In this article, I’m going to show you 13 of the best remote control drones you can buy right now on either Amazon.com or Banggood (two of the most trusted online UAV retailers).
These quadcopters are some of the highest rated rigs on the market from some of the top drone manufacturers, like Syma, DJI, Hubsan, and Yuneec.
Whether you’re looking for a remote control drone with a camera, a beginner quadcopter to learn with, a more professional drone for aerial photography, or even an FPV (first person view) racer, you’ll find the full spectrum of drones for sale in this article.
My hope is that you will get a strong feel for the options available without being overwhelmed with choices, so you can decide which RC drone is right for you and your needs.
To make things easier, I’ve organized this list based on price range. Feel free to use these links to navigate to each section:
Drones for less than $100 (beginner quads)
Drones for less than $300 (beginner to intermediate)
Drones for greater than $300 (advanced and professional rigs)
Enjoy!
Drones For Less Than $100 (Beginner Quads)
The first four rigs in this list are great for newer pilots who are just learning how to fly a drone.
They can also be fun indoor flyers for more advanced pilots.
1) BLADE Pico QX
→ Check current price on Amazon.com
BLADE is one of the most popular drone manufacturers. They specialize in smaller quadcopters that are great for practicing your skills, but they also offer more advanced characteristics that many competing drones of their size don’t have.
The Pico QX is the smallest drone BLADE has ever released. This makes it perfect for flying indoors and in tight spaces.
It’s also equipped with SAFE (Sensor Assisted Flight Envelope) technology. This technology was pioneered by Horizon Hobby. It helps remote controlled drones (or planes and helicopters) understand their position relative to the horizon — an imaginary stable flight position.
This improves flight control by helping prevent excessive or unusual turns. SAFE technology also allows you to bring your quad back to a stable hover when the control sticks are released.
This feature alone makes it a great nano drone, and for under $100 it’s a good investment for improving your pilot skills or taking bigger risks with your flying (without risking too much $$).
EXTRAS
These extra parts are available for the BLADE Pico QX:
Replacement Propellers (props)
Blade Pico QX Motors (4)
Features
Execute single or double flips with the push of a button
Features SAFE™ (Sensor Assisted Flight Envelope) technology with stability and agility modes (if you get in trouble, just let go of the sticks)
USB charge cables work with any available USB port
Comes with propeller guards to minimize the effect of collisions
Specs
Frequency: 2.4Ghz
Gyro: 6 axis
Size: 15.2 x 4.6 x 3.1 inches
Weight: 6.4 ounces
Flight time: about 5-7 minutes
2) Syma X9 Quadcopter Car
→ Check current price on Amazon.com
This is the first of two Syma models in this list.
Syma manufactures a broad range of RC drones, from the smaller nano quadcopters to the high-end professional UAVs for aerial videography and 3D mapping and modeling.
(Note: Check out our premium business course, Mapping and 3D Modeling 101, if you’re curious about learning this skill.)
The Syma X9 is a hybrid remote controlled drone and car. It offers two modes: Land Mode and Fly Mode. Each mode gives you the choice of two speeds to cater to different skill levels.
Often with off-the-wall products like this, overall quality tends to take a hit. However, this quad-car has over 4 stars on Amazon with a ton of raving 5 star reviews.
If you’re an RC car driver looking to merge your passion for drones, the Syma X9 is a match made in heaven.
EXTRAS
These extra parts are available for the Syma X9 Quadcopter Car:
Carrying Case for the Syma X9
Extra Battery (1) (product comes with one extra battery)
Features
Land mode – Functions as a remote control car with 2 speed mode
Fly Mode – Functions as a quadcopter with 2 speed mode
One button 360 degree flip in the air
LED lights for night flight
Specs
Frequency: 2.4Ghz
Gyro: 6 axis
Size: 31 x 31 x 6cm
Weight: 500g
Charging time: 100 minutes
Flight time: 5-6 minutes
Control distance: about 50m
3) Hubsan X4 (H107L)
→ Check current price on Banggood.com
The Hubsan X4 (H107L) was also featured in our popular article that reviews 17 cheap drones for beginner pilots.
Hubsan has emerged as one of the top drone companies. They produce high quality quadcopters at affordable prices. The Hubsan X4 (H107L) is no different.
It’s one of the best learner quads out there, with excellent handling and over 9 minutes of flight time. It’s also great size for indoor flying.
The H107L is a durable quadcopter that can take a beating, but you can also buy a propeller guard to make it even more crash resistant (helpful for new pilots).
It offers one-click flips (both forward and backward) for doing aerial tricks, and the drone only takes 30 minutes to charge, so you can take a coffee break and be flying again in no time.
I can’t recommend the X4 (H107L) enough for newer pilots who are just getting into the industry and more advanced pilots who are looking for a durable little quad to have some fun with.
EXTRAS
These extra parts are available for the Hubsan X4 (H107L):
Hubsan X4 (H107L) Crash Pack
Propeller Guard
Extra Propellers
Extra Propellers + Propeller Guard
Extra Batteries
Features
Durable one piece main frame
Permits super stable flight
Ready to fly (RTF)
Auto-corrects to level after you let go of the sticks
Specs
Frequency: 2.4G
Gyro: 6 axis
Size: 14.73 x 5.84 x 2.54cm
Weight: 12.3 ounces
Charging time: 30 minutes
Flight time: 9 minutes
Control distance: 100 meters
4) Syma X5C-1
→ Check current price on Amazon.com
The Syma X5C-1 is our first drone with a camera on this list. It’s an upgraded version of the extremely popular X5C.
If you’re looking for your first camera drone, the X5C-1 sports a 2MP camera that can hold about 800 pictures and 30 minutes of video recording time.
Flight time is around 7 minutes and it takes about 90 minutes to charge, so the flight time to charge ratio isn’t excellent. But all camera drones have an increased payload that widen this ratio, so if you’re looking to take aerial photos and videos, extra batteries are highly recommended.
(You can charge your extra batteries while flying to maximize your flight session.)
This model comes with prop guards standard, and offers 360 flips in either direction — including while you’re recording.
If you’re getting started in aerial videography or you just want to take some cool pictures, try out the Syma X5C-1 for cheap starter quad.
EXTRAS
These extra parts are available for the Syma X5C-1:
Syma X5C-1 Crash Pack
Extra Propellers
Extra Propellers + Propeller Guard
Extra Syma X5C-1 Batteries
Features
2MP HD camera (800 pictures, 30 mins of video)
Propeller guards standard
360 degree flips in either direction
LED lights for nighttime flying
Specs
Frequency: 2.4Ghz
Gyro: 6 axis
Size: 31cm x 31cm x 8cm
Weight: 916g
Charging time: 90 minutes
Flight time: 7 minutes
Control distance: 50 meters
Drones For Less Than $300 (Beginner to Intermediate)
These quadcopters are in the $100-$300 price range. They offer higher powered cameras, better handling, and are better equipped for pilots who have some experience under their belts (or pilots who are fast learners).
5) UDI U818A
→ Check current price on Amazon.com
The UDI U818A is one of the top ranked remote controlled drones on Amazon. It’s on the larger side of the drone market (41cm x 41cm x 13.5cm), making it more wind resistant and better for flying outdoors.
Its design comes with built-in propeller guards that are some of the sturdiest around. This makes it a durable quadcopter.
The UDI U818A also offers an HD 720p video camera, and the controller includes an LCD display that shows you how much battery power you have left (important for making safe landings), what mode you’re in, and a few other metrics to help you understand your flights better.
It also comes with a 2G MicroSD card/reader for storing your pictures and videos. “One-key return” will bring the quadcopter back to you.
The UDI 818A is a great drone for pilots who want to enter the larger side of the market and practice their skills with bigger rigs.
EXTRAS
These extra parts are available for the UDI 818A:
Extra Propellers
UDI 818A Batteries + 1-to-6 Charger (can charge up to six batteries at a time)
Features
HD 720p video camera (with 4G SD card reader)
Propeller guards standard
360 flips in either direction
LCD display on the controller gives you battery life percentage, mode, and other metrics
Headless mode
One-key return
Specs
Frequency: 2.4Ghz
Gyro: 6 axis
Size: 41cm x 41cm x 13.5cm
Weight: 4.2 ounces
Charging time: 120 minutes
Flight time: 7-9 minutes
Control distance: 50 meters
6) Traxxas La Trax Alias
→ Check current price on Amazon.com
The Traxxas La Trax Alias is a high-performance quadcopter that comes ready to fly (RTF). Traxxas had two missions when developing this rig:
Durability
Performance
The quad is built around a lightweight molded-composite frame that makes it virtually indestructible during normal flight conditions. You may lose a few propellers, but you can crash and bang this drone with minimal damage to its core components.
The Alias’ motors have 50% more power than standard motors, giving it an extra boost of power. Its lightweight design makes it a responsive UAV, allowing you to make tight turns and acrobatic maneuvers.
The 6-axis gyro also helps you maintain stable flight and will snap the drone back into a hover after letting go of the control sticks.
With a flight time of up to 15 minutes, the Alias is a top-of-the-line lightweight quadcopter with enough power to make it a fun outdoor flyer as well.
EXTRAS
These extra parts are available for the Traxxas La Trax Alias:
Extra Propellers
Extra Battery
Features
360 degree flips in either direction
3 built-in flight modes: Easy, Fast, Expert
Low-battery telemetry warning system
Charge battery in any USB outlet
Specs
Frequency: 2.4Ghz
Gyro: 6 axis
Weight: 3.53 ounces
Flight time: up to 15 minutes
7) Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 Elite Edition
→ Check current price on Amazon.com
Parrot is one of the biggest names in the drone world. With over 1 million users, their AR.Drone line is no exception.
The Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 is a powerful camera drone that offers 720p HD video and picture taking capabilities, which you can stream directly to your smartphone.
You can pilot this drone entirely using your smartphone or tablet with their AR.FreeFlight app. (You can also choose to fly with a controller or FPV system.)
The app shows you:
Battery level
Settings
Wifi availability
Altitude (important for new regulations)
Speed
And it lets you:
Switch cameras
Record video
Take a picture
Control your drone with the left and right pads
Director Mode allows you to pre-program movements so you can shoot the exact shots you want. You can adjust speed and moves in real time to make sure the shot is what you’re aiming for, and you can tune the camera settings for maximum quality, such as white balance, exposure, and luminosity.
(Director Mode is an in-app purchase on AR.FreeFlight.)
As you can see in the image, strong propeller guards come standard with this UAV, making it a durable multirotor as well.
If you want to take advantage of next-level drone flight and capabilities, Parrot’s AR.Drone 2.0 is worth a look.
EXTRAS
These extra parts are available for the Parrot AR.Drone 2.0:
Extra Propellers for the AR.Drone 2.0
Extra Battery (for longer flight sessions)
Features
360 degree flips in either direction
720p HD camera
Video storage on the fly with remote device or with USB flash drive
JPEG photo capture
Charge battery in any USB outlet
Flash memory: 4GB
Easily updates to meet FAA requirements
Specs
Frequency: 5GHz
Gyro: 3 axis
Size: 23 x 5 x 23 inches
Weight: 4 pounds
Charging time: 90 minutes
Flight time: 10-15 minutes
Control distance: 50 meters
8) Syma X8G With 8MP Camera
→ Check current price on Amazon.com
The Syma X8G is on the more professional side of the Syma models. It sports a DJI Phantom-like frame/design and an 8MP HD camera.
The camera supports HD 720P 1080P MOV video quality and is easily detached and reattached from the drone. The holding case is compatible with all GoPro models.
The Syma X8G offers 360 degree eversion (flips), headless mode, and 10-12 minutes of flight time (the longer end of the spectrum). Its controller also includes an LCD display to monitor key metrics while you’re flying.
All in all, the Syma X8G is one of my top recommendations for learning aerial videography and photography.
Recommended: Are you just getting into the drone industry? Want to learn about regulations, safety, and basic and advanced flying techniques? Check out UAV Boot Camp, our premium online training course with over 400 active students getting a crash course in drone knowledge and practicing their skills.
EXTRAS
These extra parts are available for the Syma X8G With 8MP Camera:
Extra Propellers
Extra Propellers + Prop Guards
Extra Batteries (2)
GoPro Camera Models
Features
360 degree flips in either direction
8MP HD camera
720p HD video quality
Camera detaches and reattaches easily
Compatible with all GoPro models
Includes Intelligent Orientation Control (IOC) function
Specs
Frequency: 2.4Hz
Gyro: 6 axis
Size: 35 x 35 x 17 cm
Weight: 1600g
Charging time: 70 minutes
Flight time: 10-12 minutes
Control distance: 100 meters
9) Holy Stone F181
→ Check current price on Amazon.com
The Holy Stone F181 is a high quality radio controlled drone that comes standard with an HD 720p camera.
At 12 x 3.5 x 12 inches, this quadcopter is small enough to be flown indoors (if the space is clear) and weighs enough to handle light to moderate wind speeds outdoors. It also comes equipped with a powerful head lamp for night time flight sessions.
The yaw (left/right rotation) is a little slow on this drone compared to others. This can be good for newer pilots who sometimes struggle with over-rotation, but more advanced pilots might find it too slow for their needs.
In either case, slower yaw will help you get smoother shots with the on-board camera.
The F181 also comes with propeller guards for durability, and the transmitter (remote control) includes an LCD screen that shows you battery life and a few other metrics.
EXTRAS
These extra parts are available for the Holy Stone F181:
Extra Motors (4)
Extra Propellers + Prop Guards
Extra Batteries (2)
Features
360 degree flips in either direction
720p HD camera
Propeller guards standard
LCD screen on transmitter with battery life, etc
Specs
Frequency: 2.4Hz
Gyro: 6 axis
Size: 12.2 x 3.5 x 12.2 inches
Charging time: 80 minutes
Flight time: 7-9 minutes
Control distance: 50-100 meters
Drones For Greater Than $300 (Advanced and Professional Rigs)
The following drones are some of the best quadcopters on the market.
Each offers expert handling and, besides the FPV racer (#13), all of them are great for aerial videography and photography.
Take a look:
10) Yuneec Typhoon G
→ Check current price on Amazon.com
The Yuneec Typhoon G is one of the top 100 quadcopters on Amazon. It sports a 3-axis gimbal that can hold the GoPro Hero 3, 3+ or 4 (check out all of GoPro’s camera models).
The lower half of the controller contains a 5.5” touch screen that streams a live video feed from the camera, so you can see what your drone sees in real time. It also shows you flight telemetry data, such as battery life and altitude, and it let’s you adjust settings that cannot be accessed from the rest of the transmitter.
This multirotor offers an excellent max flight time of up to 25 minutes. This means you need less charges than other UAVs to get the shots you’re looking for. Having extra batteries charged can further reduce your downtime.
The Typhoon G also offers the “Follow Me” feature, where the software detects where you are and follows you automatically as you conduct an activity. This drone is an excellent choice for GoPro lovers and aerial photographers looking to get clean, stable shots.
Read my full review of the Yuneec Typhoon G here.
EXTRAS
These extra parts are available for the Yuneec Typhoon G:
Extra Propellers (4)
Propeller Guard
Extra Battery
GoPro Hero 3
GoPro Hero 3+
GoPro Hero 4
Features
Follow Me and Watch Me autonomous features
Supports GoPro Hero 3, 3+ or 4 cameras
3-axis gimbal for stable shots
Comes with steady grip — a 3-axis stabilizing system for your hand (ground shots)
Touch screen on transmitter to control camera, view live feed, and adjust settings
Flight time of up to 25 minutes
Specs
Frequency: 2.4Hz
Gyro: 6 axis
Gimbal: 3 axis
Size: 20 x 16.5 x 8.3 inches
Weight: 2.5 pounds
Flight time: up to 25 minutes
11) DJI Phantom 3 Standard
→ Check current price on Amazon.com
The DJI Phantom quadcopter models have been front runners in the drone industry since their inception. They sport a classic look, reliable technology, and the all-in-one features most drone owners desire.
The DJI Phantom 3 series is top of the line. Their Standard edition comes with a 2.7K HD video camera that can take 12 megapixel still photos.
It also offers single shot, burst mode, auto exposure, bracketed frames and time-lapse shooting. And DJI’s gimbal comes built-in to give you the smoothest and most stable shots possible.
Using your mobile device, you can get a live 720p video feed to make sure you’re getting the correct shot. But what really makes this one of best drones for aerial videography is its long 25 minute flight time on a single battery charge.
If there’s one complaint I’ve seen most from drone owners, it’s that their battery life is too short. The DJI Phantom 3 can fly for double or triple as long as most quadcopters on the market.
Pro Tip: If you want to extend your flight sessions even further, buy an extra battery or two and have it charged and ready to go.
The Phantom 3 also comes in two other versions: The Phantom 3 Advanced and the Phantom 3 Professional. They differ in camera quality, battery life, control distance, flight speeds, and of course, price.
Depending on your needs, one of the higher-end versions (Advanced or Professional) may be what you’re looking for. But no matter which choice you make, you can’t go wrong with the DJI Phantom 3 and its powerful combination of features and reliability.
Also, because it’s so popular, there is a ton of support out there if you run into any issues along the way.
EXTRAS
These extra parts are available for the DJI Phantom 3 Standard:
Extra Propellers (4)
Propeller Guards (4)
Extra Battery
Extra DJI Phantom 3 Remote Controller (for dual-operator control)
DJI Phantom 3 Carrying Case
DJI Phantom 3 Landing Gear Stabilizers
DJI Phantom Camera Lens Cover and Hood
DJI Transmitter Sunshade
Features
Intelligent flight modes: Follow Me, Point of Interest, Waypoints, Course Lock, Home Lock
Built in 2.7K HD video camera
12-megapixel camera
FPV camera capability using your mobile device
Flight time of up to 25 minutes
Specs
Frequency: 5.725GHz
Gyro: 6 axis
Size: 15 x 14 x 8.2 inches
Weight: 1216g
Flight time: 25 minutes
Control distance: 1000m
12) DJI Inspire 1
→ Check current price on Amazon.com
The DJI Inspire 1 is one of the premier professional remote control drones for aerial videography, photography, and cinematography. It’s packed with features that make it a top choice for serious drone pilots.
First off, its durable carbon fiber arms move up and out of the camera’s view when flying, giving you an unobstructed 360-degree view of the world surrounding your drone.
The Inspire 1’s on-board camera shoots high quality 4K video and captures 12 megapixel photos. The gimbal and camera system are also detachable to allow for easy transport and future upgrades. This gives the videographer the ability to customize their shots with the right components for their situation.
Like the DJI Phantom 3, you can get a real-time feed of the Inspire 1’s camera sent to your mobile device for a first-person-view (FPV) experience. And the fully-featured app gives you manual camera control capability, flight telemetry data (battery life, altitude, etc), and auto takeoff and landing, with more features on the way.
Not only can you can see how much battery life you have left, but it will tell you how long until the battery runs out.
The drone’s software also uses its distance from the controller to determine how long it would take to return home. This helps you stay safe by not running out of battery power mid-flight, and it lets you know how much time you have to get your shot before that session must come to an end.
Impressively, the DJI Inspire 1 offers dual-operator control. This allows you to control the quadcopter with two transmitters and two people, so you can have one person focused on flight control and the other controlling the camera to get the perfect shot.
The controller itself is DJI’s most advanced transmitter to date. It features dedicated buttons for video and photo capture, a gimbal control dial, a rechargeable battery, and more.
Finally, the DJI Inspire 1 (and DJI Phantom 3 models) offers 5 intelligent flight modes:
Follow Me: It will automatically keep you in the camera’s view wherever you go.
Point of Interest: The drone automatically revolves around a designated object, person, or place in a perfect circle.
Waypoints: Allows you to record a flight path then tell your Phantom 3 or Inspire 1 to fly along the same path repeatedly, while you control the camera and orientation. You can save your favorite missions, customize speed, and more.
Course Lock: Easily fly along a set path.
Home Lock: Customize your flight controls to be relative to you at all times. Flick a switch, and forward/backward and left/right flight will be set in relation to the Home Point.
Source: DJI news
The DJI Inspire 1 is an all-in-one videography, photography, cinematography, and overall flight solution.
EXTRAS
These extra parts are available for the DJI Inspire 1:
Extra Propellers
Extra Inspire 1 Battery
Extra DJI Inspire 1 Remote Controller (for dual-operator control)
DJI Inspire Carrying Case
DJI Inspire Protective Camera Lens
DJI Transmitter Sunshade
DJI Inspire 1 Lipo Battery Carrying Bag
Features
Intelligent flight modes: Follow Me, Point of Interest, Waypoints, Course Lock, Home Lock
One-button landing and takeoff
Built in 4K HD video camera shoots at 30FPS
12-megapixel camera
FPV camera capability using your mobile device
94-degree wide angle lense
Flight time of up to 25 minutes
Arms move up and out of the camera’s view in flight
Gimbal rotates 360 degrees to view the world around your drone
Specs
Frequency: 2.4GHz
Gimbal: 3-axis 360-degree rotating gimbal
Size: 20 x 15 x 15 inches
Weight: 15 pounds
Flight time: 18 minutes
Control distance: 2000m
13) Eachine Racer 250 FPV Quadcopter
→ Check current price on Amazon.com
First person view (FPV) drone racing is gaining popularity every month, with the Drone Racing League pioneering the sport and commercializing it.
Racing drones differ from other types of quadcopters and drone rigs. They’re lighter, more compact, and focus on speed and handling over durability, camera quality, and some of the features you see on most drones.
Many FPV racers need to be assembled by the pilot, but the market is starting to see more and more ready-to-fly quadcopters offering a quality racing experience.
The Eachine Racer 250 is one of the best pre-built, ready to fly FPV racing drones. Its body is made with high-strength carbon fiber. While you may lose a few propellers in a crash, the drone itself can take a beating.
It comes with an FPV LCD monitor standard that attaches to your drone’s remote control. The quadcopter’s camera relays what it sees directly to the monitor so you can see what’s coming up in real time. The camera is also adjustable to help you get the right angle.
The Eachine Racer 250 also includes two white headlights for nighttime or low-light races, and its taillight offers 7 colors to help differentiate you from your opponents.
Best of all, this quadcopter weighs a mere 4 pounds. It is lightweight to maximize your speed and offers a sharp turn radius to help you maneuver through and around obstacles.
If you’re thinking about getting into FPV racing, and you don’t want to build your own rig, Eachine’s Racer 250 quadcopter is one of the top ready-to-fly racing drones on the market.
EXTRAS
These extra parts are available for the Eachine Racer 250 FPV Quadcopter:
Extra Propellers
Extra Battery
Eachine Racer 250 Extra Screw Set
Features
Read to fly (RTF)
FPV LCD monitor with LED backlight comes standard on the controller
Real time camera feed
Long distance remote control high sensitivity
Camera angle is adjustable
Made with high-strength carbon fiber
2 LED headlights for night races
Taillight has 7 different colors
Specs
Frequency: 2.4GHz
Size: 13.8 x 9.8 x 5.5 inches
Weight: 4 pounds
Flight time: 10-14 mins
Thank you for checking out our list of remote control drones!
I tried to include a broad range of RC drones in this list, so hopefully you were able to find one or two that meet your needs.
But if not, feel free to email support@uavcoach.com and we’ll do our best to help you out.
If you’re just getting into drones, you may want to check out our downloadable “How to Fly a Quadcopter” pilot guide. It breaks down different techniques to get your skills up to speed and shows you how to become a safe pilot.
To download the guide, simply click the button below:
If you’re a bit more advanced and really want to dig your nails into the industry, you may want to check out one of our premium training courses:
UAV Boot Camp — This course gives new pilots a breakdown of UAV rules, regulations, safety precautions, the right drones/hardware to buy, and drone flying techniques. If you pass the practical exam at the end, you will also get a sweet certificate of completion with your name on it
Mapping and 3D Modeling 101 — This course is for advanced pilots who want to add mapping and 3D modeling to their arsenal. We partnered with Icarus Aerials to put this course together, and I have to say they did an amazing job. Use this course to expand your skill set and what you can offer clients.
Do you have any questions? Comment below and we’ll be happy to answer them.
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