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7 Best Drones for Kids in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks
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Drones aren’t limited to adults. Kids can have tons of fun with drones, and you can buy high-tech varieties for low prices that are perfect for kids to fly—or even crash. Though still considered toys, adults can have some fun with them, too.
We’ve compiled a range of different drones for kids, including drones for preteens or teens with some serious flying skills. Here are our seven best drones for kids this year, based on reviews from customers.
The Potensic A20W Drone is the best overall drone for kids because of its stable flying, simple flight controls, and affordable price. Also known as the Firefly, the Potensic A20W is an excellent all-around drone for kids with minimal experience. It features one-button takeoff and landing, headless and altitude mode, and Gravity Induction mode, which allows your child to control it by tilting the phone. It also has propeller guards that protect the drone and any people or pets from injury in a crash.
The 720p HD camera can record photos or videos, though not the best quality. It also includes a 2.4G Wi-Fi remote control that can connect to a smartphone by the app. A smartphone and app are required for the camera, so keep this in mind for your child.
Holy Stone HS210 Mini RC Drone is the best drone for kids for the money. It features easy-to-use flight controls for an introduction to drones. Features like the auto-hovering mode allow kids to learn turns and speed shifts without worrying about altitude. The headless mode ensures that no matter what direction the drone is facing, the directional controls are the same.
Along with good learning features, the mini-drone has features like the ability to fly in circles or perform flips, which are fun and engaging for kids. It can be launched or landed with just one button or simply tossed into the air for launch. It also has safety features like propeller guards and an emergency land button. There is no camera, however.
The DJI Mini 2 Drone is the premium choice for kids. DJI typically makes drones designed for professionals, and the Mini 2 is a great choice for toy drones for more advanced kids or teenagers. It’s a lightweight drone that doesn’t require registration for recreational flyers, but it has a long range of 6.2 miles and can fly as high as 13,123 feet.
Along with its impressive capabilities, the DJI Mini 2 Drone has a high-quality camera that can pull off 4k video and 12MP RAW images. The three-axis gimble means that video footage is smooth and steady for amateur photographers. Some other desirable features include built-in GPS and smart flying modes. Though expensive, it’s a worthwhile investment for a budding drone photographer or more advanced kid.
The DJI Mini SE is a cheaper version of the Mini. It offers the same flight stability and wind resistance, a long-lasting battery, and a small size. It also features a 2.4/5.8 GHz Dual Frequency system to maintain a reliable signal at the edge of its range.
The camera quality and price are different, however, which make it a better choice to test out before spending the money on the Mini. Similarly, it does have a three-axis gimble for smooth recording, but the video quality is a bit lower. Still, this is perfect for children and teens just experimenting with drone photography. Though its range and altitude are lower, it’s important to check out the regulations in your area. It can only weather a few crashes before it’s completely disabled as well.
Remote control (sold separately) or smartphone app
Dimensions:
3.9”L x 3.6”W x 1.6”H
The Ryze Tech Tello is an ideal introductory drone for kids to learn drone flying and using a camera. The camera isn’t the best quality, but it’s good for amateurs and produces good 5MP images and 720 HD videos. The drone features electronic stabilization for video quality.
For fun, the drone can perform flips and bounces off your hand. Though it comes pre-programmed, it can be programmed in different coding languages like Python and Swift. Kids can synchronize aerial acrobatics with other drone owners as well. It can be controlled by smartphone app, but the dedicated controller must be purchased separately.
The DROCON X708W is a great drone for beginners and older children. Though affordable, this drone has a 720p camera and can be streamed via Wi-Fi to a paired smartphone. Otherwise, the drone can be controlled with a remote control and a smartphone app. All pictures and videos save directly to your device without the use of an SD card.
For beginner drone pilots, the drone offers headless mode and an automatic “return home” button. It can also perform aerial flips. Two speed settings are designed to help pilots learn to handle it and maintain inertia. It’s large and heavy, however, so it’s a better choice for older children. With its weight, it will need to be registered to leave your own property. Another downside is the battery only lasts 9 minutes, and it takes an hour to charge.
Syma X20 Mini Pocket Drone is a pocket-sized drone that’s ideal for beginners. With its small size, the Syma X20 can be flown indoors for fun on rainy days, and its built-in LED light means it can be flown at night. A six-axis gyro keeps the drone stable for beginner drone pilots. Only one key is necessary for takeoff and landing. The drone also has headless mode and auto-hover.
If the battery is low or the drone is out of control, it can return to the position it took off from for its landing. The drone can perform rolls and flips that are entertaining for kids. You can’t swap batteries for longer flight time, but it charges in under an hour.
Pros
Good flight stability
Small size
Affordable
Cons
Battery can’t be switched
Short flight time
Buyers Guide: How to Choose the Best Drone for Kids
Drones may be appropriate for kids, but they still pose some concerns. Here are some things to consider before buying your kid a drone.
Safety Features
Even with the best flying skills, kids with drones can seem a little scary. Fortunately, the designs intended for kids may have guards around the propellors to prevent injury if the drone hits someone. Some are better than others, however, so be sure to check out the safety features before purchasing.
Controls
The drones designed for children use a variety of controllers for flight. These can be simple or complex, depending on the design, so it’s good to consider your options for your child’s age. For example, some drones require a smartphone that plugs into a controller, so these aren’t the best choice for a child with no smartphone, limited access to a smartphone, or granted limited screen time.
Flying Modes
The flying modes available for a drone can alter its difficulty. Not all drones have a full range of modes, but you should consider your child’s skill level and previous experience to ensure the drone you’re purchasing isn’t too complicated or advanced.
The altitude mode or auto-hover mode is what keeps the drone at a stable height on its own. This will help kids practice turning and changing speeds without crashing. Headless mode means that the drone will respond to the commands of the remote control, no matter what, which is a great tool for beginners.
Drone Rules and Regulations
Drones can be small and basic enough to comply with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) drone rules, but it’s good to know them all the same. Flight restrictions and no-fly zones typically apply to more advanced drones than those you’d find for children, but it’s something to keep in mind.
Conclusion
There are plenty of options for drones for kids, from young beginners to more advanced teens and preteens. Our overall pick is the Potensic A20W Drone, which is a well-rounded option for kids to learn and explore. Holy Stone HS210 Mini RC Drone offers the best value for kids just getting started. The premium choice is the DJI Mini 2 Drone, which comes from a company that typically makes professional-quality drones.e
Robert’s obsession with all things optical started early in life, when his optician father would bring home prototypes for Robert to play with. Nowadays, Robert is dedicated to helping others find the right optics for their needs. His hobbies include astronomy, astrophysics, and model building. Originally from Newark, NJ, he resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where the nighttime skies are filled with glittering stars.
