If you’re new to drones, the best piece of advice I can give is this: start with any of the many cheap practice drones you can find (even from the toy aisle at Costco or Target).
You don’t want your first flight to be with a $2,200 DJI Mavic 3 into a pool, only to crash it into a pool. A $40 practice drone from Amazon ending up in a tree? That stings a lot less.
Cheap training drones are intentionally harder to fly than premium models. High-end drones like the DJI Mini 2 SE (still my favorite budget camera drone at $339) practically fly themselves, with auto takeoff, landing, hovering, return-to-home and even pre-programmed flight paths.
Even something like a $300 DJI Mini 4K, which is my favorite camera drone if you’re on a budget, practically fly themselves. After all, the Mini 4K has features like auto takeoff, landing, hovering, return-to-home and even pre-programmed flight paths.
That’s great for capturing photos and video — but it means you’re not actually learning how to fly.
Think of it like driving: you wouldn’t learn to drive in a self-driving Tesla. You’d want to start with a simple car and actually understand the basics. Same goes for drones: train on a basic, inexpensive model before you upgrade.
This guide highlights the best beginner drones under $200 in 2025, all of which are designed to help you master the sticks without breaking the bank.
(Of course, if you are looking for a higher-quality camera drone, check out my guide to the cheapest camera drones that I actually recommend.)
Great drones under $200 for beginners
Best drone under $200 for learning to fly: DJI Neo
At $199, the DJI Neo hits the sweet spot: it’s affordable, durable, and designed specifically with beginner pilots in mind. It’s also the only drone under $200 I’d recommend if you want something that’s both fun to fly and high quality enough to last beyond your “practice phase.”
Even in my guide to the best drones for beginners (which has no price tag limit), Neo still takes the case for my top pick. I dig deeper into the drone on my DJI Neo review here, but here’s a high-level overview of what this drone is all about:
Why DJI Neo is so great for beginners
- Intuitive controls: The Neo offers built-in stabilization that smooths out flights, making it forgiving for first-time pilots.
- Hand launch capability: Unlike most drones, you can toss the Neo into the air to start flying. This eliminates the need for tricky ground takeoffs.
- Durability: Propeller guards and a sturdy build help it survive the inevitable beginner crashes.
- Compact & portable: Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry anywhere.
Drawbacks to consider with Neo
- Unusual launch style: Most higher-end drones take off from the ground via remote or app. Neo’s hand-launch system isn’t the norm, so transitioning later to bigger drones may take some adjustment.
- Remote sold separately: The base package requires you to fly with your smartphone. A physical RC transmitter (which I highly recommend for skill-building) costs extra — pushing your spend slightly above $200.
Price: $199
Flight time: 18 minutes
Now if you can afford to push your budget beyond $200, you might also consider another great beginner drone, the DJI Flip. Learn more in my breakdown of the DJI Flip vs. Neo.
Purchase the DJI Neo now from:
Best practice drone under $50: Tomzon Mini Drone
For beginners who want the absolute cheapest way to practice flying, the Tomzon Mini Drone is hard to beat. At just over $30, it’s a low-risk training tool — lose it in a tree and you won’t cry.
Why it’s great for training
- No camera, no distractions: This drone exists purely to help you get stick time.
- LED propellers: A fun touch that makes it stand out, especially for kids or indoor flights.
- Extra batteries included: While each flight is only 8 minutes, the package comes with two batteries, giving you about 16 minutes of total airtime.
Price: $32.99
Flight time: 8 minutes (comes with 2 batteries, for a total of 16 minutes)
Read my full review of the Tomzon Mini Drone here.
Getting started with cheap practice drones
No matter what drone you’re flying, make sure you’re comfortable and familiar with drone flying basics before takeoff.
Here are a few other important notes for 2025:
- FAA registration: If your drone weighs less than 250 grams (about half a pound) — which applies to both drones in this guide — you don’t need to register with the FAA. But you do need to follow all airspace rules, such as avoiding restricted zones.
- Expect crashes: That’s the point! These practice drones are inexpensive precisely so you can learn without fear.
- Know when to upgrade: Once you’ve mastered the basics, you’re ready to move up to a camera drone. Start with my guide to the best camera drones of 2025. If you’re still budget-conscious, I’ve also written about the best DJI drones under $500. And don’t forget a drone landing pad.
And if you’re shopping for a younger beginner? Check out my updated roundup of the best drones for kids of 2025.
Happy flying!
The post The best cheap practice drones for beginners under $200 appeared first on The Drone Girl.