Best Drone Under £500 UK 2023

Drones have become increasingly popular over the years, with more and more people using them for various purposes. From aerial photography to racing, drones have proven to be versatile tools that can cater to different needs.

However, with the vast array of drones available in the market, finding the right one can be a daunting task, especially if you’re on a budget.

The best drones under £500 in the UK include the DJI Mini 2 SE, DJI Avata, and Ruko F11 GIM2. The DJI Mini 2 SE is a lightweight and compact drone with a 31-minute flight time, while the DJI Avata offers an immersive flying experience with a 4K camera. The Ruko F11 GIM2 is feature-rich with a 4K camera and 56 minutes of total flight time with two included batteries.

In this article, we will be discussing the best drones under £500.

Top Pick

Best Value Drone For Under £500 UK

DJI Mini 2 SE + Fly More Kit

The DJI Mini 2 SE is an exceptional choice for a drone under £500, offering a high-quality DJI-branded experience at an affordable price due to its reduced cost over time. With this budget, you can also invest in the Fly More kit, which includes two additional batteries for an extra hour of flight time and a carry case. To complete the ultimate drone setup under £500, you’ll still have enough funds to purchase a drone landing pad and a large SD card for storing your footage.

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Drones in this price range are ideal for beginners who are looking for an affordable yet high-quality drone. When purchasing a drone, it’s essential to consider factors such as flight time, camera quality, and range.

These factors can make a significant difference in the performance of your drone and ultimately affect your overall experience.

We spent hours researching and testing various drones to identify the ones that offer the best value for money. In the following sections, we will discuss our top picks and what makes them stand out from the rest.

Best Drones Under £500

We have compiled a list of the best drones under £500 that are perfect for beginners and hobbyists alike. These drones offer great value for money and come with features that are usually found in more expensive models.

Whether you want to capture stunning aerial photos and videos or simply enjoy flying, our list has something for everyone.

So without further ado, let’s take a look at our top picks.

DJI Avata – First-Person View Drone

DJI Avata

Best FPV Drone Under £500

• Ideal for non-technical users, no DIY required
• Highly satisfied with DJI Avata purchase
• 4K stabilized video, 155° wide field of view
• Propeller guards, HD transmission, emergency brake/hover
• Compatible with DJI Motion Controller, motion control

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If you’re looking for a drone that delivers an immersive flying experience, the DJI Avata is a great choice. It’s a palm-sized drone that’s agile and easy to manoeuvre, making it perfect for capturing footage on the go.

Overall, we think the DJI Avata is a great drone for beginners and casual users who want to capture high-quality footage. It’s easy to use, compact, and offers a range of features that make it a great value for money. If you’re looking for a drone that’s both fun and functional, the DJI Avata is definitely worth considering.

DJI Mini 2 SE

DJI Mini 2 SE

Best Drone For Under £500

• Under 249g, easy regulations
• No UK drone licence needed
• 31-minute max flight time
• Beginner-friendly smart features
• Affordable price point

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If you’re looking for a lightweight and compact drone that’s easy to use and captures high-quality aerial footage, the DJI Mini 2 SE is a great choice.

We’ve been using the DJI Mini 2 SE for a few years now and have been impressed with its performance. It’s incredibly lightweight and compact, making it easy to take with us on hikes, road trips, and other adventures. Despite its small size, it’s packed with features that make it easy to capture impressive aerial footage.

One of the things we love about the DJI Mini 2 SE is how easy it is to use.

The controls are intuitive and the QuickShots and other intelligent modes make it easy to capture impressive footage even if you’ve never flown a drone before. The extended range and 31-minute flight time mean you can explore and capture more with a reliable connection, giving you the freedom to fly and capture footage with confidence.

While the DJI Mini 2 SE is relatively expensive compared to other drones in its class, we think it’s worth the investment if you’re serious about capturing high-quality aerial footage.

However, it may struggle in very strong winds, so it’s important to be mindful of the weather conditions when flying. Additionally, the camera’s resolution is only 2.7K, which may not be sufficient for professional-level footage.

Overall, we highly recommend the DJI Mini 2 SE for anyone looking for a lightweight and easy-to-use drone that captures high-quality aerial footage.

Ruko F11 GIM2 Drones with Camera 4k Professional

Ruko F11 GIM2

Feature Rich Advanced Drone

• 4K camera with 2-Axis gimbal stabilization and Electric Image Stabilization (EIS) for stable 4K pictures and videos
• 56 minutes of total flight time with two included batteries
• Intelligent GPS-assisted features, including auto-return home, GPS follow me, point of interest, and waypoint flight
• Video recording saves automatically to the phone’s library for easy sharing on social media platforms
• Easy to maneuver and control

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The Ruko F11 GIM2 boasts a plethora of advanced features typically found on premium drones, offering a high-quality camera and additional accessories such as batteries and a drone case. Although larger and heavier than the DJI Mini 2 SE, which necessitates an A2 CofC drone license, its size enhances wind performance. While the Ruko brand may not be as reputable as DJI, the F11 GIM2 delivers exceptional value with its advanced capabilities and included extras.

We highly recommend the Ruko F11 GIM2 drone for anyone looking for a high-quality drone under £500. The drone is easy to fly and comes with a range of features that make it perfect for beginners and professionals alike.

The Ruko F11 GIM2 drone is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality drone under £500. The drone is easy to fly and comes with a range of features that make it perfect for beginners and professionals alike.

The drone has a 3KM/9800ft HD video transmission range that provides impressive image quality that is consistently smooth. The 4K camera with 2-Axis gimbal stabilization and Electric Image Stabilization technology takes stable pictures and records videos at 4K/30fps. The drone comes with two batteries, each providing a 28-minute flight time, and the battery is intelligent and safe.

However, the drone is a bit heavy, weighing in at 560 grams. It is not suitable for children under the age of 14 and is not waterproof, so it should not be flown in rainy or wet conditions.

Overall, the Ruko F11 GIM2 drone is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality drone under £500. It is easy to fly and comes with a range of features that make it perfect for beginners and professionals alike.

Mavic Air Drone

DJI Mavic Air

For Travelers, Photographers, Hobbyists

• The Mavic Air is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around and perfect for traveler
• 12-megapixel camera with a 100 Mbps bitrate in 4K recording, providing excellent image quality for both photos and videos7.
• The Mavic Air has a solid speed, flight time, and range, ensuring a reliable and enjoyable flying experience.
• The Mavic Air is more affordable than some of its competitors, offering a balance of great features and performance at a reasonable price.

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The DJI Mavic Air is a compact yet powerful drone that strikes the perfect balance between performance and portability. Equipped with a 4K camera, a foldable design, and an impressive battery life, the Mavic Air outperforms the DJI Spark in terms of flight times. This drone is ideal for capturing breathtaking panoramic photos and videos, making it an excellent choice for those who want a high-quality drone without the price tag of the DJI Mavic Pro Platinum.

Its small form factor and advanced features have made it a popular choice among drone enthusiasts.However, it’s important to note that due to the Mavic Air’s weight, it requires an A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC) for operation in the UK. In comparison to the DJI Mini 2 SE, the Mavic Air boasts a superior 4K camera and additional features like panoramic photo and video capabilities.

While the Mini 2 SE is a more affordable option with 2.7K video recording and slightly longer flight times, the Mavic Air is the better choice for those who prioritize higher video resolution and advanced features. Both drones are compact and portable, making them suitable for travel and various aerial photography and videography needs.

Ultimately, the DJI Mavic Air is a top recommendation for one of the best drone under £500 in the UK, offering a fantastic combination of performance, portability, and advanced features.

One More To Consider……

Ultimate Top Pick

DJI Mini 3

Best Overall Drone In The UK Currently

The DJI Mini 3 is considered the best drone in the UK for its compact design, extended battery life, and high-quality camera. Its lightweight and foldable structure makes it easy to carry and exempt from registration in most countries, while the impressive battery life of up to 51 minutes with the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus ensures extended flight time. This makes the DJI Mini 3 my top choice for drone enthusiasts.

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The DJI Mini 3 stands out as a top pick for drone enthusiasts, regardless of budget constraints. This remarkable entry-level drone boasts a lightweight and portable design, making it perfect for on-the-go aerial photography and videography.

With its impressive battery life and camera performance, the Mini 3 delivers excellent value for its price, catering to both beginners and experienced pilots alike.

Equipped with the same camera as the Mini 3 Pro, the DJI Mini 3 captures stunning 12MP photos and 4K30 video, ensuring high-quality imagery.

Although it lacks some features found in the Mini 3 Pro, such as obstacle avoidance sensors and advanced photo and video functionality, the Mini 3 remains a solid choice for those seeking a more affordable option. Its responsive flight controls and stable 720p live feed between the drone camera and the controller’s screen make it a pleasure to fly.

In summary, the DJI Mini 3 is an outstanding drone that offers exceptional value for all budgets. Its superb image quality, ease of use, and portability make it a top choice for drone enthusiasts. While it may not have all the features of its Pro counterpart, the Mini 3 is an excellent option for those who prioritize a high-quality camera and user-friendly experience without breaking the bank.

Buying Guide

When choosing the best drone under £500, there are a few important factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for when making your decision:

Flight Time

The flight time of a drone is an important factor to consider. A longer flight time means you can fly your drone for longer periods of time without having to recharge the battery. Look for drones with a flight time of at least 20 minutes.

Camera Quality

If you plan on using your drone for photography or videography, the camera quality is crucial. Look for drones with high-resolution cameras that can capture clear, detailed images and videos.

Range

The range of your drone is another important consideration. The range determines how far your drone can fly from the controller before losing connection. Look for drones with a range of at least 500 meters.

GPS

GPS is an important feature that allows your drone to navigate and maintain its position in the air. Look for drones with built-in GPS that can help you locate your drone if it gets lost or provide you with accurate location data.

Obstacle Avoidance

Obstacle avoidance is a feature that allows your drone to detect and avoid obstacles in its path. This is an important safety feature that can prevent your drone from crashing into trees, buildings, or other objects.

Size and Portability

The size and portability of your drone are important if you plan on taking it with you on the go. Look for drones that are compact and lightweight, making them easy to transport and store.

By considering these key features, you can choose the best drone under £500 that meets your needs and budget.