Hello, drone enthusiasts! Welcome to my review of the best drones under $500 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 $500 that are 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 $500 is the DJI Mavic Mini.
Below is a quick summary of all the drones under $500 I’ve hand-picked for you after my research.
Quick Summary of the Best Drones Under $500
NOTE: All the drones on this list were below $500 at the time of writing.
- Quick Summary of the Best Drones Under $500
- What Are The Best Drones Under $500?
- 1. DJI Mavic Mini (Best Drone Under $500 For Long battery Life)
- 2. DJI Mini 2 (Best Camera Drone Under $500)
- 3. Potensic 4K Dreamer (Best Fast Charging Drone Under $500)
- 4. Night Lions Tech 193 Max 2 (Best Drone Under $500 With Night vision)
- 5. Bwine F7GB2 (Best Wind Resistant Drone under $500)
- 6. EXO X7 Ranger Plus (Best Obstacle Avoidance Drone Under $500)
- 7. EXO CINEMASTER 2 (Best Drone Under $500 For Professionals)
- 1. DJI Mavic Mini (Best Drone Under $500 For Long battery Life)
- What To Look For in a Drone Under $500
- Final Thoughts on the Best Drones Under $500
What Are The Best Drones Under $500?
Here, I’ll dive into the top 7 best drones under $500.
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 $500 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 $500 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
DJI Mavic Mini 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 $500)
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 $500.
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. Potensic 4K Dreamer (Best Fast Charging Drone Under $500)
The Potensic 4K Dreamer integrates fast charging technology that can fully charge the drone from zero to 100% within 2 hours. The fully charged battery has a flight time of up to 28 minutes.
You can focus in on whatever you’re recording from a great height by ensuring constant aerial capture with a specialized 3-axis gimbal camera. A high-resolution livestream may be sent directly from the drone’s camera at a distance of up to 2 kilometers.
You don’t have to worry about your drone getting lost thanks to its GPS feature, which tracks and records your drone’s last location before inactivity or disappearance. This feature helps you follow that app’s map to track and find your drone easily.
The Potensic 4K Dreamer also comes with multiple functions like “follow me,” “DIY circle flight,” “waypoint flight,” precise altitude flight, auto return, APP control, and so on to give you a wonderful user experience.
Potensic 4K Dreamer Specifications
- Camera: 1/3 CMOS 16MP Sony Sensor/ 3-axis gimbal/ 4K camera/ 90° Adjustable angle
- Photo Resolution: 4608 X 3456
- Video Resolution: 3840×2160 @30 FPS
- Max Flight time: 28 minutes per battery
- Charging Time: about 2 hours
- Drone Speed: 5m/s (Max. Ascent), 8m/s (Max. Flying), 2m/s (Max. Descent)
- Max. FPV Distance: 2KM when unobstructed (APP: Potensic Pro)
- Size: 350 X 320 X 195mm (13.7 X 12.59 X 7.67in)
- Weight: About 820g (FAA registration is Required)
- Connectivity Technology: USB OTG Cable
- Control Type: Remote Control/ APP Control
- Media Type: SD, Micro SD
- Material: Plastic
- Wireless Communication Technology: Wi-Fi
- Battery Cell Composition: Lithium Ion
Potensic 4K Dreamer Pros and Cons
My Verdict on the Potensic 4K Dreamer
The fast-charging feature is what I love most about the drone. I don’t have to spend hours charging one battery only to use it for thirty minutes before charging it again for hours.
You should check out the button below for more information on the Potensic Dreamer 4K.
4. Night Lions Tech 193 Max 2 (Best Drone Under $500 With Night vision)
The Night Lions Tech drone has a night flight mode to give you a clear view at night. The search light at the bottom illuminates the night, allowing you to see where you’re going and avoid colliding with obstacles.
It comes with dual batteries that can give you a double flight time of 60 minutes for both batteries.
It also has a special LED light that alerts you when your drone has a low battery. Plus, the status indicator shows you how much power is left on your drone in real time to prevent crashing after power drainage.
You may record more thrilling and unforgettable moments with a 50x rapid zoom.
With a shooting range of up to 9800 feet, you can change the lens image at any time, anywhere, with the tiniest sweep of your finger, allowing you to get as close to whatever you’re photographing as possible.
Night Lions Tech 193 Max 2 Specifications
- Single drone weight: 15.3 ounces, box weight: 63.5 ounces
- Maximum flight time: 30 minutes (charging time: about 6.5 hours)
- Size: 3.54*7*3.15 IN (folded)/11.14*10*3.15 IN (unfolded)
- Camera: 4K three-axis gimbal (adjustment angle -90°+0°)
- Photo resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160) stored in SD card
- Video: 4K (3840 x 2160) at 30fps stored on SD card
- Maximum control range: 13000 feet
- Maximum FPV transmission range: 13000 feet (depending on mobile device and environment)
- Maximum supported SD card: 256GB (not included)
- Maximum height: 400 feet
- Batteries: Two lithium-ion batteries are required. (Included)
- Mirror Adjustment: Remote Control
Night Lions Tech 193 Max 2 Pros and Cons
My Take on Night Lions Tech 193 Max 2
The Night Lions Tech 193 Max 2’s main selling point is its night flight mode capabilities. You can clearly fly at night and record some footage without crashing into trees or buildings.
You should check out the button below for more information on the Night Lions Tech.
5. Bwine F7GB2 (Best Wind Resistant Drone under $500)
Want a high-quality drone under $500 that can produce a quiet and stable flight during windy conditions? Then the Bwine F7GB2 with its low-noise brushless motor is the best baby for you!
The GPS-assisted feature prevents you from spending money on another drone. To avoid crashing, you can send the drone back home with a few taps when it has a low signal or battery.
The F7GB2 drone can transmit video at a distance of up to 3 km (9800 ft), giving you clear photos and fluid video. It also comes with two smart batteries that can allow a total flying time of 50 minutes.
A 90°-adjustable 4K camera on the Bwine F7 drone enables you to capture high-definition photos and videos. Furthermore, the F7 camera drone’s 3-axis mechanical gimbal provides improved stability to ensure clear footage.
Bwine F7GB2 Specifications
- Weight: 19.4 OZ
- Max. Flight Time: 50 Mins (About 25 Minutes per battery)
- Dimension: 4.65*6.34*5.31 IN (Folding)/15.67*12.83*5.31 IN (Unfolding)
- Camera: 4K camera with Three-axis gimbal (Adjusted angle -90°+0°)
- Photo Resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160)
- Video: 4K 15fps stored in SD card / 1280 x 720P in phone
- Max Control Range: 9842ft
- Max FPV Transmission Range: 9842ft (Depends on mobile device and environment)
- Max capacity of Micro SD Card: 128GB (not included)
- Max Height: 393ft
- Wireless Communication Technology: Wi-Fi
- Battery Cell Composition: Lithium Ion
Bwine F7GB2 Pros and Cons
My Verdict on Bwine F7GB2
The Bwine F7GB2 is your best bet for a drone under $500 if you live in a very windy environment. It can survive up to level 6 wind, but you have to exercise patience when charging the battery.
You should check out the button below for more information on the Bwine F7GB2.
6. EXO X7 Ranger Plus (Best Obstacle Avoidance Drone Under $500)
In my opinion, the EXO X7 is the best obstacle avoidance drone under $500. This feature is great for beginners and intermediate drone pilots who want to prevent multiple crashes when flying their baby.
Capture your favorite moments in 4K resolution photos or record those priceless memories in 2K footage. It takes your videography to the next level with brighter and sharper colors.
You may change the camera’s angle for everything from skyline images to bird’s-eye views. Or, use the app to digitally magnify it up to 50X while viewing it live.
Take advantage of automated flight modes that allow you to set it and forget it. These flying modes include virtual reality, circle-me, follow-me, and others.
Even in the absence of WiFi or phone coverage, you can fly anywhere. Enjoy a complimentary travel bag, a foldable case that is simple to pack, and a light body.
EXO X7 Ranger Plus Specifications
- Color: Matte Black
- Picture Resolution: 4K pixels
- 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
EXO X7 Ranger Plus Pros and Cons
My Verdict on the EXO X7 Ranger Plus
Beginners would find this drone very handy due to its obstacle avoidance feature, which would prevent multiple crashes when learning how to maneuver the drone. Professionals too will benefit from the obstacle avoidance feature when flying the drone indoors.
You should check out the button below for more information on the EXO X7 Ranger Plus.
7. EXO CINEMASTER 2 (Best Drone Under $500 For Professionals)
Expert drone pilots will enjoy the EXO CINEMASTER 2 for all the features and benefits it provides. The drone is great for both recreational and commercial purposes.
More resolution: 11 MP photo and 4K UHD Video. Slow-motion 1080p 60 FPS & 3-Axis Gimbal.
Richer color. Sony 1/2.3-inch sensor with a bit rate of 50 mbps.
Stronger performance. 28-minute flight time, 1/2 mile range. Level 5 wind resistance and 27 MPH sport mode
Simpler controls. Easy for beginners; no experience is needed. Ready to fly and with Utah customer service.
Smarter features. Return to home with a single tap, “follow-me,” “circle-me,” and many more with a single tap.
All-in-One. Free travel case, batteries, & controller all included
EXO CINEMASTER 2 Specifications
- Sensor: 1/2.3in CMOS
- Frame Rates: 4K 30FPS // 1080p 60FPS
- Stabilization: 3 Axis Gimbal + EXOSmooth
- Video Resolution: 3840 x 2160p UHD
- Photo Resolution: 4096 x 3072p
- Flight Time: 28 minutes per battery
- Control Range: ~mileMile
- Image Transmission: ~2,000ft
- Weight: 580g
- Dimensions (folded): 12 x 3 x 2 in.
- Battery Capacity: 3200 Milliamp Hours
- Media Type: SD
- Wireless Communication Technology: Wi-Fi
- Battery Cell Composition: Lithium Polymer
- Product Dimensions: 12.6 x 4.72 x 9.45 inches
EXO CINEMASTER 2 Pros and Cons
My Verdict on the EXO CINEMASTER 2
Overall, I’d go for the EXO CINEMASTER 2 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 EXO CINEMASTER 2.
What To Look For in a Drone Under $500
You won’t have to make a lot of compromises when shopping for the best drones under $500. 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 $500 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 $500:
Flight Time
Drones under $500 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 25 minutes or more 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 $400 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 $500 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 $500. 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 $700 in 2023
Durability
Durability is also a huge factor when looking for drones under the $500 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 $500
We’ve come to the end of the road on the best drone under $500 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.
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