In the last decade or so, drones have transformed the way countless people worldwide do their downtime. If your kids have spotted any on their travels, the chances are they’ll have decided they want in on the action, too. Luckily drones for kids are every bit as fun as adult versions but cost less, are easier to use, and are perfectly safe even for younger kids. To help you decide which model of drone will be best for your kid, in this article we’ll introduce you to the top 25 models for young and older kids alike in 2020.
We reviewed dozens of drones for kids to identify the best of the best. We examined a range of factors, including ease of use, age suitability, battery life, camera resolution, safety features, cost, and average customer reviews.
If you’re in the market for kid entertainment and outdoor adventure gear, then you may also want to check out The Best Walkie Talkies For Kids.
Having considered a wide array of drones for kids, we chose the HScopter 1080P Camera Drone as our top pick overall. This very reasonably priced drone packs everything needed to let your kids enjoy all the fun that can be had with a more advanced, adult drone, but also boasts a handful of essential safety features for added peace of mind and, gladly, costs only a fraction of the price. The HScopter has very simple, user-friendly controls, an awesome 25-minute flight time, a transmission range of 250 feet, headless mode, lost-control protection, hover mode, and 1080P video recording capacity, all of which translates into a hugely impressive price-to-performance ratio.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Drones for Kids
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | HScopter 1080P Camera Drone | 5.0 |
| Best Indoor Drone for Kids | SYMA Mini Indoor Drone | 4.8 |
| Best Budget Buy | ATTOP RC Drone | 4.6 |
| Best Drone for Kids with Camera | Potensic D18 Foldable Drone | 4.6 |
| Best Mini Drone for Kids | SNAPTAIN H823H Mini Drone | 4.5 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Drone for Kids Overall: HScopter 1080P Camera Drone
Having considered a vast array of options, the drone for kids that wins our vote as best model on the market in 2020 is the HScopter 1080P Camera Drone.
This drone uses a bug-style, one-piece design that is both robust and reduces aerodynamic drag, thereby making it solid performer in windy conditions and more likely come out of the odd collision or crash none the worse for wear.
What we love most about this drone is the fact that it includes many features typically only found on models of drone designed for adults but still maintains the ease of use more common to more basic models designed for younger kids. It also boasts a high-definition front camera that captures 1080P footage which can be both streamed to your cellphone via an app in realtime or downloaded via your phone’s storage or SD card.
Other impressive features in this drone include FPV (First-Person View), one-button takeoff and landing, a headless mode to simplify orientation, a hover mode that lets you kick back and enjoy video footage without using the controls, lost-control protection, 360° flip function, and an impressive 25-minute flight time. All of this makes it not only one of the most fun drones for kids on the market, but also means it offers simply outstanding value for money.
HScopter 1080P Camera Drone Key Features:
- 25-minute flight time
- 1080P HD front camera and 720P optical flow positioning camera on bottom
- One-button landing and takeoff
- Lost-control protection
- Camera footage viewable in real time via app
Best Indoor Drone for Kids: SYMA Mini Indoor Drone
The SYMA Mini Indoor Drome is a drone for younger kids that’s small on size but big on fun and absolutely ideal for use inside the home—particularly if the adults in that home happen to be of a particularly nervous disposition when it comes to the welfare of their ornaments and other furnishings!
This lightweight drone has an obstacle avoidance mode that uses infrared detection sensors to avoid collisions with humans, pets, and inanimate objects alike. The propellers on this drone are also housed inside a protective, shell-style guard cage that means you won’t have to worry about your kids hurting themselves while they play and prep for their next “flight”.
But this machine isn’t just a winner in terms of safety features alone. With a hover mode that lets you enjoy endless games of “catch” while the machine floats above your heads, a high-low switch to adjust speeds, a 360-degree-flip function, and a simple, intuitive remote controller, this device scores as high on fun and user-friendly functionality as many far more expensive and more advanced models of drone.
Finally, this mini drone also boasts a highly respectable 14-minute flying time, recharges quickly via USB, and comes with a spare battery that lets you continue flying while the other battery is on charge.
SYMA Mini Indoor Drome Key Features:
- Very reasonably priced
- 14-minute flying time
- Obstacle avoidance mode
- Hover mode
- Propellers enclosed inside protective caging
Best Budget Drone for Kids: ATTOP RC Drone
The ATTOP RC Drone is a feature-rich device that offers a level of performance far above that of most other drones in its price range. This machine is geared towards young teenagers and beginner drone-users but also packs enough in the way of speed and features that your kid is unlikely to outgrow it in a hurry.
This drone uses a foldable design that makes it easy to carry to and from flying locations and also uses very robust, durable materials that will stand up to the odd crash or collision. With this device, however, the chances of any such crash or collision occurring are severely reduced thanks to its use of a built-in gravity sensor that allows the “pilot” to control the drone’s flight path by simply adjusting the vertical and horizontal position of their smartphone with the XT GO App. Alternatively, users can select the “Trajectory Flight” function, which lets you draw a flight course on the screen of your phone that the device will then follow. Does it get any simpler or more convenient than that?!
Other nice features included in the ATTOP RC Drone include one-button takeoff and landing, one-button return-to-base, voice control, hover mode, and a game mode that lets you fight fictitious airborne foes while flying! As if all this wasn’t enough already, this drone also includes a 120° wide-angle 720P HD camera and can transmit images or footage to your phone via Wi-Fi in real time within a 164-foot range.
ATTOP RC Drone Key Features:
- 720P HD camera
- Remote control via app
- Voice control mode
- Single-button takeoff, landing, and return
- 164-foot range
Best Drone for Kids with Camera: Potensic D18 Foldable Drone
If your kid happens to be particularly fussy about the quality of the footage or images provided by their drone, then there aren’t many more suitable models on the market in the sub-$200 range than the Potensic D18 Foldable Drone.
This sleek-looking machine is equipped with a 1080P HD Wi-Fi camera that allows you to capture clear, vibrant video which can be viewed on your phone in real time. It also uses a 90-degree, adjustable lens that lets you control the angle of your shots with the minimum of fuss.
Beyond its video-recording capacities, what we like most about this drone is its wide array of features that contribute to safety and easy handling. The most notable of these include one-button takeoff and landing, hover mode, headless mode for multi-directional orientation, and a hugely convenient self-protection function that makes the devices descend automatically and safely whenever flown outwith remote control range or in the case of low battery, meaning your don’t have to worry about damaging or losing your drone in either scenario.
Finally, this drone also uses an “optical flow sensor” that optimizes flight stability to ensure your video footage is as smooth as possible, is made with tough materials and anti-collision guards to protect propellers in the event of a crash, and has an impressive 20-minute flying time.
All in all, the ideal pick for the family’s budding drone photographer!
Potensic D18 Foldable Drone Key Features:
- 1080P DH camera
- Optical flow sensor for stable flight path and clearer footage
- 20-minute fly time
- One-button takeoff and landing
- Self-protect mode triggers when out of battery or signal range
Best Mini Drone for Kids: SNAPTAIN H823H Mini Drone
The SNAPTAIN H823H Mini Drone offers more fun per dollar than perhaps any other item on our list. This quadcopter-style drone is also very easy to use, safe for younger kids, and boasts a surprising array of features for such a reasonably priced device.
What wins the SNAPTAIN our vote over all the other mini drones on the market is how it mimics the design and flying style of more advanced drones, thereby letting your kids get a feel for the real thing with a device that’s low-cost, fits in the palm of your hand, and far easier to operate than most larger models.
In addition to using simple joystick controls and boasting a 20-minute fly time, this snazzy little drone boasts one-button takeoff, landing, and return, hover mode, protected propelled blades, LED lights for nighttime flying, three speed levels, a headless flying mode, and can also perform 3D flips and 360-degree rotation with just the flick of a switch. Not bad for a machine that costs only a little more than your average 6-pack of craft beer, right?
All in all, this is great little device that’s sure to prove a hit with kids both little and large!
SNAPTAIN H823H Mini Drone Key Features:
- 21-minute flying time
- Fits in the palm of your hand
- One-button takeoff, landing, and return feature
- Headless flying mode
- Hover mode
- Propellers housed in protective plastic caging
Who Should Buy a Drone for Kids
Drones for kids offer a great way to get your kids out in the fresh air and enjoy some fun-filled recreation that involves (in most cases) very little expense, is safer than most sports, and which can let them indulge their appetite for airborne adventure whilst keeping their feet firmly on the ground! Drones made especially for younger users are also, typically, much safer than those designed for adults, using protective rings or shell-style caging around the propellers and including a variety of features that simplify control of the device.
Important Features to Consider
- Ease of use. A few handy features can go a long way to maximizing your drone’s convenience and ease of use. The most important of these include headless mode, hover mode (aka “altitude hold mode”), one-button takeoff and landing, one-button return (aka “RTH”—Return To Home).
- Headless mode. This refers to a drone’s ability to fly in any direction irrespective of which way it is facing, meaning you don’t have to turn the device around before altering course.
- Hover mode. Hover mode allows you to keep the drone hovering in place at a steady altitude without using the remote controls. This is especially handy for aerial photographers as it makes it makes it easier to capture blur-free images. On a less serious note, it’s also mightily useful for those moments when tying a shoelace, scratching an itch, or removing your hands from the controls for any other reason would otherwise leave your device temporarily pilotless!
- One button takeoff and landing. As the name suggests, this is a feature that allows you get your device airborne and then return it to land by simply pressing a single button.
- Return to home. This is an important safety feature that returns the drone to the point of takeoff in case of low battery or lost connection to the remote control.
- Fly time. The flying times offered by different drones can vary from as low as five minutes to as much as thirty minutes. While many models of drones for kids are sold with additional batteries that provide relatively high aggregated flying times, if you plan on keeping your device airborne for longer periods without stopping for a “refuel,” we’d recommend opting for a model that offers a single-charge flying time in excess of fifteen minutes.
- Safety features. The most important safety feature to look for in drones for kids is protective “caging” around the propellers to avoid cuts and scrapes in case your kids make contact with these while in use. Another desirable safety feature found in some devices is the RTH (Return to Home) function mentioned above, which automatically returns the drone to the takeoff location when the batteries die or if it loses connection to the remote control.
- Camera. The quality of images or video footage produced by the camera on any drone is usually directly related to the camera’s pixel count. On kids’ drones, this typically varies from 480P up to 1080P. As you might expect, the higher the number of pixels, the better quality of images or footage the camera will offer. While image quality is unlikely to be a great concern for younger kids, for older kids or teens who are more concerned with aerial photography than the simple thrill of flying, we’d advise opting for a device with a camera that boasts at least 72oP HD resolution.
- FPV. Another feature to look out for in a drone’s camera is FPV, which stands for First Person View. This features allows the pilot to see exactly what the drone’s camera is seeing and in most devices can be streamed on smartphone in real time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a drone for kids and how does it work?
Drones are unmanned aviation devices that, in most cases, use remote controls in the form of joysticks, phones, or watches. Many models also have wireless connectivity, which allows the drone’s pilot to view images from the ground with a birds-eye perspective. More modern drones can often be controlled with cellphone apps that let you program flight plans before the device takes off (and in some case while flying) and/or use a gravity-control function that lets you control the device by simply moving your cellphone vertically and horizontally while the drone is airborne.
On a more technical note, most drones rely on rotors (propellers attached to a motor) for their flying capabilities. When the speed and force of the rotors exceeds that of gravitational pull, the device begins to fly upwards. Most drones also use four rotors and change direction by simply increasing the speed of the rotors on one side of the device. To hover in place, two of the rotors turn clockwise, while the other two turn anti-clockwise.
What age is appropriate for a drone?
This varies greatly from model to model. Some simple, hand-operated models are appropriate for kids as young as three and other, more advanced models are suitable for adults only. If in any doubt about whether or not a drone is suitable for your kid, check the product listing for the manufacturer-recommended minimum user age.
Can anyone fly a drone?
According to the U.S. Federal Aviation Authority (FAA), anyone can legally fly a drone in the U.S. as long as they comply with the restrictions listed below.
The most important restrictions and stipulations to observe include the following:
- You must fly within visual line-of-sight
- You must follow community-based safety guidelines
- You must fly a drone under 55 lbs. unless certified by a community-based organization
- You must not fly near other aircraft, especially near airports
- You must fly only in Class G airspace (uncontrolled airspace)
- You must not fly near emergency response efforts
- Be aware of airspace requirements and restrictions
- Stay away from surrounding obstacles
- Never fly over groups of people
- Never fly over stadiums or sports events
- Never fly under the influence of drugs or alcohol
How high can my drone fly?
The legal altitude limit placed by the U.S. Federal Aviation Authority on recreational drones is currently at or below 400 feet.
Other Drones for Kids We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other drones for kids. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best drones for kids list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for your kid. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Budget Drones for Kids
REMOKING RC Drone Racing Quadcopter
This nifty little drone might lack a camera, but it more than makes up for this shortcoming with 12-minute flying time, a 6-axis design for improved stability and better performance in windy conditions, simple, intuitive controls, an RTH (Return to Home) function, and one-button takeoff and landing.
Key Features:
- 12-minute flying time
- Return-to-home function
- Headless and altitude hold flying modes
Cost: $45.99
While this drone is a touch pricier than others on our list of budget models, it’s one of the lowest-priced devices out there with 1080P video, Wi-Fi capability, and a full complement of the convenience-enhancing features used in more advanced models designed for adults.
Key Features:
- 1080P video
- Wi-Fi capability for live streaming footage
- Auto-return function
- 300-foot range (150-foot with Wi-Fi)
- 9-minute flying time
Cost: $49.99
EACHINE Mini Drone with Camera for Kids
This mini drone comes with a 720P HD camera, app-based controls, Wi-Fi capability for live streaming, and a handful of user-friendly flight modes, all of which means it offers very nearly the best value for money out there.
Key Features:
- 720P HD camera
- App-control function
- One-button takeoff and landing
Cost: $38.59
This drone is a great choice for first-time flyers thanks to its use of a 6-axis gyro stabilization system and 2.4 GHz anti-interference technology, both of which simplify handling and improve performance in windy conditions.
Key Features:
- 8-minute flying time
- 150-foot range
- LED lights for nighttime flying
Cost: $27.99
YouSmart Hand-Controlled Drone
This wildcard entry on our list pairs with a smartwatch to let you control the device with the utmost of ease. It also has an obstacle-avoidance function, 360-degree flip capability, and headless and hover flying modes, making it one of the most easy-to-use and fun flying machines out there!
Key Features:
- 8-minute flying time
- Remote control via smartwatch
- Obstacle-avoidance function
Cost: $26.99
With a 480P camera, gravity and trajectory control functions, and an app-based game mode, this drone scores high on fun and is also the ideal choice for parents looking to give their kids their first taste of drone photography.
Key Features:
- 480P camera
- App-based controls and game mode
- Voice-control function
- Flight trajectory mode lets you choose flight plan from your phone
Drones for Kids with Camera
SYMA X22W Mini Drone with Camera
This drone boasts a 720P HD camera, is very easy to operate, and has a gravity sensor control feature that lets you control the drone via the SYMA FLY or SYMA GO app by simply adjusting the vertical and horizontal position of your smartphone.
Key Features:
- App control option
- One-button takeoff and landing
- 720P HD camera
Cost: $49.99
DeXop SG900 RC Drone with Camera
A drone that’s suitable for kids aged 14 and up but which packs all the features you’d expect to find on advanced models for adult fliers, including multiple flying modes, dual cameras, and higher flying speeds.
Key Features:
- 22-minute flying time
- Power-off protection
- Double 2MP HD Wi-Fi cameras
Cost: $67.99
This high-performing, mid-sized drone downloads footage directly to your phone’s SD card and lets you upload it directly to social media via an iPhone or iPad. It also boasts and impressive flight range, smart voice control, a “Trajectory Flight” function that lets your create a flight course by simply drawing a line on the screen of your phone, and a gravity-control mode lets you control the device by shifting the horizontal or vertical position of your phone.
Key Features:
- 240-foot range
- 720P HD video
- Voice control option
- Trajectory flight mode
- Gravity control mode
Cost: $69.99
Holy Stone HS120D FPV Drone with Camera
This incredibly well-made drone might be pricey, but offers an awful lot in return. In addition to capturing 1080HD video, this device includes a FPV capture mode, a 120° wide-angle lens, GPS positioning, a “Follow Me” mode that lets you operate the device hands-free by simply moving around and letting it follow you, and a “tap-fly” function that lets you create flight paths on the screen of your phone.
Key Features:
- 22-minute flying time
- 1080P video
- Follow-Me mode for hands-free flying
- FPV (First-Person View) camera
Cost: $129.99
This quadcopter-style drone packs plenty of features that make it the ideal choice for beginners, including one-button takeoff and landing, headless and altitude hold flying modes, and two speed modes that let your learn the ropes at lower speeds before progressing to operating on full power.
Key Features:
- 720P HD camera
- 18-minute flying time
- Headless and altitude hold flying modes
Cost: $68.99
An easy-to-use, feature-rich drone that boasts two cameras and an optical flow positioning feature that ensures a steadier flight and more stable, flicker- and shake-free footage.
Key Features:
- 1080P HD front camera and 720P bottom camera
- Return-to-home function
- Optical flow positioning
- Gesture control function
- 16-minute flying time
Cost: $67.99
Holy Stone HS200D FPV RC Drone
As with all Holy Stone products, this camera drone is very well-made and built to come out of most crashes or collisions unscathed. It also has a 120-degree wide-angle lens that records 720P HD video, a hugely impressive 300-foot flight range, and very simple, easy-to-use app-based controls.
Key Features:
- 10-minute flying time
- Gesture and app-based controls
- First-Person View live streaming function
Mini Drones for Kids
VIK Foldable Mini Drone for Kids
This superbly easy-to-operate little drone fits in your pocket but packs a surprisingly wide array of features and capabilities, including one-button takeoff, landing, and return, hover mode, headless mode, 360-roll and flip capacity, and 14-minute flying time.
Key Features:
- Suitable for kids aged 4 and up
- 14-minute flying time
- One-button takeoff, landing, and return
Cost: $24.99
DROCON Scouter Mini Drone for Kids
This stylish little drone uses soft propeller guards for safer flying and includes all of the features needed to make operating the device an absolute cinch, including auto-return, one-button takeoff and landing, hover mode, and adjustable speeds. A great choice for kids aged eight and over!
Key Features:
- LED searchlight for nighttime flying
- One-button takeoff, landing, and return
- Foldable and pocketable design
Cost: $29.99
SNAPTAIN Hand Operated Mini Drone
The ideal pick for younger kids, this very reasonably priced drone is made with flexible protective materials to improve safety and boasts one-button takeoff and landing, infrared obstacle-avoidance sensors, and 6-minute flying time.
Key Features:
- Easy-to-use hand controls
- One-button takeoff and landing
- Obstacle-avoidance sensors
- 6-minute flying time
Cost: $16.99
This fun little drone lets you create your own, miniature version of the Northern Lights thanks to its use of controllable, blinking, disco-style lights. It also has an impressive 20-minute flying time, 3 speed modes, hover mode, and one-button takeoff and landing.
Key Features:
- Controllable blinking lights
- 20-minute flying time
- Headless and hover flying modes
Cost: $34.99
This device uses 5 infrared motion sensors to detect and avoid obstacles, making in the ideal choice for indoor or yard use. It’s also made with durable but kid-friendly ABS materials and is very easy to use for kids as young as four years old.
Key Features:
- Suitable for kids aged 4 and up
- 5 to 8-minute flight time
- Hand-operated controls
- 40-minute charge time
Cost: $26.99
Jettime JT63 Mini Foldable Drone for Kids
This surprisingly sturdy little drone boasts a 100-foot range and highly impressive 20-minute flying time, making it one of the most advanced mini drones for kids on the market.
Key Features:
- 100-foot flying range
- 20-minute flying time
- One-button takeoff, landing, and return
- Headless and altitude hold flying modes
Cost: $29.99
SNAPTAIN SP350 Mini Drone for Kids
A very safe, simple little drone that boasts a wealth of features that make flying very easy for even younger kids (aged 5-10), including one-button takeoff, landing, and return, remote-free startup, and an emergency stop function.
Key Features:
- 21-minute flying time
- Protective guard rings on propellers
- One-button takeoff, landing, and return
Cost: $29.99
