Introduction
Have you been searching for the Best Holy Stone Drone Under 250g but keep getting lost in endless specs and confusing reviews?
I get it, and I know how hard it can be to find one that’s light, legal to fly without FAA registration, and still powerful enough to capture smooth videos.
Many drones in this weight class promise long flight times and 4K cameras, but most fall short once you actually take them outside.
That’s why I tested the best Holy Stone drone under 250g myself. I’ll share what really works, what doesn’t, and which one is worth your money.
Stick with me—this guide will save you hours of searching and help you pick the right drone the first time.
Why Choose A Sub-250g Drone?
Let me tell you this. Flying drones is fun. But dealing with rules, registrations, and heavy gear? Not so fun. That’s where sub-250g drones come in.
There are some places where you can’t fly drones legally. The biggest reason people love light weight drones is freedom. In many countries, drones under 250 grams don’t need to be registered. They don’t even require part 107 license. That means less paperwork, less stress, and more flying. You just take it out of the box, charge the battery, and go.
Another reason? Portability. These little drones are light. You can throw one in your backpack or even a jacket pocket.
Don’t think “small” means “weak.” Modern sub-250g drones are powerful. They have GPS, 4K cameras, and flight times that can surprise you. For beginners, it’s the best way to learn without spending thousands. For travelers, it’s the easiest way to carry a drone without the weight slowing you down.
Quick picks
- Best overall Holy Stone under 250g: HS175G; balances long flight time, solid 4K EIS camera, and full GPS features.
- Best camera for the money: HS360E; impressive 4K EIS sensor + long transmission for the price.
- Best for beginners: HS360S; easy controls, solid footage, and beginner-friendly flight modes.
- Best portability: HS460; lightweight (213g), compact, and easy to carry around.
- Best budget pick: HS440G; delivers 4K + GPS features without pushing too high in price.
Side-By-Side Spec Comparison Table
| Model | Weight | Flight Time | Max Control / Transmission Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| HS175G | ~ 249 grams | Up to 60 min (with two batteries) | ~ 800 m / ~ 2,624 ft HD transmission |
| HS360E | ~ 249 grams | ~ 30 min | Very long — claimed ~ 20,000 ft / ~ 6 km image / control range |
| HS360S | ~ 249 grams | ~ 20 min per battery (approx) | ~ 10,000 ft / ~ 3 km transmission |
| HS440G | ~ 249 grams | ~ 23 min | ~ 1,640 ft (~ 500 m) 2K FPV / 5GHz transmission |
| HS460 | ~ 214 grams | ~ 26 min | (Range not fully specified / likely standard for its class) |
Best Holy Stone Drone Under 250g
1. Holy Stone HS175G (249g)
Description:
The Holy Stone HS175G is built for anyone who wants a lightweight drone that doesn’t feel “cheap.” It’s under 250g, but still gives you GPS, a 4K EIS camera, and a long 60-minute flight time with two batteries. Perfect if you want something travel-friendly without sacrificing features.
Key Features:
- 4K EIS camera with Sony CMOS sensor and 120° wide angle
- GPS auto return, follow me, and waypoint flight modes
- Up to 60 minutes of total flight time (2 batteries included)
- Foldable design with carrying case for easy travel
- Brushless motors for smoother, quieter, stronger flights
- Beginner-friendly (altitude hold, one-key takeoff/landing, headless mode)
Pros:
- Under 250g (no registration needed in many countries)
- Excellent battery life for this price range
- Stable GPS flight with smart features
- Easy to carry and set up
Cons:
- Video isn’t as sharp as premium drones (like DJI Mini)
- Can struggle a bit in strong winds
- App connection can feel laggy at times
Our Verdict:
The HS175G is a solid choice for beginners and casual flyers who want a feature-rich drone without heavy rules or costs. It’s great for travelers, hobbyists, and anyone testing the waters with aerial photography. If you’re a pro videographer chasing cinema-level shots, this one might not meet your needs—but for everyone else, it’s a smart buy.
2. Holy Stone HS360E (249g)
Description:
The Holy Stone HS360E is a lightweight drone that packs serious range and camera power into a sub-250g body. With a 4K EIS camera, 20,000ft transmission, and GPS features, it’s built for adults who want pro-like shots without the hassle of FAA registration.
Key Features:
- 4K EIS camera with 1200W sensor for sharp, stabilized footage
- 20,000ft long-range transmission for far and stable flights
- Weighs only 249g (no FAA registration required)
- GPS auto return, Follow Me, Waypoint, and Circle Fly modes
- Foldable, travel-friendly design with carrying case included
- Powered by durable 1503 brushless motors for smoother control
Pros:
- Extremely long transmission range (20,000ft)
- Solid 4K camera with stabilization
- Lightweight and portable (no registration needed)
- Good smart flight modes for content creators
Cons:
- Battery life is shorter compared to HS175G
- Video quality is good, but not on par with DJI Mini series
- Can take time to master all advanced modes
Our Verdict:
The HS360E is perfect for adults who want a compact drone with long range and a reliable 4K camera. It’s especially great for travelers and casual aerial photographers. However, if your main priority is longer flight time or fully professional footage, you may want to consider higher-end options.
3. Holy Stone HS360S (249g)
Description:
The Holy Stone HS360S is a best holy stone drone under 250g that delivers crisp 4K UHD shots and a strong 10,000ft control range. It’s lightweight, easy to fly, and built with GPS and smart features that make flying stress-free for both newbies and casual hobbyists.
Key Features:
- 4K UHD camera with GalaxyCore CMOS sensor (remote tilt up to 90°)
- 10,000ft FPV transmission with wired phone connection (no WiFi needed)
- GPS positioning with Smart Return Home, Follow Me & Waypoint Flight
- Lightweight at 249g (no FAA or Remote ID registration required)
- Beginner mode + optical flow for stable and easy learning
- Intelligent flight modes: Spiral Up, Catapult, 1-Tap Ascension
Pros:
- Beginner-friendly with strong GPS safety features
- Wired phone connection means smoother live video than WiFi
- Very lightweight and portable (no registration hassles)
- Fun creative flight modes for quick shots
Cons:
- Flight time (20 min) could be better
- Camera good but not professional-grade sharpness
- Limited wind resistance due to light weight
Our Verdict:
The HS360S is best for beginners and casual users who want an affordable sub-250g drone with easy controls and good 4K footage. It’s especially great if you’re nervous about flying for the first time. However, if you’re after longer flight time or ultra-smooth cinematic quality, you might feel limited.
4. Holy Stone HS440G (249g)
Description:
The Holy Stone HS440G is a compact, palm-sized 4K holy stone drone under 250g that’s built with beginners in mind. With stable brushless motors, a 23-minute flight time, and GPS safety features, it’s a lightweight choice for anyone who wants reliable performance without FAA registration.
Key Features:
- 4K UHD camera with 120° wide-angle lens
- 2K live video transmission up to 1,640ft (5GHz FPV)
- GPS + GLONASS with Auto Return, Follow Me, and Waypoints
- Lightweight and portable at 249g (no FAA/Remote ID needed)
- 23 minutes of flight time with brushless motors for smooth flying
- One-key takeoff/landing and beginner-friendly controls
Pros:
- Compact, travel-friendly design with carrying case
- Stable flight with brushless motors
- Longer flight time compared to many sub-250g drones
- GPS safety features keep it beginner-friendly
Cons:
- Control range is shorter than HS360E/HS360S
- Camera quality good, but not professional-level sharpness
- Struggles a bit in stronger winds due to light build
Our Verdict:
The HS440G is best for beginners who want an affordable and stable 4K drone with solid flight time. Great for casual flyers and travelers who like portability. But if you’re looking for long-range exploration or ultra-crisp pro footage, you’ll want to look at higher-end models.
5. Holy Stone HS460 (213g)
Description:
The HS460 model is a best Holy Stone drone under 250g that combines long flight time with beginner-friendly GPS features. With 26 minutes of airtime, a 4K camera, and smart flight modes, it’s designed for new pilots who want extra flying practice without constant recharging.
Key Features:
- 4K Ultra HD camera with 100° FOV and 70° tilt control
- 5G FPV live transmission for smooth, stable video
- Long 26-minute flight time (single battery)
- GPS with Smart Return Home, Follow Me & Waypoints
- Brushless motors for durability and stable control
- Beginner modes: Headless Mode, Optical Flow, 2-speed settings
Pros:
- Longer flight time than most drones under 250g
- Stable brushless motors for smooth flying
- Packed with beginner-friendly modes
- Foldable and portable with carrying bag included
Cons:
- Control range not as strong as HS360E or HS360S
- Camera good but not as sharp as premium options
- Can drift slightly in windy conditions
Our Verdict:
The HS460 is a solid pick for beginners who want maximum flight time and reliable GPS safety. It’s perfect if you’re new and want to spend more time in the air learning without swapping batteries every few minutes. But if you need long-range flights or professional-level video, you’ll want to look higher up the Holy Stone lineup.
Which Holy Stone Drone Under 250g Is Best For You?
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: the “best” drone depends on what you want. When it comes to best Holy Stone drone under 250g, Holy Stone has some great options. But each one shines in a different way.
If you’re just starting out → Go for the HS360S. It’s easy to fly, stable, and doesn’t overwhelm you with too many controls. A perfect first step into drones.
If you want the clearest camera → The HS360E is your best friend. It packs 4K with EIS (that’s image stabilization). So your shots look smooth, not shaky.
If you need long flights → The HS175G is a beast in this weight class. Two batteries give you a lot of time in the air. Perfect if you don’t like constant recharging.
If you care about travel → Grab the HS460. It folds up small, weighs less than most smartphones, and slips easily into a bag. Super handy when you’re on the move.
If you’re on a budget → The HS440G delivers solid GPS and 4K without hitting your wallet too hard.
So, which one should you choose?
Ask yourself this: Do you want fun and simple flying? Or are you chasing sharp videos? Or maybe you just need something that fits in your backpack?
For me, I always lean toward the HS175G. That flight time and stability just make every session worth it. But if I was brand new again, I’d start with the HS360S.
At the end of the day, you can’t really go wrong with any of these. Holy Stone nailed the balance between power, portability, and price.
Common Mistakes To Avoid When Buying Best Holy Stone Drone Under 250g
I’ve seen a lot of people buy their first drone and regret it later. Not because the drone was bad… but because they didn’t think about the right things before buying. Let me save you from that.
1. Ignoring the Camera Quality
Some drones say “4K” but the footage looks shaky or blurry. Don’t just read the number. Look for things like image stabilization (EIS) or gimbal support. Trust me, a stable 1080p looks better than a shaky 4K.
2. Forgetting About Flight Time
A 10-minute flight sounds okay… until you’re out there flying. It goes by in a blink. Always check the battery life. If possible, get a drone that comes with 2 batteries.
3. Not Checking GPS Features
Flying without GPS is fine indoors. But outside, the wind will push your drone all over the place. GPS helps it hover steady and return home safely. For beginners, this is a lifesaver.
4. Going Too Cheap
I get it. Saving money feels good. But the cheapest drones usually break fast, lose signal, or just don’t fly well. Spend a little extra for something reliable. You’ll thank yourself later.
5. Ignoring Portability
Some drones fold up small, others don’t. If you travel a lot, or even just want to throw it in your backpack, weight and size matter. Don’t wait to realize it’s a pain to carry around.
6. Overlooking the Learning Curve
If you’re new, don’t pick the fanciest model with a million features. It’ll overwhelm you. Start simple. Learn the basics. Then upgrade later if you want.
Final Thoughts
If you’re still wondering which one to pick, here’s my take. The Best Holy Stone Drone Under 250g is the HS175G.
Why? Because it hits that sweet spot of camera quality, flight time, GPS stability, and ease of use. I’ve flown many drones over the years, and this one just feels solid.
It’s reliable, fun, and doesn’t make you stress about losing it. If you’re a beginner, it won’t scare you.
And if you’ve been flying for a while, it still has enough features to keep you happy. Bottom line: this is the one I’d spend my money on.
FAQs
Q1: What is the best drone under 250 grams?
The best drone under 250 grams is the Holy Stone HS720R, thanks to its balance of 4K camera, GPS stability, and long flight time.
Q2: Is the Holy Stone HS175D a good drone?
Yes, the HS175D is a solid beginner-friendly drone with GPS, decent flight time, and good stability for its price.
Q3: What is the difference between Holy Stone HS210 and HS210F?
The HS210F comes with extra features like auto hovering and improved control, while the HS210 is a simpler, more basic version.
Q4: Is the Holy Stone HS720 a good drone?
Yes, the HS720 is one of Holy Stone’s most popular models, offering strong GPS, 4K camera, and stable flight — though it’s slightly heavier than 250g.
Q5: Are drones under 250g really worth it?
Absolutely. They don’t need FAA registration, are lightweight, portable, and still pack in great features for both beginners and casual flyers.
