Headless Mode Explained + 5 Cheap Drones With Headless Mode

What is headless mode on a drone?

Headless mode represents a specialized flying mode that is present on virtually all entry-level drones available on the market. It eliminates the need for focusing on drone’s orientation and enables a much easier Line of Sight flying experience.

This is even more true for beginners whose main problem is getting their control inputs to align with their drone’s current orientation. Being unable to tell which part of the drone is the front and which is the back is how most beginners’ crashes happen.

But, thanks to headless mode, beginners can easily control their UAV in all directions since this feature tracks the drone’s orientation with its transmitter and not its general in-space orientation. In layman terms, no matter where your drone’s front side is pointing, pressing left on the transmitter will always make the drone go left in your current point of view… In other words, the headless mode takes commands in relation to your current orientation and not its own. This would, of course, not be the case with normal mode when your drone’s front side points towards you – if you press left, it will go right.

Here’s a quick illustration showing what happens when you press your right control stick in a certain direction depending on whether or not you have headless mode turn on:

I hope that now you have the right answer to your “What is headless mode” question?

How to activate headless mode?

Now when we know what does headless mode means, let’s find out how to activate it! Unfortunately, for this question there isn’t a “one answer fits all” scenario. Instead, all drones use different methods for activating the headless mode. Still, they’re all fairly simple and include just one push of a button in order to get it to work.

However, there are some models that have headless mode hidden away. So, if you cannot find it anywhere and you’ve already pressed all of its keys… then it might be activated with a long press. For that, I suggest you go ahead and get informed by reading the manual. I’m sure you will find an illustration of your controller as well as the explanation on how to activate the headless mode.

Scroll down to:

• Headless drones for kids

• Headless drones for enthusiasts

• Headless drones for professionals

For Kids

Let’s face it, headless mode is the ideal feature for kids and beginners. It allows people who’ve never operated with a drone before to get a grasp on the control in a simple manner without too many obstacles. You point left, it goes left. You point right, it goes right. So, if you’re on the lookout for children’s drones featuring headless mode, then the following three models are the perfect match!

Table: Kids headless mode drones

Image	Name	Range	Flight Time	Best Offer
	3. Syma X5C-1	30m	6min	See best offer
	2. Snaptain S5C	80m	7min	See best offer
	1. Altair AA108	100m	10min	See best offer

3. Syma X5C-1

Syma X5C-1 is a drone that comes in 2 different versions. One will set you back for slightly over $20 but comes as a BNF model without a camera or charging cable. The second version will set you back by double the money but sports a controller, 2GB SD card, charging cable and a miniature camera.

A Higher price is justified as it would cost you much more than that if you went on and purchased all that accessories separately. But, generally speaking, is Syma X5C-1 a good entry-level drone? Well, let’s just say it can surprise you with everything it has to offer…

Camera and features

Starting off with the features, Syma X5C-1 obviously sports headless mode. On top of that, it also features 360 eversions (continuous flips) which can be considered as icing on the cake. Camera-wise, Syma X5C-1 has received an upgrade in the form of an HD-ready sensor. More precisely, this miniature camera can record videos in 720p which it saves on the provided 2GB MicroSD card.

But, when it comes to flight stability, that’s where this birdie shines the most. Thanks to a great transmitter and fast flight controller, maneuvering with Syma X5C-1 is a breeze. Controls are responsive and specialized flying mode for beginners makes things a lot easier for first-time flyers.

Specifications

Specifications are not a downside either. Syma X5C-1 runs on a 1S 500mAh LiPo battery. It takes around 1 and a half hours to charge it up and it can provide approximately 6 minutes of flight time. Not a lot, I know… but getting 5 replacement batteries and a 5 in 1 charger could do you a world of good.

Operating range goes somewhere around 30 meters which is by no means bad for a drone costing as little as this. All in all, if you’re looking for a responsive and highly stable drone with a good camera, Syma X5C-1 should definitely be your go-to option!

2. Snaptain S5C

After checking out the age-old Syma X5C, it’s time to explore a similarly named model, S5C. It’s not made by Syma, though. We’re talking about Snaptain S5C here, a cheap entry-level model that serves as a great introduction to the drone world.

Camera and Features

Snaptain S5C is one of those affordable camera drones primarily targeting children. The onboard camera isn’t exactly good, featuring shaky 720p footage and mediocre stills. But, for roughly $80 (you can get it for even cheaper than that when it’s on sale), it’s not supposed to feature a potent camera. The same goes for virtually all other drones at this price point.

On the bright side, Snaptain S5C does have a bunch of features to its tally. We’re mainly talking about basic stuff like one key takeoff/landing, VR headset compatibility, gesture/voice control, as well as the focal feature of this guide, headless mode. For under $100, Snaptain S5C delivers across all fronts, and does so with a fine package that comes with an extra battery,

Specifications

Talking about batteries, Snaptain S5C’s 3.7v battery can handle around 6-7 minutes of flight time. It might seem like short flight time, but that’s about what you can expect at this price point. The same goes for the range, which extends to around 50 to 80 meters. Obviously, Snaptain S5C is one of those backyard flyers for kids, and with more than 3,300 positive reviews on Amazon, it’s surely one of the best ones currently available.

1. Altair AA108

The third spot on Best Headless Drones list goes to the one and only Altair AA108. Many of you haven’t even heard about this drone and I cannot start to explain just how awesome it is.

Of course, we are talking about another toy grade model… but this one can actually provide a great range, solid flight time, impressive stability and best of all – unparalleled (at least at this price point) aerial videos thanks to its camera…

Camera and features

While we are already talking about the camera, I should tell you right off the bat that it’s basically a 2MPX sensor, very similar to the 2 above. However, thanks to spectacular flight stability and the perfect camera angle, Altair AA108’s camera performs way better than others.

There’s not a lot of jello in aerial videos (in 720 @30fps) plus selfies are pretty clean as well. So, if you’re looking for an entry-level drone that will boost your selfie game, I reckon you should give Altair AA108 a go.

You will also get an extra battery as well as a spare set of props to help you save money after your first couple of crashes. Additionally, I should also mention that Altair AA108 sports FPV, headless mode (obviously), 3-speed modes, altitude hold and even out of range/low battery alarm to help you find your drone if you happen to lose it.

Specifications

Specifications-wise, Altair AA108 is looking like a proper beast. Thanks to a powerful LiPo battery and lightweight design, its flight time can go up to 10 minutes with normal use. The operating range doesn’t fall too much behind more expensive models – roughly 100 meters. FPV range, on the other hand, is roughly half of that… which is still not bad considering the price tag Altair AA108 sells for.

For enthusiasts

Let’s up the price a bit. All three following drones possess beginner-friendly characteristics, including headless mode. However, in contrast to drones for kids, these models sport much better cameras as well as extra layers of safety and stability. They feature onboard GPS and pose as much better flyers, no matter the weather conditions.

Table: Enthusiasts headless mode drones

Image	Name	Camera	Range	Flight Time	Best Offer
	3. MJX Bugs 5W	4K	1km	18min	See best offer
	2. Ruko F11	4K	0.5km	25min	See best offer
	1. Hubsan Zino	4K	4km	22min	See best offer

3. MJX Bugs 5W

MJX might not be as popular as it was a few years ago, but it’s still among the highest quality drone brands out there. Their Bugs 3 and 2W are iconic, and their 5W, a much newer model, seems to be on the right path too. Let’s see why…

Camera and Features

The camera is miles ahead of all three aforementioned drones for kids. It boasts with a solid 4K camera (there’s also a 1080p version), a motorized gimbal that allows for 180-degree movement, and does a pretty good job of stabilizing the footage. The only downside of 5W’s camera is the wide-angle lens. It gives that nasty fish eye effect. Some people can live with it, I can’t. It’s as simple as that.

Bugs 5W will set you back for around $200, depending on which package you go for. There is a full HD version too, which cost slightly below the $200 mark. If, however, you’d like to get the package that includes extra batteries, you’ll have to spend upwards of $200. On the bright side, Bugs 5W does a good job of justifying the price tag. The drone features GPS, brushless motors, and precise altitude hold, all of which drastically improve the overall flying experience. Not to mention the addition of stuff like follow me, return to home, and point of interest…

Specifications

MJX Bugs 5W won’t disappoint you with its performance either, and by the performance, I’m mainly referring to battery life and operating range, as usual. The provided battery is good for roughly 18ish minutes, which brings forth great value for money. On top of that, it can handle approximately 1 kilometer. That goes for both FPV and control range.

2. Ruko F11

Next up, we have Ruko F11. This is an interesting little bugger featuring a stellar camera, foldable design and potent brushless motors. It’s a bit pricier than MJX Bugs 5W, but has several improvements that justify the extra cost. Let’s check it out real fast!

Camera and Features

Let’s start off with the camera. Ruko F11 sports a superb 4K UHD sensor. The image quality is great, the sharpness is there, and color accuracy is pretty good. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said about the onboard stabilization. As is the case with most drones at this price point, Ruko F11’s camera suffers from extreme vibration and jello effect. Still images are fine, for the most part, but the vibration is more than noticeable when it comes to the footage.

In terms of features, Ruko F11 doesn’t fail to deliver. Thanks to a top-notch GPS module, this birdie is both precise and sports a bunch of safety features that make it ideal for both beginners and enthusiasts. On top of that, it also features FPV, as well as standard stuff like altitude hold, and return to home.

Specifications

Specs-wise, Ruko F11 has excellent stats that are way beyond the usual numbers at this price point. We’re talking roughly a kilometer of operating range and 500ish meters of FPV. Both are superb, and make this bugger much more than just your typical backyard flyer. As for the battery duration, you’re looking at roughly 25 minutes. Best of all, there’s an extra battery in the package meaning you’ll be getting close to an hour of flying straight out of the box.

1. Hubsan Zino

Hubsan Zino is an absolute beast. We’re talking about a $400 drone here, which is roughly $100 more than what you’d have to pay for Ruko F11. However, Hubsan Zino delivers a much better overall performance, especially in the camera department. Let’s learn more about the king of budget drones!

Camera and Features

As hinted above, the camera is by far the best thing about Hubsan Zino. The camera is what separates it from cheaper models. And it’s not all about the resolution. Mind you, Hubsan Zino features a hefty 4K sensor that brings forth exceptional sharpness and image quality. But that’s not what brings forth the wow factor.

The wow factor is brought to life by the onboard 3-axis gimbal that stabilizes the footage and makes it looks outstanding. It’s miles better than what MJX Bugs 5W and Ruko F11 have to offer. Hubsan Zino’s footage isn’t just viable for enthusiasts and casual uses, but for commercial/industrial scenarios too. Combine all that with GPS, return to home, altitude hold and a bunch of additional features and you’ll understand why it’s $100 pricier than Ruko F11.

Specifications

You can expect around 20 to 22 minutes of flight time per battery with this little bugger. It’s a bit shorter than that of Ruko F11, but it’s nothing surprising considering the fact Zino is much smaller, more portable, and has more powerful hardware that draws much more power. On top of that, ZIno will sweep you off your feet with its 4 kilometers of operating range. FPV range is a bit shorter than that, but all things considered, the king of value/money ratio lives on in Hubsan Zino!

For Professionals

Now, let’s talk about the big boys. These drones don’t just possess headless mode but a vast number of additional features that make them viable for all sorts of commercial/industrial uses. In other words, if you’re looking for state-of-the-art drones that can get the job done, this trio ought to sweep you off your feet!

TABLE: Professional headless mode drones

Image	Name	Camera	Range	Flight Time	Best Offer
	3. DJI Mavic Mini	2.7K	4km	30min	See best offer
	2. Parrot Anafi	4K	4km	25min	See best offer
	1. Autel EVO	4K	7km	30min	See best offer

3. DJI Mavic Mini

Even though it doesn’t have headless mode, DJI Mavic Mini’s flight is so precise and intuitive that it deserves a spot on this list. Let’s face it, high-end models such as Mavic Mini, Anafi and EVO don’t usually don’t feature headless mode. But that doesn’t make them any worse. The point of having headless mode is to make flying easier for beginners. That said, all three of these drones are so smooth, precise and intuitive that they don’t even need it…

Camera and Features

Unfortunately, DJI Mavic Mini doesn’t feature a hefty 4K camera. Instead, it boasts a 2.7K sensor. The sharpness and image quality are still there, just like the smoothness ensured by the onboard gimbal. In all honesty, even if you do own a 4K TV, chances are you wouldn’t even notice the difference between 2.7K and 4K.

As for the features, DJI Mavic Mini has a ton of stuff underneath its sleeves… except for obstacle avoidance, that is. Still, there’s GPS, altitude hold, return to home, and a whole lot of smart aerial camera mode that’ll up your selfie game and make you the king of Instagram!

Specifications

DJI Mavic Mini is somewhere in between DJI Mavic Air and Pro (2 Pro as well). With approximately 4 kilometers of flight range, which is sort of the standard at this price point, you won’t have to worry about your DJI Mavic Mini going out of range. Furthermore, thanks to its small size, low weight, and optimized battery, DJI Mavic Mini manages to fly around for up to 30 minutes. Pretty good for a drone that doesn’t even require FAA registration, right?

2. Parrot Anafi

If you’re looking for a unique little bugger, then Parrot Anafi is a no-brainer. The newest model by Parrot brings forth a great set of features nicely poised with exceptional hardware and specifications. And don’t even get me started on the camera…

Camera and Features

The special thing about Parrot Anafi’s camera is its ability to rotate vertically. And it’s not just your typical rotation – Parrot Anafi can shoot straight up and straight down, and at the moment, it’s the only mainstream drone capable of doing that.

As for the camera itself, we’re talking about a massive sensor featuring 4K HDR footage. Needless to say, 3-axis stabilization is present, making all Anafi aerial footage as smooth as that seen on top-tier Hollywood movies. Considering the fact we’re talking about Parrot here, it’s no surprise to see a plethora of smart features available through the provided Skycontroller 3. Point of interest, waypoints, GPS, altitude hold, and return to home, just to name a few.

Specifications

Parrot Anafi is pretty good numbers-wise too. This foldable bugger can fly around for 25ish minutes and reach 4 kilometers away from its paired Skycontroller 3 without losing connection. Thanks to its camera and open-end design in the front that allows recording straight up, Anafi is often used for commercial work such as wiring and bridge inspections. On top of that, extreme adventurers love it too, as it brings forth a completely different perspective to drone photography/cinematography.

1. Autel Robotics EVO

This is it, guys! Autel Robotics EVO is the bread and butter of beginner-friendly drones. As stated above, even though it doesn’t feature headless mode, it’s among the most intuitive models out there, making it easy to use for beginners and professionals alike.

Camera and Features

First of all, I have to compliment EVO’s appearance. The folk over at Autel Robotics have stayed true to their orange color scheme, making EVO even brighter than its predecessor, the X-Star Premium. EVO’s camera solution brings state of the art performance, with a massive 4K sensor that shoots buttery smooth footage thanks to a dedicated 3-axis gimbal. This bugger is capable of providing professional-grade aerial footage no matter the weather conditions. It possesses great value for money and its popularity is a direct result of exactly that.

Features-wise, Autel Robotics EVO has everything you’ll ever need. Starting with GPS and GLONASS for extra flight precision and accuracy, obstacle avoidance sensors, and a ton of flight modes that make the best out of its 4K camera. EVO is a proper beast, and this year’s CES unveiled three new EVO models that will undoubtedly take the market by storm…

Specifications

Specs-wise, Autel Robotics EVO is on point with more expensive models such as DJI Mavic 2 Pro. In other words, it can reach up to 7 kilometers and fly for around half an hour. That allows EVO not just to be an exceptional selfie drone but a viable business solution too.

How reliable is the headless mode?

Now when we know what is headless mode on a drone, let’s talk about its reliability. Believe it or not, headless mode actually has no issues with reliability. It is not affected by range, motors, power, battery or anything else of such nature. Instead, it is basically a controlling protocol just like standard flying is. With that being said, you can expect the same controlling accuracy without any degradation by any means.

What are the benefits of flying in headless mode vs normal?

As it has already been stated above, drone headless mode has several benefits over flying in normal mode. However, they are all primarily targeted at beginners and generally to people who can’t properly control a drone in the normal mode. As a matter of fact, if you already know how to do an S-curve with your drone when it’s not pointing directly towards you, then I suggest you avoid using headless mode.

On the other hand, if you are a beginner who is struggling with controlling your UAV, then here are a few traits from the headless mode that could help you out:

Should beginners fly their drones in headless mode?

Well, if you ask me… I suppose headless mode is a great way for complete beginners (read first-time flyers) to practice flying their newly purchased (or gifted, I guess) drones. It enables a much smoother learning curve without constant crashing that could result in premature drone defects. But first, take a look at our photo illustration of “what is headless mode” on the top of this guide.

Driven by those thoughts, I should also say that there are many people (my colleagues too) who are highly against headless mode. Their main argument is: It learns people wrong controlling method and makes it more difficult to learn flying in normal mode.

To be honest, their argument stands true… but despite it, I still believe beginners should use headless mode. Many of them won’t become FPV racers or professional drone operators and they’re just looking for some fun. With that said, if headless mode provides them with an easier solution to that, why shouldn’t they use it?

Can you use headless mode while flying FPV?

Unfortunately, headless mode will simply not work while you’re flying in FPV. The reason is rather obvious too – in FPV mode you will be viewing the scene from your drones from perspective. With that being said, there’s no real reason to turn on headless mode as you will be looking at your drone’s camera perspective at all times. Turning it on would result in an unimaginably terrible experience… and crashes… lots and lots of crashes!

Is headless mode considered as “cheating”?

Well, it kind of is. Using headless mode gives you direct control of your drone without the need to constantly pay attention to its orientation. It’s much easier than normal mode, that’s for sure… so I guess it can be considered as cheating. But looking at the grand scheme of things, it is exactly the opposite of that. How? Well, if you ever decide to fly a more expensive drone (for example, a drone for industrial use) you would have a terrible time since most of them don’t support headless mode… and your brain muscles have gotten used to it. Check out Limitations of headless mode if you haven’t already, it will shed some more light on this topic.

Headless mode drones – Conclusion

There’s been a whole lot of things said about headless mode and what it represents. In fact, I guess everything that needed to be said has been said. So, there’s no point in going any further…

That’s why I’d like to conclude by thanking you for reading this with the hope that it shed some light on the topic. The term Headless Mode can seem somewhat confusing to first-time flyers so this sort of article could do a great deal of help.

Anyways, I hope you enjoyed the list.

Until next time… Happy flying!

DronesGlobe

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Larry Haller

Larry is the founder of DronesGlobe. He has been tested and certified by the FAA and successfully became a FAA-Certified Advanced Ground Instructor.

Larry achieved great results working as an instructor at our partnering company where he prepared students for Part 107 exams.

Proud father of two beautiful kids, which is pretty much explaining why he's not publishing as often on DronesGlobe as he used before.

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