Sporting a micro drone has been one of the most popular trends this year. Whether it’s a kid wanting a unique fun toy, or a beginner willing to get a hands-on drone cam experience, micro, and nano drones are one of the best investments. Drone cameras were first introduced as surveillance and security equipment. In the recent past, drones have gained huge popularity among hobbyists, photographers, V-loggers, and filmmakers. These unmanned flying quadcopters are designed along the lines of a helicopter but are meant for unmanned flying controlled via a radio transmitter. Initially, drones were considered an expensive luxury; however, commercialization has enabled multiple variants to enter the market. These micro and nano drones are a great addition to the drone market and are an excellent buy for beginner level users who struggle with control and confidence when flying professional drones.
Most of these micro quadcopters are available at a low price point, which makes them an excellent gift and a great investment for training purposes before you can invest in a more expensive variant. Some micro drones are also available at a higher price point with advanced features, and they are great for travel photographers and V-loggers. Many people are reluctant to invest in drones because of their small size and weight, but some of them are beyond exceptional when it comes to performance.
Table of Contents
- Best Micro Drones With & Without Camera [Specifications & Reviews]
- – Top Picks 2021
- Buyer’s Checklist
Best Micro Drones With & Without Camera [Specifications & Reviews]
– Top Picks 2021
Here you go with the specifications and reviews of the best drones with and without a camera:
1. Holy Stone HS170 Predator Micro Quadcopter
Holy Stone has managed to maintain its reputation for producing great professional drones. This micro drone by Holy Stone lives true to its name and is a fantastic product for those who are looking for a beginner level drone. The price point and the quality build make it an excellent gift for young kids who like flying drones as a passion or even as a hobby.
The drone design has paid particular attention to the fact that kids and beginners will primarily use the drone. Therefore, there are visible attention details when it comes to safety features and shock resistance. Besides the robust built, which is the hallmark of Holy Stone drones, this micro drone has special springy landing feet. The landing feet have a flexible design that allows smooth landing and provides a cushion against shock even if the drone lands accidentally. The propeller guards offer an additional buffer against the impact of the drone bumps into a wall or a ceiling. Moreover, the package comes with an extra set of replacement blades, so you do not need to worry if you end up breaking one while flying.
The Holy Stone HS170 Micro drone has multiple different flying modes so that beginners can learn more control and confidence before they graduate on to flying drones that are more advanced. The headless flying mode is a great addition to learn flying confidence. The wind-resistant technology allows it to fly smoothly under medium wind conditions with a 4. GHz transmitter and a 6-axis Gyro for stability, the Holy Stone HS170, is one of the best micro quadcopter available in the market at a reasonable price point.
Features
- Flexible design with propeller guards for shock resistance
- 4 GHz transmitter
- Headless flight mode
- 6-axis Gyro for increased stability
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Great camera quality
- Strongly built with safety features for beginners
- Multiple flight mode
- Good resistance to wind
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor
Cons
- Poor battery life
- Very low flight time
2. Chewing Syma X5SW HD Camera Drone
Syma is yet another competitive name in the drone industry. If you are looking for a cheap drone to learn flying before you could try your hands on a more expensive professional drone, this is one amazing product. This small drone by Syma costs less than 100 bucks and is a great drone for beginners and learners.
It is a piece of very light-weight equipment but is solidly built for any shock resistance. The design of this drone is driven by the fact that it is meant to be used by beginners and amateurs, and hence the controls are straightforward. It allows you to perform flying stunts by merely pushing a button. The drone is incredibly easy to set up with a user-friendly interface.
The drone comes with an added HD camera that is fixed on the drone. The drone has an additional option of First Person View or FPV, which makes flying a lot more fun. The drone is capable of flying both indoors and outdoors. While the flight is smooth at lower levels, wind resistance could be a little problem when flying at height or if winds are stronger. However, the fact that it is not meant to be used as a professional drone, and the price point does not make this too much of an issue. Although flying time is a limited 5 minutes, but the fact that it relies on removable batteries compensates for that constraint, and you can always rely on spare batteries for additional flying time.
Features
- Headless flight mode
- HD Camera
- 6-axis flight control system
- FAA registration exempted
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Crash resistant
- Great stability
- Good value for money
Cons
- Below-average performance in windy conditions
3. Hubsan X4 H107L Drone
If you are looking for the best Nano quadcopter that has impeccable flight quality without blowing your budget out of proportion, this stylish drone by Hubsan is your best bet. Hubsan enjoys a decent reputation for producing regular-sized and professional grade drones, and their hallmark finesse is visible in this X4 H107L Nano variant. For a drone that is marketed as a beginner level drone and is priced less than 40 dollars.
As far as the design goes, the Hubsan X4 H107L has a super stylish and sleek royal blue finish. The drone is strongly built to facilitate intense flights and stunts. As an amateur level product, this drone is mainly designed for indoor flying and allows a lot of experimentation; however, outdoor flying is also possible under breezy conditions.
This quad copter has a 6-minute flying time with a range of 50 meters. The package includes a 6-axis gyro that facilitates stability and easy maneuvering. As a result, amateur users can freely experiment with flights using multiple flight modes without fearing loss or damage. Although the drone cannot be used as an alternative to a conventional drone, a great toy drone can be used as a training gadget before you invest in a traditional drone.
Features
- Ready to Fly
- 2.4 GHz controller
- Impeccable precision
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Easy to fly
- Good value for money
- High durability
- Good charge time
Cons
- Limited flight time
- Limited range
4. DJI Mavic Mini – Best Nano Quadcopter
DJI Mavic is one of the strongest contenders in the best micro drones market and is known for its high price point and unparalleled quality. Towards the end of this year, DJI Mavic launched a Nano variant that is targeted towards a specific niche market. This is by far the most expensive drone on the list priced at almost 400 bucks. That being said, unlike other micro drones, this DJI Mavic drone does not classify as a toy drone or a beginner drone and can be substituted for any other conventional drone.
The small design and the lightweight of this product make it a very travel-friendly product. The equipment weighs under 250 grams, which makes it exempted from flying restrictions in most countries. That means you do not have to worry about registering your drone for legal unmanned flying objects when you travel abroad.
The drone has a sleek design and can be neatly folded to fit in your bag. Like other DJI products, this Nano drone has a durable and robust built that is designed for fast and quiet flight. It has excellent wind resistance and has a decent 30-minute flying time with over 6km of flight range. The drone is equipped with an excellent quality HD camera that allows you to take gorgeous shots. This drone has both GPS and GLONASS connectivity that enables it to connect it to multiple satellites and give impeccable flying precision.
Features
- Pocket size
- Foldable design
- 3-axis Gimbal
- Touch Control
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent stability
- Good precision
- Easy to fly
- Great camera quality
Cons
- Cannot detect obstacles
5. Estes Proto X Nano R/C Quadcopter
Most people might let this product pass for its ridiculously small size and is the smallest drone on the list, but it is the size that makes it a great drone if you are looking for a piece of indoor flying equipment. The Estes Proto X Nano drone is a great beginner level quadcopter that is designed for amateur hobbyists and kids. The size allows it to fly smoothly even in the smallest spaces. The built is strong enough to resist shocks and accidents.
Although this drone does not have the usual conventional drone cam features, yet the features it carries makes it a decent product for beginners and hobbyists. It comes with a 2.5 GHz radio transmitter, which despite its small size, offers a comfortable grip and control. Three AAA sized batteries that need to be purchased separately operate the transmitter. The drone itself is a ready-to-fly USB chargeable device that does not require any assembling.
Since it claims to be the world lightest drone, it feels like you are flying a bug, but the LED lights help you keep track of the quad copter. Although the package explicitly states that it is intended for indoor flying, the drone works as good as any other full-sized drone outdoors, if you fly it under breezy conditions. The flight time is a decent 15 minutes, and a fully drained battery takes about 30 minutes to recharge. The tiny quad copter, priced at $77, will make a great Christmas gift for older kids.
Features
- Headless modes
- Kid-friendly
- One-touch take-off/ landing
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Good value for money
- Good for indoors
- LED lights to keep track of the drone
Cons
- No camera
- Not recommended for outdoor use
6. Potensic A30 Drone RC Quadcopter
Potensic is a renowned name in the professional drone market. However, this particular variant is specially designed to be used as a toy drone or beginner level drone. Although the price of this drone is incredibly low for a Potensic product, the essential features explain the low price point. However, if you are looking for a good quality toy drone at a reasonable price, this is a great product.
Potensic seems to understand that a toy meant for older kids will be used quite intensely and roughly and, therefore, has paid a lot of attention to the building. The exterior has a string shell that offers good resistance against crashes and shocks. The propellers are equipped with guards that allow flexibility and strength against impact while the batteries are removable that allow flying time for up to 6 to 8 minutes. A dual battery variant available extends flight time to about 16 minutes.
The controller is an essential but easy to use a transmitter that allows takeoff and landing at a push of a single button. Although this looks very basic, considering the product is meant for kids, it minimizes the chances of crashes. On the downside, this drone does not have a camera, therefore do not expect to use it for any aerial photography.
Features
- Headless mode
- Kid-friendly
- One-touch take-off/ landing
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Good value for money
- Built-in propeller guards
- Four extra propellers
Cons
- No camera
- Limited flight time
7. DJI Tello Micro Quadcopter
This is yet another micro quadcopter by DJI with a mid-range price point, but still higher than most other micro drones on the list. Although not a very professional level drone for a DJI, the DJI Tello drone is not a toy drone. This quadcopter can still make a decent purchase for travelers who want a convenient and small drone with excellent camera quality and excellent features.
The exterior shell of the drone has a reliable and robust built with great shock resistance. This drone comes with an efficient transmitter and a user-friendly controller interface. The DJI and Intel features make it easy to integrate with most applications. This DJI Tello drone has one of the best cameras for a micro drone. The 5 megapixels 720p HD camera allows you to take majestic aerial shots and is a great buy if you wish to capture your travel memories.
The DJI Tello Quadcopter has about 15 minutes of flying time. The package includes a spare battery and VR goggles for First Person View. The protective carrying case makes it another plus for those who intend to use it as a travel drone.
Features
- Lightweight
- HD Camera
- Good durability
- Good flight time and range
Pros & Cons
Pros
- SPL compatible
- Can be controlled via smartphones
- Automated flight modes
- Good for beginners
Cons
- No replacement batteries
8. Altair AA108 FPV Camera Drone
If you are an aspiring photographer who has little experience working with drones, this Altair nano quadcopter is a great buy. Although the Altair AA108 is not as cheap as most toy drones on the list, its flight and camera features justify the moderate price point. For a drone priced at $129, the Altair AA108 has an exceptionally strong built. The four spare propellers that are included in the packaging are a bonus. The parts are fitted tightly enough to resist any crashes.
This is a ready-to-fly drone, which means you do not have to bother about assembling it. The controller has an easy to use interface; however, it is not water-resistant. This drone comes with a 720p HD camera with a 120-degree angle view, which makes it amongst the best camera for micro drones. This is great for aspiring photographers and V-loggers looking for some amazing aerial shots.
The Altair AA108 drone has multiple flight modes an additional emergency and safety modes that allow beginners to do a lot of experimentation. Some alarms alert you if the battery is running out during flight or if the drone has drifted too far. The package includes two rechargeable batteries with a flying time of 10 minutes each.
Features
- Ready to fly
- Live video stream
- Flight time can be doubled with extra batteries
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Good camera
- Beginner-friendly
- FPV capable
Cons
- Cannot withstand strong winds
Buyer’s Checklist
If you are planning to buy a micro drone, you are most likely to be a beginner or someone with little drone purchase knowledge. With the wide variety in the drone market, it is easy to get confused about which drone would be the right pick for you. Consider the following factors when purchasing a drone.
Usage
Different drones are designed for different purposes; therefore, know why you are buying a micro quadcopter. If you are buying one for your kids to play with, a cheap drone with basic features should be enough. If you are buying one to train yourself or for aerial photography and travel, you might want to invest in a more advanced version.
Camera
Your photography intentions should decide what kind of camera specs you require. You might not even require a camera at all.
Safety Features
If the camera is to be used by someone with no prior experience and poor control, a drone with extra safety features is recommended.
Budget
In the end, everything comes down to how much you are willing to spend on the equipment.
Conclusion
Micro drones are great buys if you have never handled a drone and would like to train yourself or brush up your photography skills. Some of the Best micro drones are cheap buys, and they make incredible presents for kids. The drone market has become entirely commercial, and today there are micro drones available in all price ranges. While not all cheap drones are that great, if you can factor in the right criteria and pay attention to the features, it includes, you can treat yourself or your loved one with a great drone.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What Should I remember when buying micro or nano drones?
Micro drones work like other regular drones. When buying a drone, consider your budget, features, built, and your purpose of purchasing a drone.
- Are all the Best micro drones designed to be toy drones?
No. A micro quadcopter does not always mean that it is a toy drone. Some professional drone manufacturers have released mini versions for travelers and V-loggers. Although those drones are priced higher than toy drones, they can be substituted for toy drones.
- Can a micro drone be used as an alternative to regular drones?
The utility and functionality of this kind of drone depend on its features. Most low-priced drones have basic features with limited flying time and are meant to be used as toy drones or amateur flying only. However, some expensive drones have more advanced features and can be substituted for a regular drone.
