Best Drones Under $200 With Camera [Comparison Table]

If you are looking to purchase an entry-level drone, the first thing you need to take note of is not to set your expectations too high. These drones are affordable, that’s quite obvious, so you first need to understand you cannot get premium performance from them. For those of you having trouble with that, I’ve set up a small list of key things to expect from the best drones under $200.

Best drones under $200 - Featured image

What are the average specifications of the best drones under $200?

The key to appreciating entry-level drones is to lower your expectations. They can’t be as good as the premium ones. It’s a fact! You need to set the bars lower and do a little research on what exactly can you expect from quadcopters under $200. Don’t worry, it won’t take too long. In fact, there’s a fine list of 3 key aspects that make a good under $200 drone:

Camera Quality on the best drones under $200

Truth be told, even though these drones have decent full HD or HD cameras, without proper stabilization you can’t expect those breathtaking aerial shots that you’ve seen from DJI drones. Today we’ll see what’s the best camera drone under $200!

Flight time on the best drones under $200

Considering the fact that premium models have between 25 and 30 minutes of flight time, it is safe to say these cheap drones are nowhere near them. The average battery duration of these drones goes from 7 to 12 minutes. It’s always a good idea to buy extra batteries!

Flight Range on the best drones under $200

At the bottom end of this price point, you’re looking at 100 meters tops. On the other hand, if you’re willing to dash out close to $200 (or slightly above that mark), the operating range tends to drastically increase and can reach 500 meters or even more than that in some cases.

 

Table: The best drones under $200

ImageNameCameraRangeFlight TimeBest Price
Snaptain S5C drone10. Snaptain S5C720p80m7minSee best offer
MJX Bugs 39. MJX Bugs 3No300m13minSee best offer
Altair AA1088. Altair AA108720p100m10minSee best offer
Altair 8187. Altair 818720p150m13minSee best offer
Potensic D806. Potensic D802K800m18minSee best offer
Holy Stone HS120D5. HStone HS120D1080p300m16minSee best offer
Potensic D584. Potensic D581080p300m16minSee best offer
Contixo f203. Contixo F201080p800m18minSee best offer
Potensic D602. Potensic D601080p400m18minSee best offer
Holy Stone HS7001. HStone HS700D2K800m20minSee best offer

Snaptain S5C with Transmitter

10. Snaptain S5C

Snaptain S5C is the first drone here, a marvelous little bugger that’s way below our maximum price for the day. As you’ll see once you visit its listing on Amazon, Snaptain S5C costs as little as $60. That’s crazy cheap if you don’t mind me noticing, but you’ll actually be surprised by the performance you’ll get from this little flyer!

Camera and Features

If you’re interested in camera drones, then I’m afraid you’ll have to pay a bit more than $60. That’s because Snaptain S5C features a simple 720p camera. The resolution is not that big of a problem. Shakiness, on the other hand, is and will ruin your aerial footage each and every time. That said, opting for a pricier drone, like that Potensic D80 portrayed further down the line, is a much more viable option in terms of aerial photography.

Despite its lack in the camera department, Snaptain S5C has a fairly good set of features. We’re talking about altitude hold, gravity sensor (for controlling), VR headset support, and even one key function. The latter refers to automatic takeoff and landing. All in all, a stellar array of features comes at a highly affordable price tag.

Specifications

The best thing about Snaptain S5C isn’t the camera, I believe you all understand that by now. However, it’s not the features either. The best thing about this model is its specifications and packaging. The specs are as follows – 80ish meters of range and 6-7 minutes of flight time. Not bad for an entry-level camera drone. However, you can go ahead and double that flight time since you’ll be getting an extra battery in the packaging. If that doesn’t make Snaptain S5C an awesome cheap drone, then I don’t know what does.

 

 

MJX Bugs 3 Altair Edition

9. MJX Bugs 3

If you are looking to start off your career as an amateur aerial photographer, then this next-best drone under $200 is surely your number-one choice. It goes by the name Bugs 3 and it was created by MJX, a well-known name in the drones industry. However, this seems to be a brilliant entry-level aerial photography drone due to its flight characteristics and sturdiness. Plus, the hardware housed inside would not put to shame even much pricier models available. So, as I said above, for all wannabe aerial photographers, MJX Bugs 3 seems like a no-brainer!

Features and Camera

When it comes to the camera many of you will be disappointed at first once you find out Bugs 3 doesn’t come with one. But how can it be a good entry-level aerial photography drone without a camera? Well, that’s exactly where the fun starts. You see, MJX Bugs 3 comes with a specialized camera mount that can fit all sorts of action camera brands. Some of the more expensive ones even come with electronic image stabilization onboard which will do wonders for the smoothness of your aerial footage.

Features are a big thing with this one too. First off, you need to know that it is powered by potent brushless motors that are quieter and more durable than their brushed counterparts. Second, this one also incorporates one key 3D flip function that is bound to come in handy for showing off your brand-new drone to all your friends.

Specifications

If you love long-flying best drones under $200 then this one is going to feel like a special treat. Why? Well, obviously because it has a huge operating range. We are talking up to 300 meters away from the provided controller. Pretty neat, huh? Battery duration is outstanding too – you can expect around 10 to 15 minutes (13 minutes on average). This, of course, depends on whether or not your F100 is carrying an action camera for recording purposes.

 

Altair AA108 Drone With Transmitter

8. Altair AA108

Among the best camera drones under $200 is surely the Altair AA108 drone. We are talking about a brand-new drone here that just came out, but it seems as though it’s set to take the market by storm. What exactly can this aggressively priced drone do? Is it good for beginners? Does it provide good value for money? All that and more can be read in the next 2 paragraphs.

Specifications

Starting off with its specifications, Altair AA108 sports a wide-angle camera (120 degrees) that is capable of recording HD aerial footage… And it does so pretty well. Despite not having hardware image stabilization, it still produces solid footage with little to no shakiness involved. Moving onto other hardware, most of you will be surprised by the power those miniature brushed motors provide.

Range and flight time

While they might not as durable as brushless ones, they can still last a long time if you operate them properly. By that, I mean you should always disarm the drone (throttle on 0) immediately after a crash. Last but not least, Altair AA108 is powered by a 1S LiPo battery which can suffice for up to 10 minutes of flight time.

When it comes to the range, Altair AA108 can only reach up to 100 meters. On the bright side, the FPV works as much as the operating range so you won’t be greeted by a black screen on your smartphone when you’re passing that line. Furthermore, Altair AA108 is insanely stable too, allowing even first-time fliers to control it without any issues. In terms of features, there are a few surprises such as altitude hold, one-button takeoff/landing, and even an OOR (out-of-range) alarm which will come in handy more often than not.

 

 

Altair 818 Hornet and transmitter

7. Altair 818 Hornet

Here we have yet another Altair drone. This one comes at a slightly higher price tag but is able to justify it with a better camera, longer flight time, and superior range. It comes down to personal preference, but I’d like to argue Altair AA108 Hornet looks better than AA108 too.

Camera and Features

Let’s start off with this bugger’s camera. Similar to AA108, we’re talking about a sensor that’s capable of capturing 720p HD footage. However, Altair 818 Hornet does a much better job in terms of stabilization, an issue is known to plague entry-level camera-equipped models. So, in other words, while the resolution is the same on both models, go for 818 Hornet if you want a superior image/video quality.

As for the features, both Altair drones sport pretty much the same set of features – one key takeoff/landing, altitude hold, 3-speed levels, VR support, and headless mode. The biggest downside here is the lack of GPS. I know, I know, many drones in this price range don’t have GPS, but adding the module and slightly upping the price tag would’ve made 818 Hornet hands-down the best drone under $200!

Specifications

As I already mentioned earlier, Altair 818 Hornet brings forth superior specifications to the AA108 model. More precisely, this thing packs quite the punch ensuring around 150 meters of range (FPV goes only up to 50m) and cca 13 to 15 minutes of flight time. No worries, 818 Hornet also has an extra battery in the package, meaning you can expect almost half an hour of flying per session. Yep, all that coming from a drone that costs well beneath the $200 mark.

 

 

Potensic D80 with transmitter

6. Potensic D80

Potensic D80 offers great value for money, has a joyful design, and even comes with a hard-shell carrying case for all you frequent travelers out there. It’s really an all-in-one package, this one, and for that reason, it definitely deserves to be a part of our list of the top drones under $200!

Camera and Features

First things first, Potensic D80 has an integrated 2K sensor that shoots okay footage and excellent still images. The footage would be excellent too if it wasn’t for the non-existent vibration dampening that paves the way for that nasty jello effect. It’s not as drastic as on other cheaper drones out there, but it’s still easily noticeable.

In terms of features, the biggest thing with Potensic D80 is its GPS module. Yep, we’re talking about one of the cheapest GPS-enabled drones out there, and that alone is worthy of the price tag. The onboard GPS module brings forth an amazingly stable flying experience, with no hiccups or drifting whatsoever. It’s a breeze to fly, and even possesses additional features like auto return to home, waypoints, point of interest, FPV, and follow me.

Best drone under $200 with GPS

Needless to say, Potensic D80 sports brushless motors. Pretty powerful ones, too, capable of achieving up to 25mph top speed. Pretty neat, huh? That’s not all – you’re getting a long-range fella here, reaching up to 800 meters. Make that 300 meters for FPV. Last but not least, Potensic D80 comes with a 7.4V 1800mAh battery that can endure up to 20 minutes of flight time. All in all, one of the best value-for-money drones here, worth every penny for sure!

 

 

Holy Stone HS120D with Transmitter

5. Holy Stone HS120D

Here we have a rather bulky drone that’s well and truly capable of providing a beginner-friendly entrance to aerial photography. Holy Stone is the brand, and we all know them for making outstanding entry-level models. Their HS120D is no different, coming in at less than $150 but offering great value for money!

Camera and Features

We’re looking at a dedicated camera here, mounted on a simple vibration-dampening system that ensures excellent stabilization. And I’m not even exaggerating here – if you want smooth footage on the cheap, Holy Stone HS120D is the drone to go for! The 1080P sensor is not only smooth but also offers FPV capabilities, and that’s an outright sick combination at this price point.

Features-wise, Holy Stone HS120D doesn’t fail to deliver either. Several selfie functions, return to home and, most importantly, GPS, are all here. They bring a ton of additional value to the drone, enabling it not just to shoot smoothly but fly even smoother.

Specifications

We’re looking at a relatively capable drone in terms of the specs too. You can’t expect too much, though, since we’re still talking about a drone costing well beneath the $200 mark. With roughly 15 to 18 minutes of flight time and cca 300 meters of control range, Holy Stone HS120 won’t disappoint you. It’s cheap, durable, and bulky (meaning you can fly it in windy conditions), creating a superb package at an affordable price.

 

 

Potensic D58 with transmitter

4. Potensic D58

Potensic D58 is another DJI Phantom lookalike. This time around, we’re looking at a black Phantom lookalike that actually features a decent set of features coupled with a proper imaging solution. Don’t look at the base package, though! The thing we’re most impressed with is the bundle featuring an extra battery, a dedicated controller, and a hard-shell carrying case that fits everything nicely.

Camera and Features

Let’s cover the camera first! Potensic D58 features a 1080p wide-angle 120-degree sensor with a small anti-vibration system. You can even tilt the camera by 90 degrees, allowing for awesome perspective changes in mid-flight. The vibration-dampening system doesn’t do miracles, but it’s good enough for the price tag, especially considering the imaging quality of its direct competitors. There’s still a bit of shakiness here and there, especially in windy conditions, but it’s nothing some good old post-processing can’t deal with. Still images, on the other hand, look absolutely dashing!

Potensic D58 features GPS, meaning it has all the supporting perks like an auto return to home, altitude hold, and extremely responsive and stable flight. 5Ghz WiFi FPV is here too, ensuring decent range and great transmission quality.

Specifications

Specs-wise, you’re looking at roughly 16 to 17 minutes of flight time, depending on numerous factors such as FPV usage, flying speed, maneuvers, and whether or not you’re using GPS. Once again, it does come with an extra battery so you’re getting upwards of half an hour of flight time straight out of the box. Last but not least, you can expect around 300 meters of flight range which is sort of like the standard for most drones in this price range.

 

 

Contixo F20 drone

Maybe the best camera drone under $200?

3. Contixo F20

Let’s make one thing clear right off the bat – Contixo F20 is a proper beast. This aggressive-looking drone packs quite a bit of feature and brings forth powerful hardware underneath the hood. It’s fast, responsive, features power-efficient (and highly durable) brushless motors, and sports a brilliant camera. All in all, a great overall package coming in at exactly our price point – $200!

Camera and Features

Contixo F20 is a GPS-powered drone, meaning it’s stable and flies as smoothly as butter. However, when it’s in GPS mode, you won’t be getting its full speed. Once it’s out of it, this drone becomes a proper speedy beast, fuming past obstacles at neck-breaking speeds.

Features-wise, it sports follow me, waypoints, altitude hold, failsafe, auto return to home, and several additional flight modes for upping your selfie game. And your selfie game will be strong no matter what, courtesy of the gimbal-powered Full HD camera. The footage is smooth, and arguably the best of what you can get at this price.

Specifications

Specs-wise, Contixo F20 can fly for around 15 to 18 minutes and reach as far as 500 to 600 meters. The battery duration isn’t the greatest, I know, but it’s justifiable considering all the bells and whistles Contixo F20 comes with. Overall, if the first thing you’re looking for in your nest drone under $200 is the camera, look no further than this one!

 

 

Potensic D60 with Transmitter

2. Potensic D60

The second-best among drones under $200 is Potensic D60. Even though it doesn’t excel at any given department, it offers a well-rounded experience great for people who want an enjoyable first-time session. Yes, the regular price tag is slightly above $200, but it’s on sale most of the time at exactly $200, which is a great deal in my books.

Camera and Features

Potensic D60 features a viable 1080p camera that produces aerial footage of decent quality. It’s partially because of the sensor and partially because of the electric motor that allows for a 90-degree vertical tilt. It features FPV too, but that kind of goes without saying…

This little bugger features a solid number of features too. Not only does it sports GPS but a ton of additional GPS-powered stuff like follow me, altitude hold, auto return to home, fly-by-trajectory, and many more.

Specifications

Have I mentioned that Potensic D60 features brushless motors? They’re pretty powerful and much more durable than their brushed counterparts, which means you won’t have to replace them nearly as often. Specs-wise, we’re looking at approximately 18ish minutes of flight time which isn’t half bad considering the number of onboard electronics. Range, however, isn’t that ideal, going up to only about 400 meters. Not too bad, but I expected a bit more from a mid-tier drone such as this one.

 

 

Holy Stone HS700D drone

1.  Holy Stone HS700D – The best drone under $200

At the top spot, we have Holy Stone HS700D. First off, this is a slightly pricier drone, costing anywhere from $220 to $240. However, it’s often on sale for $200 which fits within our price range for the day. Even if you get it when it’s not on sale, I still believe it brings forth more than enough value for money, and here’s why:

Camera and Features

One of the best things regarding Holy Stone Hs700D is the camera module. As you can see from the image above, we’re talking about a bulky piece featuring a sophisticated vibration-dampening system, similar to that on older DJI Phantom drones. The camera itself is pretty good, being marketed as 2K-capable. However, don’t let this fool you, we’re looking at a slightly wider full HD footage.

Furthermore, Holy Stone HS700D also sports brushless motors. The drone itself isn’t that bulky which just adds to the overall speed these motors can achieve. And, we’re talking about a pretty speed drone here, mind you! A feature-packed drone too, with an onboard GPS module and many useful features, with the most important ones being an auto return to home, altitude hold, and follow me.

Longest flight time drone under $200

When it comes to the flight time and range, Holy Stone HS700D does a fairly good job. It’s being marketed for cca 22 minutes but that’s a slight exaggeration. At best, you’ll be getting around 20 minutes which still isn’t half bad. Range-wise, FPV starts cutting out at around 400-500 meters while the operating range extends to around 800m. All things considered, Holy Stone HS700D really is among the best drones around the $200 mark. Once again, it’s a bit pricier than its above-featured peers, but brings forth a great flying experience well worth every penny.

 

Holy Stone Drone on a wooden fence

Pay Attention to These 3 Things Before Buying Your New Drone

As always, there are certain things you need to vary when buying affordable drones such as these ones. It’s nothing radical – all you got to do is keep the three following things in mind and you should be all good!

1. Make Sure You’re Getting an RTF Drone

If you’re looking for your very first drone, the first thing you need to ensure is that you’re buying an RTF package. What does RTF stand for? Well, RTF stands for ready-to-fly and marks drone packages that come with everything that’s needed to get them up and running. This includes the controller, batteries, chargers, and propellers.

There are other types of drone packages too, mainly those that don’t come with stuff like a controller AKA transmitter or batteries. These are typically called BNF (bind and fly) are purchased by experienced drone pilots that already have a bunch of batteries and high-end transmitters onboard.

2. Double Check if You Can Buy Your Next Drone on Amazon

It’s always best to buy drones via Amazon. Yes, there are a ton of hobby shops out there offering awesome deals for cheap drones, but In my opinion, Amazon is the true champion when it comes to RC goodness in the USA. Not only do they have the vast majority of affordable models available, but they also have all of their respective spare parts which is an important factor in and of itself.

3. Learn the Basics before Your Maiden Flight

This one goes without saying – if you are a first-time pilot and you’re ready to swing your best camera drone under $200 up in the air, you might want to check out a couple of YouTube video tutorials or have someone explain the basics of flying a drone. Don’t get me wrong, flying drones (especially these simple toy-grade ones) isn’t too difficult, but it’s the same as riding a car – you have to know where all the controls are and how to land it safely (AKA park) before you can start your first real flying mission.

men holding drone controller

Most Advanced Features You Can Get in This Price Range Explained

GPS

GPS brings forth improved flying stability and paves the way for other advanced features

Brushless Motors

Much more durable, reliable, and power-efficient than their brushed counterparts.

Image Stabilization

Greatly improves footage quality and separates hobby-grade from professional drones.

Return to Home

Allows the drone to return back to the location of its initial takeoff thanks to GPS coordinates.

Altitude Hold

Allows the drone to hover at a certain spot without manual throttle adjustments.

Follow Me Mode

Allows the drone to follow the user or the controller around with sensors and cameras.

First-Person View

AKA FPV – represents live video feed coming from the drone in real time.

DJI Phantom 4 drone flying over the mountains

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the longest flight time drone under $200?

Longer battery duration means longer flight sessions. Longer flight sessions mean a lot more fun… That’s basically why people want drones with better, more power-efficient batteries. When it comes to the above-featured models that cost below $200, the best flight time you can get is somewhere near the 20-minute mark. Potensic D60 and Holy Stone HS700D are the prime specimens here, capable of going just below 20 minutes per battery.

 

What is the best follow-me drone under $200?

If you want your first/next drone to follow you around, then you should get the Holy Stone HS700D. This relatively bulky drone (for this price tier) doesn’t just sport brushless motors but a solid camera, great specs, and a durable frame. Not to mention the fact it brings forth a stellar array of smart features, including GPS, follow me, auto return to home, and altitude hold.

 

What is the best foldable drone under $200?

If portability (read foldability) is your number one concern, but you still want a proper camera, then I’m afraid you’ll have to splash a bit more money. As you could’ve seen for yourself, there’s not a single above-featured drone that has a foldable design. At this price point, drone manufacturers value good internals over foldability, which is why you’ll have to look elsewhere for potent foldable drones.

 

What is the best drone under $200 with a gimbal?

Let’s be realistic here – you won’t find proper gimbals on drones as cheap as $200. What you will find is one of those primitive camera mounting mechanisms with simplistic (read not so effective) anti-vibration mechanisms. They do their job, to an extent, but vibration and jello effects will still be visible. In most cases, at least.

 

Are there any 4k drones under $200?

Unfortunately, there are no quadcopters under $200 that carry sophisticated 4K cameras. In fact, there are no 2.7K camera drones either, despite some manufacturers claiming their drones offer 2K footage quality. If you read 2K somewhere, it means that it’s the typical full HD (1080p) but with a slightly wider resolution that stretches out over the 2000-pixel count. It’s y gimmick, nothing more and nothing less.

 

Are drones under $200 good for kids & beginners?

I guess there’s no other answer to this question then yes. UAVs under $200 are great options for both children and beginners. Spare parts are easy to find online in case something goes wrong. Plus, most of them are relatively easy to fly around making the first drone piloting steps rather accessible.

Imagine yourself right after receiving your $1000 drone. You’re thrilled, happy, and eager to get it off in the air. Of course, you’re a manly man and you didn’t read through any of the instructions that came with it so you just charged it up and turned it on before taking off. A couple of seconds flying around your backyard have passed, and you find yourself in a sticky situation – your drone is heading into a wall at a high speed and you don’t know how to make a sharp turn… BAM – your $1000 investment crashed into the wall and left you with a big pile of tech trash.

In order to stop that from happening, I suggest you opt for a cheaper alternative for your first drone. You won’t miss out on anything drastic since you’re, don’t get insulted, a beginner. $1000 models come with a plethora of additional features that you don’t know how to use properly. Plus, cheaper drones are much more forgiving and are still capable of entertaining you and your family for a solid amount of time. Want to find out what’s the best drone with a camera under 200? Keep reading! 🙂

 

What should you look for when buying some of the best drones under $200?

In addition to those above-mentioned traits, you should also look for certain characteristics that are marked by short abbreviations. For example, RTF, BNF, FPV, VR and all that needs to be taken into account when purchasing a drone. But, what do those abbreviations mean? Well, here’s the deal:

RTF vs BNF (All drones on this list are RTF)

RTF (short for Ready to Fly) represents a drone that comes with all necessary parts and can be operated straight out of the box. In some cases (very rarely), you might need to purchase AAA batteries for the controller. Other than that, if you see RTF next to a drone’s name it means you won’t need any DIY skills to get it flying.

On the other hand, BNF (short for Bind and Fly) drones require a bit more tampering around to set up properly. You see, if you purchase a BNF drone it means you won’t get a dedicated controller. In other words, you will have to provide your own and properly bind it to your new drone in order to get it working properly.

FPV vs non FPV

FPV drones (short for the first-person view) let you experience a significantly more immersive drone flight through the live feed. Whether you’re experiencing FPV via a dedicated display on controller, smartphone/tablet app or through FPV Goggles, you can be sure your experience is going to be drastically improved. On the other hand, non-FPV drones (as their name suggests) lack the FPV feature meaning you cannot enjoy the action straight from the cockpit. Keep reading to find out what’s the best FPV drone under $200.

 

Be Aware of The Follow Factors When Buying a Drone

Actual Battery Life

Typically, drone manufacturers greatly oversell the specifications of their drones. By specifications, I’m mainly referring to stuff like battery duration and operating distance. For both numbers, drone makers use the stats in ideal conditions, one that can’t be reproduced in typical flying scenarios. The official battery duration reflects how much time the drone can hover in one spot and the operating range usually reflects the very maximum signal the drone achieved over a large field with no obstructions of any kind. The actual numbers are lower than the advertised ones. Always reduce them a bit and make more comparisons before you put a ring on one.

The Truth Behind Smart LiPo Batteries

No matter how much you take care of your smart LiPo battery – it won’t last forever. These days, smart batteries seem to be ruling the market. They are embedded with overcharge and discharge protection which helps them last longer than their dumb counterparts. However, they will die eventually and you’ll have to find proper replacements.

DIY vs. RTF Drone Myths

There seems to be a myth out there suggesting it’s cheaper to build your own DIY drone than buy one as a ready-to-fly (RTF) package. Don’t let fishy sites fool you – it’s better to buy yourself an RTF drone than make one on your own… That is if you’re not an RC enthusiast (FPV racing FTW!!!) or a power user that wants to get the maximum performance. If you’re just an average Joe, then grabbing an RTF package is the optimal route!

Many People Still Think Drones are Dangerous

It’s true – many people still consider drones as dangerous flying objects that could kill a person at any given moment. Additionally, there are people who haven’t even heard about consumer-based drones, only the massive military ones… which further stigmatizes the drone industry. You should be aware of this prior to buying a drone. Why? Well, you should know that some people will give you the looks, and there’s nothing you can do about that. Perhaps you get a few take-ups that thing elsewhere shouts, but that’s nothing out of the ordinary, really…

Finding an Ideal Place to Fly Might be Difficult

Yessir – finding the ideal location for flying your drone and capturing mesmerizing aerial footage is actually much more difficult than most people think. At the end of the day, it all depends on where you live. Most of us do have a marvelous location within an hour of driving… but some of you might be unlucky and left stranded with no natural wonders nearby. If that’s the case, locations such as river banks, rocky beaches, and small ravines typically make for good filming locations. Use Google Maps and your imagination, that’s the best advice we can give you here.

Orange drone landing pad

Get the Most Out of Your Drone With These Accessories

Extra Batteries

Even though this is the most frequent advice you’ll hear when it comes to premium drones, it is well worth it for cheaper ones too. Just imagine yourself finally getting your drone and flying it around for a couple of minutes… only to find out you have to make a 2-hour pause before you can fly it again. It’s true.

These cheaper drones tend to have awfully long charging times that go well beyond one or even two hours. That’s why an obvious way to go would be extra batteries. Even though they depend on model to model, most of them are relatively cheap and are a worthy investment in the long run.

Landing Pad

Landing pads aren’t just great when you’re flying in remote areas, forests, large open fields, or mountains, but pretty much everywhere you fly. In remote areas and on rough terrain, landing pads are what give you that extra bit of landing leeway. In urban areas where there are plenty of safe spots to land, having a landing pad allows you to practice for more difficult scenarios. These days, landing pads are dirt cheap so I see no reason why you shouldn’t throw one into your shopping cart when checking out your new drone.

Large Capacity SD Card

Let’s talk about storage media. Typically, drones these days use SD card to store footage. Some go out of their way and possess some space onboard, allowing you to capture footage without the need for removable storage media… but those are typically much pricier models.

For pricier drones with 4K cameras, not only do you need large capacity SD cards but SD cars with high writing speed too. For more affordable drones around $200, you don’t have to worry about the writing speed as much. All you should worry about is whether or not you got them on you.

Drone pre flight checklist

Quick Pre-Flight Checklist (5 Easy Steps)

  • Check the Wind Forecast
  • Charge All Batteries
  • Format Your SD Cards
  • Thoroughly Inspect Your Drone
  • Hover at Low Altitude for 10 Seconds

Federal Aviation Agency logo

Should I Register My New Drones with the FAA?

If you own a drone that weighs between 0.55 and 55 lbs, then you are required to register it with the FAA. There’s no other way around it! If you keep flying illegally, you will eventually get caught and be forced to pay hefty fines. That’s why we at DronesGlobe always advise both recreational and commercial users to keep on the safe side of the law to avoid any issues in the long run.

How to Register a Drone with the FAA?

Registering your drone with the FAA is fairly simple these days. It only takes a few minutes and you’ll be as good as gold. In fact, here’s a quick step-by-step guide so you know what you’re supposed to do once you’re on the official FAA website:

  • Visit FAA’s official website
  • Navigate to the drone register page
  • Enter your model’s brand and name
  • Fill in the rest of the information
  • Pay the $5 FAA registration fee
  • Print out the registration number
  • Attach the print to your drone
  • You’re good to go

Do I Need to Renew my Drone Registration?

Yessir – FAA drone registration expires after three years. If your drone registration has expired and you’d like to go on a flight mission, you’ll have to renew it before you’re able to legally operate your birdie.

drone photography of red steel bridge

How do we Choose Drones for our Lists?

Our thought process is rather complex. We take into account several factors, such as the camera, durability, feature set, and specifications, but also count in additional stuff like reliability and user reviews. There’s a bunch of research that’s done in the background, which is why we at DronesGlobe are certain our lists are as good as they get in the world of affordable drones!

How Often Do We Update Them?

Updates are important, especially in a highly volatile market such as the drone industry, where top-tier models are prone to changing all the time. That’s why we do comprehensive updates on our lists every couple of months, meaning you always get the freshest models to choose from without worrying about availability or new and improved next-gen variations!

ocean and small islands - aerial photo

Summary

With a whopping list of drones behind us, I am afraid to let you know you have reached the end of this article. As you could see, 10 of them were priced under $200, making the list filled with extremely affordable options.

Lastly, I would like to thank you for reading the best camera drone under $200 article! If you have any burning questions or would like to add something, please don’t hesitate to leave us a comment down below!

Enjoy your day and happy flying!

DronesGlobe

Larry Haller