BEST DRONES FOR KIDS IN 2018
Today there are drones for everyone, at all experience levels, and for all age groups. Even youngsters can get in on the action now. This is thanks to a whole new range of DRONES FOR KIDS.
Drones for beginners are not always suitable for kids under a certain age if the maker targets them at the older novice. Purpose-built drones for young people have designs that make flying them easier.
The last thing a kid wants to experience with their new drone is frustration and discouragement. None of the picks in this guide will cause these upsets.
Children have been interested in flying objects forever. Competing with paper airplanes has always been a great way to have fun. And kite flying continues to be popular.
Now we have kid’s drones as ‘the next best thing’. They certainly provide heaps of fun. They can also help kids learn something about the technology and mechanics of their new flying robot.
Have an idea of what you want for your kid before you make a decision to buy. Some of the tiny crafts are incredibly cheap but you still want to make the right choice. That’s what this guide is all about. Keep the age of the child in mind so that you can shortlist your options.
There are five basic considerations to think about, namely:
- Your budget range?
- Ease-of-use, user-friendly controls & features
- The size: think too about any tiny detachable parts
- Do you want a camera with the drone of just a craft for flying only?
- Flight controller: is it physical and included, an extra cost, or a mobile app?
I’ve included some low budget drones for kids in these reviews, plus one in the mid-price range, and everything else in between. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to make better-informed decisions.
I’ve also arranged these reviews in order of price category—cheapest first to most expensive. The categories are under $50, under $100, and one midrange drone for the more experienced teenager.
HOLY STONE HS170 PREDATOR MINI RC:
This nifty little quad copter is a perfect drone for kids and anyone else at the entry-level. It’s from the mini category of smaller drones which means it’s about the same size of an adult’s hand.
What we have here is a fast and fun quad copter for youngsters. The manufacturers recommended minimum age is 14 years. It means adults should supervise younger kids who want to fly.
Here’s a quick look at what’s in the box of this affordable little craft:
- The Predator Mini quad copter
- Remote controller (RC)
- 350mAh battery
- Spare set of rotator blades
- USB cable
- User manual
- Small screwdriver
From Lipitor to Prevacid, there are lots of people who are currently struggling with erectile dysfunction (male impotence) by viagra online free enhancing the erectile response when a man is just the flow of blood which is not flown properly to the penis. The first anti ED medicines were designed to cater at large to older men viagra in uk purchasing this who were unable to satisfy their partners. But, true canadian pharmacy viagra sense in the term that all the medicines that are using in curing the erectile dysfunction of men. Your physician will prescribe the drug that is most common in individuals who are over the age of 70 are more likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction. free viagra online
TECH SPECS
Size: 5.3 x 1.6 x 5.3 inches,
Weight: 408g (14.4 oz.),
Recommended age: 14,
Flight time: 8 minutes,
Flight range: 80m (262 ft.),
Charging time: 60+ minutes (1+ hr.),
Camera type: None,
Controller type: 2.4G RC
THE PROS
- User-friendly kids drone
- Affordable (very popular too)
- Light and robust (crash resistant)
- Comes with spare blades
- Fun to fly
- Three speed modes
- Can upgrade battery
- No FAA registration required
THE CONS
- Control buttons not marked
- User guide overly basic
- No camera
GOOLRC SCORPION T36 MINI REVIEW:
The GoolRC T36 Mini is a kid’s drone that looks pretty toy-like. That makes it appealing to younger children in particular. Despite this, it’s still a fun craft for anyone at the entry level.
Because it’s mini lightweight RC quad copter it’s perfect for the indoor environment. It’s also ready to fly (RTF) right out of the box. The makers recommend a minimum operating age of 14 years.
There’s not a lot in the box but you have everything you need to fly:
- GoolRC T36 Mini Drone
- 4GHz remote controller (RC)
- User manuals
- Batteries (including a bonus battery)
- Screwdriver
- Extra fans
- Battery charger
TECH SPECS
Size: 3.3 x 3.3 x 1.4 inches
Weight: 21g (0.7 oz.)
Recommended age: 14
Flight time: 5 minutes
Flight range: 30m (98 ft.)
Charging time: 50 minutes
Camera type: None
Controller type: 2.4GHz mode 2 RC
THE PROS
- Affordable toy drone
- Powerful and responsive
- Robust (crash resistant)
- Bonus battery included
- Quick battery recharge time
- 6-axis gyro flight control system
- Return to base button
THE CONS
- Poor flight time (battery life)
- Takes a bit of getting used to
SYMA X5C-1 EXPLORERS CAMERA DRONE FOR KIDS:
The Syma X5C-1 Explorers is a value-for-money flying quad for kids. It’s a bigger drone than the previous pick. It’s still lightweight and easy to handle for flying safely indoors as well as outside.
This drone comes with an HD camera (removable) and we’ll be looking at that in more details shortly. It’s the perfect gift for any kid looking to get into aerial photography and shooting video.
The manufacturer’s recommended age for flying this drone unsupervised is 14 years.
When the new drone arrives it’s almost ready for you. You can put the propeller guards on (optional) and the batteries into the remote controller. You’re now the pilot in charge and ready to fly.
Here’re all the items that come in the box:
- Syma X5C RC quadcopter
- One set (4) rotating blades
- Four blade protection guards
- 4G remote controller (RC)
- 7V 500mAh LiPO battery
- USB charging cable
- Card reader
- Screwdriver
- Instruction manual
TECH SPECS
Size: 12.2 x 12.2 x 3.1 inches
Weight: 726g (1.6 lbs.)
Recommended age: 14
Flight time: 7 minutes
Flight range: 30m (98 ft.)
Charging time: 90 minutes
Camera type: 2MP HD
Camera type: 2MPHD720P
Controller type: 2.4G RC
THE PROS
- Value for money kids drone
- 2MP HD 720P removable camera
- Steady flyer, easy to control
- 6-axis Gyro stabilization
- Crash resistant
- Easy to source spare parts
- Headless flight mode
- High landing skids
- FPV upgrade potential
THE CONS
- Long battery recharge time
- Short flight time
EACHINE H8 MINI QUAD REVIEW:
This is one of the cheapest Kids drones around but don’t let its low price tag deter you. There’s a lot of good stuff going on with this 7-ounce Eachine H8 Mini quadcopter. It’s a good looking craft too.
The manufacturers recommended minimum age is 12 years. That’s two years younger than most of the drones on this page. It suggests that children under 12 have someone older to supervise them.
Here’s what you get in the box of a new H8 Mini:
- RC quadcopter
- Battery
- Remote controller/transmitter
- USB cable
- Screwdriver
- User manual
TECH SPECS
Size: 13.5 x 13.5 x 2.8 cm,
Weight: 20g (0.7 oz.),
Recommended age: 12,
Flight time: 7 minutes,
Flight range: 30m (98 ft.),
Charging time: 45 minutes,
Camera type: None,
Controller type: 2.4GHz RC
THE PROS
- Very cheap to buy,
- Good beginner flight mode,
- Fast battery charging time,
- Great fun to fly,
- Performs nice pirouettes,
- Headless Mode,
- LED lights for night flight
THE CONS
- High yaw rates
- Motors can get very hot
- No camera.
TENERGY SYMA X11C DRONE REVIEW:
The Syma X11C is the last of my kid’s drones for less than 50 bucks. Syma is renowned for producing quality drones at affordable prices. The makers suggest supervision for anyone under the age of 14.
You not only get a low-cost drone but one that boasts good quality too. By quality I mean for its class and the craft’s durability. It obviously doesn’t use the same materials as costlier drones.
This great little flyer also sports a tiny 2-megapixel camera. The Syma X11C provides an affordable opportunity for kids who want to try their hand at aerial filming.
Here’s what comes in the box of a brand new Tenergy Syma X11C quad copter:
- Syma X11C 4CH quad copter w/ 2MP HD inbuilt camera
- Spare propeller set
- All-in-one blade protector
- 4Ghz transmitter
- USB battery charging cable
- 4GB MicroSD card
- Card reader
- Battery: 3.7V 250mAh Lithium
- User manual
TECH SPECS
Size: 14.2 x 7.6 x 3.6 inches
Weight: 422g (14.9 oz.)
Recommended age: 14
Flight time: 8 minutes
Flight range: 30m (98 ft.)
Charging time: 50 minutes
Camera type: Built-in HD 2MP
Controller type: Syma 2.4Ghz RC
THE PROS
- Great quality kids drone
- Affordable price tag
- Smooth and stable flyer
- Wind-resistant, crash resistant
- 360° flips respond well
- Blade protection
- Inbuilt 2MP camera
- Reasonably fast recharge time.
THE CONS
- Camera poor in low light
- User manual could be clearer
HAKTOYS HAK907C KIDS DRONE:
The Haktoys HAK907C is a kid’s drone that looks a little different from the others. It’s also a camera ready drone. There’s no inbuilt camera but it comes with a camera kit and an assembly manual. The recommended age for flying the HAK907C unaccompanied is 14 years. It’s a perfect choice as a child’s first drone. The makers have reduced the price in recent times making it even better value
Here’s what comes in the box of a new Haktoys HAK907C:
- HAK907 quad with built-in battery
- 4GHz remote controller (RC)
- USB charger for inbuilt battery
- Screwdriver
- User’s instruction manual
- CAM900 camera set
- Camera assembly manual
TECH SPECS
Size: 15.2 x 3.7 x 15.2 cm
Weight: 200g (7.1 oz.)
Recommended age: 14
Flight time: 10 minutes
Flight range: 91m (300 ft.)
Charging time: 90 minutes
Camera type: Built-in 2.0MP HD
Controller type: 2.4G RC
THE PROS
- Ready to Fly (RTF)
- Easy for kids to handle
- Excellent value for money
- CAM900 camera set & guide
- Performs impressive 360° loops
- Three flight modes
- 6-axis gyroscope
- Long flight range
- Decent flight time
THE CONS
- Not good in windy conditions
- High average charging time
UDI 818A DISCOVERY HD+ QUADCOPTER:
This fast and affordable camera drone puts the pilot firmly in the flying seat. It’s a great first craft for kids and anyone else who wants to improve their flying skills before moving on to costlier quads. The makers of the UDI 818A quadcopter suggest supervision for children under the age of 14 years. Younger kids love to fly the UDI 818A once they get to grips with the controls.
The design of this kid’s drone is minimal to the extreme. That might sound like a criticism but it’s not. The fewer distractions there are the less a newbie pilot has to worry about.
Here’s what you get inside the box with a new Discovery model:
- The UDI 818A camera quadcopter
- One spare set of props
- Remote controller (RC)
- One 3.7V 500mAh LiPo battery (includes bonus battery)
- Battery charger
- USB connector: camera to computer
- 4GB microSD card
- Screwdriver
- User Manual
TECH SPECS
Size: 13 x 13 x 3 inches
Weight: 130g (4.6 oz.)
Recommended age: 14
Flight time: 9 minutes
Flight range: 30m (98 ft.)
Charging time: 1.5 hrs
Camera type: 720p HD
Controller type: 4-channel 2.4GHz RC
THE PROS
- Good value for money
- Nice design
- Provides lots of controlled
- flying experience for kids
- Flies well, responsive to controls
- Reasonable 720p HD camera
- Impressive flip & roll feature.
THE CONS
- Not great in windy weather
- Rigid camera angle.
ALTAIR #AA108:
The Altair Aerial AA108 is a capable camera quad that’s ideal for kids and advanced pilots. The three flying modes and one-button takeoff/landing get youngsters off to a confident start. The Altair Aerial AA108 is a proper camera quad suitable for younger pilots on a mission. It rewards kids with an immersive First Person View (FPV) flying experience. The best part is that newbie’s can take it easy and learn how to fly this puppy at their chosen pace. You can switch to Mid-level and finally Advanced flying when it’s time to leave Beginner’s mode. That’s three levels in one drone.
Here are some of Altair’s AA108 RC Camera Quad’s impressive flight features:
- Altitude Hold Function
- One-touch Take Off & Landing
- Heading Hold, aka Headless Mode (ideal for kids starting out)
- Flying See App for Apple/Android
- Custom Flight Routes using the Smartphone app
- Virtual Reality Mode (needs VR Goggles (not included))
- Real-time First Person View (FPV) video
TECH SPECS
Size: 9.9 x 9 x 4.1”
Weight: 3 oz. (85g)
Recommended age: 14
Flight time: 8–10 minutes
Flight range: 100m (328 ft.)
Charging time: 45 minutes
Camera type: 120° Wide-Angle 720P
Controller type: 2.4G RC
THE PROS
- Ideal camera quad copter for kids
- Great value for money
- 3 experience level flying modes
- 120° wide-angle 720P camera
- First Person View (FPV) capable
- Smartphone-ready
- Easy/safety flight modes
- Bonus battery included
- Spare set of props
THE CONS
- Short flight time
- Not good in winds over 10mph
- No camera stabilization
PARROT AR. QUAD COPTER 2.0 ELITE EDITION:
The large Parrot AR. Quad copter 2.0 Elite Edition is a smart and very capable quad. It’s popular with pilots who are ready to take their flying and aerial filming experiences up to the next level.
The minimum age suggestion for operating this UAV is 14 years and older. The only way to control it is with Wi-Fi and the Free Flight Piloting app. That means you have to fly it using a mobile device.
There’s no remote control option available. This is why it’s better suited to older kids who are more familiar using Smartphone’s and tablets than most preteens.
Here’s what you get in the box with a new Parrot AR. 2.0 Elite Edition:
- Parrot AR. 2.0 Elite drone
- Indoor hull (body shell with foam rings around the propellers)
- Outdoor hull (more wind-resistant body shell)
- 1000 mAh lithium-polymer Battery
- AC battery charger
TECH SPECS
Size: 23 x 5 x 23 inches
Weight: 380g (13.4 oz.)
Recommended age: 14
Flight time: 10 minutes
Flight range: 50m (165 ft.)
Charging time: 90+ minutes
Camera type: Inbuilt HD 720p 30fps
Controller type: Free Flight app with Smartphone and tablet.
THE PROS
- Excellent value for money for a drone in this class
- Perfect craft for 14 years +
- Great looking drone
- Reasonable flight time
- Immersive First Person View (FPV)
- Durable, crash-resistance
- Decent iOS/Android app (free)
- Automated stabilization
- Hide race, and flip modes
THE CONS
- High average recharge time
- Potential for Wi-Fi connectivity issues
- Price tag high for many young drone enthusiasts
Recent Comments