Holy Stone F181w Review | 95 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£55
  • Avg. price in US: ~$70
  • Max flight time: 10 min
  • Video resolution: 1080p/25 fps
  • Max transmission distance: 0.1 km

Holy Stone F181w review. Compare 95 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among drones and if it is worth buying.

4.8

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the drone's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best drones on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

4.8

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Poor
4.8

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the drone's technical performance, covering key areas such as flight performance, camera quality, transmission, safety features, battery life, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare drones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

26.0%

4.7

Flight

24.0%

5.0

Camera

20.0%

3.4

Safety

16.0%

5.5

Connectivity

14.0%

5.7

Battery & Design

Poor
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the drone.

When it matters: When you want to know how a drone performs in real flights and how reliable it is for stability, video capture, and controls according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

    • No image
    No image

    Best prices

      N/A~ £55

    Best rankings

    ?

    Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
    All: ranking among all products in the database.

    Technical Specifications of drone Holy Stone F181w

    Technical Score

    What it is: An assessment of the drone's technical performance, covering key areas such as flight performance, camera quality, transmission, safety features, battery life, and design.

    When it matters: When you want to compare drones based on technical performance and available features.

    Score components:

    26.0%

    ?

    Flight

    24.0%

    ?

    Camera

    20.0%

    ?

    Safety

    16.0%

    ?

    Connectivity

    14.0%

    ?

    Battery & Design

    4.8
    Holy Stone F181w has a technical score of 4.78 points, which is lower than that of 91.6% of products in this category.
    User score

    What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the drone.

    When it matters: When you want to know how a drone performs in real flights and how reliable it is for stability, video capture, and controls according to user feedback.

    Score components:

    70.0%

    0.0

    User reviews

    30.0%

    1.0

    Popularity

    ?
    Popularity
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the drone.
    When it matters: When you prefer to choose a drone reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
    1.0
    Holy Stone F181w has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 52% of smartphones.
    Ratio quality/price

    What it is: An indicator that combines the drone's overall rating with its cost.

    When it matters: When you are looking for a drone with a good balance between flight quality, camera features, and price.

    Score components:

    60.0%

    4.8

    Overall score

    40.0%

    10

    Price

    6.3
    Holy Stone F181w has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.3 points, which is lower than 83.1% of smartphones.
    Brand name
    What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
    When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Holy Stone
    Max flight time
    What it is: The quoted endurance shows how long the drone can stay airborne on one battery in ideal conditions.
    When it matters: When you want longer flights from each battery.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=30

    10 min
    Holy Stone F181w has a max flight time of 10 min, shorter than 88.7% of drones and equal to 6.7%.
    Max flight distance
    What it is: The range figure indicates how far the drone can travel while maintaining control and telemetry.
    When it matters: When you plan longer routes and want more range margin.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=10

    0.1 km
    Holy Stone F181w has a max flight distance of 0.1 km, shorter-range than 82.2% of drones and equal to 7.5%.
    Max flight speed
    What it is: The maximum horizontal speed defines how quickly the drone can move across a scene.
    When it matters: When you want quicker movement or smoother tracking of fast subjects.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=50

    ?
    Max wind resistance
    What it is: The wind resistance rating shows how much wind speed the drone can handle while staying controllable.
    When it matters: When you fly in windy conditions.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=10.5

    7.9 m/s
    Holy Stone F181w has max wind resistance of 7.9 m/s, lower than 76.6% of drones and equal to 9.9%.
    Show more
    Video resolution
    What it is: The listed recording format states maximum capture resolution and frame rate.
    When it matters: When video quality matters for your footage.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: 4K+

    1,080p/25 fps
    Holy Stone F181w records video at 1080p/25 fps, lower than 75.8% of drones and equal to 2.7%.
    4K camera
    What it is: Indicates whether the drone supports 4K or higher video recording.
    When it matters: When you want a drone that can record in 4K or a higher video resolution.

    Importance: LOW

    no
    Holy Stone F181w lacks 4K video support, while 65.2% of drones support it.
    Sensor size
    What it is: The sensor format value describes the physical light-collecting area.
    When it matters: When you shoot in more difficult lighting.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: 1 inch or larger

    ?
    Main camera megapixels
    What it is: The megapixel count states how many millions of pixels the main sensor captures per photo.
    When it matters: When you want more detail for photos or cropping.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=12

    2.07 MP
    Holy Stone F181w has a main camera resolution of 2.07 MP, lower than 81.5% of drones and equal to 4%.
    Max movie bitrate
    What it is: The bitrate indicates how much video data is recorded each second, usually in Mbps.
    When it matters: When video quality matters for your footage.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=100

    ?
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    Obstacle detection
    What it is: Indicates whether the drone can detect obstacles and warn the pilot or avoid them automatically.
    When it matters: When you fly near trees, buildings, or other obstacles.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: Omnidirectional

    no
    Holy Stone F181w lacks obstacle detection, while 34.7% of drones offer it.
    Return to Home (RTH)
    What it is: Indicates whether the drone can automatically return to its takeoff point when needed.
    When it matters: When signal drops or the battery gets low.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: Smart RTH

    no
    Holy Stone F181w lacks return-to-home (RTH), while 74.3% of drones provide it.
    GPS
    What it is: Indicates whether the drone can use GPS positioning for navigation and stabilisation.
    When it matters: When you want steadier flight and more reliable positioning.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    no
    Holy Stone F181w lacks GPS, while 69% of drones offer GPS navigation.
    GNSS systems supported
    What it is: Lists the satellite navigation systems the drone can use, such as GPS, Galileo, or GLONASS.
    When it matters: When this part of flying or filming matters to you.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: GPS+Galileo+GLONASS

    ?
    Obstacle sensing directions
    What it is: The listed sensing coverage shows which directions the drone can monitor for obstacles.
    When it matters: When you fly near trees, buildings, or other obstacles.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: Omnidirectional

    N/A
    Holy Stone F181w senses obstacles in N/A directions, which is the same as that of 51.7% of drones.
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    Max transmission distance
    What it is: The maximum transmission distance indicates the farthest stable control-and-video link under ideal conditions.
    When it matters: When you plan longer routes and want more range margin.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=10

    0.1 km
    Holy Stone F181w has a max transmission distance of 0.1 km, shorter-range than 77.8% of drones and equal to 7.2%.
    Transmission latency
    What it is: The transmission latency measures delay between camera capture, pilot view, and control response.
    When it matters: When you want the live view to feel more responsive.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=130

    ?
    Video transmission system
    What it is: The transmission system value identifies the radio-link technology used for control and live feed.
    When it matters: When video quality matters for your footage.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: Digital low-latency

    Wi-Fi
    Holy Stone F181w uses Wi-Fi for video transmission, which is more advanced than that of 1.4% of drones and the same as that of 49.3% of drones.
    Live view quality
    What it is: The live-view mode defines resolution and frame rate of the pilot feed.
    When it matters: When video quality matters for your footage.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: 1080p+

    720p@30 fps
    Holy Stone F181w offers live view quality of 720p@30 fps, lower-quality than 59.9% of drones and equal to 29.9%.
    Remote control
    What it is: Indicates whether a dedicated handheld remote controller is included or supported.
    When it matters: When you want easier control and monitoring in the field.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: Dedicated controller

    yes
    Holy Stone F181w includes a remote control, and 96.1% of drones ship with one.
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    Battery capacity
    What it is: The battery capacity shows how much electric charge the pack can store, commonly in mAh.
    When it matters: When you want longer sessions before changing batteries.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=3500

    750 mAh
    Holy Stone F181w has a battery capacity of 750 mAh, smaller than 92.2% of drones and equal to 1.3%.
    Battery energy
    What it is: The battery energy figure, usually in Wh, describes total available energy in the pack.
    When it matters: When you want longer sessions before changing batteries.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=40

    2,775 Wh
    Holy Stone F181w has battery energy of 2.775 Wh, lower than 95.3% of drones and equal to 0.7%.
    Charging time
    What it is: The charging time measures how long a depleted battery needs to reach full charge.
    When it matters: When you want shorter turnaround between flights.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=90

    60 min
    Holy Stone F181w charges in 60 min, faster than 81.6% of drones and equal to 7.5%.
    Weight
    What it is: The measured mass of the drone body and flight hardware, usually in grams.
    When it matters: When you want the drone to be easier to carry or pack.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <=900

    139 g
    Holy Stone F181w weighs 139 g, lighter than 81.3% of drones and equal to 0%.
    Removable battery
    What it is: Indicates whether the flight battery can be removed and swapped by the user.
    When it matters: When you want to swap batteries quickly between flights.

    Importance: LOW

    yes
    Holy Stone F181w has a removable battery, and 99.4% of drones include one.
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    Holy Stone F181w vs the average drone

    • 44.2% lighter weight
      Holy Stone F181w is lighter than the average drone (139 g vs 249 g). The average drone weighs 249 g.
      What it is: The measured mass of the drone body and flight hardware, usually in grams.
      When it matters: When you want the drone to be easier to carry or pack.

      Importance: LOW

      Good value: <=900

      Holy Stone F181w is lighter than the average drone (139 g vs 249 g). The average drone weighs 249 g.139 g vs 249 g
    • 30 min shorter charging time
      Holy Stone F181w charges faster than the average drone (60 min vs 90 min). The average drone charges in 90 min.
      What it is: The charging time measures how long a depleted battery needs to reach full charge.
      When it matters: When you want shorter turnaround between flights.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Good value: <=90

      Holy Stone F181w charges faster than the average drone (60 min vs 90 min). The average drone charges in 90 min.60 min vs 90 min
    • 30 ° wider field of view
      Holy Stone F181w has a wider field of view than the average drone (120 ° vs 90 °). The average drone has a field of view of 90 °.
      What it is: The field-of-view angle shows how wide the camera can capture in one frame.
      When it matters: When you want a wider or tighter look from the camera.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Good value: 75-90

      Holy Stone F181w has a wider field of view than the average drone (120 ° vs 90 °). The average drone has a field of view of 90 °.120 ° vs 90 °
    • 4.55x cheaper
      Holy Stone F181w is cheaper than the average drone (£55 vs £250).
      Holy Stone F181w is cheaper than the average drone (£55 vs £250).£55 vs £250
    • Supports headless mode
      Holy Stone F181w supports headless mode, while the average drone does not.
      What it is: Indicates whether the drone offers a headless mode that keeps controls relative to the pilot position.
      When it matters: When you want simpler directional control that is easier to learn for beginner flying.

      Importance: LOW

      Holy Stone F181w supports headless mode, while the average drone does not.
    • 30 ° wider field of view
      Holy Stone F181w has a wider field of view than the average drone (120 ° vs 90 °). The average drone has a field of view of 90 °.
    • Supports headless mode
      Holy Stone F181w supports headless mode, while the average drone does not.
    • 44.2% lighter weight
      Holy Stone F181w is lighter than the average drone (139 g vs 249 g). The average drone weighs 249 g.
    • 30 min shorter charging time
      Holy Stone F181w charges faster than the average drone (60 min vs 90 min). The average drone charges in 90 min.
    • 13 min shorter flight time
      Holy Stone F181w offers shorter max flight time than the average drone (10 min vs 23 min). The average drone offers 23 min of max flight time.
    • 3,900 m lower max service ceiling
      Holy Stone F181w can fly at a lower max service ceiling than the average drone (100 m vs 4,000 m). The average drone reaches 4,000 m.
    • 2.8 m/s lower max wind resistance
      Holy Stone F181w handles weaker wind than the average drone (7.9 m/s vs 10.7 m/s). The average drone handles wind up to 10.7 m/s.
    • 1.9 km shorter flight distance
      Holy Stone F181w has a shorter max flight distance than the average drone (0.1 km vs 2 km). The average drone can fly up to 2 km.
    • Non-foldable design
      Holy Stone F181w does not have a foldable design, while the average drone does.
    • Less advanced motor type
      Holy Stone F181w uses brushed motors, while the average drone uses brushless.
    • Lower video resolution
      Holy Stone F181w supports lower video resolution than the average drone (1,080p/25 fps vs 4K/100 fps). The average drone supports 4K/100 fps video resolution.
    • Fewer photo format options
      Holy Stone F181w supports JPEG photo formats, while the average drone supports JPEG, DNG (RAW).
    • 1 axis lower gimbal axes
      Holy Stone F181w has fewer gimbal axes than the average drone (0 axis vs 1 axis). The average drone has 1 axis gimbal axes.
    • Lower photo resolution
      Holy Stone F181w supports lower photo resolution than the average drone (1,920x 1,080 MP vs 4,000x3,000 MP). The average drone supports 4,000x3,000 MP photo resolution.
    • 9.93 MP lower main camera megapixels
      Holy Stone F181w has fewer main camera megapixels than the average drone (2.1 MP vs 12 MP). The average drone has 12 MP MP on the main camera.
    • 3x lower digital zoom
      Holy Stone F181w offers less digital zoom than the average drone (0x vs 3x). The average drone offers 3x of digital zoom.
    • No 4K video
      Holy Stone F181w does not support 4K video, while the average drone does.
    • No GPS
      Holy Stone F181w does not have GPS, while the average drone does.
    • No return-to-home
      Holy Stone F181w does not include return-to-home (RTH), while the average drone does.
    • No waypoint flight
      Holy Stone F181w does not support waypoint flight, while the average drone does.
    • No subject tracking
      Holy Stone F181w cannot track subjects, while the average drone can.
    • No POI mode
      Holy Stone F181w does not support POI mode, while the average drone does.
    • 4 fewer intelligent flight mode/s
      Holy Stone F181w has a lower n. of intelligent flight modes than the average drone (0 vs 4). The average drone value is 4.
    • No beginner mode
      Holy Stone F181w does not include beginner mode, while the average drone does.
    • 34.5% heavier weight
      Holy Stone F181w has a higher max takeoff weight than the average drone (163 g vs 249 g). The average drone has a max takeoff weight of 249 g.
    • Fewer frequency bands
      Holy Stone F181w supports 2.4 GHz operating frequency bands, while the average drone supports 2.4 GHz, 5.8 GHz.
    • Lower live view quality
      Holy Stone F181w has worse live view quality than the average drone (720p@30 fps vs 1,080p@25 fps). The average drone offers live view quality of 1,080p@25 fps.
    • 1.41 km shorter transmission distance
      Holy Stone F181w has a shorter max transmission distance than the average drone (0.1 km vs 1,507 km). The average drone reaches 1,507 km of transmission distance.
    • 1,480 mAh lower battery capacity
      Holy Stone F181w has a smaller battery capacity than the average drone (750 mAh vs 2,230 mAh). The average drone battery has a capacity of 2,230 mAh.
    • 14.55 Wh lower battery energy
      Holy Stone F181w has lower battery energy than the average drone (2.8 Wh vs 17.32 Wh). The average drone battery has 17.32 Wh of energy.
    • 40 mm larger height
      Holy Stone F181w has a greater height than the average drone (105 mm vs 65 mm). The average drone height is 65 mm.
    • 4 year/s older release date
      Holy Stone F181w is older than the average drone (2,017 vs 2,021). The average drone was released in 2,021.
      September 2,017
    • 58.5 mm larger width
      Holy Stone F181w is wider than the average drone (305 mm vs 246.5 mm). The average drone width is 246.5 mm.
    • 20 mm larger length
      Holy Stone F181w has a greater length than the average drone (305 mm vs 285 mm). The average drone length is 285 mm.
    • Lower video resolution
      Holy Stone F181w supports lower video resolution than the average drone (1,080p/25 fps vs 4K/100 fps). The average drone supports 4K/100 fps video resolution.
      What it is: The listed recording format states maximum capture resolution and frame rate.
      When it matters: When video quality matters for your footage.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Good value: 4K+

      Holy Stone F181w supports lower video resolution than the average drone (1,080p/25 fps vs 4K/100 fps). The average drone supports 4K/100 fps video resolution.1,080p/25 fps vs 4K/100 fps
    • 13 min shorter flight time
      Holy Stone F181w offers shorter max flight time than the average drone (10 min vs 23 min). The average drone offers 23 min of max flight time.
      What it is: The quoted endurance shows how long the drone can stay airborne on one battery in ideal conditions.
      When it matters: When you want longer flights from each battery.

      Importance: HIGH

      Good value: >=30

      Holy Stone F181w offers shorter max flight time than the average drone (10 min vs 23 min). The average drone offers 23 min of max flight time.10 min vs 23 min
    • No GPS
      Holy Stone F181w does not have GPS, while the average drone does.
      What it is: Indicates whether the drone can use GPS positioning for navigation and stabilisation.
      When it matters: When you want steadier flight and more reliable positioning.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Holy Stone F181w does not have GPS, while the average drone does.
    • No return-to-home
      Holy Stone F181w does not include return-to-home (RTH), while the average drone does.
      What it is: Indicates whether the drone can automatically return to its takeoff point when needed.
      When it matters: When signal drops or the battery gets low.

      Importance: HIGH

      Good value: Smart RTH

      Holy Stone F181w does not include return-to-home (RTH), while the average drone does.
    • 3,900 m lower max service ceiling
      Holy Stone F181w can fly at a lower max service ceiling than the average drone (100 m vs 4,000 m). The average drone reaches 4,000 m.
      What it is: The service ceiling indicates the maximum altitude where the drone can maintain normal performance.
      When it matters: When you fly at higher elevations.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Good value: >=4000

      Holy Stone F181w can fly at a lower max service ceiling than the average drone (100 m vs 4,000 m). The average drone reaches 4,000 m.100 m vs 4,000 m
    • 2.8 m/s lower max wind resistance
      Holy Stone F181w handles weaker wind than the average drone (7.9 m/s vs 10.7 m/s). The average drone handles wind up to 10.7 m/s.
      What it is: The wind resistance rating shows how much wind speed the drone can handle while staying controllable.
      When it matters: When you fly in windy conditions.

      Importance: HIGH

      Good value: >=10.5

      Holy Stone F181w handles weaker wind than the average drone (7.9 m/s vs 10.7 m/s). The average drone handles wind up to 10.7 m/s.7.9 m/s vs 10.7 m/s
    • No waypoint flight
      Holy Stone F181w does not support waypoint flight, while the average drone does.
      What it is: Indicates whether the drone can follow saved waypoint routes automatically.
      When it matters: When you want repeatable routes or automated flights.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Good value: Waypoint flight available

      Holy Stone F181w does not support waypoint flight, while the average drone does.
    • No subject tracking
      Holy Stone F181w cannot track subjects, while the average drone can.
      What it is: Indicates whether the drone can automatically follow a selected person, vehicle, or object.
      When it matters: When this part of flying or filming matters to you.

      Importance: HIGH

      Good value: Reliable AI tracking

      Holy Stone F181w cannot track subjects, while the average drone can.

    Graphic comparison of Holy Stone F181w and other drones

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    Third-party reviews

    What customers like about Holy Stone F181w?

    • User-friendly for beginners due to intuitive controls and headless mode
    • Altitude hold feature provides stable hovering for easier photography
    • Includes two batteries and parallel charging cables, doubling initial flight time
    • Lightweight but durable enough to withstand minor crashes
    • Comes with various accessories including a carrying case, extra propellers, and prop guards
    • Fun maneuverability with 360-degree flip capabilities and four speed settings

    What customers dislike about Holy Stone F181w?

    • Susceptible to drifting even in light winds due to its low weight
    • Camera quality can be shaky or blurry, with some users finding the 720p resolution underwhelming
    • FPV video transmission over WiFi often has significant lag and limited range
    • Reported issues with motor reliability, with some burning out after early flights
    • Battery life is relatively short, typically lasting only 8 to 10 minutes per charge
    • Lacks GPS for automatic return-to-home, making it easy to lose in windy conditions

    Expert reviews

    I
    in.ign.com
    20/04/2017

    The Holy Stone F181 is identified by IGN India as a durable, user-friendly, and affordable quadcopter, making it an excellent choice for beginners. Key strengths include an intuitive altitude-hold feature, a comfortable controller, and a generous package that includes two batteries for extended flight time. Despite its ease of use, the review highlights significant drawbacks...Read more

    I
    ign.com
    26/05/2023

    The IGN review of the Holy Stone F181 Quadcopter identifies it as a budget-friendly, entry-level drone that is nearly ready-to-fly, complete with a 2MP 720p camera, 4GB micro SD card, and two batteries. Its 6-axis gyroscope, headless mode, and altitude-hold feature make it stable and easy to operate for beginners, while the remote includes a helpful LCD screen. However, the drone's...Read more

    D
    dronethusiast.com
    21/08/2018

    The Dronethusiast guide outlines that professional drone cinematography relies more on pilot skill in mastering smooth, multi-axis movements than on expensive hardware, with a pro being the ability to capture dynamic perspectives. However, a major con includes the steep learning curve and risk of crashing, requiring practice with durable models. Technically, the guide advises using...Read more

    M
    moonandback.com
    25/01/2024

    The Holy Stone F181W is positioned as an entry-level quadcopter, featuring a sturdy design with effective propeller guards, a 1080P camera with adjustable angles, and a decent 10-minute flight time per battery, with two included in the package. It offers beginner-friendly features like altitude hold and 360-degree flips, making it easy to set up and start flying. However, the drone...Read more

    D
    drohnen-vergleich.net
    29/02/2024

    The Holy Stone F181G Chaser is an entry-level drone designed for beginners, featuring a 5.8GHz LCD monitor on the remote for real-time FPV, a 6-axis gyroscope, and altitude hold for stable, easy flight. Its robust design, including propeller guards, and user-friendly features like One Key Take-off/Landing, make it durable and accessible for novices and children. However, the drone...Read more

    L
    lesdroners.fr
    01/02/2025

    Les Droners recommends compact, foldable DJI drones for travel, specifically praising the under-249g Mini series for balancing high-quality 4K imaging with minimal regulatory constraints. Key advantages include portability, robust, stabilized flight, and, in higher-end models like the Mini 4 Pro, advanced obstacle avoidance and True Vertical Shooting for social media content. The...Read more

    M
    maisondudrone.com
    17/08/2025

    The Maison du Drone 2026 guide highlights the top five beginner drones, focusing on ease of use, safety, and image quality, with DJI leading the market alongside competitive alternatives like FIMI and Potensic. The DJI Neo is recommended for its portability and safety guards, though it lacks advanced tracking, while the FIMI Mini 3 SE offers a 9 km range as a budget-friendly,...Read more

    M
    moonandback.com
    25/01/2024

    The Holy Stone F181W is positioned as an accessible, entry-level quadcopter that excels in its out-of-the-box readiness and user-friendly setup, weighing only 4.9 ounces and including a carry case, two modular batteries, and pre-attached propeller guards. It features a 1080p wide-angle camera, altitude hold for stable hovering, and 360-degree flips, with modular batteries providing...Read more

    Video reviews

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