Real life flights: TOP 5 low-cost quadcopters for entertainment

The Chinese Hubsan H111D Nano conquers at first glance with its miniature (66x66x23 mm), but well-adjusted design. In fact, this is one of the best household universal drones in the “micro” class in terms of price / quality ratio. In addition to a nice appearance, the model has good functionality, while it costs only $20.

H111D is made of ABS plastic, which maintains the integrity of the structure even when dropped. It is offered in several colors: red-white, light green and yellow. The drone is equipped with a 4-channel transmitter operating at 2.4GHz frequency and provides a range of up to 50 meters in good weather. Anti-interference enhances the stability of communication with the remote control, and the built-in gyroscope makes the use of the device easier.

Three modes: standard, medium and expert allow you to perform both level flight and incredible 360° somersaults in any axis. Bright LED backlighting helps keep the device out of sight.

Somewhat depressing is the lack of a camera, altitude hold mode and low battery capacity. The maximum flight duration is only 5 minutes, but this is compensated by a rather high speed, including charging (30 minutes).

The device is charged from USB, and 2 AA batteries are responsible for the operation of the remote control.

In general, for such a price, the buyer receives more pluses than minuses. A good toy for beginner drone operators.

Syma X23 is a nice quadcopter from the Celestial Empire, with wide functionality, convenient controls and a reasonable price of about $50.

The drone received a modern laconic design and medium dimensions (210x210x50 mm). It looks stylish and even a little aggressive. At the same time, the manufacturer paid great attention to the safety of the operator and others. The propellers are protected by rings, so they are difficult to damage, and they themselves will not harm the environment in a collision. LED navigation lights will not allow the drone to disappear from view at any time of the day. And the system of protection against drops and power surges will protect electrical circuits from breakdowns.

There is no camera in the model (Syma X23W Price from 3 999 ₴ has it), but a distinctive feature is the great remote control capabilities. Takeoff and landing are carried out by pressing one button. The built-in barometer helps keep a stable altitude, the “Headless” mode allows the drone to fly in the direction you point, regardless of where the nose of the device is turned. The drone can be easily made to move back and forth, left and right, up and down, and even make a dead loop.

But not without a fly in the ointment. Despite the seemingly capacious battery for 500 "machs", the maximum flight time of "Sima" is only 7 minutes, but then it will take two hours to charge it.

In general, Syma X23 is a good toy that will not take much time, but will bring joy to both children and adults.

Stylish and unlike the classic 4-rotor models, the Auldey Angler Attack quadcopter is great fun for kids aged 8+. The device can be used outdoors and indoors, and the level of pilot training is completely unimportant, because Auldey is protected from falls and is easy to control.

The model focuses on design. The drone is made in the form of an exoskeleton of a predatory piranha with a wide-open toothy mouth. It looks spectacular and even intimidating. Luminescent plastic glows in the dark. The eyes glow red, the tail and individual elements of the drone shimmer in green. All this creates a truly spectacular spectacle.

Like all low-cost models, Angler Attack will not allow you to enjoy a good flight range (up to 45 m) and autonomy. One battery charge is enough for 5 - 7 minutes of air travel, and it will take about 45 minutes to replenish energy reserves. Since the drone is exclusively gaming, it does not have a camera. But like a simple and intuitive control.

It is worth emphasizing that for those who like to draw acrobatic steps in the air, this model will not work. Up-down, right-left, that's all Angler Attack can do. On the other hand, buying a radio-controlled flying piranha for only $40 is a good gift idea for your child.

A high-quality and affordable quadcopter is not uncommon today, but the WL Toys V333 is one of the best among the “state employees”. This is a simplified analogue of the famous drone Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 , and much cheaper. Good flight characteristics and the possibility of additional equipment provided the model with wide popularity.

The design of WL Toys V333 is cute, simple and reliable. The foam plastic body is light (272 g), but guarantees a long flight life of a medium-sized device (550x550x50 mm). The design eliminates damage to closed blades in collisions, which means that the device can be used indoors.

The rigidity of the one-piece construction allows it to withstand complex manoeuvres and high speed. Somersaults with 360° turns are not a problem. Efficient gear-driven rotors provide high lift capacity and decent traction. LED lighting around the perimeter will help determine the location of the drone in the dark.

A range of up to 100 m and a flight duration of 10 minutes is quite enough for entertainment purposes. The device has good manoeuvrability and high positioning accuracy. But fans of the game often do not like long breaks for reloading - an hour and a half.

A stable transmitter with a frequency of 2.4 GHz will not allow you to lose control, and a 6-axis gyroscope will provide the drone with the most accurate response to every manipulation of the remote control. The LCD display will help you track the performance of the drone in flight.

Lack of camera (it is available in models WL Toys V333C and WL Toys V333K ) and USB charging somewhat limit the capabilities of the device, but you can install a winch for lifting cargo, a water cannon or a toy raclette grill for air battles.

Considering the quite democratic price of $70 for such a set of pleasures, the V333 is an perfect choice for gaming and entertainment at its best.

The MJX Bugs 3 Mini quadcopter inherited all the advantages of its popular older brother MJX Bugs 3 , but got two times smaller dimensions (220x220x65 mm), and autonomy (up to 10 minutes of flight). At the same time, as for Bugs 3, you will have to pay about $130 for the “younger” one.

The Bugs 3 Mini has a classic open blade design. The proven design is highly reliable. Despite the open propellers, due to its compact size it can be used not only outdoors, but also indoors.

For flying at night, the device is equipped with LED lights. For photo and video shooting, it easily integrates with the branded C 5007 camera, but it is not included in the kit.

Lightweight, quiet brushless motors have high power density. The 850 mA battery, although it does not guarantee a long flight duration, but allows you to perform the most energy-intensive manoeuvres. In addition, the pilot can use the low speed mode ─ Low (50% power) and prolong the pleasure, consuming less charge. True, at the same time, the drone will not be so frisky, and even when the battery runs out completely, it will take three hours to charge it, which can be a problem for those who got out into nature for a short time.

Bugs 3 Mini can fly in two modes:

Angle mode ─ safe for beginners, configured to keep the copter in a horizontal position;

Acro mode ─ no limits for advanced users.

The return home function is activated by pressing a button. Impressive is the instant response to commands, despite the long range (up to 300 m). When the charge falls below the allowable level or the connection with the device weakens, the built-in buzzer gives a signal. A handy feature so as not to lose the drone and drop it on the ground.

Bugs 3 Mini is a cool racing multicopter for advanced users and beginners to improve their piloting techniques. No longer low-cost, but not too expensive either.