Drones have become increasingly popular in recent years, and it’s no surprise that kids want to get in on the action too. However, not all drones are created equal, and some may not be suitable for young children. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you find the best drones for kids.
In this article, we’ll provide reviews and recommendations for some of the top drones on the market. We’ll also provide a guide to help you choose the right drone for your child based on their age and experience level. So whether you’re looking for a drone for a beginner or an experienced flyer, we’ve got you covered.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Drone
Before we dive into the reviews, it’s important to understand what factors to consider when choosing a drone for your child. Here are some key things to keep in mind:
- Age: Some drones are not suitable for young children, so it’s important to consider your child’s age when choosing a drone.
- Experience Level: Is your child a beginner or an experienced drone flyer? This will help determine the type of drone you should get.
- Safety Features: Look for drones with safety features such as propeller guards and automatic shut-off to prevent accidents.
- Durability: Kids can be rough on toys, so look for drones that are built to withstand crashes and bumps.
- Price: Drones can range in price from under $50 to over $500, so it’s important to set a budget before making a purchase.
With these factors in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best drones for kids on the market.
Best Drones for Young Children
Younger children may not have the hand-eye coordination or experience to fly a complex drone. Here are some of the best drones for young children:
- Holy Stone HS170 Predator Mini RC Helicopter Drone: This drone is small and easy to fly, making it a great choice for young children. It also has safety features such as propeller guards to prevent accidents.
- Syma X20 Mini Pocket Drone: Another great option for young children, this drone is small and durable, making it perfect for indoor use.
- Potensic A20W Mini Drone: With its altitude hold and one-key takeoff and landing, this drone is easy for young children to fly. It also has a camera, which can be fun for kids to use.
Best Drones for Older Children
Older children may be ready for a more advanced drone with more features. Here are some of the best drones for older children:
- DJI Mavic Mini: This drone is lightweight and easy to transport, making it great for outdoor adventures.
- Holy Stone HS100D: With a 1080p HD camera and GPS capabilities, this drone is perfect for older children who want to capture high-quality footage while flying.
- Potensic T18: This drone has a long battery life and advanced features such as follow me mode and waypoint navigation, making it a great choice for older kids who want more control over their drone.
Best Budget Drones for Kids
If you’re on a budget but still want to get your child a drone, here are some great options:
- SNAPTAIN H823H Mini Drone: This drone is affordable and easy to fly, making it perfect for beginners. It also has a built-in camera, which is a nice bonus at this price point.
- Holy Stone HS190 Foldable Mini Nano RC Drone: Another affordable option, this drone is foldable and compact, making it easy to take on the go.
- JJRC H68 Drone: With a 720p HD camera and altitude hold feature, this drone offers great value for its price.
Best Camera Drones for Kids
If your child is interested in aerial photography or videography, here are some great camera drones:
- DJI Phantom 4 Pro: This drone has a high-quality camera and advanced features such as obstacle avoidance, making it a great choice for more experienced flyers.
- DJI Spark: With a 1080p camera and gesture control, this drone is great for beginners who want to capture high-quality footage.
- Parrot Bebop 2: This drone has a 14MP camera and can fly up to 25 minutes on a single charge, making it a great option for longer flights.
Best Indoor Drones for Kids
If your child wants to fly a drone indoors, here are some options:
- Blade Nano QX: This drone is small and lightweight, making it perfect for indoor flying. It also has a built-in safety feature that prevents the blades from spinning if it crashes.
- Syma X11: With a 6-axis gyro stabilization system, this drone is easy to fly and great for indoor use.
- Holy Stone HS170G: This drone has a headless mode that makes it easy to fly indoors, as well as an altitude hold feature that helps keep it stable.
Best Outdoor Drones for Kids
For outdoor flying, here are some great options:
- DJI Phantom 3 Standard: With a 2.7K camera and long battery life, this drone is perfect for outdoor flights.
- DJI Phantom 4: This drone has a 4K camera and advanced features such as obstacle avoidance, making it great for more experienced flyers.
- Syma X8G: With a 8MP camera and long flight time, this drone is a great option for outdoor aerial photography.
Best Mini Drones for Kids
If your child wants a small drone that’s easy to take on the go, here are some options:
- DJI Mavic Mini: This drone is compact and lightweight, making it perfect for travel. It also has a 2.7K camera and advanced features such as GPS stabilization.
- Syma X20 Mini Pocket Drone: This drone is small enough to fit in your pocket, but still has features such as altitude hold and one-key takeoff and landing.
- Holy Stone HS100D: With a foldable design and long battery life, this mini drone is great for outdoor adventures.
Best Beginner Drones for Kids
If your child is a beginner, here are some easy-to-fly drones:
- Holy Stone HS170 Predator Mini RC Helicopter Drone: This drone is small and easy to fly with a simple controller that’s perfect for beginners.
- Syma X5C: This drone is affordable and easy to fly, with features such as altitude hold and one-key takeoff and landing.
- Potensic A20W Mini Drone: With a beginner-friendly design and features such as altitude hold and headless mode, this drone is a great option for kids who are just starting out.
FAQs
- Are drones safe for kids to fly? While drones can be safe for kids to fly, it’s important for parents to supervise their children and make sure they’re following safety guidelines. Kids should also start with a beginner-friendly drone and gradually work their way up to more advanced models.
- Do I need a license to fly a drone? In most cases, you don’t need a license to fly a drone for recreational purposes. However, there are some restrictions and guidelines that you’ll need to follow, such as staying away from airports and other restricted airspace.
- What features should I look for in a kids’ drone? Some important features to consider include ease of use, durability, and camera quality. You may also want to look for features such as altitude hold and headless mode, which can make flying easier for beginners.
- Can I fly a drone indoors? Yes, you can fly a drone indoors, but you’ll want to choose a drone that’s small and lightweight to avoid damaging anything if it crashes.
- How long do drone batteries last? Battery life can vary depending on the drone, but most drones will fly for around 10-20 minutes on a single charge.
- How can I teach my child to fly a drone safely? Start by choosing a beginner-friendly drone and practicing in an open, outdoor area. Teach your child about the basics of drone safety, such as staying away from people and animals, and following local laws and regulations.
- Can I fly a drone in my backyard? It depends on where you live and whether there are any local restrictions or regulations. It’s always a good idea to check with your local government or drone club to make sure you’re following the rules.
- Do all drones have cameras? No, not all drones have cameras. Some drones are designed specifically for flying, while others are designed for aerial photography or videography.
- What age is appropriate for kids to start flying drones? The appropriate age for kids to start flying drones can vary depending on the child’s maturity level and ability to follow safety guidelines. Generally, kids who are at least 8-10 years old can start with a beginner-friendly drone.
- How can I find the best drone for my child? Consider factors such as your child’s age, skill level, and interests when choosing a drone. Read reviews and do research to find a drone that fits your needs and budget.
Conclusion
Overall, there are many great drones available for kids of all ages and skill levels. Whether your child is interested in aerial photography or just wants to fly for fun, there’s a drone out there that will meet their needs. By following safety guidelines and choosing a drone that’s appropriate for your child’s age and skill level, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable flying experience.