6 Best Cheap Underwater Drones with Camera 2025

This palm-sized powerhouse redefines what it means to explore beneath the surface without breaking the bank. The Chasing Dory packs a 1080p F/1.6 lens, real-time depth holding, and dual 250-lumen lights into a frame so compact it fits in one hand—making it a dream for travelers and casual divers who want instant underwater access without hauling heavy gear. Its standout feature? A true color restoration algorithm that keeps footage vibrant even in murky conditions, solving the common pain point of washed-out underwater shots.

In real-world testing, the Dory shines in calm lakes, snorkeling trips, and shallow reef explorations up to 49 feet. The 1-hour battery life is adequate for short dives, and the included floating buoy with a 15m tether ensures stable signal transmission while you pilot via Bluetooth remote or smartphone app. While it handles gentle currents well, strong water movement can push its small thrusters to the limit, and low-light performance dips without external illumination—expected at this price, but worth noting.

Compared to bulkier models like the V-EVO or Mini S, the Dory sacrifices deep-dive capability and 4K resolution for unmatched portability and ease of use. It’s the go-to choice for families, beginners, and adventure seekers who prioritize lightweight design and plug-and-play simplicity over industrial-grade specs. Against the similarly priced B0FFMTRY3F version, it offers nearly identical performance but with added accessories like a backpack—making this model a smarter all-in-one pick for weekend explorers.

If deep, stable, and cinematic underwater footage is your mission, the GLADIUS MINI S is a game-changer. Armed with a 4K Sony CMOS sensor, electronic image stabilization, and 2×1200-lumen LED floodlights, this drone captures stunningly clear video even in dark, turbid waters—making it ideal for serious hobbyists and light professionals. Its patented thruster system with five motors delivers exceptional maneuverability and anti-roll stability, so it won’t get stuck in sandy or rocky terrain, a common frustration with cheaper ROVs.

During field tests, the Mini S proved its mettle in deep lake inspections and coastal dives down to 330 feet. The 4-hour runtime (with dual batteries) supports extended missions, and the 64GB internal storage (expandable to 512GB) means you won’t run out of space during long explorations. The direct-connect wired remote ensures zero signal lag or dropout, critical for precision work, while real-time depth and temperature data enhance situational awareness. However, its 6-pound weight makes solo transport slightly cumbersome, and setup takes longer than palm-sized rivals.

Positioned between consumer toys and pro-grade ROVs, the Mini S outperforms the Chasing Dory in depth, video quality, and runtime—but demands more from the user in terms of setup and portability. It’s not as flashy as the VR-equipped V-EVO, but it offers more reliability and industrial versatility for underwater inspections, research, or serious videography. For those needing deep-diving capability without pro-level complexity, the Mini S strikes a rare balance of power and practicality.

Don’t let its tiny frame fool you—the Chasing Dory in purple is a budget-savvy explorer’s dream, delivering real-time 1080p video and intuitive app control in a device you can stash in a daypack. Weighing under 2.5 pounds and measuring just over 9 inches, it’s the most travel-friendly underwater drone in its class, perfect for spontaneous snorkel trips, pool demos, or shallow reef scouting. The built-in true color restoration algorithm ensures your videos pop with natural hues, even when sunlight fades with depth.

In action, the Dory handles calm waters with ease, and its one-hour battery supports multiple short dives per charge. The floating WiFi buoy streams 720p live feed to your phone, letting you share clips directly to Instagram or YouTube—ideal for content creators on a budget. However, the wireless range is limited to 49 feet, and signal can waver in choppy conditions. It also lacks physical buttons, relying entirely on your smartphone, which may frustrate users in wet environments.

When stacked against the original B0B58QV1LL model, this version offers nearly identical performance but at a lower price point, making it the best value under $400 for casual users. It doesn’t compete with deep-diving 4K drones, but for families, educators, or kids learning about marine life, it delivers fun, functionality, and freedom without complexity. For those who want maximum portability and social sharing at minimum cost, this Dory is a standout win.

Meet the entry-level entertainer—a toy-grade underwater drone that brings aquatic play to the backyard pool or bathtub. The RAYS WiFi model is clearly designed with kids and novices in mind, offering basic app-controlled movement and a simple camera feed through your smartphone. It’s not built for deep exploration or crisp video, but as a fun, interactive gadget, it opens the door to underwater curiosity without overwhelming young users.

In practice, the drone floats and dives shallowly, with limited directional control and minimal resistance to water movement. Video quality is low-resolution and best viewed in bright, still water—don’t expect clear footage beyond a few feet. The WiFi connection is short-range and unstable, often dropping signal when the drone moves too far, but for short play sessions, it’s sufficient. Battery life is brief, and charging takes hours, making it more of a short-burst toy than a serious tool.

Compared to even the cheapest functional ROVs like the XUMIUZIY or Chasing Dory, the RAYS drone lacks durability, depth, and image clarity. But for parents seeking an affordable, screen-based aquatic toy, it serves its niche. It won’t replace a real underwater camera, but as a gateway to STEM play, it sparks interest at a shockingly low cost. If your goal is kids’ entertainment over exploration, this drone checks the box—just don’t expect professional results.

This no-nonsense fish finder is a game-changer for anglers who want real-time underwater vision without smartphone dependency. The XUMIUZIY stands out with its built-in 4.3-inch 2000-nit display, three-sided sunshade, and 220° ultra-wide 1080p camera, delivering crystal-clear views of fish activity even in low-light or icy waters. Unlike app-based drones, it works instantly out of the box—just plug in, lower the camera, and watch live, making it perfect for ice fishing, pond scouting, or riverbank use.

Field testing confirms its rugged reliability: the 30-meter reinforced cable withstands ice drills, rocky bottoms, and strong pulls, while the 5MP sensor captures detailed images of fish size and behavior. The high-brightness screen remains visible in direct sunlight, a critical advantage over phone-dependent models. However, it’s not a maneuverable drone—it’s a fixed descent camera, so you can’t steer it horizontally. Also, while the wide angle covers more area, it introduces slight edge distortion.

Against app-controlled ROVs like the Chasing Dory, this isn’t a recreational toy—but for serious fishing applications, it outperforms in usability and durability. It doesn’t offer 4K or mobility, but for value, clarity, and ruggedness, it’s unmatched in its price range. When compared to deep-diving drones, it’s less versatile, but for targeted fish spotting, it’s the best overall tool for anglers who need speed, clarity, and reliability.

Step into the future of underwater cinematography with the V-EVO—a high-performance ROV that treats the ocean like a cinematic stage. With 4K60FPS video, a 166° ultra-wide lens, and 5000-lumen LED lights, it captures buttery-smooth, color-accurate footage even in pitch-black depths, making it the ultimate pick for creators chasing professional-grade visuals. Its AI Vision Lock tracks moving subjects like fish or divers automatically, solving the challenge of manual focus drift in dynamic scenes.

In real-world dives, the V-EVO’s 360° omnidirectional thrusters allow it to hover, spin, and glide with surgical precision—something most ROVs can’t match. The VR control system (via FIFISH app and goggles) lets you pilot with head movements, creating an immersive FPV experience unlike any other. The removable SD card simplifies file access, and the posture lock feature keeps the drone stable in currents. However, its advanced features come with a learning curve, and the kit is pricier and bulkier than entry models.

Compared to the GLADIUS MINI S, the V-EVO offers superior video smoothness, AI tracking, and VR immersion, but at a higher cost and complexity. It’s overkill for casual users but perfect for filmmakers, marine researchers, or tech enthusiasts who demand the best. For those prioritizing 4K clarity, creative control, and futuristic operation, the V-EVO doesn’t just lead the pack—it redefines it.