The 23 best micro drone brands
DJI, Propel and Sharper Image lead our ranking of 23 micro drone brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Micro Drone brands, ranked
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1
DJI
Palm-launch, self-flying 135g micro drone with a 4K camera, sold in combo kits with extra batteries.
Top products: DJI Neo
Website: dji.com |Brands like DJI
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Propel
Atom-series micro quadcopters with prop guards and flip modes, plus older Air and Maximum X01 models.
Top products: Atom 1.0· Maximum X01
Website: propelrc.com |Brands like Propel
Popularity 5.7/10
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3
Sharper Image
Gyro-stabilised DX-1 with an auto-pilot hover mode, sold as a rechargeable 2.4GHz toy quad.
Top products: Auto Pilot DX-1
Website: sharperimage.com |Brands like Sharper Image
Popularity 3.6/10
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4
JJRC
Inexpensive toy-grade micro drones with one-key takeoff and anti-crash protection, aimed at kids.
Website: jjrc.com |Brands like JJRC
Popularity 2.8/10
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5
Holy Stone
Mini indoor quads for kids with 3D flips and altitude hold, including a 2-in-1 model.
Website: holystone.com |Brands like Holy Stone
Popularity 2.5/10
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6
Cheerson
Tiny 4-channel quadcopter with LED lights, a long-running cheap entry into micro flying.
Top products: CX-10 Mini
Website: cheerson.it |Brands like Cheerson
Popularity 2.2/10
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7
Air Hogs
Indoor racing micro drones with simple controls, sold in toy-store packs for kids.
Top products: DR1 Micro Race Drone
Website: airhogs.com |Brands like Air Hogs
Popularity 2.0/10
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8
Blade
Beginner-friendly ultra micro quads with SAFE self-levelling, from the Horizon Hobby family.
Top products: Inductrix RTF
Popularity 1.7/10
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9
Traxxas
Its LaTrax sub-line adds ready-to-fly micro quadcopters alongside its RC cars.
Top products: LaTrax Alias
Website: traxxas.com |Brands like Traxxas
Popularity 1.7/10
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10
Rage
Ready-to-fly RC helicopters and drones at entry level, with simple controls for beginners.
Top products: AeroBoard RTF
Popularity 1.6/10
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11
Fantom
The lightning-speed cars competing with each other to win on the track are powered by equally dynamic power machines that ensure the fun on and off the racing track remains strong. One such company operating its functions for the last...
Popularity 1.6/10
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12
Potensic
Sub-250g GPS camera drones with 3-axis gimbals, a lighter alternative to bigger camera models.
Top products: ATOM GPS
Website: potensic.com |Brands like Potensic
Popularity 1.6/10
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13
Syma
Cheap RC helicopters and micro quadcopters sold widely as entry-level toy flyers.
Website: symatoys.com |Brands like Syma
Popularity 1.3/10
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14
Force1
Budget RC drones for kids and adults, with a range that includes ready-to-fly quads.
Website: force1rc.com |Brands like Force1
Popularity 1.3/10
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15
Emax
A 65mm indoor FPV whoop aimed at racers who want a light, durable micro frame.
Top products: Nanohawk BNF
Popularity 1.1/10
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16
Dromida
Quadcopters with LED lighting and 360-degree flips, sold alongside its RC vehicles.
Website: dromida.com |Brands like Dromida
Popularity 1.1/10
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17
World Tech Toys
Licensed superhero micro drones for kids, sold in twin-pack lots.
Website: worldtechtoys.com |Brands like World Tech Toys
Popularity 1.1/10
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18
HGLRC
Whoop-style FPV frames and flight controllers with ExpressLRS receivers, mostly for builders.
Top products: Petrel 85
Website: hglrc.com |Brands like HGLRC
Popularity 1.1/10
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19
Eachine
Low-cost micro quads and FPV racers, with the CG022 a common beginner pick.
Top products: CG022
Website: eachine.com |Brands like Eachine
Popularity 0.9/10
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20
Parrot
Parrot, a French maker of wireless gadgets, rose to fame with consumer drones, including the AR.Drone and Bebop lines. Beyond drones, the range takes in headphones and phone accessories. Its drones are built for hobby flying and aerial photography, with...
Website: babesinthehood.net |Brands like Parrot
Popularity 0.9/10
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21
Sky Viper
Kid-focused nano and micro drones with simple controls and colourful designs.
Top products: M200 Nano
Website: sky-viper.com |Brands like Sky Viper
Popularity 0.9/10
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22
HobbyZone
Do you wish to fly but are afraid of heights? Have you always been interested in getting Radio-Controlled products? HobbyZone brings a range of attractive RC products at affordable prices that are sure to pique your curiosity and appeal to...
Website: hobbyzone.com |Brands like HobbyZone
Popularity 0.6/10
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23
Yuneec
Hexacopter and camera drones for surveying and filming, larger than true micro drones.
Website: us.yuneec.com |Brands like Yuneec
Popularity 0.6/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DJI | dji.com | /DJI | DJIglobal | @djiglobal | djiinnovations |
| Propel | propelrc.com | /propelworldwide | – | @propelworldwide | – |
| Sharper Image | sharperimage.com | – | – | – | – |
| JJRC | jjrc.com | /pg | jjrc_official | @JJRCTECH | JJRC Official |
| Holy Stone | holystone.com | /HolyStoneToy | holystone_drone | @HolyStoneDrone | Holy Stone |
| Cheerson | cheerson.it | – | – | – | – |
| Air Hogs | airhogs.com | – | – | – | – |
| Traxxas | traxxas.com | – | – | – | – |
Micro Drone Buying Guide
Micro drones are becoming increasingly popular among hobbyists and professionals alike. These tiny flying robots are perfect for filming, racing, and performing acrobatic stunts. However, with so many different models on the market, it can be difficult to choose the right one. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to buying a micro drone.
1. Purpose
The first thing to consider when buying a micro drone is what you plan to use it for. Different models are designed for different purposes, so it's important to choose one that fits your needs.
If you're a beginner, you may want to start with a simple model that is easy to fly and doesn't have too many features. Look for a micro drone that has a stable flight and a good video quality. You may also want to consider purchasing a drone with a built-in camera, so you can film your flights.
If you are an experienced pilot, you may want to look for a micro drone that is fast and agile. Look for a model that has a high maximum speed and is capable of performing flips and other stunts. You may also want to look for a drone that has a long battery life, so you can fly for longer periods of time.
2. Flight Time
The flight time of a micro drone is an essential factor to consider when purchasing one. Flight time varies from model to model, and it is affected by the size and weight of the drone, as well as the battery life.
Most micro drones have a flight time of around 5-7 minutes. However, some models may have a flight time of up to 15-20 minutes. Keep in mind that the longer the flight time, the better. You don't want to spend more time charging your drone than flying it.
3. Size and Weight
The size and weight of a micro drone are crucial in determining its functionality. Smaller drones are more agile and easier to maneuver, but they may not have as good of a camera as larger models. Larger drones are often more stable and have better cameras, but they may not be as agile as smaller models.
Weight is also a significant factor to consider when purchasing a micro drone. Lighter drones are quicker and more agile, but they may not have as sturdy of a build. Heavier drones are generally more durable, but they may not be as responsive as lighter models.
4. Camera Quality
If you want to use your micro drone for aerial photography or videography, you must consider the camera quality. Most micro drones come with a built-in camera, but the quality varies from model to model.
A good camera should capture clear and sharp images and video footage. Look for a drone with at least a 720p camera, which can capture HD footage. If possible, look for a drone with a 1080p camera, which will provide even better quality footage.
Additionally, some drones come with a gimbal, which helps stabilize the camera and produce better quality footage. A gimbal is especially important if you plan to fly in windy conditions or perform acrobatic stunts.
5. Range and Connectivity
The range and connectivity of a micro drone are essential factors to consider when buying one. The range determines how far the drone can fly from the controller before losing connection.
Most micro drones have a range of around 30-50 meters, although some models may have a range of up to 100 meters. Keep in mind that the range also depends on other factors, such as obstacles and interference from other devices.
Connectivity is another crucial factor to consider when buying a micro drone. Most modern drones come with a built-in Wi-Fi module, which allows you to connect your phone or tablet to the drone and control it using an app. This provides an excellent view from the drone's camera as well as other features like live streaming.
6. Maintenance and Spare Parts
Maintaining a drone is crucial to keep it functioning correctly and extend its lifespan. You should always look for a drone that provides easy maintenance and spare parts.
Some manufacturers offer comprehensive guides and video tutorials on how to maintain and repair their drones. Additionally, some manufacturers provide easy access to spare parts that can be replaced if necessary.
7. Price
Price is always an important factor to consider when buying a micro drone. The price of a drone depends primarily on its features, such as camera quality, flight time, and range. Additionally, some brands are more expensive due to their reputation and build quality.
Typically, micro drones range from $50 to $500. However, some models may be even more expensive. Keep in mind that the most expensive drone may not be the best fit for your needs. You should always weigh the pros and cons of each model and choose the one that fits your budget.
Conclusion
Buying a micro drone can be a challenging task, especially if you're a beginner. However, by considering the factors mentioned above, you can ensure that you purchase a drone that suits your needs and budget. Always keep in mind the purpose of the drone, flight time, size, and weight of the drone, camera quality, connectivity, maintenance, and price. By following this buying guide, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect micro drone for you.
