Drones are all the rage these days. Regardless of your experience, there are many affordable drones for travel available on the market. In recent years, drones have evolved a lot. From just a remote control aircraft to a high-quality camera drone that can shoot up to 4K, you have several options to choose from.
Now, the definition of ‘affordable’ here varies from user to user. For example, if you are searching for a high-quality drone that offers numerous features, then your ‘affordability’ will be much higher than the beginner looking for an entry-level drone.
However, if you are interested in showing your amazing photography skills while traveling, then having an HD camera drone is a must. The best thing about drones is, they carry so much power in a compact size that can easily and neatly be packed into a backpack. So, without any further ado, let’s talk about the best affordable drones for travel.
1. DJI Mavic Air 2
Whether you are a beginner or an expert, the DJI Mavic Air 2 is the best thing you can buy for your hard-earned money. It is a significant improvement on the original DJI Mavic Air. The Air 2 combines the fun of filming at 4K/60 fps with impressive 34-minute flight time and other salient features.
It is equipped with the all-new 1/2-inch sensor that ensures top-notch ISO performance compared to its predecessors. Moreover, now it can also shoot a slo-mo 1080p video up to 240 fps. With the help of its new controller that packs the Ocusync 2.0 connectivity, you can boost its range up to 10km. In addition to that, the Ocusync 2.0 connectivity improves the stability of its signal when connected to the DJI Fly app.
All in all, it sits somewhere between the more basic DJI Mavic Mini and the costly Mavic 2 series. For even more details, read our complete review of the DJI Mavic Air 2.
2. SNAPTAIN A15H
If you are a beginner and don’t want to go all out on a flying machine, then the SNAPTAIN A15H foldable is the best affordable drone for travel you can buy. It is an ideal choice for all the drone enthusiast newbies who are interested in shooting HD footage from up there. Unlike many budget drones that are just flying bodies carrying a GoPro camera, the A15H is a full-flying camera.
Its body is made durable and rugged to withstand a beating, which is a vital feature to have when you are just learning to fly a drone. One really great thing about this drone is its app, which is much better than many budget drones’ apps. For example, you can trace a path on your phone’s screen in the app, and it will follow it.
Moreover, A15H also features basic voice control, and it’s compatible with specific VR headsets. The features that beginners will like in this drone are its one-touch takeoff and landing option and automatic collision avoidance. That being said, don’t expect hours of flight time from this one as it only flies for eight minutes before falling onto the ground. However, it is pretty standard with budget drones like this one.
3. DJI Mavic 2 Pro
The DJI Mavic 2 Pro is not today’s overall winner, but it isn’t any less than a winner. It remains the best premium drone that you can buy for the money for a few reasons. First, it has a large sensor, is smooth to fly, and it folds into a travel-friendly drone that you can easily carry in your backpack. However, if you are into serious zooming and portability, you might want to check out the Mavic Mini or Mavic 2 Zoom.
Otherwise, this one makes a perfect choice for those who need more top-notch quality than the Mavic Air 2 and can pay for it. Equipped with a 20MP, one-inch sensor, the DJI Mavic 2 Pro can shoot RAW stills and capture 4K video at 30 fps.
If you are into cinematic shots and smooth flying, you will not be disappointed by this beast of a drone’s performance. It offers a range of intelligent shooting and flight modes that make capturing cinematic shots a cinch. Although the DJI Mavic 2 Pro isn’t known for its remarkable zooming capabilities, it is an excellent all-rounder to go for. Read the full DJI Mavic 2 Pro review to get all the specs and see how the drone performs.
4. Hubsan H501SS X4 Pro
The H501SS is the number one model of the Hubsan, and that is for a reason. Powered by a 2700mAh LiPo battery, this sleek, affordable drone offers a beautiful body that surely takes all the marks. Once fully charged, you can fly it for up to 20 minutes. The best thing about the Hubsan X4 501SS Pro is that its flight time is similar to that of more advanced and expensive drones like the DJI Phantom 4 or Holy Stone racing drones.
It features a brushless 5.4GHz transmission that delivers a seamless FPV experience, along with a 1080p HD camera. Within this price range, this is one of the most stunning drones you can buy. Moreover, the package also contains spare propellers and blades in case they get damaged.
5. Potensic D80 (Budget Winner)
Wondering why this drone is a “budget winner” rather than the one we mentioned above? The Potensic D80 strikes a perfect balance between the features and value it offers for the money. It is made for both beginners and intermediate users with a set of excellent features.
The drone features a built-in GPS that allows it to return home on its own when the signal is lost or the battery is about to die. Not to mention, its app offers several useful shooting options for remarkable footage during your travels. Draw the path you want your drone to follow or just set it to follow the controller. Also, you can set a flying limit, so it doesn’t accidentally go out of range into restricted airspace.
Unlike the A15H, it records in 1080p and can tilt to 90° while offering smooth, lag-free image transmission. You can mount your smartphone on its controller to see what’s going on. On top of everything, the battery life is amazing. At around 15-20 minutes, it makes an excellent choice over the one mentioned above that offers only eight minutes of flight time.
Make Trips Memorable with These Affordable Drones for Travel
Investing in a drone is not everyone’s cup of tea. Only those who are serious about their videography and photography will be interested in getting a camera drone.
However, as I said earlier, your affordable drones for travel might be someone’s ‘out-of-the-budget options’ because of the features you are looking for. Therefore, you should go for the one that fits your budget and offers you the required features.
If you want drones that are affordable or good for travel, but not necessarily both at the same time, you can also look at Altair Aerial drones, the Drocon Ninja, or Force1 U49W Blue Heron. Or Cheerson and Eachine have some good options, too.
And of course, no matter which drone you’re going with, don’t forget to read your local drone laws and regulations before flying it.
