By Maya Polton

and Nneya Richards

Published on November 9, 2024

Kids’ drones can be very entertaining and educational toys that will keep them active and playing outside, which is a huge plus. But there are some downsides to consider too: Drones can be expensive, have a steep learning curve, and come with serious safety guidelines that always need to be followed. Our expert-approved list can help you find the best drone for your kid’s interests, budget, and expectations.

To select the best drones for kids, we analyzed dozens of options on the market and spoke to three experts to find kid-friendly, quality drones that are easy to fly and offer the best features. From basic drones that function as remote-controlled airplanes teaching kids the basics of flying to powerful semi-professional options, we researched the best drones for kids of all ages and skill levels.

Shop more of our editor-approved gifts and toys on Amazon.

Our Favorite Drones for Kids

• Best Overall: DJI Mini 3
• Best Outdoor Play Drone: X-Shop Drone
• Best Budget: Hasakee Q9 Drone
• Best for Beginners: Emax Tinyhawk 2 RTF Kit
• Best Beginner Vlogging and Selfie Drones: DJI Neo
• Best for Younger Kids: Holy Stone Beginners Quadcopter
• Best for Teenagers: Sharper Image Mach X Drone With Streaming Camera
• Best for Stunts: Deerc Mini Drone for Kids
• Best Mini Drone: Snaptain Mini Drone
• Best for Games: Faction Battle System Skyfire Target Drone

At What Age Can My Kid Play With a Drone?

In general, “children above the age of 8 are capable enough to fly a beginner drone,” says Samik Ghosh, an aerial department specialist at an electronics retailer. However, whether your child is ready or not will depend on their level of maturity and their ability to follow instructions and safety guidelines. Drone expert Sergei Manevich also recommends that caregivers “avoid getting an expensive or too powerful drone for a beginner. Kids should progressively move up based on experience.” And keep in mind that children should always have adult supervision when flying drones, especially outdoors.

Best Overall

DJI Mini 3

PHOTO: AMAZON

$444 at Amazon$720 at Best Buy

Why We Like It

For older kids or those with drone experience, this is a high-quality drone that gives you (and your wallet) great value and exciting features. The DJI Mini 3 has excellent hovering abilities, smooth controls, high wind resistance (for winds up to 24 miles per hour), and a top-notch camera, designed for scenic aerial photography. It also has a return home button, which is very useful given this drone’s wide travel radius and long flight time.

The DJI Mini 3 kit includes an app that provides tips, lessons, comprehensive tutorials, and access to an engaging flight school. The DJI app also allows you to select from a number of photo presets and has an easy-to-use editing feature. The drone comes with its own remote, but there is an option to use a smartphone as a control to access additional features.

What Experts Say

“The DJI Mini 3 is a great package, super small (can fit in your purse) and has a long flight time. It can also shoot and record vertically. There’s a newer version but this one is still a great value.”—Karston Tannis, professional drone photographer

But Take Note

This drone is a pretty solid option, but it doesn’t have propeller guards, so we don’t recommend it for younger children. The kit includes only one battery, but it can be recharged in an hour.

The Details:

• Dimensions: 9.88 x 14.25 x 2.83 inches (unfolded)
• Weight: 8.7 ounces
• Charging Time: 56-64 minutes
• Flight Time: 38 minutes max per charge
• Range: 6-mile radius
• Camera: Yes

Best Outdoor Play Drone

X-Shop Drone

PHOTO: AMAZON

$250$50 at Amazon

Why We Like It

The X-Shop drone is small—when folded, it’s about palm-sized—and thus very lightweight, making it easier for little ones to lift. Because it’s so easy to assemble and comes with a user-friendly remote control, you’ll be flying soon after opening the package. The “headless mode" simplifies directional piloting and landing. Plus, crash-friendly durability provides a sense of ease for children new to drones. There’s also a tap fly feature that allows you to draw your desired flight path via your phone on the X-Shop’s mobile app.

This drone is great for playing in the backyard thanks to fun features like gesture photography for the perfect group selfie and a 360-degree flip function for capturing exciting maneuvers and tricks.

But Take Note

The drone does require manual adjustment of the camera, but at this price point, it’s a great option for practice piloting—and the inevitable crashes that come with learning. This should definitely be considered before buying a more expensive product.

The Details:

• Dimensions: 11 x 10.5 x 5.2 inches
• Weight: 8.1 ounces
• Charging Time: 2 hours
• Flight Time: 15 minutes per charge with two batteries totaling 30 minutes
• Range: Unlisted, but based on similar models 100-160 feet
• Camera: Yes

Best Budget

HASAKEE Q9 Drone

PHOTO: AMAZON

$40 at Amazon

Why We Like It

Affordable and fun, this quadcopter is a great starter drone for younger kids. The remote is very easy to use, and in addition to your basic steering controls, it also features dedicated takeoff, landing, and return home buttons. The four propellers (with guards and LED lights) help the Hasakee Q9 do 360-degree flips and rotations and fly at three speeds.

We love that the kit includes two rechargeable batteries, although each one lasts for about seven minutes of flight time. The remote control requires three additional AAA batteries (not included).

But Take Note

This drone is best suited for indoor use only, as it is very sensitive to winds. While this may be a dealbreaker for some, setting up an indoor space for young pilots (a playroom, bedroom, etc.) can help create a safe area for your kiddo to play and have fun.

The Details:

• Dimensions: 6.9 x 6.9 x 2 inches
• Weight: 10.2 ounces
• Charging Time: 55 minutes
• Flight Time: 7 minutes per battery
• Range: Indoor use recommended
• Camera: No

Best for Aspiring Pilots

Emax Tinyhawk 2 RTF Kit

PHOTO: AMAZON

$230 at Amazon

Why We Like It

A fun starter drone, the four-propeller Emax Tinyhawk is great for beginners. We like that the remote control has intuitive joysticks, so maneuvering this drone is simple and a good experience for first-timers. The drone offers three difficulty levels: Level one helps kiddos learn flying basics, level two activates both joysticks but maintains the self-leveling feature, and level three gives users the freedom and tools to do flips and fly at faster speeds.

This drone includes a set of first-person view goggles that allow the pilot to see what the drone sees and give them the experience of sitting in the drone’s cockpit. Keep in mind, however, that beginner pilots should get comfortable with the remote control before wearing the goggles.

But Take Note

This drone is best for indoor use only. The main drawback is the short flight time and lack of backup batteries, so it might be a good idea to purchase additional batteries to extend playtime.

The Details:

• Dimensions: Not listed
• Weight: 1.53 ounces
• Charging Time: Approximately 45 minutes
• Flight Time: 4-5 minutes per charge
• Range: Indoor use recommended
• Camera: Yes

Best Beginner Vlogging and Selfie Drones

DJI Neo

PHOTO: AMAZON

$289 at Amazon$289 at TargetView on Dji.com

Why We Like It

Overwhelmingly popular since launching in September 2024, the DJI Neo is so easy to use that you don’t need a remote control to fly it—you can control it with the push of a button or voice control. It can also be paired with VR goggles and a motion controller for FPV mode.

The Neo also uses AI subject tracking—while in your palm, the DJI Neo scans your face and ensures you stay in the frame. It also has six shooting modes, including “dronie,” which entails flying backward, or “helix,” which means ascending while spiraling around the subject. This gives beginner videographers the opportunity to have beautifully stylized shots. Shooting in 4k with wind resistance up to 18 mph, the Neo captures smooth footage with 22GB of internal storage. Pair the Neo with the DJI Fly App to record audio on your smartphone. The app will automatically remove Neo’s propeller noise and merge the audio track with the footage, ensuring clear sound even when shooting low-angle vlogs.

If your child is into vlogging or wants to capture a class trip or family vacation on video, this drone is a solid choice. My teenage cousin recommended this model after testing it out with a vlog-loving friend. Lightweight, at just under 5 ounces and the size of a palm, the DJI Neo is readily portable.

But Take Note

Due to platform compatibility issues, the DJI Fly app has been removed from Google Play. While you can easily download the app directly from the DJI site, it’s not ideal for Android users. Additionally, the DJI Neo does not have object avoidance, so you’ll need to manually ensure a clear flight path.

The Details:

• Dimensions: 6.2 x 5.1 x 1.9 inches
• Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Charging Time: 60-90 minutes
• Flight Time: 18 minutes per battery with three included batteries for a total of 54 minutes
• Range: 4.35 miles
• Camera: Yes

Best for Younger Kids

Holy Stone Beginners Quadcopter

PHOTO: AMAZON

$37 at Amazon

Why We Like It

One of the most user-friendly picks on our list, the Holy Stone is ideal for younger kids who are learning the basics of drone flying. This quadcopter-style model features a one-button start to get the drone off the ground, but your kiddo can also use the “throw and go” function to launch it from the air. It has altitude hold and land functions, as well as commands for 3D flips and circle flying.

We love that it comes with three batteries, so while each lasts about seven minutes on a full charge, it’s easy to swap them out and continue flying. A low battery alarm on the remote gives you some warning, so playtime isn’t abruptly cut short.

But Take Note

This is an indoor-only drone without a camera, so it’s recommended for the younger set, though the added features and tricks ensure it’s still fun for older kids.

The Details:

• Dimensions: 3.15 x 3.15 x 1.18 inches
• Weight: 1.55 ounces
• Charging Time: 40 to 60 minutes
• Flight Time: 7 minutes per battery
• Range: 164 feet
• Camera: No

Best for Teenagers

Sharper Image Mach X Drone with Streaming Camera

PHOTO: TARGET

$45 at Target$60$45 at Walmart

Why We Like It

If you have teens, you know the obsession with Twitch streaming is real. Since this drone has streaming capabilities, it’s a great option for teenagers who aspire to be the next big Twitch sensation. This model features two modes for better video quality: auto orientation flight control and gyro stabilization flight control. That essentially describes how the device stays steady enough to produce smooth footage, making sure your viewers aren’t disoriented. These features function up to 150 feet in the air. And, as any streamer or gamer knows, the LED lighting on the device adds that extra “wow” factor.

In terms of safety and durability, the Sharper Image Mach X has a few features that lessen the risk of your drone accidentally breaking. There are safety landing pegs and an assisted landing function, which is especially helpful for new pilots or unexpectedly windy days. When not in use, you can pop on the removable blade guards to make sure the more delicate pieces don't get damaged.

But Take Note

With only seven minutes of flight time, it doesn’t have the longest battery life. We suggest making the actual drone footage only a portion of the total stream, with a backup camera ready to take over once the drone’s seven minutes of fame are over.

The Details:

• Dimensions: 9 x 10 x 2.5 inches
• Weight: 0.2 pounds
• Charging Time: approximately one hour
• Flight Time: 7 minutes
• Range: 150-foot radius
• Camera: Yes

Best for Stunts

DEERC Mini Drone for Kids

PHOTO: AMAZON

$50$40 at Amazon$50 at Walmart

Why We Like It

The Deerc D20 Mini Drone is a solid choice with lots of fun features. It can perform cool tricks, like 360-degree flips and rolls in any direction, and if you let go of the joystick controllers, its altitude hold function kicks in and the drone hovers in place. It also has a takeoff and landing button and an emergency stop function when it hits objects.

For young photography or video aficionados, the D20 is equipped with a high-definition Wi-Fi camera that gives them a first-person view of what the drone sees via the Deerc app on their smartphones. In addition, the camera can recognize hand commands when taking selfies, such as the “V” signal to start shooting video or a palm in front of the camera to take a photo. The app also enables the user to dictate voice commands or create flight courses that the drone will then follow on its own. The kit includes the drone and controller, two rechargeable batteries, four extra propellers and guards, and a charging cable.

But Take Note

Although the camera is excellent, it can only be adjusted manually (not through the app). This is also a light drone, so outdoor flights are only possible in calm conditions.

The Details:

• Dimensions: 7.72 x 6.38 x 1.69 inches
• Weight: 2.43 ounces
• Charging Time: 80 minutes
• Flight Time: 10 minutes per battery
• Range: 131 feet
• Camera: Yes

Best Mini Drone

Snaptain Mini Drone

PHOTO: WALMART

$27 at WalmartView on Snaptain.com

Why We Like It

The Snaptain Mini Drone might be small, but it is quite mighty. First of all, the entire drone is covered by a protective guard, including the four propellers, which makes it a little more difficult to break or bump than other options out there. It is controlled by an intuitive remote similar to those used in video games, so your child will probably already be familiar with how it works.

The Snaptain Mini also has many of the same features seen in larger drones, such as altitude hold (to hover in place), headless mode (which allows the drone to go in any direction regardless of where the front is), a 3D flip function, three speeds, and one-key return. In addition to the drone and remote control, the set includes three rechargeable batteries, four replacement propellers, and charging cables.

But Take Note

Keep in mind that this is a mini drone, so it doesn't have a camera and it's only recommended for indoor use.

The Details:

• Dimensions: 2.8 x 3 x 1 inches
• Weight: 8.5 ounces
• Charging Time: 45 to 55 minutes
• Flight Time: 7 minutes per battery
• Range: 98 feet
• Camera: No

Best for Games

Faction Battle System Skyfire Target Drone

PHOTO: AMAZON

$35$23 at Amazon$43 at Walmart

Why We Like It

Kids who have a competitive spirit will love the Faction Skyfire Target Drone. It has multiple game modes, but its main objective is to dodge darts or gel beads that you shoot at it through a blaster. Kids can use their own blaster (like a Nerf one) or one from Faction. The drone flies by itself on autopilot and will actually hover and maneuver its way through the air to dodge your shots. With Faction’s free app, players can also manually control the drone, customize game levels, play against friends, and keep score.

But Take Note

The downside to this drone is that its battery lasts for just seven minutes or so; however, it charges pretty quickly (in less than an hour). You'll also need to purchase your blaster and darts separately to play the target game.

The Details:

• Dimensions: 16 x 3 x 12.5 in
• Weight: 1.3 lbs
• Charging Time: 45 min
• Flight Time: 7 min
• Range: Not listed
• Camera: No

Best Splurge

Veeniix V11PRO 3-Axis Gimbal 4K Camera Drone

PHOTO: AMAZON

$590$400 at Amazon

Why We Like It

Experienced drone flyers and older teens who are ready to step up their game will appreciate this professional-level drone. While certainly an investment, this high-quality machine warrants such a price tag. It’s larger than other options, with a solid airframe that guarantees a quieter and more stable flight. The blue and purple casing also looks pretty cool, if you ask me.

When flying, this drone can go up to a distance of 1.86 miles and reach speeds of up to 33 mph. Besides being able to fly fast and far, it’s extremely wind resistant (for winds up to 31 miles per hour). Where it really wows is the flight time—pilots will get over 35 minutes of flying time with one charge. With fast charging and two batteries, this drone maximizes your air time.

In addition to the remote control, users can download the app to access additional features and control the drone via Wi-Fi; however, the V11 Pro offers users the option of professional-grade digital transmission for up to 1.86 miles—much farther than Wi-Fi would be able to. An auxiliary light and ultrasonic technology ensure easy landing. GPS real-time tracking and a high-quality kit bag round up this very complete drone.

But Take Note

This is the most expensive drone on our list, so we only recommend it for advanced fliers or older kiddos who are ready to take the hobby seriously.

The Details:

• Dimensions: 11 x 10.5 x 5.2 inches
• Weight: 18.86 ounces
• Charging Time: 43 minutes
• Flight Time: 35 minutes per charge with two batteries totaling 70 minutes
• Range: 6.2 miles
• Camera: Yes

Best for Indoors

Force 1 LED Indoor Drone

PHOTO: AMAZON

$23 at Amazon$45$23 at Walmart

Why We Like It

Specifically designed to be used indoors, this Force 1 Scoot Cosmo LED Drone features the protection of a webbed shell that makes it a bit more durable and easy to use. This fun toy doesn’t require a remote; your kiddo can simply turn it on, toss it in the air, and watch it fly.

Built-in sensors keep it from bumping into walls and objects and also allow users to move their hands to control it. Wave your hands in front of it to change directions, place your hand underneath to make it rise, swipe a hand under to do 360-degree flips, and catch it gently to make it stop. The drone is also equipped with LED lights that make it especially fun to play with at night.

But Take Note

One major downside to this fun little toy is that flight time is only five minutes, and the battery can’t be replaced, but it will take you only 45 minutes to charge it up again.

The Details:

• Dimensions: 4.85 x 4.85 x 1.97 inches
• Weight: 4.6 ounces
• Charging Time: 45 minutes
• Flight Time: 5 minutes per charge
• Range: Indoor use
• Camera: No

Best Plane

Sky Viper Vector Stunt Plane

PHOTO: AMAZON

$77 at Amazon$77 at Target

Why We Like It

This lightweight plane comes with a basic controller that is easy for kids to learn. With the touch of a button, it will do 360-degree loops and barrel roll stunts as it soars through the sky at upwards of 35 miles per hour. It has a 600-foot range and will automatically land if it goes too far. Plus, it’s equipped with a “find my plane” feature that sends out a beeping signal when out of range.

Part of the reason this plane glides through the air with ease is its lightweight Styrofoam frame. However, this does make it somewhat flimsy when compared to other drones. To help combat this, kids can attach the optional landing gear that helps prevent crash landings and sets this plane up for runway capability.

But Take Note

This rechargeable drone is ready to use out of the box, but parents will need to have three AAA batteries ready to operate the remote control.

The Details:

• Dimensions: 9 x 2.5 x 10.5 in
• Weight: 4.96 oz
• Charging Time: Not listed
• Flight Time: 12 min
• Range: 600 ft
• Camera: No

Best Drone Kit

BetaFPV Cetus Pro First-Person View with Drone Kit

PHOTO: AMAZON

$248 at AmazonView on Hobbytown.comView on Betafpv.com

Why We Like It

The Cetus Pro kit has all the tools to turn a novice into a semi-pro drone enthusiast: a drone, LiteRadio2 SE transmitter remote control, VR goggles so you can see what the drone sees, two batteries, one battery charger, four extra propellers, a screwdriver, one USB-C adapter board, and one rotor remover. This all fits neatly in the carrying case, so you won’t lose any pieces.

Worried about your child losing or breaking the drone on their first flight? They can learn how to fly on a first-person view simulator on a laptop when plugging in the transmitter via USB. An auxiliary mode makes it even more beginner friendly. Precautions like the self-protection function allow this drone to auto-land when losing battery, losing control, or after a collision. Turtle mode enables the Cetus to turn over if it falls upside down.

But Take Note

At four to five minutes per battery, the flight time is very short.

The Details:

• Dimensions: 10 x 8 x 5 inches
• Weight: 3.09 lbs
• Charging Time: 30 minutes
• Flight Time: 4-5 minutes
• Range: 262 feet
• Camera: Yes

Best With LED Lights

Sharper Image Glow Up Stunt Drone

PHOTO: TARGET

$30 at Target$30 at Walmart$40 at Macy's

Why We Like It

The Sharper Image Stunt Drone performs a variety of stunts, including 360-degree flips, and has blue and green LED lights that even glow in the dark. Its quadcopter design makes it easier to control and fly than some of the other drones on our list, but there are four replacement propellers included, just in case. Plus, this drone is equipped with gyro stabilization, which is often used in camera drones and makes it incredibly stable when in flight.

But Take Note

The real learning curve to this drone has to do with its remote control. With 12 buttons and two joysticks, your kid may need time to familiarize themselves with all the options. Parents should also keep in mind that six AA batteries (not included) are needed to operate the remote; however, the drone itself contains a lithium battery that takes 60–90 minutes to charge with the included USB charging cable.

The Details:

• Dimensions: 5.7 x 5.7 x 1.5 in
• Weight: 11.2 oz
• Charging Time: 60–90 min
• Flight Time: 6 min
• Range: 164 ft
• Camera: No

How We Selected the Best Drones for Kids

The big challenge when shopping for drones for kids is finding a quality product at a reasonable price. There are many options on the market, but many break after a few uses or hardly take flight. High-quality drones can cost hundreds of dollars, which you might not be willing to spend on a toy your kiddo is only going to use a couple of times or might not be ready for. We kept this challenge in mind when doing our research.

After talking to experts and reviewing dozens of products, we selected the drones that offer the best value, are easy to fly, provide fun features, and have a good range and battery life. Understanding that drones can sometimes increase screen time, we also kept STEM learning benefits in mind during our review process.

Our Experts

We interviewed three experts and picked their brains regarding their favorite drones and their recommendations for this article. We even test-drove drones under their expert guidance.

• Sergei Manevich, owner and drone expert at Arena STEM, an "edutainment" center focused on introducing kids to science and engineering through play.
• Samik Ghosh, sales expert in the aerial department of B&H Photo and Video, a New York City-based electronics retailer.
• Karston Tannis, professional drone travel photographer.

Factors to Consider When Shopping for Drones for Kids

• Battery Life: Look for drones with “a battery life of 10 minutes or more,” says Ghosh. Battery life that’s too short will severely limit your flying ability and will not be much fun for the drone pilot. Many drones come with multiple rechargeable batteries, so a quick swap is easy to execute.
• Remote Control: Ghosh advises parents who are buying drones for young kids to “look for a dedicated remote controller with a stop button.” For younger kids, it’s much easier to stay focused with a remote control that is made solely for the drone. More advanced drones may connect or rely on a smartphone for access. Smartphone connections are less precise, can be an interface they need to learn, rely on Wi-Fi, and may be an overall distraction.
• Camera: A camera is not necessary to have fun with a drone, but it’s a feature many kids enjoy, especially the older set. For most drones, adding a camera will increase the price and complexity of flying. In the interest of cost savings and safety, it may be best to purchase an initial drone without a camera; you can always upgrade if your kid excels and enjoys flying.
• Safety Features: “We recommend propeller guards to everyone with their first drone. Once they get used to flying and are confident enough to fly following all safety rules, they might fly a drone without propeller guards,” says Ghosh. Additionally, Manevich advises parents to be careful with long hair and drones. “Kids with long hair can get their hair stuck in the propeller if they get too close, so a guard can help prevent that and is recommended,” he says.

Do Recreational Drones Need to Be Registered With the FAA?

Recreational drones under 8.8 ounces (250 grams) do not need to be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). However, there are rules that should be followed when flying your drone outdoors:

• Fly only for recreational purposes.
• Keep your drone within the visual line of sight.
• Give way to and do not interfere with other aircraft.1
• Keep your drone below 400 feet above the ground (this is called uncontrolled airspace).2
• Avoid flying your drone near airports; even at ground level, these areas are considered “controlled airspace.” Other government facilities and sensitive areas may also be off-limits. Be sure to check the FAA’s B4UFLY app for interactive maps of controlled airspace areas and additional resources.2

The FAA also requires that recreational flyers complete an aeronautical knowledge and safety test that can be taken online.

Can All Drones Fly Outdoors?

All drones can fly outdoors, but that doesn’t mean they should—at least not all the time. Most beginner drones are very lightweight basic models and are not equipped with wind resistance gear. If flown outdoors, they may be blown away by the slightest breeze. These models are better off indoors, but if you do decide to take them out for a spin, make sure that there is no wind.

Drones designed to be flown outdoors will list their wind resistance level on a scale between 1 and 12, with level 1 indicating wind speeds of 1–3 miles per hour and 12 reaching speeds greater than 73 miles per hour.

Range is another important factor to consider and refers to the maximum distance at which the controller will be able to communicate with the drone. Although the range may be listed as hundreds of feet, keep in mind that the FAA recommends that recreational flyers maintain a “visual line of sight,” which means that you should always be able to see your drone when flying.1

Who We Are

Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of a 12-year-old son, a 9-year-old son, and a 5-year-old daughter. Her oldest son had a very low-quality drone go missing over a fence at a big field many years ago, and she wants to make sure your child doesn’t go through the same frustrating experience. She routinely researches toys and products for the family, always looking for the best value and quality.

Nneya Richards is a writer who covers lifestyle, travel, fashion, parenting and commerce for many platforms. She’s a mom to her toddler daughter and a godmother and aunt to toddlers and kindergartners. As a travel writer, she witnessed her colleagues’ and friends’ drones taken away at airports all over the world. As an amateur drone enthusiast, she eagerly asked colleagues and reviewed drones for this article in hopes of improving her travel visuals. She also loves writing about her finds, researching and test-driving products, and writing for a great audience.