Quadcopters, also known as quadrotors or drones, are devices that look like tiny helicopters. They lift from the ground with the help of rotors, which are in fact vertical propellers.
These tiny devices have a variety of applications, but they are often used just for the fun of it. Initially designed to assist in research applications such as flight control theory, robotics or navigation, modern quadcopters are also used as aerial photography and video drones.
Hobby or professional use?
The best quadcopters on the market can be used for both personal and professional use. These are great tools for fields of activity such as agricultural, video and photography, military, emergency services and more.
In the event that you are in the search for a recreational quadcopter, you should mostly look for brands like Hubsan, Syma, Cheerson etc. On the other hand, manufacturers like 2DR and DJI focus on devices for professional use.
Then there are also the quadcopters that can be programmed for specific tasks with the help of programmable cards. Such devices can be used for security reasons, for aerial videos and more.
What to look for in the best quadcopter?
If you consider buying a new drone or the best quadcopter for your needs, then you should take into consideration at least some of the following factors:
- Controllable range
- Battery life
- Speed
- Height
- Replaceable parts
- Camera type
- Live feed
- Design
Check out the reviews of the 10 best-selling quadcopters on the market, analyze their pros and cons and buy the best product for your needs. While reviewing them, we looked at their price, size, weight, durability, wind resistance, functions and technologies.
Here’s the top 10 best quadcopters for 2015:
1. Syma X5C RC Quadcopter HD Camera
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If you are looking for an affordable quadcopter, this device from Syma might be just what you need. When buying this product you get a tiny device with great features at less than $50. It’s got a 6-axis Gyro stabilization system, great wind resistance and a modular design structure.
IT is equipped with an HD camera and a special feature called 360 degree Eversion. The manufacturer recommends not to be used by children under the age of 6. Syma X5C Explorers is powered by 4 AA batteries and only weighs 1.2 pounds which makes it lightweight and easy to operate.
What’s to like about Syma X5C RC Quadcopter HD Camera?
- Has a 2 mp HD camera
- Is suitable for videos and photos
- Has 2 speeds
- Can be charged by USB or controller
- Charges in 100 minutes
- Flies on a distance of 50 meters
- Flies for 5-8 minutes
- Is inexpensive
- Has a great design
What’s not to like?
- Is a bit noisier than expected
- Construction is not sturdy
- Its flying time is low
2. DJI Phantom Drone Quadcopter for GoPro
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Unlike the previous product, this quadcopter is not that affordable. Its price of slightly under $500 makes it more appropriate for professional users. This product has a sleek design and comes with advanced features.
It can fly by itself or with a GoPro, it can deliver cinematic effects while on air and it can be used outdoors thanks to its GPS positioning.
DJI Phantom Aerial quadcopter can fly with a speed of 22 miles/hour and is suitable for capturing great videos and images during events or games. The great thing about this quadcopter is that it allows you to configure its parameters via software.
What’s to like about DJI Phantom Drone Quadcopter for GoPro?
- Works with Hero2, 3 and 3+
- Comes with remote control
- Has GPS functions
- Horizontal speed of 22 miles/hour
- Is equipped with Naza-M autopilot
- Has a fail-safe function
- Can be configured via software
- Flies for 25 minutes
What’s not to like?
- Is expensive
- It is not recommended for persons under 18 years old for indoor flights
- Cannot be used with GoPro Wi-Fi on
3. UDI U818A RC Quadcopter with Camera
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If you are into unique designs and your budget is tight for your first quadcopter, this tiny device from UDI RC might be the best option for you. At less than $50 you get a quadcopter with a 6 Axis Gyroscope, a 7-9 minutes flight and a modular design that is extremely easy to install.
The product weighs 2.4 pounds, is easy to operate and is recommended for persons above the age of 14. It has various control options, it includes suspensions and its camera can take nice pictures and videos. It takes 120 minutes to charge, but it doesn’t include the AA batteries it requires.
What’s to like about UDI RC Quadcopter with Camera?
- Is lightweight
- Is affordable
- Has acoustic signals for device pairing
- Has strong power motors
- Flies for 7-8 minutes
- Flies on a distance of 30 meters
- Is easy to install and repair
- Is inexpensive
What’s not to like?
- Doesn’t include AA batteries
- Is not built sturdily
- Batteries will swell if voltage is not checked properly
4. DJI Phantom 3 Quadcopter Drone 4K Camera
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This is definitely a quadcopter for pros. It is a bit pricey, so you don’t want to invest a lot if you are a beginner. It comes in white and golden straps, it is stylish and it is equipped with a 4k UHD camera. This device is exactly what you were looking for if you need high-quality images and videos and it might be the best quadcopter on this list.
It is a great option for stable indoor flights, it allows live viewing and it records the videos on an internal SD card, too. This quadcopter can be controlled from iOS and Android operated devices. Its construction is sturdy and it weighs 9.2 pounds. It is an amazing quadcopter but it can be a bit difficult to operate until getting used to it.
What’s to like about DJI Phantom 3 Quadcopter Drone 4K Camera?
- Is equipped with a 4K camera
- Delivers live views on 720p resolution
- Can be controlled from smartphones and tablets
- Is ideal for indoors
- Is designed for professional use
- Records materials on SD card
- 2000 meters flying range
What’s not to like?
- Is expensive
- Is heavy
- Requires some practice
5. NightHawk DM007 Quadcopter
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This product is affordable and suitable for beginners who want to gain some experience with quadcopters. For less than $100, buyers get a tiny quadcopter that is easy to install and repair in case it crashes. It includes a variety of controls and flips at 360 degrees.
The NightHawk is equipped with a 4GB miniSD that can record 720p videos using its built-in camera. It is extremely easy to fly and it can be even operated by children thanks to its remote control.
What’s to like about NightHawk DM007 Quadcopter?
- Is lightweight
- Is affordable
- Is easy to operate
- Has a nice design
- Has a built-in camera
- Includes a 4GB mini SD card
- Video is HD
- Great value for money
What’s not to like?
- Material looks cheap
- Is only suitable for beginners
- Speed adjustment control doesn’t make a lot of difference
6. UDI U818A Drone with Camera
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At almost $90, buyers who will choose this device will get a 6 Axis Gyroscope and a 4 channel function that makes it easy to operate. It has powerful motors that allow the quadcopter to fly for 7-9 minutes after completing the charging time of 90-120 minutes.
This device can do amazing 3D flips and rolls. It is suitable for beginners thanks to its simple control buttons. It is made of resistant plastic and has easy-to-fix parts.
What’s to like about UDI U818A?
- Is easy to operate
- Is inexpensive
- Can be operated by persons above 14
- Has signal lights
- Flies for 7-9 minutes
- Has built-in camera that takes pictures and videos
- Includes USB data cable
What’s not to like?
- Has a fixed camera
- Doesn’t include landing gear
7. Hubsan X4 (H107L) RC Quadcopter
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This quadcopter from Hubsan is one of the most inexpensive devices on the market. It is small, but sturdy and has a one piece frame. It comes with a 6 Axis Gyroscope and does not need to be installed. It can be controlled on a 2.4 gHz frequency and 4 channels.
Its coreless motors are powerful, allowing the quadcopter to fly for about 10 minutes. Although it is not equipped with a built-in camera, it is a great tool for kids who want to gain some experience with flying gadgets.
What’s to like about Hubsan X4 (H107L) RC Quadcopter?
- Is cheap
- Is ready to fly
- Flies for approximately 10 minutes
- Can be charged using a USB adaptor
- Has one main frame
- Is easy to control
What’s not to like?
- Does not include a camera
8. Hubsan X4 (H107L) RC Quadcopter with Camera
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For slightly above $100, this quadcopter from Hubsan offers a great flying experience. Its buyers will get a tiny device along with a remote control with live images. It can be controlled over a 50-100 meters distance and it gets instant previews on its transmitter.
This product is mainly recommended for beginners, although it has a great flight control system and an adjustable gyroscope. The great thing about this quadcopter is that it can fly for about 30 minutes.
What’s to like about Hubsan X4 Quadcopter with Camera?
- Is affordable
- Is easy to operate
- Includes a transmitter
- Flies for 30 minutes
- Includes a remote control
- Can be controlled from 50-100 meters
What’s not to like?
- Is not suitable for professional use
- Propellers are sharp and could be dangerous
9. Syma X11 R/C Quadcopter
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This tiny, red quadcopter is a cheap device that anyone can afford. It can be used for indoor and outdoor flights. It can be controlled with the help of a controlled that requires 4 AA batteries, through 2.4 GHz frequency. This quadcopter is easy to operate and includes two spare parts that can be replaced in case of damage.
The Syma X11 R/C Quadcopter can be charged using a USB adapter or its controller. It takes 40 minutes to charge completely and it can fly over a 40 meters distance. Its flying time of only 5-7 minutes is quite low, though, comparing to other similar devices.
What’s to like about Syma X11 R/C Quadcopter?
- Is cheap
- Is ideal for beginners
- Is easy to operate
- Has a controller
- Charges quickly
- Flies over a 40 meters distance
- 2 frequencies are available
- Has 2 speeds
What’s not to like?
- Does not include a camera
- Motors are not powerful
10. BLADE Nano QX BNF Quadcopter
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This quadcopter by Blade is affordable and comes with a nice design that makes it look like a helicopter miniature. It features the SAFETM technology that provides the devices agility and it is a good option for short, indoor flights. Its small size makes it easy to operate, as well as its compatible controller, which unfortunately, is not includes in the box.
The device works nicely, lifting itself from the ground smoothly and powerfully. It includes a 4 in 1 unit that can be used as a DSMX receiver, ESCs, a mixer and a sensor unit. It is only recommended for persons above the age of 14.
What’s to like about BLADE Nano QX BNF Quadcopter?
- Is inexpensive
- Is lightweight
- Has a great design
- Is easy to operate
- Includes a unique technology: SAFETIM
What’s not to like?
- Controller must be bought separately
- Does not have a camera built-in
Flying devices such as quadcopters are fun and can be used in plenty of situations. Advanced flying devices can provide you with the ultimate videos for your after-movie collage, family gathering or various events memories. They can be easily controlled, although complex quadcopters might require some practice.
Devices like quadcopters make it easy to obtain images from different angles and give the viewers a whole new perspective over the events. They are popular and extremely useful for kids who want to learn about the science of flying.
When looking for the best quadcopter for your needs, it is important to set a budget and look for devices that meet your expectations.
