Best Quadcopter Under $100

Consumer drones have become extremely popular in the last few years!  There are now dozens of drone manufacturers making technologically advanced drones that are a ton of fun to use.

The most popular configuration for a drone is the quadcopter, which features four separate spinning rotors.  This type of drone is highly maneuverable and can reach some blistering speeds!

Most people buy a quadcopter to have some fun, but you can use them for all kinds of activities, including real estate photography, farming, landscape photography, sports photography, virtual reality flying, nature videos, hunting, drone racing, and much more.  You can even use a quadcopter to deliver items to your friends or family!

The best part is — quadcopter drones have become incredibly cheap.  You can now buy a great quadcopter for less than $100.  The key is choosing one with the right features for your intended use.  This article will provide all the information you need to choose the best quadcopter under $100!

Here are a few tips to help you choose the perfect quadcopter!

 Consider the flight time of the drone

The flight time refers to the length of time that the drone can remain airborne before it needs to be charged again.  The type of battery that the drone uses and the drone’s weight are the main factors that determine its flight time.  However, the speed, maneuverability, and the flying style you use can also play a role — if you are racing the drone or performing many stunts, the flight time will be shorter.

Most drones have less than 20 minutes of flight time, however, some cheaper models have as little as 5 minutes.  If you are using the drone to capture nature footage and travel long distances, you might prefer a drone with a longer fight time.  If you are only using it for quick races, a shorter flight time might be acceptable.

Do you need a GPS sensor on your quadcopter?

Some drones have GPS sensors, which allow you to track the location of the drone and program your drone to automatically fly to a specific location.  You can even hit a button to make your drone automatically return to you.  Having a GPS sensor can also help you find your drone after it is lost.  If you think you will need these features, spend a bit more on your quadcopter.

Speed, acceleration, and weight

If you intend on racing your drone or pulling off high-speed stunts, you should opt for a drone that has a high top speed, fast rate of acceleration, and low weight.

What quality is the camera?

Most quadcopters under $100 come with a digital camera that is connected to the underside of the body.  The quality of cameras can vary greatly on cheaper quadcopters, but it generally ranges from 720p cameras that can capture 60 frames per second through to 540p cameras that can capture 30 frames per second.  If your primary use for the drone is to capture video footage, purchase a drone with the highest resolution camera possible.

Some quadcopter cameras also have a Wi-Fi capability, where they can stream footage back to the controls, a virtual reality headset, or a smartphone.  If the camera can stream to a VR headset, it is called First Person View (FPV).  If you want to have an immersive birds-eye view of the world through a VR headset, make sure you choose a quadcopter with this feature.

Pilot skill level

Quadcopter drones under $100 can be challenging to fly because they can move very quickly.  If this is your first quadcopter, avoid buying a very fast racing model — you will probably crash it!  You can also choose a drone that has stabilization technology that makes it easier to fly.

The features on the controller

The controller is the apparatus that you will use to move your drone around.  Some controllers for quadcopter are quite advanced and have some useful features like large LCD screens and real-time diagnostics (drone speed, altitude, and battery life).  Make sure you consider the quality and features that the controller has.

Choose a quality manufacturer

It’s always best to opt for a reputable manufacturer when choosing a quadcopter under $100.  Not only will the construction quality be higher, but you will also have better support from the manufacturer if something goes wrong.

What is the best quadcopter under $100?

Because there are dozens of models to choose from, buying a quadcopter can be a little confusing!  Most quadcopter drones have a few similarities but vary greatly when it comes to speed, construction material, weight, and maneuverability.  The best quadcopter under $100 for you will largely depend on how you will use it.  To help you decide, here are five fantastic quadcopter drones that are well-made and packed with features.

Highly recommended for beginners who would like to learn how to fly around a drone, the Tello Quadcopter lets you easily perform tricks thanks to its lightweight frame, as well as shoot decent video and take great shots.

The 5-megapixel camera records JPEG photos and 720p MP4 video, and the Tello flies up to 10m vertically and up to 100m away. One battery charge can ensure a 13-minute flight. And while that might sound like a short amount of time, rest assured – it will feel like much longer. Or, you can simply pick up an extra battery to keep handy for when you’re not quite ready for all the fun to end.

While this drone is on the more expensive side, the built is worth the investment. The product packs a flight controller powered by DJI and a high-quality image processor. It’s also durable but not too heavy, which makes it easy to maneuver. You’ll learn how to master it in no time, especially given that you can start flying by simply tossing Tello into the air.

We wouldn’t recommend the drone for professionals, but if you’d like to take on this hobby without breaking the bank, the Tello Quadcopter will ensure a smooth start.

Pros: 

• VR headset compatibility
• Easy to fly and perform tricks
• Quality photos and videos

Cons: 

• It is very lightweight, so it doesn’t perform well in bad weather

Pros: 

• Voice Control- Voice commands provide an intuitive and fun way to control the drone, making it accessible for users of all ages.
• 3D Flips- The ability to perform 3D flips adds excitement and entertainment value to your flying experience.
• Two Batteries- The inclusion of two batteries extends your flying time, allowing for more extended flights before needing to recharge.
• Foldable Design- The foldable structure enhances portability and ease of transport, making it convenient for on-the-go adventures.
• Altitude Hold- Altitude hold functionality ensures a stable and steady flight, simplifying the process for beginners and aiding in capturing steady shots.

Cons: 

• Limited Range- Toy drones typically have a limited control range compared to more professional drones, so you may not be able to fly it as far.

Pros: 

• LED Lights- LED lights not only enhance the drone’s aesthetics but also make night flights possible and visually appealing.
• One Key Start Mode- One-key start simplifies the take-off process, reducing the learning curve for new drone pilots.
• 4K Camera- The 4K camera provides high-resolution photos and videos, delivering impressive aerial photography and videography capabilities.
• Headless Mode- Headless mode simplifies the drone’s orientation, making it easier for beginners to control and navigate.

Cons: 

• Toy Drone Build- It’s designed as a toy and may not be as durable as more advanced or professional-grade drones, potentially being more susceptible to damage.

Pros: 

• Foldable Design- The foldable design enhances portability, making it easy to carry and transport the drone to different locations.
• Two Batteries- The inclusion of two batteries extends your flying time, allowing for more extended flights before needing to recharge.

Cons: 

• Limited Camera Features- While it has a 1080P camera, it may lack advanced camera features found in more professional drones, such as adjustable camera angles or gimbal stabilization.
• Short Flight Time- Consumer drones often have relatively short flight times, even with two batteries, so you’ll need to manage your flight sessions accordingly.

Pros: 

• Long Flight Time- With a generous 30-minute flight time, this drone offers an extended period for capturing footage and exploring the skies.
• Advanced Features- Including features like Gravity Sensor technology, Voice Control, and Trajectory Flight adds convenience and enhances the overall flying experience.

Cons: 

• Limited Features- It has a 1080P camera but may lack advanced features in more professional drones, such as adjustable camera angles or gimbal stabilization.

Best bargain
The Drone with 1080P Camera for Adults and kids is cheap, considering the features it has.  If you are on a tight budget, it is definitely a great choice!

We hope you enjoyed reading Best Quadcopter Under $100.  The five quadcopter drones above are all excellent choices and will provide you with countless hours of fun!