Looking for a decent drone that won’t break the bank under 200 bucks can be tricky. You’re not quite in the big leagues for the professional stuff yet. But don’t worry, I’ve whittled it down to the top-notch brushless drones with 2 or 3-axis gimbal stabilization. Those’ll get you way smoother footage compared to those toy drones.
In this guide, you’ll get a detailed table comparing the top picks for drones in this price range. I’ll also give you the low-down on what to keep an eye out for when picking your drone. At the end, you’ll know exactly which model is the best bang for your buck to get airborne without spending a fortune.
In this article I will recommend this drones for you:
1、Eachine Ex4 Pro
2、kf101
3、Kaione Pro max
4、SG906 pro 2
5、JJRC X17
6、ZLL SG108 PRO
7、KF102
8、SG907 MAX
9、mjx bugs 19
10、LYZRC L106 PRO
How to choose a drone under $200？
When selecting a drone priced under $200, you can find more advanced features while still getting an affordable model. Aim for 10-15 minutes of flight time and control ranges up to 300 feet. Camera quality moves up to 1080p HD video and 12MP still photos. Look for smart flight modes like follow-me tracking and GPS hold. Gimbal stabilization delivers smoother footage. The ability to do rolls, flips and tricks indicates better motors and performance. Brand reputation is still key, as many drones in this range may be clones of name brands. Do your research to get the best combination of video quality, flying time and range to capture great aerial shots without spending a lot.
What should you pay attention to when you buy a drone under $200?
- Flight Time – Aim for 15 minutes or longer flight times per charge.
- Video Quality – 1080p HD video resolution and image stabilization are ideal.
- Control Range – Look for at least 300 feet of operating range, 500+ feet is better.
- Smart Features – GPS positioning, follow me modes, and waypoint navigation become available.
- Maneuverability – The ability to perform flips and rolls indicates good motor performance.
- Reputation – Stick with major consumer drone brands that are proven reliable.
10 top camera drones under $200
| Drone | Price | Camera Resolution | Flight Time | Range | Recommendation Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eachine Ex4 Pro | $99 | 4K | 20 mins | 800m | ★★★★ |
| kf101 | $129 | 4K | 25 mins | 1000m | ★★★★ |
| Kaione Pro max | $89 | 1080p | 18 mins | 500m | ★★★ |
| SG906 pro 2 | $109 | 4K | 30 mins | 800m | ★★★★ |
| JJRC X17 | $215 | 4K | 35 mins | 1000m | ★★★★★ |
| ZLL SG108 PRO | $75 | 720p | 20 mins | 500m | ★★ |
| KF102 | $118 | 4K | 28 mins | 800m | ★★★★ |
| SG907 MAX | $99 | 1080p | 25 mins | 800m | ★★★ |
| mjx bugs 19 | $88 | 1080p | 18 mins | 500m | ★★★ |
| LYZRC L106 PRO | $79 | 720p | 18 mins | 500m | ★★★ |
1、Eachine Ex4 Pro
The Eachine Ex4 Pro packs some impressive specs into a sub $100 drone. It comes equipped with a 4K camera capable of shooting high resolution video from the air. The folding design makes it portable, and it has a flight time of around 20 minutes on a single charge. The 800 meter control range gives you good operating distance. Plus you get useful features like follow me and orbit modes.
Pros:
- 4K camera for sharp, detailed aerial footage
- 20 minutes of flight time
- 800 meter control range
- Foldable arms for easy transport
- Includes follow me and orbit modes
- Affordable price under $100
Cons:
- 4K video can lack stabilization
- Still photo resolution limited to 12MP
- Advanced features may be buggy
- Not great for flying indoors
- Transmitter feels cheap
For the price, the Ex4 Pro delivers good 4K video and smart features making it one of the top budget camera drones available.
2、kf101
The kf101 is a budget 4K camera drone that packs some impressive specs given its affordable price point under $130. It can shoot 4K video and 25 megapixel still photos. The advanced 3-axis gimbal helps stabilize your aerial footage and images. The kf101 also boasts an impressive 1000 meter transmission range and 25 minutes of flight time per battery.
Pros:
- Shoots 4K video and 25MP still photos
- Advanced 3-axis stabilization gimbal
- Very long 1000m transmission range
- 25 minutes of flight time per battery
- GPS-assisted hovering
- Return-to-home function
Cons:
- Bulky, less portable frame
- 4K video can lack detail in low-light
- Advanced features may have bugs
- Setup and calibration takes time
- After-sales support can be hit or miss
Overall, the kf101 offers great value by packing 4K video recording and long flight times into a drone under $130. Just be ready to tune and tweak it a bit out of the box.
3、Kaione Pro max
The Kaione Pro Max is a mid-range drone priced under $100, making it an affordable way to get into aerial photography and videography. It shoots 1080p video which is decent quality for the price point. Flight time is advertised as 18 minutes. The 500 meter range gives you good operating distance. There are also useful features like GPS positioning and follow me modes.
Pros:
- Affordable at under $100
- 1080p HD video quality
- 18 minutes flight time
- 500 meter control range
- GPS positioning
- Follow me and orbit modes
Cons:
- Still photos limited to 10MP
- Footage can lack stabilization
- Durability issues in crashes
- Short battery life compared to competitors
- Transmitter has no display
While not perfect, the Kaione Pro Max provides good value for a starter 1080p camera quadcopter thanks to its respectable flight time and range capabilities.
4、SG906 pro 2
The SG906 pro 2 is a feature-packed drone priced under $110. It shoots 4K video and has a 3-axis gimbal for stabilization. The 30 minute flight time is very long for this price point. The 800 meter transmission range gives you good operating distance. There are also useful smart features like GPS hold, follow me, orbit modes, and even gesture control.
Pros:
- Shoots 4K ultra HD video
- 3-axis mechanical gimbal for stabilization
- Very long 30 minute flight time
- 800 meter transmission range
- Advanced smart flight modes
- Gesture photo/video control
Cons:
- Still photos limited to 12MP
- Occasional issues with gimbal motor
- Propellers can break easily in crashes
- Bulky, less portable frame
- Manual and instructions lack detail
Overall, the SG906 pro 2 delivers great value for a 4K camera drone thanks to its long flight time, range, and advanced features under $110. Just be ready for some learning curve.
5、JJRC X17
The JJRC X17 is a high-end drone priced under $250. It shoots 4K video and 20MP photos, with a 3-axis gimbal for stabilization. The X17 boasts an extremely long flight time of 35 minutes along with a 1000 meter transmission range. GPS assisted features, follow me modes, and a return home function make it easy to use.
Pros:
- Shoots professional quality 4K and 20MP visuals
- 3-axis gimbal stabilization system
- Very long 35 minute flight time
- 1000 meter transmission range
- Intelligent flight modes and GPS positioning
- Durable and modular design
Cons:
- Higher price point for a beginner
- Large and heavy, not as portable
- Advanced features have a learning curve
- Setting up and calibrating takes time
- No downward obstacle avoidance sensors
While expensive, the X17 delivers exceptional video quality and flight endurance that rivals higher end drones, making it a top choice for the price.
6、ZLL SG108 PRO
The ZLL SG108 PRO is one of the most affordable GPS drones available, usually selling for under $75. For the ultra-low price, you get a 720p camera, 20 minutes of flight time, and a 500 meter control range. It’s easy to fly with features like altitude hold and one key takeoff/landing.
Pros:
- Extremely budget-friendly price under $75
- 720p camera captures decent video
- 20 minutes of flight time
- 500 meter control range
- Easy to fly with beginner modes
- Foldable and portable
Cons:
- Still photos limited to low resolution
- Lacks gimbal so footage can be shaky
- Build quality feels cheap and plasticky
- Minimal smart features or flight modes
- No dedicated remote, uses phone control
While very affordable, the video shakiness and lack of features limit the SG108 PRO’s functionality. But it can be a good starter drone for learning to fly on a strict budget.
7、KF102
The KF102 offers a lot of performance for under $120. It has a 4K camera on a 3-axis gimbal for stabilized video and 12MP photos. Flight time is an impressive 28 minutes, and the control range reaches 800 meters. There’s also some automated flight modes and GPS positioning.
Pros:
- 4K camera with 3-axis stabilization gimbal
- Long 28 minute flight time
- 800 meter control range
- GPS-assisted flight features
- Headless mode and altitude hold
- Foldable design for easy transport
Cons:
- Still photos limited to 12MP
- Setup and calibration takes time
- Not great for indoor flying
- App and instructions could be better
- Customer support can be hit or miss
If you’re willing to fine-tune it, the KF102 represents a capable 4K camera drone with long flight times for the money. Just be ready to tweak it to maximize performance.
8、SG907 MAX
The SG907 MAX is a mid-range drone featuring a 1080p camera and 25 minutes of flight time. The 800 meter transmission range gives you good operating distance. There’s built-in GPS positioning and optical flow positioning sensors. You also get follow me, orbit and waypoint modes.
Pros:
- 1080p HD video resolution
- Long 25 minute flight time
- 800 meter control range
- GPS and optical positioning
- Smart follow, orbit and waypoint modes
- Foldable design for transport
Cons:
- Still images limited to 10MP
- Footage could use better stabilization
- Advanced features can be buggy
- Bulky, less portable frame
- Propellers prone to breaking
While not perfect, the SG907 MAX provides good value in a mid-range GPS drone with long flight times and decent 1080p video under $100.
9、mjx bugs 19
The Bugs 19 from MJX offers a nice mix of features and performance at an affordable price under $100. It has a 1080p HD camera capable of recording crisp videos from the air. Flight time is a respectable 18 minutes per charge. The 500 meter range allows you to fly fairly far distances. There’s GPS hold and follow me modes for easy automated flying.
Pros:
- 1080p HD video resolution
- 18 minutes of flight time
- 500 meter transmission range
- GPS hold and follow modes
- Altitude hold and headless modes
- Foldable and portable design
Cons:
- Still images limited to 10MP
- Footage could use more stabilization
- Some durability issues in crashes
- Batteries take a long time to charge
- No downward obstacle avoidance
If you’re looking for an affordable mid-range drone with good HD video, the MJX Bugs 19 is a solid choice for the price point. Just don’t expect top-tier camera quality and features.
10、LYZRC L106 PRO
The L106 PRO from LYZRC is a foldable drone with a 720p camera priced under $80. It offers a decent 18 minutes of flight time and 500 meter control range. The WiFi FPV transmission lets you view live video feed from your phone. There are useful features like follow me, orbit modes, and automatic return home.
Pros:
- Affordable price under $80
- 720p camera captures decent video
- 18 minutes flight time
- 500 meter control range
- Follow me and orbit intelligent modes
- Foldable design for easy transport
Cons:
- Still images limited to low resolution
- Lacks gimbal so video can be shaky
- Basic looking transmitter
- No GPS or obstacle avoidance
- Durability issues with crashes
For the price, the L106 PRO provides good value as an entry-level foldable camera drone. Just don’t expect top notch video quality or smart features.
Final words about Best Drones under $200
As drone technology advances and prices continue to drop, 2024 will bring some exciting aerial options at the sub-$200 price point. With flight times breaking the 20-minute barrier and 4K video becoming standard, you’ll get professional features without the professional cost. Smart flight modes like subject tracking and waypoint navigation will also give you pro-level flying capabilities. When shopping for your drone, keep an eye on battery life, camera resolution and intelligent flight modes to find the perfect entry-level model under $200 for your needs. The world of budget drones has a bright future as performance increases and prices stay affordable. With the models highlighted here as top picks, you can take your first steps into piloting an impressive quadcopter in 2024 without breaking the bank.
To learn more about Drones under $200，please check the following video：
FAQs about Best Drones under $200
What features can I get in a drone priced under $200?
Expect 1080p HD video, 10-15 minutes of flight time, 300-500 meters of range, GPS and optical position holding, and automated flight modes.
What video and camera capabilities can I expect in this range?
Most drones under $200 shoot 1080p video at 30fps and have 1-2MP still photo capability. Some offer 4K but sacrifice battery life.
Which brands make high-quality drones for under $200?
DJI, Potensic, Holy Stone, and Hubsan make great drones at this price point. Always go for reputable brands.
How important is battery life and flight time?
Very important. Look for at least 15 minutes of flight per charge. Extra batteries can help lengthen flying time.
What smart features should I look for?
GPS positioning, follow me, orbit modes, and waypoint navigation are big pluses for easy and dynamic filming.
Can I fly a drone under $200 safely indoors?
Most models this size are still best for outdoor use. Opt for a smaller “mini” drone for indoor flying.
What accessories might I need with a $200 drone?
Extra batteries, propellors, and a smartphone gimbal for smoother video are recommended. A carry case adds protection.
How difficult are drones in this price range to fly?
Many will have beginner friendly features like altitude hold and headless mode to make piloting easier to learn.
