6 Best Cheap Underwater Drones 2025

This deep-diving powerhouse redefines what’s possible in affordable underwater exploration. With a 330ft depth rating, 4K EIS-stabilized video, and dual 1200-lumen LED lights, the GLADIUS MINI S doesn’t just skim the surface—it dives into the abyss with cinematic clarity. Built around a 1/2.3” SONY CMOS sensor and F2.8 lens, it captures vibrant, shake-free footage even in murky conditions, making it a game-changer for serious hobbyists and light industrial users who demand professional-grade imaging without the six-figure price tag. Its wired remote ensures zero signal lag, solving the #1 frustration of wireless drones: dropped connections mid-dive.

In real-world testing, the MINI S shines during extended missions—its 4-hour runtime (thanks to dual 4800 mAh batteries) easily outlasts competitors relying on single charges. Whether inspecting boat hulls, exploring submerged caves, or documenting marine life, the 5-thruster system delivers agile, roll-resistant movement even in currents. It handles rocky lakebeds and sandy seabeds with equal confidence, though its size (6 lbs) makes solo transport slightly cumbersome compared to palm-sized models. The 64GB SD card (expandable to 512GB) ensures you won’t run out of space during long sessions, and HDMI output allows for live monitoring on external screens—a rare feature at this tier.

When stacked against the Chasing Dory or RAYS budget models, the GLADIUS MINI S is in a different league: more depth, more power, more pro features. It’s overkill for pool play, but for anyone serious about underwater imaging, inspection, or exploration, it’s the clear upgrade path. While pricier than entry-level toys, its industrial durability and expandable ecosystem (grabber claw, GoPro mounts) justify the investment. Compared to the Chasing F1 Pro, it trades some modularity for simplicity—but delivers far better camera specs and deeper dive capability at a competitive feature-to-cost ratio.

Meet the ultimate entry-level thrill: a pint-sized, devilfish-shaped submarine that turns bathtime into an aquatic adventure. The RAYS WiFi Underwater Drone is designed for instant fun, with gravity-sensing mobile control, 1080P live video, and a compact 7.5” body that zips through pools and fish tanks like a digital stingray. It’s not built for depth or durability—but for kids 8+, it solves the biggest barrier to underwater play: complexity. With no remote needed in Motion Mode, children can steer by tilting their phone, making exploration intuitive and engaging in seconds.

Performance is predictably limited—15 minutes of runtime, a 10m WiFi range, and basic 300K pixel imaging mean it won’t replace a real camera rig. But in a 30+ gallon aquarium or backyard pool, it delivers crisp enough footage for selfies with goldfish or treasure hunts with toy pirates. The IPX6 waterproof housing holds up to splashes and brief dunks, though prolonged submersion risks signal loss. It struggles in anything beyond calm, clear water, and the tiny propellers can snag on weeds or hair—so lakes and rivers are off-limits.

Compared to the Chasing Dory or XUMIUZIY fishing cams, this isn’t a tool—it’s a toy. But as the most accessible underwater drone for beginners, it’s unmatched. It’s lighter, cheaper, and more playful than any other model here, making it the ideal starter kit for young explorers. While the Chasing Dory offers better video and portability for travelers, the RAYS drone wins on pure fun-to-dollar ratio, delivering real-time underwater play at a fraction of the cost.

Don’t let its palm-sized frame fool you—the Chasing Dory packs a punch where it matters: HD streaming, effortless control, and unmatched portability. Weighing under 2.5 lbs and fitting in a backpack, this ultra-compact explorer dives to 49ft with a 1080p F1.6 lens and true color restoration algorithm that keeps footage rich and natural, even in green-tinted lakes. Its WiFi buoy tether delivers stable 720p live video to your phone, turning snorkeling trips or dock days into immersive cinematic hunts—no extra gear needed.

In action, the Dory feels like a video game come to life. The CHASING GO2 app offers intuitive gamepad-style controls: tilt to dive, tap to lock depth, and stream instantly to Instagram or YouTube. It’s perfect for casual adventurers who want to explore, share, and play without wrestling with cables or chargers. Battery life is modest at 1 hour, but sufficient for weekend jaunts. It falters in strong currents and can’t match the depth or lighting of pro models, but in calm coastal waters or clear lakes, it captures stunningly lifelike video.

Against the GLADIUS MINI S, the Dory trades depth and power for sheer convenience and social sharing. It’s not for inspectors or scientists—but for travelers, families, and content creators, it’s the gold standard in portable underwater fun. Compared to the RAYS toy, it’s vastly more capable; next to the XUMIUZIY fish finder, it’s less functional for anglers but infinitely more engaging for general exploration. It strikes the perfect balance of HD quality, ease of use, and travel-readiness—a true all-rounder for the modern explorer.

This no-nonsense fish finder is built for one job: showing you where the fish are, and it does it brilliantly. With a 220° ultra-wide 1080P camera, 30m waterproof cable, and a 4.3” 2000-nit screen with sunshade, the XUMIUZIY cuts through glare and murk to deliver real-time fish tracking in lakes, rivers, or ice holes. Unlike app-dependent drones, it’s plug-and-play with an integrated display—no phone, no WiFi, no fuss. Anglers love its rugged, ready-to-deploy design and the fact that it survives ice fishing, raft trolling, and muddy well inspections without blinking.

In real use, the wide-angle lens captures expansive views of the bottom, letting you spot schools, structure, and lure action with ease. The four-core 100kg-tensile cable resists kinks and snags, and the anti-bend plug ensures long-term reliability. The 5MP sensor delivers sharp images, though low-light performance lags behind pricier models with stronger LEDs. It doesn’t move on its own—it’s a stationary viewer, not a drone—so you’ll need to manually lower and reposition it. But for its purpose, that’s a fair trade.

Compared to the Chasing F1 Pro, it lacks thrusters and smart navigation—but at less than $70, it’s a steal for budget anglers. It’s more functional than the RAYS toy and more focused than the Dory, with a specialized, rugged design that just works. While the F1 Pro offers mobility and stabilization, this model wins on simplicity, screen visibility, and value for fishing-specific tasks—a true workhorse for serious fishermen on a tight budget.

Step into the future of smart fishing with the Chasing F1 Pro—an AI-powered, thruster-driven fish hunter that doesn’t just find fish, it chases them. With 360° horizontal camera rotation, electronic image stabilization, and four vector thrusters, this drone actively scouts, follows, and films underwater action like a mini ROV. Its 6-hour battery life and replaceable power pack mean you can fish from dawn to dusk without downtime—a game-changer for tournament anglers and commercial users.

On the water, the F1 Pro excels in precision. The rotatable camera lets you scan upward for suspended fish or downward for structure, while auto-positioning holds it steady in currents. Paired with optional spherical sonar or bait boats, it becomes a full ecosystem for deep-water hunting. The WiFi connection streams HD video to your phone, though signal can weaken beyond 30m. It’s overbuilt for casual use, and the learning curve is steep compared to basic fish finders—but for pros, that complexity is the point.

Against the XUMIUZIY, it’s a quantum leap: mobile, intelligent, and adaptive. Compared to the GLADIUS MINI S, it’s less about general imaging and more about targeted fishing intelligence. It’s the most expensive fishing-specific model here, but its modular design and pro-grade endurance justify the cost for serious anglers. While the Dory is more portable, the F1 Pro is in a league of its own for deep, dynamic, data-rich underwater fishing.

This ultra-budget submarine is the bare-bones gateway into underwater play—simple, app-driven, and built for smiles. At just over $35, it’s the most affordable entry point in the drone pool, offering basic RC movement and live video streaming via WiFi to iOS and Android devices. It’s clearly designed for short, splashy fun in calm water, with a compact body that glides smoothly through bathtubs, pools, and fish tanks. For parents seeking a low-risk, high-fun toy, it delivers instant underwater excitement without breaking the bank.

Performance reflects its price: expect short battery life, fuzzy 720p-equivalent video, and spotty WiFi beyond 10 feet. It handles forward/backward and turning, but lacks depth control or stabilization—so don’t expect steady footage. The app connection can be finicky, and the plastic housing feels thin under pressure. Still, for 15 minutes of kid-led exploration, it’s surprisingly engaging. It won’t survive rough handling or natural water bodies, but for indoor or supervised pool use, it checks the basic boxes.

Stacked against the B0FFMR4ZPX model, this appears to be a stripped-down variant—possibly with fewer features or older firmware. Compared to the Chasing Dory or XUMIUZIY, it’s not a serious tool, but as the cheapest way to get kids underwater video, it’s hard to beat. It lacks the motion controls or durability of its sibling, but for impulse buys or gift add-ons, it offers wallet-friendly aquatic play that sparks curiosity without commitment.