Does your child constantly point out unmanned aerial objects? Are they budding hobbyists looking to pilot their own flying gadget? The following 9 drones are ideal picks for little ones with an eye for the sky.
Our top picks of the best drones to buy
Editor’s choice
Our opinion
Range: 30 meters
Flight time: 21 minutes
Charge time: 90 minutes
You can put on quite a show with the mini black and blue SNAPTAIN H823H Mini Drone (check price on Amazon).
The device’s altitude-hold feature helps the drone maintain its height as the user toggles the controls to pull off dazzling mid-air flips and rolls.
The one-touch return feature makes for stress-free takeoff and landing sessions. With three speed modes to choose from, your little pilot can easily fly it at their own pace.
Meanwhile, the quadcopter’s onboard LED lights make for a spectacular nighttime display. With over 20 minutes of flight time per charge, this flying object has definitely earned its position as our best drone for kids.
The propellers on this mini drone for kids are completely caged in. As a result, you never have to worry about your little one injuring their fingers.
What we love
- The one-touch takeoff and landing feature helps little pilots develop confidence in their flying skills
- The protective cages around the propellers keep little fingers out of harm’s way
- The black and blue colorway and LED lights make it easy for pilots to spot this drone in the night sky
Watch for
- While the manufacturer clearly states that this drone is pocket-sized, some customers are still caught off-guard by its smallness.
Best for training
Our opinion
Range: 30-50 meters
Flight time: 6-8 minutes
Charge time: 45-60 minutes
Those who are new to the world of quadcopters will appreciate how easy it is to fly the Holy Stone HS170 Predator (check price on Amazon).
The headless navigation and six-axis stabilization systems keep the drone balanced as it hovers effortlessly above your child.
You get approximately 50 meters of range and 8 minutes of flight time per charge, which is just enough time for newbie pilots to freshen up their flight tactics.
The quadcopter’s wind-resistant design makes it a perfect choice for areas with unpredictable weather systems. This device is also small enough to fly comfortably indoors.
Of course, the Predator’s hyper-responsive joystick makes for some erratic in-air movements. So be sure to give your little pilots plenty of room when they’re first starting out.
What we love
- Its 2.4GHz technology prevents interference from other remote controls
- The headless flight system automatically orients the device, preventing needless confusion
- The six-axis stabilization system enables quick recoveries after in-air stunts
Watch for
- The wires in the battery compartment are poorly soldered
- Device requires frequent recalibration
Best for beginners
Our opinion
Range: 30 meters
Flight time: 10-13 minutes (with two included batteries)
Charge Time: 15-35 minutes per battery
While the upgraded A20 Mini Drone (check price on Amazon) may look like a professional quadcopter, it happens to have one of the most simplified remote control navigation systems on the market.
The automatic hovering and headless navigation systems eliminate troublesome takeoff and landing moments. If the drone does hit another object, its four protection guards will lessen the blow of the impact.
Young pilots can choose between three speed modes as they become more comfortable handling this little quadcopter. Kids will adore the green and black colorway.
When you consider that it comes with an extra battery, there’s no arguing that this is one of the best drones for kids.
What we love
- Pilots don’t need to worry about their drones’ positions thanks to headless mode, which syncs the drone’s position with that of the pilot’s
- The altitude hold function enables a pilot to stabilize their drone at the altitude of their liking
- This set includes two batteries, which means users get even longer flights
Watch for
- It’s only available in red/black and green/black colorways
Best for small kids
Our opinion
Range: 30 meters
Flight time: 10-13 minutes (with the two included batteries)
Charge time: 15-35 minutes per battery
The Force1 UFO Mini Drone (check price on Amazon) is one of the best drones for young kids who’ve set their eyes on the night sky.
First off, its LED lights dazzle after sunset. What’s more, this drone is programmed with numerous kid-friendly flying functions like automatic hover, headless navigation, and one-key takeoff/landing.
The white and blue colorway is easy to see during daylight hours, while the device’s 90-minute charging time is much lower than most of the competition.
What we love
- These kids’ drones are perfect for beginner quadcopter pilots
- LED lights look marvelous in the night sky
- The navigation system is super easy to use
Watch for
- Little ones might lack the patience to wait the estimated 90-minute charging time
- These drones are not water resistant
Best wide-range view
Our opinion
Range: 80-100 meters
Flight time: 7-8 minutes
Charge time: 60 minutes
The Spacekey FPV Wi-Fi Drone (check price on Amazon) is equipped with all sorts of flight enhancers, including an altitude hold function, an APP control, and a low-battery alarm system.
The system is also encased in a PA plastic frame designed to handle regular abuse. Its foldable blades make it one of the most portable kids’ drones on the market.
It’s even equipped with an advanced barometer, which enables young pilots to hover at any height they choose so long as it remains within the drone’s 100-meter range.
Overall, Spacekey’s design is very similar to that of high-end camera drones. With that said, it has a more user-friendly and affordable interface.
What we love
- The fold-in propellers make this one of the best drones for kids to travel with
- A fully charged battery offers up to 8 minutes of flight time
- This is one of the easiest kids drones to calibrate, maneuver takeoff, and land
- The device’s HD lens makes it a top camera drone for kids
Watch for
- You must connect the controller to your phone and install an app to capture pictures with the drone’s onboard camera
Best for older kids
Our opinion
Range: 50-100 meters
Flight time: 40 minutes
Charge time: 160 minutes
The JRC H68 Drone With Camera (check price on Amazon) is one of the best drones for kids with a passion for flight and photography. The onboard HD camera enables newbie pilots to capture epic aerial photographs and videos in real-time.
Meanwhile, the drone’s remote control turns a pilot’s smartphone into a portable monitor with an FPV (first-person view).
The device’s altitude-hold and headless modes make it one of the easiest-to-navigate drones for kids. While the charge time on this device is pretty lengthy, the set of included batteries offers a combined 40 minutes of flight time.
What we love
- You can accomplish all your flying goals thanks to this drone’s 40-minute flight time
- The onboard HD camera captures high-def images in real-time
- It features an anti-shake table with a 45-degree adjustable angle
Watch for
- The parts can wear out if not allowed to cool down between flights.
Best for budget
Our opinion
Range: 50 meters
Flight time: 7 minutes
Charge time: 40-60 minutes
Here’s yet another adorable and affordable drone for kids. With three batteries included in the set, you can expect over 20 minutes of combined flight time from this inexpensive children’s toy, Holy Stone HS210 Mini Drone (check price on Walmart).
One push of the throttle stick sends the drone flying. While it’s airborne, this device can achieve 360-degree flips and other impressive maneuvers. The altitude hold function enables kids to master turns and flips without losing balance.
Meanwhile, headless mode eliminates any confusion related to the drone’s direction. The device’s low-battery alert system ensures that it won’t go down in a remote location.
At just 3.15 inches in diameter, the Holy Stone is one of the best kids drones to take on the road. We only wish that all drones were this easy to fly!
What we love
- Comes with three rechargeable batteries and offers up to 21 minutes of flight time
- Automatic hovering function enables pilots to focus on their midair maneuvers
- Low battery alarm system lets users know when it's time to make an immediate landing
Watch for
- Plastic frame doesn't handle crashes well
Best drone for teens
Our opinion
Range: 395 meters
Flight time: 20 minutes
Charge time: 150 minutes
This incredible kid-friendly gadget falls somewhere between toy drones and professional quadcopters. Young pilots can customize their flight paths with the help of an onboard GPS and the drone’s automatic return-to-home function.
The Hubsan H501S X4 Pro Version (check price on eBay) device’s built-in high-def camera enables users to capture high-quality pictures and videos from a unique aerial perspective.
The runtime on the device is also decent, with one charge providing approximately 20 minutes of air time. However, the drone’s 150-minute charging time leaves something to be desired.
It comes as no surprise that Hubsan is one of the leading manufacturers of unmanned aerial objects and, of course, most teens will adore the drone’s sharp, black and gold colorway.
What we love
- A built-in GPS device enables the drone to return to its takeoff point if the signal is interrupted or the battery is running low
- The 1,080-pixel camera lets users capture high-definition images from above
- The drone’s altitude position-hold function enables it to hover at a preprogrammed height
Watch for
- Given the length of the charge times, we recommend that you purchase at least one backup battery
Best hand-operated drone
Our opinion
Range: 3 meters
Flight Time: 5-10 minutes
Charge Time: 40 minutes
This easy-to-use gadget utilizes five sensors to scan its surroundings for troublesome obstacles. What’s more, it lets you use your hands as makeshift remote controls.
If you fail to engage with it, it will hover briefly before making a slow descent and shutting off. You can also snatch it in midair and flip it over to initiate a smooth landing.
The device’s propellers are caged inside a durable plastic body, making it one of the few drones we’d recommend for indoor use.
Overall, Asani Hands-Free Drone (check price on Sears) is an excellent drone for kids who have yet to master the basics of piloting. It’s compact enough that we’d consider taking it anywhere.
What we love
- Since the propellers are built into the body of this drone, you can safely fly it indoors
- Five magical sensors make it easy for untrained pilots to fly this drone
- Kids can use their hands to make this motion-triggered drone spin, flip, and hover
Watch for
- The drone’s limited flight time may frustrate little ones who’ve waited around
How to pick the best drone for my child
Drones are among the fastest-growing technologies in the world. So it comes as no surprise that drones and quadcopters have captured the attention of children of all ages.
If your child is obsessed with the idea of manning a flying object, they’re not alone. Still, how can you be sure that the drone you purchase is going to provide them with ultimate satisfaction?
Here we’ve included a list of features to look for when choosing a drone for your aspiring pilot.
Child’s age
Consider your child’s age when determining which drone is right for them.
Toy drones with motion-activated sensors are great for children under the age of 8 and are just getting a feel for aircraft navigation.
Keep an eye out for devices with propeller guards and durable plastic frames, both of which will lessen the blow of accidental impacts.
One-touch takeoff/landing buttons and other navigation aids will help your youngster master the basics of air navigation.
Navigation
Check out the options on a drone’s remote control. Some boast joysticks, while others feature arrow buttons.
One-button takeoff and landing functions make it easy for young pilots to enter and exit their airspaces with ease.
Meanwhile, hover mode makes it easier for little kids to maneuver their drones or capture steady aerial photos.
Headless mode means a drone does not have an established front. This add-on enables kids to steer without having to constantly recalibrate their drones to match their focus.
Meanwhile, drones with return-to-home features have built-in GPS systems that enable them to automatically fly home.
The best drones combine all of the aforementioned features to create a confidence-building interface that’s perfect for young kids and beginners.
Battery system
On average, children’s drones only offer six to eight minutes of flight time per charge. With that said, many manufacturers provide consumers with backup batteries that extend the given life of their devices.
Consider a drone’s estimated battery charging and flight times. What’s more, look for a system with a low-battery alert system.
This will remind your kiddo when to initiate a landing. Keep in mind that most drones boast charging times that are well over an hour long.
Camera
A high-quality drone camera can help your little pilot capture impressive aerial images and videos. Some drones even come with remote controls that offer pilots FPV (first-person views).
If you’re looking for a kids’ drone that can capture images, be sure to choose one with an HD camera that has a high pixel ratio. Otherwise, the images you capture will be grainy and out of focus.
Size
You should also consider the overall size and portability of a drone. When it comes to unmanned flying objects, foldable and compact designs are easier to tote.
While compact drones are ideal for travel, they are also more likely to go rogue in windy conditions.
Technology
Many toy drones are designed to be paired with smartphones. You can often click your phone directly into these devices.
This gives users the ability to track flights in real-time or even get first-person vantage points of their drones’ movements.
It’s up to you to make sure you have the appropriate technologies and to decide whether or not you’re comfortable with your child using them.
Entertainment
Onboard lights are excellent entertainment features and also help drone pilots keep track of their devices in low-light conditions.
The best drones for kids are those that can pull off cool mid-air stunts, like flips, rolls, and figure-eights.
Of course, drones that offer users first-person points of view are great for exploring otherwise inaccessible outdoor destinations.
Frequently asked questions
How can I enrich my child’s drone flying experience?
Drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can be incorporated into all sorts of lessons and recreational activities. You may use your drone to capture aerial photography, race friends, explore remote areas, or even participate in S.T.E.M. lessons.
Are there restrictions on flying drones?
Most drones for kids are not subject to the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) restrictions for unmanned aircraft systems.
However, you can always download the FAA’s B4UFLY app to determine if there are any restrictions or requirements in your area.
Drones must be registered with the FAA if they weigh more than 0.55 pounds. However, very few toy drones fit into this category.
How can I avoid crashing my drone?
A firm understanding of aerial navigation will help you avoid crashing or going out of range. Be sure to read your drone manual before hitting the sky.
Remember to charge your battery, and to land before your battery’s estimated runtime is reached. Always remain within your drone’s estimated flight range.
What’s more, check the weather forecast to avoid wind, rain, and other hazardous conditions.
What’s the right age for a child to use a drone?
Basic remote-controlled toy drones are suitable for children of 8 yrs. and over. Meanwhile, more advanced camera drones are best suited for children over the age of 12.
With that said, motion-activated drones, such as the Jasonwell Hands-Free Drone, are excellent options for young children and first-time flyers.
If you’re shopping smart, you should have little trouble finding a drone for a child of any age! Of course, the Spacekey FP is a wonderful upgrade option for older children that lets you capture stunning aerial photos with the help of an onboard HD camera.
Wrapping up
Despite their generally short run times, drones are incredibly engaging and entertaining. There is certainly no shortage of easy-to-fly toy drones.
However, the best drone on our list has to be the SNAPTAIN H823H Mini. This remote-controlled aircraft is an excellent learning tool, though it still has enough features to entertain more advanced pilots.
Of course, the Holy Stone HS210 Mini Drone gives kids a similar experience at a lower price. And, finally, the camera-equipped Hubsan H501S X4 is an excellent upgrade option for teens.
