What is the BEST drone under $200? Let's find out!

What is the best drone under $200?

Not all drones are created equal. Some are faster, while others are more stable. Some drones have advanced features and high-definition cameras, while others are more affordable. If you are looking for a drone that meets your needs, but don’t want to spend a small fortune, then you are in luck. We’ve done extensive testing and research on 100s of drones and we’ve created this list of the best drones between $100 and $200.

These drones are great for beginners and an excellent place to start, however, they can’t be relied on to capture high-end photography. In order to do that you’ll have to look at the DJI Mavic Mini. It is the least expensive photography drone I’d recommend. It starts at $399 but takes spectacular pictures and video. However, the DJI Mini 2 is a more capable option and for $50 it is the way to go. But we get it, you are here because you’d like to get something for less than $200. No worries we have you covered with our top five drones for less than $200.

Why Spend Over $100?

You can have a lot of fun with drones under $100, but there are some features that you just can’t get for less than three figures. First off, the cameras on sub-100 drones aren’t generally very good. You will be lucky to find a 720p camera and only the Ryze Tello has image stabilization. As of today, you still can’t find GPS-enabled features on drones unless you are willing to spend $150 or more.

Drones under $100 also tend to be small, meaning they may be good for indoor flight but they are typically not suitable for carrying larger action cameras. The best drone under $100 is the palm-sized Ryze Tello. Yes, it is pretty nice, but it doesn’t have GPS or brushless motors. Those are two big improvements you’ll see in our recommendations below. In fact, the Tello is so good, I’d recommend it over everything on this list except for the MJX drones. Bang for your buck the Tello is the best drone out there. Because the base price of the drone is only $99 you can pick up some extra batteries or even a remote control.

Here are our top five drones for less than $200

#5 ZLL Beast Pro Max

The ZLL Beast Pro Max is a good beginner drone. It has GPS stability and a handful of intelligent flight modes. You’ll get a 26 minute flight time and a range of about half of a mile. The camera is a decent 4K camera attached to a three-axis gimbal. You can even get the Beast Pro Max with an obstacle avoidance sensor. However, I found it was too sensitive. Save yourself $20 and opt for the Beast Pro Max without obstacle avoidance. The Beast Pro Max starts at $179.

#4 Xiaomi Fimi A3

The Fimi A3 is an excellent option. This drone also features GPS stability and a handful of intelligent flight modes. It has a 21 minute flight time and a range of up to 1000 meters. The Xiaomi Fimi A3 comes with a remote that has a built-in video screen. This is something none of the other drones on this list have. The video feed is analog, so you won’t need an app to view it and you can even connect it to your Fatshark or other analog goggles. The camera is on a two-axis gimbal with yaw stabilized electronically and it will shoot 1080p video. The Fimi A3 starts at $195.

#3 Radiomaster T16S and Liftoff

If you are thinking about getting into FPV, then the best place to start is with a good remote control. The Radiomaster T16S is the best one out there for less than $200. There are a handful of different styles, but make sure you get the upgraded Hall sensor gimbals. It is a multiprotocol remote, so unlike a Taranis or a Spektrum radio, you can fly almost anything. Before you get a drone you’ll want to practice in a simulator. I find Liftoff to be the most realistic. The Radiomaster with Hall sensor gimbals starts at around $175.

#2 BetaFPV FPV kit

If you aren’t sold on learning with a simulator and you want to get starting on a drone then take a look at the BetaFPV all-in-one kits. You’ll get a drone, remote, goggles, batteries, charger, and even a nice carrying case. There are a few different kits. I recommend either the Advanced 2 Kit or the Cetus Kit. The Advanced 2 kit comes with a 75mm brushless motor drone. The Cetus kit has a brushed motor drone, but it does have extra sensors and incredible stability. The remote and goggles from all of their kits are compatible with other drones, so you can pick up a larger drone later if you choose. The BetaFPV Advanced 2 Kit starts at $199 and the Cetus Kit starts at $149.

#1 MJX Bugs 16 Pro (or Bugs 12)

The MJX Bugs 16 Pro is a great budget drone. It features GPS stability and the intelligent flight modes you are looking for. The flight time is 28 minutes and it has a range of about a half-mile. The camera is a best-in-class 4K camera on a full three-axis gimbal that is also aided by electronic image stabilization. The MJX Bugs 16 Pro starts at about $240, so it is slightly over budget, but I suspect the price on it will be coming down soon. Check on the Bugs 16 Pro pricing here.

#1b MJX Bugs 12

However, if you must stick to a sub-$200 budget the best option is the MJX Bugs 12. It is also a GPS drone with intelligent flight modes. It has a 21 minute flight time and a range of 400-600 meters. The camera is a 4K camera that is fully stabilized electronically. The Bugs 12 starts at around $179.

What is the best drone for you?

Ultimately you need to decide for yourself. These are all great options. You need to determine your budget and your purpose for flying. Some people like cruising. Some people like fast, acrobatic flying. Others enjoy capturing breathtaking footage. If you are into photography or videography then I’d suggest looking into either DJI or Autel drones. My three favorites are the Mini 2 ($450), Air 2S ($800), and Evo 2 Pro ($1500). For the fast flyers out there I like the DJI FPV drone. But if you just want something to cruise around with and learn how to fly then pick a drone above.

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What is the BEST drone you can buy for less than $200? | Best drones of 2021 ($200 edition)