Best drones for kids 2025: toy flying machines for fledgling pilots

TechCamerasDronesBest drones for kids 2025: toy flying machines for fledgling pilotsThe best kids' drones are tons of fun and make excellent gifts – here’s our top selectionWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

The best kids' drones are tons of fun and make excellent gifts – here’s our top selection

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: HoverAir)

Best drones for kids: Pictured here, parents and a child looking at the HoverAir X1 drone

(Image credit: HoverAir)

Jump to category:Top 3Best overallBest programmableBest indoorBest for aerial photographyBest toy droneBest for manouverabilityBet microBest trick droneHow to choose

The best drones for kids – also known as toy drones – offer simplified functionality that enables young pilots to practice their flying skills without completely ruining the family residence.

They usually focus on key features, such as decent control systems (generally the same as in bigger drones) and in-flight stability features for incident-free flying.

These mini drones might not come with all the bells and whistles you’ll find in today’sbest drones, but they don’t require a license or registration, and they make thrilling gifts at mostly very affordable prices. For adults looking to start with drone flying, you’d be better off consulting ourbest beginner droneguide.

Our current favourite kids' drone is the HoverAir X1 purely because it is so simple to fly, yet the imagery and video results are mighty impressive. It sits at the top of the budget spectrum, but it’s a solid option for slightly older fledgling drone pilots who perhaps like to capture gnarly action at the skatepark or on the mountain bike trails.

Top 3

Best overallHoverAir X1View at CrutchfieldThe HoverAir X1 is a pocket-sized drone with AI-powered, voice-prompted modes, making it easy for kids to use, though it lacks collision avoidance and requires an adult to set up.Read more below

Best overall

HoverAir X1

HoverAir X1View at CrutchfieldThe HoverAir X1 is a pocket-sized drone with AI-powered, voice-prompted modes, making it easy for kids to use, though it lacks collision avoidance and requires an adult to set up.Read more below

HoverAir X1

View at CrutchfieldThe HoverAir X1 is a pocket-sized drone with AI-powered, voice-prompted modes, making it easy for kids to use, though it lacks collision avoidance and requires an adult to set up.Read more below

View at Crutchfield

The HoverAir X1 is a pocket-sized drone with AI-powered, voice-prompted modes, making it easy for kids to use, though it lacks collision avoidance and requires an adult to set up.

Best overall

(Image credit: HoverAir)

HoverAir X1

(Image credit: HoverAir)

HoverAir X1Best drone for simple but high octane footageAverage Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆SpecificationsCamera:Yes,2.7KBattery:11 minutesAge range:7 and aboveToday’s Best DealsView at CrutchfieldView at HOVERTECH LIMITEDView at Adorama USReasons to buy+Great footage+Simple to fly+Small and portableReasons to avoid-Short battery life-Limited data storage-Requires open space
HoverAir X1

1. HoverAir X1

Best drone for simple but high octane footage

Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆

☆☆☆☆☆

SpecificationsCamera:Yes,2.7KBattery:11 minutesAge range:7 and above

Camera:Yes,2.7KBattery:11 minutesAge range:7 and above

Camera:Yes,2.7K

Battery:11 minutes

Age range:7 and above

Today’s Best DealsView at CrutchfieldView at HOVERTECH LIMITEDView at Adorama US

Today’s Best Deals

View at CrutchfieldView at HOVERTECH LIMITEDView at Adorama US

View at Crutchfield

View at HOVERTECH LIMITED

View at Adorama US

Reasons to buy+Great footage+Simple to fly+Small and portable

+Great footage+Simple to fly+Small and portable

Great footage

Simple to fly

Small and portable

Reasons to avoid-Short battery life-Limited data storage-Requires open space

-Short battery life-Limited data storage-Requires open space

Short battery life

Limited data storage

Requires open space

The HoverAir X1 basically redefines what is required from any drone, even if you are an experience flyer. It essentially folds up and can slip inside a pocket and a bag, while the distinct lack of controller makes operation about as simple as things come.

Harnessing the power of AI, it’s just a case of powering up the drone and then selecting from a bunch of programmed modes - all of which are labelled with voice prompts so the user doesn’t have to recognise the labels.

The drone’s camera will then locate the user and lock onto its target, performing a series of moves to capture the right content.

It is this ease of use and lack of controller that makes it such a doddle to use for younger ones, should they have an adult on hand to first download the accompanying smart app and play with some settings.

But bear in mind there is no collision avoidance technology at play here, so take it easy.

Best programmable

(Image credit: Rich Owen)

Ryze Tello drone in someone’s hand

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(Image credit: Rich Owen)

Ryze TelloA brilliant programmable drone for kids with built-in cameraOur expert review:Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆SpecificationsCamera:Yes, 720pBattery:13 minsAge range:10+Today’s Best DealsView at Amazon(Black)Reasons to buy+Rock-steady DJI technology+720p camera+You can program itReasons to avoid-Requires CAA registration
Ryze Tello

2. Ryze Tello

A brilliant programmable drone for kids with built-in camera

Our expert review:Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆

Our expert review:

Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆

☆☆☆☆☆

SpecificationsCamera:Yes, 720pBattery:13 minsAge range:10+

Camera:Yes, 720pBattery:13 minsAge range:10+

Camera:Yes, 720p

Battery:13 mins

Age range:10+

Today’s Best DealsView at Amazon(Black)

Today’s Best Deals

View at Amazon(Black)

Reasons to buy+Rock-steady DJI technology+720p camera+You can program it

+Rock-steady DJI technology+720p camera+You can program it

Rock-steady DJI technology

720p camera

You can program it

Reasons to avoid-Requires CAA registration

-Requires CAA registration

Requires CAA registration

Amazingly, the Tello is also fully programmable, so you can code in Scratch and then upload your own routes and flight characteristics, making it an ideal educational tool. The level of coding is aimed at teaching kids, but there’s plenty here for everyone, whatever the age, flight skill or coding ability. However, because it’s equipped with a camera and classified as ‘not a toy’, the Tello will require an Operator ID which is very easy to get hold of online. You can learn more about the CAA’s legal requirements in ourGuide to UK Drone Regulations.

Read our fullRyze Tello review.

Best indoor

(Image credit: WALLE)

WALLE kids drone

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(Image credit: WALLE)

WALLE kids droneBest drone for kids for indoor useSpecificationsCamera:NoneBattery:5-8 minsAge range:6+Today’s Best DealsCheck AmazonReasons to buy+Gesture controlled+Easy to use+Collision barriersReasons to avoid-Short flight time-Flimsy build quality
WALLE kids drone

3. WALLE kids drone

Best drone for kids for indoor use

SpecificationsCamera:NoneBattery:5-8 minsAge range:6+

Camera:NoneBattery:5-8 minsAge range:6+

Camera:None

Battery:5-8 mins

Age range:6+

Today’s Best DealsCheck Amazon

Today’s Best Deals

Check Amazon

Reasons to buy+Gesture controlled+Easy to use+Collision barriers

+Gesture controlled+Easy to use+Collision barriers

Gesture controlled

Easy to use

Collision barriers

Reasons to avoid-Short flight time-Flimsy build quality

-Short flight time-Flimsy build quality

Short flight time

Flimsy build quality

The WALLE kids’ drone does away with fiddly remotes in favour of gesture control – you toss it into the air to get it started, then use your hands to control the height and direction of flight. To stop it, simply grab it and flip it over. Sure, it’s less of a pure drone experience than others on the list, but for a super-fun and sociable option for kids, this is a top choice. The WALLE has intelligent object detection as well as a bumper cage to prevent damage to the drone itself if it does end up in a tussle with a wall (we suspect this will come in handy, as the very low price suggests a less-than-robust build quality). It charges via USB, although the full 40 minutes of charge will only yield 5-8 minutes of flight time.

Best for aerial photography

(Image credit: Potensic A20W)

Potensic A20W Mini Drone on white background

T3 Best Buy Award badge

(Image credit: Potensic A20W)

Potensic A20W Mini Drone with CameraBest drone for getting into aerial videographyOur expert review:Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆SpecificationsCamera:Yes, 480pBattery:Combined 12 mins, from two batteriesAge range:7+Today’s Best DealsView at WalmartView at WalmartCheck AmazonReasons to buy+Really easy to fly+480p camera+Reasonably pricedReasons to avoid-Camera isn’t great
Potensic A20W Mini Drone with Camera

4. Potensic A20W Mini Drone with Camera

Best drone for getting into aerial videography

Our expert review:Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆

Our expert review:

Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆

☆☆☆☆☆

SpecificationsCamera:Yes, 480pBattery:Combined 12 mins, from two batteriesAge range:7+

Camera:Yes, 480pBattery:Combined 12 mins, from two batteriesAge range:7+

Camera:Yes, 480p

Battery:Combined 12 mins, from two batteries

Age range:7+

Today’s Best DealsView at WalmartView at WalmartCheck Amazon

Today’s Best Deals

View at WalmartView at WalmartCheck Amazon

View at Walmart

Check Amazon

Reasons to buy+Really easy to fly+480p camera+Reasonably priced

+Really easy to fly+480p camera+Reasonably priced

Really easy to fly

480p camera

Reasonably priced

Reasons to avoid-Camera isn’t great

-Camera isn’t great

Camera isn’t great

The Potensic A20W is a step up from its stablemate, the A20 (which you’ll find further down our ranking), and comes with a 480p camera which is a great way for kids to get into aerial videography. The palm-sized Potensic A20W is equipped with a hand controller for ease of use and is an exemplary flyer because it features Altitude Hold for rock-solid stability even when the control sticks are released.

The A20W requires a smartphone and an app to receive a live feed from the little front-mounted 480p camera. The camera itself is fixed into position, so video footage will look a bit jumpy as the drone pitches and rolls. The video quality isn’t great, but it’s perfectly suitable for kids wishing to learn about framing and how to produce cinematic shots. And because this drone is classified as an indoor toy, it will not require registration with the CAA. The A20W’s two supplied batteries will provide a combined flight time of around 12 minutes. If your kid hankers after a proper camera drone but is too young to fly one, then this little model is a great introduction.

Read our fullPotensic A20W review.

Best toy drone

(Image credit: Rich Owen / T3)

Potensic A20 Mini Drone for kids, in someone’s hand

T3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Rich Owen / T3)

Potensic A20 Mini Drone for kidsBest kids' drone without a cameraOur expert review:Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆SpecificationsCamera:NoneBattery:Combined 12 minutes from two batteriesAge range:7+Today’s Best DealsView at Walmart(Black)Check AmazonReasons to buy+Ultra-small and easy to transport+Protected blades+Easy to controlReasons to avoid-Not suitable for outdoor use-No camera
Potensic A20 Mini Drone for kids

5. Potensic A20 Mini Drone for kids

Best kids' drone without a camera

Our expert review:Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆

Our expert review:

Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆

☆☆☆☆☆

SpecificationsCamera:NoneBattery:Combined 12 minutes from two batteriesAge range:7+

Camera:NoneBattery:Combined 12 minutes from two batteriesAge range:7+

Camera:None

Battery:Combined 12 minutes from two batteries

Age range:7+

Today’s Best DealsView at Walmart(Black)Check Amazon

Today’s Best Deals

View at Walmart(Black)Check Amazon

View at Walmart(Black)

Check Amazon

Reasons to buy+Ultra-small and easy to transport+Protected blades+Easy to control

+Ultra-small and easy to transport+Protected blades+Easy to control

Ultra-small and easy to transport

Protected blades

Easy to control

Reasons to avoid-Not suitable for outdoor use-No camera

-Not suitable for outdoor use-No camera

Not suitable for outdoor use

No camera

This ultra-small drone is ideal for use in the home – it’s small enough to navigate around furniture and fly through the rooms of your house with ease. The Potensic A20 features blade guards to stop fingers from getting injured if they get too close. When it comes to flight, there’s a Headless mode that ensures the controls always stay the same and a handy one-button take-off and landing option. This is a great drone for having fun around the home for both the kids and the entire family. But if you’d prefer to have the same drone with a camera fitted, then opt for the Potensic A20W listed above.

Read our fullPotensic A20 Mini Drone review.

Best for manouverability

(Image credit: Holy Stone)

Holy Stone HS210 Kids Mini Drone on white background

T3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Holy Stone)

Holy Stone HS210 Kids Mini DroneBest drone for kids for controllabilityAverage Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆SpecificationsCamera:NoneBattery:21 mins, from three batteriesAge range:7+Today’s Best DealsCheck AmazonReasons to buy+Easy to fly+Advanced stabilisation+Headless Mode+Comes with three batteriesReasons to avoid-Long charge time
Holy Stone HS210 Kids Mini Drone

6. Holy Stone HS210 Kids Mini Drone

Best drone for kids for controllability

Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆

☆☆☆☆☆

SpecificationsCamera:NoneBattery:21 mins, from three batteriesAge range:7+

Camera:NoneBattery:21 mins, from three batteriesAge range:7+

Camera:None

Battery:21 mins, from three batteries

Age range:7+

Today’s Best DealsCheck Amazon

Today’s Best Deals

Check Amazon

Reasons to buy+Easy to fly+Advanced stabilisation+Headless Mode+Comes with three batteries

+Easy to fly+Advanced stabilisation+Headless Mode+Comes with three batteries

Easy to fly

Advanced stabilisation

Headless Mode

Comes with three batteries

Reasons to avoid-Long charge time

-Long charge time

Long charge time

One of the biggest issues for kids when they start to fly drones is control. Essentially understanding how the controls reverse depending on whether the drone is going away from them or coming back. The Holy Stone HS210 Kids Mini Drone has some smart technology that fixes the drones controls to the controller rather than the head of the drone. This Headless mode means that left on the controller will always be left on the drone no matter which direction it is pointing. This model comes with Altitude Hold to aid stable flight and fun modes such as 3D flip, making it a great option for new flyers.

Bet micro

Hubsan Nano Q4 SE Quadcopter on white background

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Hubsan Nano Q4 SE QuadcopterBest micro drone for kids (14 years and over)SpecificationsCamera:NoneBattery:3 minutesAge range:14+Today’s Best DealsCheck AmazonReasons to buy+Effortlessly portable+Built-in stabilization system+Fast charging timeReasons to avoid-Really short flight time
Hubsan Nano Q4 SE Quadcopter

7. Hubsan Nano Q4 SE Quadcopter

Best micro drone for kids (14 years and over)

SpecificationsCamera:NoneBattery:3 minutesAge range:14+

Camera:NoneBattery:3 minutesAge range:14+

Camera:None

Battery:3 minutes

Age range:14+

Today’s Best DealsCheck Amazon

Today’s Best Deals

Check Amazon

Reasons to buy+Effortlessly portable+Built-in stabilization system+Fast charging time

+Effortlessly portable+Built-in stabilization system+Fast charging time

Effortlessly portable

Built-in stabilization system

Fast charging time

Reasons to avoid-Really short flight time

-Really short flight time

Really short flight time

Best trick drone

(Image credit: Hoyton)

Holyton HT02 mini drone for kids

T3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Hoyton)

Holyton HT02 Mini Drone for kidsAnother decent toy drone for kidsAverage Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆SpecificationsCamera:noMax battery life:8 minsAge range:8+Size:1.85 x 1.85 x1.41" (70 x 48 x 35mm)Today’s Best DealsCheck AmazonReasons to buy+Can flip 360-degrees+4 spare propellors and 3 batteries included+3 speed modes + headless modeReasons to avoid-Too light to fly outdoors
Holyton HT02 Mini Drone for kids

8. Holyton HT02 Mini Drone for kids

Another decent toy drone for kids

Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆

☆☆☆☆☆

SpecificationsCamera:noMax battery life:8 minsAge range:8+Size:1.85 x 1.85 x1.41" (70 x 48 x 35mm)

Camera:noMax battery life:8 minsAge range:8+Size:1.85 x 1.85 x1.41" (70 x 48 x 35mm)

Camera:no

Max battery life:8 mins

Age range:8+

Size:1.85 x 1.85 x1.41" (70 x 48 x 35mm)

Today’s Best DealsCheck Amazon

Today’s Best Deals

Check Amazon

Reasons to buy+Can flip 360-degrees+4 spare propellors and 3 batteries included+3 speed modes + headless mode

+Can flip 360-degrees+4 spare propellors and 3 batteries included+3 speed modes + headless mode

Can flip 360-degrees

4 spare propellors and 3 batteries included

3 speed modes + headless mode

Reasons to avoid-Too light to fly outdoors

-Too light to fly outdoors

Too light to fly outdoors

Next up in our guide to the best drones for kids is the dinky Holyton HT02, which sits inside the controller for easy storage and transport. This one comes with four spare propellers and two protective propellor guards included in case of collisions, as well as a useful emergency stop button. The takeoff button prompts the drone to hover off the ground, and there’s a headless mode and three speed options to suit different abilities.

For extra excitement, this drone can also flip 360 degrees. A battery will get you 7-8 minutes of air time, but there are three included to swap in for longer flying sessions (each battery will take around 30 minutes to recharge). Although youcanfly it outdoors, like almost all toy drones, it’s not heavy enough to deal with any kind of wind. Reviews are broadly enthusiastic, although a few customers found it too speedy and difficult to control.

How to buy the best kids' drone for your child

When first learning to pilot a drone, your kid’s needs will be basic. That said, there are a few essentials that can really help novice pilots: built-in stabilisation is great for steadier flights and greater flying confidence, and single-button take-off and landing takes care of two tricky manoeuvres.

Many drones at this level also feature Altitude Hold mode, which keeps the drone in the air even if you release the controls. Some models also have Headless Mode, which ignores the drone’s orientation so that no matter which way the drone’s front end is pointing, when the child moves the joystick left, right, forward or back, the drone will move in those specific directions and not confusingly veer off in the wrong direction.

There are dozens of drones to choose from that are suitable for younger fliers, but the brands we have focussed on for this guide – including Potensic, Hubsan, Ryze and Holy Stone – have a solid reputation in terms of performance, reliability and build quality.

If your child will be flying their drone outdoors, you’d be better off with a larger model, as featured in ourbest cheap droneguide. Be warned that most outdoor drones – especially those fitted with a camera – require registration for a Pilot ID and Flyer ID before you’re allowed to fly legally.

Round up of today’s best deals

HoverAir X1$399ViewSee all pricesRyze Tech Tello$219ViewSee all pricesPotensic A20W Mini Drone$26.99$23.99ViewSee all pricesPotensic Mini Drone for Kids$23.62ViewSee all prices

HoverAir X1$399ViewSee all prices

HOVERAir X1 Combo Aerial…

HoverAir X1

Crutchfield

$399View

$399

See all prices

Ryze Tech Tello$219ViewSee all prices

Ryze Tech Tello Boost Combo -…

Ryze Tech Tello

Amazon

$219View

$219

See all prices

Potensic A20W Mini Drone$26.99$23.99ViewSee all prices

Potensic A20 Mini Drone, Easy…

Potensic A20W Mini Drone

Walmart

$26.99$23.99View

$26.99$23.99

$23.99

See all prices

Potensic Mini Drone for Kids$23.62ViewSee all prices

Potensic ATOM 3-Axis Gimbal…

Potensic Mini Drone for Kids

Walmart

$23.62View

$23.62

See all prices

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Top 3#

Best overall#

1. HoverAir X1#

Best programmable#

2. Ryze Tello#

Best indoor#

3. WALLE kids drone#

Best for aerial photography#

4. Potensic A20W Mini Drone with Camera#

Best toy drone#

5. Potensic A20 Mini Drone for kids#

Best for manouverability#

6. Holy Stone HS210 Kids Mini Drone#

Bet micro#

7. Hubsan Nano Q4 SE Quadcopter#

Best trick drone#

8. Holyton HT02 Mini Drone for kids#

How to buy the best kids' drone for your child#

Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox#

Top 3

Best overall

1. HoverAir X1

Best programmable

2. Ryze Tello

Best indoor

3. WALLE kids drone

Best for aerial photography

4. Potensic A20W Mini Drone with Camera

Best toy drone

5. Potensic A20 Mini Drone for kids

Best for manouverability

6. Holy Stone HS210 Kids Mini Drone

Bet micro

7. Hubsan Nano Q4 SE Quadcopter

Best trick drone

8. Holyton HT02 Mini Drone for kids

How to buy the best kids' drone for your child

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