Summer’s getting closer, which means we’re getting more of the best weather to fly a drone. Camera-equipped tiny copters are cheaper than ever, and often include lots of cool user-friendly features like automatic return if they escape transmitter range, phone tracking for zoom-out shots and more. Whether you’re using your drone for photography, racing it against other pilots or just messing around in the air, you’ll find a great one here. We’ve gone through all of the major online stores to find the best drone discounts in May.
Snaptain P30 4K Drone
An affordable UHD camera gets even cheaper at $100 off
$199.99
at Best Buy
$299.99
Save $100.00
Let’s lead off with an extremely solid choice for a beginner pilot who wants to capture high-resolution images from the air. The Snaptain P30 is a lightweight quadcopter that lands under the limit for FAA registration, meaning you can fly it without any additional steps. The 5GHz Wi-Fi signal gives you flight distances of up to 1640 feet before losing smooth camera images, and 2600 feet before connection loss. Built-in GPS with support for Point of Interest and Waypoint features means it’s easy to keep track of it.
Ruko F11PRO Drone
A solid flyer with an extra coupon for more savings
$254.99
at Amazon
$397.99
Save $143.00
This midrange drone doesn’t excel in any individual category but is a good all-rounder, with 30 minutes of battery life per battery charge, a flight range just under 4,000 feet and efficient brushless motors. The controls are simple to use and versatile, and video quality is solid. GPS functionality allows for control even when you can’t see the copter. To get the lowest price possible, check the on-page coupon for another $45 off before you add it to your cart.
Holy Stone HS270G Drone
Foldable FPV RC Quadcopter with brushless motor, 5G WiFi, smart return
$239.99
at Amazon
$299.99
Save $60.00
A great drone for beginner pilots, the Holy Stone HS270G doesn’t skimp on features but has a solid an durable build in case of pilot error. Equipped with a 4K image-stabilized camera mounted on a two-axis gimbal, you can capture footage down to the sharpest detail. The batteries give 26 continuous minutes of flight time between charges while features like Optical Flow and Altitude Hold are designed for newbies still getting their pilots’ licenses. Check the on-page coupon for $50 off.
Vivitar Sky Hawk
1000-foot range and HD video for under a hundred bucks
$93.99
at Best Buy
$109.99
Save $16.00
Vivitar’s Sky Hawk is an excellent hobbyist drone that won’t put a serious hurt on your pocketbook, especially with a $16 discount. It’s lightweight and minimalist, with a simple remote control and equally no-frills phone app that lets you stream video as well as order the copter to follow you as you move. Multiple flight speeds let you get your bearings before kicking it into high gear, and a flight time of 16 minutes is pretty solid for this size of quadcopter.
Recommended by Our Editors
The PowerEgg Explorer has a unique gimmick where you can affix the oblong central unit to the housing and propellers and take to the air to capture 4K video, or remove the flight parts and use it as a stand-alone 4K video camera. It’s easy to control thanks to the unusually large propellers, and reasonably waterproof to withstand tough conditions. Best Buy has it on clearance right now for $180 off.
DJI Mini 2 SE Drone
Long flight times and a great price make this a top pick
$279.99
at Best Buy
$299.99
Save $20.00
Sure, $20 isn’t a fantastic discount, but any price drop on this drone we gave an Editors’ Choice to is worth noting. In our review of the DJI Mini 2 SE, we gushed over its “hi-res 2.7K recordings at up to 30fps, flight times of around 30 minutes, and convenient USB-C charging for both the drone and remote,” DJI hadn’t introduced a new budget drone in a few years before this model was released in 2023, but it took the lessons the company learned from higher-end models and made them affordable. It’s also lightweight enough that it doesn’t require FAA registration and includes a built-in geofence system to keep you out of restricted airspace.
More Drone Deals For 2024
*Deals are selected by our commerce team
FAQ
FAQDo I need a license to fly a drone?If you are piloting a drone for recreational (non-commercial) reasons, you do not need to get a license from the Federal Aviation Administration. That comes with some restrictions, including not being allowed to fly one 400 feet above the ground or near airports. These restrictions vary for commercial operators as well as drones under a certain weight.How do I register my drone?Federal Aviation Administration rules require that any drone over 0.55 pounds be registered with their system at the FAA DroneZone website. That registration costs $5 and is valid for three years. You will need to be over the age of 13 to register a drone and provide personal information, including address, phone number and the model number and serial number of your drone.What kind of camera do I need for my drone?As you’d expect, the nicer the camera the more you can expect to pay for a drone. High-end models are capable of capturing 4K video, but if you’re not interested in the photography angle and just want to fly, there’s no reason to shell out extra money for a fancier camera when a 1080p one will be fine. Racing drones cut down on the camera equipment for lighter weight and more powerful propellers, making them a good option in that case.
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