Drones Under £300: Five Budget Models and Their Trade-offs

A drone under £300 can be a useful introduction to aerial photography, but this budget includes very different products: mechanically stabilised camera drones, older GPS models and small aircraft designed mainly for learning to fly. Buying all three for the same purpose is a mistake.

This guide compares five models. It explains where each fits, rather than promising that every model is currently in stock below £300. New, refurbished and used prices vary, and bundles may omit a controller or include several ageing batteries. Compare complete UK packages before deciding.

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For photography, start with stabilisation

If your aim is smooth landscape video, look for a three-axis mechanical gimbal. It physically compensates for camera movement as the drone tilts. Electronic stabilisation processes the image instead, while a basic adjustable camera may offer no effective compensation at all.

Brushless motors power the aircraft; they are not a camera gimbal. GPS helps with positioning but does not turn an unstabilised camera into a filming tool. A simple drone can still be enjoyable for learning control, provided its limited photographic role is understood.

Before buying one of the older models below, compare available DJI Mini 4K and Potensic ATOM offers as well. Check current UK prices and distinguish the ATOM, ATOM SE and ATOM 2: similar names do not guarantee the same camera or stabilisation. Do not stretch to an incomplete kit simply because its aircraft-only price looks attractive.

1. DJI Mini 2: the photography candidate

The Mini 2 records 4K video up to 30fps, takes 12-megapixel photographs and uses a three-axis mechanical gimbal. DJI quotes up to 31 minutes of flight time under test conditions. Its compact folding design makes it a practical option for a small travel bag.

For a used or refurbished purchase, this is the first model in this group I would assess for landscape filming. Its mechanically stabilised camera is the main reason.

Check that the package includes a compatible controller, charger or charging arrangement, and batteries in good condition. A damaged gimbal can remove the reason for buying it. Confirm account binding and app compatibility while the seller is available to help.

Limitations: the Mini 2 lacks forward obstacle avoidance, so automated QuickShots still need a clear flight area. Do not confuse it with the original Mavic Mini or Mini 2 SE when comparing video specifications.

Budget decision: only buy an older Mini 2 if the complete kit fits £300 and compares favourably with a newer alternative. Our DJI Mini 2 review and DJI support page provide further context.

2. Holy Stone HS720: GPS does not guarantee gimbal-quality footage

The HS720 is a folding GPS drone, but buyers should be careful about version names and camera claims. Holy Stone has sold several similarly named models, including HS720E, HS720G and HS720R. Their stabilisation systems and recording specifications should not be treated as identical.

The standard HS720’s shock-absorbing camera arrangement is not a three-axis mechanical gimbal. Its brushless propulsion motors should not appear in a specification list as the camera’s “gimbal”. Camera-resolution descriptions also differ between older material and newer listings; match the exact unit to its manual.

Best fit: a discounted, fully working GPS starter drone for someone who values learning outdoor control more than obtaining polished video. Ask for an original recorded clip, not just a compressed live-view demonstration.

Before buying: check your phone supports the required Wi-Fi connection and the correct app. Confirm the return-to-home procedure and battery availability. A bundle with extra batteries adds usable sessions, not one uninterrupted flight.

Use Holy Stone’s HS720 information and the matching manual to identify the version.

3. Potensic D85: inspect the camera package as well as the aircraft

The D85 is an older budget drone. A second-hand listing needs more scrutiny than its “2K” headline: establish which camera is fitted, how it is stabilised and whether its app works with your phone.

A seller should be able to show the exact model label and supply the relevant manual. Request a test recording during a slow hover and gentle sideways movement; this makes it easier to judge horizon movement, vibration and image quality.

Best fit: a very inexpensive, complete learning package whose camera performance you have checked in advance. It should not be assumed to match a mechanically stabilised Mini 2 simply because both appear in a drone comparison.

Budget decision: include replacement batteries and any missing charger in the price. If there is little saving over a better documented modern kit, the older option loses its appeal. Unverified control-range and flight-time figures are not useful reasons to choose it.

4. Snaptain SP650: learning and casual clips

The SP650 is an entry-level camera drone rather than a substitute for a stabilised outdoor photography platform. Snaptain’s original product coverage describes a 1080p camera and around 12 minutes per battery. Treat those as the manufacturer’s stated capabilities, not a guarantee in every flying condition.

Its role is practising take-off, landing, orientation and gentle movements. Simple automated modes may be entertaining, but they do not establish accurate GPS return-to-home or obstacle avoidance. Check the manual before relying on either feature.

Best fit: a low-cost introduction to flying with modest expectations for the footage. For large prints, smooth cinematic pans or repeatable landscape photography, put the money towards a camera drone with better stabilisation instead.

Before buying: confirm that the app is still available, that the supplied batteries charge correctly and that spare propellers can be sourced. Snaptain’s original camera-drone overview provides historical product context.

5. Ryze Tello: a small learning drone with a different purpose

The Tello takes 5-megapixel photographs and provides 720p video, with electronic image stabilisation. Ryze lists approximately 80g weight and up to 13 minutes of flight time. Its educational and programming features are part of its appeal.

That makes it a more natural choice for short practice sessions and experimentation than for expansive outdoor landscapes. It does not have a three-axis mechanical gimbal or GPS return-to-home. Its small size should not be confused with resistance to wind.

Best fit: learning in a suitable sheltered space, with the manufacturer’s instructions and supervision where needed. Check app compatibility before buying old stock or a used example.

See Ryze’s Tello specifications. Compare capabilities rather than choosing it just because it costs less than the photography-focused options.

How to spend a strict £300 budget

For aerial photographs and stable video, prioritise the camera and gimbal, then compare the complete-kit price and support. For learning flight control, a simple aircraft may be sufficient and can leave money for spare parts. Those are different purchases, so there is no honest universal ranking that makes all five equally suitable.

If you cannot find a trustworthy photography kit within budget, saving a little longer is preferable to buying a drone whose footage cannot meet your needs. Our drone value guide explains the wider ownership costs.

Browse drone listings on Amazon — this is a general shopping link, not confirmation that every model above is available under £300. Check the final basket price and exact model.

Check the UK rules before flying

Under current CAA rules, a Flyer ID is required from 100g, and an Operator ID is required for camera drones from 100g. Sub-250g camera drones are therefore not automatically exempt. Read the CAA Drone Code for the applicable rules, including those for lighter aircraft.