Holy Stone HS175D Review

The Holy Stone HS175D is one of the most popular beginner drones on the market, and for good reason. It offers a friendly introduction to flying with helpful features like altitude hold and one-key takeoff, all at a price that won't break the bank. Our editorial team compared specifications, buyer feedback, and key decision factors to give you an honest picture of what this drone can and cannot do.

Design and Build Quality

The HS175D has a compact and lightweight frame, weighing just 89 grams. That puts it in a category that often avoids registration requirements in many countries, though you should always check local rules. The body is made of durable plastic with a glossy finish, and it feels sturdy enough to withstand minor crashes, which is a common occurrence for beginners.

The included propeller guards are a big plus. They snap on easily and protect the blades from damage and your fingers from accidental nicks. The drone's arms fold for portability, though they are not as compact as some higher-end models. The battery is inserted from the rear and clicks into place securely.

One minor drawback is that the controller requires four AA batteries, which are not included. That's an extra cost to consider, but it's a standard approach for budget drones.

Performance and Flight Experience

For a beginner drone, the HS175D performs admirably. It has three speed modes (low, medium, high) so you can start slow and gradually increase as you gain confidence. The altitude hold feature keeps the drone at a consistent height, making it easier to focus on directional control. Headless mode is another helpful option that orients the drone relative to the pilot, which is great for kids or those who get disoriented.

One-key takeoff and landing work reliably, and the drone responds quickly to controls. The 3D flip function adds a bit of fun, though it's more of a gimmick than a practical feature. Flight time is rated at 10 minutes per battery, and in our analysis of buyer feedback, that seems accurate. With two batteries included, you get roughly 20 minutes of total flight time, which is decent for the price.

However, the lack of GPS means the drone doesn't hold its position precisely. It can drift slightly, especially in any breeze. You'll need to make constant small corrections, which is actually good practice for learning to fly manually.

Camera and Image Quality

The HS175D features a 1080p HD camera with a 120-degree wide-angle lens. For a budget drone, the image quality is acceptable in good lighting. Photos come out clear with decent color reproduction, though they can appear slightly soft when zoomed in. Videos are smooth when the drone is hovering, but you may notice some jello effect if you fly aggressively.

The camera is fixed, meaning you cannot tilt it up or down. That limits your creative angles, but for a beginner, it's fine. There is no gimbal, so the drone relies on electronic image stabilization, which helps but is not perfect.

Low-light performance is poor, as expected. If you fly at dusk, expect grainy footage. You'll get the best results on sunny days.

Ease of Use and Controls

Setting up the HS175D is straightforward. You charge the batteries, insert them, and pair the controller. The drone has a quick start guide that is easy to follow, and the remote has clear labeling. The mobile app (Holy Stone) is available for iOS and Android, and it connects via Wi-Fi to show a live feed and allow you to take photos or videos with your phone.

The app also includes a virtual joystick mode, but most users prefer the physical controller. The controller's joysticks are responsive, and the buttons are well-placed. The drone is forgiving enough that most beginners can fly it successfully on the first try.

Battery and Storage

Each battery is a 3.7V 500mAh LiPo, and charging takes about 60 to 90 minutes. The drone comes with two batteries, which is a thoughtful inclusion. However, you'll likely want to purchase additional batteries to extend your flying sessions. The drone supports microSD cards up to 32GB for storing photos and videos, but the card is not included.

Common Buyer Complaints

While the HS175D has mostly positive reviews, there are some recurring complaints. The most common is the short flight time, which some users find limiting. Others mention that the drone is easily affected by wind, so outdoor flying requires calm conditions. A few users have reported issues with the camera quality, particularly in low light, and some have had difficulty connecting to the app on certain phones.

Another complaint is that the propeller guards can be tricky to attach at first, but once you get the hang of it, it's fine. Overall, these issues are typical for a drone in this price range and are not deal-breakers for the intended audience.

Comparison with Alternatives

When compared to the Holy Stone HS720G, which is a more advanced model with GPS and 4K camera, the HS175D is clearly a step down. The HS720G offers longer flight time and better stability, but it costs significantly more. If you have a larger budget and want a drone that can grow with you, the HS720G might be worth the upgrade.

The DJI Mini 2 is another alternative, but it is in a completely different price bracket. It offers superior camera quality, GPS, and longer flight time, but it's overkill for a beginner who just wants to learn the basics.

On the other end, the Potensic A20W is a cheaper, toy-grade drone that lacks a camera. If you don't care about taking photos or videos, that could be a more budget-friendly option. But for most beginners, the HS175D offers the best balance of features and affordability.

Final Verdict

The Holy Stone HS175D is an excellent choice for anyone new to drones. It's easy to fly, durable, and packed with beginner-friendly features. The camera is good enough for casual use, and the price is right. If you're a parent looking for a first drone for your child, or an adult who wants to learn without a big investment, the HS175D is a smart pick.

However, if you already have some flying experience or need a drone for more serious photography, you'll quickly outgrow it. In that case, consider saving up for a more advanced model. But for its intended purpose, the HS175D delivers.