When searching for the best indoor drones, you’ll need to decide on the features that are right for your home setup. We recommend that you prioritize durable drones with high-grade components and those that are built with newbies in mind. Make sure you consider battery life and the overall noise output, as these drones will be operated indoors. Also, when buying an indoor drone, look at what accessories are included and what control options are offered. Some of these indoor drones have features that make them a contender for the best drones on the market.
After researching a wide range of racing drone models with different features and at various price points, we’ve concluded that the DJI Tello Quadcopter is the best indoor drone you can buy today. Continue reading for more on this model and our other top picks for the best drones on the market.
Top 10 Best Indoor Drones
#1 DJI Tello Quadcopter Indoor Drone
We’re sorry, this product is temporarily out of stock
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: Best indoor drone for beginners, thanks to an easy-to-use smartphone-based control scheme, and a design that is built to pull off exciting tricks, such as rolls and spins.
- Can easily perform tricks
- Simple smartphone control scheme
- Integrated HD camera for stills and video
- Does not ship with rechargeable battery
- No dedicated remote control device
The DJI Tello Quadcopter is one of the best drones that can fly indoors, offering a relatively quiet operation and a design that allows for full control via a smartphone or tablet. We appreciated the fact that this drone was built to easily perform a range of exciting tricks, such as rolls and spins. We also liked the integrated HD camera, which can easily stream live video or take stunning captures for indoor drone photography.
Though the smartphone-based control scheme is handy, this model does not ship with a dedicated remote control device for analog control. Additionally, this drone does not ship with a lithium battery, though the company allows for one to be purchased. Paired with the best VR headset, or the top VR drone, and you’re ready to fly!
#2 Holy Stone HS200 Indoor Drone
We’re sorry, this product is temporarily out of stock
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: One of the best drones for beginners, thanks to easy one-button take-off and a return home feature for landing, in addition to offering an integrated FPV real-time HD camera for live streaming.
- One-button take-off and landing
- FPV real-time HD camera
- Integrated HD camera for stills and video
- Around 10 minutes of flight per charge
- Not the most durable components
The Holy Stone HS200 Indoor Drone is a great choice for both beginners and seasoned veterans, as this fun little drone is extremely easy to set up and use, thanks to a simple control scheme on the smartphone or the dedicated remote that ships with the model. We loved the one-button take-off and landing functions and the integrated LED lights, making this a blast to use in lowly lit scenarios. We also liked the integrated FPV real-time 720p HD camera, which is a great option for live streaming content.
Though this is a well-made drone, for the most part, some of the components are plastic and, as such, do not offer the best durability on the market. Also, the included lithium-ion battery only allows for around ten minutes of flight time per charge. We think it’s a nice choice if you’re looking for the best drone for kids.
#3 DJI Spark Indoor Drone
Award: BEST QUALITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: High-quality drone with a standout feature set that includes an integrated Full HD 1080p camera, for stills and video, and a built-in obstacle detection feature, which is great for avoiding accidental damage while flying indoors.
- Integrated FHD 1080p camera
- Built-in obstacle detection feature
- Powerful motor allows for top speeds over 30MPH
- On the expensive side
- Flash memory card needed to record media
The DJI Spark Indoor Drone is of exceptional quality, bringing professional-grade features to the indoor drone market. This model boasts an extremely capable motor that allows it to reach high speeds up to 31 miles per hour and includes an integrated 2-axis stabilized Full HD 1080p camera that shines while taking still photos or capturing video. Having said that, it could be a fine selfie drone, too. We also loved the built-in obstacle detection feature, which can come in extremely handy while using this drone indoors to avoid furniture and the like.
This is an extremely expensive drone, however, so consider that before making a purchase. Additionally, this drone does not ship with a flash memory card, so you’ll have to purchase the best micro SD card if you plan on saving photos and video.
#4 DJI Mavic Mini Indoor Drone
Award: BEST SMARTPHONE CONTROLS
WHY WE LIKE IT: Offers fantastic and seamless smartphone or tablet controls, in addition to shipping with a dedicated analog remote control, and includes a powerful battery that can last for up to 30 minutes per charge.
- Light form factor, at 9oz
- Battery allows for 30 minutes per charge
- 3-axis motorized gimbal for camera stability
- Plastic form factor not that durable
- On expensive side
The DJI Mavic Mini Indoor Drone is a great option for consumers who prefer using their smartphone or tablet to fly their drone throughout an indoor space. The smartphone controls here are intuitive and fantastic, though this model also ships with a dedicated analog remote as well. We loved the ultra-stable 3-axis motorized gimbal, which allows for an extremely stable photo and video capturing process. We also appreciated the light form factor, weighing just nine ounces, and the high-grade battery that allows for up to 30 minutes of flight time per charge. But, don’t forget to compare DJI vs Skydio 2 to see which brand is better.
This is a fairly expensive drone, however, likely due to the stellar reputation behind the DJI brand name and the high-grade features on offer. Also, many of the components of this drone are made from plastic materials, so the durability rating takes a slight hit. It’s a great option if you’re also interested in the best foldable drone and looking for additional compact options.
#5 Blade Nano QX BNF Quadcopter Indoor Drone
Award: BEST COMPACT DESIGN
WHY WE LIKE IT: Incredibly compact and lightweight design, weighing just a few ounces, with standout features such as powerful brushed motors that takeoff effortlessly and proprietary technology that helps keep it safe and stable during flight.
- Powerful brushed motors
- Proprietary tech helps keep drone safe and stable during flight
- Includes an assortment of extra rotor blades
- Requires a 4+ channel DSM2 or DSMX transmitter
- Battery lasts 5 minutes per charge
The Blade Nano QX BNF Quadcopter is one of the best nano drones on the market, thanks to an incredibly lightweight and compact form factor, as it is small enough to rest in the palm of the hand and weighs just an ounce or two. We appreciated the powerful brushed motors that allow for an easy liftoff and the company’s proprietary SAFE technology that helps keep the drone stable and accident-free during flights. We also loved that this model ships with an assortment of extra rotor blades, saving some hassle down the line.
This drone does require a 4+ channel DSM2 or DSMX transmitter, for control, so you’ll have to purchase one on your own. Additionally, the integrated lithium-ion battery only lasts around five minutes per charge, due to the safety-enhancing technology that has been embedded in the drone itself. For an extended battery life check out our best follow-me drone buying guide.
#6 UVify OOri Indoor Drone
We’re sorry, this product is temporarily out of stock
Award: BEST SPEED
WHY WE LIKE IT: Purpose-built for racing, with a motor that allows this drone to reach maximum speeds up to 50MPH, in addition to offering a quick-charge battery and assignable LED lights for competitions.
- Assignable LED lights for competitions
- Ships with tool kit for maintenance
- Easily reaches altitudes of 500 feet
- Max flight time 5 minutes
- No camera
The UVify OOri Indoor Drone is a fantastic choice for consumers who need speed, as this model is built for racing and speed-based competitions, with a motor that allows it to reach speeds up to 50 miles per hour and altitudes of up to 500 feet. We loved the assignable LED lights, which make it easy to tell which drone is which during fast-paced competitions. We also appreciated that this drone ships with a handy tool kit, for performing routine maintenance tasks such as removing the prop guards.
Though this drone is purpose-built for racing, the integrated lithium battery only allows for five minutes of flight per charge, so these races had best be on the shorter side. Also, this drone does not include an integrated camera, as it is made more for racing than for capturing stills or video. For more racing options, you might also be interested in our best FPV racing drone guide.
#7 Parrot Rolling Thunder Indoor Drone
We’re sorry, this product is temporarily out of stock
Award: BEST UNIQUE DESIGN
WHY WE LIKE IT: Unique design that emphasizes the fun factor, with large removable wheels that allow this drone to climb up walls and perform other acrobatic feats in addition to flying.
- Safety-enhancing propeller circuit-breaker
- Extremely light and compact form factor
- Embedded vertical mini-camera
- Maxes out at 11 MPH
- Battery lasts up to 8 minutes
The Parrot Rolling Thunder Indoor Drone features a unique and incredibly fun design, with removable wheels that allow it to crawl up walls and an ergonomic shape that excels with acrobatic tricks. We loved the safety features here, including a propellor circuit-breaker in the event of an accident. We also appreciated the light and compact form factor here, weighing just three ounces, and the embedded vertical mini-camera that is Bluetooth-enabled.
Though this drone can excel with flights in both indoor and outdoor locations, it can only reach speeds up to 11 miles per hour, which may not suit all consumers. Additionally, the included lithium battery maxes out at eight minutes of use per charge.
#8 Hubsan X4 H107L Indoor Drone
Award: BEST DURABILITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: Durable and lightweight airframe that can stand up to steep winds and survive an accident or two, with a stable 6-axis flight control system complete with adjustable;e gyro sensitivity.
- Allows for 4-way flips
- Stable 6-axis flight control system
- Suite of LED lights for visibility
- No smartphone controls
- No camera
The Hubsan X4 H107L Indoor Drone is a great choice for consumers looking for a durable model that should be able to stand up to accidents and all-around abuse, thanks to a sturdily built airframe and a stability-enhancing 6-axis flight control system. We appreciated the wide array of integrated LED lights throughout the exterior, offering fantastic visibility in dimly lit areas. We also liked that this design has been purpose-built for tricks, such as rolls and 4-way flips.
Though the included analog remote control device is useful and easy to use, this drone cannot be controlled via smartphone or tablet, which may not suit all consumers. Also, this drone does not include a camera of any kind, which is something of an oversight. Some of the best drones for beginners do have these features if they’re important to you.
#9 Syma X20 Indoor Drone
Award: BEST VALUE
WHY WE LIKE IT: Value-friendly drone that won’t break the bank, with robust features that include push-button takeoff and landing and a headless mode that is perfect for beginner fliers.
- Extremely light and compact
- Headless mode for beginners
- Push-button takeoff and landing
- No smartphone controls
- 5 minutes of flight time per charge
The Syma X20 Indoor Drone is available at a value-conscious while offering a range of high-grade features, such as an extremely light and compact form factor, weighing just a couple of ounces, and easily fitting in the palm of an adult hand. We loved the single push-button takeoff and landing functionality and the integrated headless mode, which helps beginners get the hang of the oft-confusing directional control.
Though the integrated analog remote is easy to use and allows the drone to perform acrobatic tricks, there is no option for smartphone or tablet controls. Additionally, the integrated lithium battery only allows for a maximum of five minutes of flight before needing a recharge. For extended battery life, you’ll need the best professional drone to get more functionality.
#10 Eachine E010 Indoor Drone
We’re sorry, this product is temporarily out of stock
Award: BEST ON A BUDGET
WHY WE LIKE IT: Budget-conscious indoor drone with a robust feature set that includes an incredibly light form factor, weighing under 2oz, and handy one-button functionality for taking off and for returning when finished.
- Incredibly light form factor
- One-button takeoff and return
- Excels with tricks such as rolls and flips
- No smartphone controls
- Does not include a camera
The Eachine E010 Indoor Drone arrives at a budget-friendly price while offering features in line with more expensive competitors, such as exceptionally light and compact form factor, fitting in the palm of the hand, and weighing under three ounces. We loved the easy-to-operate remote, which allows for one-button takeoff and landing, and the fact that this design is purpose-built to perform aerial feats such as rolls and flips.
Though the included analog remote is ergonomically designed and offers 6-axis stabilization, this drone does not allow for smartphone or tablet controls of any kind. Also, there is no camera included with this model and, due to the small size and low weight, third-party cameras will not work. You’ll need the best video cameras for this.
How We Decided
To help narrow down the above list, we thoroughly researched a wide number of popular indoor drones, ensuring that they were indeed suitable for indoor use. To that end, we liked drones that featured some form of embedded obstacle avoidance technology, to reduce accidents and furniture mishaps.
We liked indoor drones that were plenty fast and those that were built to perform all manner of acrobatic tricks, including rolls, spins, and quick turns. We also tended to prefer drones that were fairly light and compact, with some nano drones easily fitting in the palm of the hand. We liked drones that allowed for easy control via a dedicated analog remote or a smartphone or tablet app.
As for battery life, we liked drones with integrated lithium batteries that allowed for plenty of flight time per charge, though indoor drones occasionally struggle in this regard. Finally, we liked drones that were made with the beginner pilots in mind, with simple push-button takeoff and landing functionalities and LED lights located throughout for high visibility.
Best Indoor Drones Buyer’s Guide
The Most Important Features to Consider
- Motor and Battery
When deciding what indoor drone to purchase, the built-in motor should be given prime consideration. This motor will allow just how fast your drone can go, in addition to providing support for tricks, such as rolls and flips. On the other hand, the integrated battery is also of paramount importance. These rechargeable lithium-ion batteries should offer plenty of flight time before they need to be recharged. Make sure to read the fine print to figure out if a battery has enough juice for your daily leisure needs. - Obstacle Avoidance
These drones are intended for indoor use, primarily, so you are going to want to make sure that the model you are thinking of buying comes equipped with some form of obstacle avoidance technology. This can help avoid accidents and damage to both the drone itself and any piece of furniture it comes into contact with. That’s why it’s important to consider where you will fly your drone. You may also want to look for a drone that offers simple one-button takeoff and landing functionalities. - Additional Features and Accessories
In addition to expertly sailing through your living room and easily avoiding furniture and related obstacles, modern indoor drones typically offer several additional features to suit a wide variety of consumers. Some indoor drones come with an integrated camera, for taking stills and for streaming live video. Other models come with tool kits, for performing routine tasks, and allow for easy control via a smartphone or a dedicated remote device.
