Hello, drone enthusiasts! Welcome to my review of the best drones under $400 in 2023.
I understand how difficult it can be to find a high-quality drone that suits your needs and 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 $400 that’s tailored to your needs without splashing thousands of dollars on a high-end drone.
These drones are great for beginner, intermediate, and professional drone pilots that simply want to fly a high quality drone for recreational or commercial purposes.
QUICK FACT: The best drone under $400 is the DJI Mavic Mini.
Below is a quick summary of all the drones under $400 I’ve hand-picked for you after my research.
Quick Summary of the Best Drones Under $400
NOTE: All the drones on this list were below $300 at the time of writing.
- Quick Summary of the Best Drones Under $400
- What Are The Best Drones Under $400?
- 1. DJI Mavic Mini (Best Drone Under $400 For Long battery Life)
- 2. DJI Mini 2 (Best Camera Drone Under $400)
- 3. Ruko F11 Gim2 (Best Wind Resistance Drone Under $400)
- 4. DEERC DE22 (Best Drone Under $400 For Convenience)
- 5. Holy Stone HS720E (Best Drone Under $400 For Beginner)
- 6. Contixo F24 Pro (Best Drone For Professionals Under $400)
- 7. EXO X7 Ranger Plus (Best Drone Under $400 for Obstacle Avoidance)
- 1. DJI Mavic Mini (Best Drone Under $400 For Long battery Life)
- What To Look For in a Drone Under $400
- Final Thoughts on the Best Drones Under $400
What Are The Best Drones Under $400?
Here, I’ll dive into the top 7 best drones under $400. 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. DJI Mavic Mini (Best Drone Under $400 For Long battery Life)
The DJI Mavic Mini boasts of a triple battery to give you triple fun time. Each battery can last up to 30 minutes which gives you a combined flight time of an hour and 30 minutes.
One good thing about the DJI Mavic Mini is that you don’t have to deal with the stress of registering it with the FAA because it weighs less than 250 grams. This feature alone makes it different from most high quality drones in the market under the $400 price tag.
It’s also light as a smartphone and fits in smoothly inside your pocket or bag. You can take it whenever you want and launch it at your own convenience.
Comes with a 12MP HD camera that can capture your favorite scene. It also has a flight tutorial that can guide beginners on how to launch, fly and land their drone without crashing.
DJI Mavic Mini Specifications
- Video Capture Resolution: 2.7K
- Effective Still Resolution: 12 MP
- Connectivity Technology: DJI
- Item Weight: 0.1 Ounces
- Battery Capacity: 30 minutes
- Control Type: Remote Control
- Media Type: Micro SD
- Maximum Range: 1500 Meters
- Material: Plastic
- Wireless Communication Technology: Bluetooth
- Battery Cell Composition: Lithium Polymer
- Product Dimensions: 6.3 x 3.15 x 0.39 inches
Holy Stone HS720 Pros and Cons
My Verdict on the DJI Mavic Mini
Overall, the DJI Mavic Mini is something you should go for if you want to spend a lot of time in the air shooting drone footage. The triple camera is more than enough to see you through the end of it.
You should check out the button below for more information about the DJI Mavic Mini
2. DJI Mini 2 (Best Camera Drone Under $400)
The DJI Mini 2 boasts a 12 MP camera that provides stunning footage in 4K resolution at 30 fps. The 3-axis motorized gimbal ensures you always get a smooth image that’ll suit your photography needs.
The 4X Zoom feature ensures you can capture a large image from afar. There’s no need to get too close to photograph your loved one or client. Just zoom in and zoom out!
The DJI Mini saves you from the hassle of dealing with FAA registration because it weighs less than 250 grams. You can get the drone and fly it the same day if you want!
It also has other awesome features like quick shots, which can automatically record footage with just a few taps and then be shared with your friends on social media. It can resist level 5 winds, take off at a maximum altitude of 4,000 meters, and give you a flight time of 31 minutes.
DJI Mini 2 Specifications
- Video Capture Resolution: 4K HD
- Effective Still Resolution: 12 MP
- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Included Components: DJI Mini 2 – Ultralight and Foldable Drone Quadcopter
- Item Weight: 8.78 Ounces
- Control Type: Remote Control
- Maximum Range: 4000 Meters
- Wireless Communication Technology: Ocusync 2.0
- Battery Cell Composition: Lithium Polymer
- Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 3.1 x 2.2 inches
DJI Mini 2 Pros and Cons
My Verdict on the DJI Mini 2
Overall, I love the DJI Mini 2 for its camera qualities. There’s little that can go wrong with it if you’re looking for a camera drone under $400.
4K camera for high picture quality, long battery life, 4X zoom to safely capture your scene without going close, easy to learn for beginners, and much more.
You should check out the button below for more information on the DJI Mini 2.
3. Ruko F11 Gim2 (Best Wind Resistance Drone Under $400)
The Ruko F11 Gim2 can resist level 6 winds and perform optimally in windy conditions thanks to its low-noise brushless motor, which makes your drone footage very stable even in severe windy conditions.
It comes with an intelligent GPS-assist feature that makes flying easy. You can order your drone to return to you with just a few taps to prevent it from crashing or getting lost.
It also has a dual battery to provide you with double flight time. Each battery can last up to 28 minutes, giving you a total flight time of 58 minutes. (The power status is reported and monitored in real time)
The 4K camera gives you clear footage at 30 fps. It also has a 2-axis gimbal to stabilize your footage. This prevents blurry images and gives your footage a sharp look.
Ruko F11 Gim2 Specifications
- Weight: 20.6 OZ
- Dimension (Folded): 6.9*4.1*3.15 IN
- Dimension (Unfolded): 17.71*15.94*3.15 IN
- Phone Holder Width: 2.36 to 3.53 IN
- Camera: 4K camera with 2-axis gimbal (Adjusted angle -80°+0°)
- Photo: 4K (3840 x 2160) stored in TF card and phone
- Video: [email protected] stored in TF card, [email protected] stored in phone
- Max Video Transmission Range: 9800 ft
- Max Flight Distance: 9800 ft
- Max Flight Altitude: 393ft
- Max Flight time: 28 Mins
- Charging Time: about 4.5hours
- Max Supported TF Card: 128GB (not included)
- Operating Temperature: 32° to 104°F （0° to 40°C）
- Obstacle Avoidance Feature: Not equipped
Ruko F11 Gim2 Pros and Cons
My Verdict on the Ruko F11 GIM2
The Ruko F11 Gim2 will be my go-to drone for under $400 if I live in a windy environment. It can still provide all the awesome features of most drones under this price tag.
You should check out the button below for more information on the Ruko F11 Gim2.
4. DEERC DE22 (Best Drone Under $400 For Convenience)
The DEERC DE22 came out on top as my best foldable drone under $400 for convenience. It also comes with a carrying case to make it convenient to carry your drone from one place to another.
It comes with a 4K camera to give you a high picture resolution; a 100° FOV and 80° adjustable lens to capture a wide area; and a 5X zoom to capture footage from afar without being pixelated.
Gimbal and EIS technology improve image stability and decrease blur. More reliable and clear footage may be captured in 4K at 30 fps with this drone.
Follow Me allows you to shoot complex photos with just your fingers; Waypoints and Circle Fly makes aerial photography easier by allowing the drone to fly autonomously along a specified course.
DEERC DE22 Specifications
- Dimensions: 6.9 X 4.1 X 3.15 inches (Folding)
- Dimensions: 17.71 X 15.94 X 3.15 inches (Unfolding)
- Weight: 20.6 OZ / 556 G (FAA is Required )
- Max Flight time: 28 minutes per battery
- Charging Time: About 4.5 hours
- Camera: 4K camera / 2-axis gimbal / Adjusted angle 80° / FOV 105°
- Image Resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160) stored in TF card
- Max Control Range: 4921 ft
- Battery Capacity: 27.75 Watt Hours
- Control Type: Remote Control
- Media Type: SD
- Wireless Communication Technology: Cellular
- Battery Cell Composition: Lithium Polymer
- Max FPV Transmission: 1900-3900ft（Depends on mobile device and environment）
- Package: 1*Drone and Transmitter 2*Drone Batteries 1*Carrying Case 4*Extra Propellers 1*USB Charging Hub 1*Instructions for Use.
DJI Mini SE Pros and Cons
My Take on DEERC DE22
In summary, I would go for the DEERC if I wanted a high-quality drone I could take anywhere without having to splash thousands of dollars on premium drones like DJI, Autel, and Skydio.
You should check out the button below for more information on the DEERC DE22.
5. Holy Stone HS720E (Best Drone Under $400 For Beginner)
The Holy Stone HS720E is my best drone under $400 for beginners. It’s easy to operate, has a “follow me” feature, a “return to home” feature, and other advanced flight modes to make your flight easy and fun.
It can record footage in 1080P @60fps and also in 4K @30fps. It has EIS (Electric Image Stabilization) technology to decrease blurry footage, and 5 GHz FPV transmission for smooth image transmission.
The brushless motor reduces the noise generated by the propellers, making it ideal for flying indoors without disturbing your significant other, waking your sleeping child, or waking your elderly granny.
You can also fly the Holy Stone HS720E for 46 minutes, thanks to its dual batteries which lasts up to 23 minutes each.
Holy Stone HS720E Specifications
- Weight: 17.46 OZ
- Flight Time: 23 Minutes / Charging Time: about 5 Hours
- Dimension: 13.3*9.5*2.3 IN (Unfolding)
- Camera: FOV 130°
- Photo Resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160) Stored in TF Card / 1080P (1920 x 1080P) Stored on Mobile Phone.
- Video: [email protected]/[email protected] (with TF Card Stored)
- Max Supported TF Card: 128GB (Not included)
- Transmitter Range: 3277 Feet
- Max FPV Transmission Range: 1640 Feet
- Maximum Height: 394 Feet
- Battery Capacity: 2800 Milliamp Hours
- Control Type: Remote Control
- Media Type: SD
- Maximum Range: 999 Meters
- Wireless Communication Technology: Wi-Fi
- Battery Cell Composition: Lithium Polymer
Holy Stone HS720E Pros and Cons
My Verdict on Holy Stone HS720E
Personally, I would go with the Holy Stone HS 720E if I wanted something to practice with before going for high-priced drones that cost thousands of dollars. It’s easy to fly, and the controls are very responsive.
You should check out the button below for more information on the Holy Stone HS720E.
6. Contixo F24 Pro (Best Drone For Professionals Under $400)
The Contixo F24 Pro, in my opinion, is the best drone under $400 for professional use. It has all the features you need as a professional to fly your drone for both commercial and recreational purposes.
Your drone may be properly stored and transported in the special carrying case. Never again will you have to bother with installing or removing the propellers. It is portable, thanks to the carrying case.
Two improved 2500mAh smart batteries are included, which give up to 60 minutes of flight time.
Brushless motors are included in the F24 Pro to guarantee a strong and slick flight. Propellers can be easily folded for small storage and do not need to be removed after use.
The drone has a 1,700-foot live video and picture transmission range. Stronger GPS location allows the F24 Pro to hover steadily to capture crisper shots and return home with more accuracy.
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
Overall, I’d go for the Contixo Pro drone for all the awesome features it has. Professionals would enjoy this drone for both recreational and commercial purposes.
You should check out the button below for more information on the Contixo F24 Pro.
7. EXO X7 Ranger Plus (Best Drone Under $400 for Obstacle Avoidance)
The Exo X7 Drone came out as my favorite drone for flying indoors, thanks to its obstacle avoidance module that can avoid auto crashes. It’s my go to drone under $400 for avoiding obstacles.
It comes with a crisp camera that can capture photos in 4K resolution and videos in 2K resolution. The 110 camera angle enables it to capture massive landscapes from a bird’s eye view.
It’s also easy to use, can resist level 5 wind, has 3 speed levels, can achieve a top speed of 26 mph, has free USA customer service, and also comes with a return home feature to give you a pleasurable flight.
Ruko U11 Specifications
- Item Weight: 3 Pounds
- Battery Capacity: 3200 Milliamp Hours
- Media Type: SD
- Wireless Communication Technology: Wi-Fi
- Battery Cell Composition: Lithium Polymer
- Are Batteries Included: Yes
- Video Output Resolution: 2K Pixels
- Product Dimensions: 11 x 8 x 3 inches
Ruko U11 Pros and Cons
My Verdict on the Ruko U11
The EXO X7 is great for flying indoors. There are a lot of awesome things that can be found in premium drones like DJI, Autel, and Skydio without breaking the bank.
You should check out the button below for more information on the EXO X7
What To Look For in a Drone Under $400
You won’t have to make a lot of compromises when shopping for the best drones under $400. 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 $400 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 $400:
Flight Time
Drones under $400 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 $300 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 drones under $400 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 $400. 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 $500 in 2023
Durability
Durability is also a huge factor when looking for drones under the $400 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 $400
We’ve come to the end of the road on the best drone under $400 in 2023
The DJI Mavic Mini 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.
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!
