Hello there, drone enthusiasts! Hello and welcome to my review of the best drones under $300 in 2023.
I understand how difficult it can be to find a high-quality drone that suits your budget due to the popularity of high-end drones that flood the market.
But I can assure you that I’ve got you covered. I’ve compiled a list of the best drones under $300 that’s tailored to your budget without giving up on quality after 15 hours of research and testing.
These drones are great for gifting your teen. They are also great for recreational flying without drilling a big hole in your wallet.
QUICK FACT: The best drone under $300 is the Holy Stone HS720.
Below is a quick summary of all the drones under $300 I’ve hand-picked for you after my research.
Quick Summary of the Best Drones Under $300
NOTE: All the drones on this list were below $300 at the time of writing.
- Quick Summary of the Best Drones Under $300
- What Are The Best Drones Under $300?
- 1. Holy Stone HS720 (Best Overall Drone Under $300)
- 2. Ruko F11 Pro (Best Wind Resistant Drone Under $300)
- 3. Potensic Atom SE (Best Drone Under $300 For Long Battery Life)
- 4. DJI Mini SE (Best Drone Under $300 for High Altitude)
- 5. Bwine F7 Mini (Best Drone Under $300 for Beginners)
- 6. Contixo F24 Pro (Best Camera Drone Under $300)
- 7. Ruko U11 (Best Budget Drone Under $300)
- 1. Holy Stone HS720 (Best Overall Drone Under $300)
- What To Look For in a Drone Under $300
- Final Thoughts on the Best Drones Under $300
What Are The Best Drones Under $300?
Here, I’ll dive into the top 7 best drones under $300.
Each review will contain the features and benefits of the products, the pros and cons, the specifications, and my final verdict on the product.
The aim of this section is to help you make a smooth and easy decision about which drones suit your needs and your budget.
1. Holy Stone HS720 (Best Overall Drone Under $300)
The Holy Stone HS720 got it all! 4K Ultra HD Camera? Check! GPS Return Home? Check! Foldable? Check! Long Range? Check! Follow Me? Check! Long Battery Life? Check! Easy To Use? And also Check!
The 4K UHD camera comes with image stabilization and shock absorption to ensure your pictures and video doesn’t come out blurry like other drones on the market without this feature.
It has dual batteries for dual fun times. Each battery can last up to 26 minutes, giving you a flight time of 52 minutes in total.
Plus, it has a GPS return home feature that would make the drone return to you during an emergency. This feature would prevent you from losing your drone at any time of the day.
The Holy Stone HS720 is also equipped with a brushless motor that reduce the level of noise when flying indoors to give you that serenity you want when operating your drone.
Holy Stone HS720 Specifications
- Item Weight: 460 Grams
- Battery Capacity: 2800 Milliamp Hours
- Control Type: Remote Control
- Media Type: SD
- Maximum Range: 999 Meters
- Material: Plastic
- Wireless Communication Technology: Wi-Fi
- Battery Cell Composition: Lithium Polymer
- Flight Time: 52 Minutes
- Charging Time: 5-7 Hours
- Dimension: 6.8*4.1*2.2 IN (Folding) / 14.4*13.2*2.4 IN (Unfolding
- Transmitter Range: 2624-3277 Feet
- Video/Photo Resolution: 4K(3840 x 2160)
- Lens: FOV 110°
- Max Supported TF Card: 32GB (Not included)
Holy Stone HS720 Pros and Cons
My Verdict on the Holy Stone HS175D
After my research, I found that the Holy Stone HS720 is the best overall drone under $300. It’s great for anyone looking for a drone that come with multiple awesome features under this price tag
You can check the button below for more information on the Holy Stone HS720.makes
2. Ruko F11 Pro (Best Wind Resistant Drone Under $300)
The brushless motor in the Ruko F11 Pro stabilizes the drone and prevents it from being blown away by a level 6 wind. The aluminum alloy casing makes it more durable than most drones under this price tag.
The Ruko F11 comes equipped with a 2500mAh dual battery to give you a combined playtime of 60 minutes. The drone and manual are very easy to grasp for beginners who are new to drone operations.
It has a GPS auto-return home feature that makes your drone return to you at the click of a button. This feature allows you to enjoy your flight without worrying about low battery or low signal.
The 4K UHD camera provides high quality footage whenever you capture those important memories. You can simply share the footage with your friends and family on social media from the tap of a button.
Ruko F11 Pro Specifications
- Weight: 520 g (18.34 oz).
- Max Flight time: 30 minutes per battery
- Charging Time: 3.5 Hours (5V=3A adapter)
- Max Control Range: 1200M/4000ft
- Max Live Video Transmission Range: 500M/1640.4ft（Depends on phone device and environment）
- Dimension: 6.93*4.13*3.15 IN (Folding)/17.51*15.94*3.15 IN (Unfolding)
- Max Supported SD Card: 32GB (Not included)
- Compatible Phone: Dual-Band WiFi (2.4 and 5 GHz)
- Special Feature: 4K Camera, Long Battery Life, One Button Return
- Video Capture Resolution: 4K UHD 2160p
- Connectivity Technology: Wi-Fi
- Battery Capacity: 2500 Milliamp Hours
- Media Type: SD
- Material: Aluminum
- Battery Cell Composition: 2 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included)
- Are Batteries Included: Yes
- Included Components: 1 x Screwdriver, 2 x USB Cable( Charger not included), 4 x Extra Propeller Blades, 1 x Carrying Shell Case, 1 x User Manual, 1 x Transmitter, 1 x Ruko F11 Pro Drone, 2 x 11.1V 2500mAH Battery (1 in the drone)
Holy Stone HS110D Pros and Cons
My Verdict on the Ruko F11 Pro
In summary, the Ruko F11 is for you if you want a drone that can fly outdoors without being blown away by the wind. You can overlook the noise, which wouldn’t be an issue if you’re flying the drone outdoors.
You can check out the button below for more information on the product.
3. Potensic Atom SE (Best Drone Under $300 For Long Battery Life)
The Potensic Atom SE comes equipped with dual powerful batteries that each provide 31 minutes of uninterrupted flight time. This gives you more freedom to capture those precious moments.
The 4K camera has a 1/3-inch 12 MP CMOS sensor that can capture 12 MP still images in JPEG and RAW (DNG) formats as well as 4K HD video at 30 frames per second. Aerial shooting is made more stable and fluid with the help of the patented ShakeVanish electronic stabilization technology.
Pilots can experience dependable flight control thanks to the SurgeFly flight control system. Three flight modes—Video, Normal, and Sport—let you test your abilities as you advance as a pilot.
The dedicated “return to home” button on the ATOM SE GPS drone enables the drone to fly back to the takeoff location at any moment. You can have even more fun using the Potensic Atom SE GPS drone with the app thanks to features like Circle Flight, Follow Me, and Points of Interest.
Potensic Atom SE Specifications
- Takeoff Weight: ＜0.55lbs/249g (the takeoff weight includes battery and propeller blades)
- Fold Size: 3.46 x5.63 x 2.28 inch
- Unfold Size: 11.8 x 9.53 x 2.28 inch
- Max. Flight Speed (Sport mode) Ascending: 5 m/s; descending: 4 m/ss; Horizontal flight: 16m/s
- Max. Flight Period: 31 minutes per battery (measured at breezeless condition and even speed of 5m/s)
- Satellite Positioning System: GPS + GLONASS
- Video Resolution: 4K @30fps; 2.7K @30fps; 1080P @60fps; 1080P @30fps
- Photo Resolution: 4,608 X 2,592
- FOV: 118°
- Type of Supported Storage Card Micro SD card: 4 ~ 256GB SD card transmission speed ≥ class10 or U1 standard (not included)
- Video Format: MP4 (H.264)
- Image Format: JPG/JPEG+RAW(DNG)
Potensic Atom SE Pros and Cons
My Verdict on the Potensic Atom SE
The Potensic Atom SE is the drone for you if you’re interested in capturing drone footage for a long time. However, it’s advisable to fly during the day because the picture quality at night isn’t as sharp as that during the day.
You can check out the button below for more information on the Potensic Atom SE.
4. DJI Mini SE (Best Drone Under $300 for High Altitude)
The DJI Mini SE is the perfect drone for taking aerial photographs thanks to its ability to resist 29-38 kph winds and take off at a maximum altitude of 4,000 meters. This feature makes your footage stable even when you’re flying high above an alpine forest or along a windy coastline.
With only one swipe, the DJI Fly app’s creator templates can produce stunning films. Even amateurs with no prior knowledge in editing may make any moment a social media blockbuster.
The DJI Mini SE is nearly the same weight as a smartphone, at less than 0.55 lbs (249 grams). You don’t have to register your drone with the Federal Aviation Authority to fly this camera drone in the United States or Canada.
12 MP aerial images and 2.7K HD films are supported by the DJI Mini SE. A 3-axis motorized gimbal guarantees crystal-clear, ultra-smooth film and offers greater camera stability.
DJI Mini SE Specifications
- Effective Still Resolution: 12 MP
- Connectivity Technology: Wi-Fi
- Skill Level: beginner
- Item Weight: 242 Grams
- Control Type: Remote Control
- Media Type: Micro SD
- Maximum Range: 4 Kilometers
- Wireless Communication Technology: Wi-Fi
- Battery Cell Composition: Lithium Polymer
- Product Dimensions: 5.43″L x 3.18″W x 2.28″H
- Included Components: DJI Mini SE × 1, DJI Remote Controller × 1, Intelligent Flight Battery × 1, Pair of Spare Propellers × 1, Micro USB Cable × 1, Communication Cable-USB-C × 1, Gimbal Protector × 1 RC Cable (Micro USB connector) × 1 RC Cable (USB-C connector) × 1 RC Cable (Lightning connector) × 1 Pair of Spare Control Sticks × 1 Spare Screws × 6 Screwdriver × 1
DJI Mini SE Pros and Cons
My Take on Cheerwing Syma X5SW-V3
In summary, the DJI Mini SE is great for drone pilots that want to fly their drone at high altitudes without losing connection with the controller.
You can check out the button below for more information on the DJI Mini
5. Bwine F7 Mini (Best Drone Under $300 for Beginners)
Don’t want to deal with the hassle of registering your drone with the FAA? Then the Bwine F7 Mini is the right baby for you. It comes with a weight below 250 grams to save you from FAA registration.
To capture more UHD 4K (4096 x 3072) high-resolution details, the improved full HD camera is equipped with a shock-absorbing ball. Videos may be recorded in 2K and watched in 2K on a phone or SD card.
Allow your drone to freely swim in the skies thanks to the two included batteries and 60 minutes of flight time. The training period is sufficient to take you from a beginner to a professional drone pilot, even if this is your first time operating one.
Bwine F7 Mini Specifications
- Camera Resolution: 4K
- Connectivity Technology: Wi-Fi
- Skill Level: beginner
- Item Weight: Below 250 grams
- Control Type: Remote Control
- Media Type: Micro SD
- Maximum Range: 4 Kilometers
- Wireless Communication Technology: Wi-Fi
- Battery Cell Composition: Lithium Polymer (2 Pcs)
- Product Dimensions: 9.92 x 6.06 x 4.53 inches
Bwine F7 Mini Pros and Cons
My Verdict on Bwine F7 Mini
The Bwine F7 Mini is the way to go if you want a drone that comes with all the unique features of that price tag without worrying about the hassle of registering it with the FAA.
Check out the button below for more information on the Bwine F7 Mini
6. Contixo F24 Pro (Best Camera Drone Under $300)
Experience breathtaking 4K UHD image quality and 2.9K video for dazzling clarity, rich contrast, and vibrant colors with the 90° vertically adjustable 4K UHD drone with camera. A wide perspective of the unforgettable event is provided by the camera’s 120° field of view (FOV) lens.
Foldable brushless motor: It comes with brushless motors installed to guarantee a strong and smooth flight. Propellers can be easily folded for small storage and do not need to be removed after use.
Follow Me, Orbit Mode, and Gesture Control’s clever and effective performance liberate your hands to shoot the perfect selfies. Using up to 16 waypoints, you may fly it using Points of Interest or Tap to Fly in a customized and directed journey.
Stronger and more reliable GPS signals: The camera drone can transmit live video and images up to 1,700 feet away. Stronger GPS positioning enables more accurate homecoming and allows for more stable hovering to capture crisper photographs.
Contixo F24 Pro Specifications
- Weight: Less than 1 lbs
- Flight Time: 30 Min.
- Dimensions: 6.89 x 4.13 x 3.15 folded
- Camera: 4K Ultra High Definition
- Photo Resolution: 4K Ultra HD Photo Resolution
- Video: 2.9K Video
- Max Supported TF Card: 128GB
- Control Range: 1200M / 3600 FT
- Video Transmit Range: 500M / 1640 FT
- Transmitter Frequency: 5 GHz
- Key Features: Way Point Flight, Point of Interest, Easy operation, foldable & Flexible Level 7 wind resistance, Satellite Systems GPS / GLONASS
- What’s Included: 1 x F24 Pro Drone, 1 x 5.0 GHz Remote Control, 1 x Li-Po Modular Battery (F24 Pro Premium Pack: 2 Battery + 64GB SD Card), 1 x Transport Case, 1 x Micro USB Charging Cable, 4 x Spare Propeller (Additional), 1 x Screwdriver, 1 x Instruction Manual
Contixo F24 Pro Pros and Cons
My Verdict on the Contixo F24 Pro
The Contixo F24 Pro is the drone that was created to meet your photography needs. Both beginner and professional photographers and drone pilots will enjoy the picture quality of the drone,
Check out the button below for more information on the Contixo F24 Pro.
7. Ruko U11 (Best Budget Drone Under $300)
The Ruko U11 gives you all the awesome features of a drone under $300 without breaking the bank. You get a 4K camera, dual batteries with 20 minutes of flight time each, and GPS to track your drone.
The maximum flying time of one intelligent flight battery is 20 minutes. The drone’s flight time is increased to 40 minutes thanks to its dual batteries, which provide double the fun!
The high-performance, 90°-adjustable camera captures beautiful 4K Ultra HD images and aids in helping you record and remember each priceless occasion.
Both an optical flow and a GPS positioning system are used for positioning. These two positioning methods enable you to fly more freely and safely. Additionally, they support the drone’s ability to hover steadily and accurately for better photos and movies.
Ruko U11 Specifications
- Weight: 270 g / 9.52 oz
- Max Flight time: 20 Minutes (Charging Time: about 2.5hours）
- Dimension: 5.9*6.49*2.36 IN (Folding)/9.25*7.68*2.36 IN (Unfolding)
- Camera: 4K camera (90° adjustable angle)
- Photo Resolution: 3840X2160P (stored in TF card)
- Video Resolution: 2048X1152P (stored in TF card)
- Max Control Range: 300-500M/984-1640ft （Depends on phone device and environment）
- Max FPV Transmission Range: 200-300M/656-984ft （Depends on phone device and environment）
- Max Supported TF Card: 32GB (Not included)
- Battery Capacity: 1200 Milliamp Hours
- Control Type: App Control
- Media Type: SD
- Wireless Communication Technology: Wi-Fi
- Battery Cell Composition: Lithium Ion
Ruko U11 Pros and Cons
My Verdict on the Ruko U11
In summary, the Ruko U11 is great for beginners and professionals that want a drone with all the necessary features without splashing hundreds of dollars on the purchase.
Check out the button below for more information on the product.
What To Look For in a Drone Under $300
You won’t have to make a lot of compromises when shopping for the best drones under $300. You can get a high-quality drone with a ton of cool features under that price tag that would suit your needs
I read lots of posts on Reddit, Quora, and other drone forums to cut through the noise and pick the best drones under $300 for you. I also watched lots of YouTube videos and read through hundreds of product reviews on Amazon to come up with this list.
In a nutshell, these are the factors I looked at when shopping for a drone under $300:
Flight Time
Drones under $300 will have an average flight time of 25 to 30 minutes and will require a few hours to recharge the battery from zero to 100 percent. I selected drones that had an average flight time of 15 minutes to give you a good amount of fun in the air.
Check out the best drones for long flight times if you need drones that meet this requirement.
ALSO READ: The Best Drones Under $200 in 2023
Dual Means of Control
Most of the drones on this list come with both remote control and app control options. Having dual control options is great for drone pilots because it gives them different modes of control.
You can switch to app control if you simply want to carry a foldable drone with you to a function without the inconvenience of a bulky remote control. Simply fold the drone in your pocket, take it out whenever you want, and fly it with your smartphone. Easy, Peasy!
Stability
Most cheap drones under $300 will be midweight. Lightweight drones can’t remain steady for a long time during windy conditions. Most of the drones I picked have “Altitude Hold,” which analyzes and works with air pressure to keep your drone stable in one position during flight.
Availability of Spare Batteries
Most drones on this list have spare batteries, so you can spend more time flying them when recharging the extra batteries. More often than not, drones with this price tag tend to come with extra batteries.
Ease of Use
Drones that are relatively easy to fly make the flying experience easy and less stressful. The drones on this list come with one-push autonomous features that let the drone take off, land, or return to base with the push of a button.
These features are very important for beginners to have a quality flying experience and prevent them from crashing their drones into surrounding objects, buildings, and trees.
Camera Quality
Most drones under this price tag will come with a minimum of a 2K camera. A lot of them will still come with a 4K camera, which should give you high picture quality.
Camera quality is one of the major things to look out for when shopping for a drone under $300. You don’t want a drone that takes blurry pictures and videos after spending that kind of amount. The majority of the drones on this list come with a 4K camera.
Check out the best camera drones if you want a drone that will satisfy your photography needs.
Also Read: Best Drones Under $400 in 2023
Durability
Durability is also a huge factor when looking for drones under the $300 price tag. You’ll experience lots of crashes when flying a drone, especially if you’re a beginner.
You want your drone to withstand a few crashes without getting damaged.
Most of the drones under this price tag tend to be durable and can withstand windy conditions. I took this factor into consideration when choosing the products on this list.
Most of the drones on this list have propeller guards to prevent your propellers from getting damaged easily after impacts.
Warranty
Warranty is an important factor when selecting the best drones to purchase. Your drone needs to be covered by a warranty so you can get it repaired or replaced when something goes wrong with it within the time limits of the warranty.
Availability of Replacement Parts
Your drone should come with easy access to other parts and accessories that need to be replaced after damage. The best drones often have an abundance of spare parts that are easily accessible at a moment’s notice to the drone pilots if something goes wrong.
One-Button Launch and Recovery
When you initially start, this practical function makes launching and retrieving your drone easier. Your drone will take off when you press a button.
After that, you may start your flight. Just press the same button once your flight is over to end it. This causes the drone to land back in the area where you launched it.
Final Thoughts on the Best Drones Under $300
We’ve come to the end of the road on the best drone under $300 in 2023.
The Holy Stone HS720 came out as my first choice on this list. It has everything you need for a drone under this price tag. 4K camera, GPS, portability, foldability, long flight time, and many more.
You won’t go wrong with it if you choose to go for it.
Can’t seem to find what you’re looking for? Check out my comprehensive list of the best drones for the year. It contains many drones for different categories and purposes.
Okay, guys, we’ve reached the end of the road. But, before we depart, let us know in the comments below which drone you are buying!
And don’t forget to share this article with your friends and other drone enthusiasts on social media using the share button below, telling them what you have learned here today!
