Let’s start with the basics. The drones we’re discussing are not the cheap toys made for kids; and even for kids, they’re rarely worth the money. Cheap drone controllers are often impossible to control, leading to frustration regardless of age. Expect to pay around $300, although I have included a $100 drone to fit a broader range of budgets at the end of this column. Pay a lot more and you may be crushed if your drone is damaged in a crash or lost, common mishaps for beginners. Your aim is to learn how to fly the drone and enjoy the learning process. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you’ll know if you want to upgrade your machine or if what you have is sufficient.

Beyond budget, there are three features to assess. You’ll find GPS is a useful feature to have and worth paying for. It helps the drone hold its position when hovering, making it less likely to get blown away by the wind and easier to control. It also aids in preventing the drone from getting lost because you can track its location. Sadly, what you won’t find in beginner models is crash avoidance technology, which helps the drone detect and avoid obstacles. This means you’ll need to be extra cautious and fly in wide-open spaces.

If you want to be able to shoot video, you’re going to need a camera, which is usually included in beginner-level drones. But quality varies widely. If capturing high-quality video is important to you, look for a drone camera that shoots at least high-definition video or as high resolution as 4K. Think about how you want to use your first drone and when you plan to replace it. Spending more upfront on a better camera could save you from needing an upgrade too soon.

Consider a drone bundle that includes two or three batteries packs, along with a charging hub, to extend your flight time. You can expect to get around 15 to 30 minutes of flying from your drone, but it depends on several factors, including wind conditions, flying style (more frequent hovering, stopping and turning), weight of the overall machine, altitude, temperature and whether you’re recording video.

Here are three beginner-friendly drone recommendations:

• Holy Stone HS430 ($98): This is a basic but reliable option for building your flight skills. It lacks GPS, so you’ll need to be careful in windy conditions. It’s a solid starter drone, but don’t expect high-quality footage from its camera.
• Potensic ATOM SE ($235 with Amazon coupon): This drone ticks all the boxes for beginners with GPS, a 4K camera, 31 minutes of flight time per battery (two included), a range of 4 kilometers and an automatic return feature. The Atom SE is foldable and lightweight — under the Federal Aviation Administration limit so you don’t have to register it.
• DJI Mini 3 ($419): From the top-rated brand DJI, this compact drone has a camera that takes 48-megapixel photos as well as 4K video. It’s the only one of the bunch that shoots in a vertical orientation so you can capture tall landmarks like skyscrapers and waterfalls. It’s rated at Level 5 wind resistance and allows takeoff at altitudes up to 4,000 meters at a range of 10 kilometers. The DJI Mini 3 is PCMag’s top pick for 2024 and TechRadar’s Best Budget Drone for 2024

Flying a drone can be fun, but it also comes with responsibilities. The FAA requires all drones over 250 grams or 0.55 pounds to be registered, just like you would register a car. You’ll also need to pass the FAA’s TRUST test. While not required for lighter drones, it’s still a good way to learn the safety rules of flight.

Leslie Meredith has been writing about technology for more than a decade. As a mom of four, value, usefulness, and online safety take priority. Have a question? Email Leslie at asklesliemeredith@gmail.com