When searching for the best drones for kids, you’ll need to decide on the features that are right for you and your home. We recommend that you prioritize durable drones that are built to withstand the kind of abuse children can occasionally inflict. Make sure you consider battery life and whether or not it can perform acrobatic tricks. Also, when buying a drone for both children and adults, look at what attachment accessories are included and what control options are offered. You may also want to check out the best drones on the market.
After researching a wide range of models with different features and at various price points, we’ve concluded that the Snaptain S5C is the best drone for kids you can buy today. Continue reading for more on this model and our other top picks for the best drones on the market.
Top 10 Best Drones for Kids
#1 Snaptain S5C Drone for Kids
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Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: Best drone for 8-year-olds with a camera, thanks to an integrated 1080p camera and a design that has been purposefully built for acrobatic tricks, such as flips and rolls.
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- Designed for 360-degree tricks
- Altitude hold function for steady hovering
- Ships with 2 batteries, totaling 24 minutes of flight time
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- Must be registered with FAA
- Relatively low transmission range
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The Snaptain S5C is the best drone for teenagers, thanks to a design that has been purpose-built for performing acrobatic tricks, such as rolls and flips. We appreciated the altitude hold function, which offers steady hovering for lining up photos and video, and the fact that it ships with a pair of lithium batteries totaling 24 minutes of flight time per charge. We also liked its push-button takeoff and landing functionalities, offering ease of use that makes it one of the best drones for beginners.
This is a fairly powerful drone, however, so it must be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) before use. Additionally, the transmission range here is on the lower side, at just 50 meters, so consider that before making a purchase. Compare this with the best drone for traveling that features a compact size and extended flight time.
#2 Altair AA108 Drone for Kids
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: Great indoor drone for kids, with an intuitive control scheme that can be used via smartphone or the packed-in analog remote, in addition to offering the ability to draw custom routes on the fly.
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- Smartphone or dedicated remote control
- Custom route modes for drawing paths
- Ships with 2 batteries, totaling 24 minutes of flight time
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- SD card not included
- Battery life at 10 minutes per charge
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The Altair AA108 kids drone is a great choice for both indoor and outdoor use, thanks to an intuitive control scheme that can easily be accessed via smartphone, tablet, or the dedicated analog remote that ships with the drone itself. We loved the large variety of modes on offer, allowing for the drawing of custom routes and one-button takeoff and landing. We also liked the wide-angle 720p camera that ships with this model.
The battery life is on the lower end, offering just ten minutes of flight time per charge, though this particular model does ship with a pair of lithium-ion batteries, effectively doubling that flight time. Also, there is no SD card included with the purchase, to store photos and videos, and it only offers support for SD cards up to 32GB. For pilots looking for maximum range, the best fixed-wing drone will offer an excellent drone piloting experience and fast operating speeds.
#3 Potensic T25 Drone for Kids
Award: BEST QUALITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: High-quality drone with a robust feature set that includes a durable aluminum alloy construction, a useful 300-meter transmission range, and the ability to be controlled via smartphone, analog remote, or a combination of both.
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- Durable aluminum alloy construction
- 300m transmission range
- Ships with hardshell carrying case and pair of batteries
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- Fairly expensive
- Steep learning curve
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The Potensic T25 is the best beginner drone for a 10-year-old boy, thanks to a bevy of exceptional features, such as a sturdily built and durable aluminum alloy form factor that can easily survive an accidental collision and a brushless motor. We also appreciated the lengthy 300-meter transmission range, making this a great outdoor drone, and the fact that this model ships with a hardshell carrying case and a pair of lithium batteries, allowing for up to 40 minutes of flight time combined.
This drone is on the expensive side, likely due to the high-grade build components and the number of advanced features on offer. Additionally, the learning curve here is steep, so this might not be the best bet for younger children. The best drones for beginners that are easy to assemble and control may be better.
#4 DJI Mavic Mini Drone for Kids
Award: BEST SMARTPHONE CONTROLS
WHY WE LIKE IT: Allows for extremely intuitive smartphone and tablet controls, suiting a wide variety of children, with a light and compact form factor and a fantastic lithium battery that boasts 30 minutes of flight time per charge.
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- Light form factor, at 9oz
- Battery allows for 30 minutes per charge
- 3-axis motorized gimbal for camera stability
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- Plastic form factor not that durable
- Cannot support third-party cameras
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The DJI Mavic Mini is the best mini drone for kids, thanks to an amazing feature set that includes intuitive and easy-to-use smartphone and tablet controls with a custom route drawing functionality. We liked the light and compact form factor here, weighing just nine ounces, and the long-lasting battery that allows the drone to fly for up to 30 minutes on a single charge. We also admired the 3-axis motorized gimbal for camera stability, offering the ability to take smooth and gorgeous still shots and videos.
This drone does include an integrated camera, and it is of exceptional quality, but this model cannot support any third-party cameras, due to the nature of the lighter-than-average design. Also, the plastic exterior here is not quite as durable as drones with metal exteriors. We recommend that you prioritize durable drones with high-grade components like the best drones for GoPro.
#5 Ryze Tech Tello Drone for Kids
Award: BEST FOR LIVE STREAMING
WHY WE LIKE IT: Boasts a pair of high-grade antennas, allowing for reliable and stable live streaming, with
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- Light and compact form factor
- Ships with maintenance tools and extra propellers
- High-grade DJI-manufactured flight controller
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- Max flight time 13 minutes per charge
- Must be registered with FAA
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The Ryze Tech Tello Drone for Kids is a great choice for live streaming, as this model features a pair of high-grade antennas that allow for stable and reliable video capture and streaming. We appreciated the fact that this model ships with maintenance tools, including extra propellers and guards, and the light and compact form factor, as this mini drone weighs just a few ounces. We also liked the inclusion of a fantastic DJI-manufactured flight controller.
The battery life here is on the lower end, with the integrated lithium battery allowing for just 13 minutes of use per charge. Additionally, this drone must be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration, which could be something of a hassle. Compare this with one of the best drones that have taken all the intimidation out of operating a drone by utilizing one-key operations.
#6 Holy Stone HS170 Predator Drone for Kids
Award: BEST FOR BEGINNERS
WHY WE LIKE IT: Perfect model for beginners to learn how to properly control a drone, with a headless security system for simplified controls and an extremely durable form factor that can survive an accident or two.
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- Highly wind-resistant design
- 6-axis gyro stabilization system
- Lightweight and no FAA registration needed
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- No analog remote included
- Battery life 8 minutes per charge
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The Holy Stone HS170 Predator Drone for Kids is a great option for beginners and those looking to get some useful training under their belt before graduating to an expensive professional-grade model. The headless security system offers simplified flying controls and the design is highly wind-resistant, making this drone shine in the great outdoors. We appreciated the 6-axis gyro stabilization system and that this drone is light enough to not need to be registered with the FAA, another boon for beginners. Although, you may want to compare the Holy Stone HS720 vs HS720e before making a purchase.
Though the smartphone-based controls are robust and useful, this drone does not include a dedicated analog remote, which may turn off certain consumers. Also, the integrated lithium-ion battery allows for just six to eight minutes of flight time per charge. Compare that with one of the best foldable drones that offer a whopping 34-minute battery life.
#7 Syma X5C Drone for Kids
Award: BEST FOR TRICKS
WHY WE LIKE IT: A design that emphasizes acrobatic tricks, with the ability to perform many feats with just the push of a button, in addition to boasting 6-axis gyro stabilization for stability.
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- Stabilizing 6-axis gyro
- Equipped with HD camera
- Intuitive remote control with LCD display
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- 7 minute flight time per charge
- Does not sync with smartphones
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The Syma X5C Drone is the perfect choice for kids and adults who prioritize the ability to perform astounding tricks, as this drone can roll, flip, and suddenly turn just with the press of a button. We appreciated that this model ships with a low-powered, yet serviceable, HD camera and that it features a 6-axis gyro for superior stabilization mid-flight. We also liked that this drone ships with a fantastic analog remote control device complete with an LCD display.
Though many of this drone’s components are of exceptional quality, the integrated lithium battery only allows for around seven minutes of use per charge. Additionally, this model does not sync up with smartphones or tablets, though the analog remote is highly useful for most control schemes. Compare this with the best indoor drones that feature an easy-to-use smartphone-based control scheme.
#8 Propel Star Wars Quadcopter Drone for Kids
Award: BEST FOR SCIENCE FICTION FANS
WHY WE LIKE IT: Gorgeous Star Wars-themed form factor that should please kids and adults alike, with a hand-painted exterior, an intuitive altitude stabilization function, and a motor that can reach speeds up to 35MPH.
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- Attractive hand-painted design
- Can reach speeds up to 35MPH
- Intuitive altitude stabilization mode
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- No camera included
- Average run time 7 minutes per charge
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The Propel Star Wars Quadcopter Drone for Kids is the perfect gift for the science fiction fan in your life, as this gorgeous Star Wars-themed drone is both easy to look at and highly functional. We loved the attractive hand-painted exterior and the high-grade internal motor that allows speeds up to 35 miles per hour. We also appreciated the easy-to-use analog remote that features an intuitive altitude stabilization mode.
This drone does not come with a camera, as it is more intended for simulated Star Wars dogfights. Also, the integrated lithium battery only allows for a maximum of seven minutes of flight time per charge. Compare this with the best follow-me drone that has an excellent 27-minute average flight time.
#9 Syma RC Helicopter Drone for Kids
Award: BEST VALUE
WHY WE LIKE IT: Value-friendly drone with plenty of features, including a kid-appropriate helicopter design that excels at performing acrobatic tricks, including rolls, flips, and sudden turns.
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- Excels with acrobatic tricks
- Kid-friendly helicopter design
- Altitude hold feature for stability
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- No smartphone integration
- 6 minutes of use per charge
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The Syma RC Helicopter Drone is perfect for kids of all ages, thanks to boasting an aesthetically pleasing helicopter design and a light and compact form factor. This drone excels at performing acrobatic tricks at the push of a button, including spins and rolls. We also appreciated the handy altitude hold feature and the fact that it ships with a landing and takeoff pad.
Though this drone does ship with a high-quality and intuitive analog remote, it does not offer any smartphone or tablet control whatsoever. Additionally, the integrated lithium-ion battery allows this drone to fly for just six minutes before needing to hit the power outlet for a recharge. Compare this with the best professional drone with a lithium battery that allows for more than 30 minutes of flight time per charge.
#10 Air Hogs Super Nova Drone for Kids
Award: BEST ON A BUDGET
WHY WE LIKE IT: Budget-conscious and kid-friendly drone with some unique and impressive features, such as the ability to perform 40 distinct tricks and
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- Performs nearly 40 tricks
- Embedded collision avoidance technology
- Circular exterior is exceptionally durable
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- Control scheme can be finicky
- Battery life on lower end
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The Air Hogs Super Nova Drone for Kids arrives at a budget-friendly price while offering a unique feature set that is in line with more expensive models. We admired the sheer number of tricks and moves this drone can pull off, which should suit most kids, and the fact that it comes embedded with collision avoidance technology. We also liked the circular orb-like design, a design that offers durability and protection to the drone itself.
Though the control scheme here is certainly unique and high-tech, as it offers control from human hands without the need for a remote or a smartphone, the result can be somewhat finicky. Also, the battery life here is on the lower side, boasting just ten minutes of flight per charge. You may want to consider some of the best selfie drones that might offer much longer flight times per charge.
How We Decided
To help narrow down the above list, we thoroughly researched a wide number of popular drones, ensuring that they were suitable to be used by children. To that end, we liked drones with intuitive and easy-to-understand control schemes, with bonus points awarded to models that featured smartphone-based or tablet-based controls.
We also tended to love exceptionally durable drones, to survive accidents and other child-related mishaps. Lightweight and compact drones, typically referred to as mini-drones or nano drones, were also given special consideration, given that their small form factors allowed them to be used by kids of all ages.
Battery life was important when it came to the drones featured on our list, so we prioritized drones with built-in lithium batteries that allowed for lengthy flight times before needing to hit the power outlet for a recharge. Finally, we liked drones that could easily pull off several acrobatic tricks, such as spins and rolls, which is a feature that children are bound to thoroughly enjoy.
Best Drones for Kids Buyer’s Guide
The Most Important Features to Consider
- Motor and Battery
When deciding what drone to purchase for the kid in your life, the motor should be given important consideration. The motor generally dictates just how fast your drone can go, in addition to providing support for tricks, such as rolls and flips. it might be a great FPV racing drone if your kid is into that. On the flip side, the integrated battery is also extremely important. These rechargeable lithium-ion batteries should offer plenty of flight time before they need to be recharged. Make sure to read the fine print to figure out if a battery has enough get-up-and-go for your daily needs. Battery life ranges can vary wildly, so be sure you know how to fix your drone battery when necessary. - Control Schemes and Tricks
Most kid-friendly drones, like the Walkera Rodeo 110, offer dual control schemes, for ease of use, including an option for smartphone-based controls and one that allows control via a dedicated analog remote. These control schemes are generally designed with kids, or beginners, in mind and offer a simplified take on drone flight. Drones for kids also typically allow for the performance of acrobatic tricks, sometimes with just the push of a button, including flips, rolls, and sudden turns. - Additional Functionalities
In addition to sailing through the sky and performing tricks, modern kid-friendly drones are typically packed with all sorts of additional functionalities. Look for camera drones with integrated HD cameras, for taking still photos and streaming live video. You may also want a drone that offers the option for push-button taking off and landing, for simplicity, and one that can automatically hover in place. Take a look at a drone’s additional features to figure out the right model for you.
