Usually, selfie drones like this JJRC H37 Elfie are very expensive gadgets. Although the design of the JJRC Elfie is very similar to the one ZeroTech Dobby has, they are from a completely different league. Is a bit exaggerated to categorize the H37 as a selfie quadcopter.
In 2016, most of the major drone manufactures, like Yuneec and DJI, announced their selfie drone. Even if the JJRC H37 is just a cheap imitation, I think it deserves to be reviewed on FirstQuadcopter.com.
Announcing new and interesting quadcopters almost every month, JJRC quickly became one of the most popular toy drone brands. I reviewed a few of their drones, and I can say that they have an excellent price/value ratio.
In my opinion, around Christmas, the Elfie drone seems to be a nice, fun gift for a low budget.
JJRC H37 quadcopter highlights
- Foldable design;
- APP control (G-sensor and virtual sticks);
- Wi-Fi real-time image transmission;
- Altitude hold (auto-hover);
- One key return-to-home (not GPS);
- Headless flight mode;
- Multiple flight speed rates (30%, 60% and 100%);
- About 8 – 15 minutes of flight time;
- Near 100 meters control range in an open field.
JJRC H37 Elfie review with pros and cons
I will start my JJRC H37 review by thanking Alice from GeekBuying for offering me this nice gadget. I asked her if she knew the cute girl from the H37’s promo video because I want to meet someone with whom I can learn Chinese :D
Inside the surprisingly small cardboard box, besides the folded aircraft with loaded battery, I found the following: velvet carry bag, USB battery charger, 1 set of spare propellers, and user manual. There is no remote controller included.
The size of the aircraft is about 135 x 65 x 26mm. The arms can be easily folded/unfolded in seconds, so they will fit into your pocket.
Due to the foldable design, the motors are orientated horizontally and not vertically as on other toy drones. In case of motor failure, you can conveniently replace the entire arm. It costs only $3.30 and includes the motor, main gear and propeller.
A tiny camera is located in front of the drone. The tilt angle of the lens is adjustable (about ± 15 degrees) to obtain the best field of view.
The power button is located on the top, visible, and easy to access.
During night flights, you will be guided by two white LEDs in front and two red ones in the rear.
The longish 500mAh battery is loaded from the bottom of the quad. Frankly, the advertised flight time of up to 15 minutes sounds unbelievable.
Thanks to the included velvet bag you can conveniently carry the quad and store it safely.
JJRC H37 review – Camera
The onboard 0.3MP (480p) Wi-Fi FPV camera allows to capture photos and videos with a resolution of 720 x 576 pixels.
Five minutes of video occupies about 23 MB. The JJRC H37 doesn’t require a micro SD memory card because the captured files are stored on your smartphone’s internal memory.
The video files are stored under the “JJRC” folder and end with the H264 extension. Unfortunately, I didn’t manage to play the videos on my desktop computer even if I renamed the files to *.avi, *.mpg or *.mp4. Anyway, because the videos are captured from the live-video stream, I don’t expect spectacular quality.
The camera’s real-time video feed can be displayed on your mobile device (smartphone/tablet) through the JJRC APP. The quality of the live video is pretty enjoyable; kids will love that they can spy on the neighbor’s dog.
JJRC H37 review – Remote APP
As I mentioned, the JJRC H37 comes without a transmitter and can only be controlled through your mobile device.
You can opt to control aircraft in two ways, using virtual sticks or through a gravity sensor (not working with my Samsung Galaxy S7). I’m curious if the manufacturer plans to offer in the future a conventional transmitter for this model.
The flight direction of the drone can be controlled with the right virtual stick or through the smartphone’s internal gyro-sensor by tilting the phone. Practically, the JJRC Elfie H37 can be controlled like we play a mobile game, kids will surely love this feature.
Finishing your flight was never simpler. You just need to press the arrow-down button, and the quad will land and stop its motors.
The JJRC APP allows to review your photos/videos right on the flight field. The captured files are stored on your smartphone’s memory, and you can instantly share them with your friends.
JJRC H37 review – First usage
Before your first flight, you must install the APP on your mobile device. After unfolding the arms, power ON the quad and look for the “JJRC–526E61” Wi-Fi network. The motors can be armed through the APP using the “Up” arrow.
The control mode is set to virtual sticks by default. Push up the throttle stick (left one), and the drone will start to rise.
The integrated air-pressure sensor keeps the aircraft’s flight altitude very stable.
For newbies and indoor flight, I recommend setting the speed rate at 30%.
When I switched to “full speed – 100%” the H37 became speedy and more agile. This speed rate is recommended for outdoor flights.
In case of emergency, you can use the “Stop” button, this will stop all the motors instantly.
Of course, due to the WiFi protocol, the live video has some lag, and it’s not recommended to fly exclusively in FPV mode.
Pricing and availability
For those who became curious and want to try it, this pocket drone can be ordered for $41.99 with one battery and for $43.99 with two batteries right here. Both variants are delivered free of charge.
First flight with the H37 Elfie drone quadcopter
You can purchase separately the remote controller for only 7 dollars. It is more fun than with phone control. I like the JJRC H37, it is the best drone for its price!
Thank you for the Great review!
I own the JJRC H37 Elfie and after few flights on motor stopped to work. What can I do? Please help
If you have luck, only the motor is dead. You will need to buy a spare arm with motor. Replacing the motor is very easy.
If you will have the same issue after motor replacement, you will need to take apart the H37 and check the wires. If everything good you will need to replace the mother board (flight controller + receiver).
Good luck!
how god is the JJRC H37 camera for selfie videos? I panning to purchase a selfie drone but without spending to much on it. I think 50~100$ is a decent price for such toy…
Great review!
I got this from my mom. She said that I can film my self during cycling. Image quality is poor and the drone not follows you. Honestly, the JJRC H37 is not a real selfie drone – it is only a cheap pocket drone for fun.
what’s the cost now on the market for this H37 drone??? I need few one for birthday party :)
Awesome review! very detailed!
Do you have any idea if it has 5.8G or 2.4G WiFi FPV?
My Elfie H37 worked OK until it crash landed. Even after a hard reset the WiFi will not reconnect. Instead of showing JJRC (with some numbers) it just shows as ???????????? And phone cannot connect to network. This is my 2nd H37. The first one had no WiFi at all. Sellers appear not interested once payment received. Can anyone help with the WiFi name
(SSID) identity problem? Thanks.
nice job dude!
Are you also planning to review the “Baby Elfie” drone? It looks like a great successor of the H37 but with much compact size.
I want to but the Baby Elfies as birthday gift for my 12 year old girl :)
I have a probleme with my drone jjrc , fly probleme please what i do ?
Please, could you more specific
After I read your review, I’m thinking of buying this elfie drone just for fun.
The JJRC H37 is a nice drone, but it is just a RC TOY. It is not suitable for high-quality aerial filming or for selfie videos
I got my JJRC Elfie, It looks good , As a electronc engineer at post accidnet phase I could not get it running even throuhg app if inatelled and active
You are using android or ios phone? did you connected to the drone as to a Wi-Fi access-point?
I just got it for kids day :) What spare parts I will need?
I already ordered one set of motors (CW and CCW).
How many batteries worth to order for the JJRC H37 Elfie?
You will need at least 2 spare batteries an 1set of arms with props and motors
HI CAN THE VIDEO AND PHOTOS BE SAVED TO ENABLING EDITING?
You can edit the videos an photos captured with the Elfie quadcopter with any free or payd tool. Just download them to your PC or laptop
Why is there no mention of Apple iPhone iPad app. There’s four jjrc apps and no advertisement blog anything speaks of them. Your Samsung prob didn’t work with the H37 Elfie cause they rush their product out to try to keep up with Apple which isn’t possible……
I am not able to edit and share videos taken by the Selfie Drone
I have just bought Elfie. I downloaded the JJRC app both on my i-phone 4 as well as sony but in both the apps even after connecting with the elfie, the app does not show up the up/down arrows and the stop button. can anyone help me
You need to press the ”Off” button, it will turn to ”On” and you’ll see the up and down arrow also the stop button.
Absolutely love it but the back right arm seems to have an issue. It whines more than the rest and won’t allow lift off. Any ideas?
Can I buy a new arm or new motor to adjust it all?
Yes, you can find spare arms with motor and propeller.
I use the Lumia950XL windows 10 phone. Can I operate it from this device?
Probably NO, As I know the H37 Elfie has APP only for IOS and Android
I couldn’t get JJRC–526E61” Wi-Fi network. Did something wrong with my elfie? I just buy it
Maybe try another app. My android 4 phone only works with wifi-ufo and not jjrc or jjrc-fpv-.
I can play the videos in the gallery app but not on the computer- does anyone have a solution?
It doesn’t work with my samsung edge S7 phone
Do you have any other idea to operate my drone?
Thanks
Hi Edmund,
Did you try it with another phone? Did you connected to the drone’s wifi (like to a AccesPoint)?
Hi all. I purchased my H37 a few months back. I can control it on both my Apple Ipad and my adroid smartphone. I find it responds better to the Ipad. It did burn one motor which I was able to replace relatively easily. The soldering process is simple as there is just one tiny drop of solder needed. My difficulty is that I have unsteady hands and poor vision but I used one of those magnifying lenses which have a light built in it. The only problem I have with it is that the STOP button is ineffective. The craft just does not respond to the STOP button which is a bit of pain when I need to get it down in hurry. All up I am happy with the machine and it is far easier to fly than my CX-30W.
is it true 720 hp?
NO, 720P means 1280×720 pixels.
The JJRC H37’s camera has only 720 x 576, about half of 720P
Hi everyone, just like to remind people to check that your wifi in on and it’s connected to EACHINE ####, I was having problems until I realised I hadn’t made the connection to the link. There’s a lot of help and beginners guide on utube for this Quadcopter. By the way, WiFi-UFO is the best app to download, I can use my phone which is a LG K8 with is plus my IPad so don’t give up, it’s fun.
Lar
Hi. I’ve been getting better at controlling my Elfie drone, however…
1) every time I crash (it is impossible to land) it takes a hard reset to get it to work again. Why am I doing wrong?
2) there appears to be no clear logic to the trim functions, I just can’t get them to work.
3) all of the YouTube tutorials I’ve watched seem to get their Elfie to work well in follow me. I can’t.
Can anyone point me in the direction of a really good beginners tutorial?
Thanks in advance
Mike
I have a similar problem as number 1. No solution yet…
Well similar to Cherry above a few posts up, My unit also has one prop not working. Total flying time was around 10 minutes all up with more crashes than flying really. I did manage to get it going long enough to try out gyro mode using the angle of my phone to fly it and even took a 20 second video. However after landing on the grass at one point one of the blades just wont spin. I was happy with the video and would have liked to try and master the controls but looks like that is that. holes are so small i cannot get the screws undone to even look under the top. and like someone else i have spare batteries and a charger coming in the mail shortly too. awaiting seller on eBay response but probably unlikely that I will get a replacement.
I bought a JJRC Elfie drone and my kids played with it for 5 minutes and broke it before I could try. The manufacture told me tough luck. So I decided to buy another one. It broke in one flight that lasted 8 seconds.
Garbage.
All of u with JJRC H37 connection problem, Do the following (at list I did in XIAMI MI5 ):
Select Security->Data usage->Restrict data usage: Enable Wifi for JJRC application.
for me it worked
Petfect! My kids just love this Elfie drone, i think shortely will need to purchase a second one
Just got this Elfie drone the other day…what a waste of money. Charged the battery, powered up the H37 drone, wifi won’t show up in my networks. Rebooted the phone and nothing.
Any help to resolve would be appreciated.
First of all, I’m sorry to hear about your problem with this quad.
Strange, that are plenty of complaint regarding this selfie drone because mine worked well out of the box.
In opinion the only solution to solve your issue, is to contact the seller and ask for a refund.
I purchased one recently, can anyone help, my drone is not taking off / flying… what should I do? all propellers are working but it stays at the ground. despite I push towards the end the control the button at the left for it fly, but still to no avail.
Look at the box…the propellers should look like they do on the box….if not, switch them around.
I’m enjoying my Elfie drone, but the problem I’m having is the camera when connected thru my phone, (zte zmax pro) shows a really red screen. The drone flies great bit the camera view is red. When played back, the image is clear???? Tried uninstalling and reinstalling several times. No luck.. Help please..
I know what’s going on! Today, I was watching a review video for the JJRC H37 Elfie, and there is actually a smudge protecter on the camera when you first buy it. It actually has a red area on the camera, within the little sticker that’s on it, so that could be the problem. Tell me if it works, I’m glad to help!
Hi, the jjrc-h37 is my first drone and i’m having some issues with the apps (or the drone, i don’t know exactly what is broken kkkk)
The thing is that when I connect the wi-fi then open the app (any controller app wifi-UFO, JJRC, etc) the camera’s image show up, but I can’t make the drone fly, no matter what, I have already put it on auto height, on manual, on accelerometer and all the buttons, but not happens, it just show the drone’s camera image.
I’m with a Motorola G4 Plus and android 7, anyone has seen this problem before?
thanks for the help.
PS: I also have tested on, Iphone 5c and on Sansung Galaxy Tab Active SM-T365M, but still show only the camera’s image.
So I’ve read and although the camera seems poor I decided to give a try for this Eachine H37 Elfie.
I am looking for more detailed instructions for the H37 Elfie, Anyone have any?
Could someone help me with an issue. One prop is sticking a little so will not turn unless assisted with a pencil, and then it does not always go. Took it apart but could not work out how to replace the prop stem (if that is the issue). Or is this a motor issue. When I open the black prop arm by taking out the screw, it generally turns a lot easier, but as soon as I put it back in the case again, it gets stiff.
Hey Mike, I have exactly the same issue. Did you figure out how to fix it, by any chance?
Make sure that your phone is connected to the JJRC wifi through your settings menu.
Mine arrived today, installed all the jjrc apps it didn’t like any of them particularly, it did connect to ufo but did not respond to all the controls, the camera looked ok even indoors, I am trying to get good connection and app operation on ios and android, will let you know what happen if anything
Save your money.
Now, the JJRC H37 Elfie Foldable Pocket Selfie Drone Black + Extra 3.7V 500mAh Battery is just 39.99$ ( with free shipping!!!)
I have order one and I very excited :)
thanks
Well my h37 turned up today and I have been left totally disappointed, within 10min of the battery charging it was all placed back into the box, first of all it swerved of to the left, after recalibration it continued doing this, after removing battery and reinstalling it turns on for a couple of seconds then turns off, just to add insult to injury I had already ordered more batteries from china and some spare props. Maybe I just got a bad one but feel I have wasted almost £60 including spares I ordered
Make sure the props are in the right arms.
As a newbie, i found it pretty fun but this Elfie drone, but can’t find the ”one key return home”.
Can somebody help me with this ?
Thanks !
Couldn’t find it either.
Lights blinks …. then nothing…. no wifi on any of all my phones
Nothing what so ever….
No wifi!!
Nothing…..
My JJR/C Elfie quadcopter shows on WIFI and connects to my Android and ISO device. The Red and Blue light blink. I open the app and just get a spinning “buffering” type animation in the middle of the screen. I have tried two different apps and three different devices, Android and IOS iPhone, and iPad.
I have tried everything I can find in the JJRC APP.
Any ideas?
Mine did the same, no response from camera or propellers. But after rebooting phone it worked. Next time it happened I just clicked every button, changed some parameters, then it worked.
My complaint is that the resultant video files are only readable with the app, so you can’t share on Facebook etc.
i’m using Wifi UFO app for my Xperia XZ. JJRC H37 Drone is more responsive than with the JJRC app
Nice one!
The pink edition is just perfect as Valentine’s day gift :)
hi,
My H37 Elfie drone’s one arm propellers is not working, 3 are good.
What do i do?
You should open it, and check the motor wires.
Order a replacement, you need to remove the top part of the body and solder it to the board.
The H37 Elfie quadcopter is nice. but i feel a bit cheated coz of the lifetime of the battery.. only 5 minutes..
3S and 4S are for racing drones will 8-12 so the smaller one which is running software for taking pictures and video obviously not gonna get those minutes. It’s out of the pocket quick pic or video the dock to a power bank.
Good Morning !
After reading your review, I ordered a JJRC H 37 Elfie which I received this week.
Unfortunately the user manual is printed in very small, tiny letters so I cannot read it because I am visually impaired.
I wonder if you can help me finding a manual as PDF file.
Thank you in advance
With the best wishes from Vienna, Austria
Günther
hi Günther,
well, i am not visually impaired.. but cannot read it either :-(
so, if u get the manual as a *.PDF or so, can u be so kind to mail it to: henkbos1966 dot gmail.com?
thanks in advance, henk
Hi Günther,
my 12 year old son came up with the solution… just go to youtube and search on: elfie jjrc instructions
than u get a few video’s showing how it works…
rgds, Henk
Not sure if you got an answer yet but I cut the manual and scanned it to a PDF. I can send it to you if you like. I just got mine last week but it will not connect.
The WIFI connects and the light blink but it never connects for use. I just get the slow circle “buffer” image. I tried it on Android and IOS. Tried two differents apps but always the same. The props have never turned yet.
Hi- same issue. Got mine from GB.
From the videos on youtube it should connect way faster. Was an Xmas present to myself.
https://youtu.be/1P2-to7jpTU
M
hi..
i just got mine today and i have the same problem i could not connect on wifi and even tried the wifi ufo does nt work too..i am trying to search the video link you shared but i was already deleted by the uploader…can you help me…ty in advance
Stan,
That would be great…
Thank You.
Got it in today works well on android but with wifi-ufo app instead of original jjrc app find it in playstore.
run it on a huawei 8 so should run on all android
There is any difference between the Eachine E50 and the JJRC H37 Elfie drone???
I found that both have altitude hold and app control.
Is it support LG G4 mobile phone ?
Sorry, I can tell you…But in my opinion should work with any actual Android smartphone.
Hi Eastman, not sure with LG G4, but it is working fine with my mobile, LG G5.