Drone Deals & Offers
15 active deals45,160 commentsAll Drone discounts and offers overview - May 2024
Drones: Innovative Tech That Offers Stunning Aerial Footage
Even the most reasonably priced modern drones are highly complex gadgets, they come with software that makes them easier to fly, as well as automatic gyroscopes to keep them level. For complete beginners to drone flying, some models will even land or take off at the touch of a button. The majority of drones have four rotating blades, one at each corner, and are known as quadcopters.
This buyers’ guide is going to take you through the main features of drones, what you should think about when buying one, and where to find the drones for sale in the UK, making sure you can find the best drone deals. So read on to find out more.
What Should Drone Technology Should I Look Out for?
There are drones to suit every requirement and budget. From tiny versions that are great for beginners and children to more expensive types, with a range of up to four miles and 4K video capture. The majority of general-use drones fall into the £50 to £300 price bracket, so don’t think that you have to spend big to get your own drone.
However, the more you are prepared to pay, the better features you’ll get in term of flying modes and video quality. If you are already an enthusiast and seeking an upgrade on your current model, look for one that has reasonably priced replacement parts. Most drones will crash at some point and many will need repairs, so make sure you won’t have to spend a fortune.
Most people will start off with a mid-range model, but to help you get started there are four main classifications to consider.
For Beginners – People who are hoping to have some fun and don’t want to spend a fortune can buy a beginner or toy drone for between £30 and £100. These are also a great way to practise before buying a more expensive version and many take watchable videos. Spare parts are often cheap, but in normal conditions, modern beginner drones are usually very robust. The tiny Drone X Pro is a good option, it has a three-speed mode and a wide-angle HD camera.
For Hobbyists – For amateur photographers, as well as technology or RC fans who want to spend a little extra cash, these are a good compromise. You can find a hobby drone for sale in the UK for between £300 and £600, expect enhanced photography software, longer ranges and a gimbal. The Parrot Anafi Drone is a good example, it comes with 4K HD capabilities and additional flight features to help out less experienced pilots.
For Photographers and Filmmakers – If you make a living from photography, getting the best possible visuals is essential. Professional standard drones can cost upwards of £1000, but they are an investment buy for people working in the industry. They have longer range, excellent cameras and extended battery life. Plus, advanced flying features like GPS tracking and automatic ‘return home’ make it easier to obtain footage that would usually be difficult or impossible to record.
For Speed Freaks – Racing drones are not for the faint-hearted or the inexperienced. They move at speeds of up to 70mph and as a result, frequently need to be repaired. Many have a first-person camera which can be accessed via a smartphone app, to make the experience of flying it even more exhilarating. There are many drone racing clubs and events in the UK.
While some drones promise a lot of fancy features, these might not be necessary for what you want to do with your drone. If you’re just looking to mess around with your drone, there’s no needed to splash out on nice-to-haves.
Here’s an overview of the general features available on drones and what drone technology you should look out for.
- Flight Time
This is one of the most important features to think about when buying a new drone. Top flight times are around the 30-minute mark, while cheap drones can last just five minutes in the air. A decent flight time for a larger mid-range drone is around 10 minutes, but as you learn to control the drone you will achieve more in a shorter space of time. You can also take spare batteries to get more out of each trip.
- Flight Range
The range indicates how far away the drone can fly, this distance varies from 10 metres to four miles for a top of the range model. Racing drones and those used to capture sweeping footage will need a long-range. Drones bought as a hobby or a drone for kids can have a shorter range because you can walk along with it.
- Camera
A drone with camera functions included is most common, but some need to have a camera installed if you want to use that feature. The more expensive the drone, the better quality its camera will be, so if you want great-looking shots it may be worth investing in a 4K camera with a zoom lens. If you are just interested in taking a few pictures and filming for fun, a 720p camera can provide decent quality video and stills.
- Gimbal
If you want to obtain steady video and clear images, a gimbal can get the job done. Changes of direction and tilts are compensated for by this supportive pivot, so your work has a more professional edge. For basic users, a gimbal is completely unnecessary, so don’t waste your money if you just want to fly your drone around.
- Waterproofing
If you plan to use your device for filming in all weathers, you will need to get a waterproof drone (unless you want it to drop from the sky at the first site of rain). Some are splash-proof, some are water-resistant, but some, like those at SwellPro, are fully waterproof and thus make excellent GoPro drones.
Comparing the Best Drones
DJI is one of the biggest names in the world of professional drones. DJI Drones, like the DJI Phantom range of drones, come with a range of special features like high-performance lenses, top speeds of over 40 mph and an app to make managing the drone easier.
Parrot also make high-quality drones. Parrot drones are packed full of state of the art technology and are great to fly.
Below is a comparison of some of the best drones UK customers can currently buy on the market.
DJI Mavic 2 Pro | DJI Mavic Mini | DJI Phantom 4 | Parrot Bebop 2 | |
Size (Unfolded with Propellers) | 322 x 242 x 84 mm | 245 × 290 × 55 mm | 289.5 x 289.5 x 196 mm | 382 x 328 x 89 mm |
Weight | 907g | 249 g | 1,380 g | 500 g |
Controls | Remote Control with a Built-in Screen or Smart Device | Remote Control with a Built-in Screen or Smart Device | Remote Control with a Built-in Screen or Smart Device | Remote Control with a Built-in Screen or Smart Device |
Rotors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Top Speed | 44.7 mph | 29.2 mph | 44.7 mph | 37.28 mph |
Camera | 4K Camera Integrated Camera / Photo Resolution: 20 MP / Video Resolution: Up to 4K Ultra HD | HD Camera Integrated Camera / Photo Resolution: 12 MP / Video Resolution: Full HD 1080p | 4K Camera Integrated Camera / Photo Resolution: 12 MP / Video Resolution: Up to 4K Ultra HD | HD Fish-Eye Integrated Camera / Photo Resolution: 14 MP / Video Resolution: Full HD 1080p |
Memory | MicroSD Maximum 256GB | MicroSD Maximum 256GB | MicroSD Maximum 256GB | 64 GB Internal Storage |
Battery | 3,850 mAh | 2,400 mAh | 5,350 mAh | 2,700 mAh |
Flight Time | 31 minutes | 30 minutes | 28 minutes | 25 minutes |
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Having a Drone?
Drones have attracted lots of media attention recently, but when used correctly they can be an incredible tool. Here is a look at some of the benefits of being a drone pilot and some of the possible drawbacks.
Pros
Cons
How to Get a Drone License UK?
Drone use is regulated in the UK by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Check out their website for the full information.
The current regulations apply to drones from 250g to 20kg that are used outdoors.
Firstly, you must pass an online test to get a Flyer ID. This theory exam tests your knowledge of The Drone and Model Aircraft Code, make sure you know it inside out before taking the exam and flying a drone, as it covers everything you need to know to be a responsible drone owner.
Secondly, you must register for an Operator ID.
Third, always make sure your Operator ID is visible on the drone you have registered whenever you fly it.
Lastly, always fly your drone safely and according to The Drone and Model Aircraft Code.
Accessories to Enhance the Experience of Owning a Drone
From extending battery life to dealing with difficult weather conditions, there are accessories to make every drone owners life easier:
Drone FAQs Answered
Simply put, drones use rotors or propellors for thrust and control. The rotors work by spinning and pushing air down, giving the drone lift. To move around, the rotors will tilt to push the air at an angle giving the drone motion. Most drones are controlled through a smartphone controller, which communicates with the drone through radio waves.
Most drones from major brands like DJI and Parrot are not waterproof, and it is not recommended for you to fly them in the rain. There are specialist waterproof drones, but these tend to be more expensive than your standard drone.
Drones themselves are not illegal in the UK, but flying them without a license from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is illegal. You must pass a drone test and register the drone with the CAA before you can fly a drone in public. In addition to this, there are several rules you must adhere to when flying a drone.
Always keep the drone in your direct sight.
Never fly the drone more than 120m above the surface.
Drones must stay 50m away from people.
Drones must stay 50m away from buildings.
Drones cannot be flown closer than 150m from a crowd, and crowds can never be flown directly over.
Drones cannot be flown closer than 150m from a built-up area.
Never fly a drone in a restricted air space.
It is illegal to fly a drone that does not show a valid operator ID.
For more information about flying a drone safely in the UK, visit the CAA's Drone Safe website.
Officially known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), the first drones appeared in the military sector at the turn of the 20th century, with simple UAVs being used as practise targets for training military personnel.
Rapid advances in technology during the 1980s and 90s allowed for the miniaturisation of drone technologies, which paved their way for use in commercial applications. It was around this time that the quadcopter became the standard design for most commercial drones. These designs were easy to build and to control, not requiring the more intense training required to operate a sophisticated military drone.
Drone use has exploded during the 2010s, seeing great use in commercial applications like photography and videography, while also being used for sport as part of drone racing or for simple leisure flying. The only way is up for the drone as it’s set to revolutionise the world of logistics and delivery. Pretty soon, everything that we order online could well be delivered to our doors directly via a drone.
Drones can take a bit of time and patience to get used to, but ultimately they are fairly easy to fly and can even be flown using a smartphone. Drones can be fairly easy to fly, but easy to crash.
Most drone manufacturers recommend that drones are not flown in the rain, as most drones are not waterproofed and flying in the rain can affect the performance of the drone.
The Drone Laws UK Owners Must Consider
After the recent incidents at Heathrow and Gatwick, where drones caused disruption to numerous flights, the UK government has cracked down on their use. Most importantly, it is now illegal to fly within 5km of an airport, whereas drones were previously allowed to fly within 1km of an airport. Secondly, from 30th November 2019, owners are obliged to register their drone with the Civil Aviation Authority.
Drone operators will also be asked to sit a test online to prove they are competent in flying the device. Anyone who fails to sit the test or register could be fined up to £1000. The police have been granted a raft of new powers to issue fixed penalty notices to people who don’t have paperwork from the Civil Aviation Authority proving their registration, or those who refuse to land their drone when asked.
Where to Buy and When Are the Best Drone Deals Available?
To find drones for sale UK shoppers should be prepared to search around for the best deals.
Small drones and hobby drones can be purchased from many different online stores including Argos, John Lewis and Amazon. If you are seeking a more advanced model and want to look through a few options, Currys PC World has a wide range of quality drones, with a speciality outlet like Drones Direct having an even more advanced selection. Alternatively, you can shop with manufacturers like DJI or Parrot directly.
During the Black Friday shopping event, you can search for a drone sale in the technology departments of general retailers, where reductions of 40% or more are common. Some specialist retailers like Drone Deliver also join in with this end of November sale, so it is worth shopping around to bag the best drones at the lowest prices.
Get A High-Tech Drone For Less On hotukdeals
Whether you are just setting out with the hobby or you are already a seasoned pilot, you can search for the latest drone offers at hotukdeals. We bring together reductions from across the web and at high street stores on our drone page.