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Top 12 Drones Under 250g You Don’t Need A License For 2021

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The Top 12 Drones Under 250g you don’t need to register are,

  1. The Mavic Mini
  2. Zuhafa T5 Foldable
  3. JJRC GPS Drone
  4. Hubsan H216A X4 H107
  5. Hubsan H216A x4
  6. SYMA X20 MINI
  7. SYMA X22W MINI
  8. Syma Z1 Foldable
  9. Holy Stone HS170
  10. Holy Stone HS210 Mini
  11. Holy Stone HS160
  12.  Blade Inductrix

We have a look at the Best 12 Drones under 250g  or 0.55lbs. No license or registration required.

We help you discover 12 Drones that are really popular right now because you can just buy them and fly them. You don’t need to get a license or bother registering your Quad for recreational use.

Something that really frustrated me and ended up being the driver for this article was how hard it is to find a Drone, under 250g or 1/2 a pound. You have to look really hard to find what they weigh in the fine print. If the Drones are overweight some manufacturers hide it for some reason. Maybe it affects sales?

So, we did the research, found 12 of the best, and listed them here for you to look over. Now, I’m not going to provide any fake reviews. The Drones I own or I have flown I provide some reviews for you. I have also listed other great options for you to look at.

The Drones I have never owned or operated I researched, spoke to colleagues, checked the many reviews on Amazon, etc., to come up with this list. I am fairly confident the products we have listed here are good quality, fairly priced, and are great value for the money.

What You Will Find In This Article

Below is a summary of the top 12 drones we’ve researched. All of them are of good quality, some more expensive than others. It typically depends on features like camera quality, flight modes, and flight time.

Also important in the article, below the list we look at some of the questions you may have before you buy, as well as questions you may have after you make your purchase.

Each question will have a little summary and a link to a resource on our website with a full article to review if that interests you. If you have a question, email us at info@coolcopters.com

 

What are the Top 12 Drones Under 250g or .55 lbs?

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Some answers to your FAQ about Drones Under 1/2 pound or 250g

No FAA or Transport Canada Registration Required

Owning and flying a Drone Under 250g or 0.55lbs is becoming more and more popular. Specifically, because you do not need to jump through a ton of hoops to own and fly one.

As a matter of fact, we have a complete Guide in a post about How to own and fly a Drone with no license or registration here. A must-read.

In fact, our whole website is dedicated to helping you find answers to the most common questions relating to buying and flying a drone under ½ a pound or 250g.

The beauty of owning these little Quads, among other reasons, is you don’t need to register them with the FAA or Transport Canada. You don’t need a license either. You buy it, take it home (Read the owner’s manual) and fly it. Easy as that.

The following are some popular frequently asked questions we get. Read the ones that interest you, as I said earlier there is a resource link in each question for more in-depth information for you.

Do I Need A License To Fly A Drone?

No, Not if it weights less than ½ a pound or 250g depending on your country. Using the DJI Mavic Mini as an example, it only weighs 249g so you don’t need to register it or have a license. For a full explanation read this article Cost to get a Drone license.

Do I Need To Register My Drone?

No. Again, not if your Drone weights under ½ a pound or 250g. Drones over that weight require registration and you need to get a license to fly it. Some regulations and requirements vary between the USA and Canada, slightly.

Check out your country’s regulations here the USA – FAA FAA Getting Started and
Canada – Transport Canada. Flying your drone safely and legally – Transport Canada
We have a resource for you here on our website 

Can I Fly My Drone Indoors?

Yes, absolutely. At the time of writing this article, I am in quarantine like everyone else. If you are past the lockdown there are other times you may want to fly your Drone indoors.

For example, during the winter months or when it’s raining or really windy outside. A word of caution…There are a number of issues when flying indoors.

For example, You should be disabling the GPS if your Drone is equipped with one. A personal suggestion when flying indoors, stay away from your curtains! It’s not pretty.

We have a complete article about flying indoors; Can I Fly My Drone Indoors? How to Fly Safely Inside]

Do I Need Drone Insurance?

While it is not required for you to obtain insurance on your drone for recreational use, it is recommended that you Insure your drone with liability insurance and damage insurance, for commercial use.

Some home insurance policies, like mine, cover basic insurance. For Drones under 250g, it is not required for recreational use. Having said that we have a complete guide, including insurance companies in both the USA and Canada, that offer Drone Insurance. Do I need Drone Insurance? Top 10 Drone Insurance Providers (CAN USA) 

Check out the rest of our website for How To Articles and if you are just Starting Out we answer all your basic beginner Drone Pilot questions.

Here are the most popular Drones Under 1/2 Lb or 250g this summer

Excellent

DJI Mavic Mini

The Best Drone Under 250g

This new Foldable, entry-level Drone looks awesome. The most exciting feature? It weighs LESS than 250g. We love this Drone. Its a game-changer.

Being under 1/2 a pound or 250g, This is huge!  It means in most countries you will not need to register this Drone. So, in Canada and the USA, no registration required.

I predict this Drone will be the most popular entry-level Drone in the world by Christmas 2020.

Having a look at the specs, it looks really good.  This would be the perfect starter Drone.  The flight reviews all indicate it is really easy to fly. I love to fly it.

I have a Phantom 3 Pro as well and this little guy is as much fun to fly as its big brothers. Even the Camera, at 2.7K, is excellent. It takes really good pictures and video footage.

It would be a great Drone to get if you’re just starting out or get your kids one for Christmas or a Birthday.

DJI Mavic Mini - Drone FlyCam Quadcopter with 2.7K Camera 3-Axis Gimbal GPS 30min Flight Time
  • In the box: DJI Mavic Mini, Remote Controller, Intelligent Flight Battery, Pair of Spare Propellers, Micro USB Cable, Gimbal Protector, RC Cable (Micro USB connector), RC Cable (USB-C connector), RC Cable (Lightning connector), Pair of Spare Control Sticks, 6x Spare Screw, Screwdriver
  • Required Operating System: iOS v10.0 or later. Android v6.0 or later
  • Weighing under 250 grams, Mavic Mini is almost as light as the average smartphone.
  • Mavic Mini’s weight allows it to stay in the air longer than similar consumer FlyCams on the market. Enjoy up to 30 minutes of flight time with a fully-charged battery.
  • In the United States and Canada, you can fly Mavic Mini without the need to register your drone with the government.
  • Mavic Mini supports 12MP aerial photos and 2.7K Quad HD videos. A 3-axis motorized gimbal provides superior camera stability and ensures clear, ultra-smooth footage.
  • Shots that look like they came from a Hollywood film set are just a few taps away with Mavic Mini’s QuickShot modes, which include Dronie, Circle, Helix, and Rocket. Just select your QuickShot and Mavic Mini will execute an elaborate preset motion while recording.
  • The new DJI Fly app offers a simple and intuitive user experience, enabling you to create cinematic shots with just a few taps. It even has Flight Tutorial, a feature to help you get started with Mavic Mini quickly and safely.
  • The compact yet powerful Mavic Mini is the perfect creative companion, capturing your moments in a way that effortlessly elevates the ordinary.
  • Mavic Mini does not have onboard storage and does not come with a microSD card.
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Great Value

Zuhafa T5 GPS Drone with 4K Camera

This is a Sweet Deal. I came across this Drone from a colleague who ordered one late last year. I was out flying my Mavic Mini and he offered to let me try it out.

For under $200 US it has a ton of features. GPS and a 4K camera. It’s amazing really, for the price.

I found it flew very well. Nice and stabler and the video quality for the price is good.

If you’re on a budget, this would be a great starter Drone!

Zuhafa T5 Foldable GPS Drone with 4K FHD Camera for Adults,RC Quadcopter with GPS Return Home,5Ghz WiFi Transmission Live Video,40 Minutes Flight Time, Long Control Range, Includes Carrying Bag
Zuhafa T5 Foldable GPS Drone with 4K FHD Camera for Adults,RC Quadcopter with GPS Return Home,5Ghz WiFi Transmission Live Video,40 Minutes Flight Time, Long Control Range, Includes Carrying Bag
  • ✈Double Flight Time & Foldable:2 pcs of Modular Li-Po Battery yields(1800mAh 7.4V) up to 40mins Max flight time,you can immerse yourself in a substantial flight.The foldable design makes the drone small and portable.Our drone weighs only 215 grams and less than 250 grams, you do not need to register the drone or get a drone pilot certificate.
  • ✈4K FHD Camera with Image Stabilization: The optimized full HD Camera built with Shock Absorption holder ensures shooting 3840 x 2160P high resolution images and videos without camera vibration. 5GHz FPV transmission provides about 200 meters of real-time image transmission and 60° adjustable lens enables you to see the world from different angle.
  • ✈GPS Assisted Intelligent Flight: Never worry about losing a drone.It returns automatically whenever battery is low, signal is lost or you press one key return.Design a flight path by tapping several points on App screen,which help you dedicated yourself on more creative and amazing photography.
  • ✈Circle Fly:The drone will fly around the point you set,360°capturing the beautiful shots of the point by controlling the radius, speed and direction.10 different styles of audio tracks for drone video, you can shoot cool MV and share them on social media.
  • ✈GPS Mode & Fixed Height Mode:You can fly indoors or outdoors by selecting the appropriate mode.To avoid loss, do not use the fixed-height mode in outdoors.Four bright LED lights for night flying.If you want to buy more batteries or accessories, please search B082F8Z6VS on Amazon.com.
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Budget

JJRC H73G GPS

At the time I wrote this article this was one of the better Drones Under 250g.
The manufacturer claims its weight at 246g

Another great portable Quad, perfect for hikers and backpackers and the young traveler. It is foldable and lightweight.

This, for the money, is a great deal. Come with a 2K HD Camera, 5G WiFi, great for FPV.  Nice selection of flight modes,  Follow Me and Altitude Hold 

The JJRC H73 is a great budget priced Drone. I had the opportunity to fly this little Quad when I was in the States for a meetup.

I found it reliable, has good battery life for the price, but the camera is not that great. Having said that, if you are just starting out this would be a great option to learn the basics before you spend more cash on a better Drone.

GPS Drone with 2K HD Camera Live Video, JJRC H73 5G WiFi FPV Foldable RC Quadcopter with Follow me, Smart Return Home, Point of Interest, Folding RC Drone Helicopter for Adults
  • Functions: GPS, 5G Wifi FPV, GPS Return Home, Altitude Hold, Follow Me Mode, one key takeoff/landing, multi-point flight, surround mode, 2K camera, 800m distance.
  • Advanced GPS and altitude hold: H73 is always under control. GPS system makes the H73 completely aware of its location and relation to you. It hovers precisely, moves accurately and locks onto satellite fast.
  • Adjustable Wide-angle 2K Camera: supporting shooting 2K 20fps with 8 megapixel CMOS sensor, the wide-angle lens retain the most details making your creation more inspirational, which is able to adjust within 0°-90°.
  • 5G WIFI FPV: let you see what your drone sees, ideal for filming a designated spot or simply to look around. The 5G WIFI real-time transmission distance reaches to 200-400m; Set a specific building or position as your point of interest, your aircraft will continuously circle clockwise around the preset point.
  • Quality Customer Service：Please feel free to contact us if you have any problems during use.Email: 2474778339@qq.com
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Good Quality

Hubsan x4 H107

This is a great beginner Drone for Kids and Adults just starting out. I have not flown this exact Drone.

I own two Hubsan Drones and overall they produce great quality, excellent value for money, Drones. I would not be concerned about purchasing any Hubsan Drone. Check the reviews on Amazon before you buy it

Hubsan X4 (H107L) 4 Channel 2.4GHz RC Quadcopter, Black
  • Durable one piece main frame.
  • Precision 6 axis gyro.
  • Ready to Fly.
  • 4 channel 2.4Ghz control.
  • High capacity LiPO battery.
  • Durable one piece main frame
  • Precision 6 axis gyro
  • Ready to Fly
  • 4 channel 2.4Ghz control
  • High capacity LiPO battery
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Good Quality

Hubsan H216A

This is a great beginner Drone for Kids and Adults just starting out. I have not flown this exact Drone.

This is another good quality Hubsan Drone. A great starter, easy to fly and safe for kids. If you are currently in lockdown or live in an area prone to wind and cold temperatures, this Drone is great to fly indoors.

HUBSAN X4 H216A WiFi Drone GPS APP Compatible FPV Drone with 1080P HD Camera Quadcopter with HT009 Transmitter
  • RC drone Configuration: Hubsan H216A wifi drone (1080P HD camera resolution- 1920*1080P ) + HT009 transmitter.
  • APP Compatible:connect drone via cellphone wifi ,support IOS or Android mobile phone operation system .
  • Function: GPS Accurate Position, functional waypoints,altitude/headless mode,automatic return to home,follow me.
  • Hubsan X4 H216A flight time about 11 minutes, charging time about 130 minutes .
  • Package: drone packaged with a nice box ready for gifting (Hubsan brand and new drone H216A).
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Kids Starter

Syma X20

Syma has produced some really great beginner Drones. Some are so popular they are hard to keep in stock. The Syma X20 is a pocket Drone for younger kids.

It has a few good features like headless mode and altitude hold, which help younger pilots learn how to fly safely. Check out the reviews on Amazon

Newest Syma X20 Mini Pocket Drone Headless Mode 2.4Ghz Nano LED RC Quadcopter Altitude Hold Gold
  • Syma X20 Mini Drone is the newest drone upgraded with multi features, this 6-Axis gyro quad-rotorcraft flight can easily achieve various flight movements, and easier to control. More stable and more suitable for kids or beginners. This mini drone is very suitable for indoor playing.
  • Headless Mode makes easier flight: Once the fuselage direction can not be recognized, it can enter headless mode so as to continue the flight. It helps the beginner to get the hang of directional control within several minutes.
  • One Key Take off / Landing: one button press automatically taking off or landing, remote control quadcopter will take off or go back to the position where it took off. It helps to protect the drone when it is out of control or low battery power.
  • Altitude Hold: Auto hovering is an altitude holding technology that lets the flying drone stabilize and suspend in mid-air automatically, even when you let go of the controls.
  • 360°Stunt Flip: A key 360°roll, continuous roll for perfect action and wonderful performance. With the colorful flashing light, keep your aircraft flying excellently at night.
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Hikers Delight

Syma Z1

Syma has started to produce a few good quality foldable Drones. If you are into Hiking, Backpacking or traveling, this may be a good Drone for you to look at.

Check out the reviews on Amazon

Syma Z1 Foldable RC Drone with 720 HD Wi-fi Camera Live Video FPV, 2.4GHz 6-Axis Gyro Remote Control Quadcopter for Kids and Beginners (Black)
  • 720P HD CAMERA:RC drone equipped with 720P and 90°rotatable camera that can take high-quality aerial photos and videos,even selfie
  • FPV:The Wi-Fi real-time transmission FPV system can connect to your phone (iOS 9or Android 4.0 and later),automatically saved to your phone, and share your happy moments
  • APP CONTROL:You can control the drone via SYMA FLY App easyly and there are multiple stuns modes on APP,what you need to do is pressping the button
  • FOLDABLE DESIGN:Foldable & flexible propellers make the mini drone easy to carry,even put it on pocket.Enjoy fun time anytime, anywhere
  • CUSTOMER SERVICE:If you have questions about our features like how to take a photo,take-off,landing and so on.Feel free to contact us.We will solve your flying problem in time
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Beginner Pilots

Holy Stone HS170

Holy Stone has become more popular over the last few years. It seems they flooded the market with a ton of different models but if you ok closely, in my opinion, they are very similar Drones, the difference being features.

I have never owned one but colleagues I fly with ave, and they seem to like them. The quality is not the same as a Hubsan or nowhere close to DJI but for a beginner Drone is a great value for money option.

Check out the reviews on Amazon

Holy Stone HS170 Predator Mini RC Helicopter Drone 2.4Ghz 6-Axis Gyro 4 Channels Quadcopter Good Choice for Drone Training
  • Headless security system enables players of any level to fly the drone easily
  • 2. 4GHz technology adopted for anti-interference
  • More stable and flexible with 6-axis gyro stabilization system
  • Good PERFORMANCE of wind-resistant control range: About 30-50 meters
  • Flight time: about 6-8 minutes Charging time: about 45-60 minutes (under currents input 0. 5A-1a)
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Beginner Pilots

Holy Stone HS210

This would be a good starter Drone for kids. It’s also a great option for flying indoors. It’s safe and fun to fly. Check out the specks below. This beginner Drone is great value for money.

Check out the reviews on Amazon

Holy Stone HS210 Mini Drone RC Nano Quadcopter Best Drone for Kids and Beginners RC Helicopter Plane with Auto Hovering, 3D Flip, Headless Mode and Extra Batteries Toys for Boys and Girls
  • 21 Minutes Flight Time: Come with 3 drone batteries in the package, your flight time is prolonged up to 21 Minutes.
  • Easy to Play: The Auto-hovering function enables the drone to hover at current height. You can release the throttle stick and control the drone more easily.
  • Won’t Lose Direction: In Headless Mode, you can fly the drone without worrying about what direction it is facing, especially when the drone is far away.
  • Having Fun: The drones can perform 3D flip, and it can be start or land with one key which makes the drone easier to play.
  • A Great Gift for Kids: Low Battery Power Alarm-No worry losing it. You can adjust the speed to meet your operation proficiency, and play the drone with your kids or friends.
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Beginner Pilots

Holy Stone HS160

Another good beginner Drone. Very basic but good value for your money. I have never owned one so check out the great reviews on Amazon before you buy it.

Our research indicates this Drone would be a great contender for new pilots young and old. You don’t have to break the bank to see if you enjoy the hobby.

Holy Stone HS160 Shadow FPV RC Drone with 720P HD Wi-Fi Camera Live Video Feed 2.4GHz 6-Axis Gyro Quadcopter for Kids & Beginners - Altitude Hold, One Key Start, Foldable Arms,Bonus Battery
  • FOLDABLE STRUCTURE: Foldable & flexible blades make the drone small and portable. Also provides a better and safer flight experience
  • Wi-Fi FPV 720P HD CAMERA: Equipped with 720P HD camera to take aerial photos and videos. Images and videos will be stored in both the app and the mobile album system
  • APP CONTROL SYSTEM: Operate your drone through an APP after connecting the Wi-Fi to your phone (iOS or Android), offering you real-time image transmission, easy to shoot and read, fun to share
  • MODULAR and BONUS BATTERY: There are 2 powerful 3.7V 500mAh Modular batteries including 1 bonus, which can support longer flight time for you and your family, this modular design ensures the safety of charge and storage
  • ONE KEY START/ LANDING: Allows players of any level to fly the drone easily with perfect control and wonderful performance. WI-FI Connection: serach wifi signal (HolyStone FPV-XXXXXXX). Input the WIFI password: 6264657134 and connect it.
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Beginner Pilots

Blade Inductrix

My first Drone was the Blade Nano QX. What I like about Blade Products are how durable they are. Let face it, you crash a lot when you are just starting out.

Blade has a reputation for producing durable Quads. This Drone is another great option for flying indoors. Also great for kids learning how to fly

Blade Inductrix RTF Ultra Micro Drone with Safe Technology
  • Lightweight, fully assembled Ultra micro RC drone
  • 6-8 minutes flight time
  • SAFE technology with self-leveling
  • Brilliant LED orientation lights
  • RTF includes: Inductrix RTF RC Drone | DSMX 2. 4GHz transmitter | 150mAh 1S 3. 7V 25C Lipo battery |USB LiPo charger | 4 x AA alkaline TX battery
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