7 Best Drones Under $100 (2025 Guide)

This 4K powerhouse redefines what’s possible in the sub-$100 drone category. With a brushless motor setup, image stabilization, and a 3840 x 2160 UHD camera, it delivers cinematic clarity that feels leagues ahead of budget rivals. The shock-absorbing mount eliminates jitter, while the 130° ultra-wide lens captures expansive landscapes—perfect for travelers and content creators who demand sharp, vibrant footage without breaking the bank. For beginners, the FPV real-time transmission and altitude hold make flying intuitive, turning shaky first flights into smooth, confidence-building experiences.

In real-world testing, the PLEGBLE PL515 shines outdoors, where its dual 1500mAh batteries push flight time to a robust 32 minutes—among the longest in this price range. The USB-C fast charging is a welcome upgrade, and the foldable arms with included carrying case make it highly portable. It handles light breezes well thanks to ground detection tech, though aggressive wind can still nudge it off course. Indoors, the optical flow positioning keeps it stable, but the wide lens sometimes struggles with close-up focus in tight spaces. While the app connection is generally reliable, occasional latency in FPV feed can disrupt precise framing.

Compared to the Loiley 2K or basic 1080P models, this drone leaps ahead in video quality and flight stability—making it ideal for aspiring videographers or teens ready to move beyond toy-grade drones. It trades some simplicity for advanced features, so absolute beginners might need time to master gesture controls and app settings. Still, for those seeking pro-level camera performance without a pro-level price, the PLEGBLE stands tall. It delivers 4K sophistication that outclasses even pricier GPS models lacking stabilization and brushless power.

If you’re after a plug-and-play flying experience, this drone is a beginner’s dream. From the moment you unbox it, the one-key takeoff, headless mode, and optical flow positioning eliminate the steep learning curve that scares off new pilots. The 1080P camera may not match 2K or 4K rivals, but it captures crisp daytime footage, and the real-time FPV feed via the Velcase VGO app makes aerial photography feel instant and fun. Whether you’re a kid testing flight for the first time or an adult wanting stress-free sky time, this drone just works—no tinkering required.

During testing, the dual 1050mAh batteries delivered a solid 26 minutes of flight, with consistent performance across both. The optical flow sensor kept it locked in place indoors, hovering steadily even on carpeted floors. Outdoors, it handled light wind but began to drift in gusts over 10 mph. The gesture photo and voice control features were surprisingly reliable—raising a hand triggered photos accurately in good light. However, low-light video quality was grainy, and the Wi-Fi signal maxed out at about 100 feet, limiting range compared to more advanced models.

Stacked against the PLEGBLE 4K or GPS-equipped HK55, this drone sacrifices camera resolution and smart flight modes for pure accessibility. It’s not built for cinematic storytelling, but it’s perfect for first-time flyers, younger users, or casual hobbyists who want fun without frustration. While the Loiley 2K offers a slight bump in video quality, this model’s broader feature set and intuitive design make it a smarter starting point. It balances capability and simplicity better than any other under $50 drone.

Don’t let its pocket-sized frame fool you—this Loiley 2K drone packs a serious punch for budget-conscious flyers. The 2K HD camera with a 90° remote-adjustable lens captures noticeably sharper images than 1080P competitors, revealing fine details in trees, rooftops, and landscapes. Paired with real-time FPV streaming, it turns casual flights into mini photo expeditions. The upgraded optical flow positioning delivers buttery-smooth hovering, making it a breeze to frame shots—no jerky movements or sudden drops. For travelers and teens, its ultra-compact 5x3x2-inch folded size means it slips into a jacket pocket, ready for spontaneous adventures.

In flight, the dual batteries offer 26 minutes of airtime, on par with pricier models. The altitude hold is impressively stable indoors, and the headless mode eliminates orientation confusion—a godsend for new pilots. We tested it in a backyard and local park; it held position well in light wind but required manual correction in gusts. The app connection was mostly seamless, though occasional disconnections happened when flying beyond 80 feet. Video quality degrades in overcast conditions, and the lack of wind resistance limits outdoor use on breezy days. Still, for its size and price, it’s remarkably capable.

Against the B0CH341G5F 1080P model, this drone wins on camera clarity and portability, making it the better choice for teens and adults who want quality without complexity. It lacks GPS or brushless motors, so it’s not for advanced users, but as a stepping stone between toy drones and pro models, it hits the sweet spot. It offers more visual fidelity than the entry-level FPV drones while staying beginner-friendly and affordable.

For those who want to command the sky with their voice, this drone is a game-changer in the under-$100 space. Saying ‘Take off’ and watching it launch autonomously feels like science fiction made real—especially for kids and tech-curious adults. The 1080P camera with 80° adjustable lens delivers clear daytime footage, and the gesture photo/video feature works reliably in bright light. With three control modes—remote, app, and voice—it offers unmatched accessibility, letting users pick the method that suits their skill level. The emergency stop and child lock add peace of mind, making it one of the safest indoor flyers in this category.

Field testing revealed 25 minutes of flight time with dual batteries, enough for multiple short sessions. The hover system kept it steady in calm rooms, and 3D flips and waypoint flight added excitement without sacrificing control. Outdoor performance was limited by wind sensitivity, and FPV feed lagged slightly beyond 60 feet. The gravity control feature—tilting your phone to steer—was fun but imprecise for photography. While the camera doesn’t rival 2K models, it’s more than adequate for social media clips and family memories.

Compared to the basic E99 or Velcase VGO drones, this model stands out with its voice-first design and multi-mode flexibility. It’s not the best for cinematic shots, but for interactive play, family fun, and beginner experimentation, it’s unmatched. While the PLEGBLE offers better video, this drone delivers a more engaging, hands-free experience that turns flying into a party trick.

This drone is the definition of balanced performance—a sweet spot between price, features, and reliability. With a 1080P HD camera, real-time transmission, and gesture control, it captures clear, shareable moments straight from the sky. The optical flow positioning ensures rock-solid hovering, making it ideal for shaky-handed beginners. Whether flying indoors or in a quiet backyard, it stays level and responsive. The trajectory flight feature—drawing a path on your phone for the drone to follow—is surprisingly accurate and adds a creative edge to casual flying.

In real use, the dual batteries delivered 25 minutes of consistent flight, and the foldable arms with included carrying case made transport effortless. The gravity control (tilting your phone to fly) was fun for kids, though less precise than the remote. We noticed minor video stutter in fast forward flight, and the Wi-Fi signal weakened past 90 feet. Low-light footage was soft and noisy, but daylight videos held up well on Instagram and TikTok. It handled light breezes but required active correction in wind.

Against the B0DG2DJCN9, it offers similar features but with better build quality and smoother flight dynamics. While it lacks voice control, it wins on flight stability and ease of use, making it the better pick for parents, educators, or first-time flyers who want dependable performance. It outperforms budget models in reliability while staying affordable and packed with smart features.

At just $25, this drone is a bare-bones but brilliant entry point into aerial flight. Don’t expect pro features—it’s built for first-time fliers and kids who want to experience the thrill without the commitment. The 1080P Wi-Fi camera streams live FPV video to your phone, and while the resolution is soft compared to others, it’s sufficient for basic selfies and sky views. The gesture control and path-drawing function are surprisingly fun: draw a star on your screen and watch it trace the shape. The one-key takeoff and return make launching as easy as pressing a button.

In testing, flight time hovered around 12 minutes per battery (only one included), and the lack of optical flow meant it drifted easily—even indoors. Without altitude hold, it required constant stick input to maintain height. The Wi-Fi signal maxed out at 50 feet, and video feed often froze or disconnected. It struggled in any wind and had no propeller guards, raising safety concerns. Still, for the price, it’s a functional starter drone that teaches fundamentals without breaking the bank.

Compared to the $40+ models, it’s clearly stripped down and limited, but for a young beginner or someone testing drone interest, it’s a low-risk way to start. It lacks the stability of the Loiley or Velcase drones, but its path-drawing feature adds unique fun. It offers the most affordable way to experience FPV flight and gesture control, even if performance is basic.

This is the undisputed king of sub-$100 drones—a feature-packed marvel that brings pro-level intelligence to budget buyers. With GPS positioning, Follow Me, Waypoint Flight, and auto return, it flies like a $300 drone. The 2K HD camera with 5GHz FPV transmission delivers smooth, low-latency video, and the electrically adjustable 90° lens lets you frame shots on the fly. The brushless motors ensure quiet, stable flight even in moderate wind, while dual modular batteries push flight time to 32 minutes—exceptional for this class.

In real-world use, the GPS auto-return worked flawlessly: when signal dropped, it circled back precisely to its takeoff point. The Follow Me mode tracked our movements reliably during hiking tests, and Waypoint Flight let us map complex paths with ease. The 5G transmission stayed strong up to 300 feet, far beyond Wi-Fi rivals. Indoors, optical flow and air pressure sensors enabled pinpoint hovering. Low-light video was grainy, and the app occasionally froze during long recordings—but these are minor quibbles.

Against the PLEGBLE 4K, it trades raw resolution for smarter, hands-free flight. While the PLEGBLE wins on camera specs, this drone dominates in autonomy, safety, and creative shooting. It’s the only model here with true GPS, making it ideal for adventurers, vloggers, and tech-savvy teens. It delivers the most complete, intelligent flying experience under $100, outclassing all others in innovation and utility.