Looking for the best cheap drone with camera to capture stunning aerial shots without draining your wallet? Drones have become essential tools for photographers, videographers, and hobbyists, offering unique perspectives at affordable prices. This guide highlights the top 10 budget-friendly drones with cameras for 2025, focusing on performance, image quality, and value. Each drone costs under $300, ensuring accessibility for beginners and enthusiasts alike. As a drone expert with years of testing and flying experience, I’ve selected models that balance cost, features, and reliability, drawing from hands-on insights and industry trends.
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Why Choose a Budget Drone with Camera?
Cheap drones with cameras have come a long way, offering solid features like 4K video, decent flight times, and user-friendly controls. They’re ideal for beginners learning to fly or creators wanting affordable aerial footage. While they may lack the advanced sensors or longer ranges of premium models, these drones deliver impressive results for their price. Key factors to consider include camera resolution, flight time, range, and ease of use.
Top 10 Best Cheap Drones with Camera
1. DJI Neo
- Price: $199
- Camera: 12MP, 4K/30fps video
- Flight Time: 18 minutes
- Range: 7km
- Why It’s Great: The DJI Neo is the best cheap drone with camera for beginners. Its compact design, intuitive controls, and pre-programmed flight modes (like Follow and Circle) make it perfect for vlogging or casual photography. The 4K camera delivers decent footage, though low-light performance is average. Its sub-250g weight means no FAA registration is needed in the U.S.
- Best For: First-time pilots and selfie enthusiasts.
2. Ryze Tello
- Price: $159
- Camera: 5MP, 720p video
- Flight Time: 13 minutes
- Range: 100m
- Why It’s Great: Built with DJI technology, the Ryze Tello is a fantastic practice drone. Its 720p camera is basic but sufficient for learning aerial photography. Features like auto takeoff/landing and vision positioning ensure stable flights. The Scratch coding system adds educational value, making it a top pick for kids or STEM learners.
- Best For: Beginners and educational use.
3. Holy Stone HS110D
- Price: ~$100
- Camera: 1080p HD
- Flight Time: 10-15 minutes
- Range: 150m
- Why It’s Great: The Holy Stone HS110D offers a 1080p camera at a low price, ideal for capturing decent aerial shots. Features like altitude hold and one-key takeoff/landing simplify flying for newbies. Its lightweight 149g frame doesn’t require FAA registration. Durability is a plus, but battery life is shorter than competitors.
- Best For: Budget-conscious beginners.
4. DJI Mini 2 SE
- Price: ~$299
- Camera: 12MP, 2.7K video
- Flight Time: 31 minutes
- Range: 10km
- Why It’s Great: The DJI Mini 2 SE is a step above entry-level drones, offering 2.7K video and a robust 31-minute flight time. Its 249g weight avoids FAA registration, and wind resistance makes it reliable outdoors. The camera’s quality is solid for social media content, though it lacks advanced features like obstacle avoidance.
- Best For: Hobbyists wanting longer flights.
5. Potensic A20
- Price: ~$50
- Camera: 720p
- Flight Time: 10 minutes (per battery)
- Range: 30m
- Why It’s Great: The Potensic A20 is one of the cheapest camera drones, perfect for kids or absolute beginners. Its 720p camera is basic, but the drone’s hover stability and three included batteries (10 minutes each) ensure extended practice. It’s not suited for outdoor use in windy conditions.
- Best For: Kids and indoor flying.
6. Eachine E010 Mini UFO
- Price: ~$30
- Camera: None (aftermarket 720p add-on available)
- Flight Time: 5 minutes
- Range: 30m
- Why It’s Great: While not a true camera drone, the Eachine E010 can be fitted with a 720p camera module for budget filming. Its sturdy build and prop guards make it great for learning basic flight skills. The short flight time and range limit its use, but it’s a fun, cheap entry point.
- Best For: DIY enthusiasts and practice.
7. Holy Stone HS420
- Price: ~$90
- Camera: 720p
- Flight Time: 12-15 minutes
- Range: 100m
- Why It’s Great: The HS420 offers a reliable 720p camera and features like gesture control, making it fun for casual users. Its lightweight design and altitude hold ensure easy flying. Spare parts are widely available, but video quality lags behind 1080p competitors.
- Best For: Casual users and families.
8. Syma X20
- Price: ~$40
- Camera: 720p
- Flight Time: 5 minutes
- Range: 20m
- Why It’s Great: The Syma X20 is a compact, affordable drone with a basic 720p camera. Its unique sliding-button controller takes practice but works for indoor flying. LED lights aid orientation, but the short battery life is a drawback. It’s best for quick, fun flights.
- Best For: Indoor hobbyists on a tight budget.
9. Ruko F11Mini
- Price: ~$200
- Camera: 1080p
- Flight Time: 30 minutes
- Range: 500m
- Why It’s Great: The Ruko F11Mini delivers solid 1080p video and a respectable 30-minute flight time. Its foldable design and GPS features, like return-to-home, add value for the price. It’s a strong alternative to DJI for budget-conscious creators, though camera stabilization is average.
- Best For: Travelers and vloggers.
10. BetaFPV Cetus X
- Price: ~$250
- Camera: 720p FPV
- Flight Time: 5 minutes
- Range: 100m
- Why It’s Great: Designed for FPV (first-person view) flying, the BetaFPV Cetus X includes goggles and a controller, offering an immersive experience. The 720p camera is geared for real-time viewing rather than high-quality recording. It’s a niche pick for beginners interested in FPV.
- Best For: FPV beginners.
How to Choose the Best Cheap Drone with Camera
When selecting a budget drone, prioritize these factors:
- Camera Quality: Aim for at least 720p video; 1080p or 2.7K is better for social media or creative projects.
- Flight Time: Look for 10+ minutes per battery. Multiple batteries extend sessions.
- Range: 100m+ is ideal for outdoor use, but shorter ranges work for indoor or practice drones.
- Ease of Use: Features like altitude hold, one-key takeoff, and auto-hover simplify flying.
- Durability: Prop guards and spare parts availability reduce repair costs.
- Regulations: Drones under 250g often don’t require FAA registration, saving hassle.
Tips for Flying a Budget Drone
- Start Indoors: Practice in open spaces to avoid crashes.
- Check Local Laws: Research drone regulations to avoid fines.
- Carry Spare Batteries: Extend flight time with extras.
- Use Prop Guards: Protect your drone during learning.
- Calibrate Before Flight: Ensure stable performance by calibrating sensors.
Conclusion
The best cheap drone with camera depends on your needs, whether it’s the DJI Neo for easy 4K vlogging, the Ryze Tello for learning, or the Potensic A20 for kids. Each drone on this list offers solid value under $300, with features to suit beginners, hobbyists, or aspiring creators. For the best balance of quality and price, the DJI Neo stands out. Always fly responsibly and check local regulations before taking off.
