The Best Drones 2017

With thousands of robots out there, it might be hard to navigate among the different products and find the best one for you. That's why all the RobotShop experts have gathered for you this list of the 5 best drones.

Don't forget to check out our other Gift and Best of Guides: The Best Vacuum Robots 2017, The Best Robotics Learning Kit 2017, The Best Drones 2017, The Best Microcontrollers 2017, and The Best Robot Building Kit 2017.

Who is this for?

UAVs & drones are both fun and incredibly functional; some UAVs / drones can be remotely controlled while others can be programmed to fly completely autonomously. From UAV parts to micro UAVs and airplanes with FPV, we have it all! This guide is for drone enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds looking to for a performing and reliable drone. Whether if it's your first flight or if you're a seasoned pilot, we have recommendations for you.

Why should you trust us?

At RobotShop we've been among the pioneers of drones (whether they were ready to fly, or kits to be built). With many years of experience in selling drones and UAV building kits, we're among the few unbiased experts in the world when it comes to drones/UAVs and which ones are the best.

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Our pick - MakeBlock Airblock Modular Hexacopter Drone

The MakeBlock Airblock Modular Hexacopter Drone is an easy to assemble modular and programmable drone. It can be transformed among multiple forms like a drone, a hovercraft, integrated to a Lego construction or attached with everyday objects. With graphic software, Airblock inspires creative ways to play. Block assembly is simple and quick. This well-designed Plug & Play uses magnetic connections, perfect for creative transformation and infinite fun. Airblock's main control module comes with three integrated LED lights (color and brightness are individually controllable), a barometer for altitude sensing, an ultrasonic sensor for distance measuring, a gyroscope (measuring and maintaining orientation), and a Bluetooth module for connectivity. Our team's verdict: This modular drone offers a great assembling experience and an even greater flying experience.

Runner-up - SonicModell AR.Wing 900mm Drone FPV Flying Wing Plug & Fly

The SonicModell AR.Wing 900mm Drone FPV Flying Wing Plug & Fly is a great all-around delta R/C wing which can be used as a standard plane or to do first person view flights (FPV) with video recording. To allow for a different video camera, the frame comes with different camera mount (lightweight plywood) as well as matching magnetically held nose cones. Frame features an easy access top lid which is held in place with the same magnet system and two different battery mount configurations are present. Wings are removable with a simple thumb screw and the fiber reinforcement tube give good rigidity to the overall assembly. For an easy experience, the whole frame is pre-assembled with the servos glued in the wing and motor already mounted. The user needs to screw the wing tips and attach the wing with the provided thumb screws and fiber tube than fit his own R/C receiver as well as the battery. The CG point is even moulded in the bottom of the wing for easy setup. Our team's verdict: Flying wings are not the most popular design in the market but offer amazing performances and an incredible flight experience.

Upgrade pick - Lynxmotion HQuad500 Drone

The Lynxmotion HQuad500 Drone (Base Combo Kit) is a 500mm quadcopter built using the new Lynxmotion M.E.S. (MultiRotor Erector Set) system. The design uses our new aluminum clamps along with 16mm carbon fiber tubes. We equipped the HQuad500 with a camera plate up front which is removable. Different plates will be available as well as a stabilized gimbal system. The flight controller mounting is located at the "dead center" of the frame with slots accommodating 30.5mm to 45mm mounting. The frame is compatible with the Lynxmotion Quadrino Nano Flight Controller (not included) with a section designed for the GPS antenna and access to the underside ports. There are integrated mounting plates for the ESCs which allow for easy access. Our team's verdict: the LynxMotion drones are state-of-the-art UAV kits. This one is extremely versatile and offers great performances.

Budget pick - Hubsan Q4 Nano QuadCopter

The Hubsan Q4 Nano QuadCopter is worlds smallest quadcopter with a 2.4Ghz radio system. It is featured with an ultra small design and integrated gyro for a stable flight. Featured with 4-Channel 2.4ghz radio with digital trim, this quadopter has LED lights to guide you during front and back flights with coreless micro motors. Our team's verdict: The Hubsan drones are extremely affordable and have gained a reputation of the best drones on a budget.

Also great - Avitron Bluetooth Bionic Bird

The Avitron Bluetooth Bionic Bird offers the opportunity to experience an extraordinary sensory adventure: flying like a bird. In the sky, Bionic Bird is the only flying object in the world that doesn't frighten birds away. On the contrary, it attracts them all! Friends and enemies alike. Bionic Bird is fearless in the face of predators thanks to its indestructible foam body and replaceable carbon fiber tail and wing structure. We equipped the HQuad500 with a camera plate up front which is removable. Different plates will be available as well as a stabilized gimbal system. The flight controller mounting is located at the "dead center" of the frame with slots accommodating 30.5mm to 45mm mounting. The frame is compatible with the Lynxmotion Quadrino Nano Flight Controller (not included) with a section designed for the GPS antenna and access to the underside ports. There are integrated mounting plates for the ESCs which allow for easy access. Our team's verdict: If you're looking for something different, this flying bird is an amazing product. It imitates real wild birds and will allow you to fly among them.

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Looking for more inspiration? Don't forget to check out our other Gift and Best of Guides: The Best Vacuum Robots 2017, The Best Robotics Learning Kit 2017, The Best Drones 2017,The Best Microcontrollers 2017, and The Best Robot Building Kit 2017.

Also take a look at our Top 5 Best Robots for your Home 2017, Top 5 Best Robots for School 2017, Top 5 Best Robots Toys 2017, and Top 5 Best Robots for Kids 2017.