10 Best Drones Under $200 2025 in the United States

The DJI Neo is a lightweight and user-friendly drone that fits well within the under $200 category. One of its standout features is the 4K UHD camera, which captures high-quality video and images, making it appealing for casual users wanting to document their adventures. Its AI subject tracking and QuickShots modes allow for easy, creative filming, perfect for those looking to share their experiences on social media. With a flight time that suits short outings and a control range that is adequate for most casual uses, the DJI Neo excels in delivering a fun flying experience.

The drone is designed for beginners, offering palm takeoff and landing, which minimizes the learning curve and enhances safety. Its full-coverage propeller guards provide additional peace of mind for nervous flyers, allowing for adventurous flying without the worry of damaging the drone. Its compact design means it can easily fit into a backpack, making it a great companion for trips.

There are some drawbacks to consider. While the DJI Neo is lightweight and regulation-friendly, it does require activation through the DJI Fly App, which has been noted to have compatibility issues on Google Play, potentially complicating the initial setup for some users. Additionally, although its features make it great for beginners, more experienced drone users might find it lacks advanced controls and customizations available in higher-end models.

The Holy Stone HS360S is a lightweight and user-friendly drone that stands out in the under $200 category, primarily due to its impressive 4K UHD camera and a control range of up to 10,000 feet. With a flight time of around 20 minutes, it offers a decent duration for capturing aerial footage, making it an excellent choice for beginners and casual users looking to explore photography or videography from new heights.

One of the standout features is its advanced GPS functionality, which ensures not only stable flights but also a reliable return home feature. This is especially useful for new drone pilots who might feel anxious about losing their drone. The inclusion of smart features like Follow Me and Waypoint Flight adds a layer of creativity for capturing dynamic shots.

The construction is generally stable and durable, though it's important to handle it carefully due to its lightweight nature. Although it is designed for ease of use, absolute beginners might still face a learning curve with some of the more advanced features, which could be overwhelming at first. The HS360S is a solid choice for beginner drone enthusiasts who want a good camera and user-friendly features without the complexity of higher-end models.

This Velcase JY017 drone is a solid choice for adults or beginners looking for an affordable drone under $200. It offers a 1080p HD camera with adjustable angles, which is great for capturing decent aerial photos and videos, though the effective photo resolution is 2MP, so don't expect professional image quality. Flight time is a strong point here, with up to 26 minutes thanks to two included batteries, which is quite generous for this price range. The drone’s foldable design and included carrying case make it easy to transport, perfect for outdoor adventures.

Control is versatile via app or gesture, and features like gravity control, one-key takeoff/landing, optical flow positioning, and altitude hold simplify flying, making it very beginner-friendly. Stability in flight is improved by optical flow technology, helping to capture smoother shots. The drone is made of plastic, which is common in this price bracket but means it might not be as durable if you crash frequently.

Additional fun features like 360° flips, speed modes, and waypoint flying add to the experience, making it enjoyable for casual users. While not suitable for professional use, this drone delivers a nice balance of camera quality, flight time, and easy controls that most hobbyists and newcomers will appreciate.