From easy-to-fly toys to affordable camera drones, discover the perfect entry-level drone to start your flying adventure. Whether you're a curious hobbyist or looking for the perfect gift for a budding pilot, the world of mini drones offers an accessible and thrilling entry point into aerial exploration. Small, safe, and surprisingly capable, these drones are designed to be flown straight out of the box. In this guide, we break down the top 5 best mini drones for beginners available in the UK right now.
What to Look for in a Beginner Mini Drone
Navigating the specs can be tricky. Here’s what truly matters for your first drone:
1. Flight Time and Battery Life
Most mini drones offer a flight time of 5-15 minutes per battery. Look for models that come with multiple batteries to extend your flying sessions and maximize your fun without long waits for recharging.
2. Camera Quality
Are you looking to capture stunning aerial shots or just have fun flying? While toy drones may not have a camera, many beginner models now include 720p or 1080p HD cameras, which are perfect for learning the basics of aerial photography and video.
3. Ease of Use
Features designed for beginners are essential. Look for Altitude Hold, which keeps the drone hovering steadily in place; One-Key Takeoff/Landing, which handles the most challenging parts of the flight with a single button press; and Headless Mode, which makes orientation simple by ensuring the drone always moves in the direction you push the control stick, regardless of where its front is pointing.
4. Durability and Build Quality
Crashes are inevitable when you're learning. The best beginner drones are built from resilient materials and include propeller guards to protect the drone, people, and property from accidental bumps.
Our Top 5 Mini Drones for Beginners
Here are our expert picks that you can find right here at Drones Direct.
1. The Overall Champion: DJI Mini 2 SE
For the beginner who wants a premium experience without the professional price tag, the DJI Mini 2 SE is the undisputed champion. It offers DJI's legendary stability, GPS-assisted flight for safety, and a superb 2.7K camera. It’s incredibly easy to fly, folds down for portability, and delivers the kind of quality that will keep you excited to fly long after you’ve mastered the basics.
DJI Mini 2 SE Fly More Combo - Lightweight Camera Drone
Elevate your aerial photography with the DJI Mini 2 SE Fly More Combo, a lightweight camera drone designed for stunning shots
Product information
£432.69 £370.75
Product Review Score
4.55 out of 5 stars
73 reviewsProduct links
2. Best on a Budget: Holy Stone HS440
Proving that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a great drone, the Holy Stone HS440 is a fantastic budget-friendly option. This foldable drone comes with a 1080p HD camera, a convenient carrying case, and all the essential beginner features like Altitude Hold and Headless Mode. It’s the perfect all-in-one package for anyone eager to get in the air without breaking the bank.
Holy Stone HS440G 4K GPS Drone for Adults
Capture stunning aerial photos and videos with ease using this user-friendly 4K GPS drone
Product information
£149.99
Product Review Score
4.96 out of 5 stars
73 reviewsProduct links
3. The Ultimate Kids' Toy Drone: Potensic A20
If you're looking for the perfect gift for a young pilot, the Potensic A20 is an ideal choice. Designed with safety as the top priority, its propellers are fully enclosed in guards, making it perfect for indoor flying. It’s incredibly durable and simple to operate with its kid-friendly controller. The A20 is all about the pure joy of flying, making it a fantastic introduction for children.
Potensic A20W Mini Drone with Camera for Beginners
Perfect for capturing fun moments and exploring the skies with ease
Product information
£34.98 £30.41
Product Review Score
4.42 out of 5 stars
85 reviewsProduct links
4. Best Mini Camera Drone: DEERC D20 Mini Drone
Ready to start capturing your world from above? The DEERC D20 is a brilliant entry-level camera drone packed with fun features. It transmits a live 720p video feed directly to your smartphone, allowing you to see what the drone sees in real-time. With cool extras like gesture and voice control, plus two included batteries for up to 20 minutes of flight time, the D20 offers incredible value for aspiring aerial photographers.
DEERC D20 Mini Drone with HD Camera & Altitude Hold
Capture stunning aerial shots and enjoy smooth flying with this compact drone designed for everyone
Product information
£38.02
Product Review Score
4.44 out of 5 stars
177 reviewsProduct links
5. Easiest to Fly Out of the Box: Ryze Tello
Powered by DJI flight technology, the Ryze Tello is renowned for its incredible simplicity and stability. Controlled via a user-friendly smartphone app, the Tello is so intuitive that even absolute beginners can be flying confidently within minutes. It’s lightweight, safe for indoor use, and even has fun features like an 8-direction flip. For a hassle-free and enjoyable first flight experience, the Tello is a top-tier choice.
DJI Tello Mini Drone - Video Ready & Fun
The perfect little drone for capturing awesome videos and having a blast
Product information
£312.95
Product Review Score
4.63 out of 5 stars
45 reviewsProduct links
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What makes a drone good for beginners?
A great beginner drone is durable, easy to control, and has safety features like propeller guards. Key functions to look for are Altitude Hold, Headless Mode, and One-Key Takeoff/Landing, which help automate the trickiest parts of flying.
2. Do I need a license to fly a mini drone in the UK?
For most mini drones that weigh less than 250 grams (like all the models on this list), you do not need a special license for recreational flying in the UK. However, it's always important to follow the CAA's Drone and Model Aircraft Code to ensure you are flying safely and legally.
3. How much should I expect to spend on my first drone?
You can get a fantastic toy drone for kids for as little as £30-£50. A solid beginner drone with an HD camera typically costs between £50 and £100. For a premium, high-quality beginner model like the DJI Mini 2 SE, you can expect to invest a bit more, but the quality and features are often worth it.
Ready to Take Flight?
Choosing your first drone is the start of an exciting new hobby. From capturing unique family photos to simply enjoying the thrill of flight in your local park, these mini drones offer something for everyone. Explore our full collection and discover the best mini drones for beginners today at Drones Direct!
