Whether you’re still in primary school or you’re on your way to getting your doctorate degree, there’s a drone for you. These pilotless devices offer a new perspective with applications that encompass various disciplines including science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), as well as film, media, and journalism. Drones capture stunning photos, aid in online shopping delivery, rescue lost hikers, and bring innovative solutions to agriculture issues. In short, drones have become this incredibly versatile tool that makes our not-too-distant-future even brighter.
“From programming, software coding, 3-D printing, it’s limitless,” Loretta Alkalay—drone pilot, lawyer, and instructor in drone law—said. “Everything you do with computers and airplanes or helicopters, you can do with drones.”
So how exactly do you know which of these drones are the best for you, your program, and your students? Here are our recommendations of the best drones for school use, taking both budget and quality into consideration. You’re welcome!
5 Best Drones for School Use
Tello by Ryze Tech
Weight: 80 g (with propellers and battery)
Size: 98 × 92.5 × 41 mm
Flight distance: 100 m
Flight time: 13 mins
Photo: 5 MP (2592×1936)
Video: HD 720p30
Price: $99
Perform flying stunts, shoot quick videos with EZ Shots, and learn about drones with coding education. The Tello can be controlled directly from your smartphone using the Tello app, perfect for sharing photos straight onto social media. This super mini-drone is an absolute value for money and the perfect entry into the world of drones.
DJI Spark
Weight: 300 g
Size: 143 × 143 × 55 mm
Flight distance: 2 km
Flight time: 16 mins
Photo: 12 MP
Video: HD 1920×1080 30p
Price: $399
Spark is a mini-drone that features all of DJI’s signature technologies, perfect for student getaways and field trips due to its size. You can launch the drone from the palm of your hand and have it capture a few predefined shots of you with simple gestures. The size is nothing larger than a soda can and is smaller than a super-sized phone. With intelligent flight control options and a camera with incredible image quality, Spark will empower you to push your creative boundaries.
Holy Stone HS170
Weight: 0.9 pounds
Size: 5.3 × 1.6 × 5.3 inches
Flight time: 6 to 8 mins
Flight distance: 30 to 50 m
Photo: N/A
Video: N/A
Price: $35.99
Offering great flying performance and a nice set of features at a remarkably low price, the HS170 truly is the quadcopter for beginners and students alike. It is tough, and it will endure small crashes and impacts, owing to its landing feet that cushion rough landings. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor situations, its windproof and shockproof designs ensure the best flying experience regardless of setting.
Syma X5C
Weight 916g
Size: 31 × 31× 8 cm
Flight time: 7 mins
Flight distance: 50 m
Photo: 2 MP
Video: 720p30
Price: $43.99
The Syma X5C is a value-for-money flying quad for kids. It’s lightweight and easy to handle for flying safely indoors as well as outside. This drone comes with an HD camera that is removable and performs flips at the press of a button with 360-degree version. Moreover, it is very durable and can survive harsh crashes on all surfaces including rocks, trees, and pavements.
Altair AA108
Weight: 85 g
Size: 183 × 198 × 43 mm
Flight time: 8 to 10 mins
Flight distance: 100 m
Camera: 120° wide-angle 720p
Price: $129.80
The AA108 is made of durable plastic and is designed to withstand crashes. The carefully constructed design gives this drone a more stable hover than its competition, and the aircraft can even land itself when the battery’s about to run out or if it stops communicating properly with the controller. A second battery is included at no additional charge, so you can experience double the flying fun right out of the box!
For students with already fairly good experience in flying, check out the best drones that you should be buying this year.
