Best drones for kids: Find a toy drone that's safe, sturdy, and easy to fly

So your kid wants a drone. That's not surprising: They've been a hot holiday gift for a few years running, and more options than ever are explicitly marketed toward the younger set.

Still, there are a lot of drones out there, and it can be hard to tell not only which are actually good, but also which are safe, sturdy, and beginner-friendly enough for children. Your young pilot will probably crash this thing a few times, after all — in a lot of cases (though not all!), a low-cost toy drone is your best bet. (While we appreciate the feature-laden $1500 drones of the world, they're probably not what your 10-year-old should start with.) When it comes right down to it, the best drones for kids are ones that will be relatively easy to fly and can take a beating.  Read more...

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IMAGE: Amazon

BEST OVERALL

Ryze Tech Tello

The Ryze Tello offers all the features a beginner hobbyist could want at a relatively low price.

• Dimensions: 3.9 x 3.6 x 1.6 inches
• Flight time: 13 minutes
• Charging time: 60-90 minutes
• Range: 328 feet / 99.97 meters
• Camera: 720p video, 2592 x 1936 photos

$99.99 from Amazon

IMAGE: Amazon

MOST EASY-TO-FLY DRONE

Cheerwing Syma X5SW-V3

Learning to control a drone is often the biggest concern for beginners. Luckily, the Syma X5SW-V3 is super easy to fly.

• Dimensions: 12.4 x 12.4 x 4.13 inches
• Flight time: 5-7 minutes
• Charging time: 90-120 minutes
• Range: 164.04 feet / 50 meters
• Camera: 480p

$44 from Amazon

IMAGE: Best Buy

BEST DRONES FOR SIBLINGS

Sky Rider Air Racers

This two-pack of toy drones is a simple and affordable way to keep multiple kids occupied.

• Dimensions: 3.94 x 3.94 x 1.18 inches
• Flight time: 6-7 minutes
• Charging time: 70 minutes
• Range: 262 feet / 79.86 meters
• Camera: None

$49.99 from Best Buy

IMAGE: Amazon

BEST FOR LITTLE KIDS

AirHogs Supernova

The AirHogs Supernova is a super unique toy, but it's also a solid hand-controlled drone in its own right.

• Dimensions: 5.25 x 8 x 12 inches
• Flight time: 5-7 minutes
• Charging time: 50-65 minutes
• Range: 66 feet / 20 meters
• Camera: None

$49.99 from Amazon

IMAGE: Amazon

BEST DRONE FOR TAKING PHOTOS

DJI Mavic Mini

This little drone is the biggest splurge on our list, but it also takes a killer aerial photo. For young photogs, it may be worth it.

• Dimensions: 5.3 x 3.2 x 2.2 inches (folded)
• Flight time: 30 minutes
• Charging time: 50-90 minutes
• Range: 2.5 miles / 4 kilometers
• Camera: 2.7K HD video / 12mp photos

$399 from Amazon

IMAGE: Amazon

BEST FOR LEARNING

Eachine E010 Nano Drone

What better to learn the ropes with than a cute, inexpensive little nano drone?

• Dimensions: 5.51 x 4.33 x 3.39 inches
• Flight time: 5 minutes
• Charging time: 40-60 minutes
• Range: 98.43 feet / 30 meters
• Camera: None

$23.99 from Amazon

IMAGE: Best Buy

BEST NOT-QUITE-A-DRONE

Protocol Aviator RC Helicopter

For kids who just want something solid and cool-looking, a lime green helicopter fits the bill.

• Length: 9 inches
• Flight time: 6 minutes
• Charging time: 60 minutes
• Camera: None

$29.99 from Best Buy

via Tingle Tech