Drones have revolutionized the way we capture and explore the world around us. They offer a unique perspective and allow us to see things from a bird’s-eye view. If you’re looking to get into the drone hobby or want to upgrade your current drone, you don’t have to break the bank. There are many high-quality drones available that are affordable and easy to fly. In this list, we will showcase the five best drone under $400.
These drones offer a wide range of features and capabilities that are perfect for hobbyists, beginners, and even professionals. From drones with long battery life and high-resolution cameras to drones with advanced flight capabilities and GPS navigation, a drone is on this list to suit your needs and budget.
Whether you’re a photography enthusiast looking to capture stunning aerial shots or a beginner looking to learn how to fly, these drones offer the perfect balance of affordability and functionality. With these drones, you’ll be able to explore the skies like never before.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the list of the best drone under $400.
5 Best Drone Under $400
DJI Mavic Mini
DJI Mini 2
Holy Stone HS720E
Ruko F11 Pro
DJI Mini SE
1. DJI Mavic Mini
DJI Mavic Mini
- Compact and lightweight design
- 2.7K HD camera
- 30 minutes of flight time
- GPS navigation
The DJI Mavic Mini is a compact and lightweight drone that is perfect for capturing stunning aerial footage. With a 2.7K camera mounted on a 3-axis gimbal, this drone is capable of capturing smooth and stable video. The Mavic Mini also features GPS navigation, allowing for precise and controlled flight.
With a flight time of up to 30 minutes and a weight of fewer than 0.55 lbs, this drone is easy to take with you on the go and is compliant with FAA regulations for flying drones under 0.55 lbs, making it easy to fly without the need for registration. Whether you’re a hobbyist, beginner, or professional, the DJI Mavic Mini is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality drone at an affordable price.
Features
Here are some prominent features of the DJI Mavic Mini:
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design, making it easy to take on the go
- 2.7K camera mounted on a 3-axis gimbal for smooth and stable video
- GPS navigation for precise and controlled flight
- 30 minutes of flight time with a fully-charged battery
- Does not require registration with the government in the United States and Canada
- 12MP aerial photos and 2.7K HD videos
Cons
- Limited flight range compared to some other drones
- Limited obstacle avoidance capabilities
- May not be ideal for professional use.
Final Verdict
The DJI Mavic Mini is a great option for anyone looking for a compact, lightweight drone that can capture high-quality aerial footage. The 2.7K camera mounted on a 3-axis gimbal provides smooth and stable video, while the GPS navigation allows for precise and controlled flight. The 30-minute flight time and lightweight design make it easy to take with you on the go, and the fact that it doesn’t require registration with the government in the United States and Canada is a bonus.
However, it’s worth noting that the flight range is limited compared to some other drones, and the battery life may not be sufficient for some users. Additionally, the camera capabilities may not be sufficient for professional use, and the obstacle avoidance capabilities are limited.
Overall, if you are looking for an affordable and easy-to-fly drone for hobbyist use, to capture stunning aerial shots, or to learn how to fly, the DJI Mavic Mini is a great choice. However, if you are looking for a drone for professional use or a drone with more advanced features, you may want to consider other options.
2. Holy Stone HS720E
Holy Stone HS720E
- 4K EIS Anti-Shake Camera with Sony Sensor
- 23 minutes of flight
- GPS location and Auto Return Home feature
- Advanced flight modes
- Air optical flow and air pressure altitude control system
The Holy Stone HS720E is a powerful and easy-to-use drone equipped with a 4K EIS camera, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced pilots. With its advanced GPS technology, the HS720E offers a triple flight time and can automatically return home, making it a reliable and convenient option for capturing stunning aerial footage. The brushless motor ensures smooth and stable flight, while the anti-shake camera allows for crystal-clear and stable images.
Additionally, the “Follow Me” feature allows the drone to track and follow the user, making it ideal for capturing action shots and videos. Overall, the HS720E is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-performance drone with advanced features and a user-friendly design.
Features
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Triple flight time of up to 69 minutes
- Brushless motors for powerful, quiet, and stable flights with a longer lifespan.
- 4K EIS Anti-Shake Camera with Sony Sensor for superior image quality
- GPS location and Auto Return Home feature
- Advanced flight modes including Follow Me, Tap Fly, and Point of Interest for automated and hands-free flying and picture/video creation.
Cons
- It may be too advanced for some users who just want a simple drone to take pictures and videos.
- May be difficult for very first-time users to operate.
Final Verdict
Based on the features listed, the Holy Stone HS720E 4K EIS Drone with UHD Camera appears to be a high-performance and user-friendly drone suitable for both beginners and experienced pilots.
The triple flight time, brushless motors, 4K EIS Anti-Shake camera with Sony sensor, and advanced flight modes make it a great option for capturing stunning aerial footage. The easy-to-use air optical flow and air pressure altitude control systems, GPS location, and Auto Return Home feature provide added convenience and peace of mind.
Additionally, the included carrying bag makes it easy to transport and store the drone. Overall, if you’re looking for a powerful and feature-rich drone with a user-friendly design, the Holy Stone HS720E 4K EIS Drone with UHD Camera may be a good option to consider.
3. DJI Mini 2
DJI Mini 2
- Ultralight and foldable design
- 3-axis gimbal with 4K camera
- OcuSync 2.0 video transmission
- Weighing less than 249 grams
The DJI Mini 2 is the ultimate ultralight and foldable drone quadcopter. Equipped with a 3-axis gimbal and a 4K camera, this drone is perfect for capturing stunning photos and videos. With a 12 MP camera, you can take high-quality photos and share them with your friends and family. The 31-minute flight time means you can stay in the air longer and capture more footage. The OcuSync 2.0 10km HD video transmission allows you to view live footage from your drone in real time, while the QuickShots feature makes it easy to create cinematic videos with just a few taps. The gray color gives it a sleek and professional look. Whether you’re a professional photographer or just looking for a fun hobby, the DJI Mini 2 is the perfect drone for you.
Features
The DJI Mini 2 is a versatile and portable drone that is perfect for capturing stunning photos and videos. It features the following key features:
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Ultralight and the foldable design make it easy to take on the go and fit in the palm of your hand
- 3-axis gimbal and 4K camera for stunning photos and videos
- 12MP camera for high-quality photos
- 31-minute flight time for a longer capture time
- OcuSync 2.0 10km HD video transmission for live footage viewing
- QuickShots feature for easy creation of cinematic videos
- 4x digital zoom for safer and more convenient transitions between shots
- Can resist level 5 winds and take off at a max altitude of 4,000 meters for stable footage
Cons
- Limited storage capacity for photos and videos
- Limited flight modes compared to other DJI drones
- No automatic landing feature
Final Verdict
In conclusion, the DJI Mini 2 is a fantastic ultralight and foldable drone quadcopter that offers a wide range of features for capturing stunning photos and videos. Its 3-axis gimbal and 4K camera, along with 12MP photo capability, allow for high-quality and smooth footage.
The 31-minute flight time and OcuSync 2.0 10km HD video transmission makes it easy to fly farther and see clearer, while the QuickShots feature allows for the effortless creation of cinematic videos.
The compact and convenient design, along with the ability to resist level 5 winds and take off at a max altitude of 4,000 meters, makes it the perfect travel companion. Additionally, the 4x digital zoom and DJI Fly app make it easy for both beginners and more experienced flyers to produce impressive results.
Overall, the DJI Mini 2 is an excellent investment for anyone looking to elevate their photography and videography skills. So, it’s a final verdict to buy it.
4. Ruko F11 Pro
Ruko F11 PRO Drone
- Intelligent flight features
- One-click filming
- Long battery life
- Long battery life
The Ruko F11PRO Drone is a high-performance drone that is easy to learn and fun to fly. The F11PRO drone is designed for all levels of pilots and comes with beginner settings to help you get used to flying. The drone is equipped with intelligent flight features such as Follow Me Mode, Tap Fly, Point of Interest, and Hand Gesture Shots, which allow you to fly like an expert and explore the fun of the aerial film. With just one click, the drone will fly itself and film your creative video.
The Ruko F11PRO drone is an excellent choice for those looking to take their aerial photography and videography to the next level. With its easy-to-use interface, intelligent flight features, and high-performance capabilities, you’ll be able to capture stunning footage with ease. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced pilot, the Ruko F11PRO Drone will provide endless hours of entertainment and creative expression.
Features
The Ruko F11PRO Drone is a user-friendly and fun drone that is perfect for all levels of experience. Some of its key features include
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Easy to learn and fun to fly, suitable for all levels of experience
- Intelligent flight features such as Follow Me Mode, Tap Fly, Point of Interest, and Hand Gesture Shots make it easy to capture creative videos
- The one-click feature allows for easy control and filming
- Beginner settings make it easy to get used to the drone before exploring more advanced features
Cons
- The brand Ruko is not as well-known as other drone manufacturers, which may make some people hesitant to purchase
- Battery life may be limited compared to other drones on the market
- The camera quality may not be as high as other drones with similar features.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, the Ruko F11PRO Drone is a great option for those who are looking for a drone that is easy to learn and fun to fly. It comes with beginner settings that allow users to get used to the drone before moving on to more advanced functions.
The intelligent flight features, such as Follow Me Mode, Tap Fly, Point of Interest, and Hand Gesture Shots, make it easy for users to fly like experts and explore the fun of aerial filming. With just one click, the drone will fly itself and film your creative video. With all these features and capabilities, the Ruko F11PRO Drone is worth buying for anyone looking for a fun and easy-to-use drone.
5. DJI Mini SE
DJI Mini SE
- Lightweight and ultra-portable design
- Long flight time upto 30 minutes
- High-quality camera
- Upgraded wind resistance
The DJI Mini SE is a powerful and versatile camera drone with a 3-axis gimbal and a 2.7K camera. This mini drone is perfect for capturing stunning photos and videos with its improved camera capabilities. The 3-axis gimbal ensures smooth and stable footage, while the 2.7K camera delivers high-quality images.
With a 30-minute flight time, you’ll have plenty of time to capture the perfect shot. The GPS feature allows you to track your drone and ensure that it stays within your desired range. The reduced weight and improved scale 5 wind resistance make it easy to fly and control in any weather condition.
The gray color gives it a sleek and professional look. Whether you’re a professional photographer or just looking for a fun hobby, the DJI Mini SE is the perfect drone for you.
Features
The DJI Mini SE is a compact and powerful camera drone that is perfect for capturing stunning photos and videos. It features several advanced features that make it easy to use and control, including
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lightweight and portable design, making it easy to take with you on the go
- No need to register the drone with the government in the United States and Canada
- Long flight time of up to 30 minutes
- 12MP aerial photos and 2.7K HD videos with a 3-axis motorized gimbal for superior camera stability and smooth footage
- Improved wind resistance, able to resist 29-38kph winds and take off at a max altitude of 4,000 meters
- Easy to use Creator Templates in the DJI Fly app for creating professional-looking videos with just a tap
Cons
- Limited range compared to other DJI drones
- Some users have reported that the drone’s battery drains quickly in cold weather
Final Verdict
The DJI Mini SE is a lightweight and portable camera drone that is ideal for creators on the move. With a weight of fewer than 0.55 lbs and a flight time of up to 30 minutes, it is easy to take with you wherever you go.
The drone also supports 12 MP aerial photos and 2.7K HD videos and has a 3-axis motorized gimbal for superior camera stability. Additionally, it has upgraded wind resistance and can take off at a maximum altitude of 4,000 meters.
Overall, the DJI Mini SE is a great option for those looking for a lightweight and easy-to-use camera drone that can capture high-quality footage. With its easy-to-use template, it’s also great for beginners with no editing experience.
So, it’s worth buying if you are looking for a compact and powerful drone.
Which One To Buy? Quick Comparision
The DJI Mavic Mini, DJI Mini SE, DJI Mini 2, Ruko F11 Pro, and Holy Stone HS720E are all popular drones that fall within the $400 price range. Each of these drones offers a unique set of features and capabilities, so it is important to understand the differences between them before making a purchase.
DJI Mavic Mini
The DJI Mavic Mini is a lightweight and compact drone that is easy to transport and has a 2.5-mile (4km) transmission range. It has a 12 MP camera that can shoot 1080p HD video and has a 3-axis gimbal for smooth footage. It offers a flight time of up to 30 minutes, which is great for beginners.
DJI Mini SE
The DJI Mini SE is similar to the Mavic Mini in terms of size and weight, but it offers an upgraded camera with 4K video capability. It also has a 3-axis gimbal and a transmission range of 2.5 miles (4 km). The Mini SE has a slightly shorter flight time of 24 minutes.
DJI Mini 2
The DJI Mini 2 is an upgraded version of the Mini SE, which offers a 4K camera, a 3-axis gimbal, and a transmission range of 6 miles (10 km). It also has Ocusync 2.0 technology, which allows for 1080p video transmission. The Mini 2 has a flight time of 31 minutes and is perfect for those looking for more advanced features.
Ruko F11 Pro
The Ruko F11 Pro is a larger and more powerful drone than the others on this list. It offers a 4K camera and a 3-axis gimbal, and it has a transmission range of 4 miles (7 km). It also has a flight time of 30 minutes, and it is equipped with a variety of advanced features such as GPS, return to home, and follow-me modes.
Holy Stone HS720E
The Holy Stone HS720E is a GPS-enabled drone that offers a 4K camera and a 3-axis gimbal. It has a transmission range of 2 miles (3 km) and a flight time of 28 minutes. It also has advanced features such as return-to-home and follow-me modes.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a budget-friendly drone with great features and capabilities, all of the drones mentioned above are great options. However, if you are looking for the best camera and the longest flight time, the DJI Mini 2 would be the best choice. If you want a more powerful drone with more advanced features, the Ruko F11 Pro would be a better option. If you want a compact and easy-to-transport drone, the DJI Mavic Mini would be a good choice.
Ultimately, the choice depends on the specific needs and preferences of the buyer. It’s important to consider the features and capabilities that are most important to you before making a purchase.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many great drone options available for under $400 that offer a variety of features and capabilities. Whether you’re looking for a beginner-friendly drone with an easy-to-use interface or a more advanced model with high-quality camera capabilities, there is a drone on this list that will suit your needs.
The DJI Mini SE and all others are great options that offer a good balance of features, performance, and value. They all have a good flight time, good camera quality, and an easy-to-use controller. Each of these drones offers a unique set of features and capabilities, so be sure to consider your specific needs and preferences when making your decision.
With the right drone, you can capture stunning aerial footage and take your photography and videography to new heights.
I hope this article on the “5 best drone under $400” provides a useful overview of some of the top options available in the budget-friendly drone market. The drones listed in the article are all well-reviewed and have a good balance of features and capabilities, making them great choices for both beginners and more experienced pilots.
FAQs
What are the best drone under $400?
The best drone under $400 are the DJI Mavic Mini, the DJI Mini SE, the Mini 2, and the Holy Stone HS720E.
What do I need to know before buying a drone?
Make sure the drone has a good battery life and is easy to fly.
What’s the best drone for beginners?
The best beginner drone is the DJI Mavic Mini. It is easy to use and has a lot of features.
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