7 Best Holy Stone Drones Under 250g 2025

Effortless aerial mastery begins here—the Holy Stone HS175G isn’t just another lightweight drone; it’s a 60-minute flying powerhouse wrapped in a sub-250g frame. Boasting a 4K EIS camera with a SONY CMOS sensor, 120° wide-angle lens, and 5GHz FPV transmission, this drone delivers buttery-smooth video even in gusty winds. For pilots tired of shaky footage and short flight times, the HS175G answers with dual batteries, brushless motors, and GPS-assisted stability, making it a standout for creators who want pro-level results without FAA headaches.

In real-world testing, the HS175G shines during extended outdoor shoots—whether you’re capturing sunsets over hills or tracking a hiking trail. With up to 30 minutes per battery and fast charging, back-to-back flights are seamless. The optical flow and altitude hold systems keep the drone locked in place indoors or in tight spaces, while GPS ensures pinpoint accuracy outdoors. However, the 4K EIS stabilization, while impressive, isn’t quite gimbal-level—expect smooth video in mild wind, but noticeable jitter during aggressive maneuvers or in turbulent conditions.

Compared to the HS360D, the HS175G trades some range and total flight time for a more refined balance of user-friendly tech and solid image quality. It’s the ideal pick for intermediate flyers stepping up from beginner drones but not quite ready for 3-axis gimbal systems like the HS900. If you want long airtime, reliable GPS, and crisp 4K without breaking the 250g limit, this drone delivers more flight and features than similarly priced rivals—making it a top contender in Holy Stone’s lineup.

Fun takes flight in a tiny frame—the Holy Stone HS280D is a 164g pocket rocket that punches way above its weight for first-time flyers. With modular batteries, brushless motors, and a 1080P HD camera, it’s built to survive crashes while teaching kids and adults the ropes of drone piloting. What truly sets it apart is its gesture selfie and Tap Fly features, turning simple backyard flights into interactive adventures—perfect for families or anyone wary of complex controls.

During hands-on testing, the HS280D proved remarkably stable for its size, thanks to optical flow positioning and altitude hold. The 28-minute total flight time (14 minutes per battery) is generous for an entry-level model, and the modular battery system makes swaps and charges a breeze. The 1080P camera captures usable daylight footage, but low-light performance is grainy and lacks detail—manage expectations here. While it handles light breezes, it struggles in strong wind, and the lack of GPS means no auto-return or follow-me tracking.

When stacked against the HS175G, the HS280D is a budget-first option—it sacrifices 4K video and GPS for simplicity and affordability. But for a beginner or a young pilot learning to fly, it offers more smart features than most drones under $100. If your priority is fun, safety, and ease of use over cinematic quality, this drone delivers unmatched value at its price point.

Big features in a tiny body—the Holy Stone HS440G is a palm-sized 4K drone that proves small doesn’t mean basic. Weighing under 250g, it slips past FAA registration while packing a 4K UHD camera, 5GHz transmission, and dual satellite GPS (GPS + GLONASS)—a rare combo at this price. The 23-minute flight time per battery and responsive controller make it ideal for spontaneous shoots, while Follow Me and Waypoint Flight add pro flair to casual flying.

In practice, the HS440G impresses with its tight GPS tracking and stable hover, even in moderate wind. The 5GHz FPV feed stays clear up to 1,640 feet, letting you frame shots with confidence. The 120° wide-angle lens captures vibrant landscapes, though dynamic range suffers in high-contrast lighting. While the 4K video is sharp in daylight, it lacks EIS or a gimbal, so fast movements result in jello effect—not ideal for action shots.

Next to the HS360S, the HS440G offers similar camera specs but shorter range and flight time. However, its dual satellite support gives it an edge in signal reliability, especially in wooded or urban areas. For beginners wanting true 4K, GPS smarts, and FAA-friendly weight, this drone strikes a near-perfect balance—making it one of the best values under $160.

Cinematic power meets precision flight—the Holy Stone HS900 is a no-compromise flagship designed for creators who demand 8K photos, 4K/30fps video, and a 3-axis brushless gimbal in a sub-250g body. With a massive 20,000FT range via 5.8GHz transmission, this drone dominates open-field exploration, while the dual batteries and charging hub deliver up to 60 minutes of total flight—rare in this class. The Sony 1/2.3” CMOS sensor and f/2.6 lens capture rich, detailed imagery, even in partial shade.

Real-world testing confirms the HS900’s superior stability and wind resistance (Level 5), holding steady in conditions that send lesser drones tumbling. The wired phone relay eliminates Wi-Fi lag, offering near-instant FPV control—critical for framing cinematic shots. Whether you’re filming a mountain ridge or tracking a moving subject, the Follow Me and QuickShots (Dronie, Circle, Rocket) perform flawlessly. The only caveat? The 8K photo mode produces large files, requiring fast microSD cards and robust editing tools.

Against the HS790, the HS900 offers better range, stronger transmission, and slightly superior camera hardware, though both feature 3-axis gimbals. It’s the clear choice for content creators and serious hobbyists who want DSLR-like quality from a compact, FAA-compliant drone. While it costs more than other models, its performance-to-weight ratio is unmatched—a true high-end performer in disguise.

The ultimate all-rounder takes flight—the Holy Stone HS790 isn’t just a drone; it’s a 60-minute, 9KM-range aerial studio packed into a foldable 249g frame. With a 6K camera, 3-axis gimbal, and AI-powered QuickShots, it delivers cinematic results with minimal effort. The 9KM/30,000ft HD transmission—powered by Holy Stone’s WiFi Repeater tech—keeps your FPV feed crisp and lag-free, even over vast distances, making it perfect for travel vloggers and landscape photographers.

In real-world use, the HS790 excels in long-range exploration and low-light shooting. The AI Night Shot mode enhances visibility and detail in twilight, while the 3-axis gimbal ensures buttery-smooth footage during complex maneuvers. Dual batteries and a PD fast-charging hub mean you’re rarely grounded long. GPS features like Follow Me, Waypoint Flight, and Auto Return are rock-solid, and the built-in Remote ID keeps you FAA-compliant without extra gear.

Compared to the HS900, the HS790 offers broader creative tools and longer transmission, though the HS900 has slightly better range and wind resistance. For most users, the HS790 strikes the perfect balance of pro features, ease of use, and value—making it the best overall pick for pilots who want gimbal-grade video, smart AI modes, and hassle-free compliance in one sleek package.

Budget GPS meets pro potential—the Holy Stone HS360S is the most affordable 4K GPS drone under 250g that doesn’t feel cheap. With a 4K UHD camera, 10,000-foot control range, and 5GHz transmission, it delivers real aerial intelligence at a fraction of the cost. The one-cable smartphone connection eliminates Wi-Fi pairing hassles, giving you low-latency FPV right out of the box—ideal for social media creators who want instant shareable content.

Field testing reveals a drone that’s surprisingly capable in open areas, with GPS holding position well and Follow Me mode tracking reliably. The 20-minute flight time per battery is modest, but the modular design makes swaps easy. The GalaxyCore sensor captures sharp 4K in daylight, though colors lean cool and low-light footage is noisy. It handles light wind decently, but lacks EIS, so fast movements introduce visible shake.

When compared to the HS440G, the HS360S offers double the range and better connectivity, though both share similar camera hardware. For pilots who want GPS smarts and 4K video without overspending, this drone is a smart stepping stone to higher-end models. It doesn’t have a gimbal or dual batteries, but for its price, it offers more range and reliability than most budget GPS drones—a true value leader.

The ultimate range and flight time upgrade—the Holy Stone HS360D is the HS360S evolved, now with 80 minutes of total flight time and a 20,000FT (6KM) HD transmission range. This isn’t just a minor refresh—it’s a long-haul flying machine for creators who need endurance and distance. With a wired controller-to-phone link, it slashes video latency, delivering a smoother FPV experience than Wi-Fi-dependent rivals.

In real-world use, the HS360D dominates in open-field and long-distance filming. The dual batteries and smart charging hub keep you airborne for extended sessions, while the 5GHz transmission maintains a rock-solid feed even at maximum range. The 4K camera performs well in daylight, but like its predecessor, it lacks EIS and a gimbal, so aggressive flying introduces shake. Wind resistance is solid, but not on par with 3-axis gimbal drones.

Stacked against the HS175G, the HS360D offers double the range and 20 extra minutes of flight time, though both have similar camera specs. For pilots who prioritize airtime and range over cinematic stabilization, this is the best upgraded option in Holy Stone’s lineup. It doesn’t have a gimbal, but for serious hobbyists who fly far and long, it delivers unmatched endurance in a sub-250g body.