Best Drone Under $300: The Top 5 Picks You Can’t Go Wrong With

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Are you hoping to track down the most fantastic drone and do not have to spend a lot of money simultaneously?

Are you considering getting yourself the best drone under $300?

Actually, even if you spend under $300 on a flying robot, you could get less value for money paid. That is particularly when you get one from an unreliable, low-quality importer.

We, as a whole, want to spend our hard-earned money wisely, purchasing a sturdy, efficient, & user-friendly aircraft.

To help our readers, we have curated a rundown of well-equipped models below $300 that are a value for your money.

Please note that in the post, we also mention the term ‘drones’ as UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), crewless aircraft, flying machines, or flying robots).

These Drones’ Target Users

You can appreciate many uses with your best drone under $300. Of course, everything relies upon how imaginative & creative you are. But one thing is without a doubt: these product units make incredible UAV flying trainers, being particularly fantastic in case you are a 1st-time drone pilot or a novice. 

Aside from playing around with these flying robots, you will feel free from worries while flying them. As you already know, they are not much of an investment regardless of whether they end up coming into collision. But then again, if you broke a $1000 model, how you took that aftermath would be the other way around.

Yet, other than worry-free drone operation, models mentioned in the below rundown are likewise helpful for bounty other things: 

1. Practice 

First, these flying machines are extraordinary for your 1st ‘steps’ into drone flying. Thanks to them, you can become familiar with every one of the essentials and basics of piloting a UAV.

2. Casual flying 

Second, once you have aced your initial steps, these drones will allow you to fly like a pro and enjoy bunches of fun. All of the product units featured in the rundown give responsive controls as well as a reasonable amount of flight stability. In other words, flying them around casually will be genuinely enjoyable.

3. Amateur aerial photography 

What is more? Speaking of airborne imagery, the models addressed in the post are, to some degree, great. They are stable and delivers smoothly taken amateur aerial pictures and whatnot.

Things to check out in your best drone under $300 before you buy

Again, owing to crewless aircraft vehicles, you now have the choice to take shots inconceivable for the conventional camera use. Tilting and whirling quickly cannot be easier thanks to 360° motion. How about the output? You will appreciate great aerial videos & photographs. 

Nonetheless, in case you are not clear about what makes a flying robot a bang for the buck, below are a few things to check about the model before you purchase:

1. Video resolution

First things first, UAVs are widely utilized for videography. That is why you may want to consider the video resolution, mainly if shooting sharp-quality footage is significant to you. 

For example, talking about flying robots below $300, you can count on the full high-definition (HD) 1080p resolution. However, if you are willing to invest a little more in your drone, a 4K capable flying machine may be your best bet. 

2. Flight time and range

Also, the battery life makes a difference on the grounds that many less sizable models come with a smaller battery, bringing about reduced playtime. Notwithstanding, with $300 to spend on a drone, you can seek out a product unit whose flight range is up to forty meters and flight time is about 15 minutes to half an hour without having to replace the battery.

3. Warranty

Equally importantly, think about the product warranty. Again, however rugged your UAV is, the machine may get harmed if you fail to fly it appropriately. 

Many brands provide an about-three-month warranty. Meanwhile, that is not accessible to some others.

The best drone under $300: Your top 5 picks

So, have you chosen to buy a UAV in that price range? If you have, there is no compelling reason to sit around looking for your best fit. Right below, we have curated the most fantastic models below $300. 

Additionally, make sure you look at the nitty-gritty purchasing guide that should assist you with settling on the best, most informed choice.

A comparison table

Reviews in details below.

1. Holy Stone HS720 Foldable GPS Drone – by Holy Stone

Indeed, Holy Stone does not need an introduction. It is outstanding amongst some other UAV brands. That is because the company’s models have incredible quality construction & first-rate specifications (specs), and the HS720 one is not an exception. 

We mention this product unit first in the list since it fits the bill and delivers top-notch quality specs considering the cost. 

For instance, you may like the crisp camera quality (i.e., 2K video shooting with 2048 pixel x 1152 pixel resolution. Besides, the camera designed with a shock absorption holder provides incredible image stabilization and legit seamless transitions. But that is not all; the five-gigahertz (GHz) first-person view (FPV) transmission & 90°adjustable lens will enable you to admire the world from different angles. 

What is more? Thanks to the Holy Stone’s rigid & collapsible construction, you can bring it around quickly, and shocks or something is not a big deal for the drone to take up.

Further, the controller with the control range of the 2.4GHz transmitter allows you to stay connected with the UAV regardless of whether it is thousands of feet away.

Likewise, this Holy Stone HS720 is outfitted with loads of helpful highlights and attributes. These include Optical Flow Positioning, enabling it to hover on a particular spot easily. Plus, you can arrange a trajectory for the robot to fly thanks to the Custom Flight attribute. Else, you can leverage the Follow Me feature to record yourself when moving.

Moreover, it is worth noting that you will appreciate every one of those attributes for an extended time because of the battery duration of around 26 minutes. Better yet, thanks to the GPS Return to Home mode, if the UAV begins to lose the signal or is low on battery, it will return right to you automatically.

Key features:

• Brushless motor
• Decent battery duration
• Image stabilization
• Foldable construction
• 5G wifi
• 2K HD camera
• Follow Me 
• One-key GPS Return to Home

What is in the box?

• A Holy Stone HS720 Foldable GPS Drone
• Drone battery
• USB battery charger
• Transmitter
• User manual
• Carrying backpack

2. Ruko F11 Foldable GPS Drone – by Ruko

Next on the list is the F11. If you are fond of the Ruko F11 Pro Drone yet its price is not within your budget, we recommend picking the Ruko F11 that is more affordable.

Indeed, this best drone under $300 comes with every one of the highlights and attributes needed to make it an excellent alternative to the Ruko F11 Pro one. For example, the performance & construction quality are hardly doubtful. In addition, you may appreciate its adaptable & solid build made almost perfect with Level 7 wind resistance. 

Also, the model’s camera is equipped for shooting great 4K photos & 1080p FHD (full high definition) videos easily. At the same time, you have effortless access to every maneuvering control. 

And what is more? The UAV’s range is a whopping 4000 feet while the aircraft remains connected in light of the impressive signal band. Further, you have the option to appreciate the 5G FPV transmission at 1600 feet without any problem. 

Additionally, what about the battery life? This Ruko drone can stay in the air in an hour if you think about using the two batteries (11.1V 2500mAH) one after another. Likewise, easy-to-use attributes are available to make your flying experience more pleasant – for instance, the Headless mode, One-key departing & landing, Gesture Control, & GPS hold. 

But that is not all. The TapFly attribute proves to be helpful when taking professional-grade videos. Indeed, you have the choice to arrange as many as sixty points on the map that the flying robot would follow automatically when capturing videos. 

Besides, if you desire the UAV to follow you, you cannot go wrong with the Follow Me feature. Best yet, it manages to go as quickly as 43.2 kilometers per hour; that is why the flying machine should have no difficulty following your vehicle on the most lovely roads.

Key features:

• An hour of playtime
• 1080P video
• 4K image
• Up to 3937 feet control range
• Up to 1640 feet HD video transmission
• A GPS hold with sufficient stability
• Level 7 wind resistance
• Headless mode
• Follow Me feature

What is in the box?

• A Ruko F11 Foldable GPS Drone
• Two batteries (11.1V 2500mAh)（One in the case & another in the drone）
• USB battery charger
• Transmitter
• User manual
• Carrying case
• Four extra propeller blades
• Screwdriver

3. Holy Stone HS700D FPV Drone – by Holy Stone

Third, the Holy Stone HS700D is recommendable. As you may know, the brand is pretty famous for manufacturing a variety of UAVs. In the case of the HS700D, it is more geared towards videography, hence boasting several quality specifications that serve the purpose. 

Namely, this best drone under $300 provides first-rate video quality thanks to its 4K FHD 90-degree adjustable camera. The 110-degree FOV (field of view) allows the camera to cover pretty much all the angles. Besides, the 5GHz transmission makes certain that the live video transmission is enough.

Furthermore, in contrast to many UAVs, this robot has a high-capacity 2800mAh intelligent battery whose duration is about 22 minutes on one charge. So for the next drone flying session, you should charge it once more that takes around five to seven hours. 

In addition, you may like the 1640-2600 feet live video transmission range and 3280 feet max control range. That is impressive for a flying machine at the price point. 

But that is not all; the Holy Stone HS700D FPV Drone comes with quite fair highlights and attributes, assisting you with controlling it more productively. Indeed, you do not need a lot of skill to deal with this robot because it can do essentially everything all alone. 

And better yet, just a single click of a button is necessary to lock down the altitude. What if you wish to record yourself while running or something? Then, count on the Follow Me mode!

What is even more? In case your robot gets lost, it is always advisable to hit the return button. That is when the drone’s GPS Auto Return attribute will make it return to you automatically.

Finally, the 2204 1500KV (kilovolt) brushless monitor functions admirably as well as offers a quiet & seamless drone flight experience. In addition, owing to the custom flight attribute, you can determine its trajectory path.

Key features:

• Brushless motor
• 22 minutes of playtime
• 4K FHD 90°adjustable camera
• Follow Me feature
• GPS Auto Return
• Custom flight path

What is in the box?

• A Holy Stone HS700D FPV Drone
• Drone battery
• Dual balance charger
• USB charging cable
• Transmitter
• User manual
• Two landing gears
• Eight propellers with the spanner
• Screwdriver

4. Contixo F24 Pro 4K UHD Foldable RC Quadcopter GPS Drone – by Contixo

The list should not be complete without a special mention of the Contixo F24 Pro 4K UHD Foldable RC Quad. As you may know, the brand is among popular brands regarding the UAVs’ efficiency & dependability. It provides impressive specifications in the entirety of its product units, including the F24.

Yeah, you will appreciate this model’s top-of-the-line quality specs given the price. For example, its 4K UHD camera is worth mentioning. 

The camera is indeed a 90-degree vertical adjustable one outfitted with a 120-degree FOV lens. That should enable a broad view of the marvelous moment and taking dazzling photographs. Additionally, you may like the 2.7K video with deep contrast, incredible clarity, & true-to-life colors. 

Better yet, the upgraded intelligent battery (2500mAh) of this best drone under $300 lasts satisfactorily long (i.e., up to half an hour). And the battery’s LED lights help notify you about the power left. Plus, there is an accessible micro USB charging port.

Further, thanks to a consistent & strong GPS signal, the flying robot will support the live video & image transmission of a terrific 1,700 feet. 

The integrated brushless motors are also admirable. It ensures a seamless & efficient drone flight. As another bonus, the UAV’s effective foldability makes fitting it in smaller storage more easily. For instance, you will not have to uninstall the propeller after every use. 

Last but not least, since you use the robot in 3D View mode, an incredible 3D experience & magnificent visual fidelity should be what you get.

Key features:

• Brushless motor
• Decent battery life
• 4K UHD Camera
• Clear quality pictures & videos
• 3D experience
• Strong & stable GPS signal
• Foldable
• Compact storage

What is in the box?

• A Contixo F24 Pro 4K UHD Foldable RC Quadcopter GPS Drone
• 7.4V 2500 mAh lithium polymer battery
• Balance charger & USB cable
• 4K 5GHz Wifi camera
• Transmitter
• User manual
• An additional set of spare propellers
• Screwdriver toolset
• Cell phone holder

5. EMAX Tinyhawk 2.5″ Freestyle BNF 2s FRSKY Outdoor Drone Carbon Fiber Quad – by Tiny Hawk

First and foremost, in comparison with other models on this rundown, the brand centers around manufacturing fast & less sizable UAVs reasonable for racing. And the best example should be the TinyHawk.

It is worth noting that if you are among those into operating the robots for sheer fun in freestyle mode, you cannot go wrong with the product unit. The brand has designed this best drone under $300 with mainly racing purposes in mind, so it will undoubtedly face a more considerable number of shocks & drops than some other UAVs. 

Specifically, with the excellent & rigid Aerospace Grade Carbon fiber’s utilization, the flying machine absorbs shocks more or less. Furthermore, this material is amazingly lightweight, being a desirable factor for any racing UAV.

But on the other hand, not every novice will enjoy operating the EMAX Tinyhawk 2.5″ Freestyle model. It is because there need a ton of skills to deal with its speed and move it in the air impeccably. For your information, the drone has an 1103 brushless motor working to deliver fantastic output speed to the AVAN propellers for a faster drone flying experience.

Even more, you may be happy with the UAV racing either through the FPV transmission from the 600 TV-Line (TVL) See-Moss (CMOS) camera or in a 3D Virtual Reality (VR). 

Also, speaking of the flight time, this EMAX can stay in the air for around five to eight minutes on one battery. That battery duration is indeed good for the price. Not to mention, there is an extra battery available; thus, the total playtime is about fifteen minutes. 

Key features:

• FPV transmission
• Body made out of carbon fiber material
• Compact build
• Super lightweight
• Brushless motor
• Fast speed

What is in the box?

• An EMAX Tinyhawk 2.5″ Freestyle BNF 2s FRSKY Outdoor Drone
• Two batteries with the 450mAh capacity
• USB charger board
• User manual
• Carrying case
• A spare set of propellers
• Screw pack

Guide to selecting the best drone under $300: A closer look

Now that you have a better idea of the best of the best in the market today, let’s take less than a minute to scan through what they bring to the table. As well as being amusing to fly, these flying robots can take staggering videos & photographs. In addition, they boast cutting-edge sensors, upgraded attributes, and the ability to fly themselves pretty stably.

Further, thanks to state-of-the-art software, customer drones have done a great job of tracking people & objects. Above all, the reasonable price makes them suits most shoppers’ budget.

But then again, before you decide the best fit for your needs and wants, make sure you read through the following guide.

1. Know the laws

First, as you have chosen to get a UAV, you should know about the necessary laws identified with them. The FAA (the United States Federal Aviation Administration) has presented a few rules required for drone pilots to obey.

For example, if your robot’s weight is over 250 grams, you have to register it with the FAA so that it can operate in the air in an eligible way. Following the registration, the allocated number referenced on the UAV is necessary if there requires verification. 

Also, advisably, you are aware of areas not permitted to fly UAVs and shoot videos & photos. For instance, in a five-mile radius around any airport, you cannot operate the robots. That is because of its possibility of interfering with the signals and bringing about mishaps. Besides, flying machines are not permitted over wildlife areas, emergency areas, national parks, among others.

2. Never disregard range & speed

Next up, for a wide range of flying robots, including the best drone under $300, it is significant to think about the range factor. The general rule of thumb is, the more, the better. Plus, it is worth noting that beginner quad’s control range tends to be from fifty to 100 meters. Speaking of the professional UAVs, they deliver a range that the distance is often in the large numbers (say – thousands). 

And when it comes to speed, this element is beneficial for racing UAVs. By and large, these flying machine is made out of lightweight materials such as carbon fiber. That is why they can undoubtedly gain the speed of as high as 35 miles (about 56 kilometers) per hour. 

3. Account for the high video resolution’s pros & cons

Again, the video resolution is exclusively answerable for the video quality attained from your UAV shots. Are you wondering how somebody figured out how to take video from incredible heights? It is owing to flying robots’ broad use in the filmmaking business. What if you own a YouTube channel? Then, you may be okay with UAVs with about 1080p FHD video recording. 

On the one hand, a couple of excellent UAVs provide far higher resolutions – for instance, 2K or 2.9K video recording. But on the other hand, pushing the resolution directly influences your aircraft’s playtime. Understandably, both the camera & the robot share the power source. 

4. Check the availability of the remote control

Further, you should consider the controller. Most UAVs utilize a remote control alongside joysticks like an Xbox controller or something. 

Talking about the stick’s usefulness, one works to control the drone’s altitude, pitch, & roll. It will tilt vertically to handle pitch and handle roll by tilting horizontally. Regarding the other stick, it will control the throttle as well as the drone’s revolution. 

If the remote control is a proper one, you should hold and use it comfortably in your hands. Specifically, the sticks will rest quickly in the thumbs and feel seamless. In this way, you can pilot the drone without much of a stretch guide via a straightforward touch. 

But meanwhile, some UAV product units do not feature the remote control. Else, in some cases, it is an extra-cost attribute. 

As another option, they utilize a cell phone connected via Wifi & an integrated flying application. These applications give a live video view straightforwardly from the drone camera. Please remember that such applications are not comparable to real controllers in terms of precision. The likelihood is, the thumbs will slip off.

5. Look at battery life

For the most part, a quad’s playtime has to do with its battery capacity. Speaking of the best drone under $300, it has a battery duration from 20 minutes to half an hour. 

Please bear in mind that just a battery manages to possess the camera aside from the UAV. So its life may last in a more extended time in case you are simply figuring out how to fly and do not capture videos. Meanwhile, if you desire to record the flight, the drone camera may make the battery run out of juice more quickly. 

What is more to note? Some advanced models come with an integrated battery. Likewise, some give the option of disposable batteries. Given that, you matt want to get an extra battery in the pace to attain almost double the playtime.

6. Keep drone safety in mind

While flying UAVs can be an incredible pastime, you had better fly them carefully and responsibly. A small toy model can harm someone – not to mention; there is something terrible possibly happening to your fingers because of the rotor blades. 

For tackling this concern, some flying machines defend the rotors by leveraging shields. However, with that being said, these are not the sure-fire way to stay away from damages and whatnot. After all, you can operate any sort and size of the UAV safely in the air with appropriate consideration. 

7. Check out the construction & do not afraid of any repair

May your UAV crash? Do not get surprised by that. But the good news is, though a decent model likely decline by chance & hit in stride, it will be least likely to harm the frame. These product units boast shields to protect electronic things such as rotors from damage.

Also, how about racing UAVs? Their parts can probably break up as well. But on the other hand, a good product unit offers a complete supply of rotors, struts, and others to supplant the damaged parts. Additionally, exchanging them – for example, batteries (if necessary) is not difficult. 

Some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. Is the reliability of the best drone under $300 doubtful?

In all honesty, these flying robots are relatively dependable. 

In the first place, as you can see, many of them are outfitted with brushless motors. Compared to brushed motors, they are significantly longer0lassting. And, by and large, they work far longer.

What is more? The models are well constructed with the ability to take up more or less of the beating. But, of course, avoid operating them full speed directly into concrete walls; no UAV would cling on to live in that case. 

2. Which are the most recommendable outdoor drones below $300?

You can use practically all previously mentioned product units outdoors. But be that as it may, the HS700D from Holy Stone would be our most preferable! 

The model is pretty sizable. Yet, on the upside, it comes with a solid camera & incredible brushless motors. So, assuming that is the element you are searching for in your next outdoor UAV, you cannot go wrong with this bad boy!

3. Which is the most impressive UAV with a gimbal below $300?

It is impossible to buy a model with a legitimate gimbal stabilization mechanism for under $300. Instead, a pretty good attempt by Contixo is what you will be able to get.

Contixo’s F24 product unit has a notable simple gimbal at the price range. Where it is not flawless at all, its fantastic quality is hardly doubtful in comparison with its direct competitors. Despite some shakiness, there is no trace of the jello effect, much like the propeller vibration. 

4. Which is the most excellent collapsible for less than $300?

In case you prioritize portability in your buy, a collapsible drone – ideally with its portable case, should be your best bet. Otherwise, you have the choice to purchase a generic one and consider your UAV’s construction to cut out the interior. 

Regarding reliable collapsible UAVs below $300, we strongly recommend the F11 from Ruko. Though its price is somewhat higher than some others, it is reasonable if you consider everything it will be able to do. The HS720 from Holy Stone is likewise a great foldable option, yet its general performance is not par with what the F11 has brought to the table. 

All in all

Which is the best drone under $300? You will have a lot to brag about when you choose the models recommended above, particularly:

• The Holy Stone HS720 that boasts the impressive construction quality as well as a capable camera (2K HD) with the image stabilization attribute;
• The Contixo F24 with 2.9K video resolution & 4K photo quality, which is a steal considering the price;
• The EMAX Tinyhawk as a terrific UAV for racing.

Last but not least, do not forget to leave your thoughts below in the comments. And if you can have any questions, feel free to ask us here for your best answer.