2023 Best Nano Drone Buyer’s Guide: What to Consider Before You Buy

Nano drones are a great way to capture stunning aerial footage, but with so many options out there, it can be tough to know which one to choose. In this blog post, we’ve rounded up the top nano drones of 2023, based on customer reviews, expert recommendations, and overall quality. Whether you’re looking for a model that fits in the palm of your hand or one with advanced features, we’ve got you covered.
Best Nano Drones: Quick Overview
Syma X12
Our ratings
- Frequency range: 2.4GHz.
- Product size: 3.03" x 3.03" x 1.06"
- Weight: 10.7 lbs
- Rotation degree: 3D 360
Eachine E010
Our ratings
- Frequency range: N/A
- Product size: 3.74" x 3.74" x 1.97"
- 6.7 lbs
- Rotation degree: N/A
Cheerson CX-10
Our ratings
- Maximum range: 40 m
- Product size: 5.32" x 1.58" x 5.32"
- Weight: 0.01 lbs
- Rotation degree: N/A
Holy Stone HS190
Our ratings
- Maximum range: 30-50 m
- Product size: 1.57" x 1.57" x 0.79"
- Weight: 0.32 lbs
- Rotation degree: N/A
Hubsan Q4 Nano H111 Quadcopter
Our ratings
- Maximum range: 100 m
- Product size: 5.5" x 4" x 2.5"
- Weight: 4.6 lbs
- Rotation degree: N/A
Sky Viper M500 Nano Drone
Our ratings
- Maximum range: N/A
- Product size: 1.9" x 1.9" x 0.75"
- Weight: 8.4 lbs
- Rotation degree: N/A
Best Nano Drone Reviews
1. Syma X12 (My First Nano Drone)
Here is a great nano-sized drone that can perform 360-degree barrel rolls and other remarkable maneuvers: the Sky Viper M500.
It works very well, with great stability and movements that are easy to set up with easy-to-use buttons. The user’s ability to regulate both slow and rapid motion has been enhanced.
Spread-spectrum technology, which is supported by the 2.4 GHz radio, allows for flights to take place with minimal interference. With a 30-minute charge, this gadget can stay aloft for 6–8 minutes. Green, silver, black, and white versions are all available for purchase.
What we like
- Sturdy.
- Compass mode: the drone follows the controller.
- Propeller guards.
- Tiny and simple.
- Low injury risk.
What we don't like
- Injury is still possible.
2. Eachine E010
First of all, nano drones and low-cost quadcopters don’t usually come with propeller guards. This makes the Eachine Trashcan stand out. In and of itself, this makes this one of the safest drones for interior use. Toy drones may not be capable of high speeds, but they can nonetheless move quickly in and out of the living room. In actuality, though, they move slowly enough that a quadcopter protected by something like the Eachine E010 is unlikely to be stolen.
Also, the propeller blades are protected by a spherical prop guard, making them a safe option for use. In fact, they are risk-free enough that a child could use them. Guards have the drones’ propellers locked down, so there’s no risk of injury.
Finally, the design and construction of these items is excellent. To a child’s eye, these drones look slightly more appealing than the alternatives. Plus, you can get them in a wide range of vibrant, trendy hues. A safe, long-lasting, and excellent option, whether you’re buying it for a child or yourself.
What we like
- Great strength.
- Could do flips.
- Built-in propeller guards .
- Small and easy to use.
What we don't like
- Battery life is short.
- No webcam.
3. Cheerson CX-10
My very first drone was the Cheerson CX 10, and looking back on it, it was also one of the most abused. I had no idea how to pilot a quadcopter when I bought this pocket drone, so I promptly crashed it into every available surface in my home.
In particular, it measures 1.57 x 1.57 x 0.79 inches (4 x 4 x 2 cm) and weighs only 0.32 ounces (11 grams); however, it is not a camera-equipped drone (9 grams).
It has a 6-axis gyro, so it can stay steady in the air, but it lacks GPS or anything else, so you’ll still need to tweak the course occasionally.
Like other drones of a similar size, this one has a limited flight time of only 5 to 7 minutes before it needs to be recharged for another 30 minutes.
I used to have it in two colors, but now you can buy it in four (including pink) on Amazon.
You can afford to buy several of these drones so that you and your friends can all learn to fly together. The fact that it seems virtually invulnerable is its crowning achievement (besides propellers, which tend to break).
What we like
- Easily recognizable
- Definitely nano-sized.
- Use-friendly.
- Speed adjustments.
What we don't like
- Doesn't last long.
- Not enough features.
- It is not safe.
4. Holy Stone HS190
Although small in stature, it conceals considerable strength. Because of its compact size, it can be used on both indoor and outdoor trips.
With its three classic flight modes and six-axis gyroscope, even new pilots will find it much easier to keep the camera steady while filming.
It’s easy to switch between responsive, quick, and stable modes, which can add hours of fun to your flight. Its capacity to conduct a daring rollover in all directions is its best feature.
It takes 60 to 80 minutes to fully charge the battery, but you’ll only be able to use it in the air for 6 to 8 minutes.
What we like
- User clicks a button initiates 360-degree flips.
- Nice foldable design.
- The drone takes off and lands by itself.
- Fan guards are built in.
What we don't like
- The option that costs the most
5. Hubsan H111 Quadcopter (best Nano drone with camera)
Given how uncommon nanocopters are, this one stands alone as the only one equipped with a camera.
The inclusion of a camera on a drone of only 2.68 inches (6.8 centimeters) in length is very astounding.
Despite having only 0.3 mega pixels, the phone’s image quality is quite good. And you can get live FPV by linking it to your phone via an app.
It can perform flips and rolls at the touch of a button, go headless, be thrown into the air (which actually looks pretty neat), and light up in a rainbow of hues (LEDs), just like the rest of them.
The controller is reminiscent of the Cheerson CX10, and it can record both still images and moving ones to your mobile device.
What we like
- It has a camera built in.
- Can be used with a phone.
- Rolls and flips.
- Photos and videos can be taken.
What we don't like
- No built - in rechargeable batteries that can be taken out.
- A little less durable because of the camera.
6. Sky Viper M500 Nano Drone
The name of this widely used drone, the Sky Viper M500 Nano, says it all. This micro drone can cover ground quickly and is fun to pilot. It has a great box and a reliable controller, and it can travel up to 60 meters in the air.
It has a length of 2.75 inches (7cm) and can execute flips and barrel rolls with the push of a button.
What we like
- With the push of a button, you can turn 360 degrees.
- Can hover, which is also called "altitude hold."
- Automatic take off and landing.
- Has a big controller that's easy to use.
What we don't like
- Lacks safety shields for the blades.
Nano Drones Are Great Toys For Kids
Best Nano Drone Buyer's Guide

Size
Speed
Durability
Controllability
Features
Price
Best Nano Drone Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Should I buy a Nano or Mini Drone?
Q. Which is Better: a Nano Drone or a Mini Drone?
Q. Can nano drones be flown outside?
Of course you can; just keep an eye on the local regulations regarding flights and the weather. If your drone weighs more than 0.55 lbs. (or 250 grams), registration is required before you can take it into the air in most countries, and you must adhere to tight regulations while in the air. Most nano drones are under this weight, so they do not need to be registered but must still adhere to all applicable flight regulations.
Our list of nano drones includes none that can exceed 400 feet in altitude, so they won’t be breaking any laws there. This small, underpowered plane will struggle a lot in the wind unless the weather is very calm. It should only be flown when the weather is calm.
Best Nano Drone Final Thoughts
The Nano Drone is a great choice for beginners and those wanting to learn the basics of drone flying. It is easy to fly, very portable, and has a decent battery life for its size. It also comes with a range of features that help make it easier to fly and control, such as altitude hold and headless mode.
The camera on board is good enough to capture some nice aerial shots, although the video quality isn’t as good as more expensive models. Overall, the Nano Drone offers an affordable way to get into drone flying and can be great fun for all skill levels.
Our recommended choice is Syma X12.
Daniel Wisdom
As an associate staff writer, Daniel Wisdom brings a unique perspective to his writing. His interests in games and robotics have given him a deep understanding of technology and its impact on society. In his spare time, he enjoys participating in robotics competitions and exploring new hobbies.