Many children are unsurprisingly fascinated by drones. Something that flies and can take picture-perfect selfies from the air - what’s not to love?
But if your kids are pestering you for one or worse, attempting to fly your very expensive version, it could be time they learn with their very own and less pricey gadget.
What features should I look for?
The best drones for kids should be affordable options that will allow them to learn the basic skills of flying them before investing a fortune in more advanced versions.
They’ll be easy to fly, and may feature some basics like one-button take-off and landing.
One thing worth noting is that many of the drones for children tend to have a shorter battery life and lack some of the pilot-assist functions, like they have in some of the more advanced models.
How much should I spend?
Naturally, the more you spend the more bells and whistles and fancy functions you’ll get.
Things such as altitude hold (that keeps the drone in the air without controller input) and headless mode (to automatically help with direction) are good to haves for children to assist their navigational skills.
Whether you're looking for a brilliant basic for beginners or fancy features like in-built cameras and night flight mode, there's something for everyone in our roundup of the best drones for kids below. Ready for take-off?
Best drones to buy for kids
1. Avialogic Q9 RC Drone
Best starter drone for kids
Features: Altitude hold, one-click takeoff/landing, headless mode
Light up the sky with these blue and green LED light-illuminated drone that’s lots of fun for everyone.
With complete propeller-guard cover, the kids are protected and the drone itself can withstand plenty of crash-landings and rough and tumble.
It’s easy to navigate with just one button for take-off and landing, and boasts an altitude hold feature that allows the drone to hover automatically in the air with your hands off the joystick, making it great for beginners. Kids will also love the 360-degree flip and roll spin.
2. Snaptain H823H Plus Mini Drone for Kids
Best indoor drone
Features: Small size, altitude hold, 3D flip
Let your kids join the quad squad with this easy-to-fly drone that features everything you need for a fun and hassle-free experience.
Headless mode means the onboard flight computer aligns the drone's movements to correspond to the user no matter what direction it's facing; altitude mode means it can hover automatically, and one-key landing and take-off is very user-friendly. There's a 360-degree fun flip and three different adjustable levels of flight the more advanced you get.
This is a small drone that's perfect for flying indoors on a rainy day.
3. Revell Control X-treme Line Drone
Best value for money drone
Features: LED illumination, altitude hold, headless mode
Perfect for kids from around 12 and up, this smart drone features all the bells and whistles that are super-exciting for children, like a fun flip function to
A combination of four powerful motors and a durable LiPo battery make this machine a long-flight drone, giving you around 30 minutes of flight time.
You'll also get some of the fun technical details such as altitude hold, switchable ‘headless’ steering assist and a 6-axis stabilisation system - perfect for super clear pictures and shooting video.
4. Smyths Aerial Quadcopter Drone Black
Best looking drone
Features: 3D flips, 50 metre range, headless mode
If it's sleek looks you're searching for this all-black drone should fit the bill.
It also offers a really fun flying experience, with headless steering, seamless reverse, flip and turns in a 50-metre flying radius, for between 5 - 7 minutes at one time
Powered by a rechargeable battery pack, you'll get up to seven minutes of flying time with each charge.
Buy now from Smyths Toys (£29.99).
5. Red5 Hawk Folding Drone with GPS
Best drone for older kids
Features: 150 metre range, altitude hole, route planner
Boasting a sleek look and all of the features to match, the Red5 Hawk is one to keep an eye on, especially for older kids who're a little bit more steady with their control.
It has altitude hold, keeping it super-stable as well as critical return, which brings it back to you when it’s low on battery. You can eve plan its routes using the route planning mode or use smart camera to shoot a snap when you make specific gestures.
Stream images to your iOS or Android phone, giving you first-person view. The Hawk has 150 metres in control distance and around 17 minutes of flying time.
6. X30 Storm Camera Drone
Best drone with camera for kids
Features: 50 metre range, headless mode, 6-axis gyro
This mid range drone features a 30cm camera built in, for capturing all of those special moments up in the air.
The drone features a cool flip function ideal for creating stunts mid-air, along with flashing LED lights to complete the theatrics and help you see it during night time flying.
There's a flying range of 50 metres, as well as a headless mode for views from the front and back as well as the sides too.and simple USB charging. A USB cable for charging and replacement blades are provided.
7. Ryze Tello Drone Powered by DJI
Best premium drone for kids
Features: 90 minutes flying time, throw and go operation, smartphone control
The RYZE Tello is an impressive gadget for kids aged 12 and up, it has a flying distance of up to 100m, with a generous 90 minute flying time.
Two antennas makes video transmission stable and we love the simple throw and go operation too - simple as well as durable.
This drone can perform 8D flips, all you have to do is slide on screen for amazing aerial stunts. Wifi connectivity also allows you to connect the drone to your mobile phone to control it.
8. BOMPOW Flying Drone for Kids
Best drone for smaller kids
Features: Crash sensors, altitude hover, throw and go operation
Brilliant for encouraging STEM learning, this beginner drone is perfect for young kids, aged four and upwards.
Blending good old-fashioned fun with modern gadgets, this drone sees kids use their hands to control it by simply throwing it in the air, so they get up and running as they try to keep it in the air.
It boasts anti-crash sensors, altitude hover, and enclosed propellers for a safe bit of fun.
9. ATOYX HD Camera Drone
Best HD camera drone
Features: Headless mode, hold altitude, one button takeoff
Perform 3D flips and rolling stunts in the air, the camera drone is equipped with three speed modes. Beginners are advised to learn to fly in low-speed mode and gradually accelerate as they become more familiar.
Boasting a 720P camera with a 150° wide-angle lens, you'll be able to capture incredible images up in the air.
After your phone connects with the drone successfully, you can activate the gravity sensor mode, which allows the drone to automatically follow the direction of swinging your phone.
