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As a seasoned commercial drone pilot, I recently decided to take on a new challenge: finding the best drones under £50 available in the UK market for 2023. After spending £450+ and a week testing various models, I’m excited to share my findings with you.
In this price range, most of the drones are more like toys than serious aerial vehicles, and come from brands such as Holy Stone, Wipkviey, and DEERC. While they don’t offer the advanced features of higher-end drones, they can still provide a lot of fun and entertainment, particularly for those looking for fast flying experiences or the ability to do flips with a simple button press.
That said, not all drones are created equal, and some of the models I tested turned out to be subpar or even fell apart during testing. In this article, I’ll highlight the ones that impressed me the most and the ones you should avoid.
So, let’s get started!
Best Overall  | Most Interactive  | Best Camera  |  |  |  |
£47.49 | £69.99 | £39.99 | £39.99 | ||
M1C-UK | PAKARCBOX
Our Favourite Drone Under £50
The M1C-UK drone is our top pick for drones under £50, featuring commendable agility, an innovative headless mode, and a responsive controller. The 720p camera captures clear and vibrant footage, making it a standout in its price range.
The addition of a spare battery and impressive app features like voice command and gesture control enhance the overall user experience.
M1C-UK
This compact yet powerful drone is our top pick for under £50, delivering an unbeatable combination of performance, durability, and affordability.
The M1C-UK drone is designed with the user in mind. Its lightweight and agile design allow for nimble movements and precision control, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. Whether you’re navigating through tight spaces indoors or exploring the great outdoors, this drone delivers a responsive and intuitive flight experience.
Features and Specs
Flight Handling
Out of all the drones we tested, the M1C-UK is definitely my favourite! When it comes to flying, this little guy is super responsive and handles like a dream. Sure, the battery life is a bit short, but that’s pretty typical for a drone under £50. Luckily, it comes with a spare battery, so you can double your flight time.
One of the things I love about the M1C-UK is the headless mode feature. This means that you don’t have to worry about which way the drone is facing when you’re controlling it. This is a huge help for beginners, and you can toggle it on and off depending on your skill level.
Pro Tip: Calibrate Your M1C-UK Drone Before Flight
Simply place it on the floor facing away from you and press bottom button on the left side of the controller to calibrate. This quick step will help you avoid any tilting or drifting issues during flight.
Now, I have to admit that I did crash the drone a few times – but that was totally my fault! The good news is that the propeller guards did a great job of protecting both the drone and anything in its path. And even after a crash, the M1C-UK bounced right back up and kept on flying.
I was also really impressed with the auto take-off and landing buttons – they worked flawlessly every time. Plus, you can adjust the speed of the drone with just the push of a button on the controller. There are three speed settings to choose from – slow, medium, and fast – so you can find the perfect speed for your flying style.
Controller
When it comes to the M1C-UK’s controller, I was pleasantly surprised by how responsive it felt. While the controller itself felt a little light, it was still sturdy enough to get the job done. The joysticks provided just enough tension to give me some feedback on my flying, and the buttons and shoulder buttons were easy to reach and use.
Controller features an extendable phone holder, this flips up from the centre of controller. This holder is adjustable, fitting regular-sized phones and even larger ones like my Google Pixel 6 XL. I was a bit apprehensive about my phone falling out, so I tested it by tipping the controller upside down and side to side.
The Controller Requires 3x AAA Batteries
Make sure you have 3x AAA batteries on hand for the controller. I didn’t realize this until after I had set everything up to use the drone, so I wanted to give you a heads up to save you some frustration.
To my relief, my phone stayed put without any wiggle, thumbs up for that.
The controller also has some pretty cool features on the shoulder buttons. One of the buttons adjusts the drone’s speed, allowing you to fly at your own pace. And the other button is my personal favorite – it makes the drone perform 360-degree spins, which is just plain fun!
The drone doesn’t just rely on the controller. You can control it solo from the phone app or use the app in conjunction with the controller for an even more immersive flying experience.
App
If you’re having trouble finding the M1C-UK drone app, don’t worry – you’re not alone. In fact, I saw some reviews on Amazon from users who couldn’t locate the app.
To make things a little easier, here are the links to the app on both the Apple Store and Google Play Store:
- Apple Store: Get it Here
- Google Play Store: Get it Here
Once you have the app downloaded and installed, connecting it to the drone is a breeze. Just go to your phone’s WiFi settings and connect to the drone’s WiFi. Then on the app, hit connect and you’re all set.
Once you’re in the app, you’ll have access to a variety of cool features. Here’s what I thought of a few of them:
Overall, I found the app’s menu to be a bit on the cheap side, but it got the job done. Plus, all the images and videos saved right to my phone for easy sharing. So, if you want to unlock even more potential with your M1C-UK drone, be sure to download the app and give it a try!
Camera
For a drone under £50, the camera on the M1C-UK is definitely worth a closer look. While it only has a 720p camera – which is the basic level of HD – It’s actually pretty high-end for drones in this price range. In fact, most drones under £50 will struggle to have with a higher resolution than 720p, so the M1C-UK fits right in.
I put the camera to the test both indoors and outdoors, and I was pleasantly surprised by how well it performed. Even in low light conditions, the camera was able to capture clear and sharp footage. And outside in the sun, it really shone, capturing vibrant and detailed images.
Of course, it’s important to keep in mind that this isn’t a professional-grade camera. But if you’re just looking for some basic aerial footage without breaking the bank, the camera on the M1C-UK is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Super responsive and agile flight.
- Headless mode makes it perfect for beginners.
- Comes with a spare battery.
- Protective propeller guards ensure resilience.
- Auto take-off and landing buttons add to ease of use.
- Controller is responsive and comfortable to handle.
- Good camera quality for the price range.
- Voice command and gesture control features in the app work well.
- Additional features like filters and VR mode.
Cons
- Difficulty finding the drone app on the store
- The controller feels a little light
- Some features on the app, like ‘Follow Path’, are inconsistent
- The app’s menu appears a bit cheap
Tomzon Mini Drone
Most Interactive & Fun Drone Under £50
- Perfect for beginners and kids
- Interactive Super Battle Mode For Drone Combat
- Shakes when shot by enemy drone
- 3D flips and spins
- Multi-button remote control for easy flying
- Sturdy blade cover for protection
Tomzon Mini Drone
Hold on to your hats because the Tomzon Mini Drone is about to take your flying experience to a whole new level! What sets this drone apart from the rest?
It’s none other than the Super Battle Mode!
Imagine the fun you’ll have engaging in epic drone battles. It’s like a mini aerial showdown right in your backyard. Here’s how it works: grab two of these drones, gear up, and prepare for battle. Each game consists of best out of five, and after that, the losing drone gracefully lands.
Get ready to unleash your inner pilot as you go head-to-head, using your wits and piloting skills to outmanoeuvre your opponent.
The battles are intense, and hitting the enemy drone triggers a realistic shooting sound effect. But wait, there’s more! When you successfully hit the enemy, their drone actually shakes! Achieve three hits and claim victory. My son and I had an absolute blast playing these battles, and we quickly became masters of controlling the drone.
But it doesn’t stop there. We took our skills to the next level by incorporating the 3D flip function.
Picture this: flipping over your opponent mid-air and then launching an attack. It’s an adrenaline-pumping experience that takes the excitement to new heights.
To sum it all up, the Tomzon Mini Drone is hands down one of the best drones under £50 for kids. It’s affordable, easy to control, and delivers loads of entertainment. Just keep in mind that to fully enjoy the Super Battle Mode, you’ll need two drones. I’m genuinely curious if anyone out there has tried adding more drones for a thrilling four-way battle royale.
Features and Specs
Pros
- Easy to use
- One-key sync and one-key take-off/landing
- Altitude hold feature
- Super Battle Mode for drone combat
- Multi-button remote control
- Sturdy blade cover for protection
- 3-battery setup for extended flying time
- Can perform 3D flips, circle fly, high-speed self-rotation, and change fly speeds
Cons
- Better suited for indoor use
- Remote control requires 3 x AAA batteries
- To fully enjoy the Super Battle Mode, you’ll need two drones
Wipkviey T26
Best Camera Drone For Under £50
- 1080p HD camera for high-quality footage
- Altitude hold function for smooth, steady flights
- Comes with two batteries, each providing about 13 minutes of flight, totaling 26 minutes
- Beginner-friendly and suitable for casual users
Wipkviey T26
The Wipkviey T26 is an affordable, sleek, and easy-to-use drone designed for drone enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. With its impressive flight time, gesture-controlled photo and video capture, and various speed levels, this drone offers a fun and accessible introduction to drone flying. Ideal for beginners, the T26 is also suitable for more experienced pilots looking for a drone at £50 budget-friendly option.
Features and Specs
Pros
- Comes with 2 batteries for extended flight time
- No SD card is required; connects to a phone app for real-time photo and video transfers
- User-friendly and suitable for various skill levels, including beginners
Cons
- Lacks GPS and follow-me function
- Requires assembly before use
- Needs ample space for initial fine-tuning and practice
- Not suitable for windy days due to its lightweight build
Holy Stone HS210 Mini Drone
Great Controlling Drone
- Perfect for beginners and kids
- Can be used indoors and outdoors
- Comes with three rechargeable batteries
- Features auto-hover and headless mode
- 3D flip function for added fun
- Adjustable speed for different skill levels
Holy Stone HS210 Mini Drone
The Holy Stone HS210 Kids Mini Drone stands out as the best drone under £50 in the 2023 UK market, especially for kids and beginners. I can confidently say that the Holy Stone HS210 Kids Mini Drone is an absolute blast to fly. I found it incredibly easy to control, both indoors and outdoors. The auto-hover feature helped me maintain a steady altitude, making landing a breeze.
The HS210’s headless mode was a game-changer. It allowed me to fly the drone without worrying about its orientation, especially when it flew out of sight. The 3D flip function added an extra layer of fun to my flying sessions, and adjusting the speed settings helped me find the right balance of control and excitement.
When it comes to the controller, the Holy Stone HS210 impressed me with its sturdiness and gaming-controller-like design. It provided a comfortable and responsive interface, enhancing the overall flying experience.
Overall, the Holy Stone HS210 Mini Drone exceeded my expectations. The Holy Stone HS210 Kids Mini Drone is the top choice for those seeking the best drone under £50 in 2023. Its variety of entertaining tricks, and longer flight time made it a fantastic choice for both kids and beginners. However, if you’re seeking advanced features or outdoor capabilities, you might want to consider higher-priced models.
Features and Specs
Pros
- Extended flight time with 3 included batteries
- Performs various tricks for added fun
- Easy to control with auto-hovering and one-key operations
- Suitable for kids and beginners
- Good customer service and warranty support from the manufacturer
Cons
- Limited to indoor use to avoid losing the drone
- Batteries are challenging to change without risking damage to the drone
- Battery capacity is low compared to other drones
- May have calibration issues and drift to the sides
- No camera
M1 Mini Drone
Cheaper Alternative To the M1C-UK
- More affordable than M1C-UK.
- Features additional light sensors.
- Provides thrilling flight experience.
- Great for budget-conscious users.
M1 Mini Drone
When I purchased the M1 mini drone, I have to admit, it was a bit confusing. It seemed to be listed under the same product on Amazon as our top pick, but at a lower price. So, what’s the difference? Well, the M1 mini drone is actually a more affordable alternative to the M1C-UK, but it comes with a few trade-offs.
Unlike the M1C-UK, the M1 mini drone doesn’t have a camera. Instead, it’s replaced with a light. However, it does have additional light sensors around the propellers, offering a variety of settings. So, if you’re looking for the thrill of flying a drone without the need for a camera, the M1 mini drone can save you a few pounds. Essentially, it’s the same drone as our top pick, just without the camera feature.
So, if you’re on a budget and want to enjoy the excitement of piloting a drone without the camera functionality, the M1 mini drone is a great option to consider.
Features and Specs
Pros
- Easy to use, suitable for beginners and kid
- Propellers are protected, reducing the risk of injury
- Comes with LED lights for added fun• Can do 360° flips and circles
- Comes with two rechargeable batteries for longer flight time
- Calibration option available to minimize drift
Cons
- Limited signal range of 20-30 meters before experiencing weak signal warnings
- Short battery life
Jiakora V11
2 in 1 Land Mode and Fly Mode
- Unique dual-mode Car + Drone design
- 1080P Videos FPV Function.
- Doubled playtime with two batteries.
- Easy and fun to operate.
Jiakora V11
Get ready for an incredible experience with the Jiakora V11! This unique drone is not just a regular flying toy – it’s a 2-in-1 Land Mode and Fly Mode machine.
Drive it like a racecar in Land Mode, then with a press of a button, it effortlessly takes off into the sky.
Perform amazing 3D flips and maneuvers just like other drones under £50.
The car controls handle great, providing a fantastic handling experience. However, it may struggle a bit on uneven ground. So, keep that in mind when choosing your driving terrain.
The Jiakora V11 also features a dual battle mode, just like the previous drone we discussed. Engage in thrilling aerial battles with your friends or family, unleashing your competitive spirit and testing your piloting skills. Get ready for epic battles in the sky and ground!
To sum it up, the Jiakora V11 is a unique and versatile drone that offers a combination of driving and flying excitement. Whether you’re racing on the ground or soaring through the air, you’re in for an action-packed adventure. Just remember to choose your terrain wisely and get ready to conquer the skies in battle mode!
Features and Specs
Pros
- Race car and Drone Combined!
- Durable and can withstand a good amount of bashing around
- Signal stays solid at a distance
- Fun features such as 3D flip mode and Waypoint functions
- Easy to control and handle well
- App works well and connects easily
Cons
- Image quality is good only when the drone is stabilised at a fixed height
- Works best on flat terrain
Holyton HT02 Mini Drone
Tiniest Drone I Have Flown
- Impressively tiny and portable
- User-friendly, one-key operations
- Offers 24-minute flight time
- Perfectly safe for kids
- Drone is stored in controller
5. Holyton HT02 Mini Drone
Get ready to be amazed by the Holyton HT02 – a drone that’s unbelievably tiny. I mean, seriously tiny. I couldn’t fully grasp its size until I saw it in person. The best part? It’s conveniently stored right in the center of the controller. Just flip open the lid, take out the drone, and you’re ready to fly.
Despite its small size, the Holyton HT02 doesn’t disappoint in terms of performance. This little powerhouse zips around with impressive agility, providing a thrilling flying experience. Thanks to its gyro-assist feature, it’s also a fantastic training tool for honing your piloting skills. It has all the features expected of a drone under £50.
Now, let’s talk about the controller. I must admit, the buttons were a bit more challenging to use compared to the larger gaming-type controllers. However, the compact and portable design of this drone more than makes up for it. Keep in mind that the Holyton HT02 is best suited for indoor flights. Its lightweight construction may not fare well against windy conditions outdoors. But don’t let that discourage you! Inside the house, it buzzes around like a nimble bumblebee, bringing endless joy and excitement.
Features and Specs
Pros
- Comes with 3 batteries, providing 24 minutes of flight time
- Mini and portable, can be stored in its controller
- User-friendly with one-key take off/landing, altitude hold, and headless mode
- Safe for kids with protection guards and emergency stop
Cons
- Short battery life
- May be prone to emergency landings
DEERC D20 Foldable Drone
Great value drone for £50
- 720P HD FPV Camera.
- Easy for kids and beginners.
- Offers 20 minutes of flight.
- Smart, voice-controlled operation.
4. DEERC D20 Foldable Drone with Camera
The DEERC D20 Foldable Drone with Camera is a great option for beginners and experienced pilots alike. With its built-in 720p lens and FPV real-time transmission, it provides a clear and stable view up to 100 meters away. The drone is user-friendly and comes with a range of features such as Altitude Hold, Headless Mode, and Speed Adjustment functions, making it suitable for kids and beginners.
The DEERC D20 Foldable Drone with Camera is ideal for beginners and experienced pilots looking for an under £100 and easy-to-use drone. Its compact and portable design makes it perfect for travel, while its range of features such as Altitude Hold and Headless Mode makes it suitable for all experience levels.
Features and Specs
Pros
- Comes with 2 batteries and 2 chargers
- Can take a tumble without getting damaged
- Good amount of tech for the price
- Easy to fly indoors
- Cheap camera drone
Cons
- No GPS to keep it self-stabilizing
- Camera is manually adjusted
- Struggles in wind
- App is a bit spotty
- Camera is not great for creating videos
Shatchi Smart Watch Drone
Uncontrollable Drone Not Worth It
- Fragile and prone to breaking easily
- Difficult to control, leading to crashes into walls
- Overall poor quality and not worth the money
- Unique design and idea
Shatchi Smart Watch Drone
After coming across not-so-great reviews on Amazon, I was intrigued by the unique concept of this drone and decided to give it a shot. In hindsight, I should have taken those bad reviews seriously. This drone is controlled by gestures using a contraption that you wear on your wrist, with a component on your index finger.
Unfortunately, it proved to be an exercise in frustration. The drone consistently crashed and lacked stability. The build quality was noticeably cheap, even when compared to other drones in the under £50 category.
Overall, I must admit that this drone fell short of expectations. The gesture control system was unreliable, resulting in numerous crashes, and the overall quality left much to be desired. It’s safe to say that this particular drone didn’t live up to its unique concept.
Features and Specs
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around
Cons
- Some users have reported issues with GPS and signal loss
- Return to home button may not function properly
- Delay between input via the controller and the drone’s reaction to the input
What To Expect From Drones Under £50 2023
Build Quality and Durability
When you’re on a budget, it’s essential to choose a drone that’s built to last. Look for models with sturdy construction and materials that can withstand minor crashes and rough landings. A well-built drone should be able to handle everyday wear and tear without falling apart.
Flight Time and Battery Life
Flight times and time is a crucial factor in determining the overall enjoyment of your flying time with a drone. Longer flight times allow you to spend more time in the air and less time charging batteries. Look for drones that offer at least 9 minutes of flight time per battery charge. Additionally, consider purchasing extra batteries to extend battery life during your flight sessions.
Camera Capabilities
If you’re interested in aerial photography or videography, the quality of the drone’s camera is a top priority. While you may not get top-of-the-line camera specs most drones in this price range, you can still find cheap drones here with decent cameras that capture good-quality images and videos.
Look for camera quality in budget drones with a minimum of 720p video resolution and consider those with adjustable camera angles for added versatility shooting video still.
Flight Range
The flight range is the maximum distance a drone can travel from the controller while maintaining a stable connection. A longer flight range allows you to explore more expansive areas and capture stunning aerial video footage too.
Aim for a drone with a flight range of at least 100 meters to give yourself plenty of room to maneuver.
Ease of Use and Stability
A drone’s ease of use and stability are critical factors for beginners. Look for inexpensive drones, that offer user-friendly features like one-key takeoff and landing, altitude hold, and headless mode. These features make it easier for first-time pilots to learn the ropes and gain confidence in their flying abilities.
A stable drone should also have reliable flight controls and responsive maneuvering capabilities.
Extra Features (GPS, Return-to-Home, etc.)
While you may not find all the bells and whistles in a drone under £50, some models still offer useful extra features. GPS, return-to-home functionality, and intelligent flight modes can enhance your flying experience and make it more enjoyable.
Be on the lookout for these features, but keep in mind that they may come at the cost of other aspects of cheap drone, such as flight time or build quality.
Best Drones Under £50 Per Category
Best Overall Drone for Under £50: M1C-UK
The M1C-UK drone is the best overall drone for under £50 because it offers an unbeatable combination of performance, durability, and affordability. It’s designed with user-friendly features like one key altitude hold, headless mode, and 3-level speed adjustment. Plus, it comes with two batteries for extended flight time.
Best Drone Camera for Under £50: Wipkey Drone
The Wipkey Drone offers the most superior camera capabilities in this price range. Equipped with a 1080p HD camera, the Wipkey Drone captures exceptionally high-quality photos and videos, rivaling those of significantly more expensive models. Its remarkable image quality and advanced camera features, all within an under £50 budget, firmly establish it as the best drone camera under £50.
Most Interactive Drone For Under £50: Tomzon Mini Drone
The Tomzon Mini Drone provides the most interactive experience, thanks to its Super Battle Mode. With this feature, you can engage in epic drone battles, which is a unique and engaging way to use the drone. The realistic sound effects and drone reactions add to the immersive experience.
Best Drone for Kids Under £50: Tomzon Mini Drone
The Tomzon Mini Drone is hands down the coolest drone for kids under £50. It’s simple to handle, pretty sturdy, and packs a punch with fun features like the Super Battle Mode. It’s like having an aerial dogfight right there in your backyard! The controller’s a breeze to grip too, perfect for little hands. Believe me, this drone takes playtime to a whole new level!
