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Hey drone enthusiasts!
As an experienced drone pilot on a budget, I know the struggle of finding a quality quadcopter that won’t break the bank. But don’t worry, there are still tons of great drone options for under $100 dollars in 2023 if you know where to look.
I actually first started in this industry with a $100 drone myself and continued the hobby to eventually grow into the nation’s largest drone service.
In this article, I’ll share my top picks for the best drones under $100 based on my years of flying experience.
I’ll suggest the best mini drone under $100 for portability and ease of use. For basic aerial photography, I’ll recommend the best camera drone under $100 to capture decent footage without spending a fortune.
And for beginners, I’ll overview drones under $100 that are easy to learn on.
I’ll also cover the best drones for kids under $100, so you can get the youngsters in on the fun safely. And for drone trick enthusiasts, I’ll suggest the most agile and maneuverable models for flipping, spinning, and stunts.
Whether you’re looking for your first beginner drone, a kid-friendly quadcopter, or an ultra-budget drone for tricks, I’ve got you covered.
I’ll break down key features to look for, highlight the pros and cons of each model, and help you get an awesome drone on a strict budget.
Stick with me and you’ll discover there are quality drones available for under $100 in 2023. I can’t wait to pass on my knowledge and help launch your drone piloting hobby without breaking the bank!
Let’s dive in and explore some of the top affordable drones under $100 dollars that will get you started in aerial videography, photography, and tricks on a budget.
Happy flying on the cheap!
Best Drones Under $100 2023 USA
My Top Picks For The Best Drones Under $100 Budget:
Le-idea 12Pro – Best Overall Drone Under $100
Syma UFO X300 – Best Drone With Long Flight Time Under $100
RiskOrb X6 Pro – Best Drone With Obstacle Avoidance For Under $100
INPORSA Drone – Best 1080p Camera Drone For Under $100
Eluhito H827 – Best Safety Drone With Propeller Guards Under $100
le-idea 12Pro | best Overall drone under $100
Best Overall Drone Under $100
Get Quality Aerial Drone Shots on a $100 Budget
With its 1080P HD camera and 5GHz video transmission, the Le-idea 12Pro allows you to capture stunning aerial footage and seamlessly stream it to your phone without breaking the bank. The 12Pro outpaces other sub-$100 drones thanks to features like adjustable camera angle, headless mode for beginners, and 30 minutes of flight time.
As a professional drone pilot running the nation’s largest drone company, I’ve tested countless drones with camera under $100 over the years.
When looking for the best drones under $100 in 2023, I can definitively say the le-idea 12Pro takes the top spot among camera drones under $100.
With its unbeatable combination of features, performance, and price, this GPS drone under $100 consistently impresses me.
The le-idea 12Pro Comes With:
One of the first things that stands out about the 12Pro is the excellent 1080P HD camera. The image quality you can capture with this best drone under $100 is remarkable. The videos are clear and smooth, even at high speeds. The adjustable camera angle allows you to get creative with your shots too.
This really opens up your possibilities for epic landscape shots.
A key factor in great drone footage is a strong transmission signal between the drone and controller. The 12Pro delivers here too with its 5GHz transmission that maintains a crisp, lag-free connection. You can fly far and high without losing video quality.
Don’t let the low price point fool you – this top drone under $100 can handle itself in the elements!
Its level 3 wind resistance keeps it locked on course, even in breezy conditions that would throw other best drones under $100 off. The brushless motors are also quiet but powerful.
You’ll get long, enjoyable flights out of this mini $100 drone.
While the 12Pro performs beyond its small price, it hasn’t forgotten the basics that beginner pilots need.
The headless mode takes away the frustration of drone orientation, and the altitude hold feature lets you take your thumb off the controls to get that perfect shot. It couldn’t be easier to capture pro-level footage with this best drone under 100.
When it’s time to put the 12Pro through its paces, this drone for under $100 can really move!
At top speed it hits 40 km/h – putting plenty of excitement into your flights. The agility pairs nicely with the speed too. This isn’t a lumbering craft at all – it’s energetic and nimble, able to pull off flips and tight turns.
Long flights are important when you want to make the most of your time in the air. That’s why the 12Pro comes with two modular batteries totaling 30 minutes of flight time. You’ll capture a ton of amazing footage before having to swap them out. The batteries deliver powerful, reliable flights too, making this one of the best drones under 100 dollars.
After testing many camera drones under $100, I’m fully confident declaring the le-idea 12Pro the undisputed choice for beginners and experts alike looking for an affordable drone with camera under $100 that doesn’t compromise on features and performance.
Its ability to produce professional, stable aerial footage while still catering to new pilots sets it apart.
If you’re looking to dip your toes into the world of drone videography without breaking the bank, the 12Pro is the way to go.
And if you’re an established pro wanting a budget addition to your drone fleet, this little guy will surpass your expectations.
However you’re looking to use it, the 12Pro delivers impressive results as the best drone under $100.
For these reasons and more, I can wholeheartedly recommend the le-idea 12Pro as the top drone under $100 available today. It epitomizes that perfect blend of quality, capability, and value that every pilot seeks in a drone under 100 dollars. This is one that both pros and hobbyists need to have in their arsenal!
Pros
- Excellent HD 1080P camera quality for the price
- Adjustable camera angle allows for creative shots
- 5GHz transmission signal provides smooth, crisp video
- Good wind resistance keeps it stable in breezy conditions
- Headless mode and altitude hold make it easy for beginners
- Fast top speed of 40 km/h
- Includes two modular batteries for 30 minutes of flight time
- Foldable design makes it portable
- Fun flight features like 360 flips and trajectory flight
- Provides good value for the price
Cons
- Shorter flight time compared to more expensive drones
- Connectivity range could be farther
- No advanced automated flight modes like follow-me or orbit
- No 4K camera option
Eluhito H827 | best Sub $100 Drone With Propeller Guards
Best Drone For Safety Under $100
A Great First Drone for New Pilots
- 720p HD Camera captures aerial shots
- Altitude Hold keeps drone stable midair
- One-Key Takeoff and Landing for ease
- Propeller Guards protect indoor flight
- FPV View streams real-time video
The Eluhito H827 stands out as a top contender in this price range for hobbyists and kids. While it has some limitations, the overall value is hard to beat for under $100.
The 720p camera produces decent images and video for casual users. Footage is clear enough to share online or with friends and family.
However, serious aerial photographers will likely want a drone with a higher resolution camera.
The modular battery system helps extend flight times. With two batteries, you get about 10-12 minutes of airtime. This is good for a mini drone at this price. However, frequent battery swapping can be inconvenient compared to models with longer single-charge flight times.
The altitude hold feature helps beginners by maintaining height. But wind can still impact stability. Pilots will need to remain hands-on with the controls. The H827 handles well outdoors only in light breezes.
I appreciate the prop guards for safety. They give some protection for indoor flying and prevent finger injuries.
While fun, the flips and tricks drain the battery quickly.
So take advantage of these features judiciously if you want longer flights. The 3 speed modes help match the drone’s agility to your skill level.
The FPV video feed works fairly well, but can get intermittent or laggy at times. Stay within line of sight for the best connectivity. Video quality is also dependent on your phone’s resolution.
The design makes the H827 easy to stash in a bag. It’s nice to have that portability. But the drone still impacted by wind. It’s not well suited for very windy open areas.
For under $100, the H827 offers good value as an entry-level drone. It has limitations, but the key features work reasonably well. With measured expectations, it can be a fun way to start learning to fly drones on a budget.
Pros
- Affordable price under $100
- 720p camera captures decent photos and video
- Modular battery system extends flight time
- Altitude hold assists beginner pilots
- Propeller guards provide safety for indoor flying
- Portable and foldable design for travel
- Easy to fly with one-key takeoff/landing
- Fun tricks and flips
- FPV WiFi connectivity with smartphone
- 3 speed modes for different skill levels
Cons
- Short 10-12 minute flight time per battery
- Battery swapping is inconvenient
- Camera quality limited for serious photography
- Tricks quickly drain battery life
- FPV video can lag or get intermittent
- Susceptible to winds outdoors
- No advanced autonomous flight modes
Syma UFO X300 | best Long Flight Time Drone For Under $100
Best Drone Battery Life For Under $100
Forward, Back, Up & Down Obstacle Avoidance
- Get up to 40 minutes of flight time with the included batteries
- Durable construction withstands crashes for new pilots
- Intuitive controls make flying simple even for beginners
- Built-in 1080P HD camera captures crisp aerial footage
- Foldable design enables easy portability and storage
I’ve tested countless drones under $100 over the years. When looking for the best flight time in an affordable camera drone under $100, the SYMA Drone stands out.
With two included batteries, I was able to achieve around 40 minutes of total flight time.
For a drone under $100, this is exceptional and enabled longer filming sessions and more creative shots.
Right out of the box, I was impressed with the SYMA Drone’s safety features. The propeller guards prevent nasty cuts and provide peace of mind when starting out.
The overall lightweight build also reduces impact damage if you happen to bump into objects.
For new pilots and kids, these design elements really stand out on this drone under $100.
After charging up both batteries, it was time to take the SYMA outside for its maiden flight. Despite some wind, this best drone under $100 felt very stable as it hovered in place. The controls were intuitive and allowed smooth directional changes and altitude adjustments.
I was quickly zipping around the garden with confidence.
Taking the SYMA up high, the footage from the built-in 1080P camera was surprisingly crisp and steady. The live view from the app worked seamlessly, allowing me to capture unique aerial shots and perspectives. Having both photo and video options makes this best camera drone under $100 really versatile.
Over several flights, I never ran out of power mid-flight as the two batteries delivered the promised 20 minutes each. Not having to land repeatedly to swap batteries was awesome.
I could focus on filming rather than monitoring power levels constantly.
The 40 total minutes gives you the freedom to really explore and experiment.
While testing the SYMA indoors, the optical flow positioning system kept this best drone under 100 dollars stable and prevented drifiting. Even without GPS, the drone locked in place superbly thanks to this technology. It’s impressive for the price and allowed confident indoor flights.
Outside, the SYMA lived up to its durability claims.
Despite some minor crashes during learning, it held up great.
The rubber bumpers prevented any serious damage and the prop guards saved the propellers.
I never had to stop flying this top affordable drone to make repairs which is crucial for progressing your skills.
The foldable design of the SYMA makes transporting it a breeze. It slips easily into any bag and takes up minimal space. I loved that I could unfold it quickly and start flying this best drone for 100 dollars in seconds. The convenient form factor makes the SYMA an awesome travel companion.
For newbies, the SYMA drone delivers a smooth learning experience. With user-friendly controls, headless mode, and stable flight performance, even beginners can pick it up quickly. The fun automatic flips add excitement once you’ve honed your abilities. It’s a great starting point on your drone journey.
When considering flight time, safety, camera quality, and overall value, the SYMA Drone proves itself as one of the best drones under $100 in 2023. The generous included batteries provide unmatched airtime in this price range. For budget-friendly family fun or budding aerial photography, the SYMA is my top recommendation for drone shoppers.
Pros
- Impressive 40 minutes of flight time
- Durable construction
- Propeller guards for added safety
- Easy to transport foldable design
- Intuitive controls suitable for beginners
- Built-in 1080P HD camera takes crisp photos
- Live view from companion app works smoothly
- Stable hover indoors
- Automatic flips and other fun features
- Great value under $100
Cons
- Camera footage can be shaky due to vibration
- Struggles flying in windy conditions
- Instructions could be clearer for setting up features
- Shorter range compared to more expensive drones
- Battery life less than premium drones
- Takes patience learning to fly smoothly
- Restricted to wifi connection for live camera feed
- More limited features than high-end drones
INPORSA Drone | best Camera drone For Under $100
Best Camera Drone Under $100
1080p Camera Drone On A Budget
- Stunning 4K video and 12MP photos
- 33 minutes of flight time
- Intelligent flight modes
- GPS for stability
- Agile flying performance
The INPORSA Drone with Camera is hands down the best camera drone under $100. With its 1080P HD camera, intuitive controls, and safety features, it’s an amazing value making it the best drone under 100 for aerial photography and videography.
The 1080p HD camera is the star of the show here. It captures stunningly crisp and clear photos and video footage from the air, making it one of the best drones with camera under $100. The quality rivals that of drones costing hundreds more.
You can instantly view and share the footage right from your phone with the FPV WiFi transmission.
I found this drone incredibly easy to fly thanks to features like altitude hold and optical flow positioning. It hovers steadily in place, eliminating the stress of trying to maintain control.
The different speed modes allow you to fly confidently even if you’re new to piloting budget drones.
The gesture controls for taking selfies and videos are really fun and intuitive. With just a hand motion, you can capture pro-level aerial shots. This makes the INPORSA one of the best drones with a camera for beginners under $100 awesome for travel adventures, family gatherings, and more.
The footage looks so professional!
I really appreciate the thoughtful safety features of this drone. It has protective propeller guards, auto power off after collisions, and over-current protection. I never felt anxious about crashing or losing control even when testing it in my backyard and local park.
The flight time is impressive at up to 25 minutes thanks to the two included batteries.
Most drones under 100 dollars died after 10-15 minutes in my experience. The batteries are good quality and recharge quickly too.
Despite testing this drone indoors and outdoors, it has held up great. The sturdy frame and included spare propellers make it durable. I even intentionally crashed it a few times with no issues.
This is a high-quality camera drone for under 100 dollars.
The INPORSA drone couldn’t be easier to set up and use right out of the box. The remote, phone app, and drone connectivity were seamless. I was up and flying in just a few minutes without needing to read any instructions.
In the box you get the drone, remote, two batteries, phone holder, screwdriver, propellers, and a handy carrying case making this one of the best valued drones under $100. The included storage case makes this compact drone super portable too.
For silky smooth aerial footage, intuitive flying, and tons of fun – the INPORSA is the best camera drone under 100 dollars and best drone for under $100 in 2023. I highly recommend this top drone under $100 for anyone from beginner to expert pilots. It has everything you need for next-level photography that will amaze your family and friends.
Pros
- Smooth, stabilized video and crisp 12MP photos
- Intelligent flight modes like Follow Me, Orbit, Waypoints work flawlessly
- GPS and vision positioning allow stable flight indoors and outdoors
- Long 33 minute flight time gives you ample time for aerial filming
Cons
- Lack of adjustable aperture to control light intake
- Slight gimbal vibration at high speeds
- Auto landing not as precise as premium drones
- No rear obstacle avoidance sensors
- Battery not removable during flight
- No dedicated carrying case included
RiskOrb X6 Pro | best Obstacle Avoidance Drone For Under $100
Best Obstacle Avoidance Drone
Collision Avoidance In Budget Drone
- Stunning 4K video and 12MP photos
- 33 minutes of flight time
- Intelligent flight modes
- GPS for stability
- Agile flying performance
Recently, I tried out the RiskOrb X6 Pro and was very impressed with its obstacle avoidance capabilities, making it one of the best drones under $100 for beginners in 2023.
I took the X6 Pro out for multiple test flights, both indoors and outdoors in my garden. The optical flow positioning and altitude hold features allowed it to hover steadily without drifting, even in light winds. This made it easy for me as a pilot to control the drone and capture crisp, stable aerial photos and videos.
The 1080p HD dual camera was better than I expected for an under $100 drone.
The front camera with 90 degree adjustable angle let me capture different perspectives and selfies easily. I could also switch between the front and bottom cameras with the remote to get both aerial and forward facing shots.
The smart obstacle avoidance using sensors on the front, left and right worked well to avoid collisions in my garden.
It didn’t work perfectly in complex or low light conditions, but overall enabled smoother, safer flights. I didn’t have to worry much about crashing thanks to this helpful feature.
With 3 speed modes, the X6 Pro was very easy to fly, even for a beginner pilot. The low speed mode enabled smooth videos and stable shots. I was able to perform flips, rolls, and pre-programmed flight paths with the app once I got the hang of the controls.
The protective prop guards and emergency stop function gave me peace of mind when testing this drone. Even when I lost control, the safety features prevented any serious crashes. The two batteries provided over 15 minutes of flight time, letting me extend my flying sessions.
In my testing, the only real downsides were the average camera quality and limited Wi-Fi range for the live video transmission.
But for under $100, most hobbyist pilots will find the video and photos good enough for sharing online. And the range is standard for drones in this price tier.
Overall, the RiskOrb X6 Pro packs impressive features and flight performance into an affordable, beginner-friendly drone.
The smooth flight controls, smart collision avoidance, and HD dual cameras make this my top recommendation for anyone looking to get started with drones on a budget.
Despite a few understandable limitations, the X6 Pro exceeded my expectations during testing compared to other sub-$100 drones.
Beginners will find it easy to pick up and learn, while still having room to progress their skills.
And the safety features give peace of mind to new pilots.
For the price, obstacle avoidance, dual cameras, and overall flight performance, the RiskOrb X6 Pro is my pick as the best drone with obstacle avoidance under $100 dollars available in 2023. I highly recommend this obstacle avoiding drone to anyone interested in getting started with recreational drone piloting on a budget.
Pros
- 1080P HD camera provides clear aerial photos and video
- Intuitive controls good for beginner and expert pilots
- Safety features like propeller guards and auto power-off
- 25 minutes of flight time from two batteries
- Easy to set up and fly out of the box
- Great complete package for under $100
Cons
- Shorter flight time than premium drones
- Lacks advanced features like follow-me
- Smaller range and transmission distance
- Spare batteries must be purchased separately
- May struggle with very strong winds
- Not built for professional or commercial use
- No customizable or modular features
Buying Guide: The Best Drones Under $100 in 2023
Drones have exploded in popularity in recent years as the technology has become more affordable and accessible. With so many options on the market, it can be tricky to determine which drone is right for you, especially if you’re on a budget.
This comprehensive buying guide will walk you through everything you need to know to find the best drones under $100 in 2023.
What to Consider When Buying a Drone Under $100 2023
There are several key factors to evaluate when shopping for an affordable drone:
Flight Time
Flight time, also known as battery life, refers to how long the drone can stay in the air on a single charge. This is one of the most important considerations, as you want to be able to enjoy flying your drone without having to land every 5-10 minutes to recharge.
For drones under $100, average flight times range from 10-30 minutes.
Control Range
Control range determines how far you can fly your drone from the controller before losing signal. Longer control ranges allow you to explore farther and capture expansive aerial footage.
Most sub-$100 drones have a control range of ~200-400 feet, which is sufficient for recreational use.
Camera Quality
One of the main appeals of drones is being able to shoot stunning aerial photography and videography. The camera specs like resolution, frame rate, gimbal stability, and other features determine the quality you can achieve.
While more affordable drones won’t match the image quality of high-end models, many include 1080p or 4K video, 12+MP photos, wide angle lenses, and 2/3-axis mechanical gimbals for great stability.
Speed
Fast maximum speeds allow you to capture thrilling drone footage and perform aerobatic tricks. Top speeds for hobbyist drones typically range from 30-60 mph.
Racing drones designed for high speeds often sacrifice camera quality and flight time for sheer velocity. Consider which features are most important for your needs.
Size and Weight
The size and weight of a drone impacts its portability, maneuverability, and often flight time. Bulky drones are tougher to transport, while smaller drones often have shorter battery life.
Finding the right balance for your needs is key. Mini and Nano drones under 250g like the DJI Mavic Mini are extremely portable.
Smart Features
Higher-end consumer drones include advanced smart features and sensors to enhance the flying experience. This includes obstacle avoidance, subject tracking, automatic flight modes like Follow Me, and GPS-assisted hover and return-to-home.
While sub-$100 drones generally don’t have the full range of intelligent flight modes, some include basic smart features for added convenience and safety.
Durability and Repairability
Crashes and collisions are common early on when learning to fly a drone. Durable drone frames and easily replaceable parts like propellers can save you money and extend your drone’s lifespan.
Cheaper drones may not be as rugged or repairable as higher-end models. But there are affordable options with modular components that are easy to fix and replace when accidents happen.
Best Drone Brands Under $100 2023
DJI – Leading Drone Brand For Under $100
- Reliable performance
- Excellent cameras
- Intelligent flight modes
- Leading brand
DJI drones are widely regarded as some of the best consumer and professional drones on the market, known for easy flying, long range, stable cameras, and smart features. The Mini, Mavic, and Phantom lines provide high quality options at different price points.
Holystone – Specialist Budget Brand
- Affordable prices
- Long flight times
- 1080p cameras
- Good for beginners
Holy Stone drones offer decent quality and features at budget-friendly prices, though they lack some of the advanced capabilities of high-end drones. The HS720 and HS175 are popular Holy Stone models.
Tomzon – Best For Kids
- Affordable prices
- Compact sizes
- HD cameras
- Good for beginners
Tomzon drones are easy-to-use, budget-friendly options suitable for beginners and kids, with popular models like the D25 and A31 Flying Pig. The quality and features impress for the low price point.
Ready to Buy an Awesome Drone Under $100?
This guide covers everything you need – from key factors to consider when buying, top models to choose from, critical laws and safety tips, accessories, FAQs, and more.
While advanced drones cost much more, there are excellent beginner and budget options under $100 for recreational use. The top picks highlighted here provide long flight times, decent cameras, smart features and excellent overall value.
Do your research, find the perfect drone for your needs and budget, register with the FAA, and have a blast capturing stunning aerial views! Just be sure to fly safely and responsibly.
