When you shop through links on our site, we may receive compensation. This educational content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.

7 Best Drones for Kids of 2024

Updated
Let your child’s excitement level fly high with one of these top drones.

If you’ve ever purchased a drone, you know how challenging it can be to find a good one that will last.

In our quest to find an affordable model for our kids, we’ve purchased more than one dud over the years. That’s why we’ve made the effort to explore the details of dozens of options. We then created this incredible, info-packed resource.

We’ll help you find the best drones for kids. In this article, we focus on key features, performance, and safety. We’ll also review the seven coolest and safest kids drones currently available.

Our comprehensive guide will enable you to decide which flying toy is the best option for your children.

Our Top Picks

We independently research, assess and evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on the links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the Holy Stone HS340 Drone
Easy to Maneuver
Holy Stone HS340 Drone
  • Good performance
  • Great for all pilot types
  • One key start
Product Image of the Holy Stone F181W RC
Best for Flips and Tricks
Holy Stone F181W RC
  • Amazing 3D flips and rolls
  • Hard to lose
  • Headless mode
Product Image of the Drocon Spacekey DC-014
Panoramic Views
Drocon Spacekey DC-014
  • Wi-Fi transmission
  • Foldable design
  • Easy to control
Product Image of the DEERC D20 Mini Drone for Kids with 720P HD FPV Camera Remote Control Toys Gifts...
Best for Video
Deerc D20 Mini
  • Simple and fun for kids
  • Great safety features
  • Smart control and selfies
Product Image of the Potensic Upgraded A20
Most Fun for Beginners
Potensic Upgraded A20
  • Stable flight
  • Easy to fly
  • Perfect for beginners
Product Image of the Syma X5C Explorers
Playing Indoors or Outdoors
Syma X5C Explorers
  • X5C control
  • Four operating directions
  • Six axis gyroscope
Product Image of the Force1 UFO 3000
Best Mini Drone
Force1 UFO 3000
  • Easy drone control
  • Great to play together
  • Colorful LEDs


The Best Drones for Kids of 2024

We spent hours comparing products recommended by industry-leading blogs, reading reviews from parents, and referring to our research and insight.

Here are the top seven drones for kids on the market.

Holy Stone HS340 Mini FPV RC Drone

Easy to Maneuver

This drone is beautifully designed and features a one-key start, which is a must for those curious newbie drone enthusiasts.

It is also interesting to fly and quick to master. The headless flight system guides the quadcopter directly through the controller, enabling pilots of any level to enjoy it.

With its intelligent flight system, the drone easily performs waypoint fly and circle fly. Plus, its camera is designed to capture photos or video with a specified hand gesture.

At the push of a button, the drone will flip and roll. The owner will be entertained for hours playing with this neat aircraft.

What We Like

Good Performance

Users report the drone is sturdy and wonderfully constructed. Its control range is 65 to 131 feet, and its battery lasts up to 20 minutes with a spare of two modular batteries, allowing it to deliver a good performance.

Great for All Types of Pilots

This drone features three speed modes, making it suitable for beginners or advanced pilots who may want it to go faster.

One Key Start

We like how a neophyte toddler could easily manage this drone with its one key landing and takeoff. Apart from being beginner-friendly, the drone is also ideal for capturing moments with ease.

What We Don't Like

Windy Performance

Although this drone has powerful and responsive motors, it won’t work best in windy circumstances as it is quite lightweight. We advise you to perform this operation with caution when working in windy areas.

Product Specs

Size 6.73 inches by 6.22 inches by 3.35 inches
Weight 1.76 ounces
Cell phone control No
Camera Yes
Recommended age 14 years and up

Our Ratings

Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Flight Time
4 / 5
Camera Quality
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

User Experience

In my experience, this drone exceeded my expectations, especially considering its small size. It's perfect for indoor flying and extremely stable, making it ideal for beginners. The package includes standard accessories and two USB charging cables, allowing simultaneous charging of both batteries. Although there is no user manual for the app, once I figured out how to pair the drone with my phone, it was an absolute ton of fun to fly. The camera quality is surprisingly good for the price, and I believe this drone is an excellent choice for those starting in the world of drone flying.

Holy Stone F181W RC Drone

Best for Flips and Tricks

This drone is a good pick for your older kids, ages 14 to 17. With a powerful 1080P 120-degree wide-angle HD Wi-Fi camera, the user can record their drone flights in superb quality.

It features a one-key engine start and multiple speed control modes, making it great for both beginners and advanced pilots.

The aircraft comes with a powerful motor and batteries. It also features controllable LED lights that can help find the drone at night. Moreover, it is a great drone because it allows first-person view transmission of live videos captured by the drone and directed to your mobile device via an app.

What We Like

Amazing 3D Flips and Rolls

With the simple push of a button, your child can make this drone do amazing flips and rolls. Great for beginners, the one-key, 360-degree, four-way flip allows your kids to turn it left, right, forward, and backward easily.

Hard to Lose

This drone comes with one-key return, so you won’t need to worry about it getting lost. By simply pressing a button, the drone will go back to the location it was launched from. Read the instructions carefully so you know how to use this feature correctly.

Headless Mode

The headless mode makes it easy for beginners, allowing easy control of the aircraft, no matter what direction it is facing.

Steady Flight

Powerful air pressure ensures that the altitude hold function keeps the drone hovering at a steady height. This makes it easier to get high-quality images and videos.

What We Don't Like

Limited Speed and Stability

Some reviewers say this drone is not as fast as other similarly priced ones. It’s made of lightweight plastic, making it hard to fly if there is wind.

Motor Control Issues

Some customers report having issues with the motor, making the drone hard to control and land. But customer support is exceptional, with parents reporting that they quickly received a replacement.

Product Specs

Size 12.6 inches by 3.3 inches by 12.6 inches
Weight 5.7 ounces
Cell phone control Yes
Camera Yes
Recommended age 14 to 17 years old

Our Ratings

Ease of Use
4 / 5
Durability
3.5 / 5
Flight Time
3.5 / 5
Camera Quality
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

Personal Perspective

If you're looking for a beginner-friendly drone with camera capabilities, the Holystone F181W is a solid choice. The altitude hold feature simplifies flying, and the drone is light enough to be easily maneuvered both indoors and outdoors. However, the drone can be affected by wind and the FPV mode may need some tinkering to work with the transmitter. Despite a few minor issues, this drone is a fun and easy-to-use option for those looking to explore aerial photography and drone piloting.

Drocon Spacekey DC-014 Drone

Panoramic Views

This foldable model is a good beginner’s drone for older children and teenagers.

It features a 120-degree, wide-angle lens that can capture true color and panoramic views. It’s great for parties, sports, adventures, or any outdoor activities.

With the possibility of controlling it through your phone via Wi-Fi, it records high-definition images to be shared with friends.

Because this drone’s aerofoil and fuselage are made of sturdy and durable PA plastic, it’s convenient for flying either indoors or outdoors.

What We Like

Wi-Fi Transmission

With the Wi-Fi Real-Time FPV Transmission feature, your child can operate the drone with an iOS or Android app. The high-definition images can be viewed in real time while piloting this cool drone.

Foldable Design

We love the structure design with foldable blades that make this drone easy to carry around.

Easy to Control

You and your kids can control the drone using a smartphone. Piloting is easy, as all the controls are operable from within the app screen.

What We Don't Like

Short Battery Life

Battery life might not be long. As it only comes with one battery, you will have to wait for the battery to recharge to continue flying.

App Permissions

This drone relies on control through an app that has a large set of permissions. You need to give a lot of information to get it to fly.

Extremely Lightweight

You will have to be careful not to fly it on windy days. We found that even a light breeze can be enough to blow it away.

Product Specs

Size 5.4 inches by 5.4 inches (folded: 3.92 inches by 2.75 inches)
Weight 15.5 ounces
Cell phone control Yes
Camera Yes
Recommended age 12 years and up

Our Ratings

Ease of Use
4 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Flight Time
2.5 / 5
Camera Quality
4 / 5
Total Rating
3.5 / 5

Community Feedback

This drone is a fantastic beginner-friendly option that is both easy to use and packed with features. I've found it to be incredibly stable and agile in flight, and the Drocon Fly app adds a fun element by offering live HD video footage on my phone. The package includes various accessories such as propeller guards, replacement blades, and a clear English manual to guide users through its functions. However, one minor issue is the antenna positioning under the battery, which can be resolved by bending it slightly to the side and securing it with tape.

Deerc D20 Mini Drone

Best for Video

Your kids will have endless fun with this mini drone. It provides HD pictures and live videos, so you can watch what you’re capturing as you go. The 720p HD Wi-Fi camera takes incredible aerial photos and videos, which you can view through the phone app.

It’s also great fun for adults! It has a range of neat features. It’s super easy to use and control. It’s full of helpful safety features, can do cool flips, and even uses voice control.

What We Like

Simple and Fun for Kids

This drone was designed with simplicity in mind. No one wants a new gadget that causes more stress than fun! Thanks to the one-key start, you can quickly get this drone in the sky, and it has a landing button. The Altitude Hold mode makes it stay exactly where you want it.

Safety Features for Parents

Kids aren’t too concerned about the safety features, but we parents are! This has a low-power alarm, propeller guards, and an emergency stop. You can rest easy that this ensures a safe flight for everyone in the surrounding area.

The emergency stop works by automatically stopping the drone if it hits something. Therefore, the blades won’t keep spinning or be subject to damage.

Smart Control and Selfies

We love that you can control this drone with your voice. Simply say things like “takeoff” or “landing,” and the drone will follow your command.

It’s never been easier to take a selfie! Make a “V” sign with your hand in front of the camera, and the drone will automatically take a photo!

What We Don't Like

Short Battery Life

The drone lasts about 10-15 minutes with the batteries. This is great for short flights, but if you fly it for longer than this, the drone could die mid-flight! Some customers lost their drones in a pond because they didn’t land them in time. Oops!

Not the Highest Quality

This isn’t the most high-quality drone. It’s made of cheap plastic, and the propellers may break quickly. It’s not the most expensive drone, so remember that the build resembles that.

Product Specs

Size 7 inches by 4.7 inches by 1.7 inches
Weight 2.43 ounces
Cell phone control Yes
Camera Yes
Recommended age 14 years and up

Our Ratings

Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Durability
3 / 5
Flight Time
3 / 5
Camera Quality
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.5 / 5

Potensic Upgraded A20 Drone

Most Fun for Beginners

This easy-to-fly drone is fast and agile, allowing a thrilling flight experience for both beginners and advanced pilots.

It’s a favorite of parents and kids, and we love that it comes with an altitude hold function, which makes it easy to control the aircraft.

Four round propeller guards protect the drone upon collision, making it durable for kids to play with.

It has an emergency stop button that quickly lands the drone if it experiences any issues. This is a great feature that ensures children’s safety.

What We Like

Stable Flight

Controlling flying height is effortless with the altitude-hold function. Your children can have stable flights both indoors and outdoors.

Easy To Fly

The drone has one-key control for takeoff and landing, an important feature that makes it extremely easy to fly. Your kids will grasp how to use it pretty quickly.

Perfect For Beginners

This is an excellent drone for beginners. Because of the headless mode, it operates smoothly and easily, going where you aim it. It’s also sturdy, and it handles repeatedly hitting the ground or walls without damage.

What We Don't Like

Low Battery Life

This drone has a short battery life. Fortunately, it comes with a convenient USB charger and two rechargeable drone batteries.

If you need to recharge the drone, you can plug its battery into your car or laptop, and your kids can quickly continue their fun.

Hard-to-Swap Batteries

Changing batteries might not be so easy, as it has a tiny plug that is hard to insert. It also might take a little while to swap them after recharging.

Motors May Sometimes Cause Trouble

We found that the motor can quickly lose its greasing, which may cause it to stop working. If this happens to you, contact customer support; they’ve been good about sending a replacement.

Product Specs

Size 3.5 inches by 3.1 inches by 1.25 inches
Weight 6.4 ounces
Cell phone control No
Camera No
Recommended age 8 years and up

Our Ratings

Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Flight Time
2.5 / 5
Camera Quality
2 / 5
Total Rating
3.25 / 5

User Experience

For a small and affordable drone, this product exceeded my expectations in terms of fun and flight performance. The three different speed modes cater well to various skill levels, making it suitable for both kids and adults looking for a casual flying experience. Although the battery life is quite short, around 6-7 minutes, it is understandable due to the drone's size. The main issue I encountered was the flight control, as the drone tends to drift randomly in different directions, requiring constant correction while navigating tight spaces.

Syma X5C Explorers Quad Copter

Best for Playing Indoors or Outdoors

On rainy or windy days, you can use this drone indoors. Of course, you can also use it outdoors. You can fly your drone no matter what kind of day it is.

This drone is great for beginners and experienced users alike. It has a range of fun features but is also easy to use. It can do impressive flips, so you can wow folks at the park! You can also link it to your phone to take pictures and videos.

It takes 100 minutes to charge this drone for a good seven minutes of flying time, which is pretty generous for these types of toys.

What We Like

X5C Control

The X5C control uses spectrum technology, which allows you to fly it further away from you without anything interfering with it.

Four Operating Directions

Your kids will love the flexibility and control this drone offers. They can hover it up and down, move forward and backward, turn left and right, or fly sideways.

Six Axis Gyroscope

This super cool technology means you can throw the helicopter in the air, and the gyroscope will immediately level it out. This makes it perfect for beginners, as it’s easy to get the hang of.

What We Don't Like

Noisy Motors

The motors are very noisy, so if you’re trying to take an atmospheric video, the motors will overpower any sound in your video.

Mind of Its Own

A few customers have reported that the drone just flew off on its own! This is a glitch for sure, and there seems to be nothing you can do to prevent this. This con might be a bit hilarious when looking back, but at the moment, it can be really upsetting for kids.

Product Specs

Size 16.5 inches by 12.2 inches by 3.8 inches
Weight 25.6 ounces
Cell phone control No
Camera Yes
Recommended age 14 years and up

Our Ratings

Ease of Use
4 / 5
Durability
3.5 / 5
Flight Time
3 / 5
Camera Quality
3 / 5
Total Rating
3.25 / 5

Personal Perspective

I'm really impressed with this quadcopter for its price. It's very stable in calm winds and has great control handling. The LED lights are helpful during dawn and dusk flights, and the camera quality is surprisingly good in daylight conditions. The battery life is decent, lasting around 7-14 minutes depending on usage.

Force1 UFO 3000 Drone

Best Mini Drone

The UFO 3000 is designed for kids and is easy to fly. It features a one-key start/stop and an easy joystick to control flight direction. Your toddlers will only need to press one button to perform cool 360-degree flip tricks.

This mini drone can fly during the day or at night while glowing with its bright green and blue LED lights.

It comes with sturdy propeller guards that protect its copter blades during flights. It includes two rechargeable batteries, which are handy as your kids will want to play with it for hours.

What We Like

Easy Drone Control

With the altitude hold feature, your kids can keep the drone hovering at a stable height. Headless mode makes it easier to orientate the mini drone with the remote. These two features make this fun aircraft easy to control.

Great to Play Together

You can use the 4-channel remote transmitter to race several drones. This is great for multi-playing with friends or family.

What We Don't Like

Low Battery Efficiency

Some parental reviews indicate that the battery takes a long time to charge. It also has a short flying life of around 5 to 7 minutes.

Propellers Break Easily

Although it’s quite a sturdy drone, the propellers can break easily. If this happens, we advise you to contact customer support, as it can be due to a quality control issue.

Product Specs

Size 8.3 inches by 7 inches by 4.2 inches
Weight 12.8 ounces
Cell phone control No
Camera No
Recommended age 14 years and up

Our Ratings

Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Durability
3.5 / 5
Flight Time
2.5 / 5
Camera Quality
2 / 5
Total Rating
3 / 5

Community Feedback

My experience with this drone has been a mix of positive and negative aspects. On one hand, it flies fairly well, has crisp flips with minimal altitude loss, and is quite durable even after a few dozen crashes. On the other hand, it has a misleading design regarding the propellers and prop guards, and the altitude hold feature is inconsistent, causing issues when trying to navigate obstacle courses. While the drone itself might be suitable for beginners, the added features and design flaws make it difficult for more experienced users to fully enjoy.

Product Comparison Chart

Product Best Size Weight Cell phone control Camera Recommended age
Holy Stone HS340 Mini RC Easy to Maneuver 6.73″ x 6.22″ x 3.35″ 1.76 oz No Yes 14 yrs and up
Holy Stone F181W RC For Flips and Tricks 12.6″ x 3.3″ x 12.6″ 5.7 oz Yes Yes 14 – 17 yrs old
Drocon Spacekey DC-014 Panoramic Views 5.4″ x 5.4″ 15.5 oz Yes Yes 12 yrs and up
Deerc D20 Mini For Video 7″ x 4.7″ x 1.7″ 2.43 oz Yes Yes 14 yrs and up
Potensic Upgraded A20 Beginners 3.5″ x 3.1″ x 1.25″ 6.4 oz No No 8 yrs and up
Syma X5C Explorers Playing Indoors or Outdoors 16.5″ x 12.2″ x 3.8″ 25.6 oz No Yes 14 yrs and up
Force1 UFO 3000 Mini Drone 8.3″ x 7″ x 4.2″ 12.8 oz No No 14 yrs and up

How to Choose the Best Drone for Kids

In this buying guide, we will dive into the main points to consider while deciding on a drone for kids.

Age

We advise you not to gift your little ones with a drone if they are still at a stage where they break things often. Ensure your children are at least 6 years old before letting them handle a drone.

Don’t start by getting an expensive drone for your kid. First, you should try something you won’t mind them wrecking.

Location

Think about where your kids will be operating the drone. This is important, as some small drones can’t fly in the wind and are only meant for indoors.

If your kids are using a drone outside, ensure they fly it in a safe place away from overhead wires and nowhere near airfields. Keep in mind they shouldn’t fly them around pets. It’s also best to avoid trees until they learn greater control over their drones.

Camera

An onboard camera is a nice feature because your kids will love to record videos of their drone’s flight path to show their friends later.

Although most toy drones don’t feature a camera, if you decide on one that does, check the specifications of the image and recording quality.

Some drones feature FPV (first-person view) Transmission, which allows your child to see in real-time what’s happening in the air. If the aircraft has cellphone control, your children can operate it through an iOS or Android App.

Keep In Mind

If you do decide to get a drone with a camera, teach your children about privacy rights (1).

Easy to Fly

Drones for kids usually come with easy controllers and can be maneuvered by merely pressing a button.

Pick a drone that is lightweight and durable. Ensure it has crash-proof construction. Some toy drones are RTF (ready to fly) and have a controller with beginner and expert modes.

There are some essential features to look for when choosing an easy-to-fly drone.

1. One Key for Takeoff and Landing

Needing to press only one key during takeoff and landing makes it easy for toddlers to enjoy their first flights.

2. Hover Mode

Toy drones usually feature a hover mode, which makes it easier for beginners to pilot for the first time. This mode helps the drone maintain a stable position during the flight. This is also great for taking aerial pictures or videos.

3. Headless Mode

With headless mode, there is no designated front or back. Kids can easily control the aircraft no matter what direction it is facing. It’s also convenient for flying the drone when it’s out of sight.

It’s an excellent choice for beginners as they will only have to focus on maneuvering it toward the direction they want it to go.

4. Altitude Hold

With the Altitude Hold function, it’s straightforward to control the flying height because this feature maintains the drone’s height for the flyer.

5. Return To Home

A return-to-home button ensures that, with the help of GPS tracking, the drone will safely return to where it took off. It’s a great feature to get the drone back if it goes out of sight.

Safety

Always ensure your children are supervised by a parent or guardian while flying drones. Fly the drone in an open area and establish boundaries.

Children should first test their flying skills in an enclosed space like a football field or a park, avoiding trees, people, and power lines. Do not fly near pools or lakes.

Flying early in the morning is a good idea for beginners because there will usually be fewer people around. Once they get confident, they will probably want to go out later when there is an audience to appreciate their skills.

Wearing safety glasses will protect the flyer’s eyes should they lose control.

If you get a drone with lithium batteries, ensure your children don’t puncture them, put them in water, or fly the drone close to heat sources.

Flight Time

Get your kids a drone with the longest battery life possible and a short charging time. Most toy drones usually fly for seven to 20 minutes per battery charge.

USB chargers are convenient because you can use them in many places. A quick recharge from your car or laptop, and your kids can continue their fun.

Rechargeable batteries are also a great idea, as they last longer and are eco-friendly. Purchase spare batteries and fully charge them before your kids’ flying sessions.

Entertainment

It’s always great to remember your kids are doing this for fun. Before buying, check the drone’s features for the tricks it can do. This will also give you the heads-up so you can be the cool parent who gives drone tips.

Some drones can do basic tricks like figure eights, corkscrews, and flips. You can also create an obstacle course so your kids learn new skills.

Your child can use drones with cameras to explore areas that are inaccessible by foot. Afterward, they can view the amazing footage.

If you get more than one drone, you and your kids will be able to drone race.

A fun additional game can be lifting light objects remotely with the drone and bringing them back to the pilot.

Another cool idea is to set up small landing areas and see if your kids can land the aircraft accurately.

Rules and Regulations

Most drones for kids don’t fall into this category, but if your drone weighs between 0.55 and 55 pounds, register it with the FAA’s UAS Registration Service. You can do this inexpensively online (2).

You Might Also Like
Father playing with RC helicopter at the beach with childrenDiscover the Best Remote Control Helicopters for Kids

FAQs

Should I Buy My Kid a Drone?

Yes, buying a drone for your kid can be a great idea, especially if they have an interest in technology, photography, or flying. It’s a fun way to learn about aerodynamics and responsibility.

What is a Toy Grade Drone?

A toy-grade drone is designed specifically for kids or casual users. These drones are typically more affordable, durable, and easier to operate than professional-grade models.

What is the Easiest Drone For Kids to Fly?

The easiest drones for kids to fly are those with beginner-friendly features like automatic takeoff and landing, simple controls, and stability assistance.

How High Can a Toy Drone Fly?

Most toy drones can fly up to a range of 50-100 feet. But always keep in mind that it’s important to supervise and ensure they are flown within safe heights to avoid losing control.

How Long Do Toy Drones Last?

The lifespan of a toy drone varies, but typically, they can last for several months to a few years, depending on the quality and how well they are maintained.

Feedback: Was This Article Helpful?
Thank You For Your Feedback!
Thank You For Your Feedback!
What Did You Like?
What Went Wrong?
Headshot of Shannon Serpette

Edited by

Shannon Serpette

Shannon Serpette is an award-winning writer and editor, who regularly contributes to various newspapers, magazines, and websites. Shannon has been featured on Insider, Fatherly, SheKnows, and other high profile publications. As a mother of two, she loves to write about parenting issues and is dedicated to educating other parents at every stage of their child's development.