A good drone does not always have to be expensive as there are many budget models out there that will still give you the same experience or at least something close to what you get from the pricey top tier models. These inexpensive drones are ideal for both photography and fun flying and can work for kids and adults.
Like with any other drone type, you need to make sure that what you choose is comfortable to fly and well-built to ensure it can take the abuse that comes with flying and serve you well for a long time. Long battery life and other functionalities like altitude hold and headless modes are also great to get. Here we look at some fantastic budget drone models that make a good buy for anyone.
List of the Best Drone Under 300 in 2021
1. Ruko F11Pro Drones
The Ruko F11Pro Drones takes our top overall spot as it is a fantastic quality drone with a lot to offer, and any adult will enjoy flying it. Key among its impressive traits is the 4K ultra HD camera that allows you to record and transmit live videos to distances up to 500 meters. The drone has a large capacity 2,500 mAh battery that provides up to 30 minutes flying time and charges in 3.5 hours.
Many other functionalities like auto-return, one-key takeoff and landing, headless mode, and tap fly will make flying more manageable and fun. Better still, the drone uses GPS to hover stably to ensure you always get top quality shots and comes in a lightweight storage case that is very handy for storing and carrying it.
Features
- 4K camera
- 2,500 mAh battery
- 30-minute flying time
- 300 to 500 meters of video transmission
- Headless mode
- One-key takeoff and landing
Pros
- High-quality camera
- Long video transmission range
- High capacity battery
- Longer flying time
- Takes off and lands easily
- Easy to fly in any direction
- Lightweight carry case
Cons
- Controls could be better
- The app needs some improvement
2. SIMREX X900 Foldable Drone
With the conveniently foldable design of the Simrex X900, you can be sure it will be an easy model to pack and carry almost anywhere. The drone folds into a compact size to ensure you can take it in even the smallest bags. Besides folding, the drone also has a high-quality camera that provides 1080P full HD videos and transmits them in real-time.
Other things that make this drone fantastic are altitude hold that allows the drone to maintain specific height for easy flying. Better still, it has a headless mode to ensure you can fly it in any direction even without seeing it and takes off or lands with just one-key.
Features
- Altitude hold
- Full HD 1080P video recording
- Headless security mode
- One-key takeoff/landing
- Real-time video recording
- Foldable design
Pros
- Convenient foldable design
- Decent quality videos
- Easy to fly even when it is out of sight
- Maintains altitude well
- Takes off and lands easily
Cons
- Limited control distance
- Shorter fly time
3. Ruko GPS Drones
Ruko is an industry leader when it comes to drones, and so if you prefer to buy something from a top brand, you can trust that this model should be perfect for you. It is a great all-round drone that offers up to 60 minutes of flying time and many other unique functionalities.
The drone uses a powerful brushless motor that guarantees a long service life and a top performance. Also, it has a Follow Me mode that allows you to capture some impressive images, an auto-return function, and GPS to ensure you never lose it when flying, and a nice carry case for transport and storage.
Features
- Last position GPS recording
- Follow Me mode
- Powerful brushless motor
- 60-minute fly time
- Auto return function
- Carry case included
Pros
- Runs on a robust and reliable motor
- Quick and easy to locate
- Can return home automatically
- Folds into a compact size
- Easy to carry with provided case
Cons
- Relatively smaller camera
4. SNAPTAIN SP510 GPS FPV Drone
Snaptain is another top drone manufacturer you can always trust to have the perfect drone for you regardless of your preferences. This particular model is made to be easy to learn, which means it will be ideal for beginners. It has a UHD live video recording that ensures it never misses anything and includes Follow Me to capture some lovely images.
With the smart GPS positioning, you can be sure of always knowing the drone’s location, while the auto-return function ensures you never lose it out there. Also, it takes off and lands in just one key and includes 3-speed modes to ensure you can quickly adjust the speed to suit your flying conditions.
Features
- UHD live video recording
- Follow Me mode
- Smart GPS positioning
- Auto Return
- One-key takeoff/landing
- 3-speed modes
Pros
- Easy to learn
- Records some high-quality video
- Easy to tell the last position
- Returns back automatically
- Follows you and takes fantastic photos
- Speed can be adjusted
Cons
- Does not fly well in high winds
- Some app functions can be confusing
5. Potensic D58 FPV Drone
While it might not be the fanciest drone out there, the Potensic D58 still has everything that many users are always looking for in a drone. To start with, it uses a 5G WiFi video that makes recording video a breeze for you. What’s more, it has a Follow Me function to ensure it can follow you and snap some fantastic images.
You never have to worry about losing the drone when out there because, besides the GPS positioning that lets you know its location, it has an automatic return function. The drone has orbit mode for taking some panoramic images and comes with a portable carry case.
Features
- 5G WiFi video recording
- GPS auto return
- Follow Me
- Portable case
- Orbit mode
- 90-degree adjustable lens
Pros
- High-quality video recording
- Returns home automatically
- Can follow you and take pictures
- Easy to carry around
- Simple flying even for beginners
Cons
- Not the best camera quality
- Does not have motor strength for flying in strong winds
6. Contixo F18 FPV RC Drone
With the powerful brushless motor on this drone, you can be sure that it not only flies well under different conditions but also that it will hold up well for long service life. This drone also provides multiple flying modes as it includes various functions like headless mode, orbit mode, and the handy Follow Me.
Flying is made easier because it is GPS-assisted, and you never have to worry about losing the drone is it is out of sight, or the battery dies out as it has an auto-return function that ensures this never happens. Better still, you can fly it in any direction with ease, and it takes off and land quite easily with one key.
Features
- Brushless motor
- Point of interest
- Auto return
- GPS-assisted flight
- Follow Me and orbit modes
- Headless mode
Pros
- Takes off and lands in one key
- Powerful and long-life motor
- Excellent flight with GPS assistance
- Returns to the point of origin
- Multiple flight modes
- Nice carry case
Cons
- Records only in 2K
- The battery does not last very long
7. Potensic Drone with 4K Camera
Any drone with a 4K camera like this always ensures you get some top quality images and videos. Besides excellent camera quality, this model still has a lot more to offer, such as a more robust and long-lasting brushless motor that ensures you get a longer service life and good flight even in windy conditions.
An auto-return function ensures you never have to worry about losing the drone when flying in bushy or heavily forested areas. It can also hold altitude well to make flying more effortless for you, and the drone also comes with an intuitive flying app and fast charging capability to minimize downtimes.
Features
- 4K camera
- Brushless motor
- Auto return function
- Altitude hold
- Intuitive flying app
- 2-hour fast charging
Pros
- High-quality and clear enough camera
- More powerful motor
- Always returns to the point of origin
- Holds altitude well
- Longer control range
- More stable flyting
Cons
- The camera has stability issues
- Instructions are not very detailed
8. Ruko U11 GPS Drone
The sleek appearance of this Ruko drone is the first element that draws many potential buyers to it, and it is the kind that you will want to fly more often to enjoy its appearance. Besides the sleek look, the drone also offers an auto-return home function to ensure you never lose it, and it can fly for up to 20 minutes, which is quite a decent flight time.
The 4K UHD camera ensures you get some impressive images and videos, and with the Follow Me function, capturing them should be more effortless. Taking off and landing are quick and easy as there is only one key to push, and with the rechargeable controller, this drone eliminates the need to keep buying batteries.
Features
- Auto return home
- 90-degree adjustable camera
- 20-minute flying time
- 4K ultra-HD camera
- One-key takeoff and landing
- Rechargeable controller
Pros
- Easy to use even for beginners
- Simple storage and carry
- Return to the starting point
- High-quality video
- Takes off easily
Cons
- Smaller than expected
9. Tomzon D65 GPS Drone
With a great all-round drone like the Tomzon D65, you can be sure of enjoying your flying time. The drone is made with beginners in mind as it is more effortless to figure out and fly. It has all the excellent functionalities you can expect from these budget drones, including the smart, fun flight that makes use of Follow Me, point of interest, and tap fly to make the experience more enjoyable.
The drone has a 4K UHD camera that provides high-quality images and a transmission range of up to 984 feet. Better still, like most others, it has an auto-return home function to ensure it always comes back to you. And flying is made easier by the GPS assists function and optical flow positioning.
Features
- 984-foot image transmission
- 4K UHD camera
- Auto return home
- Tap and circle fly
- GPS assist flight
- Optical flow positioning
Pros
- Comes with a nice carry case
- Decent image transmission range
- High-quality camera
- Always returns home
- Long enough flying time
- More beginner-friendly
Cons
- Drifts in windy conditions
- Needs better instructions
10. Droneeye 4DRC F4 GPS Drone
You can be sure that you will love this Droneeye even before you start using it as its appearance alone is quite confidence-boosting. When it comes to the actual use and functionality, the drone begins with a 4K FHD camera that makes it the best choice for those into photography as it provides some fantastic videos and images.
This top-notch drone is made for long service life and stable flying in any condition as it makes use of a well-built and powerful brushless motor. Also, it provides a long flying time of up to 60 minutes thanks to powerful batteries. With the follow Me mode, it captures some excellent selfies and is GPS assisted for easy flying and with lovely LED lights.
Features
- 4K FHD camera
- Brushless motor
- GPS return home
- Follow Me mode
- GPS assisted
- LED lights
Pros
- Powerful and long-lasting motor
- Great quality camera
- Longer flying time
- Always comes back to you
- Captures some amazing selfies
- More stable hovering
Cons
- Camera tilt function is not always responsive
- The app should be more intuitive
Conclusion
For the drone enthusiasts looking for a good drone that offers fantastic features but does not cost much, you can be sure there is something for you on our list above, and all you need to do is pick what impresses you most.
With that said, the Ruko F11Pro Drones takes our op overall spot, while the SIMREX X900 Foldable Drone comes a close second and is also an ideal choice for those looking for something foldable.