close to what a DJI can do. DJI prices have dropped a lot, and you can get a Mini 2 for around $300, which is way better than these $100 models. If you’re thinking of spending that on a drone, just save up for a better one.

11

Yep, those drones are mostly junk with fake ratings. Don’t trust the stars.

12

Buying fake reviews is just part of the strategy to lure people into buying these.

13

Sounds like toy-level junk. The reviews can easily be rigged. Maybe look into DJI Tello or Spark instead?

14

I tried a $200 ‘recommended’ drone from YouTube, and it flew away on me a few times! I ended up with a DJI, which I should have just bought in the first place.

15

It’s way easier to get fake reviews than to make a good, cheap drone.

16

I left a review for the Velcase S101. I get products to review and keep if I leave a positive review. If I don’t like the product, I can’t post a review and have to send it back. Honestly, the S101 had some connection issues from day one.

17

@Montana
Can you tell me who you review for? Would love to try that out!

18

Shan said:
@Montana
Can you tell me who you review for? Would love to try that out!

Just DM me your name and email, and I’ll forward it to the person who sets it up.

19

Montana said:

Shan said:
@Montana
Can you tell me who you review for? Would love to try that out!

Just DM me your name and email, and I’ll forward it to the person who sets it up.

Why not share the info here? Might help others out too.

20

@Andi
I really do need names and emails to connect people, so DM me if you’re interested.