Top 10 Best Drones Under 500 for Beginners: The Ultimate Guide
In recent years, the drones have evolved how they are being used in several ways. There are many things that we use the top 10 best drones under 500 for beginners. They bring innovative changes in the industries and are being used by agricultural, law enforcement, and even securities. These drones have always been divided into two different categories that cater to beginners with cheap and affordable toy-grade drones.
On the other hand, there are professional grade quadcopters packed with a superior camera and loaded with features. But those days are over as more options are being available right now on the consumer market. These top 10 best drones under 500 for beginners come with awesome features like 4K cameras, tracking features, and such. If you are new to flying the drone or checking out for something that fits the description.
There are good reasons why you shouldn’t just drop a thousand dollars just to get the breaking edge drones. We have scoured through the consumer market and assembled the top 10 best drones under 500 for beginners. These drones will make the perfect introduction to anyone who wants to fly or to expand their gallery artwork. Plus, to use them as a fun toy during the weekend. We also provide recommendations for every user type and drone activities. So, you can rest assured you will find out the best drone that fits you. Enjoy!
Top 10 Best Drones Under 500 for Beginners
DJI Phantom 3 4K
On the top 10 best drones under 500 for beginners is the DJI Phantom 3 4K quadcopter. This advanced drone is packed with ton of awesome and superior features such as intelligent flight modes. Plus, it is equipped with the latest camera mounted on a 3-axis gimbal stabilizer that provides a smooth, flawless 4K high-definition resolution setting. Each battery charge provides approximately 25 minutes of flight time.
While the DJI Phantom 3 4K drone doesn’t have the state of art technology that popular drones such as the Mavic 2 or Phantom 4 has. This drone is still equipped with Lightbridge Technology that offers superior remote control distance compared to most of these drones. Not just only that you can fly far and long, this technology offers a smooth live streaming video in real-time that makes it the perfect entry-level drone for aerial photographers.
Key Features:
- Flight Time: 25 Minutes
- Remote Control Distance: 1,200 Meters
- Camera Quality: 12 Megapixels
- Image Resolution: 4K
- Video Resolution: 4K @ 30 FPS
- Maximum Flying Speed: 35 MPH
- Intelligent Flight Mode: Yes
- Obstacle Avoidance: No
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back to menu ↑DJI Spark
Introducing the DJI Spark to the top 10 best drones under 500 for beginners. This is a mini-sized quadcopter capable of compact and portability made simple for travelers and entry-level aerial photographers. The DJI Spark drone features a 12MP camera mounted on a 2-axis gimbal systems. While it can capture stills at stunning 4K resolution, it is only capable of recording videos on 1080P HD at 30 frames per second.
A single battery charge provides the DJI Spark drone with approximately 16 minutes of flight time. Furthermore, it can fly up to 2,000 meters which easily makes this one of the best longest range drones in the category. Not to mention that I like this drone’s appearance because it strikes me as a quadcopter with a friendly tone. Which makes this drone the perfect gift for Christmas or even birthday present for everyone.
Key Features:
- Flight Time: 16 Minutes
- Remote Control Distance: 2,000 Meters
- Camera Quality: 12 Megapixels
- Image Resolution: 4K
- Video Resolution: 1080P HD @ 30 FPS
- Maximum Flying Speed: 31 MPH
- Intelligent Flight Mode: Yes
- Obstacle Avoidance: Yes
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back to menu ↑3DR Solo
If you are an avid user of action camera and want to mount on one of these drone. We have the perfect drone for all of your action camera needs. That goes without saying the 3DR Solo is the perfect match for popular action cameras such as GoPro HERO6. Featuring a built-in 3-axis gimbal stabilizer that offers you the option to produce smooth and crispy clear aerial footage with your favorite action camera.
The 3DR Solo drone is packed with intelligent flight battery which provides 25 minutes of flight time (20 minutes with payload). It even includes a 720P HD real-time streaming that delivers you the best FPV flight experience you can ever possibly ask for. In addition to that, this drone has a maximum remote control distance of up to 1,000 meters. However, you can extend the remote control distance with these range extenders made for a 3DR Solo drone.
At first glance, the 3DR Solo might look a little bit complex for beginners. But I can assure you that this smart drone is relatively easy to fly around even that beginners with no prior flying experience will have an easy time learning how to fly the drone. Since each battery lasts around 25 minutes, I highly recommend that you buy extra batteries at least two to three should be good enough to give you an hour worth of flying.
Key Features:
- Flight Time: 25 Minutes
- Remote Control Distance: 1,000 Meters
- Camera Quality: Action Camera
- Image Resolution: Action Camera
- Video Resolution: Action Camera
- Maximum Flying Speed: 54 MPH
- Intelligent Flight Mode: Yes
- Obstacle Avoidance: No
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back to menu ↑HS700 Ophelia
Another great quality action camera drone that deserves to be in the top 10 best drones under 500 for beginners. This is not the same as the 3DR Solo, however, it is a cheap alternative option for those who don’t want to spend too much money. The HS700 Ophelia drone includes a 1080P HD action camera that can deliver images and videos at real-time nearly instantaneously. Thanks to enhanced transmission channel that uses 5GHz frequency.
The HS700 Ophelia is combined with superior performance which mostly comes from brushless motors and powerful battery. Performance-wise, the HS700 Ophelia drone can be commanded with precise flight controls and is incredible stability. Thanks to the built-in GPS module, this drone can perform a set of intelligent flight modes such as Follow Me and custom flight paths. If you want to capture professional videos, you can easily switch to one of your favorite GoPro action cameras and capture these special moments!
Key Features:
- Flight Time: 20 Minutes
- Remote Control Distance: 1,000 Meters
- Camera Quality: Action Camera
- Image Resolution: Action Camera
- Video Resolution: Action Camera
- Maximum Flying Speed: 37 MPH
- Intelligent Flight Mode: Yes
- Obstacle Avoidance: No
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back to menu ↑Parrot Bebop 2
Introducing the Parrot Bebop 2, one of the most compact and lightweight drone made for beginners. This lighting fast bird is capable of capturing high quality images and videos at 1080P HD setting. If you ever want to fly a drone but also to race and experience what it is like to fly as a bird in First Person View mode. You are in luck because the Parrot Bebop 2 drone is a complete package which comes with FPV Goggles and a Skycontroller 2.
Unlike most drones under 500, the Parrot Bebop 2 quadcopter can capture stills and produce both JPEG + DNG format. This means you can easily edit these stills using Photoshop to create masterpieces. Not to mention that this drone also comes with a built-in 3-axis gimbal stabilizer so that you won’t ever have to worry about shakiness. Each battery gives the drone a flight time of 25 minutes and has a maximum remote control distance of up to 1.2 miles.
To add final remarks about the Parrot Bebop 2 drone, this has to be one of the most friendly-looking birds in these price ranges. I think this drone will make a great choice for beginners and recreational remote pilots who want to race, take pictures and just to have fun. Therefore, we do highly recommend the Parrot Bebop 2 drone for beginners. Be sure to check it out to see for yourself.
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back to menu ↑UVify OOri
The UVify OOri is definitely something new that has been overshadowed by popular drones. However, we are going to give it a chance at the spotlight. If you are looking for something unique and different that is packed with speed, features and of course quality. Then, you probably will want to check out the UVify OOri drone and see for yourself.
This is one of the world’s first smart racing drones that is designed for everybody. It encompasses intelligent flight battery and multiple add-on modules that focus on making it easy and simple for beginners. Such as lock-on propellers and enhanced intelligent flight battery. Also, the UVify OOri drone comes with a color ring that you can change it to your favorite color. Which makes it the ultimate racing drone.
Key Features:
- Flight Time: 6 Minutes
- Remote Control Distance: 200 Meters
- Camera Quality: 12 MP
- Image Resolution: 4K
- Video Resolution: 1080P HD @ 30 FPS
- Maximum Flying Speed: 60 MPH
- Intelligent Flight Mode: Yes
- Obstacle Avoidance: No
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back to menu ↑Yuneec Mantis Q
Ever want a portable and foldable drone that you can take with you for traveling? The days of having an affordable foldable drone is now becoming a reality. You can grab your own Mantis Q foldable drone just for under $500. Plus, this drone features 4K resolution setting on a 3-axis gimbal stabilizer. Crazy, right? Just almost it is too good to be true enough to beat the Mavic Air and Mavic Pro in the price competition.
All the stills are stored on both JPEG and DNG formats so that you can edit them with flexibility and to create masterpieces. Plus, the Mantis Q foldable drone is the perfect choice for selfie shots. With built-in gesture mode and voice control feature, you can command the drone to perform what you want to do so. As the intelligent flight modes take the Mantis Q foldable drone to a whole new level, giving beginners and recreational remote pilot greater freedom to the skies than ever before.
Key Features:
- Flight Time: 33 Minutes
- Remote Control Distance: 1,500 Meters
- Camera Quality: 12 MP
- Image Resolution: 4K
- Video Resolution: 4K @ 30 FPS
- Maximum Flying Speed: 45 MPH
- Intelligent Flight Mode: Yes
- Obstacle Avoidance: No
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back to menu ↑UVify Draco
The UVify Draco is another overlooked drone that is worth checking out. Just like the OOri drone, the UVify Draco is one of the smartest racing drone packed with superior speed and battery. It encompasses all the advanced features that you normally would see on professional-grade camera drones. That being said, the UVify Draco drone comes with high endurance design to deliver the best performance and durability.
One thing that I liked about the UVify Draco is how modular this drone is. It is crafted with the best quality possible that makes it one of the potential popular smart racing drones. Not to mention that the UVify Draco drone is built with future proof design. This means as you have this drone, it will continue to get updates with all the latest changes for performance improvements as well as new features.
If you are looking to have your hands on one of these fast smart racing drones. the UVify Draco drone is one of the best out there. It is pricey, yes but worth investing your money into a smart drone that is packed with a lot of features like lighting speed, reliable signal connection and of course intelligent flight batteries. Take a look at the brief key features and see if the UVify Draco drone is the one you are looking for:
Key Features:
- Flight Time: 10 Minutes
- Remote Control Distance: 500 Meters
- Image Resolution: 720P HD
- Video Resolution: 720 @ 60 FPS
- Maximum Flying Speed: 100 MPH
- Intelligent Flight Mode: No
- Obstacle Avoidance: No
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back to menu ↑UPair One
Finally, we have reached the last drone of the top 10 best drones under 500 for beginners. Meet the UPair One drone, one of the most intelligent and advanced quadcopter. On the first impression, it does look similar to Phantom 4 Pro (see Phantom 4 clones). However, the UPair One drone is different since it features a curved body framework. In addition to that, it is mounted with a powerful 12MP camera on a 3-axis gimbal system that can record videos at 4K HD resolution setting.
If you are looking to start your aerial photography career and don’t want to spend too much money. The UPair One drone is the most affordable option for you. And it doesn’t cost anything more than $350 which makes it an extremely excellent drone for entry-level aerial photographers. When it comes to performance, the UPair drone sports 19 minutes of flight time and has a maximum remote control distance of up to 1,000 meters.
Personally, if you were to ask me what is the best drones under 500 for beginners. It definitely will be the UpAir One drone because they are qualified to be an entry-level drone for aerial photographers. Packed with an amazing camera, durable body framework, intelligent flight modes and such. We are thrilled to share with you that the UpAir One drone deserves to be in our top 10 best drones under 500 for beginners.
Key Features:
- Flight Time: 19 Minutes
- Remote Control Distance: 1000 Meters
- Image Resolution: 4K HD
- Video Resolution: 4K @ 30 FPS
- Maximum Flying Speed: 31 MPH
- Intelligent Flight Mode: Yes
- Obstacle Avoidance: No
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Which Drones Under 500 Are Best?
It depends on what type of person you are and what you are looking for. If you are on a tight budget and want to buy a professional-grade camera drone. The pair One drone might be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you do plan to travel around the world and want to expand your gallery for your audience to see the work. You should go for the Yuneec Mantis Q foldable drone.
What I am saying is that all of these drones under 500 are great and packed with a load of features. What kind of drone you want for yourself or as a gift is ultimately up to your choice. However, you do know for a fact that these top 10 best drones under 500 are crafted with utmost professional level. They have amazing customer support, reliable and offer a lot at the price tags they are going for.
Are These Drones Under 500 Worth Buying?
Yes, these drones under 500 are worth buying for several good reasons. They come with a multitude of upgrades that make them overall a better choice compared to these cheap toy-grade drones. First of all, these top 10 best drones under 500 for beginners have a GPS module. Which plays an important role in providing stability and precise flight controls. Without this GPS module, the drone will fly unsteadily.
Furthermore, these top 10 best drones under 500 for beginners features top-notch camera quality. From 1080P HD to 4K UHD resolution setting, you can capture stunning aerial shots from the skies and share with your audience. At the price tag that these drones are going for, I think you will be pleased with what they have to offer. Packed with a load of features, smart functions, safer flying and tidbits like foldable motor arms.
Drones Guides & Tips
We hope you found our guide about the top 10 best drones under 500 for beginners helpful. If you have any questions about these drones. Please feel free to drop a comment in the comments section below. We will read and answer any questions that you might have. Before we conclude, we have a few guides and tips to share with our new fellow drone pilots. We think you might find these guides helpful and insightful, so feel free to check them out too:
- Top 10 Important Tips That Drone Photographers Should Know
- How to Become Part 107 Remote Pilot Certified: Guide for Beginners
- How to Interact With Curious People While Flying Your Drones
Again, thank you for reading our top 10 best drones under 500 guide. We are looking forward to starting a conversation with you. Happy shopping around for a brand new drone and fly smart!
