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Drones and Accessories

Best Drones for Kids: Top Picks for Young Pilots

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The short answer

The best drones for kids are the Holy Stone HS210, the Potensic A20W, and the DJI Mini 4K. The HS210 is durable and easy to fly. The A20W offers a camera at a low price. The Mini 4K delivers premium quality for older kids.

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How we picked

We compare published specifications, safety certifications and thousands of verified owner reviews, and we do not physically test every unit. Read the full process in our review methodology.

At a glance

ModelBest forScore
Holy Stone HS210best overall for kids9.4
Potensic A20Wbest value with camera9.0
DJI Mini 4Kbest for older kids and teens9.2
Snaptain A15Hbest budget drone8.6
Ryze Tech Tellobest for learning to code8.8
Force1 F100 Ghostbest for indoor flying8.4
DEERC D20 Minibest for kids who want a camera8.2
TOP
PICK
1
Holy Stone HS210
Holy Stone HS210
★★★★★ 4.6 / 5 best overall for kids
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The Holy Stone HS210 is a mini drone built for beginners. It features propeller guards and a durable frame. Kids can fly it indoors or outdoors in calm weather.

Flight Time 21 minutesBattery 3.7V 500mAhCamera NoneAge Range 8+
  • Very durable
  • Easy to control
  • Long flight time for its size
  • No camera
  • Limited range
Best for: best overall for kids
2
Potensic A20W
Potensic A20W
★★★★ 4.4 / 5 best value with camera
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The Potensic A20W is a pocket-sized drone with a 720p camera. It has altitude hold and one-key takeoff. The controller uses a smartphone for live video.

Camera 720pFlight Time 10 minutesRange 50 metersBattery 3.7V 500mAh
  • Includes camera
  • Very affordable
  • Simple to fly
  • Short flight time
  • Video quality is basic
Best for: best value with camera
3
DJI Mini 4K
DJI Mini 4K
★★★★★ 4.7 / 5 best for older kids and teens
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The DJI Mini 4K is a foldable drone with a 4K camera and GPS. It has intelligent flight modes and a 3-axis gimbal. This drone is ideal for teens who want serious aerial photography.

Camera 4K UHDFlight Time 31 minutesWeight 249 gramsRange 10 km
  • Excellent camera
  • Stable flight
  • Long range
  • Expensive
  • Requires registration in some areas
Best for: best for older kids and teens
4
Snaptain A15H
Snaptain A15H
★★★★ 4.3 / 5 best budget drone
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The Snaptain A15H is a simple drone with a 720p camera. It has headless mode and one-key return. This model is a great first drone for kids under ten.

Camera 720pFlight Time 10 minutesBattery 3.7V 600mAhAge Range 6+
  • Very cheap
  • Easy for young kids
  • Includes spare parts
  • Basic camera
  • Limited features
Best for: best budget drone
5
Ryze Tech Tello
Ryze Tech Tello
★★★★★ 4.5 / 5 best for learning to code
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The Ryze Tech Tello is a small drone that supports Scratch programming. It has a 720p camera and can perform flips. This drone is popular in schools and STEM programs.

Camera 720pFlight Time 13 minutesRange 100 metersProgramming Scratch, Python
  • Teaches coding
  • Stable flight
  • Good camera for the price
  • Requires smartphone
  • Not for heavy wind
Best for: best for learning to code
6
Force1 F100 Ghost
Force1 F100 Ghost
★★★★ 4.4 / 5 best for indoor flying
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The Force1 F100 Ghost is a tiny drone with LED lights. It has auto-hover and 3D flips. Its small size makes it safe for indoor play.

Flight Time 7 minutesBattery 3.7V 300mAhCharging Time 40 minutesAge Range 8+
  • Colorful lights
  • Safe for indoors
  • Easy to fly
  • Very short flight time
  • No camera
Best for: best for indoor flying
7
DEERC D20 Mini
DEERC D20 Mini
★★★★ 4.3 / 5 best for kids who want a camera
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The DEERC D20 Mini is a foldable drone with a 1080p camera. It has altitude hold and one-key start. This drone is a good middle ground for kids who want a camera without a high price.

Camera 1080pFlight Time 20 minutesRange 80 metersBattery 3.7V 1000mAh
  • Full HD camera
  • Foldable design
  • Good flight time
  • Not as durable as others
  • Wind can affect stability
Best for: best for kids who want a camera

Kids' drones vary widely in price and capability. Some are tiny indoor toys, while others can shoot 4K video. We focused on models that are easy to learn on and survive a few crashes.

What to Look For in a Kids' Drone

Safety is the top priority for a child's drone. Look for propeller guards and durable materials. Flight time matters, but most kids' drones fly for 5 to 15 minutes. Consider the age and skill level of the child. A drone with auto-hover or headless mode is easier for beginners.

Key Features for Young Pilots

Altitude hold keeps the drone at a steady height, which helps new pilots. Headless mode means the drone's orientation is relative to the pilot, not the nose. One-key takeoff and landing simplify the process. Some drones have a 'return home' function that can save the drone from getting lost. These features reduce frustration and crashes.

Choosing Between Indoor and Outdoor Drones

Indoor drones are smaller and lighter, with guards to protect furniture. They typically have shorter range and flight time. Outdoor drones need GPS or a more powerful battery to handle wind. For kids under eight, an indoor drone is safer. Older kids can handle a larger outdoor model with a camera.

Camera Drones vs. Toy Drones

Toy drones are simple, durable, and cheap, but they lack cameras. Camera drones let kids capture photos and videos, but they cost more. If the child is interested in photography, a camera drone is worth the extra money. For pure fun, a toy drone is often enough. Consider the child's interest before deciding.

Questions people ask

What is the best drone for a 5 year old?

The Snaptain A15H is a good choice for a 5 year old. It is cheap, easy to fly, and has propeller guards. However, adult supervision is still necessary.

What is the best drone for a 10 year old?

The Holy Stone HS210 is excellent for a 10 year old. It is durable and simple to control. For a camera, the Potensic A20W is a great option.

Are toy drones safe for kids?

Yes, toy drones are safe when used properly. They have propeller guards and are lightweight. Always supervise young children and fly in open areas.

How long do kids' drone batteries last?

Most kids' drones have flight times between 5 and 15 minutes. The Holy Stone HS210 offers up to 21 minutes. Always buy spare batteries for longer sessions.

Can kids fly drones outdoors?

Yes, but only in calm weather. Small drones are easily blown away by wind. Choose a drone with a heavier weight or GPS for outdoor use.

What is the difference between headless mode and normal mode?

In headless mode, the drone moves relative to the pilot's position. In normal mode, it moves relative to its front. Headless mode is easier for beginners.

Do kids' drones need to be registered?

In the US, drones over 250 grams must be registered with the FAA. Most kids' drones are under that weight, so they don't need registration. The DJI Mini 4K weighs 249 grams, so it is exempt.

Which drone is better for kids: Holy Stone HS210 or Potensic A20W?

The Holy Stone HS210 is more durable and has a longer flight time. The Potensic A20W has a camera. Choose the HS210 for pure fun, or the A20W if the child wants to take photos.

The bottom line

So which one?

For most kids, the Holy Stone HS210 is the best all-around choice. It is tough, easy to fly, and affordable. If the child wants a camera, the Potensic A20W is a great value. For older teens, the DJI Mini 4K is worth the investment.

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