In 2017, we’ve reviewed most of the recent models from the best drone brands to help you discover the perfect quadcopter for your needs. If you want to buy your first quadcopter, the answer is Eachine E58. It’s portable, beautiful, and has many features, making it the best beginner quadcopter available now.
For years, Eachine has offered great value in its quadcopters; this is why, in our top 5 picks, you can find two of their drones. While the E58 is suitable for newbie pilots, the M80S is also recommended for intermediate and advanced pilots.
Indeed, our TOP 5 quadcopter review list couldn’t be complete without the JJRC H37 Elfie. For two years (2016 and 2017) it was the most popular selfie drone under $50.
Our pick of the five best drones reviewed in 2017
1. VISUO XS809HW – Best Mavic clone
Type: Toy | Skills: Beginner | Camera: HD camera | FPV: WiFi | Flight time: 10 minutes | Features: Altitude hold, headless mode and multiple speed rates | Package: RTF
The VISUO XS809HW has been on the top of our best quadcopters under $100 list for last year. It features a similar design as the much more expensive DJI Mavic Pro. Due to the foldable arms, you can take it with you everywhere.
Depending on your budget, you can opt for 0.3Mp or an HD camera. You also have the choice to control the Siluroid XS809HW quadcopter either with the included remote controller or through a phone APP. Its manufacturer recently announced an upgraded version of this drone called XS809S Battles Sharks.
Please find out more about this Mavic clone in our in-depth VISUO XS809HW review.
2. Eachine E58 – Best beginner quadcopter under $50
Type: Toy | Skills: Beginner | Camera: 720P with angle adjustment | FPV: WiFi | Flight time: 9 minutes | Features: Altitude hold, headless mode and dual control mode | Package: RTF
Like the Visuo drone, the Eachine E58 also follows the Mavic’s design. To make it safer for newbie pilots, the manufacturer includes removable propeller protectors with the drone. For an extended fun time, you can purchase the Eachine E58 in a bundle with 1, 2 or 3 flight batteries.
Despite its friendly price tag, the E58 drone brings Headless mode and Altitude hold features. While Headless mode eliminates the need to keep track of the aircraft’s orientation, altitude hold automatically maintains the flight height at the desired level.
During night flights, you will be guided by 3 LED lights. The Eachine E58 has two white LEDs in the front and one red on the back.
Please learn more about this cheap foldable quadcopter in our Eachine E58 review.
3. Eachine M80S – Best FPV trainer quadcopter
Type: FPV trainer | Skills: Intermediate | Camera: 600TVL | FPV: 5.8G | Flight time: 6 minutes | Features: Altitude hold, Anti-Turtle, Acro and Angle flight modes | Package: RTF and BNF
Our current pick for the best FPV trainer quadcopter is the Eachine M80S. It features the same time Altitude hold, Angle, and Acro flight modes. From newbies to advanced pilots, all can have fun playing with this little bird.
There is no need to hide that Eachine’s engineers were deeply inspired by the design of the epic Tiny Whoop. The M80S features similar ducted propeller protectors and canopy. It easily fits into your pocket by measuring just 100 x 100 x 50 mm.
Check our Eachine E80S review for the complete list of pros and cons of this FPV trainer drone.
4. JJRC H37 Elfie – Best selfie drone of 2017
Type: Selfie | Skills: Beginner | Camera: 0.3MP | FPV: WiFi | Flight time: 8 minutes | Features: Phone APP control, Altitude hold and Headless mode | Package: BNF
As you can see in the image above, the JJRC H37 comes without any remote controller. You can control the Elfie drone’s movements through the phone APP – via onscreen sticks or the phone’s gyro sensor.
Being a drone launched early in 2016, it has only a basic 0.3MP camera. The JJRC H37 can record videos with 720 x 576 pixels.
The H37 Elfie drone has a nice velvet carry bag, battery charger, and a complete set of spare propellers.
I don’t want to boast about it, but firstquadcopter.com was probably the first drone blog that reviewed the JJRC H37; since then, JJRC has released a more compact version with an upgraded camera and one-handed remote controller.
5. HolyBro Kopis 1 – Best racing quadcopter
Type: Racing | Skills: Advanced | Camera: RunCam Swift | FPV: 5.8G | Flight time: Depending on the size of battery | Features: Multiple flight modes (Angle, Horizon and Acro), status LED lights and Fail-safe buzzer | Package: BNF and PNP
Surely, this flying machine isn’t for newbies. Being damn fast, you need serious piloting skills to have fun with the HolyBro Kopis 1.
The Kopis 1 has only one drawback: it is expensive! In addition to the 300 bucks you pay for the drone, you must pay $100 for the transmitter and another $50 for the LiPo battery. If you want to fly FPV you will also need to pay 70~300 dollars for FPV goggles.
Of course, for its price, you get top-notch hardware. The Kopis 1 is built on a robust 4mm thick carbon fiber frame. A versatile F4 flight controller serves as its brain. As eye, HolyBro opted for the professional RunCam Swift camera.
If you are looking for a professional-grade racing quadcopter, check out our HolyBro Kopis 1 review. The Kopis 1 is not just one of the best-looking racing drones we reviewed in 2017, but probably the fastest!
Old, but excellent reviews! Keep it this way firstquadcopter!
The Visuo and E58 are my favorite budget drones. Awesome drones and you can’t beat the price. Perfect for kids who want to learn to fly and you won’t be breaking the bank when they crash it :))