Holy Stone HS120d Review | 95 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£130
  • Avg. price in US: ~$170
  • Max flight time: 18 min
  • Video resolution: 2K/30 fps
  • Max transmission distance: 0.3 km

Holy Stone HS120d review. Compare 95 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among drones and if it is worth buying.

5.5

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%

5.5

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Good
5.5

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%

4.6

Flight

24.0%

5.1

Camera

20.0%

6.6

Safety

16.0%

5.8

Connectivity

14.0%

5.7

Battery & Design

Good
?

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~ £130

    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 HS120d

    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

    5.5
    Holy Stone HS120d has a technical score of 5.47 points, which is lower than that of 68.2% 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 HS120d 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%

    5.5

    Overall score

    40.0%

    9.8

    Price

    6.8
    Holy Stone HS120d has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.8 points, which is lower than 51.3% 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

    18 min
    Holy Stone HS120d has a max flight time of 18 min, shorter than 60.7% of drones and equal to 6%.
    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

    0.3 km
    Holy Stone HS120d has a max flight distance of 0.3 km, shorter-range than 72.6% of drones and equal to 5.5%.
    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

    7 km/h
    Holy Stone HS120d has a max flight speed of 7 km/h, slower than 78.1% of drones and equal to 2.4%.
    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

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    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+

    2K/30 fps
    Holy Stone HS120d records video at 2K/30 fps, lower than 61.7% of drones and equal to 2%.
    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 HS120d 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 MP
    Holy Stone HS120d has a main camera resolution of 2 MP, lower than 86.3% of drones and equal to 13.7%.
    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 HS120d 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

    yes
    Holy Stone HS120d includes return-to-home (RTH), and 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

    yes
    Holy Stone HS120d has GPS, and 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

    GPS, GLONASS
    Holy Stone HS120d supports GPS, GLONASS GNSS systems, which are less comprehensive than those of 51.8% of drones and the same as those of 29.5% of drones.
    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 HS120d 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

    0.3 km
    Holy Stone HS120d has a max transmission distance of 0.3 km, shorter-range than 68% of drones and equal to 5.9%.
    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 HS120d 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 HS120d 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 HS120d 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

    1,200 mAh
    Holy Stone HS120d has a battery capacity of 1200 mAh, smaller than 76.5% of drones and equal to 5.2%.
    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

    8.88 Wh
    Holy Stone HS120d has battery energy of 8.88 Wh, lower than 66.7% 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

    120 min
    Holy Stone HS120d charges in 120 min, slower than 64% of drones and equal to 11.6%.
    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

    221 g
    Holy Stone HS120d weighs 221 g, lighter than 60.7% 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 HS120d has a removable battery, and 99.4% of drones include one.
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    Holy Stone HS120d vs the average drone

    • TapFly supported
      Holy Stone HS120d supports TapFly, while the average drone does not.
      TapFly listed in normalized intelligent flight modes.
      What it is: Indicates whether the drone can fly toward a tapped point on screen automatically.
      When it matters: When you want easier straight-line shots with less manual control.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Good value: TapFly available

      Holy Stone HS120d supports TapFly, while the average drone does not.
    • 30 ° wider field of view
      Holy Stone HS120d 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 HS120d 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 °
    • 11.2% lighter weight
      Holy Stone HS120d is lighter than the average drone (221 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 HS120d is lighter than the average drone (221 g vs 249 g). The average drone weighs 249 g.221 g vs 249 g
    • Panorama mode included
      Holy Stone HS120d includes panorama mode, while the average drone does not.
      What it is: Indicates whether the drone can automatically capture and stitch wide panoramic images.
      When it matters: When you want wide landscape shots with less manual stitching.

      Importance: LOW

      Holy Stone HS120d includes panorama mode, while the average drone does not.
    • Supports headless mode
      Holy Stone HS120d 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 HS120d supports headless mode, while the average drone does not.
    • 30 ° wider field of view
      Holy Stone HS120d has a wider field of view than the average drone (120 ° vs 90 °). The average drone has a field of view of 90 °.
    • Panorama mode included
      Holy Stone HS120d includes panorama mode, while the average drone does not.
    • TapFly supported
      Holy Stone HS120d supports TapFly, while the average drone does not.
    • Supports headless mode
      Holy Stone HS120d supports headless mode, while the average drone does not.
    • 11.2% lighter weight
      Holy Stone HS120d is lighter than the average drone (221 g vs 249 g). The average drone weighs 249 g.
    • 9 km/h slower flight speed
      Holy Stone HS120d reaches a lower max flight speed than the average drone (7 km/h vs 16 km/h). The average drone reaches 16 km/h.
    • 3,880 m lower max service ceiling
      Holy Stone HS120d can fly at a lower max service ceiling than the average drone (120 m vs 4,000 m). The average drone reaches 4,000 m.
      Stored as AGL/software altitude limit fallback.
    • 5 min shorter flight time
      Holy Stone HS120d offers shorter max flight time than the average drone (18 min vs 23 min). The average drone offers 23 min of max flight time.
    • 1.7 km shorter flight distance
      Holy Stone HS120d has a shorter max flight distance than the average drone (0.3 km vs 2 km). The average drone can fly up to 2 km.
    • Non-foldable design
      Holy Stone HS120d does not have a foldable design, while the average drone does.
    • Less advanced motor type
      Holy Stone HS120d uses brushed motors, while the average drone uses brushless.
    • Lower video resolution
      Holy Stone HS120d supports lower video resolution than the average drone (2K/30 fps vs 4K/100 fps). The average drone supports 4K/100 fps video resolution.
    • Fewer photo format options
      Holy Stone HS120d supports JPEG photo formats, while the average drone supports JPEG, DNG (RAW).
    • Narrower tilt range
      Holy Stone HS120d offers a narrower camera tilt range than the average drone (-75 to 0 ° vs -90 to 20 °). The average drone offers a camera tilt range of -90 to 20 °.
    • 1 axis lower gimbal axes
      Holy Stone HS120d has fewer gimbal axes than the average drone (0 axis vs 1 axis). The average drone has 1 axis gimbal axes.
    • 10 MP lower main camera megapixels
      Holy Stone HS120d has fewer main camera megapixels than the average drone (2 MP vs 12 MP). The average drone has 12 MP MP on the main camera.
    • Lower photo resolution
      Holy Stone HS120d supports lower photo resolution than the average drone (2,048x 1,152 MP vs 4,000x3,000 MP). The average drone supports 4,000x3,000 MP photo resolution.
    • No 4K video
      Holy Stone HS120d does not support 4K video, while the average drone does.
    • Fewer GNSS systems
      Holy Stone HS120d supports GPS, GLONASS GNSS systems, while the average drone supports GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou.
    • Lower live view quality
      Holy Stone HS120d 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.
    • Basic companion app
      Holy Stone HS120d uses the HS GPS V1 companion app, while the average drone uses FreeFlight Pro.
    • 1.21 km shorter transmission distance
      Holy Stone HS120d has a shorter max transmission distance than the average drone (0.3 km vs 1,507 km). The average drone reaches 1,507 km of transmission distance.
    • 1,030 mAh lower battery capacity
      Holy Stone HS120d has a smaller battery capacity than the average drone (1,200 mAh vs 2,230 mAh). The average drone battery has a capacity of 2,230 mAh.
    • 30 min longer charging time
      Holy Stone HS120d charges more slowly than the average drone (120 min vs 90 min). The average drone charges in 90 min.
    • 55 mm larger height
      Holy Stone HS120d has a greater height than the average drone (120 mm vs 65 mm). The average drone height is 65 mm.
    • 8.44 Wh lower battery energy
      Holy Stone HS120d has lower battery energy than the average drone (8.9 Wh vs 17.32 Wh). The average drone battery has 17.32 Wh of energy.
    • 2 year/s older release date
      Holy Stone HS120d is older than the average drone (2,019 vs 2,021). The average drone was released in 2,021.
      April 2,019
    • Lower video resolution
      Holy Stone HS120d supports lower video resolution than the average drone (2K/30 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 HS120d supports lower video resolution than the average drone (2K/30 fps vs 4K/100 fps). The average drone supports 4K/100 fps video resolution.2K/30 fps vs 4K/100 fps
    • 9 km/h slower flight speed
      Holy Stone HS120d reaches a lower max flight speed than the average drone (7 km/h vs 16 km/h). The average drone reaches 16 km/h.
      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

      Holy Stone HS120d reaches a lower max flight speed than the average drone (7 km/h vs 16 km/h). The average drone reaches 16 km/h.7 km/h vs 16 km/h
    • 3,880 m lower max service ceiling
      Holy Stone HS120d can fly at a lower max service ceiling than the average drone (120 m vs 4,000 m). The average drone reaches 4,000 m.
      Stored as AGL/software altitude limit fallback.
      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 HS120d can fly at a lower max service ceiling than the average drone (120 m vs 4,000 m). The average drone reaches 4,000 m.120 m vs 4,000 m
    • Fewer photo format options
      Holy Stone HS120d supports JPEG photo formats, while the average drone supports JPEG, DNG (RAW).
      What it is: Lists the still-image file formats the drone can save, such as JPEG, RAW, or DNG.
      When it matters: When this part of flying or filming matters to you.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Good value: JPEG+DNG

      Holy Stone HS120d supports JPEG photo formats, while the average drone supports JPEG, DNG (RAW).JPEG vs JPEG, DNG (RAW)
    • 1,030 mAh lower battery capacity
      Holy Stone HS120d has a smaller battery capacity than the average drone (1,200 mAh vs 2,230 mAh). The average drone battery has a capacity of 2,230 mAh.
      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

      Holy Stone HS120d has a smaller battery capacity than the average drone (1,200 mAh vs 2,230 mAh). The average drone battery has a capacity of 2,230 mAh.1,200 mAh vs 2,230 mAh
    • Lower live view quality
      Holy Stone HS120d 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.
      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+

      Holy Stone HS120d 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.720p@30 fps vs 1,080p@25 fps
    • Narrower tilt range
      Holy Stone HS120d offers a narrower camera tilt range than the average drone (-75 to 0 ° vs -90 to 20 °). The average drone offers a camera tilt range of -90 to 20 °.
      What it is: The camera tilt range shows how far the gimbal can angle up and down.
      When it matters: When this part of flying or filming matters to you.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Good value: -90 to +20

      Holy Stone HS120d offers a narrower camera tilt range than the average drone (-75 to 0 ° vs -90 to 20 °). The average drone offers a camera tilt range of -90 to 20 °.75 to 0 ° vs 90 to 20 °
    • 1 axis lower gimbal axes
      Holy Stone HS120d has fewer gimbal axes than the average drone (0 axis vs 1 axis). The average drone has 1 axis gimbal axes.
      What it is: The gimbal axis count describes how many directions the camera is mechanically stabilized.
      When it matters: When you want steadier-looking video.

      Importance: LOW

      Good value: 3-axis

      Holy Stone HS120d has fewer gimbal axes than the average drone (0 axis vs 1 axis). The average drone has 1 axis gimbal axes.0 axis vs 1 axis

    Graphic comparison of Holy Stone HS120d and other drones

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    Third-party reviews

    What customers like about Holy Stone HS120d?

    • Excellent for beginners due to intuitive 'One Key' takeoff and landing functions.
    • Lightweight design (under 250g) avoids the need for FAA registration in the US.
    • Reliable GPS-assisted features including stable hovering and accurate 'Return to Home'.
    • Comes as a complete package with a carrying case and two batteries for extended flight time.
    • Responsive customer service that often replaces damaged units or parts for free.
    • Adjustable camera lens (75-90 degrees) controllable via the transmitter.

    What customers dislike about Holy Stone HS120d?

    • Lack of a mechanical gimbal leads to shaky video footage, especially in windy conditions.
    • Frequent reports of microSD card file corruption, particularly with cards larger than 32GB.
    • WiFi FPV signal can be prone to interference or disconnects at longer ranges.
    • Propeller guards are not included in the base package, increasing risk for new pilots.
    • Manual calibration is required before every flight to prevent drifting or 'toilet bowl' effects.
    • App connectivity issues reported with specific smartphone models (e.g., Pixel series).

    Expert reviews

    M
    moonandback.com
    25/01/2024

    The Moon and Back review highlights the Holy Stone HS120D as a feature-packed, lightweight 221-gram drone, making it ideal for beginners and travel due to its sub-250g weight avoiding certain regulations. It features a 2K UHD camera with 75-degree tilt capability and reliable GPS functions, including Follow Me and Return to Home. While offering a solid 36-minute total flight time...Read more

    T
    the-gadgeteer.com
    16/04/2019

    The Holy Stone HS120D is a beginner-friendly, GPS-enabled drone weighing under 250g, offering an easy-to-fly experience with stable altitude hold. Its notable pros include an adjustable 2K camera, automatic return-to-home functionality, and a comprehensive package featuring two batteries providing up to 36 minutes of flight time. However, key cons involve a lack of image...Read more

    C
    chip.de
    13/11/2020

    The DJI Mini 2 is recognized as a significant upgrade over its predecessor, weighing only 249 grams while offering enhanced flight performance and a more stable connection via OcuSync 2.0. Key improvements include 4K/30fps video, RAW photo support, and improved wind resistance. Despite these advances, the drone lacks obstacle avoidance sensors and automated tracking features.

    C
    chip.de
    10/11/2020

    The CHIP.de review identifies the Holy Stone HS120D as a feature-rich, 221-gram quadcopter ideal for beginners, offering GPS-enabled functions like Follow Me and Return to Home. While lauded for its portability and safety features such as propeller guards, the drone's 1080p camera lacks stabilization, leading to shaky footage in all but perfect conditions. Despite a long two-hour...Read more

    Video reviews

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