So your kid wants a drone. That’s not surprising: They’ve been a hot holiday gift for a few years running, and more options than ever are explicitly marketed toward the younger set.
Still, there are a lot of drones out there, and it can be hard to tell not only which are actually good, but also which are safe, sturdy, and beginner-friendly enough for children. Your young pilot will probably crash this thing a few times, after all — in a lot of cases (though not all!), a low-cost toy drone is your best bet. (While we appreciate the feature-laden $1500 drones of the world, they’re probably not what your 10-year-old should start with.) When it comes right down to it, the best drones for kids are ones that will be relatively easy to fly and can take a beating. Read more…
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BEST OVERALL
Ryze Tech Tello
The Ryze Tello offers all the features a beginner hobbyist could want at a relatively low price.
- Dimensions: 3.9 x 3.6 x 1.6 inches
- Flight time: 13 minutes
- Charging time: 60-90 minutes
- Range: 328 feet / 99.97 meters
- Camera: 720p video, 2592 x 1936 photos
$99.99 from Amazon
IMAGE: Amazon
MOST EASY-TO-FLY DRONE
Cheerwing Syma X5SW-V3
Learning to control a drone is often the biggest concern for beginners. Luckily, the Syma X5SW-V3 is super easy to fly.
- Dimensions: 12.4 x 12.4 x 4.13 inches
- Flight time: 5-7 minutes
- Charging time: 90-120 minutes
- Range: 164.04 feet / 50 meters
- Camera: 480p
$44 from Amazon
IMAGE: Best Buy
BEST DRONES FOR SIBLINGS
Sky Rider Air Racers
This two-pack of toy drones is a simple and affordable way to keep multiple kids occupied.
- Dimensions: 3.94 x 3.94 x 1.18 inches
- Flight time: 6-7 minutes
- Charging time: 70 minutes
- Range: 262 feet / 79.86 meters
- Camera: None
$49.99 from Best Buy
IMAGE: Amazon
BEST FOR LITTLE KIDS
AirHogs Supernova
The AirHogs Supernova is a super unique toy, but it’s also a solid hand-controlled drone in its own right.
- Dimensions: 5.25 x 8 x 12 inches
- Flight time: 5-7 minutes
- Charging time: 50-65 minutes
- Range: 66 feet / 20 meters
- Camera: None
$49.99 from Amazon
IMAGE: Amazon
BEST DRONE FOR TAKING PHOTOS
DJI Mavic Mini
This little drone is the biggest splurge on our list, but it also takes a killer aerial photo. For young photogs, it may be worth it.
- Dimensions: 5.3 x 3.2 x 2.2 inches (folded)
- Flight time: 30 minutes
- Charging time: 50-90 minutes
- Range: 2.5 miles / 4 kilometers
- Camera: 2.7K HD video / 12mp photos
$399 from Amazon
IMAGE: Amazon
BEST FOR LEARNING
Eachine E010 Nano Drone
What better to learn the ropes with than a cute, inexpensive little nano drone?
- Dimensions: 5.51 x 4.33 x 3.39 inches
- Flight time: 5 minutes
- Charging time: 40-60 minutes
- Range: 98.43 feet / 30 meters
- Camera: None
$23.99 from Amazon
IMAGE: Best Buy
BEST NOT-QUITE-A-DRONE
Protocol Aviator RC Helicopter
For kids who just want something solid and cool-looking, a lime green helicopter fits the bill.
- Length: 9 inches
- Flight time: 6 minutes
- Charging time: 60 minutes
- Camera: None
$29.99 from Best Buy
