Scored using Drones Methodology v2.0
Drones Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontumo Drones Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 1,023 independent expert reviews and 2,622 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Drones Methodology v2.0

Holy Stone HS100 Review | 97 Data compared

Avg. price:~£220Max flight time:18 minVideo resolution:1080p/30 fpsMax transmission distance:0.6 km

Holy Stone HS100 Review: Compare 97 technical specifications and 7 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Drones category and whether it is worth buying.

6.1

Overall score

Score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the drone's quality, based on technical analyses and grades from independent expert reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best drones on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

85%

5.7

Technical score

15%

7.9

Review score ( 0 · 7)

Review score 15% · 7.9 · based on 7 videos
7 videos count as 3.3 of the 4 needed; the rest counts as 7/10. Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 15%, technical score 85%. A video or a short review counts less than a full test.
▼Worse than 59% of drones
5.7

Technical score

Technical score
5.7/ 10
✕
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 distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

26%

5.2

Flight

24%

5.7

Camera

20%

6.7

Safety

16%

5.9

Connectivity

14%

5.2

Battery & Design

▼Worse than 61% of drones
7.9

Review score

Review score
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 15% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 4 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Grades by review (7)
7 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 15%, the same for every model in this category.
Video reviews 6

12.5%

9.5

MJTech

12.5%

8.0

OneTronic-it

12.5%

8.0

JRESHOW

12.5%

7.0

Quads & Mods

6.3%

7.0

Gutzy FPV

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
▼Worse than 52% of drones
  • No image
No image

Best prices

    N/A~ £220

Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of drone Holy Stone HS100

Technical score
Technical score
5.7/ 10
✕
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 distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

26%

5.2

Flight

24%

5.7

Camera

20%

6.7

Safety

16%

5.9

Connectivity

14%

5.2

Battery & Design

5.7
Review score
Review score
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 15% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 4 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Grades by review (7)
7 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 15%, the same for every model in this category.
Video reviews 6

12.5%

9.5

MJTech

12.5%

8.0

OneTronic-it

12.5%

8.0

JRESHOW

12.5%

7.0

Quads & Mods

6.3%

7.0

Gutzy FPV

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
7.9
Popularity
Popularity
2.4/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
Holy Stone HS100 has a popularity score of 2.4 points, which is lower than that of 71.8% of products in this category.
2.4
Value for money
Value for money
7.0/ 10
✕
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 distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

60%

6.1

Overall score

40%

9.4

Price

7.0
Max flight time
18 min
Max flight time
18 min
This drone has a max flight time of 18 min, shorter than 55.5% of drones and equal to 4.5% of drones.
Real-world flight time is often lower than the advertised maximum.
Max flight distance
0.6 km
Max flight distance
0.6 km
This drone has a max flight distance of 0.6 km, shorter-range than 57.5% of drones and equal to 1.7% of drones.
Max flight speed
?
Max wind resistance
10 m/s
Max wind resistance
10 m/s
This drone has max wind resistance of 10 m/s, lower than 59.7% of drones and equal to 5% of drones.
Max service ceiling (ASL)
120 m
Max service ceiling (ASL)
120 m
This drone has a max service ceiling of 120 m, lower than 70.2% of drones and equal to 20.2% of drones.
Altitude limit set in the app.
Show more
Video resolution
1080p/30 fps
Video resolution
1080p/30 fps
This drone records video at 1080p/30 fps, lower than 61.9% of drones and equal to 5.9% of drones.
4K camera
no
4K camera
no
This drone does not support 4K video. 54.6% of drones support 4K video.
Sensor size
?
Main camera megapixels
?
Max movie bitrate
?
Show more
What reviewers say
Obstacle detection
no
Obstacle detection
no
This drone does not support obstacle detection. 31% of drones support obstacle detection.
Return to Home (RTH)
yes
Return to Home (RTH)
yes
This drone supports Return-to-Home (RTH). 33% of drones support Return-to-Home (RTH).
GPS
yes
GPS
yes
This drone supports GPS. 35.3% of drones support GPS.
GNSS systems supported
GPS
GNSS systems supported
GPS
This drone supports GPS GNSS systems, which are less comprehensive than those of 50.8% and the same as those of 14.6%.
Obstacle sensing directions
N/A
Show more
What reviewers say
Max transmission distance
0.6 km
Max transmission distance
0.6 km
This drone has a max transmission distance of 0.6 km, shorter-range than 54.6% of drones and equal to 2% of drones.
Transmission latency
?
Video transmission system
Wi-Fi
Video transmission system
Wi-Fi
This drone uses Wi-Fi for video transmission, which is more advanced than the system used by 8.2% and the same as that used by 47.7%.
Live view quality
720p@? fps
Live view quality
720p@? fps
This drone offers live view quality of 720p@? fps, lower-quality than 89.1% of drones and equal to 1.6% of drones.
Remote control
yes
Remote control
yes
This drone has a handheld remote controller. 5% of drones offer this.
Show more
Battery capacity
2,500 mAh
Battery capacity
2,500 mAh
This drone has a battery capacity of 2,500 mAh, larger than 62.7% of drones and equal to 2.1% of drones.
Battery energy
30.34 Wh
Battery energy
30.34 Wh
This drone has battery energy of 30.34 Wh, higher than 71.2% of drones and equal to 1.2% of drones.
Charging time
180 min
Charging time
180 min
This drone charges in 180 min, slower than 84.4% of drones and equal to 6.9% of drones.
Weight
750 g
Weight
750 g
This drone weighs 750 g, heavier than 79.4% of drones and equal to 1.6% of drones.
Removable battery
yes
Removable battery
yes
This drone has a removable battery. 0.5% of drones have a removable battery.
Show more

Holy Stone HS100 vs the average drone

246810TotalFlightCameraSafetyConnectivityBattery & Design
  • Supports TapFly
    TapFly
    yes
    This drone supports TapFly, while the average drone does not.
  • Includes propeller guards
    Propeller guards
    yes
    This drone has propeller guards, while the average drone does not. 33.3% of drones offer them.
  • Supports smartphone control
    Smartphone control
    yes
    This drone supports smartphone control, while the average drone does not.
  • 13.16 Wh more battery energy
    Battery energy
    30.34 Wh
    This drone has higher battery energy than the average drone (30.3 Wh vs 17.18 Wh). The average drone battery has 17.18 Wh of energy.
    30.34 Wh vs 17.18 Wh
  • 30 ° wider field of view
    Field of view
    120 °
    This drone 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 °
  • 3.01x lower takeoff weight
    Max takeoff weight
    750 g
    This drone has a lower max takeoff weight than the average drone (750 g vs 249 g). The average drone has a max takeoff weight of 249 g.
    750 g vs 249 g
  • 300 mAh more battery capacity
    Battery capacity
    2,500 mAh
    This drone has a larger battery capacity than the average drone (2500 mAh vs 2200 mAh). The average drone battery has a capacity of 2200 mAh.
    2,500 mAh vs 2,200 mAh
  • 30 ° wider field of view
    Field of view
    120 °
    This drone 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 °
  • Supports TapFly
    TapFly
    yes
    This drone supports TapFly, while the average drone does not.
  • Includes propeller guards
    Propeller guards
    yes
    This drone has propeller guards, while the average drone does not. 33.3% of drones offer them.
  • 3.01x lower takeoff weight
    Max takeoff weight
    750 g
    This drone has a lower max takeoff weight than the average drone (750 g vs 249 g). The average drone has a max takeoff weight of 249 g.
    750 g vs 249 g
  • Supports smartphone control
    Smartphone control
    yes
    This drone supports smartphone control, while the average drone does not.
  • 13.16 Wh more battery energy
    Battery energy
    30.34 Wh
    This drone has higher battery energy than the average drone (30.3 Wh vs 17.18 Wh). The average drone battery has 17.18 Wh of energy.
    30.34 Wh vs 17.18 Wh
  • 300 mAh more battery capacity
    Battery capacity
    2,500 mAh
    This drone has a larger battery capacity than the average drone (2500 mAh vs 2200 mAh). The average drone battery has a capacity of 2200 mAh.
    2,500 mAh vs 2,200 mAh
  • Lower video resolution
    Video resolution
    1080p/30 fps
    This drone offers lower video resolution than the average drone (1080p/30 fps vs 4K/100 fps). The average drone offers a video resolution of 4K/100 fps.
    1080p/30 fps vs 4K/100 fps
  • Fewer GNSS systems
    GNSS systems supported
    GPS
    This drone supports GPS GNSS systems, while the average drone supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou.
    GPS vs GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou
  • More basic transmission system
    Video transmission system
    Wi-Fi
    This drone uses Wi-Fi for video transmission, while the average drone uses SkyLink 2.0.
    Wi-Fi vs SkyLink 2.0
  • Lower live view quality
    Live view quality
    720p@? fps
    This drone has worse live view quality than the average drone (720p@? fps vs 1080p@25 fps). The average drone offers live view quality of 1080p@25 fps.
    720p@? fps vs 1080p@25 fps
  • 90 min longer charging time
    Charging time
    180 min
    This drone charges more slowly than the average drone (180 min vs 90 min). The average drone charges in 90 min.
    180 min vs 90 min
  • 3.05x higher weight
    Weight
    750 g
    This drone is heavier than the average drone (750 g vs 246 g). The average drone weighs 246 g.
    750 g vs 246 g
  • 0.7 m/s lower wind resistance
    Max wind resistance
    10 m/s
    This drone handles weaker wind than the average drone (10 m/s vs 10.7 m/s). The average drone handles wind up to 10.7 m/s.
    10 m/s vs 10.7 m/s
  • Fewer photo format options
    Photo formats supported
    JPEG
    This drone supports JPEG photo formats, while the average drone supports JPEG, DNG (RAW).
    JPEG vs JPEG, DNG (RAW)
  • 2.66x less popular
    Holy Stone HS100 is less popular than the average drone (2.43 vs 6.5).
    2.43 vs 6.47
  • 0.7 m/s lower wind resistance
    Max wind resistance
    10 m/s
    This drone handles weaker wind than the average drone (10 m/s vs 10.7 m/s). The average drone handles wind up to 10.7 m/s.
    10 m/s vs 10.7 m/s
  • 3,380 m lower service ceiling
    Max service ceiling (ASL)
    120 m
    This drone can fly at a lower max service ceiling than the average drone (120 m vs 3500 m). The average drone reaches 3500 m.
    Altitude limit set in the app.
    120 m vs 3,500 m
  • 5 years older release date
    Release date
    2018
    This drone is older than the average drone (2018 vs 2023). The average drone was released in 2023.
    July 2018
    2018 vs 2023
  • Simpler motor design
    Motor type
    brushed
    This drone uses brushed motors, while the average drone uses brushless motors.
    brushed vs brushless
  • Non-foldable design
    Foldable design
    no
    This drone does not have a foldable design, while the average drone does.
  • 2 min shorter flight time
    Max flight time
    18 min
    This drone offers shorter max flight time than the average drone (18 min vs 20 min). The average drone offers 20 min of max flight time.
    Real-world flight time is often lower than the advertised maximum.
    18 min vs 20 min
  • 0.4 km shorter flight distance
    Max flight distance
    0.6 km
    This drone has a shorter max flight distance than the average drone (0.6 km vs 1 km). The average drone can fly up to 1 km.
    0.6 km vs 1 km
  • Lower video resolution
    Video resolution
    1080p/30 fps
    This drone offers lower video resolution than the average drone (1080p/30 fps vs 4K/100 fps). The average drone offers a video resolution of 4K/100 fps.
    1080p/30 fps vs 4K/100 fps
  • Fewer photo format options
    Photo formats supported
    JPEG
    This drone supports JPEG photo formats, while the average drone supports JPEG, DNG (RAW).
    JPEG vs JPEG, DNG (RAW)
  • Lower photo resolution
    Photo resolution
    2048 x 1152 px
    This drone offers lower photo resolution than the average drone (2048x1152 px vs 4096x3072 px). The average drone offers a photo resolution of 4096x3072 px.
    2048x1152 px vs 4096x3072 px
  • Narrower tilt range
    Camera tilt range
    -90 to 0 °
    This drone has a narrower tilt range than the average drone (-90 to 0 ° vs -90 to 20 °).
    -90 to 0 ° vs -90 to 20 °
  • No 4K video
    4K camera
    no
    This drone does not support 4K video, while the average drone does.
  • 96 GB lower memory card limit
    Max external memory supported
    32 GB
    This drone supports less external storage than the average drone (32 GB vs 128 GB). The average drone supports up to 128 GB of external storage.
    32 GB vs 128 GB
  • Fewer GNSS systems
    GNSS systems supported
    GPS
    This drone supports GPS GNSS systems, while the average drone supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou.
    GPS vs GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou
  • 1 fewer flight modes
    N. of intelligent flight modes
    3
    This drone offers fewer intelligent flight modes than the average drone (3 vs 4). The average drone offers 4 intelligent flight modes.
    Follow Me, POI, TapFly
    3 vs 4
  • More basic transmission system
    Video transmission system
    Wi-Fi
    This drone uses Wi-Fi for video transmission, while the average drone uses SkyLink 2.0.
    Wi-Fi vs SkyLink 2.0
  • Lower live view quality
    Live view quality
    720p@? fps
    This drone has worse live view quality than the average drone (720p@? fps vs 1080p@25 fps). The average drone offers live view quality of 1080p@25 fps.
    720p@? fps vs 1080p@25 fps
  • 0.4 km shorter transmission range
    Max transmission distance
    0.6 km
    This drone has a shorter max transmission distance than the average drone (0.6 km vs 1 km). The average drone reaches 1 km of transmission distance.
    0.6 km vs 1 km
  • 90 min longer charging time
    Charging time
    180 min
    This drone charges more slowly than the average drone (180 min vs 90 min). The average drone charges in 90 min.
    180 min vs 90 min
  • 3.05x higher weight
    Weight
    750 g
    This drone is heavier than the average drone (750 g vs 246 g). The average drone weighs 246 g.
    750 g vs 246 g
  • 259 mm wider width
    Width
    500 mm
    This drone is wider than the average drone (500 mm vs 241 mm). The average drone width is 241 mm.
    500 mm vs 241 mm
  • 112.5 mm taller body height
    Height
    175 mm
    This drone is taller than the average drone (175 mm vs 62.5 mm). The average drone is 62.5 mm tall.
    175 mm vs 62.5 mm
  • 225 mm longer body length
    Length
    500 mm
    This drone is longer than the average drone (500 mm vs 275 mm). The average drone is 275 mm long.
    500 mm vs 275 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0
OneTronic-it
≈ estimated
22/09/2019
Unboxing · camera test with own footage
Verdict
Holy Stone HS100 is a good option for the money, but its camera is good rather than the best and weak at night.
8.0
xlearntechnow
≈ estimated
26/05/2018
Hands-on review · setup, first flight, app and camera
Verdict
Holy Stone HS100 is a good buy for the price, though it takes practice to fly well and its camera is basic.
9.5
MJTech
✓ explicit
12/03/2018
Hands-on review · GPS, wind and camera flight tests
Verdict
Holy Stone HS100 is a good beginner drone with accurate GPS, but the camera and missing gimbal hold it back.
7.0
Quads & Mods
≈ estimated
25/01/2018
Range test · app overview and flight modes
Verdict
Holy Stone HS100 gives around 250 metres of range, a decent result for this model, though it could go further.
8.0
JRESHOW
≈ estimated
01/12/2017
Hands-on review · GPS, features and flight impressions
Verdict
Holy Stone HS100 is a good beginner drone for the money, with GPS hold, but has a basic camera and slow charging.
7.0
Gutzy FPV
≈ estimated
13/01/2020
Short flight test · brief feature overview, frozen lake
Verdict
Holy Stone HS100 is a decent toy drone that suits someone just starting out in aerial photography.
8.0
Quads & Mods
≈ estimated
09/12/2017
Unboxing · what comes in the box
Verdict
Holy Stone HS100 looks like a solid buy, with plenty of extra parts included in the box.
Hands-on video, no verdict
Hands-on video, no verdict
Overview video

What reviewers agree on

Based on 0 · 8

Reviewers praise the good value, handy extras and easy setup, but most find the image quality disappointing.
Praised
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Third-party reviews

What we like about Holy Stone HS100

  • Beginner-friendly with easy-to-learn controls and a 'Headless Mode' for simpler orientation
  • Durable build quality that can withstand minor crashes, making it suitable for new pilots
  • Adjustable 2K/1080p camera with a 120° wide-angle lens and a 90° remote-controlled gimbal tilt
  • Good value for money as a budget entry-level drone compared to premium brands

What we don't like about Holy Stone HS100

  • Lack of mechanical or electronic image stabilization results in shaky video footage, especially in windy conditions
  • Uses brushed motors which are noisier, less efficient, and have a shorter lifespan than brushless alternatives
  • Long battery charging times (up to 4–5 hours) for a relatively short flight time of approximately 15–18 minutes
  • Wi-Fi FPV (First Person View) transmission has a limited range and can experience lag or signal dropouts beyond 200–300 meters
  • Requires manual compass calibration before every flight, which some users find tedious

Verdict

The Holy Stone HS100 is a beginner-friendly GPS-assisted drone featuring a 1080P HD (or 2K in updated models) 120° wide-angle camera with a 90° adjustable lens for varied aerial perspectives. It is powered by a 2500mAh modular intelligent battery that provides approximately 15 to 18 minutes of flight time and supports a control range of up to 600 meters with 5G Wi-Fi FPV transmission. Key characteristics include intelligent GPS features such as Auto Return-to-Home, Follow Me mode, and Altitude Hold, making it highly stable for novice pilots. Main pros are its large, wind-resistant frame, ease of assembly, and reliable GPS positioning; however, common cons include a lack of mechanical gimbal stabilization resulting in occasionally shaky video, long charging times of 3 to 6 hours, and a heavy 750g weight that requires FAA registration.

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