Hello, drone enthusiasts! Welcome to my review of the best drones for recreational use in 2024.
Are you a beginner or professional looking to fly a hobby drone for recreational use? Do you want a fun drone you can fly during your relaxation time? Are you concerned about the durability, price, battery life, and other factors that keep you awake on your web browser for an extended period of time?
If your answer is yes to any of those questions, I’ve got you covered. I’ve compiled a list of the best drones for recreational use that would answer all the questions you’re looking for.
These drones are durable, have a very high camera quality, a long battery life, are easy to fly, and don’t need to be registered with the FAA because they weigh less than 250 grams.
QUICK FACT: The best drone for recreational use is the Autel EVO Nano Plus. It’s a good bet for its weight class and escaping FAA registration thanks to its 4K camera, long battery life, and obstacle avoidance mode, which gives you a fun flight and a good user experience overall.
Below is a quick summary of all the best hobby drones for recreational use that I’ve hand-picked for you after my research.
Quick Summary of the Best Drones For Beginners
- Quick Summary of the Best Drones For Beginners
- How I Selected The Best Hobby Drones For Recreational Use
- What Are The Best Hobby Drones For Recreational Use?
- 1. Potensic Atom SE (Best Recreational Drone with Long Battery Life)
- 2. DJI Mini 3 Pro (Best Obstacle Avoidance Drone for Recreational Use)
- 3. Ruko F11 Mini (Best Recreational Drone for Beginners)
- 4. Autel EVO Nano Plus (Best Camera Drone for Professionals)
- 5. Bwine F7 Mini (Best Recreational Drone for Professionals)
- 6. DJI Avata (Best Indoor Drone For Recreational Use)
- 7. Holy Stone HS710 (Best Foldable Drone For Recreational Use)
- 1. Potensic Atom SE (Best Recreational Drone with Long Battery Life)
- What To Look For in a Drone For Recreational Use
- Final Thoughts on the Best Drones For Recreational Use
How I Selected The Best Hobby Drones For Recreational Use
I read lots of posts on Reddit, Quora, and other drone forums to cut through the noise and pick the best drones for recreational use.
I also watched lots of YouTube videos and read through hundreds of product reviews on Amazon to come up with this list.
This article took me about 19 hours of research to ensure you get the best quality for your money’s worth.
Some of the factors I took into consideration when selecting the best recreational drones include durability, wind resistance, resistance to multiple crashes, a 4K camera, a long battery life, and special features that make it easy to use, like headless mode, altitude hold, GPS Follow Me Mode, and more.
What Are The Best Hobby Drones For Recreational Use?
Here, I’ll dive into my top 7 best drones for recreational use.
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. Potensic Atom SE (Best Recreational Drone with Long Battery Life)
My favorite recreational drone with a long battery life is the Potensic Atom SE. It comes with dual 2500 mAh smart batteries that both give you an extended time of 62 minutes of non-stop fun.
The Potensic ATOM SE has an intelligent feature called the SurgeFly flight control system that challenges your skill as a pilot by giving you 3 flight modes – Video, Normal, and Sport—which translates into a reliable and fun flight control experience.
With a 1/3-inch 12MP CMOS sensor, the Potensic ATOM SE camera drone can record 4K HD video at 30 frames per second and 12MP still photographs in JPEG and RAW (DNG) formats.
You can record more scenes thanks to the unique 118° FOV and a vertical +20° to -90° camera adjustment angle. With the aid of ShakeVanish electronic stabilization technology, airborne shooting is more steady and fluid.
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 with just a click of a button.
Potensic Atom SE Specifications
- Battery Capacity: 2500 Milliamp Hours
- Wireless Communication Technology: Wi-Fi
- Battery Cell Composition: Lithium
- Takeoff Weight: Less than 0.55lbs/249g (the takeoff weight includes battery and propeller blades)
- Fold Size Dimension: 3.46×5.63×2.28 inch
- Unfold Size Dimensions: 11.8×9.53×2.28 inch
- Max. Flight Speed (sport mode): Ascending: 5m/s; Descending: 4m/s; Horizontal flight: 16m/s
- Max. Flight Period: 31 mins 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*2,592
- FOV: 118°
- Supported Storage Card: Micro SD card; 4 ~ 256GB SD card transmission speed
- 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 a drone you’ll like if you want to recreationally fly your drone for a long time. The dual batteries are enough to last you 62 minutes.
However, you shouldn’t fly the drone at night, as the camera quality isn’t very clear during this period. You should check out the button below for more information on the Potensic Atom SE
2. DJI Mini 3 Pro (Best Obstacle Avoidance Drone for Recreational Use)
The DJI Mini 3 Pro came out on top as the best obstacle avoidance drone. Not only does it have the features and benefits of the Mini 3, but it also comes with advanced features that give other drones in its weight class a run for their money.
What drew me to the DJI Mini 3 Pro is its obstacle avoidance sensor. This sensor can detect objects in three dimensions and is supported by the Advanced Pilot Assistance System (APAS 4.0), which automatically detects objects around its flight path and avoids them to prevent crashing.
The DJI Mini 3 comes equipped with a powerful 48 MP camera and a 1/1.3” CMOS image sensor that can record video in 4K resolution at 60 fps. The camera is stabilized by a 3-axis mechanical gimbal that can rotate at 90 degrees to prevent blurry footage during windy conditions.
The DJI Min 3 can also withstand wind speeds up to level 5, preventing blurry images from being blown away. It can also stay in the air for a maximum of 34 minutes and a transmission range of 12 km.
DJI Mini 3 Pro Specifications
- Weight: less than 249 grams
- Dimensions Folded (without propellers): 145×90×62 mm (L×W×H)
- Dimension Unfolded (with propellers): 251×362×70 mm (L×W×H)
- Diagonal Length: 247 mm
- Max Ascent Speed: 5 m/s
- Max Descent Speed: 5 m/s
- Max Horizontal Speed: 16 m/s
- Max Takeoff Altitude: 4000 m
- Max Flight Time: 34 minutes
- Max Hovering Time: 30 minutes
- Max Flight Distance: 18 km
- Max Wind Speed Resistance: 10.7 m/s (Level 5)
- Photo Resolution: 48 MP: 8000 X 6000
- Video Resolution: 4K Ultra HD: 3840 x 2160 @ 60 fps
- Sensing Type: Downward vision system
- Video Transmission System: DJI O2
- Battery Capacity: 2453 mAh
- Battery Charging Time: 1 hour
- Max Charging Power: 30 W
- File Storage: micro SD card (256 GB max)
DJI Mini SE Pros and Cons
My Verdict on the DJI Mini 3 Pro
Overall, the DJI Mini 3 Pro is a great drone for recreational use. It has all the special features you want in a fun hobby drone. However, it’s relatively pricey for a beginner drone pilot.
You should check out the button below for more information on the DJI Mini 3 Pro.
3. Ruko F11 Mini (Best Recreational Drone for Beginners)
The Ruko F11 Mini is my favorite recreational drone out there for beginners. It comes with intelligent features like “Follow Me,” “Waypoint Flight,” and “Point of Interest” that make the drone easy to fly
This drone offers steady hovering both indoors and outdoors thanks to its air pressure and altitude control, GPS, and GLONASS equipment.
You may soar to unprecedented heights of up to 393 feet in flight and 6,561 feet during takeoff thanks to the brushless motor, which provides a smooth and stable flight.
You can stay in the air for a long time and record a variety of aerial video with the F11MINI drone’s two intelligent batteries, which have a combined flying life of up to 60 minutes.
With a resolution of 4096 x 3072, every photograph features breathtaking detail. With real-time 2K video transmission up to 1,640 feet away, you can stay connected while recording fluid 2.7K films at 25 fps.
You can also utilize the camera’s adjustable 120° field of view to get the ideal photo or turn the lens to 90° for scenes that are more in focus.
A camera cover is included with this beginner-friendly drone to shield the lens from harm during collisions. Plus, flying the drone is simple with its one-tap takeoff and landing capabilities.
Ruko F11 Mini Specifications
- Weight: 8.64 oz
- Wireless Communication Technology: Wi-Fi
- Battery Cell Composition: Lithium Ion
- Product Dimensions: 11.8 x 8.5 x 2.1 inches
- Max Flight Time: 30 Minutes (Per Battery)
- Max wind speed resistance: 7m/s (Level 4).
- Max photo resolution: 4096×3072P
- Max video resolution: 2688 ×1512 P (TF card).
- Battery Type: 7.6V 2100mAh Li-Po 2 batteries
- Transmission: 2k@25fps, 1640 ft
- Special Feature: Crash Resistant, Lightweight, Speed Adjustment, Long Battery Life, One Button Return
Ruko F11 Mini Pros and Cons
My Verdict on the Ruko F11 Mini
The Ruko F11 Mini is one of the best drones for beginners. Because it’s lightweight, you don’t need to register it with the FAA. Plus. It also has special features like GPS and many more that make it easy to fly.
You should check out the button below for more information on the Ruko F11 Mini
4. Autel EVO Nano Plus (Best Camera Drone for Professionals)
The Autel EVO Nano Plus is my best camera drone for recreational use. Its 16x digital zoom capability and 4K camera make it ideal for capturing nature’s splendor without endangering nearby creatures.
To gather detailed views of obstacles and prevent collisions, Autel Robotics EVO Nano+ uses the binocular vision concept and three-way obstacle avoidance theory.
The Autel EVO Nano Plus can fly continuously for 28 minutes with a fully charged battery and no wind, giving you plenty of time to try out different camera angles and come up with innovative photos.
Binocular wide-angle vision sensors are installed in the front, back, and bottom of the device, along with a 150°forward perception sensor that allows you to fly over challenging terrain at will and can precisely spot obstructions.
The Autel EVO Nano+ weighs less than 249 grams—even less than a smartphone. Thanks to its foldable form, it can fit nearly anywhere, be it in your hand or the pocket of your camping or hiking backpack.
The Autel EVO Nano Plus will launch into the air at the press of a button and take a picture of you and your friends and family while automatically adjusting the lens to include everyone.
Autel Evo Nano Plus Specifications
- Weight: 249 grams
- Dimensions Folded (without propellers): 140×90×50 mm (L×W×H)
- Dimension Unfolded (with propellers): 264×310×50 mm (L×W×H)
- Diagonal Length: 231 mm
- Max Ascent Speed: 6 m/s
- Max Descent Speed: 4 m/s
- Max Horizontal Speed: 15 m/s
- Max Takeoff Altitude: 4000 m
- Max Flight Time: 28 minutes
- Max Hovering Time: 26 minutes
- Max Flight Distance: 16.8 m
- Max Wind Speed Resistance: 10.7 m/s (Level 5)
- Photo Resolution: 50M：8192×6144
- Video Resolution: 4K Ultra HD: 3840×2160 @60 fps
- Max Bit Rate: 100 MBPS
- Wi-Fi Transfer: 20 MB/s
- Battery Capacity: 3930 mAh
- Battery Charging Time: 90 minutes.
- Max Charging Power: 30 W
- File Storage: micro SD card (256 GB max)
DJI Mavic Mini Pros and Cons
My Verdict on the Autel Evo Nano Plus
Overall, the Autel Evo Nano Plus is one of the best drones for recreational use on the market. It can do everything you’d expect from a drone of its size.
It can do everything you’d expect from a drone of its size. It has a high-quality camera, is convenient to carry around, and you don’t have to create an account with Autel to operate the drone.
You should check out the button below for more information on the Autel Evo Nano Plus.
5. Bwine F7 Mini (Best Recreational Drone for Professionals)
The Bwine F7 is my best recreational drone for professionals. Professional drone pilots would love everything it has to offer, ranging from its lightweight design to its high-quality camera and decent battery life.
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.
The Bwine F7 returns automatically to you when the battery is low, the signal is lost, or you hit the return key.
You won’t have to stress about losing your drone. Additional clever features tailored just for you, such as flying in your direction automatically, following a path you define, and circling a place.
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 the 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 premium drones without the expensive price tag or registering it with the FAA.
You should check out the button below for more information on the Bwine F7.
6. DJI Avata (Best Indoor Drone For Recreational Use)
The DJI Avata is my best indoor drone for recreational use. Not only that, but it is also lightweight, portable, and convenient to carry around; making it easy to move from one place to another without getting tired.
Avata provides increased safety along with a remarkable 18-minute flying duration. It can withstand light touch, maintain altitude, and continue to fly thanks to the included propeller protection.
Get a clear and responsive HD live broadcast from up to 10 kilometers away with DJI O3+ video transmission.
The DJI Avata has a modernized camera system, eliminating the need for additional attachments. With the 1/1.7-inch sensor, 155° field of view, and industry-leading stability, enjoy next-level pictures.
You can fly intuitively using the DJI Motion Controller. Release the trigger, charge ahead, or swivel your wrist to make a turn.
The DJI Avata is compatible with the DJI FPV Remote Control 2, the DJI FPV Goggles V2, the DJI FPV Goggles 2, and the DJI Motion Control, which each open up new possibilities.
DJI Avata provides increased safety along with a remarkable 18-minute flying duration. It can withstand light touch, maintain altitude, and continue to fly thanks to the included propeller protection.
DJI Avata Specifications
- Weight: 410 grams
- Dimensions: 180×180×80 mm (L×W×H)
- Diagonal Length: 120 mm
- Max Ascent Speed: 6 m/s
- Max Descent Speed: 6 m/s
- Max Horizontal Speed: 8 m/s, 14 m/s and 27 m/s
- Max Takeoff Altitude: 5000 m
- Max Flight Time: 18 minutes
- Max Hovering Time: 17 minutes
- Max Flight Distance: 11.6 km
- Max Wind Speed Resistance: 10.7 m/s (Level 5)
- Photo Resolution: 48 MP: 4000 X 3000
- Video Resolution: 4K Ultra HD: 3840×2160 @60 fps
- Max Bit Rate: 150 MBPS
- Video Transmission System: DJI O2
- Battery Capacity: 1800 mAh
- Battery Charging Time: 1 hour
- Charging Power: 10 W
- File Storage: micro SD card (256 GB)
DJI Avata Pros and Cons
My Verdict on the DJI Avata
Overall, the DJI Avata is my favorite indoor drone for recreational use. It’s agile and fits well in the palm of your hand, making it convenient for moving from one place to another. However, it’s quite expensive compared to the rest of the drones on this list.
You should check out the button below for more information on the DJI Avata
7. Holy Stone HS710 (Best Foldable Drone For Recreational Use)
The Holy Stone HS710 is my best foldable drone for recreational use. It is super lightweight, weighs below 250 grams, so you don’t have to register it with the FAA, and is very convenient to travel around with.
The 120° wide-angle lens and remote-controlled, 90°-adjustable construction extend your vision; the UHD 4K camera records your beautiful experiences in exquisite detail; and the 5GHz FPV technology ensures longer and more stable picture transmission.
The Holy Stone HS710 guarantees you triple stability thanks to its GPS and GLONASS dual-mode global positioning system combined with optical flow positioning that keeps your drone stable in the air.
With stronger brushless motors than other competing drones, it maintains its position more steadily, even in windy conditions.
Additionally, it is easier to utilize safer modular batteries, which extend the flying time by up to 25 minutes.
Holy Stone HS 710 Specifications
- Video Capture Resolution: HD 1080p
- Item Weight: 240 Grams
- Battery Capacity: 1820 Milliamp Hours
- Control Type: Remote Control
- Media Type: SD
- Wireless Communication Technology: Cellular
- Battery Cell Composition: Lithium Polymer
- Are Batteries Included: Yes
- Remote Control Included? Yes
- Product Dimensions: 11.85″L x 10.55″W x 2.13″H
- Flight Time of One Battery: 25 Mins
- Live View Quality: 4K@15fps
- WIFI Distance: 300 m (Outdoor and Unobstructed)
- Transmission distance: 600 m (Outdoors and Unobstructed)
- Remote Controller Needs: 2 x 1.5V AA Batteries (Not Included)
Holy Stone HS 710 Pros and Cons
My Verdict on the Holy Stone HS710
The Holy Stone HS710 is a trustworthy professional drone with a 4K camera lens, HD image quality, GPS intelligent function, and optical flow placement, all of which will improve your flying experience.
You should check out the button below for more information on the Holy Stone HS710.
What To Look For in a Drone For Recreational Use
Shopping for the best drones for recreational use shouldn’t be a hassle. But not every drone out there will suit your needs. There are some factors that will determine the drone you purchase for yourself.
In a nutshell, here are some things to look out for when shopping for the best drones for beginners.
Drone Price
Drones for recreational use don’t have to be that expensive. But that doesn’t mean you’ll have to buy some cheap crap from China that would fail you when you least expect it
If you want to get your money’s worth out of your drone, don’t buy one for less than $200. Drones below that price range may not have some of the features you’re looking for and may break easily.
The sweet spot for kids’ drones is around $300 to $700. Within this price range, you can get a high-quality drone that’s durable and has some features that would make flying fun.
You can also check out the best cheap drones that are affordable for every budget.
Drone Size
The size and weight of a drone are one important factor to look out for when buying a micro drone.
A recreational drone for fun shouldn’t be bigger than the palm of your hand. They should be portable, lightweight, and small enough to fit inside your pocket or backpack.
You can also read about the best mini drones, the best micro drones, and the best nano drones.
Camera Quality
Having a camera on their drone is something you will delight in because you’ll be able to take pictures of their favorite scenery and many more. However, you don’t need to overshoot it.
You don’t really need a drone with an 8K resolution camera. That’s just asking too much of them.
The sweet spot of the camera resolution for a recreational drone is normally around 1080p to 4K. That quality is enough for them to capture footage in decent quality without paying the high price that comes with having a drone with an 8K resolution camera.
Some drones include FPV view transmission capabilities, which will let you watch what’s occurring in the air in real time. You’ll be able to fly the plane using an iOS or Android app if it supports mobile control.
If you decide to purchase a drone with a camera, be sure to educate yourself about the privacy rights in your country to prevent you from breaking the law.
Flight Speed
You don’t really need the fastest drone on the planet to fly for fun. You just need a drone with a good speed that can go from point A to point B without hassle.
You should not, however, fly their drone at maximum speed if they want to have a long flight time or if they do not have enough experience flying drones at high speeds.
You should check out the best racing drones if you want the fastest drone for fun.
Flight Range
The distance your drone can go will depend on the type of hobby drone you purchase. You should be willing to spend more money if you want a drone that can travel very far without losing connection.
You should keep this factor in mind when creating a budget for your teenagers’ drone. You should take your time to check out the features of the drones to know what you’re getting.
You can check out the best long range drones for long distances if you want a drone that can travel far without losing connection with the remote controller.
Flight Time
Drones in general don’t have a long battery life compared to other remote-controlled devices. Cheaper drones will always have a shorter battery life than more expensive drones.
This happens because cheap drones tend to be small and long-lasting batteries tend to be big. Big batteries won’t fit into small drones. Hence, the need for small batteries with short battery lives.
This isn’t all doom and gloom; the majority of drones for beginners can achieve a flight time of around 10–15 minutes. You can extend the flight time by flying at a low speed or buying an extra battery if your drone has a detachable drone.
You can check out the best drones with long flight times if you want a drone with a long battery life.
Maneuverability
Cheap drones can be difficult to control due to their size and weight, and they love to flip and crash land into your sofa, garden furniture, or fence.
What this is good for, though, is mastering the art of maneuverability. Larger, more technical drones will come with built-in stabilizers and GPS technology, which makes them far easier to fly. So, if you get good at flying a micro drone, you’ll pretty much be a pro with a higher-spec drone.
Drone Durability
Well, cheaper drones won’t be able to withstand wear and tear like other expensive drones. Cheaper drones are easily damaged and more likely to be blown away by the wind.
You can reduce the frequency of repairs by either purchasing a drone with propeller guards to protect the propellers from damage or purchasing a propeller guard for your drone if it has a spot for attaching the propeller guard.
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.
There are some essential features to look for when choosing an easy-to-fly drone.
1. One Key For Take Off and Landing
You can easily enjoy their first flights because landing and takeoff require only one key push.
2. Hover Mode
Most drones for beginners have a hover mode, which makes it simpler for you to operate your drone. This mode aids in keeping the drone steady while in flight. It is also useful for taking overhead photos or films.
3. Headless Mode
Most recreational drones have a hover mode, which makes it simpler for you to operate your drone. This mode aids in keeping the drone steady while in flight. It is also useful for taking overhead photos or films.
4. Altitude Hold
Controlling the flying height is simple with the Altitude Hold feature since it keeps the drone at the same height for the pilot.
5. Return To Home
The drone will securely land where it took off thanks to a return-to-home button and GPS monitoring. The ability to recover the drone if it disappears from view is a fantastic feature.
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.
Other Features
The majority of kids’ drones won’t have the awesome features that can be found in high-end drones like DJI, like collision detection, GPS, obstacle detection, camera stabilization, and more.
In summary, think carefully about what you want before you go shopping for a drone.
Final Thoughts on the Best Drones For Recreational Use
We’ve come to the end of the road on the best drones for recreational use in 2024
The Autel EVO Nano Plus came out as my first choice on this list. It has everything you need for a drone without costing thousands of dollars. It has 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!
