Best Drones Under $300 in 2025 – Complete Buyer’s Guide

If you’re searching for the best drones under $300, 2025 is the perfect year to start flying. Budget drones now offer features once found only in expensive models: 4K cameras, gimbal stabilization, GPS return-to-home, long flight times, and intelligent flight modes. Whether you’re buying your first drone or upgrading from a mini toy drone, you’ll be surprised how powerful the sub-$300 category has become.

In this updated guide, we handpicked the top drones under $300 that deliver true value without compromising on build quality, camera performance, or stability. This list is designed for beginners, travelers, content creators, and anyone who wants professional-style aerial shots without spending big money.

To help you shop with confidence, we also added complete product breakdowns, key features, ideal users, and honest pros and cons for each drone.

For more beginner-friendly tips, explore your site’s helpful Drone Flying for Beginners Guide and related recommendations inside the Drone Category.

Top 6 Best Drones Under $300 in 2025

1. Potensic ATOM SE – Best Overall Drone Under $300

The Potensic ATOM SE is one of the strongest contenders in the best drones under $300 category. It combines lightweight design, beginner-friendly controls, and excellent 4K camera performance, making it ideal for travel, learning, and casual aerial photography. Since it weighs under 249g, it does not require FAA registration, which is a big advantage for new pilots who want a stress-free flying experience.

Powered by a robust GPS system, the ATOM SE handles wind surprisingly well for its size. The 4K EIS camera captures smooth footage and crisp photos, while the long 31-minute battery life keeps you in the air longer than most drones in this price bracket. Smart modes like Follow Me, Waypoints, Circle Flight, and Automatic Return-to-Home give beginners the confidence to explore freely without worrying about losing the drone.

Whether you’re documenting your travel adventures or practicing aerial photography, the Potensic ATOM SE offers premium features without the premium price. It’s one of the few drones under $300 that feels polished, reliable, and enjoyable for long-term use.

Ideal For:
Beginners, travelers, vloggers, and hobby pilots who want a stable camera drone at a low price.

• Lightweight and travel-friendly
• Long flight time
• Easy for beginners
• Smooth camera stabilization

• No 3-axis gimbal (EIS only)
• Limited performance in strong winds

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2. Holy Stone HS720E – Best Camera Stability Under $300

The Holy Stone HS720E dominates the mid-budget category thanks to its reliable build, long flight time, and high-quality EIS 4K camera. If you’re looking for a drone that captures stable footage without breaking the bank, this is one of the best drones under $300 for cinematic beginners.

Unlike many cheap drones, the HS720E feels premium. The brushless motors provide quieter flight and better control, while the GPS-assisted flight modes ensure safe and smooth operation. Features like Optical Flow Positioning, GPS Return-to-Home, and Follow Me help beginners fly confidently, even in windy conditions.

The folding design makes it portable for outdoor trips, and the durable frame adds protection during accidental bumps or rough landings. Its 46-minute combined flight time (with two batteries) is a major advantage for travelers and hobby filmmakers.

Overall, the Holy Stone HS720E is a strong all-rounder with exceptional camera quality for this price range.

Ideal For:
Beginners and photography learners who want stable 4K video at a budget price.

• Premium build quality
• Long battery life
• Smooth video thanks to EIS
• Good wind resistance

• No 3-axis gimbal
• Charging takes longer than average

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3. Ruko F11GIM2 – Best Under $300 With a 2-Axis Gimbal

The Ruko F11GIM2 is one of the only drones under $300 that includes a true mechanical 2-axis gimbal, making it perfect for smoother, more stable video recordings. While most drones in this price range rely solely on EIS, the F11GIM offers a hybrid system that combines mechanical and digital stabilization for better cinematic quality.

Built with sturdy materials, this drone is slightly heavier than lightweight models, but that gives it improved wind resistance and stability. The 4K camera captures clear and vibrant footage ideal for YouTube creators and travel vloggers on a budget.

Another highlight is its flight time—up to 56 minutes with two batteries, making it one of the best endurance performers in the under-$300 range.

If you want smoother video and long flights without spending $600+ on professional drones, the Ruko F11GIM delivers incredible value

Ideal For:
Travelers, content creators, and aerial photography learners.

• Mechanical gimbal
• Longest flight time in the list
• Stable performance outdoors
• Easy to fly

• Heavier than others
• App interface needs improvement

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4. Ryze Tech Tello – Best Beginner Drone Under $300

The Ryze Tech Tello is a perfect starter drone for beginners that hits the sweet spot under $300. Backed by DJI’s reliable flight technology, this compact drone offers stable flying, fun features, and solid value for its price. With a 720p HD camera and app-based control, it’s great for learning basic aerial maneuvers and filming casual content.

Weighing just over a pound, the Tello is easy to carry and safe for indoor or outdoor flights (in calm conditions). It supports programmatic flight patterns with Scratch and Python, making it ideal for beginners who want to learn flying and even coding. The drone’s intuitive controls and DJI flight support mean fewer crashes and more confidence.

If your goal is to get started with a reliable drone under budget, the Ryze DJI Tello is one of the best options in this price range.

Ideal For:

Kids, teens, beginners, and learners who want to fly drones safely and affordably.

•  Very affordable and beginner-friendly
• DJI flight tech built in
• Good for indoor & light outdoor use

• Not for strong wind or advanced filming
• Lower resolution than 4K drones

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5. Ruko U11MINI – Compact & Powerful Beginner Drone

The Ruko U11MINI is a standout choice among budget drones, offering impressive capabilities in a lightweight, portable design. Weighing under 249 g, it falls into the FAA-exempt category for many U.S. hobbyists, making it perfect for first-time flyers. Its fold-up arms and compact controller mean you can take it with you on weekend trips, hikes, or family outings with ease. The U11MINI features a 4K video mode (via 1/2-inch CMOS sensor) and a 3-axis brushless gimbal, delivering smoother footage than many other drones in its class. With GPS + GLONASS positioning, automatic return-to-home (RTH), and a surprisingly long flight time (with additional batteries), this drone brings premium features at a very accessible price point. For beginners who want something more advanced than toy drones—but without spending major dollars—the U11MINI hits the sweet spot.

Ideal For:

Beginners, travel enthusiasts, weekend hobby pilots, content creators on a budget who want more than basic drone features without breaking the bank.

• Lightweight & travel-friendly design
• Excellent camera resolution for the price
• Advanced stabilization and smart flight modes
• Falls under 249 g for easier regulatory compliance

• Hover precision is weaker than premium drones (may drift)
• 4K video is capped at 30 fps—not ideal for slow-motion shots
• Advanced tracking features are basic compared to high-end models

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6. Bwine F7MINI SE – Foldable 4K Drone with Long Range

The Bwine F7MINI SE is a lightweight, foldable drone designed for both first-time pilots and hobbyist aerial photographers. Weighing only around 238 g — meaning it often skips mandatory registration for casual users — this drone features a 4K UHD camera, GPS positioning, and an impressive flight-time claim of up to 70 minutes with dual batteries. According to the manufacturer it supports a control range of up to 9,842 feet (≈3 km) thanks to multiple positioning technologies including GPS, barometer, optical-flow and TOF sensors. Manuals++2Amazon+2 The compact design and intelligent flight modes (Follow Me, Waypoint, Circle Fly) make it ideal for capturing scenic outdoor shots, adventure travel, or simply learning to fly with confidence

Ideal For:

• Beginners wanting an easy, stable drone
• Travelers needing a lightweight, portable option
• Budget creators shooting outdoor aerial videos

• Great value for the price
• Long combined flight time
• Stable GPS performance
• Easy for beginners

• App can lag sometimes
• Brand is not as well-known as DJI
• Camera stabilization not as strong as premium drones

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FAQs – Best Drones Under $300 in 2025

1. What is the best drone under $300 for beginners?

The Potensic ATOM SE is the best beginner-friendly drone under $300 thanks to its stable GPS, long flight time, and 4K EIS camera.

2. Can a $300 drone shoot good 4K video?

Yes. Models like the Holy Stone HS720E, Ruko F11GIM2, and Bwine F7MINI SE offer surprisingly good 4K video with electronic image stabilization.

3. Are under-$300 drones good for kids or first-time flyers?

Absolutely. Lightweight drones like the Ryze DJI Tello and Ruko U11MINI are perfect for kids, learners, and indoor flying.

4. Do drones under $300 have GPS and Return-to-Home?

Yes. Most drones in this price range now include GPS, auto-return, follow-me, and smart flight modes, making them safer and easier to fly.

Final Thoughts: What’s the Best Drone Under $300?

If you want the best all-around drone under $300, the Potensic ATOM SE is the top choice for most beginners.

If camera stability and longer flight performance matter most, go for the Holy Stone HS720E.

If you need strong GPS performance and a solid 4K camera, the Ruko F11GIM2 delivers excellent value.

For kids, learners, and indoor flying, the Ryze DJI Tello is fun, safe, and easy to control.

If you want a lightweight, budget-friendly drone with beginner-friendly controls, the Ruko U11MINI is a great pick.

If you prefer long-range flights and smart features under $300, the Bwine F7MINI SE stands out.

No matter which one you choose, the under-$300 drone category is more powerful than ever—making 2025 the perfect year to start flying.

So which one of these drones have you tried? Did we miss your favorite drone in our reviews? Let us know by leaving a comment in the section below! You can also check our reviews on the best drones under $500.

Time to fly!

Jose E. Johnson is a true tech prodigy whose lifelong passion for technology and gadgets has blossomed into remarkable drone expertise. From the moment he laid eyes on his first electronic toy as a child, Jose was captivated by the limitless possibilities of innovation. As he grew, so did his fascination with cutting-edge tech, leading him to become a bona fide drone expert. With an insatiable thirst for knowledge, Jose delved deep into the intricacies of drone technology, amassing a wealth of technical knowledge and hands-on experience. Now, he shares his wisdom through insightful drone reviews and invaluable tips for fellow enthusiasts, making him a trusted source in the drone community.