Introduction
We think the presented rating will be especially popular not only among young pilots. To a greater extent, it will interest modern parents who are always aware of new trends and want their children to keep up with the times. As you have already seen, the modern world of drones is extremely large, and in order to understand this variety of unmanned products, you need to spend a lot of time, which, as always, is not enough for adults.
We have collected here the most popular quadcopters that can be recommended as a first drone for children aged 8-14. The TOP 10 includes two types of drones: Nano and Mini, whose main task — learn how to operate a drone correctly and safely. The proposed products can also be used by children under the age of eight, but only under the strict supervision of adults. In order for a quadcopter to get into this top, it had to meet such parameters as: safety, workmanship, flight performance, durability, functionality, popularity. Let’s start with the last – 10th place. For those who do not have time to fully familiarize themselves with the rating, we have prepared a table below.
Dear parents, as well as all-knowing young pilots!
Before reading the rating, we simply have to remind you that no matter what size a drone has, in careless and inept hands it can be equally dangerous for both the user and others. To get a positive experience from owning a device, you will first of all need discipline, which is equally present in any responsible business. Remember! Safety above all! Keeping simple UAV launch rulesyou can avoid a lot of trouble. Parents are strongly encouraged to read the rules and share them with their children!
comparison table
If you think that some model is missing in our rating, then tell us about it in the comments below and we will definitely consider it.
10th place
Xiaomi MiTu is a high-tech solution from Xiaomi implemented as a whole for a novice audience of a rapidly developing hobby. The potential of the model offers the young user all the necessary functionality for safe FPV piloting, both at home and on the street, including in first-person mode. The model’s calling card is the air combat mode implemented using the built-in IR sensor, thanks to which MiTu owners will be able to compete for the title of the best and most accurate pilot, fighting each other in a team duel. Ready for FPV flight out of the box (RTF). Price: $78. Learn more about Xiaomi MiTu in our review.
Key Features
- Weight: 88 grams
- Powerful 1.2GHz quad-core processor
- Built-in infrared sensor for exciting aerial combat
- Positioning barometer + ultrasonic and optical sensors
- Capture video in 720p at 30fps
- HD video streaming (FPV over Wi-Fi)
- 360º auto flip feature
- Max. flight time 10 min
- Max. removal distance 50m
- 4GB built-in memory
- Auto takeoff and landing function
- Smartphone/tablet control
Xiaomi MiTU Drone $78
pros
- Design
- Price-quality ratio
- Control (Stable)
- Excellent flight performance
- Camera (capture quality)
- Air combat mode
- Built-in storage
Minuses
- Small resource of collector motors (which is generally the norm for this type of motor; after a drop in thrust, they change to original or analogues)
- No image stabilization
- Not long distance
- Flight time
9th place
Hubsan Q4 H111D is a time-tested FPV quad from one of the best developers of entry-level budget and mid-budget solutions. Recognized by beginners for its safety, reliability, abundance of inexpensive spare parts and of course the built-in analog FPV system that allows the user to immerse themselves in first person flight (FPV) with zero delay, which all pilots in the hobby come to sooner or later . It reaches the user with a remote control with a built-in FPV display, but it is recommended to immediately abandon it in favor of analog FPV goggles (purchased separately), piloting in which provides maximum immersion in flight – the flight of a bird. Ready for FPV flight out of the box (RTF). Price: $116. Learn more about the Hubsan Q4 H111D in our review.
Key Features
- Weight: 17.8g
- FPV at 5.8GHz analog frequency without delay
- Heading FPV HD Camera (720P)
- Remote control with built-in 4.3″ FPV monitor
- headless mode
- 6 axis gyroscope
- Max. flight time 6 min
- Max. removal distance 50 m
- LED backlight
- For outdoor and indoor flying
Hubsan Q4 H111D $116
pros
- Rugged construction
- Stability and ease of management
- FPV at 5.8GHz analog frequency (no lag)
- Complete FPV Kit
- Two modes for beginners and experts
- The ability to view video recordings on the remote control
- Price
Minuses
- Flight time
- Built-in battery
- Insufficient camera angle
- Horizontal stripes on the monitor screen during flight
- The role of the drone frame is performed by the main board
8th place
Hubsan X4 H107D FPV Plus – just like its predecessor above, it has passed the test of time and has earned such a long respect for the novice consumer, primarily for more technological and productive stuffing, shock resistance, the presence of auto altitude hold for the most insecure users and of course for built-in analog FPV system operating at a frequency of 5.8GHz, which allows you to easily connect any analog FPV goggles to the drone (purchased separately). Ready for FPV flight out of the box (RTF). Price: $147. Learn more about the Hubsan X4 H107D FPV Plus in our review.
Key Features
- Weight: 58g
- 5.8GHz analog FPV module
- Remote control with built-in 4.3-inch FPV display
- Control at 2.4GHz
- HD camera
- FOV 120°
- Altitude hold function (barometer)
- Headless Mode
- Flips 360°
- LED backlight
Hubsan X4 H107D+ $147
pros
- Execution quality
- New design
- Ultra stable quadcopter
- Altitude hold function
- Dynamics
- FPV Quality/Video Quality
- Compatible with DeviationTX
- Stick sensitivity adjustment
- Quiet operation
- Does not require registration
Minuses
- Separate charging is not possible without the Battery Pack
- Fragile propellers
- Lack of sharpness in video mode
- New control equipment protocol, not compatible with previous Hubsan models
- No memory card or rotor protector included
- FPS drops when recording video
- If the signal is lost, it can fly away
7th place
Tello Drone is the top entry-level solution in the UAV niche, implemented by three giants in the field of high technologies at once (Ryze Technology, DJI Innovations, and Intel), the functionality of which offers the young user not only a first-class first-person flight, but also the opportunity to meet with fun block programming. Ready for FPV flight out of the box (RTF). The price is from $113. Read more about the popular Tello in our review.
Key Features
- Weight 87 grams
- 14-core Intel processor
- Flight control system from DJI Innovations
- Positioning (2 × ultrasonic + 1 × optical sensors)
- Obstacle avoidance system (optional)
- Auto takeoff and landing
- Altitude Hold
- Takeoff and landing by hand
- 5 × preprogrammed flight modes
- Short movie recording (for Circle, 360 and Up & Away flight modes)
- Execution of flips in 8 directions
- Protection in case of loss of communication (carries out auto-landing)
- 2 × antennas for more stable video transmission
- FPV removal distance 100 meters
- FPV broadcast in HD quality
- Shooting video in 720p quality
- Shooting 5MP photo
- Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS)
- Max. flight time 13 min
- Control via a smartphone or tablet via a mobile application, or in tandem with additionally purchased GameSir T1d Controller control equipment
- Adapted for pairing with VR headset and Gamesir and Apple MFi Bluetooth gamepads
- Supports visual (block) programming on Scratch
- For advanced users, supports further improvement of Tello via SDK
DJI Tello from $113
pros
- Design/Quality
- Manageability (even with a smartphone)
- Dynamism
- Functionality
- Camera (capture quality)
- FPV Quality
- Block programming (simple and fun process)
- Flight time
- Ready for FPV flight out of the box
- Price
Minuses
- Collector motors
- No external storage (the recorded material is saved on the resources of the paired smartphone)
- The kit does not include a USB cable for charging the drone’s battery.
6th place
The BetaFPV Cetus FPV Kit is one of the best and most affordable FPV solutions available today for a novice audience of users who want to quickly and safely learn how to fly an FPV drone so that later they can safely move on to any full-size and high-tech models of a fast-growing hobby. The kit includes everything you need to fly a drone in first person view (FPV), including the quad itself, which has been tuned and optimized for safe flight both outdoors and indoors, which young pilots will surely appreciate. Ready for FPV flight out of the box (RTF). Price: $160. As much as possible about BETAFPV Cetus FPV Kit in our review.
BETAFPV Cetus FPV Kit $159.99
pros
- Build Quality/Ease of Use
- Safe (frame with motor ring protection)
- Crash resistant
- Manageability
- Quick change motors
- Three flight modes, including Manual (Acro)
- Sensors (Auto Hold Mode)
- Lightweight and comfortable FPV headset
- Operating time of the control panel
- Price
Minuses
- Interference in the video stream from the operation of motors (not critical, you can fly, but there is a place to be)
- A noticeable delay in control when the remote control and the drone separates the interior walls (also not critical, but it does happen)
- Collector motors (small service life, which is generally the norm for this type of motor)
5th place
BetaFPV Cetus Pro FPV Kit is the next level proposed by the developer to replace (or as an alternative for growth) the above mentioned FPV kit. The electronic filling, as well as the kit itself as a whole, remain unchanged, however, the quadric included in it is now equipped with durable brushless motors, which provided almost four times the power output (compared to its predecessor on brushed motors), and with it a more efficient flight potential , bringing the beginner closer to the potential of full-sized FPV drones, which sooner or later all hobby pilots come to. Ready for FPV flight out of the box (RTF). Price: $230. As much as possible about BetaFPV Cetus Pro FPV Kit in our review.
Key Features
- Drone weight (with included battery): 45.89g
- New drone: BetaFPV Cetus Pro
- AIO type flight controller: Lite 1-2S Pro brushless FC
- ESC: 4-in-1 12A
- Motors: B/C 1102 18000KV
- Propellers: 3-blade 40mm
- Default receiver protocol: Frsky D8
- FPV: C02 FPV Micro Camera 1200TVL Global WDR + PC Built-in 48CH VTX 5.8GHz 25mW
- Camera angle: 30°
- Improved FPV Goggles BetaFPV VR02 FPV Goggles
- Modified remote control BETAFPV LiteRadio 2 SE
- Recommended power supply: 1S 4.35V 450mAh 30C/60C with BT2.0 connector
- 3 × flight modes (Normal/Sport/Manual)
- Sensor positioning system (provides auto-hold position in the “Normal” mode)
- Max. FPV removal distance: 80m
- Max. flight time (on complete power supply): 4-5 min
BetaFPV Cetus Pro FPV Kit $229.99
pros
- Execution quality
- Safe flight (frame with ring protection) Indoor and outdoor
- Factory tuned to racing standard
- Powerful B/C motors
- Controllability
- Auto hold mode
- Enhanced crash resistance
- Improved call quality
- Lighter and more comfortable FPV headset
- Built-in battery in the remote control (operating time on a single charge up to 8 hours)
Minuses
- No built-in DVR
- FPV camera (good FPV picture only with optimal lighting)
4th place
Emax Tinyhawk II RTF is one of the top entry-level bestsellers in the fast growing hobby. Designed and built by the best of the best in drone racing, with the goal of making every beginner’s first steps as efficient and fast as possible, and transitioning to more powerful models with confidence. By tradition, the RTF kit includes everything you need to safely pilot a drone in first-person mode, including the quad itself, which was built and tuned to racing standards, which, by the way, was appreciated by advanced pilots. Ready for FPV flight out of the box (RTF). Price: $176. Read more about Emax Tinyhawk II RTF in our review.
Key Features
- Flight weight (with complete 1S battery) 43.5 g
- 75mm polypropylene frame with ring protection
- Flight controller type AIO: F4 (Firmware MATEKF411RX)
- ESC: 4-in-1 5A BIHeli_S
- Motors: B/C Emax 0802 16000KV
- Propellers: 4-bladed Emax Avan Turtlemode
- Receiver: Emax SPI Receiver (compatible with FrSky D8 mode)
- FPV camera: RunCam Nano 2 1/3″ 700TVL CMOS
- VTX: 37ch (including Raceband) 5.8GHz VTX with 25/100/200mW switchable power
- 3 × flight modes: Angel/Horizon/Rate or Acro (default)
- Supported Power: 1S 450mAh HV LiPo / 2S 300mAh HV LiPo with JST-PH2.0 connector
Emax Tinyhawk 2 from $109.99
pros
- Quality of workmanship / BNF and RTF equipment
- Safe (frame with ring protection)
- Factory tuned to racing standard
- High performance BC motors
- 1S/2S power supply
- Controllability
- crash resistant
- FPV quality/VTX power (variable)
- For home and street
- Price
Minuses
- Not found (but you can find fault with the weight, which is too high for this model. For effective reduction, we can recommend upgrading the FPV camera to RunCam Nano 3)
3rd place
iFlight Alpha A65 Tiny Whoop RTF is a rare, high-quality FPV solution that combines miniature size, high-performance electronics and an efficient brushless propulsion system, which together will allow a beginner to quickly advance in a hobby, and an advanced pilot to hone their experience even when it is not flying outside weather. The kit includes everything you need for FPV piloting, including FPV goggles with a built-in video recorder that allows you to record video in 800 × 480p quality. Ready for FPV flight out of the box (RTF). Price: $282. Read more about iFlight Alpha A65 Tiny Whoop RTF in our review.
Key Features
- Drone weight (including battery): 32.6 g
- Optimally tuned from the factory in terms of weight/power ratio
- 65mm impact-resistant frame with motor ring protection
- Flight Controller: iFlight SucceX F4 1S 5A AIO Whoop Board
- Motors: iFlight XING 0802 22000KV with JST connector (no soldering required when replacing motors)
- Propellers: 3-bladed 31mm HQProp (4 colors to choose from)
- FPV camera: iFlight 800TVL FOV150°
- Video Transmitter: 48CH VTX 5.8GHz Variable Power PIT/25/50mW
- FPV Goggles: iFlight FPV Goggles with DVR (40ch/5.8GHz; 4.3-inch screen resolution: 800 × 480p; with built-in battery)
- Remote Controller: iFlight iF8 FPV (Band: 2.4GHz; Protocol: D8/D16)
- 2 × flight modes (Angel/Acro mode)
- 3 × FULLSEND 1S 300mAh 40C Lipo batteries with PH2.0 connector
- Charger: iFlight 1S JST PH2.0 Type-C Battery Charger
- Max. flight time on complete power supply 3-4 minutes
2nd place
GEPRC TinyGO 4K FPV RTF Kit is popular among both beginners and advanced pilots, a universal RTF solution that incorporates not only an indicative level of flight potential, but also the ability to record high-quality aerobatic maneuvers using a pre-installed hybrid 4K FPV camera that allows Record videos in 4K quality at 60 fps. The RTF Kit includes everything you need to safely pilot an FPV drone in first person mode, which is more than relevant for the youngest pilots. Ready for FPV flight out of the box (RTF). Price: $250. Learn more about the GEPRC TinyGO 4K FPV RTF Kit in our review.
Key Features
- Drone weight (without battery) 54.8 g
- 1.6″ impact-resistant frame with propulsion ring protection, wrapped in soft, damage-resistant and deformation-resistant EVA foam protection
- Flight controller: GEPRC AIO GEP-12A-F4 (MCU: STM32F411)
- OSD: BetaFlight OSD w/AT7456E chip
- ESC: GEPRC 4-in-1 12A BLheli_S
- Motors: GEPRC GR1102 10000Kv
- Propellers: 4-bladed GEMFAN 1636
- FPV camera: Hybrid Caddx Loris (Analog FPV + 4K video recording)
- Video quality: 4K at 60 fps
- Video transmitter: 5.8GHz VTX variable power PIT/25/100/200mW
- FPV Goggles: FPV RG1 Goggle (Display: 4.3 inch; Resolution: 800 × 480P)
- Remote control: 8-channel 2.4GHz GEPRC GR8 (protocol: FHSS)
- Max. removal distance: 300 m
- Power supply: 2 × 1S (4.35V) 530mAh 90C with PH2.0 connector
GEPRC TinyGO 4K FPV RTF Kit $250
pros
- Execution quality
- Safe (drone frame with ring protection of the power plant)
- All components are configured and ready for a quick launch
- Flight time
- 3 × flight modes (Acro/Horizon/Angel) for smooth transition from easy to hard
- FPV Quality
- 4K video quality at 60 fps
1 place
The iFlight Alpha A75 RTF is the hobby’s best lightweight high-tech FPV analog RTF solution for beginners and advanced pilots alike. Recognized in the hobby for exceptional workmanship, perfectly matched components and tuning to racing standards. The developer has done everything possible to ensure that pilots of any skill level have the opportunity to develop their skills anytime, anywhere. Ready for FPV flight out of the box (RTF). Price: $346. Read more about iFlight Alpha A75 RTF in our review.
Key Features
- Drone weight (including battery): 106 g
- Optimally tuned from the factory in terms of weight/power ratio
- 75mm impact-resistant frame with motor ring protection
- Flight controller: iFlight SucceX-D 20A F4 Whoop AIO
- Motors: iFlight XING 1103 8000KV
- Propellers: 4-blade 40mm HQProp (2CW/2CCW) + 3-blade 40mm Gemfan (2CW/2CCW)
- FPV camera: iFlight RaceCam Nano2
- VTX: 40ch VTX 5.8GHz iFlight SucceX Micro Force variable power PIT/25mW (default)/100mW/200mW/300mW
- FPV Goggles: iFlight FPV Goggles with DVR (40ch/5.8GHz; 4.3-inch screen resolution: 800 × 480p; with built-in battery)
- Remote Controller: iFlight iF8 FPV (Band: 2.4GHz; Protocol: D8/D16)
- 2 × flight modes (Angel/Acro mode)
- 3 × FULLSEND 3S 450mAh 75C Lipo batteries with XT30 connector
- Charger: iFlight M4 AC 30W 1-4S Battery Charger-XT30
iFlight Alpha A75 RTF from $289.99
pros
- Execution quality
- Safe flight (frame with ring protection)
- Customized by the developer
- Powerful (designed for 2S / 3S batteries)
- Angel/Acro flight modes
- Powerful VTX (adjustable up to 300mW)
- FPV Quality
- Price