The next best investment for an aspiring photographer, videographer, or anyone with a need for a flying camera is getting a drone. While it can be an expensive purchase, there are a lot of good drones that you can buy for under $500 on Amazon.
With that said, here’s our list of the top 4 drones under $500 that you can find on Amazon. Let’s get started!
1. DJI Mini 2.
The best drone under $500.
| Video Resolution: 4K/30 fps | Camera: 1/2.3″ CMOS, 12MP |
| Max. Speed: 35.79 mph | Max. Flight Time: 31 min |
| Item Weight: 0.25 kg | Dimensions: 55×32×22 in. (Folded) |
Considered the perfect drone for the mid-tier price range, the DJI Mini 2 is a beautiful, versatile, and lightweight quadcopter. The entire thing folds neatly into a compact shape that’s easy to pack and bring around with you. The powerful camera lens allows you to zoom in with 4x digital zoom. There’s a reason why DJI is the leading brand for drones, and the Mini 2 is one of the best examples of their excellence. The built-in gimbal lets you take beautiful long shots while you hover and maneuver your drone around.
If you’re considering getting a drone for the first time, there’s no better choice than the DJI Mini 2! The stellar flight experience familiarises you with premium drones, and it comes with all the equipment you need for capturing amazing footage.
Amazon ($449.00)
2. DJI Mavic Mini
The best budget drone under $500.
| Video Resolution: 2.7K/30 fps FHD | Camera: 1/2.3″ CMOS, 12MP |
| Max. Speed: 29 mph | Max. Flight Time: 30 min |
| Item Weight: 0.25 kg | Dimensions: 5.5×3.2×2.2 in. (Folded) |
A generation behind the Mini 2, the Mavic Mini is a more affordable alternative that still gives you a lot of features for every dollar you spend. While the model is very similar to the previous drone, that’s only because the Mavic Mini was so well designed that DJI used it for the next generation. The compact model has the same fundamental capabilities of the Mini 2, except it has no zoom capability and doesn’t save photos RAW, among other differences.
Despite that, as long as not being able to zoom doesn’t bother you, then the Mavic Mini is the perfect drone for casual use!
Amazon ($399.00)
3. Ryze Tello
The best drone under $500 for beginners.
| Video Resolution: HD 720 P30 | Camera: 5MP (2592×1936) |
| Max. Speed: 17.89 mph | Max. Flight Time: 13 min |
| Item Weight: 0.08 kg | Dimensions: 3.9×3.6×1.6 in. |
The Ryze Tello is arguably the best drone you could buy if you’re either on a budget or want to purchase one for your kids. Although the specs aren’t anything spectacular, for its price it gives more than a decent flying experience. The Tello is also powered by DJI, which adds a lot of value for the price point we’re working with. DJI provides the flight tech for the drone and gives it a premium and better feel for flying. Its compact frame makes this a perfect drone for portable and everywhere use, fitting right into your pocket.
While this is supposedly aimed at kids, don’t make the mistake of thinking this is just another toy. The Tello gives anyone the respect they deserve with agile control, durability, and overall quality.
Amazon ($139.99)
4. Holy Stone HS720E
The best drone under $500 for photography.
| Video Resolution: 4K FHD/30 fps | Camera: FOV 130° |
| Max. Speed: 40 mph | Max. Flight Time: 46 min |
| Item Weight: 0.5 kg | Dimensions: 7×4.1×2.3 in. (Folded) |
Without splurging too much on the price, the Holy Stone HS720E is a true 4K drone. The flight time alone is nothing short of impressive for the price it’s selling at. Videos you capture will be saved at 30FPS on 4K resolution or 60FPS in 1080p, all stored in a TF card with up to 128 GB in storage. Holy Stone doesn’t sell itself short on quality, along with the black design that looks sleek and professional. Although the weight is quite heavy, this makes the drone much more stable in the air, especially against gusts of wind.
The Holy Stone HS720E has a lot of other features that just make it worth the purchase, all for under $500 on Amazon!
Amazon ($339.99)
Conclusion
At the end of the day, technology and innovation always advance us to better products. Drones are no longer expensive gadgets that only the high-class can afford. This article proves that you can buy an excellent drone for prices under $500, just on Amazon.
Disclaimer: Content created from Amazon listings. This is not a sponsored post but contains affiliate links.
