Top Quadcopter Reviews & Best Drones For Sale 2018
Looking for drone reviews and the best drones for sale? You’ve come to the right place! Whether you are looking for a cheap and inexpensive drone to learn on, or a higher-end quadcopter for professional aerial photography, we can help find the drone that’s right for you. With so many options out there, it can be tough to find the best drone… leave the hard work to us instead!
With years of experience flying and reviewing drones, we take pride in helping people find the right drone or quadcopter. The article below the lists and reviews of top drones can further assist in picking the right one that suits your needs within your budget. Since new drones are constantly being released by top manufacturers, we will continue to keep this list as up-to-date as possible for you.
– DroneLifestyle Team
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Table of Best Drones for Sale
| Drone Model | Review | Estimated Price | Purchase | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Top Photography Drones |
||||
 DJI Mavic Pro |
Current flagship model from DJI and our overall favorite… read more! | $999 $859 | View on Amazon | |
 DJI Mavic Air |
A hybrid of the Mavic Pro and Spark, pulling some of the best features of both into one sleek package! | $799 $699 | View on Amazon | |
 DJI Phantom 4 Pro |
Unparalleled flight time, 4K camera, and great flying experience… read more! | $1,399 | View on Amazon | |
 DJI Phantom 3 4K |
Great 4K camera quality with solid flight time/range. Best bang for your buck… read more! | $625 | View on Amazon | |
 DJI Spark |
Smaller flyer introduces innovative hand gesture controls combined with HD camera… read more! | $399 $298 | View on Amazon | |
 Parrot Bebop 2 FPV |
FPV goggles offers unique flying experience with HD camera… read more! | $294 | View on Amazon | |
 DJI Inspire 1 |
A higher end go-to for professionals with 4K camera… read more! | $1,309 | View on Amazon | |
 DJI Inspire 2 |
The highest end of all drones with 5.2K cinematic camera… read more! | $2,999 | View on Amazon | |
| Drone Model | Review | Estimated Price | Purchase | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Top Toy Drones |
||||
 UDI U818A-HD |
Durable and lightweight with decent camera. Great option for beginners… read more! | $99 $53 | View on Amazon | |
 Tello |
Featuring DJI Flight Tech at an entry level price with many exciting features! | $99 $79 | View on Amazon | |
 Hubsan X4 (H107D) |
Comes with a live video remote for FPV flying… read more! | $56 | View on Amazon | |
 Syma X5C |
Small and fun, delivers a good flying experience and decent videos… read more! | $39 $36 | View on Amazon | |
 Hubsan X4 (H107L) |
Palm-sized and great for indoor flights… read more! | $53 $16 | View on Amazon | |
Drone Reviews
Best drone for your dollar: DJI Mavic Pro
Specifications
Overview
We have flown a decent amount of quadcopters in our day. Every year, there seems to be a new feature that every brand is after. Well, DJI baked all the latest and greatest features into one with the DJI Mavic Pro. Powerful, creative, worry free, and most of all, easy to fly! The Mavic is our favorite overall quadcopter!
Conveniently sized to take on the go, the DJI Mavic Pro shrinks down to fit nicely in one hand. You just have to fold the back legs up and gently guide both front rotors towards the body of the quadcopter and just like that, it is ready to take on the go anywhere. In addition, the rotors and propellers are protected from minor scrapes and bruises when folded up.
The DJI Mavic camera is capable of recording 4K video and shooting 12 megapixel still images. With their new state-of-the-art transmitter connection, you can now record high quality footage from over four miles way. This drone is crazy!
Oh and get this, in order to prevent crashes, DJI strategically placed high-tech sensors around the outside surface of the aircraft. This makes it nearly impossible to crash. Everything seems so simple. It’s crazy how easy it is to fly. The kit includes a video game shaped remote controller, which makes for smooth flying. Just wait until you finally get the DJI Mavic Pro in the air. It’s like a knife through butter! Seasoned veteran or rookie pilot? It doesn’t matter! You’ll be able to master the DJI Mavic Pro in no time and love every moment of it.
Pros
- Folds up to the size of a water bottle
- Fully stabilized 4K cinematic footage
- Very long range distance
- Obstacle avoidance sensors
- Hovers around effortlessly
Cons
- Software/firmware updates can take a while
Most innovative drone: DJI Spark
Specifications
Overview
Depending on your budget, the DJI Spark could very well be your first drone as it fits perfectly between the highest-end models and the cheaper toy drones. Despite its small size, DJI has packed this drone full of awesome features and functionality including hand gesture controls. You’ll be able to launch the Spark from the palm of your hand and have it take pictures by simply signaling at it while handsfree. Flying the Spark is a breeze as it hovers in the air after take off, and landing is no problem as well.
When picking out your Spark you’ll notice it comes in five different color options (white, red, green, blue, and yellow), as well as having the optional “Fly More Combo” official package. This package addresses the very few shortcomings of the Spark and we highly recommend it. You’ll receive a dedicated remote controller that increases the range from 100 yards to 1.24 miles, an extra battery with a charging dock, a shoulder carrying bag, and propeller guards (a must have for flying safely indoors). Overall, we can’t say enough positive things about this excellent offering from DJI!
Pros
- Unique hand gesture controls
- Easy and fun to fly
- Small but very sturdy
- Variety of color options
Cons
- 1080p camera instead of 4K
- Flight distance is limited without a controller
- Micro SD card for videos/photos sold separately
Top rated drone for kids: UDI 818A-HD
Specifications
Overview
Don’t be surprised if one of your kids asks you for a drone sometime soon (if they haven’t already). This trend is catching on in every age group. For children, the UDI 818A-HD is a perfect quadcopter to learn on. There are a lot of beginner drones out there but this one is best for a number of reasons. It’s light, durable, and easy to fly. You don’t have to worry about breaking it because of its main frame and thick propellers. If it falls out of the sky and smacks the concrete it will bounce right back up in the air, no problem! Durable, fun, and affordable, this is one of our favorites among many drones under $100. The UDI 818A-HD also comes equipped with a built-in camera that can capture photos and video. Easily upload all your footage in seconds to watch!
Pros
- Price
- Durability
- Easy to fly
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- Easy to travel with
- 720p HD camera
- 4GB Micro SD card included
- Extra battery included
Cons
- Light weight (greatly affected by wind)
- Flight time
Most recommended for beginners: Syma X5C
Specifications
Overview
It makes sense that the Syma X5C is the top selling quadcopter on Amazon. The Syma X5C is the perfect drone for learning how to fly.
The Syma X5C is a great beginner quadcopter! You don’t even have take our word for it, just look at how this beginner drone has flourished from word of mouth alone. People are unusually eager to share their excitement about the Syma X5C on places like Amazon and other community forums. This is our favorite drone under $50.
Pros
- Moderately priced
- Durable
- Easy to fly in calm conditions
Cons
- Lacks first-person-view
- Difficult to fly outdoors and at night
- Low camera quality
Safest drone for indoor flying: Hubsan X4 (H107C)
Specifications
Overview
Sometimes you just don’t want to go outside. Maybe the weather is bad. Maybe you live on the 50th floor. Or maybe you’re just feeling lazy that day. Whatever the case may be, you can fly inside if you want to! The Hubsan X4 is perfect for indoor flying. You can attach the indoor hull for propeller protection.
The Hubsan X4 is one of the only minidrones with a camera under $100 that you should consider purchasing. With two modes: basic and advanced, this minidrone is perfect for beginners looking to develop and hone their skills.
The Hubsan X4 is so small it fits in the palm of your hand and comes with a propeller guard that allows the X4 to literally bounce off the walls. Even though this little guy is small, it is surprisingly heavy, making it a suitable enough outdoor quadcopter as well. Equipped with flashy LED lights, it’s also a blast to take the X4 for a night fly. This is our favorite drone under $40.
Pros
- Price
- Indoor/Outdoor
- Can perform tricks
- Size (allows for flying in tight spaces)
Cons
- Fragile
- A little out of control at times
- Size – limited distance
- Flight time
Factors to Consider
We feel that the six most important factors to consider before buying a drone for sale (besides price of course) are wingspan, flight time, camera, controller, skill level, and sensors. Below, in our drone buying guide, we go into more detail on each metric. Reading over this information will allow you to make an informed decision, as it’s important to find the perfect combination of features for your specific needs. You’ll obviously want to start with an inexpensive drone like the UDI U818A-HD that is built for first time flyers. After you become comfortable you can then work your way up to the more advanced drones. Don’t take a huge leap! We don’t want you to end up trashing your expensive product.
1) Wingspan
The wingspan measures blade tip to blade tip along one of the quadcopter’s sides. This metric is used to give the flyer an idea of how large the copter is. This is a very important feature to focus on because the size can determine what the machine is capable of. You have to ask the question, “What will I be using this for?” If you want to fly indoors then a smaller aircraft will suit your needs. Wind and other factors have a big effect on smaller vehicles. Larger aircraft will likely cause damage to itself or other objects when flying inside. If you want to fly outdoors and capture footage then the larger aircraft is a good buy. The wingspan is often measured in millimeters. A smaller quadcopter measures out to about 100mm, while a larger quadcopter measures out to about 300mm-400mm.
2) Flight Time
The flight time of a quadcopter is the amount of time the vehicle can stay in the air on a single battery charge. Several factors such as weight, flying maneuvers, and battery size can affect this. For someone who wants to mess around flying a small aircraft inside, this isn’t as big of a deal. But if you’re someone who wants to drive out to a cool location to capture aerial footage then it’s a different story. It’s safe to say that pretty much all quadcopters have a relatively short flight time. It’s usually anywhere from 10-30 minutes. To save yourself from this frustration you should buy an extra battery, or even several. That’s what we always do. The recharging times range from 45-90 minutes. Keep in mind that doing tricks and flips or changing altitude drains the battery because of the increase in power used on the motors.
3) Camera
Most quadcopters come equipped with a camera. Even the UDI U818A-HD comes with a decent quality camera and it’s priced fairly cheap. It all depends on what you plan on using your copter for, but we feel that it’s always necessary to have. A camera will add so much more to the experience. This attachment is great for a bird’s-eye view. You can capture all the right moments and use the footage to create awesome videos or slideshows. Lower resolution cameras are typically used to save space and weight. The best quadcopters are often used for cinematography with top-of-the-line cameras.
4) Controller
The controller, often referred to as a transmitter, sends your input commands to the copter. This allows you to maneuver the vehicle. Most controllers are 2.4GHz and come with two analog sticks (refer to the Getting Started guide on how to fly). Some come with an LCD screen (or have an app for your smartphone), which provides you with real time diagnostics while the copter is flying. Remember, every drone for sale is different, so make sure you check out the features before purchasing. For example, some have buttons that allow you to do cool flips and other tricks.
5) Skill Level
Skill level is a very important factor to consider before flying. You could end up wasting hundreds of dollars if you aren’t careful. If it’s your first time flying make sure to pick an inexpensive quadcopter for beginners. Personally, we would recommend the UDI U818A-HD. It’s perfect for starters because of its ease to use and its durability. This baby can take a beating! Start with a cheap quadcopter for sale and slowly work your way up to the more advanced aircraft. To assist in flight, many drones such as the Holy Stone F181, as well as higher end models from other manufacturers, are starting to introduce “Altitude Hold” features to assist in flight by hovering at the current height when the throttle stick is released.
6) Sensors
Sensors are typically found on the more expensive quadcopters. The most popular, GPS, allows for a lot of different functions. Some drones will fly to specific waypoints. You can program the latitude/longitude point on these copter’s and they will automatically fly to that spot. Some of the more advanced quads, such as many of the DJI series, come with a “Return Home” feature. When you press this button the drone will return to its starting point.
About Us
We are a couple of guys who really had no idea what we were getting into when we first started flying a few years ago. Back then, just getting off the ground and in the air was something to be proud of. And since then, our interest in these flying machines has taken off. In our pursuit of becoming better pilots, photographers, and entrepreneurs, our eyes have widened to the potential of these revolutionary machines. It is incredible how fast recreational and commercial drones are advancing, and many cutting edge industries are taking notice.
What kind of drone pilot are you?
If you have found yourself on this page, chances are you are intrigued by the idea of buying a drone. These flying vehicles are similar to many other hi-tech products. There are advanced ones and beginner ones, fancy ones and trusty ones. So to find the right copter for you… ask yourself, what kind of droner do you want to be?
Do you just want to fly around the living room and harass the cat?
Then you’ll probably want the harmless palm-sized Hubsan X4 (H107L).
Do you want to capture awesome aerial videos/photography while letting the drone worry about the flying?
Check out our current favorite drone, the impressive DJI Mavic Pro.
Interested in learning more about drones by putting one together yourself?
You might want a DIY quadcopter kit that will teach you how to build your own, from the ground up.
Who would want a drone/quadcopter?
You might ask yourself who would want to buy a drone? You might be surprised to learn that the number of drone pilots taking to the skies is growing at an exponential rate. If you have been to your local park lately, odds are likely that one of these flying robots have captured your eyes. Drones have the power to draw crowds and and make people ‘oooo’ and ‘ahhh’ with wonder and astonishment. Drones aren’t just fun to fly, but the entrepreneurial applications that civilian drones can provide are endless. Everyone from movie studio producers to real-estate agents are eager to utilize drones because of the stunning and inexpensive footage they provide. Companies like Amazon are beginning to experiment with drone delivery, journalists are safely gaining access to dangerous natural disaster zones, and soccer moms are capturing little league games like never before… all because of drones!
The drone market is evolving at a rapid pace. It seems like every day a new type of quadcopter is introduced to the world. You’ve worked hard for your money, so like any buying decision, you want the best for what you’re paying for. Above we’ve laid out important factors to look for in your new drone, and which drones are best fit for your individual needs. After browsing through our guide, along with navigating our drone reviews, we are confident you will be informed and prepared to make a decision about which is the best quadcopter for you.
Conclusion
Due to the fact that drone technology is evolving every day, this article is far from finished… but we welcome that and are constantly adding more drone reviews! As long as drone manufacturers are inventing new ways to provide better and safer flying experiences, we will be here letting you know what to be on the look out for. It is easy to get caught up in all the choices available of drones for sale, but at first just go with your gut with whichever drone review seems to address your needs the most. Once you get outside and flying, you will discover more about what you want out of your drone. We hope that you enjoyed our quadcopter reviews and remember that the first step is just getting in the air!