12 Cheap But Reliable Drones That Amazon Users Swear By

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Finding a feature-rich drone on Amazon that is both affordable and reliable can be tough, especially when the budget is under $100. Well-known brands give you a clearer idea of what to expect, but with lesser-known models, you often rely on customer feedback. Luckily, Amazon's review system is great at showing user feedback with detailed ratings, making the product hunt a bit easier. But even at this price point, there is a clear difference between drones that feel polished versus drones that cut corners.

If you put aside the drones that struggle with unreliable performance, there are many models that manage to surprise shoppers with solid camera quality, stable flight controls, and enough beginner-friendly features to make the learning curve feel smooth. To narrow things down to the most consistent performers, we searched Amazon for drones with a minimum 4-star rating across 1,000 reviews and shortlisted 12 affordable yet reliable drones that users genuinely swear by.

The Holy Stone HS110D is among the highest-rated drones in its price range and is ideal for beginners. It has a 1080p camera with a 120-degree field of view that records clear footage, and with the wide-angle lens, you can capture more of the scene without distortion. The live feed can be viewed directly on your phone, which makes it easier to frame shots and experiment with angles without relying on guesswork.

It comes with several useful features, including altitude hold, which helps it steadily maintain its position in the sky. When combined with the headless mode that simplifies orientation when the drone gets farther away, the HS110D immediately becomes a top entry on our list. Other extra features like gesture commands, voice prompts, gravity sensing, and trajectory flight are just the cherry on top.

Two modular batteries are included, providing up to 20 minutes of combined flight time and protection guards for tight spaces. Priced at $89.99 and backed by almost 18,000 reviews with a rating of 4.1 stars out of 5, the Holy Stone HS110D remains one of the most reliable starter drones on Amazon for new pilots. One reviewer shared their verdict as, "I purchased this to learn how to fly drones. My goal is to move up to larger, more sophisticated drones and incorporate them into my existing real estate photography business."

The Syma X5C is a beginner-friendly drone that is popular for being both accessible and affordable within the budget price range. It has a 2MP HD camera, which can capture images and record short video clips seamlessly during flights. One of its main highlights is the six-axis gyro stabilization, which ensures smooth, steady flight even in mildly windy conditions.

The drone has a flight time of around 7 minutes per charge, and while it is shorter than most on this list, it is easy to replace batteries, which can significantly extend your flight duration. Moreover, it also features 360-degree flips and blade protectors, adding an extra layer of security for its fast fans. One reviewer highlighted their X5C's durability as, "I've owned this quad for about 7 months and flown it for a total of maybe 50 hours or so. Overall, this is a great value and will provide hours of enjoyment."

It is priced at $53.99 and has over 6,000 reviews, with a rating of 4.1 stars out of 5. Symca X5C is not only reliable but also a great entry point for anyone who isn't sure about spending a lot of money on a high-quality drone.

The Holy Stone HS210 is a mini drone that has earned its spot by offering simple controls, kid-friendly safety features, and a surprisingly fun flight experience for the price. Unlike some of its siblings, it does not have a camera and is built for indoor use. Its compact frame with full propeller guards keeps it safe to fly around furniture, pets, or kids without worrying about damage. One of the reasons many customers go for this drone is how effortless it feels to control. For example, altitude hold keeps it hovering at a steady height, while headless mode prevents orientation confusion so new pilots can steer without overthinking direction.

Despite its small size, the HS210 offers more tricks than many drones twice its price. Kids can toss it into the air to start flying, perform 3D flips on command, or watch it drift in a smooth circular flight. Moreover, it also comes with adjustable speed levels, letting pilots progress from slow, careful flights to faster movement as they gain confidence. This product comes with three batteries included in the box, which gives you up to 21 minutes of combined flight time. The low-battery alarm helps prevent accidental crashes, and swapping batteries is very simple.

With a 4.2-star rating from more than 14,400 Amazon reviews and a price of $39.99, the Holy Stone HS210 stands out as a reliable starter option for kids and beginners who want an easy, durable, and entertaining first drone.

The Hiturbo S20 is another entry on our list suited for beginners who are fine with paying a few extra dollars for a slight upgrade. Equipped with a 1080p camera, it lets pilots capture clear aerial photos and videos that can be viewed live on a smartphone via the Hiturbo app. Just like many others on this list, it is packed with features like altitude hold, headless mode, and one-key takeoff and landing — and these are among the main reasons the drones have become so popular.

Pilots can also enjoy speed-level adjustments, trajectory flight, and voice control for a more interactive experience. It comes with two modular batteries that offer a combined flight time of 24 minutes. Moreover, by performing a simple horizontal calibration, you can ensure greater stability and prevent damage to the fans, further enhanced by propeller guards.

This drone is ideal for those who want something that can run longer than others and, at the same time, be reliable in different situations. At $73 with a 4.2-star rating from over 3,700 Amazon reviewers, the Hiturbo S20 provides a fun introductory experience, making it a standout choice for those seeking a budget-friendly drone with useful camera features.

The Velcase S101 is a foldable first-person view drone with an adjustable 1080p camera and optical flow positioning for steady indoor and low-wind outdoor shots. It includes two 1050 mAh batteries, delivering up to 26 minutes of combined flight time — one of the highest on this list — and a carry case for travel. The drone also supports Wi-Fi first-person view via the Velcase VGO app. In addition, it has a foldable frame and comes with spare blades, making it travel-ready.

Its biggest selling point is the number of beginner-friendly and quality-of-life features it comes with out of the box. One-key takeoff and landing, headless mode, trajectory and waypoint flight, and three speed modes all combine to make the pilot experience as smooth as possible. One reviewer talked about their experience with Velcase S101 as, "This is the 7th drone that I've purchased in the past couple of years and this one has been the best so far. The camera is great. The drone is responsive and packed with some really good features. It was easy to get up and running and the battery life is really good."

Thanks to its reasonable flight time and camera quality, it can even be used as a great, cheap car gadget you can carry around to check out traffic jams or just have on hand if you happen upon a scenic location. With a price around $69.99 and a solid rating of 4.2 out of 5 from roughly 2,600 reviews, the S101 scores as a reliable starter drone for hobbyists.

The Holy Stone HS190 is a foldable mini drone designed for kids and beginners and is the perfect introduction to flying RC drones. Similar to the HS210, the HS190 does not come with a camera, focusing purely on the flying experience and trick capabilities. It has a very light frame that folds neatly into the controller, making it compact enough to carry in a pocket or a bag for outdoor adventures. The drone also supports features like one-key takeoff and landing, 3D flips, and headless mode.

Despite its small size, the HS190 offers adjustable speed modes — Low, Medium, High — to match the pilot's skill level. Altitude hold allows the drone to hover steadily in place, and propeller guards, combined with an emergency stop, help protect both the drone and the pilot during mishaps. Its battery provides 7 minutes of flight on a single charge, and even though it is already small, its foldable design makes it even more portable.

Priced at $32.99 with almost 12,000 reviews and a 4.1-star rating, it is a reliable, cheap Amazon electronic that customers swear by. The HS190's lack of a camera means it pairs well with other drones in the Holy Stone lineup that do offer photography and video features, such as the HS110D, allowing beginners to start with flying basics before moving on to more advanced aerial photography.

The Avialogic Mini Drone is aimed at first-time pilots and comes equipped with a 1080p camera with 90-degree manual adjustment. There are two 550 mAh batteries, providing a combined flight time of 18-21 minutes. Its lightweight plastic shell enhances its flight capabilities, and propeller guards with a low-battery alarm help prevent accidental crashes, especially when you are just starting out with your drone. In addition, the altitude hold function adds stability, along with headless mode, adjustable speed modes, and one-key takeoff and landing, giving you a varied experience.

The gesture photo feature and voice commands add novelty for younger flyers. Due to its lightweight build, it has limited stability in moderate winds, so it is best for indoor or calm weather. One reviewer expressed their thoughts after buying the drone as, " My first concern was it would get broken after a couple crashes, but not so. Has a headlight in the front. The camera is great, works well with cell phone."

Priced at $47.99 and rated 4.1 stars out of 5 from around 1,800 reviews, the Avialogic Mini Drone is an incredible and reliable Amazon gadget flying under the radar, given its range of features.

The Cheerwing CW4 is a lightweight drone with simple controls and a 720p camera that streams live video to your phone via Wi-Fi. It also supports gesture-triggered selfies, making it ideal for smaller events where you need stable photos from unusual angles. 

The drone weighs only 0.26 pounds, so it works best indoors or outdoors on calm days. The CW4's auto-hovering system keeps it steady at a fixed height, helping new pilots line up basic shots without worrying about movement control. It also features adjustable speed modes, one-key takeoff and landing, and gravity-sensor steering, making the beginner experience much more comfortable. And with the trajectory flight, you can draw a route on your phone screen and watch the drone follow it.

CW4 has a price tag of $49.98 and a rating of 4 stars out of 5 based on over 1,700 Amazon reviews. The drone is pretty straightforward and one of the best you can get for this price, all while building a reputation for reliability. 

The Holy Stone HS440 is a foldable first-person view drone that comes equipped with a 1080p camera. It also has a 112-degree wide-angle lens that captures clear aerial footage and can be adjusted up or down by 90 degrees via the remote or app. That range makes it easy to capture landscapes, family events, or creative shots from a bird's-eye perspective. The live video can be viewed on a phone, giving you access to a quality experience without the need for expensive equipment.

The drone offers stable flight thanks to features like altitude hold, headless mode, and precise hovering, with one-key high-speed rotations and 3D flips to add more fun and variety. The included modular battery extends flight time to roughly 20 minutes per charge, and swapping them is pretty straightforward. The foldable frame and carrying case make it highly portable, letting pilots take it to parks, beaches, or a friend's house with ease.

The drone costs $99.99 — just kissing our price ceiling — with over 4,800 reviews and a 4-star rating on Amazon. While a bit on the expensive side, HS440 offers performance and fun features, making it a top pick for new pilots looking for a reliable and portable entry-level drone.

The TizzyToy BL01 is one of the most feature-rich drones on our list. Equipped with a 4K (2160p) adjustable first-person view camera with a 120-degree manually adjustable lens and a 110-degree wide-angle option, you have yourself a perfect device to capture footage outdoors. The experience is further enhanced by brushless motors, optical flow positioning, and two 1600 mAh batteries that deliver 40 minutes of combined flight time. The box includes a carrying case and spare blades to further aid your outdoor adventures.

While 4K resolution is its most significant selling point, it also offers functionality you may not find in other drones, even at a higher price. One reviewer described their time with TizzyToy BL01, "I bought this drone a few months ago when I was looking for an affordable way to get into flying drones on a budget. I think it does a great job as an entry-level drone. Anything below the $60 price range is usually more of a toy that's designed to break after just a few uses. This drone is a great balance of value and performance."

It is priced at about $74.99 with a 4.1-star rating from over 1,100 reviews. The BL01 is a solid Amazon find that might actually make your life easier thanks to its impressive camera.

The Redrie JY02 is another entry on our list, suited for beginners who want a reasonable 1080p resolution and the ability to live stream video to their phone via the Redrie Fly app. It also supports functions like altitude hold and headless mode, making it easier to hover and move without worrying about direction. Aside from its folding ability, it comes with a carrying case and two rechargeable batteries, so you won't need to worry too much about portability.

It also comes with gesture-based selfie and video capture, 3D flips, circular and waypoint flight paths, alongside three adjustable speed levels, making the flight experience much easier. Nonetheless, the lack of a gimbal means that footage can often be shaky if the wind picks up — which isn't uncommon for lower-end drones.

It costs $59.99 and has a rating of 4.2 stars out of 5 based on over 1,100 reviews. Due to its simplicity and functionality, it stands out as one of the more beginner-, child-, or young adult-friendly drones on the market.

The Relidol X62 is aimed at new pilots who want camera functionality without a steep learning curve. It has a 1080p HD camera with an adjustable 80-degree lens with the ability to stream the video on your screen via the companion app. The drone also supports gesture-based photo and video capture, and comes with two rechargeable batteries that give a combined flight time of 25 minutes. The package also includes propeller guards, and with features like an emergency-stop button and low-battery alarms, you won't have to worry too much about safety.

Aside from the usual altitude hold, optical flow stabilization, and headless mode, you also get a product that is trusted by many customers. One reviewer bought the X62 as a gift and said, "I bought this drone with camera and screen on the controller as a gift for my son (and let's be honest, for myself too), and we've both been loving it! It's the perfect starter drone for beginners, but with enough features to keep things exciting even after you get the hang of it."

The drone is priced at $59.99 and has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars with over 1,100 reviews on Amazon. The simple set of controls and range of features, combined with the overall quality, have made it into a product well-regarded by Amazon customers. 

We chose drones listed on Amazon for under $100 with over a thousand reviews and at least a 4-star rating. There are many drones designed specifically for kids that also meet our criteria, but since they do not offer the same functionality, we limited their inclusion. Ultimately, the best drone for you depends on your needs, so if you don't find what you are looking for on this list, fret not, because Amazon now helps you decide what product is best for you using AI.

Since these are within the budget, it wouldn't be best to compare them with more expensive quality drones. The features and overall performance of these make them stand out as some of the cheapest and most reliable drones you can find within this price range on Amazon. Moreover, if you end up with a drone that doesn't quite match the description, now might be the perfect time, as Amazon is extending its return policy for the holidays.