As drone technology continue to baffle the world, the fun and experience in flying these tiny things are irresistible. A point that we want beginners to note though is to start with simple and less expensive models that will help you hone your skills before moving to the huge models or those that need high skills. Also, if you just want to shoot some high-quality aerial videos or photos, you can use the quadcopters. However, achieving these goals doesn’t come easy for you will need a powerful device as well invest heavily in buying such a product.That said, we have reviewed five of the best quadcopters on the market today. They are ranked in order based on which model has the best benefits and features and the fewest downsides. Of course, the final choice depends on the individual user and what they’re looking for.
1. DJI Phantom 4 Quadcopter
What We Like:
The Phantom 4 is elegant and slimmer than the previous version. It includes two cameras: one at the front of the drone and one underneath. A significant improvement is the collision control, which will be well-used by beginners or anyone who likes to fly fast. Three flying modes allow you to determine how fast the drone goes with top speed reaching 45 mph. You can choose from multiple filters and recording settings to create professional images of high quality.
What We Don’t Like:
For all the DJI Phantom 4 has to offer, there are a few downsides including its price and weight. Higher than many other drones, the spectacular design and capability make it worthwhile. However, with at three pounds, you will have to register the drone because it is more than the restrictions imposed by the FAA. You’ll also notice that the camera can no longer spin 360 degrees like previous models.
The Takeaway:
In spite of the price, this quadcopter ranks number one because of the numerous features and options available. The high speed and safety ensure it will always be fun to work with even for those with more experience. The DJI Phantom 4 is well worth the price tag.
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2. Parrot AR Drone 2.0
What We Like:
Fly high with the Parrot AR Drone 2.0. This drone has features you’re sure to love with the ability to capture both HD video and photos, which records directly to your smartphone for convenience. A robust design ensures it can crash and burn and still keep working. Control the drone from the touchscreen on your phone as it hovers, flips over and lands with ease. This model is truly designed for beginners, and it’s easy to fly even in light wind.
What We Don’t Like:
The main drawback of this drone is a big one. It uses a WiFi method of connectivity to your smartphone. The Parrot AR Drone 2.0 creates a network, which you connect to so that you can control the gadget. The problem is it limits how far you can send the drone. As the signal becomes weak, you have less control over the device, which means it can get stuck in a tree or lost.
The Takeaway:
This model has a lot to offer buyers, especially beginners, which is why it ranked second. The fact that it can hold up well for those who are learning and more prone to mistakes makes it an appealing option. The fact that you can’t travel far prevents it from taking the top spot.
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3. Hubsan X4
What We Like:
The Hubsan X4 comes already assembled and ready to fly, a feature drone enthusiast will appreciate. The 1080p HD camera offers precise images, which are ideal for many applications. This device is easy to use with just a 7-inch touchscreen and an Android operating system. Many of the flight features are automatic, which enables users to focus on taking pictures rather than directing the drone.
What We Don’t Like:
Because the Hubsan X4 is small, it can be heavily impacted by windy conditions. This is the main drawback of the drone, which can easily be managed by flying only in decent weather with little wind.
The Takeaway:
This model ranks right in the middle because it does have some appealing features, such as the explicit images and ease of use. It doesn’t rank higher because of limitations with the weather.
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4. UDI U818A RC Quadcopter
What We Like:
You can pair this quadcopter with your smartphone for either Android or iOS for live video. It also enables you to easily update the controller by downloading the latest version from the app store. This device is ready to fly with no assembly required. Gravity Induction even allows you to fly the drone and not use your smartphone for control. A removable SD card lets you take footage for multiple flights with the option of AVI and JPEG format for easier uploading.
What We Don’t Like:
The quadcopter doesn’t manage the wind well and can be difficult to control at times. You cannot take still photos, which can be a deterrent in some situations. While this is listed as a drone for beginners, you can’t expect to be an expert from the start. It will take a few tries to get the drone to work the way you want.
The Takeaway:
This model ranks lower on the list because of the lack of still images, which is one reason people want these quadcopters. It is less likely to win over buyers when compared to other models.
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5. Parrot BeBop 2 Drone with Skycontroller
What We Like:
Because the Parrot BeBop 2 is lightweight and compact, it offers a more aerodynamic design while still being robust. It comes with a battery with a life of 25 minutes. A flashing LED along the rear of the drone allows for better visibility when it’s flying high above you. Propellers lock in place if the drone comes into contact with anything, which reduces the likelihood of a serious crash.
What We Don’t Like:
A major downside of this drone is that it has a lower quality video than some other brands. While the video may be satisfactory for hobbyists, it won’t be at the level you expect for more specific uses. A second issue is that you lose WiFi quickly in highly populated areas even with the Skycontroller. This is a problem because you can’t get the drone home without WiFi access.
The Takeaway:
This gadget ranks at the bottom of this list because of the low quality of images. It also doesn’t help that you may have to search for the drone if you lose WiFi access.
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