Shopping for a drone to give your kids or teenagers can seem overwhelming. With so many models with varying features available, how do you select the right one?
This guide will walk you through the key considerations when buying a beginner drone for children. I‘ll provide my top picks for the best starter quadcopters based on quality, ease of use, safety and fun. Let‘s take flight!
Overview: What To Look For In Kids Drones
Here are the main things I recommend keeping top of mind when choosing a drone for your child:
Age Range: Consider if a drone seems developmentally appropriate and matches their skill level. Most mini drones work for all ages, while more advanced models have age recommendations.
Flight Time: Longer air time equals more fun! Look for quadcopters that provide at least 10 minutes of flight or spare batteries.
Durability: Find something rugged or with protective guards to withstand rookie crashes.
Safety Features: Automatic landing, propeller guards, signal alerts if getting too far away all make drones safer.
Ease of Use: One button takeoff/landing, headless mode, altitude hold and physical controllers simplify steering for kids.
Camera Quality: Basic drones have lower resolution cameras, while advanced models capture incredible 4K video and 12MP photos.
By balancing these elements with hands-on reviews, you’ll discover the ideal quadcopter to delight that special junior pilot in your life!
Next, let‘s explore my top recommendations for the best drones for children and teens.
1. DJI Mini SE – Best Overall For Kids
The DJI Mini SE takes the top spot for good reason – it‘s portable, jam-packed with features and easy for kids as young as 12 to maneuver. Despite the reasonable price tag, it boasts advanced capabilities that make flight safer and filming more amazing.
Flight Time: Flies for up to 30 minutes on a full charge
Range: Controllable up to 2.5 miles away
Camera: Sharp 12MP photos and steady 2.7K HD video
Key Features:
- Weighs under 0.55 lb with a foldable design
- Withstands 24-38 mph winds
- Intelligent safety modes for beginners
- Obstacle avoidance sensors
- GPS navigation and auto return-to-home
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Long battery life | Best for ages 12+ |
| Live streams video to phone | No standalone controller |
| Safe automated features | |
| Easy for first-time pilots |
For the balance of quality, endurance, protective elements and straightforward controls, you can‘t go wrong with the DJI Mini SE as the best kid‘s drone overall.
$279 at Amazon
Popular reviews site Tom‘s Guide names the Mini SE the best drone for kids, praising its smart safety features and image quality. It earns an average 4.7 out 5 stars across over 875 Amazon ratings.
2. Potensic A20 Mini Drone – Most Affordable
The Potensic A20 mini quadcopter packs a big punch with incredibly fun flying abilities at a very wallet-friendly price point. While it lacks a camera, it excels on all other fronts as a perfect entry-level flier for kids age 8 and beyond.
Flight Time: 10 minutes per charge
Range: Around 100 feet
Camera: None
Key Features:
- Extremely affordable under $50
- Altitude hold for stable hovering
- One button tricks like 360° flips
- Three adjustable speed modes
- Propeller guards for added safety
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Super cheap price | No camera |
| Tough prop guards | Shorter range |
| Easy altitude hold | |
| Fun stunt button |
If you want an inexpensive drone with all of features kids love like stunt flying, the Potenscic A20 Mini offers fantastic value without breaking the bank.
$39 at Amazon
Reviewers praise how easy it is to fly and how durable it remains after crashes. With over 1,100 Amazon ratings, RC Groups members recommend the A20 as their favorite budget-friendly drone for having a blast learning to pilot.
Key Factors To Compare Drones
To help distill the key differences between popular kid and teen drones, here‘s a comparisons table contrasting the major specifications:
| Model | Price | Age Range | Size | Flight Time | Control Range | Camera |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DJI Mini SE | $279 | 12+ | 249g | 30 min | 2.5 mi | 2.7K HD video |
| Potensic A20 | $39 | 8+ | 75g | 10 min | 100 ft | None |
| Ryze Tello | $129 | 12+ | 87g | 30 min | 300 ft | 5MP photos |
| SYMA X500 4K | $139 | 14+ | 105g | 10 min | 330 ft | 4K video |
| Snaptain SP700 | $59 | 14+ | 96g | 20 min | 164 ft | 480p recordings |
More Buying Tips and Safety Rules
Beyond the main specs, keep these additional pointers in mind when selecting the right quadcopter:
Inspect Build Quality: Carefully check out drones in person before purchase when possible. Examine the stability, calibration, spinning blades and structural integrity to gauge durability.
Understand Capabilities: Check if the model has beginner modes, built-in tricks, headless security or follow-me tracking to match what flying experience you want.
Consider Extras: Factor in whether spare batteries, extra propellers, carrying cases and memory cards prove useful add-ons to enhance the package.
And when kids start piloting, enforce these non-negotiable safety guidelines:
- Select wide open areas away from crowds, buildings, trees or power lines
- Maintain a clear line of sight with the drone at all times
- Avoid flying in wet weather or winds exceeding the drone limits
- Don‘t perform tricks or flights higher than 400 feet altitude
- Keep fingers, hair and loose clothing away from spinning blades
- Only allow kids to operate drones while supervised by an adult
It‘s also smart to purchase drone insurance in case of crashes, damage or liability issues.
Let me know if you have any other drone buying questions! I‘m always happy to share my knowledge to help match the perfect quadcopter with the right pilot.
Lift Off To Adventure!
Now that you know what to look for when shopping for kids drones, you can confidently select an awesome gadget that takes their play to new heights!
Hands-on drones sharpen visual-spatial skills, hand-eye coordination, critical thinking and imagination in kids. And most of all, they‘re just pure fun! As your child masters maneuvers from smooth hovering to daring loops and flips, strap in on their wild ride to the skies!
