Best Drone for Under 200 in 2022 – A Guide to Budget Photography Drones

by Alex W.

Drone photography has taken off in a big way over the past couple of years, with many of the world's biggest photography competitions even adding specific categories for aerial shots.

No longer do you have to rent a helicopter to get that awesome aerial view - Instead you can just whip the increasingly pocket-sized drone out of your bag and take to the skies! After all, who doesn't want to capture stunning images like the one below. It's something that was incredibly difficult, time consuming, and expensive to do just a few years ago, but now it can be done at a fraction of the time and cost!

This technology does come at a price though, and it can be a hefty one. Admittedly the cost of drones has dropped enormously over the past year or so, but a top quality camera drone will still set you back around $1,000.

A grand is a lot of money to shell out when you're not even sure it'll get used often. Not to mention the very real possibility of an expensive crash landing from an inexperienced pilot.

This is why I recommend testing the waters with one of the more budget friendly drones. Will you get all the features of the high-spec DJI drones? No. Will the camera quality be as good? Doubtful. Will it hurt an awful lot less if you spiral it down into a lake? Definitely.

Editor's Recommendation: Top Drones for Under $200 in 2022

So here it is - Our collection of the finest drones for under $200 today.

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Top 5 Best Drone for Under 200: Reviews 2022

Top 5 Best Drone for Under 200: Reviews 2022
Top 5 Best Drone for Under 200: Reviews 2022

Holy Stone HS510 GPS Drone for Adults with 4K UHD Wifi Camera, FPV Quadcopter Foldable - Link

Ruko F11 Foldable GPS Drones with 4K Camera for Adults, Quadcopter with 30Mins Flight Time, Brushless Motor, 5G FPV Transmission, Follow Me, Auto Return Home, Long Control Range Drone for Beginners
Ruko F11 Foldable GPS Drones with 4K Camera for Adults, Quadcopter with 30Mins Flight Time, Brushless Motor, 5G FPV Transmission, Follow Me, Auto Return Home, Long Control Range Drone for Beginners

Looking for a high-quality drone with advanced features at an affordable price? The Holy Stone HS510 GPS Drone is the perfect choice for you. With a 4K UHD camera, FPV quadcopter design, and GPS positioning system, this drone is perfect for beginner pilots who want to try their hand at aerial photography or those looking to upgrade from their current setup. Plus, it's available for under $200! Keep reading to learn more about the features of the Holy Stone HS510 GPS Drone.

The Holy Stone HS510 GPS Drone features a powerful brushless motor capable of reaching speeds up to 29 mph. Combined with its aerodynamic frame and foldable design, this makes it ideal for flying in tight spaces or outdoors in windy conditions. The 4K UHD camera provides clear and sharp images and video, while the GPS system ensures stable and accurate flight. For even more convenience, the drone comes with a carrying case for easy transport.

If you're looking for a high-quality drone with advanced features at an affordable price, the Holy Stone HS510 GPS Drone is the perfect choice for you. With a 4K UHD camera, FPV quadcopter design, and GPS positioning system, this drone is perfect for beginner pilots or those looking to upgrade from their current setup. Plus, it's available for under $200! Go ahead and add the Holy Stone HS510 GPS Drone to your cart today.

Pros:

  • The Holy Stone HS510 GPS drone is affordable at less than $200, making it an excellent option for beginners and hobbyists who are just starting out with drones.
  • This quadcopter features a 4K UHD camera that can take crystal-clear photos and videos in high resolution. You can share your aerial footage with friends or save it to use as a reference when editing videos later on.
  • It also comes with FPV capabilities so you can live stream video from the drone's camera directly to your smartphone using the accompanying app from either Android or iOS devices. This allows you to get real-time updates on what the drone is seeing, which makes flying easier and more fun.
  • The Holy Stone HS510 is also foldable, making it portable and easy to carry around with you wherever you go. This means that you can take it out on hikes or camping trips without having to worry about lugging a big, bulky drone around with you.
  • Finally, this drone comes with GPS technology built-in, so you can keep track of its location at all times. This is especially useful if you want to take shots of specific landmarks or locations from above but don't want to have to worry about the drone getting lost.

Cons:

  • While the Holy Stone HS510 GPS drone is affordable, it is still a significant investment for some people. If you are looking for an entry-level drone that costs less than $100, then this may not be the best option for you.
  • It is also worth noting that this drone does not come with obstacle avoidance technology, which means that it can crash into objects easily if you're a newbie pilot or if your flying skills aren't very good yet. This is why it's important to practice flying and try out different maneuvers before going out with this quadcopter.
  • Finally, while the Holy Stone HS510 GPS drone has many features that make it stand out from other drones on the market, it lacks some of the advanced features such as waypoint navigation compatibility or follow me functionality, which may be important if you're looking for a more sophisticated drone.

Our Verdict

Overall, the Holy Stone HS510 GPS is an excellent choice of drone for anyone who wants to start out with aerial photography or FPV flying without breaking the bank. With its impressive 4K UHD camera and live streaming capabilities, it takes high-quality aerial footage that can easily rival other much more expensive drones on the market right now. However, its lack of advanced features such as obstacle avoidance technology means that it may not be suitable for pilots who want to use their drones professionally or experiment with different flight modes and maneuvers. Therefore, unless you are completely new to drone flying and do not have any plans at all to use your quadcopter for anything other than taking pictures and videos, we would recommend looking at some of the other options on our list instead.

Ruko F11 Foldable GPS Drones with 4K Camera for Adults, Quadcopter with 30Mins Flight Time, Brushless Motor - Link

Potensic Upgraded A20 Mini Drone Easy to Fly Even to Kids and Beginners, RC Helicopter Quadcopter with Auto Hovering, Headless Mode, 3 Batteries and Remote Control, Gift Choice for Boys and Girls
Potensic Upgraded A20 Mini Drone Easy to Fly Even to Kids and Beginners, RC Helicopter Quadcopter with Auto Hovering, Headless Mode, 3 Batteries and Remote Control, Gift Choice for Boys and Girls

Looking for a drone under $200? Ruko F11 foldable GPS drones are a great option! With its 4K camera, this quadcopter offers excellent image quality and can take videos at 30 frames per second. These drones also have long flight times of up to 30 minutes, so you can enjoy flying it for longer. But there are also some downsides to these drones. For one, they require frequent repairs, as the plastic parts tend to break rather easily. Also, their range is only around 200 meters, which is shorter than what other drones offer. So if you need an affordable drone that you can use for longer periods of time without having to worry about charging it constantly or relying on pre-set routes, then a Ruko F11 foldable GPS drone may not be the best option for you.

Pros:

The Ruko F11 is one of the most affordable drones on the market that still offers features like 4K video recording and GPS navigation.

This drone is very easy to fly, making it a great choice for beginner pilots.

The foldable design makes it very portable and easy to transport.

The Ruko F11 comes with a powerful battery that allows for up to 30 minutes of flight time on a single charge.

Cons:

The camera resolution is only 4K, which is lower than many other drones in this price range.

Some reviewers have reported issues with the GPS system and the Ruko F11 losing connection to satellites during flights.

There are some reports of poor customer service from Ruko, so it's important to reach out if you experience any issues with your drone or parts within the first few weeks after purchase. Overall, despite a few drawbacks, the Ruko F11 Foldable GPS Drone offers great value for pilots who are looking for an affordable option that still has advanced features like 4K video recording and GPS navigation.[break]

Our Verdict

Whether you are looking for a drone under 200 dollars or are just curious to see what kinds of drones exist in such price range, Ruko F11 is an excellent option. This quadcopter offers high-quality 4K camera as well as impressive flight time on a single charge - up to 30 minutes! It also comes with many useful features like headless mode, which makes it easy for beginners to fly their drone without worrying about orientation. And if that wasn't enough, all these great features come in a portable package that you can easily carry around wherever you go. So what are you waiting for? Order your Ruko F11 foldable GPS drone today and start enjoying all its capabilities!

Altair Aerial Blackhawk w/ GoPro Mount

Okay, so the Altair Aerial Blackhawk doesn't actually come with a camera, but if you already have a trusty GoPro Hero 3 or 4 then this is the perfect budget drone for you!

First of all, it boasts a very respectable 17 minute flight time before needing to return home and recharge it's batteries. This allows you to take it to it's full 500 meter range too, and probably a few times considering how fast this thing can go.

A point of caution, and one of the reasons we think this is perfect for those with GoPros - It's got a fairly steep learning curve, so you're best off getting to grips with the handling of it without your camera attached at first. After a few flights you'll be ready to capture some incredible aerial shots though, because the GoPro Hero's are no slouches when it comes to image quality.

GoolRC X8HG

  • GoolRC X8HG 8.0MP HD Camera RC Quadcopter with Barometer Set...

    GoolRC X8HG 8.0MP HD Camera RC Quadcopter with Barometer Set...

    • 8.0MP HD Camera : The 8.0MP camera works far better than 2.0MP or 0.3MP camera, allows recording higher quality video or taking clearer images. Capture your friends and family from aerial view shots and see the world from a new angle.
    • Barometer Set Height : When you free up the left joystick (Accelerator), the aircraft will still hover at that height at which the joystick is freed.
    Rating:

Considering this is one of the better cameras in our list, the GoolRC X8HG is a surprisingly cheap option. It has a decent quality 8 megapixel camera with full HD capabilities, and while it's not exactly up to the standards of the Nikon D850 it does yield respectable and usable images.

The enhanced picture quality comes at a cost though. The battery life is half that of the Altair Aerial BlackHawk above, with a meagre 70 meter range to boot. It does have an in-built barometer though, and if all you're planning on using this for is some extra altitude for certain shots then it's definitely worthwhile.

Zerotech Dobby

  • ZEROTECH Dobby Pocket-Size Mini Drone Kit with 4K Video...

    ZEROTECH Dobby Pocket-Size Mini Drone Kit with 4K Video...

    • This kit includes: ZeroTech Mini Drone, rechargeable battery / charger, 4 Extra Propellers, Dobby RC Quadcopter Spare Parts Paddle Propeller & Propeller Protector, USB Cable and electric plug, HeroFiber Ultra Gentle Cleaning Cloth & U.S Warranty
    • This kit includes: ZeroTech Mini Drone, rechargeable battery / charger, 4 Extra Propellers, Dobby RC Quadcopter Spare Parts Paddle Propeller & Propeller Protector, USB Cable and electric plug, HeroFiber Ultra Gentle Cleaning Cloth & U.S Warranty
    Rating:

This is up there challenging for the title of our favourite drone under $200 along with the Yuneec Breeze.

The ZEROTECH Dobby offers the same 13MP, 4K camera as the Breeze, and somehow they manage to make it even smaller. Honestly, this thing is tiny. It's just 135mm long and 67mm wide with the propellers tucked in - That's about the same as a slide of bread with the crusts cut off (it was the closest thing to me to measure, don't judge me!). It weighs 199 grams, which is about 4 slices of bread, continuing with our dough-oriented comparison system.

It also brings functions such as follow-me and orbital mode for those of you who are looking to capture video footage, making it a perfect companion for a vlogger.

Buying Guide for the Best Drone for Under $200

Drones are becoming more and more popular these days, and people who want to get into the hobby will find that they don't have to spend a lot of money to do so. While higher-end models can cost several hundred dollars or even thousands of dollars, you can still find good drones for under $200.

There are several things that you should consider when shopping for a drone in this price range. The first is whether the device has an onboard camera - if it doesn't, then there isn't much point in getting it at all. Next, check the battery life. A shorter flight time might be okay if you just plan on flying around your house or yard, but if you want to take your drone out into the great outdoors, you'll want to make sure it has enough battery life to get you back safely.

You should also look for a model that is durable and sturdy, since even a small mistake can cause some of these devices to crash or fall. If you aren't sure which drones are best in this price range, check our list below for some recommendations.

Benefits of Using a Drone for Under $200

There are many benefits to using a drone for under $200. Drones can help you capture amazing aerial footage and photos, explore new areas, and even save money on travel costs. Here are just a few of the benefits of using a drone:

1. Capture Stunning Aerial Footage and Photos

A drone gives you a unique perspective of the world around you. You can use it to take beautiful aerial photos and videos that would be difficult to capture from the ground.

2. Explore New Areas

A drone can help you access areas that are difficult to reach by foot or car. This is perfect for exploring new hiking trails, getting a bird's eye view of your favorite city, or checking out that beautiful waterfall you've been meaning to visit.

3. Save Money on Travel Costs

If you love to travel, a drone can help you minimize your travel costs. You can use it to explore new areas and get amazing aerial footage of places that you want to visit, so that you don't have to spend money on expensive tours or travel expenses.

In addition to these benefits, there are many other ways in which a drone can make your life easier and more fun. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start exploring with a drone today.

Types of Under $200 Drones

Under $200 drones are generally entry-level models designed for beginning pilots. Many of these drones also offer features that make them great for more advanced users as well, such as better flight times and cameras. One popular model is the Tello drone from Ryze Technologies, which offers both a 5MP camera and a 13 minute flight time. Another excellent choice is the DJI Spark drone, which has an impressive 16 minute flight time and 1080p video capture capabilities.

If you're looking for a good starter drone under $200, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you're looking for something simple and easy to fly or something with more advanced features like cameras, there's sure to be a model that fits your needs. Some of the most popular choices include the Tello, DJI Spark, and Parrot Bebop models. Keep in mind that these are just a few of the many options available, so be sure to do your research before making a purchase.

Expert Tips for Maintaining Your Drone Under $200

Drones have become an increasingly popular hobby in recent years, and as with all hobbies, it's important to take proper care of them so that they continue to function at their best. This post will give you some expert tips for maintaining your drone under $200.

The Condition of Your Battery

The first thing to keep in mind is the condition of your battery. A drone relies on its batteries for power, so if your batteries are not functioning properly, then your drone won't be able to fly. Regularly inspect the health of your batteries by checking the voltage levels and ensuring that there are no cracks or other faults that could cause problems down the road.

Cleaning It Regularly

Another crucial part of maintaining a good-quality drone is cleaning it regularly. Drones can accumulate dust and dirt, which can interfere with their sensors and cause them to malfunction. Be sure to clean your drone's sensors and other moving parts on a regular basis so that they continue to work properly.

Storage

It's also important to keep your drone stored in a cool, dry place when not in use. If you live in an area with high humidity, it's especially important to take measures to prevent your drone from rusting or corroding.

Follow these expert tips and you'll be able to keep your drone flying smoothly for years to come!

Conclusion on Best Drones for Under $200

So, what is the best drone for under $200? As always, it largely depends on what you're looking for.

For example, if you're just looking for an entry point into the drone world. A cheap and cheerful way to test the waters before potentially going for a higher-spec option, then the OKPOW could be a good fit for you.

Alternatively, if you're already got a GoPro then the Altar Aerial Blackhawk is a fantastic little drone packed full of features, so learning the ropes with that before attaching your GoPro is a great way to go.

The GoolRC X8HG is a great mid-level option with a passable camera, although it might struggle with any serious work with difficult lighting.

And then there's the excellent quality Yuneec Breeze and ZEROTECH Dobby. These are both phenomenal value for money, and are perfect options for those who want to do a bit of drone photography but can't justify the price tag of the professional level drones. The 13MP cameras do a good job and both drones come with a respectable set of features.

Gun to my head, I'd choose the ZEROTECH Dobby, so I'll say that is our overall winner!

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About Alex W.

Alex is the owner and lead writer for Click and Learn Photography. An avid landscape, equine, and pet photographer living and working in the beautiful Lake District, UK, Alex has had his work featured in a number of high profile publications, including the Take a View Landscape Photographer of the Year, Outdoor Photographer of the Year, and Amateur Photographer Magazine.

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